Assessment of urinary dipstick in patients admitted to an ED for blunt abdominal trauma

Introduction

Clinicians still face significant challenge in predicting intra-abdominal injuries in patients admitted to an emergency department for blunt abdominal trauma. This study was thus designed to investigate the value of dipstick urinalysis in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

Evaluation of focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) by UK emergency physicians

Objectives

To evaluate the introduction of a focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) scan into the early assessment of trauma patients in the UK.

Methods

The setting was an inner city teaching hospital emergency department (annual attendance 100 000). All patients aged 16 or over admitted to the resuscitation room after blunt trauma were included in a prospective observational study. Patients had a FAST scan performed at the end of the primary survey. Results were compared to results of other investigations, laparotomy, postmortem examination, or observation.

Results

153 patients were entered into the study. The sensitivity of the FAST scan was 78% and specificity was 99%.

Conclusion

FAST is a highly specific “rule in” technique and is useful in the initial assessment of trauma patients. Emergency physicians can perform FAST after a brief training period.     

急诊床旁应用超声FAST方案快速评估多发伤的初步研究

目的 研究急诊床旁应用超声FAST方案快速评估多发伤的临床价值.方法 2008年6月至2009年10月,浙江大学医学院附属第二医院急诊科收治的严重多发伤患者,共97例.男性72例,女性25例.年龄14～88岁,(41±16)岁.损伤严重度评分(ISS)14～38分,(23.2±9.3)分.纳入标准:①年龄≥14岁;②受伤12 h内;③直接进入急诊复苏室.排除标准:①2 d内死亡且未行腹部CT扫描或剖腹探查;②经FAST评估后直接手术治疗而未行常规超声检查.对研究对象的不同评估方法进行前瞻性对照研究.所有病例均由急诊医生应用超声FAST方案进行腹腔及心包评估,部位包括剑突下四腔心切面、右隔下及肝肾间隙、右结肠旁沟、左隔下及脾肾间隙、左结肠旁沟、盆腔,根据有无游离液体判断腹腔及心包是否有损伤.同时与常规超声检查、CT扫描及手术结果进行比较.FAST与常规超声耗时比较用配对资料t检验,两者检查结果一致性用配对McNemar检验,计算FAST与常规超声的特异度、敏感性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、假阳性率、假阴性率、准确率.两者率的比较用Fisher检验.结果 FAST耗时1～6min,(3.18±0.79)min,显著短于常规超声检查(16.63±4.62)min,(t=28.61,P＜0.01).97例患者中,FAST阳性者11例,阴性者86例,其中4例为假阴性.与常规超声结果比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.5).从诊断效能看,以CT及手术结果作为金标准,FASST的敏感性为73%,特异性为100%,阳性预测值100%,假阳性率为0,阴性预测值为95.3%,假阴性率为4.6%,总准确率为95.9%,与常规超声相比,差异无统计学意义.结论 只要经过适当培训,急诊科医生完全可以掌握FAST技术,对严重创伤患者腹部损伤及心包作出快速准确的判断.     

Peritoneal fluid localization on FAST examination in the pediatric trauma patient

Objective

To determine the location of intraperitoneal free fluid on FAST exam in pediatric patients undergoing evaluation for trauma.

Improving trauma care in India: a recommendation for the implementation of ATLS training for emergency department medical officers

Background

Trauma is major cause of morbidity and mortality in India. The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) programme teaches a standardised method for the initial assessment and management of trauma patients, and has been adopted by more than 50 countries worldwide.

Aim

We sought to assess the theoretical knowledge of ATLS principles among emergency department (ED) medical officers (MOs) in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, and from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.

Methods

All MOs answered a trauma management quiz based on ATLS-type questions. Quiz scores were compared between senior and junior MO groups for each country, and within each professional group between countries. Categorical data were analysed using χ². An α value less than 0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant.

Results

We discovered significant differences in the theoretical knowledge of ED MOs from Salem compared with colleagues in Adelaide. Our results demonstrated the positive influence of completion of an ATLS programme upon obtaining a passing grade on the trauma quiz. We failed to determine a link between self-rated experience in trauma management and the ability to pass the quiz.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the positive influence of completion of an ATLS-type programme on the score obtained on the trauma management quiz. Although previous work has demonstrated mixed results concerning improvement in the care of trauma patients following completion of an ATLS programme, we recommend that such programmes be integrated into the training of Indian ED MOs and suggest that ATLS should be viewed as an integral part of medical training.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of a traumatic abdominal wall hematoma in the emergency department

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal wall hematoma is due to trauma, coagulation disorders or anticoagulation therapy complications.

METHODS:

In this report we present a case of a 44-year-old female who suffered from blunt abdominal trauma and presented to the emergency department with sharp abdominal pain and ecchymosis. FAST and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) revealed an abdominal wall hematoma. Treatment with an ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was performed successfully.

RESULTS:

The patient remained under observation for six hours with serial ultrasound scans, and no signs of hematoma recurrence were present. She was discharged the same day with clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION:

Complete history investigation and clinical examination help to make a correct diagnosis of abdominal wall hematoma, select a prompt treatment, and reduce complications.KEY WORDS: Rectus sheath hematoma, Abdominal wall hematoma, Emergency Department, FAST, Ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage     

Predictive factors for somatization in a trauma sample

Background

Unexplained somatic symptoms are common among trauma survivors. The relationship between trauma and somatization appears to be mediated by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, only few studies have focused on what other psychological risk factors may predispose a trauma victim towards developing somatoform symptoms.

Methods

The present paper examines the predictive value of PTSD severity, dissociation, negative affectivity, depression, anxiety, and feeling incompetent on somatization in a Danish sample of 169 adult men and women who were affected by a series of explosions in a firework factory settled in a residential area.

Results

Negative affectivity and feelings of incompetence significantly predicted somatization, explaining 42% of the variance. PTSD was significant until negative affectivity was controlled for.

Conclusion

Negative affectivity and feelings of incompetence significantly predicted somatization in the trauma sample whereas dissociation, depression, and anxiety were not associated with degree of somatization. PTSD as a risk factor was mediated by negative affectivity.

     

Perceived confidence in the FAST exam before and after an educational intervention in a developing country

Background

Trauma care in developing countries suffers from many limitations related to equipment shortages, disrepair, quality assurance, and lack of training. Health care providers in the three principal hospitals in Cusco, Peru have ultrasound machines, but they do not utilize this for the focused assessment of sonography in trauma (FAST) scan (only one of the three hospitals has a computed tomography scanner).

Aims

The goal of this study was to assess the confidence of physicians in a developing country to conduct a FAST exam after an educational intervention.

Methods

Participants were Peruvian health care workers who attended a 2-day conference on trauma. Participants completed a questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale (1?=?no confidence, 5?=?high confidence) to assess comfort with the FAST scan before and after a FAST teaching workshop, which included hands-on ultrasound training. Thirteen individuals, eight of whom were physicians, completed the training and survey. Results were analyzed using paired t test statistics and are reported as pre- and post-training mean scores (± standard error), with p?Results Participants rated their confidence in using the FAST exam on a trauma patient with an average score of 3.3 (± 0.3) pre-training and 4.5 (± 0.2) post-training (p?=?0.007). When asked about their comfort level in making clinical decisions based on the FAST scan, pre-training average score was 3.5 (± 0.4) and post-training was 4.5 (± 0.2), p?=?0.016. Participants also answered questions about their comfort with the technical aspects of using the ultrasound machine: ability to choose the correct probe (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p?=?0.011), choosing the correct probe orientation (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p?=?0.008), and adjusting the depth and gain (pre: 3.1, post: 4.4, p?=?0.001). Finally, participants rated their comfort with the specific views of the FAST scan: ability to find the correct subcostal view (pre: 3.3, post: 4.9, p?p?p?=?0.001), and the pelvic view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.5, p?Conclusion After a training session in the use of ultrasound in trauma, health care workers in Cusco, Peru reported increased confidence in their FAST scan ability and in their comfort in using this exam for clinical decision-making. Future research should include objective testing of participants’ skill as well as longitudinal follow-up to determine the extent to which the FAST scan has been incorporated into participants’ evaluations of trauma patients.     

FIBTEM provides early prediction of massive transfusion in trauma

Introduction

Prediction of massive transfusion (MT) among trauma patients is difficult in the early phase of trauma management. Whole-blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM^®) tests provide immediate information about the coagulation status of acute bleeding trauma patients. We investigated their value for early prediction of MT.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients admitted to the AUVA Trauma Centre, Salzburg, Austria, with an injury severity score ≥16, from whom blood samples were taken immediately upon admission to the emergency room (ER). ROTEM^® analyses (extrinsically-activated test with tissue factor (EXTEM), intrinsically-activated test using ellagic acid (INTEM) and fibrin-based extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D (FIBTEM) tests) were performed. We divided patients into two groups: massive transfusion (MT, those who received ≥10 units red blood cell concentrate within 24 hours of admission) and non-MT (those who received 0 to 9 units).

Results

Of 323 patients included in this study (78.9% male; median age 44 years), 78 were included in the MT group and 245 in the non-MT group. The median injury severity score upon admission to the ER was significantly higher in the MT group than in the non-MT group (42 vs 27, P < 0.0001). EXTEM and INTEM clotting time and clot formation time were significantly prolonged and maximum clot firmness (MCF) was significantly lower in the MT group versus the non-MT group (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Of patients admitted with FIBTEM MCF 0 to 3 mm, 85% received MT. The best predictive values for MT were provided by hemoglobin and Quick value (area under receiver operating curve: 0.87 for both parameters). Similarly high predictive values were observed for FIBTEM MCF (0.84) and FIBTEM A10 (clot amplitude at 10 minutes; 0.83).

Conclusions

FIBTEM A10 and FIBTEM MCF provided similar predictive values for massive transfusion in trauma patients to the most predictive laboratory parameters. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

Incidence and impact of undisclosed cocaine use in emergency department chest pain and trauma patients

Background

One of the highest rates of illicit cocaine consumption in Europe is in Spain. Our objective was to study the incidence and impact of undisclosed cocaine consumption in patients attending the emergency department (ED) for trauma or chest pain.

Methods

We analysed urine samples from consecutive patients attending the ED for trauma or chest pain to determine the presence of cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine/metaamphetamine and opioids by semiquantative tests with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA).

Results

Thirty percent of eligible patients participated. Of 75 cases, 61.3% had trauma and 38.7% chest pain; 25% presented a positive test for drugs. Cocaine was present in 13.3% and cannabis in the same proportion. No differences were found regarding positive cocaine test and chief complaint, ED or hospital stay, or additional tests. Cocaine-positive patients were significantly younger.     

Isolated LOC in head trauma associated with significant injury on brain CT scan

Background

A report of loss of consciousness (LOC) is frequently considered reason enough to obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan in the evaluation of head trauma. We conducted this study to reduce exposure to radiation from CT, while still not overlooking clinically significant injuries.

Objective

The objective of the study is to determine the correlation between LOC status and brain CT scan results in patients with blunt head trauma and to determine whether there is a subset of patients for whom CT scan need not be performed, without missing clinically significant intracranial injuries.

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted in the emergency department of an inner-city hospital. The patient population included patients ranging between 13 and 35 years of age, with blunt head trauma, who presented to the emergency department (ED) between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients were divided into two groups: “LOC” group and “no LOC” group. The results of brain CT scans from each group were compared with LOC status. For study purposes, “clinically significant” were those that required interventions or ICU hospitalization of at least 24 h or extended hospitalization. The results were analyzed using chi-square calculations.

Results

During the study period, 494 patients were identified as having suffered head trauma. Of these, 185 (37.5%) reported LOC and 309 (62.5%) did not lose consciousness. In the LOC group, 15 (8.1%) had significant CT findings compared to 1.3% (4/309) of those without LOC (p < .001). Of the 4 who had no LOC and had significant brain CT findings, all 4 patients had positive physical findings of head, neck, or facial trauma. In the LOC group, only 1/15 (6.7%) had significant CT findings with a normal GCS of 15 and no physical signs of the head, neck, or facial trauma.

Conclusions

A small proportion of patients with LOC had CT finding requiring intervention. Head trauma patients with no physical injuries to the head, neck, or face and a normal GCS had no significant brain CT findings. This raises the question of whether a routine brain CT scan should be obtained in patients with LOC, no physical findings, and a normal GCS after blunt head trauma.

     

Scrofula: emergency department presentation and characteristics

Background

In the US, scrofula is generally uncommon, but it may be the manifestation of disseminated tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients. Given the delay to obtain PPD results, AFB results, and cultures for TB, the emergency physician (EP) must rely on the history and physical examination to make the diagnosis of scrofula.

Aims

To illustrate a set of criteria that would be useful to the emergency physician to identify cases of scrofula.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with a final diagnosis of scrofula at our institution to identify the characteristics of patients who present to the emergency department with a neck mass that was eventually diagnosed as scrofula.

Results

We found that being foreign born, being HIV+, and having a prior history of a positive PPD appeared to be associated with a diagnosis of scrofula.

Conclusions

This review suggests that scrofula should be included in the EP’s differential diagnosis of neck in masses when patients present subacutely and they have significant TB risk factors. In such cases, the EP should strongly consider ruling out pulmonary TB.     

Traumatic aortic injury score (TRAINS): an easy and simple score for early detection of traumatic aortic injuries in major trauma patients with associated blunt chest trauma

Purpose

To develop a risk score based on physical examination and chest X-ray findings to rapidly identify major trauma patients at risk of acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI).

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted with 640 major trauma patients with associated blunt chest trauma classified into ATAI (aortic injury) and NATAI (no aortic injury) groups. The score data set included 76 consecutive ATAI and 304 NATAI patients from a single center, whereas the validation data set included 52 consecutive ATAI and 208 NATAI patients from three independent institutions. Bivariate analysis identified variables potentially influencing the presentation of aortic injury. Confirmed variables by logistic regression were assigned a score according to their corresponding beta coefficient which was rounded to the closest integer value (1–4).

Results

Predictors of aortic injury included widened mediastinum, hypotension less than 90?mmHg, long bone fracture, pulmonary contusion, left scapula fracture, hemothorax, and pelvic fracture. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.96. In the score data set, sensitivity was 93.42?%, specificity 85.85?%, Youden’s index 0.79, positive likelihood ratio 6.60, and negative likelihood ratio 0.08. In the validation data set, sensitivity was 92.31?% and specificity 85.1?%.

Conclusions

Given the relative infrequency of traumatic aortic injury, which often leads to missed or delayed diagnosis, application of our score has the potential to draw necessary clinical attention to the possibility of aortic injury, thus providing the chance of a prompt specific diagnostic and therapeutic management.     

Rate of intra-abdominal injury after a normal abdominal computed tomographic scan in adults with blunt trauma

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the rate of intra-abdominal injury (IAI) in adults with blunt abdominal trauma after a normal abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan. We hypothesize that the risk of subsequent IAI is so low that hospital admission and observation for possible IAI are unnecessary.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of adults (>18 years) with blunt trauma who underwent abdominal CT scanning in the emergency department. Computed tomographic scans were obtained with intravenous contrast but no oral contrast. Abnormalities on abdominal CT included all visualized IAIs or any finding suggestive of possible IAI. Patients were followed up to determine the presence or absence of IAI and the need for therapeutic intervention if IAI was identified.

Results

Of the 3103 patients undergoing abdominal CT, 2734 (88%) had normal CT scans. The median age was 39 years (interquartile range, 26-51 years); and 2141 (78%) were admitted to the hospital. Eight (0.3%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.6%) were identified with IAIs after normal abdominal CT scans including the following injuries: pancreas (5), liver (4), gastrointestinal (2), and spleen (2). Five underwent therapy at laparotomy. Abdominal CT had a likelihood ratio (+) of 20.9 (95% confidence interval, 17.7-24.8) and likelihood ratio (−) of 0.034 (0.017-0.068).

Conclusion

Adult patients with blunt torso trauma and normal abdominal CT scans are at low risk for subsequently identified IAI. Thus, hospitalization for evaluation of possible IAI after a normal abdominal CT scan is unnecessary in most cases.     

Transport time to trauma facilities in Karachi: an exploratory study

Background

Rapid urban growth in developing countries has outpaced the development of health infrastructure, including trauma centers, leading to potential delays in trauma care. This study was conducted in Karachi, a city of 16 million people in Pakistan.

Aims

Our aim was to determine the time taken to reach the nearest 24-h emergency care facility (ECF) and the government-designated trauma center (TC). We also sought to determine the availability of supplies and equipment required for “basic” trauma care at these centers.

Methods

We selected five towns in Karachi that had the highest number of road traffic injuries (RTIs) (as identified through medicolegal records). We then measured the time taken to reach the nearest ECF and the government-designated TC from four compass points within each town. We also asked about the equipment and supplies used in basic trauma care.

Results

All three TCs in Karachi were located in the selected towns and were within 5.0–10.5 km of each other. The transport times to the 3 TCs were an average of 13.3 min (±?7.1) and to the 16 ECFs an average of 4.7 min (±?2.4) (p value Conclusions Vital time is lost in reaching a government-designated TC. ECFs might be an alternative option, but are not fully equipped and funded to provide adequate trauma care to all.     

Prospective evaluation of non-radiologist performed emergency abdominal ultrasound for haemoperitoneum

Objectives: To evaluate non-radiologist performed emergency ultrasound for the detection of haemoperitoneum after abdominal trauma in a British accident and emergency department.

Methods: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) was performed during the primary survey on adult patients triaged to the resuscitation room with suspected abdominal injury over a 12 month period. All investigations were performed by one of three non-radiologists trained in FAST. The ultrasound findings were compared against the investigation of choice of the attending surgeon/accident and emergency physician. The patients were followed up for clinically significant events until hospital discharge or death.

Results: One hundred patients who had sustained blunt abdominal trauma, were evaluated by FAST. Nine true positive scans were detected and confirmed by computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, or laparotomy. There was one false positive in this group, giving a sensitivity of 100%, specificity 99%, and positive predictive value of 90%. Ten patients with penetrating injuries were evaluated with a sensitivity and specificity for FAST of 33% and 86% respectively.

Conclusions: Emergency torso ultrasound for the detection of haemoperitoneum can be successfully performed by trained non-radiologists within a British accident and emergency system. It is an accurate and rapid investigation for blunt trauma, but the results should be interpreted with caution in penetrating injury.

     

Diagnostic performance of a biomarker panel as a negative predictor for acute appendicitis in adult ED patients with abdominal pain

Objectives

Evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the APPY1TM biomarker panel, previously described for use in pediatric patients, for identifying adult ED patients with abdominal pain who are at low risk of acute appendicitis.

Ectopic pregnancy: MRI findings and clinical utility

Purpose

To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with clinically suspected ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed MRIs of 26 consecutive patients who were clinically suspected of having an EP. The diagnostic utility of MRI features of EP was analyzed retrospectively as follows: (1) Direct sign detection of ectopic gestational sac (GS); (2) Indirect signs tubal dilatation with hemosalpinx, adnexal hematoma, and hemorrhagic ascites. The diagnostic accuracy of each sign and their combination was compared to surgical records. The MRI findings of an ectopic GS were reviewed as follows: size, shape, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern.

Results

Of 26 patients, 24 had a tubal pregnancy; 22 of these 24 patients (92%) had a direct sign (sensitivity: 91.3%; specificity: 100%; positive predictive value: 100%). The diagnostic accuracy of the direct sign was 92%; this was more accurate than that of any single indirect sign (39%, 54%, and 50%, respectively). However, the diagnostic accuracy of EP increased to 100% when diagnostic criteria required the presence of a direct sign or at least two indirect signs.

Conclusions

MRI is an effective modality for diagnosing EP with a high detection rate of extrauterine GSs. The combination of direct and indirect signs is useful for establishing the correct diagnosis.     

The accuracy of bedside USG in the diagnosis of nasal fractures

A comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of bedside ultrasonography with conventional radiography for the evaluation of nasal fractures.

A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of immediate total-body CT scanning in trauma patients (REACT-2)

Background

Computed tomography (CT) scanning has become essential in the early diagnostic phase of trauma care because of its high diagnostic accuracy. The introduction of multi-slice CT scanners and infrastructural improvements made total-body CT scanning technically feasible and its usage is currently becoming common practice in several trauma centers. However, literature provides limited evidence whether immediate total-body CT leads to better clinical outcome then conventional radiographic imaging supplemented with selective CT scanning in trauma patients. The aim of the REACT-2 trial is to determine the value of immediate total-body CT scanning in trauma patients.

Methods/design

The REACT-2 trial is an international, multicenter randomized clinical trial. All participating trauma centers have a multi-slice CT scanner located in the trauma room or at the Emergency Department (ED). All adult, non-pregnant, severely injured trauma patients according to predefined criteria will be included. Patients in whom direct scanning will hamper necessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation or who require an immediate operation because of imminent death (both as judged by the trauma team leader) are excluded. Randomization will be computer assisted. The intervention group will receive a contrast-enhanced total-body CT scan (head to pelvis) during the primary survey. The control group will be evaluated according to local conventional trauma imaging protocols (based on ATLS guidelines) supplemented with selective CT scanning. Primary outcome will be in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes are differences in mortality and morbidity during the first year post trauma, several trauma work-up time intervals, radiation exposure, general health and quality of life at 6 and 12 months post trauma and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion

The REACT-2 trial is a multicenter randomized clinical trial that will provide evidence on the value of immediate total-body CT scanning during the primary survey of severely injured trauma patients. If immediate total-body CT scanning is found to be the best imaging strategy in severely injured trauma patients it could replace conventional imaging supplemented with CT in this specific group.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: (NCT01523626).