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Objective: To identify factors associated with death secondary to haemorrhage following major trauma. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was conducted on data from adult major trauma patients attending Christchurch Hospital ED between 1 June 2016 and 1 June 2020. Cases (those who died due to haemorrhage or multiple organ failure [MOF]), were matched to controls (those who survived) in a 1:5 ratio from the Canterbury District Health Board major trauma database. A multivariate analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for death due to haemorrhage. Results: One thousand, five hundred and forty major trauma patients were admitted to Christchurch Hospital or died in ED during the study period. Of them, 140 (9.1%) died from any cause, most attributed to a central nervous system cause of death; 19 (1.2%) died from haemorrhage or MOF. After controlling for age and injury severity, having a lower temperature on arrival in ED was a significant modifiable risk factor for death. Additionally, intubation prior to hospital, increased base deficit, lower initial haemoglobin and lower Glasgow Coma Scale were risk factors associated with death. Conclusions: The present study reaffirms previous literature that lower body temperature on presentation to hospital is a significant potentially modifiable variable in predicting death following major trauma. Further studies should investigate whether all pre‐hospital services have key performance indicators (KPIs) for temperature management, and causes for failure to reach these. Our findings should promote development and tracking of such KPIs where they do not already exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines have oxygenators with integrated filters and unique biocompatible coatings to combat systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and mitigate coagulopathy. Contemporary oxygenators have undergone comparative studies; however, our study aimed to identify the most appropriate oxygenator for our regional Cardiothoracic unit in Australasia. Methods: A prospective audit consecutively recruited one-hundred and fifty patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand between the periods of 29th January 2018 and 31st July 2018. Fifty patients were recruited for each oxygenator arm: Sorin INSPIRE' (Group-S); Terumo CAPIOX'FX (Group-T); and Medtronic Affinity Fusion' (Group-M). The clinical outcomes were transfusions, chest drain output, reoperation and length of hospital stay (LOHS). Routine blood testing protocol included: haemoglobin, protein, albumin, white cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count and coagulations tests including international normalized ratio (INR). Results: Comparing Groups S, T and M there was no statistical difference in chest drain output (650 vs. 500 vs. 595 ml respectively, p = 0.45), transfusions (61 vs. 117 vs. 70 units, p = 0.67), reoperation (6 vs. 8 vs. 12%, p = 0.99) and LOHS (median 7.4 vs. 7.6 vs. 9.5 days, p = 0.42). Group-T had fewer SIRS cases but similar increase in CRP (p = 0.12) and WCC (p = 0.35). Group-M had a significant rise in post-op INR (p = 0.005) but no associated increase in chest drain output (p = 0.62). Group-S and -M required more 4%-albumin and Group-T had more transfusions. Only fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion had a significant relationship with LOHS (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Biochemically, there was slight difference among the oxygenators which did not translate into clinical difference in outcomes. The oxygenator design and perfusionist choice aided in our decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microfracture or bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is often the first choice for clinical treatment of cartilage injuries; however, fibrocartilage, not pure hyaline cartilage, has been reported because of the development of fibrosis in the repair tissue. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which can promote fibrosis, can be inhibited by losartan and potentially be used to reduce fibrocartilage. Hypothesis: Blocking TGF-β1 would improve cartilage healing in a rabbit knee BMS model via decreasing the amount of fibrocartilage and increasing hyaline-like cartilage formation. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: An osteochondral defect was made in the patellar groove of 48 New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups: a defect group (defect only), a BMS group (osteochondral defect + BMS), and a BMS + losartan group (osteochondral defect + BMS + losartan). For the rabbits in the BMS + losartan group, losartan was administrated orally from the day after surgery through the day of euthanasia. Rabbits were sacrificed 6 or 12 weeks postoperatively. Macroscopic appearance, microcomputed tomography, histological assessment, and TGF-β1 signaling pathway were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Results: The macroscopic assessment of the repair revealed that the BMS + losartan group was superior to the other groups tested. Microcomputed tomography showed superior healing of the bony defect in the BMS + losartan group in comparison with the other groups. Histologically, fibrosis in the repair tissue of the BMS + losartan group was significantly reduced when compared with the other groups. Results obtained with the modified O'Driscoll International Cartilage Repair Society grading system yielded significantly superior scores in the BMS + losartan group as compared with both the defect group and the BMS group (F value: 15.8, P <.001, P =.012, respectively). TGF-β1 signaling and TGF-β-activated kinase 1 of the BMS + losartan group were significantly suppressed in the synovial tissues. Conclusion: By blocking TGF-β1 with losartan, the repair cartilage tissue after BMS was superior to the other groups and consisted primarily of hyaline cartilage. These results should be easily translated to the clinic because losartan is a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug and it can be combined with the BMS technique for optimal repair of chondral defects. Clinical Relevance: Biologically regulated marrow stimulation by blocking TGF-β1 (oral intake of losartan) provides superior repair via decreasing fibrocartilage formation and resulting in hyaline-like cartilage as compared with outcomes from BMS only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antepartum haemorrhage of unknown origin ( APHUO) is associated with preterm birth and perinatal mortality. Aim To determine whether smoking beyond the first trimester of pregnancy was an independent risk factor for APHUO. Methods Rates of APHUO were compared between non-smokers and smokers, and non-smokers and ceased smokers. Participants were healthy nulliparous women recruited to the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints ( SCOPE) prospective cohort study in New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and United Kingdom. Logistic regression was used to compare adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals ( OR, 95% CI) of APHUO between continued smokers and non-smokers, adjusting for possible confounders. Results Of the 3513 participants, 77.9% ( n = 2737) were non-smokers, 10.6% ( n = 371) ceased in the first trimester and 11.5% ( n = 405) continued smoking beyond the first trimester. APHUO rates were higher in smokers than non-smokers (7.4%, n = 30 vs 4.5%, n = 122; P = 0.01), but there was no difference between ceased smokers and non-smokers (4.3%, n = 16 vs 4.5%, n = 122; P = 0.90). Smoking was no longer significantly associated with APHUO after adjustment for confounders (adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.76-2.14), but vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (adjusted OR = 2.98, 95% CI 2.12-4.18) and overweight/obesity (adjusted OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.02-1.99) were independent risk factors. First trimester folic acid use was associated with a reduced risk (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.77). Conclusion Smoking is not an independent risk factor for APHUO after adjustment for confounders, but other risk and protective factors have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe in-hospital resuscitation outcomes and factors associated with survival at Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand. Methods: The Utstein template for in-hospital cardiac arrests was used. A retrospective audit of all cardiac arrests 2004-06 determined patient demographics, resuscitation time intervals, interventions, survival and neurological outcome at 12 months. Factors associated with survival to discharge were explored with logistic regression. Results: There were 3470 in-hospital deaths. Resuscitation was attempted in 415 patients (12%), with survival to discharge 27.2%. Survival was higher in first rhythm VT/VF (52.7% vs 13.1%, χ2= 75.3, P < 0.001), when the arrest was 'In-Hours' (41.4% vs 17%, χ2= 30.1, P < 0.001) and with younger age (mean [SD] for survivors 59.4 [7.1] vs 69.1 [14] for non-survivors). These associations were independent predictors of survival after multivariate logistic regression, with OR 6.2 (95% CI 3.6-10.5), 3.1 (95% CI 1.8-5.4) and 1.04 (95% CI 1.02-1.06), respectively (all P < 0.001). Other univariate predictors of survival; cardiac arrest team on site, monitored arrest and time to CPR were not significant after multivariate logistic regression. Time intervals to arrest interventions were short. Twelve month neurological outcome was good (CPC1 or 2) in 97.1% (95% CI 91.6-99.4) of survivors. Conclusions: Survival from cardiac arrest in our hospital compared well to similar centres and good neurological outcome was higher than reported previously. Reduced survival during the 'After-Hours' period is cause for concern, and further research into the factors underlying this is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To document the extent of access block and ED overcrowding in New Zealand in 2010 and to determine whether these were linked to the hospital's ability to meet the Shorter Stays in ED target. Methods: Surveys of all New Zealand EDs were undertaken at two points in time in 2010 to determine ED occupancy. Data on target achievement during corresponding time periods were obtained from the Ministry of Health. Results: In tertiary and secondary hospitals, respectively, access block was seen in 64% versus 23% ( P= 0.05) and overcrowding was seen in 57.1% versus 39% ( P= 0.45). No hospital with access block met the 'Shorter Stays' target, compared with 60% without access block ( P= 0.001). Twenty-three per cent of hospitals with ED overcrowding met the target compared with 43% without ED overcrowding ( P= 0.42). The number of patients experiencing ≥8 h delay to admission were 25 in May and 59 in August ( P= 0.04). This represented 45.5% and 79.7% of patients waiting for admission, respectively ( P= 0.08). Conclusion: Hospital access block was seen more often in larger hospitals and significantly associated with failure to meet the 'Shorter Stays in ED' health target, whereas ED overcrowding was seen in both small and large hospitals, but not associated with failure to meet the target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many couples do not complete IVF treatment. There is little published data regarding this issue and also what changes might lead to better compliance rates. To investigate what proportion of patients discontinue IVF prematurely, why they stop treatment, and what factors are important for them to restart. Survey of 1310 patients undergoing IVF treatment over a 3-year period at a single IVF provider. Information was collection on demographics and the outcomes of treatment. For those who discontinued treatment two further questions were completed: reasons why treatment was discontinued (primary outcome measure) and factors required to reactivate fertility treatment (secondary outcome measure). 40.2% response rate. 15.0% of patients discontinued IVF prematurely; 77.0% had a live birth or were currently pregnant. Those who discontinued treatment were more likely to be older and have a trade qualification. Of those who discontinued treatment; failing to become pregnant, cost, and stress were identified as factors. Less expensive treatment and a guaranteed baby were important factors for patients to restart treatment. Numerous comments were made regarding having readily available counselling services and continuity of care. Reasons for stopping treatment are multifactorial. Our data set is limited by a low response rate. Further research is needed to into this issue, including differences between private and public cessation rates are barriers to completion of treatment. The majority of patients having IVF achieve either a live birth or fall pregnant through IVF. Service may be improved by decreasing cost, optimising outcomes and increasing availability of counselling services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]