Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small cell tumor presenting as an acute abdomen after trauma

The intraperitoneal mass most commonly encountered after blunt abdominal truama is a hematoma. However, one must also consider unusual bulky tumors that can have imaging characteristics similar to those of hematoma. The most typical of these neoplasms is lymphoma, but a desmoplastic small cell tumor also may be observed. The presentation and imaging findings of a desmoplastic small tumor are described.     

Functional compartmentalization of energy production in neural tissue

Previous work in our laboratory has shown that neural trauma results in a disparity between oxidative and glycolytic rates. In non-neural tissue, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation have been shown to work independently of one another, a phenomenon known as "energy compartmentalization". We believe that functional compartmentalization of energy production may also occur in the brain with glycolysis providing energy for membrane bound ionic pumps. Spreading depression, induced in rodent brain by topical KCl application, results in K+ shifts. The restoration of K+ gradients is accomplished by energy dependent Na(+)-K+ pumps. If these pumps depend upon glycolysis, blocking glycolysis should prevent reconstitution of normal [K+]e levels. The present series of experiments were designed to suggest that energy compartmentalization may also exist in brain, and that glycolytic energy production is preferentially used by Na(+)-K+ pumps to maintain normal ionic homeostasis by observing the dynamics of spreading depression induced K+ shifts before and after glycolytic blockade. Spreading depression was associated with increased K+ (48.6 +/- 16.6 mM over control) that normalized within 2.9 +/- 0.3 minutes. Following superfusion with a glycolytic blocking agent, spreading depression produced similar increases in [K+]e (40.6 +/- 12.0 mM over control) but time for reconstitution of the normal [K+]e was 400% longer than controls (2.9 +/- 0.3 to 14.9 +/- 2.1 minutes, P less than 0.001). Time required for recovery of EEG was identical pre- and post-blockade. We believe these data suggest that energy compartmentalization may exist in neural tissue and that glycolytic pathways of energy production are functionally tied to membrane Na(+)-K+ pumps.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comorbidity of PTSD and depression: associations with trauma exposure, symptom severity and functional impairment in Bosnian refugees resettled in Australia

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in refugees but its association with longer-term psychosocial dysfunction remains unclear. We examined whether a subgroup of refugees with comorbid PTSD and depression were at particularly high risk of disability. We also investigated whether specific trauma experiences were linked to this comorbid pattern. Methods: Consecutive Bosnians (and one or two compatriots nominated by them) were recruited from a community centre, yielding a total sample of 126 participants (response rate 86%). Measures included a trauma inventory, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) (Blake et al., 1995) and the depression module of the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) (First et al., 1997). Results: Three diagnostic groupings emerged: normals (n=39), pure PTSD (n=29), and comorbid PTSD and depression (n=58). Of four trauma dimensions derived from principle components analysis (human rights violations, dispossession and eviction, life threat and traumatic loss), life threat alone was associated with pure PTSD, with life threat and traumatic loss both being associated with comorbidity. Compared to normals and those with pure PTSD, the comorbid group manifested more severe PTSD symptoms as well as higher levels of disability on all indices (global dysfunction: odds RATIO=5.0, P<0.001, distress: odds RATIO=6.0, P<0.001, social impairment: odds ratio 5.9, P<0.001, and occupational disability: odds ratio 5.0, P<0.001). Limitations: Recruitment was not random, the sample size was modest, and trauma event endorsement was based on retrospective accounts. Conclusions: The combination of life threat and traumatic loss may be particularly undermining to the psychological well-being of refugees and consequent comorbidity of PTSD and depression may be associated with longer-term psychosocial dysfunction. The findings raise the question whether the comorbid pattern identified should be given more recognition as a core posttraumatic affective disorder.     

Sleep Problems among Mothers of Youth Stopped by the Police

Police stops are the most common form of criminal justice exposure in the USA, and are particularly common among urban youth, with 23% of them reporting a stop by the age of 15. While recent work has begun to illuminate the health impacts of police stops for these youth, little is known about the health consequences of youth police contact for the mothers of youth stopped by the police. The current study employs data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a sample of urban, at-risk youth and their families. Multivariate logistic regression models are conducted to examine the link between youth police stops and sleep difficulties among mothers. Additional analyses examine whether the features and consequences of police stops are associated with sleep difficulties among mothers. The findings indicate that mothers with youth who have experienced police stops are more than twice as likely to report both depression- and anxiety-related sleep difficulties compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, stops with certain features—including those characterized by intrusiveness, high trauma, and high stigma—emerged as consistently significant predictors of maternal sleep difficulties. The findings suggest that mothers who are vicariously exposed to police contact via their children are a vulnerable group. Given the non-random distribution of police contact across the population of youth, with police contact concentrated among children of color, the findings suggest that police contact may exacerbate racial inequalities in sleep, which may itself contribute to racial disparities in broader mental and physical health outcomes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11524-021-00518-1.     

Bilateral pneumothoraces secondary to an isolated midline zone 1 cervical stab injury

Penetrating neck trauma, though rare, carries a high morbidity and mortality risk if not recognized promptly, due to the presence of vital neurovascular and airway elements within a closed compartment. We describe the unique presentation of a high zone 1 anterior midline cervical stab injury with bilateral large pneumothoraces and extensive pneumomediastinum. Understanding the respiratory mechanics and a high clinical suspicion will help to recognize such complications of tracheobronchial injuries and their timely management is key to salvage of these patients.     

Assessment of instability in type B pelvic ring fractures

Pelvic ring fractures have increased in incidence and operative fixation over the past several decades. These are dynamic injuries but decisions on operative management are still often made on the basis of static imaging. Expert opinion varies greatly on which injuries require fixation and how much fixation. Examination under anaesthesia has been shown to guide management of pelvic injuries by more accurately assessing levels of instability.     

The efficacy of an anti-protrusio plate in patients with anterior column posterior hemitransverse and associated both column acetabular fractures

IntroductionAcetabular fractures in the elderly population are particularly challenging for orthopedic fracture surgeons to treat. Anterior column posterior hemitransverse (ACH) and both column (BC) fractures account for over 70% of these injuries in geriatric patients. Nonoperative management of these injuries has a mortality of about 79% and patients generally have a minimal chance of return to independent living. The aim of our study was to identify the degree of protrusio deformity geriatric patients with these injuries present with and if indirect reduction through a Stoppa approach was sufficient to improve protrusio deformity.MethodsPatients older than 60 years of age who had ACH and BC pattern acetabular fractures treated at the BIDMC in Boston, MA between 2015 and 2020 were included in this study. Pelvic AP and Judet views were reviewed at injury and each available post-operative follow up. We modified the femoral head extrusion index and used its inverse to measure the level of protrusio at each time point (-FHEI). Patient outcomes were also graded as excellent, good, fair and poor based on post-operative follow up.ResultsSixteen patients were included based on above criteria and average -FHEI at injury was 34.85% and decreased significantly to an average of 21.5% postoperatively and remained stable at all follow up points. At one year follow up (n = 2), the mean -FHEI was 18.15%. Most patients had good (4) or excellent (9) outcomes.ConclusionsWe present short term results of indirect reduction of ACH and BC acetabular fractures in geriatric patients using a PRO quadrilateral surface plate, which was largely successful in controlling the primary protrusio deformity seen in these patients. This allowed for restoration of the anterior column, with limited surgical morbidity through a relatively simple and straightforward surgical approach.     

Characteristics,Treatments, and Outcomes of Tibial Plateau Nonunions: A Systematic Review

BackgroundDue to the rare incidence of tibial plateau nonunions, current studies are limited to small sample sizes and patient demographics. The aim of this systematic review is to quantify and report patient and fracture traits, possible risk factors, and treatment outcomes of tibial plateau nonunions.MethodsPubMed, Clinical Key, and MEDLINE were searched for articles published prior to August 2020 in accordance to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The authors used varying combinations of the following terms to identify relevant articles: “tibial,” “plateau,” “nonunion,” “non-union.” Studies were assessed for patient demographics, pre-revision nonunion characteristics, treatment, and post-revision outcomes.ResultsEight studies were included, yielding 31 tibial plateau nonunions (21 males, 10 females). The majority of nonunions were associated with high energy trauma (52.2%) and were Schatzker class VI (54.8%). Schatzker class I and II nonunions were not attributed to neglect, contradicting previous suggestions. Time to union was 4.0 months, the most common treatments being autologous bone grafting (76.7%) and revision plating (63.3%).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of autologous bone grafts and revision plating for tibial plateau nonunions. Physicians may use these findings to guide decision making in the event of high energy plateau nonunions. Lastly, various limitations exist within the current literature, emphasizing the need for standardized reporting measures.     

Pulmonary contusions in patients with rib fractures: The need to better classify a common injury

BackgroundPulmonary contusions are common injuries. Computed tomography reveals vast contused lung volume spectrum, yet pulmonary contusions are defined dichotomously (unilateral vs bilateral). We assessed whether there is stepwise increased risk of pulmonary complications among patients without, with unilateral, and with bilateral pulmonary contusion.MethodsWe identified adults admitted with rib fractures using the largest US inpatient database. After propensity-score-matching patients without vs with unilateral vs bilateral pulmonary contusions and adjusting for residual confounders, we compared risk for pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), respiratory failure, intubation, and mortality.ResultsAmong 148,140 encounters of adults with multiple rib fractures, 19% had concomitant pulmonary contusions. Matched patients with pulmonary contusions had increased risk of pneumonia 19% [95%CI:16–33%], respiratory failure 40% [95%CI: 31–50%], and intubation 46% [95%CI: 33–61%]. Delineation showed bilateral contusions, not unilateral contusions, attributed to increased risk of complications.ConclusionsThere is likely a correlation between contused lung volume and risk of pulmonary complications; dichotomously classifying pulmonary contusions is insufficient. Better understanding this correlation requires establishing the clinically significant contusion volume and a correspondingly refined classification system.     

Multi-Disciplinary Trauma Evaluation and Management Simulation (MD-TEAMS) training for emergency medicine and general surgery residents

BackgroundSuccessful trauma resuscitation relies on multi-disciplinary collaboration. In most academic programs, general surgery (GS) and emergency medicine (EM) residents rarely train together before functioning as a team.MethodsIn our Multi-Disciplinary Trauma Evaluation and Management Simulation (MD-TEAMS), EM and GS residents completed manikin-based trauma scenarios and were evaluated on resuscitation and communication skills. Residents were surveyed on confidence surrounding training objectives.ResultsResidents showed improved confidence running trauma scenarios in multi-disciplinary teams. Residents received lower communication scores from same-discipline vs cross-discipline faculty. EM residents scored higher in evaluation and planning domains; GS residents scored higher in action processes; groups scored equally in team management. Strong correlation existed between team leader communication and resuscitative skill completion.ConclusionMD-TEAMS demonstrated correlation between communication and resuscitation checklist item completion and communication differences by resident specialty. In the future, we plan to evaluate training-related resident behavior changes and specialty-specific communication differences by residents.