Search

COVID-19 stay-at-home (SAH) orders were impactful on adolescence, when social interactions affect development. This has the potential to change adolescent trauma. A post-hoc multicenter retrospective analysis of adolescent (13-17 years-old) trauma patients (ATPs) at 11 trauma centers was performed. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on injury date: historical control (CONTROL:3/19/2019-6/30/2019, before SAH (PRE:1/1/2020-3/18/2020), and after SAH (POST:3/19/2020-6/30/2020). The POST group was compared to both PRE and CONTROL groups in separate analyses. 726 ATPs were identified across the 3 time periods. POST had a similar penetrating trauma rate compared to both PRE (15.8% vs 13.8%, P = .56) and CONTROL (15.8% vs 14.5%, P = .69). POST also had a similar rate of suicide attempts compared to both PRE (1.2% vs 1.5%, P = .83) and CONTROL (1.2% vs 2.1%, P = .43). However, POST had a higher rate of drug positivity compared to CONTROL (28.6% vs 20.6%, P = .032), but was similar in all other comparisons of alcohol and drugs to PRE and POST periods (all P > .05). Hence ATPs were affected differently than adults and children, as they had a similar rate of penetrating trauma, suicide attempts, and alcohol positivity after SAH orders. However, they had increased drug positivity compared to the CONTROL, but not PRE group.

In 2019, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guideline on the endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis modified the individual predictors of choledocholithiasis proposed in the widely referenced 2010 guideline to improve predictive performance. Nevertheless, the primary literature, especially for the 2019 iteration, is limited. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to examine the diagnostic performance of the 2010, and where possible the 2019, predictors. PROSPERO protocol CRD42020194226. A comprehensive literature search from 2001 to 2020 was performed to identify studies on the diagnostic performance of any of the 2010 and 2019 ASGE choledocholithiasis predictors. Identified studies underwent keyword screening, abstract review, and full-text review. The primary outcomes included multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for each criterion. Secondary outcomes were reported sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive value. A total of 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Based on reported ORs, of the 2010 guideline “very strong” predictors, ultrasound with stone had the strongest performance. Of the “strong” predictors, CBD > 6 mm demonstrated the strongest performance. “Moderate” predictors had inconsistent and/or weak performance; moreover, all studies reported gallstone pancreatitis as non-predictive of choledocholithiasis. Only one study examined the new predictor (bilirubin > 4 mg/dL and CBD > 6 mm) proposed in the 2019 guideline. Based on this review, aside from CBD stone on ultrasound, there is discordance between the proposed strength of 2010 choledocholithiasis predictors and their published diagnostic performance. The 2019 guideline appears to do away with the weakest 2010 predictors.

Purpose There is mounting evidence that surgical patients with COVID-19 have higher morbidity and mortality than patients without COVID-19. Infection is prevalent amongst the trauma population, but any effect of COVID-19 on trauma patients is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on a trauma population, hypothesizing increased mortality and pulmonary complications for COVID-19-positive (COVID) trauma patients compared to propensity-matched COVID-19-negative (non-COVID) patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of trauma patients presenting to 11 Level-I and II trauma centers in California between 1/1/2019–6/30/2019 and 1/1/2020–6/30/2020 was performed. A 1:2 propensity score model was used to match COVID to non-COVID trauma patients using age, blunt/penetrating mechanism, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 20,448 trauma patients were identified during the study period. 53 COVID trauma patients were matched with 106 non-COVID trauma patients. COVID patients had higher rates of mortality (9.4% vs 1.9%, p = 0.029) and pneumonia (7.5% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.011), as well as a longer mean length of stay (LOS) (7.47 vs 3.28 days, p p = 0.008), compared to non-COVID patients. Conclusion This multicenter retrospective study found increased rates of mortality and pneumonia, as well as a longer LOS, for COVID trauma patients compared to a propensity-matched cohort of non-COVID patients. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and to elucidate the underlying pathways responsible for higher mortality in COVID trauma patients.

Institutional data on initiating and maintaining a low-titer O positive whole blood (LTOWB) inventory for the civilian trauma sector may help other institutions start a LTOWB program. This study from a level 1 trauma center with a hospital-based donor center highlights challenges faced during the collection, maintenance, and utilization of LTOWB.Male O positive donors with low (≤1:100) anti-A and anti-B antibody titers were recruited for LTOWB collection. The daily inventory goal of 4 LTOWB units was kept in the emergency department refrigerator and transfused to adult male trauma patients. Unused units older than 10 days were reprocessed into packed red blood cells.Of 900 donors screened, 61% qualified and 52% of eligible donors provided a collective total of 505 LTOWB units over 2.5 years. The number of collected units directly correlated with the availability of inventory; 42% of the units were transfused, 54% were reprocessed, and 4% were discarded. The inventory goal was maintained for 56% of the year 2018 and 83% of the year 2019. Over these 2 years, 52% of patients had their transfusion needs fully met, 41% had their needs partially met, and 6.5% did not have their needs met.Initial challenges to LTOWB implementation were inventory shortages, low utilization rates, and failure to meet clinical demand. Proposed solutions include allowing for a higher yet safe titer, extending shelf life, expanding the donor pool, identifying barriers to utilization, and permitting use in female trauma patients beyond childbearing age.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased penetrating trauma and decreased length of stay (LOS) amongst the adult trauma population, findings important for resource allocation. Studies regarding the pediatric trauma population are sparse and mostly single-center. This multicenter study examined pediatric trauma patients, hypothesizing increased penetrating trauma and decreased LOS after the 3/19/2020 stay-at-home (SAH) orders. Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of trauma patients ≤ 17 years old presenting to 11 centers in California was performed. Demographic data, injury characteristics, and outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into three groups based on injury date: 3/19/2019–6/30/2019 (CONTROL), 1/1/2020–3/18/2020 (PRE), 3/19/2020–6/30/2020 (POST). POST was compared to PRE and CONTROL in separate analyses. Results 1677 patients were identified across all time periods (CONTROL: 631, PRE: 479, POST: 567). POST penetrating trauma rates were not significantly different compared to both PRE (11.3 vs. 9.0%, p = 0.219) and CONTROL (11.3 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.075), respectively. POST had a shorter mean LOS compared to PRE (2.4 vs. 3.3 days, p = 0.002) and CONTROL (2.4 vs. 3.4 days, p = 0.002). POST was also not significantly different than either group regarding intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator days, and mortality (all p > 0.05). Conclusions This multicenter retrospective study demonstrated no difference in penetrating trauma rates among pediatric patients after SAH orders but did identify a shorter LOS.

BACKGROUND This pilot assessed transfusion requirements during resuscitation with whole blood followed by standard component therapy (CT) versus CT alone, during a change in practice at a large urban Level I trauma center. METHODS This was a single-center prospective cohort pilot study. Male trauma patients received up to 4 units of cold-stored low anti-A, anti-B group O whole blood (LTOWB) as initial resuscitation followed by CT as needed (LTOWB + CT). A control group consisting of women and men who presented when LTOWB was unavailable, received CT only (CT group). Exclusion criteria included antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication and death within 24 hours. The primary outcome was total transfusion volume at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were mortality, morbidity, and intensive care unit- and hospital-free days. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients received LTOWB, with a median of 2.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0-3.0) units of LTOWB transfused. Thirty-two patients received CT only. At 24 hours after presentation, the LTOWB +CT group had received a median of 2,138 mL (IQR, 1,275-3,325 mL) of all blood products. The median for the CT group was 4,225 mL (IQR, 1,900-5,425 mL; p = 0.06) in unadjusted analysis. When adjusted for Injury Severity Score, sex, and positive Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, LTOWB +CT group patients received 3307 mL of blood products, and CT group patients received 3,260 mL in the first 24 hours (p = 0.95). The adjusted median ratio of plasma to red cells transfused was higher in the LTOWB + CT group (0.85 vs. 0.63 at 24 hours after admission; p = 0.043. Adjusted mortality was 4.4% in the LTOWB + CT group, and 11.7% in the CT group (p = 0.19), with similar complications, intensive care unit-, and hospital-free days in both groups. CONCLUSION Beginning resuscitation with LTOWB results in equivalent outcomes compared with resuscitation with CT only. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic (Prospective study with 1 negative criterion, limited control of confounding factors), level III.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 in the United States led to a variety of mandates intended to decrease population movement and "flatten the curve." However, there is evidence some are not able to stay-at-home due to certain disadvantages, thus remaining exposed to both coronavirus disease 2019 and trauma. We therefore sought to identify any unequal effects of the California stay-at-home orders between races and insurance statuses in a multicenter study utilizing trauma volume data. METHODS: A posthoc multicenter retrospective analysis of trauma patients presenting to 11 centers in Southern California between the dates of January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, and January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2019, was performed. The number of trauma patients of each race/insurance status was tabulated per day. We then calculated the changes in trauma volume related to stay-at-home orders for each race/insurance status and compared the magnitude of these changes using statistical resampling. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, there was a 40.1% drop in total trauma volume, which occurred 20 days after stay-at-home orders. During stay-at-home orders, the average daily trauma volume of patients with Medicaid increased by 13.7 ± 5.3%, whereas the volume of those with Medicare, private insurance, and no insurance decreased. The average daily trauma volume decreased for White, Black, Asian, and Latino patients with the volume of Black and Latino patients dropping to a similar degree compared to White patients. CONCLUSION: This retrospective multicenter study demonstrated that patients with Medicaid had a paradoxical increase in trauma volume during stay-at-home orders, suggesting that the most impoverished groups remain disproportionately exposed to trauma during a pandemic, further exacerbating existing health disparities.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed hospitals, forcing adjustments including discharging patients earlier and limiting intensive care unit (ICU) utilization. This study aimed to evaluate ICU admissions and length of stay (LOS) for blunt trauma patients (BTPs).MethodsA retrospective review of COVID (3/19/20-6/30/20) versus pre-COVID (3/19/19-6/30/19) BTPs at eleven trauma centers was performed. Multivariable analysis was used to identify risk factors for ICU admission.Results12,744 BTPs were included (6942 pre-COVID vs. 5802 COVID). The COVID cohort had decreased mean LOS (3.9 vs. 4.4 days, p=0.029), ICU LOS (0.9 vs. 1.1 days, p0.05). On multivariable analysis, the COVID period was associated with decreased risk of ICU admission (OR=0.82, CI 0.75-0.90, p&nbsp

Background: COVID-19 related stay-at-home (SAH) orders created many economic and social stressors, possibly increasing the risk of drug/alcohol abuse in the community and trauma population.Objectives: Describe changes in alcohol/drug use in traumatically injured patients after SAH orders in California and evaluate demographic or injury pattern changes in alcohol or drug-positive patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 11 trauma centers in Southern California (1/1/2020-6/30/2020) was performed. Blood alcohol concentration, urine toxicology results, demographics, and injury characteristics were collected. Patients were grouped based on injury date - before SAH (PRE-SAH), immediately after SAH (POST-SAH), and a historical comparison (3/19/2019-6/30/2019) (CONTROL) - and compared in separate analyses. Groups were compared using chi-square tests for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables.Results: 20,448 trauma patients (13,634 male, 6,814 female) were identified across three time-periods. The POST-SAH group had higher rates of any drug (26.2% vs. 21.6% and 24.7%, OR = 1.26 and 1.08, p .05).Conclusion: This Southern California multicenter study demonstrated increased amphetamine, MDMA, and THC positivity in trauma patients after SAH, but no difference in alcohol positivity or blood concentration. Drug prevention strategies should continue to be adapted within and outside of hospitals during a pandemic.

The objective of this study was to evaluate usage and outcomes of emergency laparoscopic versus open surgery at a single tertiary academic center. Over a three-year period 165 patients were identified retrospectively using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program results. Appendectomies and cholecystectomies were excluded. Open and laparoscopic approaches were compared regarding preoperative and operative characteristics, the development of postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and length of hospital stay. Indications for operation were similar between groups. Patients who underwent open surgery had more severe comorbidities and higher ASA class. Laparoscopy was associated with reduced complication rates, operative time, length of stay, and discharges to skilled nursing facilities on univariate analysis. In a multivariate model, surgical approach was not associated with the development of complications. Older age, dependent status, and dyspnea were predictors of conversion from attempted laparoscopic to open approaches.

BACKGROUND Whole blood (WB) transfusion is a promising alternative to component therapy in hemostatic resuscitation. Use of banked WB requires filtration of white blood cells (leukoreduction) and an established shelf life during which WB retains coagulant capacities. The goal of this study was to define the time course of coagulation stability in leukoreduced compared to unfiltered WB under standard refrigeration conditions. METHODS Twelve WB units were donated by healthy volunteers after routine screening. Five units underwent standard leukocyte filtration and five did not. Two units were aliquoted into filtered and unfiltered samples, with platelets added to each sample on day 14. Units were stored at 4°C and sampled on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35 for immediate thromboelastography (TEG) analysis, and centrifuged and stored at -80°C for later calibrated automated thrombogram and coagulation factor assays. RESULTS K-dependent factors and fibrinogen were low normal, decreased slightly over 35 days and were similar between unfiltered and filtered units. Labile factors were better preserved in filtered units, although unfiltered units did not show impaired coagulation over 35 days. Filtered blood had delayed clot initiation on days 0, 1, and 2 as measured by TEG R (p < 0.021); slower clot progression (TEG α-angle) on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (p < 0.023); weaker final clot (TEG MA) on all days (p < 0.0001). Thrombin generation was delayed on day 28 (p = 0.046) and decreased on days 10, 21, 28, and 35 (p < 0.034). Addition of platelets to filtered WB rescued TEG MA. CONCLUSION Filtered WB had decreased functional clotting capacity and thrombin generation and may not be suitable for hemostatic resuscitation as the sole blood product. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level IV.

Nonoperative management of acute appendicitis is becoming widespread, but recurrence and the potential for a complicated course are important concerns. An admission report-based institutional database was created to monitor appendicitis treatment outcomes. Complications and complexity of surgery were recorded based on manual chart review. A cohort of patients spanning one year was analyzed. Initial management was operative in 181 (82%) and nonoperative in 39 (18%) cases. There were no differences in demographics, BMI, or Alvarado score. One operative patient and 17 non-operative patients required additional treatment for recurrence/nonresolution (0.6% vs 44%, P < 0.00001). Twenty-eight (15%) operative patients and 17 (44%) nonoperative patients had complications ( P = 0.0003). Thirty-six (19.9%) operations in the operative group and 8 (53.3%) in the non-operative group were classified as complex ( P = 0.007). Hospital stay was longer in the nonoperative group (one vs two days, P = 0.005). Two incidental malignancies in the operative group and one in the nonoperative group were identified. These results are consistent with prior studies showing that recurrence/nonresolution is common after nonoperative management. For patients with recurrence/nonresolution, surgery may be more complex.

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is commonly used to control hemorrhage after pelvic trauma. Despite the procedures reported safety, there can be severe complications, mostly related to ischemia of embolized tissues. Our purpose was to examine the complications of trauma patients resulting from the embolization techniques utilized at our level 1 trauma center. A retrospective chart review was conducted. One hundred and seven patients who underwent pelvic embolization between January 2003 and December 2013 were included. Patient demographics, ISS, angiography techniques, and major complications including gluteal and skin necrosis, wound breakdown, and deep infection were compared. Nine patients (8.4 %) developed major complications after undergoing TAE. This rate dropped to 5.1 % after exclusion of patients with Morel-Lavallee lesions. Nonselective embolization trended toward a higher complication rate compared to superselective embolization. Patients who developed complications were more likely to have undergone pelvic surgery. The majority of patients who developed complications had nonselective TAE. Morel-Lavallee lesions are a confounding factor, but TAE may impose an additional risk. Pelvic surgery after TAE may further predispose patients to complications. We recommend superselective embolization as first-line treatment and caution the use of prophylactic embolization, especially in patients with substantial pelvic soft tissue injuries.

Highlights • Blunt trauma can result in rupture IVC in the setting of multiple injuries. • IVC injury is rare and fatal. We report an patient survived conservative management. • IVC pseudoaneurysm can result from traumatic blunt injury to IVC. • Non-operative management of blunt IVC injury can be established in setting of hemodynamic stability. • Follow up for pseudoaneurysm and IVC disruption is needed to ensure non expansion., Introduction Injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC) secondary to blunt trauma are rare and occurs in less than 1% of all blunt trauma patients. Mortality rates for IVC injuries reported in the literature range from 34% to 70%. Inferior vena cava (IVC) pseudoaneurysms resulting from these injuries are also rare clinical entities with an uncertain natural history due to limited follow-up information. Case presentation This case report describes a 23-year-old woman with traumatic IVC dissection resulting in pseudoaneurysms. It also details our treatment plan, with follow-up through radiographic resolution of the pseudoaneurysms. Discussion Due to rarity of these injuries, management of these injuries has not been subjected to major studies, but several case reports and small retrospective studies have demonstrated that management can be tailored to the hemodynamic status of the patient. Stable patients whose injuries have achieved local venous tamponade have been successfully treated without surgical intervention, while unstable patients require operative management. Conclusion Of all incoming patients, IVC injuries are highly fatal with mortality rates between 70 and 90%. Management of these injuries should be tailored based on hemodynamic stability of such patients.

Highlights • Bronchial injury. • Chest tubes. • Thoracotomy. • Motor vehicle accident. • Pulmonary contusion., Introduction Tracheobronchial injury is a recognized, yet uncommon, result of blunt trauma to the thorax. Often the diagnosis and treatment are delayed, resulting in attempted surgical repair months or even years after the injury. Presentation of the case We present a case report of a 31-year old female who suffered a left main bronchus transection after a motor vehicle accident. The diagnostic, management issues, and clinical findings surrounding this injury are reviewed. Discussion Tracheobronchial disruption is a rare, life-threatening injury. Suspicion should be high when pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax are refractory to adequate pleural drainage. Flexible bronchoscopy with intubation distal to the injury may be necessary to prevent loss of the airway. Advance preparation should include setups for bronchoscopy, thoracotomy, and cardiopulmonary bypass. Patient survival depends on preparation and prompt surgical intervention. Conclusion A high level of suspicion and the liberal use of bronchoscopy are important in the diagnosis of tracheobronchial injury. A tailored surgical approach is often necessary for definitive repair.

Injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC) secondary to blunt trauma are rare and occurs in less than 1% of all blunt trauma patients. Mortality rates for IVC injuries reported in the literature range from 34% to 70%. Inferior vena cava (IVC) pseudoaneurysms resulting from these injuries are also rare clinical entities with an uncertain natural history due to limited follow-up information.This case report describes a 23-year-old woman with traumatic IVC dissection resulting in pseudoaneurysms. It also details our treatment plan, with follow-up through radiographic resolution of the pseudoaneurysms.Due to rarity of these injuries, management of these injuries has not been subjected to major studies, but several case reports and small retrospective studies have demonstrated that management can be tailored to the hemodynamic status of the patient. Stable patients whose injuries have achieved local venous tamponade have been successfully treated without surgical intervention, while unstable patients require operative management.Of all incoming patients, IVC injuries are highly fatal with mortality rates between 70 and 90%. Management of these injuries should be tailored based on hemodynamic stability of such patients.

Background Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have been developed to implement damage control resuscitation (DCR) principles. A survey of MTP policies from American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) participants was performed to establish which MTP activation, hemostatic resuscitation, and monitoring aspects of DCR are included in the MTP guidelines. Methods On October 10, 2013, ACS-TQIP administration administered a cross-sectional electronic survey to 187 ACS-TQIP participants. Results Seventy-one percent (132 of 187) of responses were analyzed, with 62% designated as Level I and 38% designated as Level II ACS-TQIP trauma centers. Sixty-nine percent of sites indicated that they have plasma immediately available for MTP activation. By policy, in the first group of blood products administered, 88% of sites target high (≥1:2) plasma-to-red blood cell (RBC) ratios and 10% target low ratios. Likewise, 79% of sites target high platelet-to-RBC ratios and 16% target low ratios. Eighteen percent of sites reported incorporating point-of-care thromboelastogram into MTP policies. The most common intravenous hemostatic adjunct incorporated into MTPs was tranexamic acid (49%). Thirty-four percent of sites reported that some or all of their emergency medical service agencies have the ability to administer blood products or hemostatic agents during prehospital transport. There were minimal differences in MTP policies or capabilities between Level I and II sites. Conclusion The majority of ACS-TQIP participants reported having MTPs that support the use of DCR principles including high plasma-to-RBC and platelet-to-RBC ratios. Immediate availability of plasma and product use by emergency medical services are becoming increasingly common, whereas the incorporation of point-of-care thromboelastogram into MTP policies remains low.

Background Prolonged emergency department (ED) stays correlate with negative outcomes in critically ill nontrauma patients. This study sought to determine the effect of ED length of stay (LOS) on trauma patients. Materials and methods Two hundred forty-one trauma patients requiring direct intensive care unit (ICU) admission were identified. Patients requiring immediate operative intervention were excluded. Odds ratios (ORs) of outcomes for patients transferred to ICU in ≤90 min were compared with patients transferred in >90 min, adjusting for Injury Severity Score (ISS). Results One hundred two of 241 patients (42%) were transferred to the ICU in ≤90 min. Increased ED LOS was associated with decreased complications (OR 0.545, 95% confidence interval 0.312-0.952). Although the result was not statistically significant, patients with an ISS >15 were less likely to have long ED stays (OR 0.725, 95% CI 0.407-1.290). No significant difference was seen in mortality. No difference in duration of intubation was observed for patients intubated in the ED versus the ICU. For the subgroup with ISS ≤15, there was a significant decrease in ICU LOS for patients who remained in the ED >90 min (5.5 d versus 2.7 d, P = 0.02). No other differences in LOS were identified. Conclusions In a mature trauma center with standardized activation protocols and focused resource allocation in the ED trauma bay, trauma activation and subsequent management appear to mitigate the negative effects of prolonged ED LOS seen in other critically ill populations.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to (1) identify inpatient complications associated with the greatest differential mortality risk between young and old patients with traumatic injury and (2) identify older patients at elevated risk for mortality-associated complications. METHODS: Secondary analysis of more than 280,000 patients hospitalized for traumatic injury in 2001 to 2005 collected by the National Trauma Data Bank was performed. Predictor variables include 21 hospital complications. We used each complication to predict odds of hospital mortality, stratified by old (65+ years) versus young (18-64 years) age, controlling for age, sex, and preexisting condition count. We defined mortality-associated geriatric complications (MGCs) as complications associated with more than two times risk of mortality in older patients compared with younger patients. We then used age, comorbidity, and sex to predict development of MGCs or death. RESULTS: We defined seven infectious and six noninfectious complications as MGCs (adjusted relative risk reduction for death associated with old age [aRRR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]): abscess (aRRR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.6-4.5), wound infection (aRRR, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.2-3.9), empyema (aRRR, 3.4; 95% CI, 3.1, 3.8), urinary tract infection (aRRR, 3.3; 95% 3.0-3.6), pneumonia (aRRR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.8-3.5), bacteremia (aRRR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.6-3.0), aspiration pneumonia (aRRR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.2-3.0), reduction/fixation failure (aRRR, 3.6; 95% CI, 3.3-3.9), pressure ulcer (aRRR, 3.3; 95% CI, 3.1-3.6), deep venous thrombosis (aRRR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.9-3.6), pneumothorax (aRRR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.5-3.7), and compartment syndrome (aRRR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-2.9). We developed a graphical nomogram based on sex, age, and number of preexisting conditions to predict risk of MGCs (c statistic, 0.74). CONCLUSION: Older patients at risk for MGC development should be considered for targeted interventions to improve quality of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III. Language: en

Introduction Trauma patients are at high risk of complications and death from coagulopathy and inflammatory organ failure. Recent evidence implicates protein C (PC) as a key mediator of this process. We hypothesized that a mutation in the PC gene would ameliorate the inflammatory and coagulopathic response to hemorrhagic shock (HS) and resuscitation. Methods FHH wild type and PC mutant rats underwent controlled hemorrhage for 120 min with 70% of blood volume removed. Rats were resuscitated with Ringers lactate (2x shed blood volume) and shed blood. Animals were sacrificed 4 h post-HS. Controls were untreated naive rats. Results AST and NFkB lung protein levels were elevated similarly in both WT and mutants compared with naive rats. Plasma fibrinogen levels decreased significantly with progression of HS compared with baseline (BL) levels and returned towards normal 4 h after resuscitation. PC activity was similar in both groups at BL (0.5 ± 0.08 versus 0.6 ± 0.14; P = 0.14) and decreased from BL by 53% ± 24% in WT (P =0.08), by 67% ± 11% in mutants (P = 0.03) at sacrifice, and was not different between groups (P = 0.29). Conclusions Our model of HS and resuscitation produced a hypocoaguable, hyperinflammatory state with increased levels of NFkB and decreased levels of fibrinogen and PC levels. The mutated PC did not appear to alter these responses in our model of HS and resuscitation.

Background Significant differences in outcomes have been demonstrated between Level I trauma centers. Usually these differences are ascribed to regional or administrative differences, although the influence of variation in clinical practice is rarely considered. This study was undertaken to determine whether differences in early mortality of patients receiving a massive transfusion (MT, ≥ 10 units pf RBCs within 24 hours of admission) persist after adjustment for patient and transfusion practice differences. We hypothesized differences among centers in 24-hour mortality could predominantly be accounted for by differences in transfusion practices as well as patient characteristics. Methods Data were retrospectively collected over a 1-year period from 15 Level I centers on patients receiving an MT. A purposeful variable selection strategy was used to build the final multivariable logistic model to assess differences between centers in 24-hour mortality. Adjusted odds ratios for each center were calculated. Results : There were 550 patients evaluated, but only 443 patients had complete data for the set of variables included in the final model. Unadjusted mortality varied considerably across centers, ranging from 10% to 75%. Multivariable logistic regression identified injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) of the chest, admission base deficit, admission heart rate, and total units of RBC transfused, as well as ratios of plasma:RBC and platelet:RBC to be associated with 24-hour mortality. After adjusting for severity of injury and transfusion, treatment variables between center differences were no longer significant. Conclusions In the defined population of patients receiving an MT, between-center differences in 24-hour mortality may be accounted for by severity of injury as well as transfusion practices.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the VulnerableElders Survey (VES)-13, a survey based on functional statusthat has been validated in uninjured older populations, willpredict complications and mortality in injured older adults.DESIGN: Prospective observational pilot study.SETTING: Level 1 trauma center.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three older adults ( 65) with atraumatic injury who survived and required inpatient carefor at least 24 hours.MEASUREMENTS: Predictor: preinjury VES-13 score(0–10 points, higher5greater risk) obtained by interview-ing participants or proxies. Outcomes: composite outcomeof one or more medical complications (e.g., aspirationpneumonia, respiratory failure) or death, discharge desti-nation(home, nursing home, death), length ofstay, hospitalcharges. Covariates: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI),Injury Severity Score (ISS), and sex.RESULTS: Of the 63 participants, 30 (48%) were dis-charged to home and 28 (44%) to a nursing facility, 21(33%) developed one or more complications, and four (6%)died.InamodelthatalsocontrolledforISSandcomorbidity,each additional VES-13 point was associated with greaterrisk of complication or death (odds ratio51.53 per point,95% confidence interval 51.12–2.07).CONCLUSION: The VES-13, in combination with injuryseverity,maybeusefulearlyinthehospitalcoursetopredictcomplications and death in older adults with traumaticinjury, potentially identifying candidates who may benefitfrom additional inpatient geriatric services. J Am GeriatrSoc 59:1471–1476, 2011.Key words: trauma; acute surgical care; functional status

BACKGROUND: : Previous studies have demonstrated variations in severity-adjusted mortality between trauma centers. However, it is not clear if outcomes vary by the type of injury being treated. METHODS: : National Trauma Data Bank was used to identify patients 16 years or older with moderate to severe injuries (Abbreviated Injury score > or =3) treated at level I or II trauma centers (n = 127,439 patients, 105 centers). Observed-to-Expected mortality ratios (O/E ratios, 95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated for each trauma center within each of the three injury types: blunt multisystem (two or more body regions; n = 27,980; crude mortality, 15%), penetrating torso (neck, chest, or abdomen; n = 9,486; crude mortality, 9%), and blunt single system (n = 89,973; crude mortality 5%). Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for age, gender, mechanism, transfer status, and injury severity (Glasgow Coma Scale, blood pressure). For each injury type, trauma centers' performance was ranked as high (O/E with 95% CI 1), or average performers (O/E overlapping 1). RESULTS: : Almost three quarters of the trauma centers achieved the same performance rank in each of the three injury categories. There were 14 low-performing trauma centers in blunt multisystem injuries, six in penetrating torso injuries, and nine in the blunt single system injuries group. None of these centers achieved high performance in any other type of injury. CONCLUSIONS: : Risk-adjusted outcomes are consistent within trauma centers across different types of injuries, suggesting that quality improvement efforts should measure, analyze, and focus on hospital-wide systems of care, rather than on isolated quality domains related to specific types of injury. Language: en

Many trauma centers use the pan-computed tomography (CT) scan (head, neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis) for the evaluation of blunt trauma. This prospective observational study was undertaken to determine whether a more selective approach could be justified.We evaluated injuries in blunt trauma victims receiving a pan-CT scan at a level I trauma center. The primary outcome was injury needing immediate intervention. Secondary outcome was any injury. The perceived need for each scan was independently recorded by the emergency medicine and trauma surgery service before patients went to CT. A scan was unsupported if at least one of the physicians deemed it unnecessary.Between July, 1, 2007, and December, 28, 2007, 284 blunt trauma patients (average Injury Severity Score = 11) underwent a pan-CT after the survey form was completed. A total of 311 CT scans were judged to be unnecessary in 143 patients (27%), including scans of the head (62), neck (50), chest (116), and abdomen/pelvis (83). Of the 284 patients, 48 (17%) had injuries on 52 unsupported CT scans. An immediate intervention was required in 2 of the 48 patients (4%). Injuries that would have been missed included 5 of 62 unsupported head scans (8%), 2 of 50 neck scans (4%), 33 of 116 chest scans (28%), and 12 of 83 abdominal scans (14%). These missed injuries represent 5 of the 61 patients with closed head injuries (8%) in the series, 2 of the 23 with C-spine injuries (9%), 33 of the 112 with chest injuries (29%), and 12 of the 86 with abdominal injuries (14%). In 19 patients, none of the four CT scans was supported; nine of these had an injury identified, and six were admitted to the hospital (1 to the intensive care unit). Injuries that would have been missed included intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage (4), subarachnoid hemorrhage (2), cerebral contusion (1), C1 fracture (1), spinous and transverse process fractures (3), vertebral fracture (6), lung lacerations (1), lung contusions (14), small pneumothoraces (7), grade II-III liver and splenic lacerations (6), and perinephric or mesenteric hematomas (2).In this small sample, physicians were willing to omit 27% of scans. If this was done, two injuries requiring immediate actions would have been missed initially, and other potentially important injuries would have been missed in 17% of patients.

The preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often inaccurate in pregnant women, and complicated appendicitis is associated with a high rate of fetal loss. The study objective was to evaluate rates of fetal loss and early delivery in pregnant patients undergoing appendectomy, using a large population-based database.Using the California Inpatient File, we retrospectively analyzed all women undergoing appendectomy between 1995 and 2002 for pregnancy, diagnosis, operative technique, fetal loss, and early delivery during the same hospitalization as appendectomy.Of 94,789 women who underwent appendectomy, 3,133 were pregnant. Complicated appendicitis was found in 30% of pregnant women and 29% of nonpregnant women (p=NS). The rate of negative appendectomy was considerably higher in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women (23% versus 18%, p0.05). Rates of fetal loss and early delivery were considerably higher in women with complex appendicitis (6% and 11% respectively; p0.05) in comparison with negative (4% and 10%) and simple (2% and 4%) appendicitis. Using multivariate logistic regression, complicated and negative appendicitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.69 and 1.88 respectively, compared with simple) remained major positive predictors of fetal loss. Also, laparoscopy was associated with a higher rate of fetal loss compared with open appendectomy (odds ratio=2.31).The current approach to possible acute appendicitis in pregnant women puts 23% at risk for fetal loss, even though they have a normal appendix. These data indicate that reducing fetal loss in pregnant women suspected of having acute appendicitis will require more accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary operation.

In 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted Rule 21 CFR section 50.24, which allows a narrow exception to the requirement for prospective informed consent from human research subjects in clinical trials investigating potentially beneficial therapies for acute, life-threatening conditions. The first clinical trial to be conducted under this rule was sponsored by Baxter Healthcare Corporation and approved by the FDA on November 21, 1996. This large, multicenter, randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the addition of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) with standard care in the initial resuscitation of adults experiencing severe, uncompensated, traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Before the first planned interim analysis of the data, review of fatal adverse events revealed an imbalance in mortality between the 2 treatment groups. The Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) recommended suspension of patient enrollment 24 days later. Additional data collection and analyses confirmed the excess number of deaths in patients treated with DCLHb but failed to reveal the cause of these deaths. The trial was formally terminated after only 112 of the planned 850 patients had been enrolled. We review the events leading up to and the rationale behind the DMC recommendations for suspension of patient enrollment and trial termination. Although the DCLHb trial was unsuccessful in achieving its goals, the monitoring process worked well. Emergency research was facilitated by DMC oversight, and the interests of research subjects were protected by the actions of the DMC.

ImportanceFunctional recovery is an important outcome following injury. Functional impairment is persistent in the year following injury for older trauma patients.ObjectiveTo measure the impact of routine geriatric consultation on functional outcomes in older trauma patients.Design, setting, and participantsIn this pretest-posttest study, the pretest control group (n = 37) was retrospectively identified (December 2006-November 2007). The posttest geriatric consultation (GC) group (n = 85) was prospectively enrolled (December 2007-June 2010). We then followed up both groups for 1 year after enrollment. This study was conducted at an academic level 1 trauma center with adults 65 years of age and older admitted as an activated code trauma.InterventionRoutine GC.Main outcomes and measuresThe Short Functional Status survey of 5 activities of daily living (ADLs) at hospital admission and 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury.ResultsThe unadjusted Short Functional Status score (GC group only) declined from 4.6 preinjury to 3.7 at 12 months postinjury, a decline of nearly 1 full ADL (P

We retrospectively reviewed a series of 516 patients with motorcycle (n = 353) and bicycle (n = 162) injuries; 384 patients (74%) were younger than age 50 years and 132 (26%) were older. No significant differences by age group were seen in gender, helmet use, substance use, complications, or mortality. Older patients had more severe (Injury Severity Score [ISS] greater than 15) injuries (35 vs 18%; P < 0.001), longer intensive care unit stay (1.8 vs 0.9 days; P = 0.03), and more frequent discharge to subacute facilities (27 vs 10%; P < 0.001). When analyzed by vehicle type, fewer older bicyclists used helmets (63 vs 99%; P < 0.001) and more sustained severe head injuries (42 vs 16%; P = 0.002) and critical (ISS greater than 25) overall injuries (19 vs 6%; P = 0.033). Among older patients, independent predictors of mortality included emergent intubation ( P < 0.001), critical injury ( P = 0.006), severe head/neck injury ( P = 0.027), tachycardia at presentation ( P = 0.014), and female gender ( P = 0.026). We conclude that motorcycle and bicycle accidents cause major injuries in older patients with substantial use of hospital and posthospital resources. Older bicyclists are vulnerable to head injury and to greater functional decline. Helmet use among older bicyclists should be a direct target for a public health campaign.

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that patients undergoing massive transfusion have lower mortality rates when ratios of plasma and platelets to red blood cells (RBCs) of ≥ 1:2 are used. This has not been examined independently in women and men. A gender dichotomy in outcome after severe injury is known to exist. This study examined gender-related differences in mortality after high product ratio massive transfusion. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using a database containing massively transfused trauma patients from 23 Level I trauma centers. Baseline demographic, physiologic, and biochemical data were obtained. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted mortality in patients receiving high (≥ 1:2) or low (

To determine whether the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES)-13, a survey based on functional status that has been validated in uninjured older populations, will predict complications and mortality in injured older adults.Prospective observational pilot study.Level 1 trauma center.Sixty-three older adults (≥65) with a traumatic injury who survived and required inpatient care for at least 24 hours.preinjury VES-13 score (0-10 points, higher=greater risk) obtained by interviewing participants or proxies.composite outcome of one or more medical complications (e.g., aspiration pneumonia, respiratory failure) or death, discharge destination (home, nursing home, death), length of stay, hospital charges. Covariates: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and sex.Of the 63 participants, 30 (48%) were discharged to home and 28 (44%) to a nursing facility, 21 (33%) developed one or more complications, and four (6%) died. In a model that also controlled for ISS and comorbidity, each additional VES-13 point was associated with greater risk of complication or death (odds ratio=1.53 per point, 95% confidence interval=1.12-2.07).The VES-13, in combination with injury severity, may be useful early in the hospital course to predict complications and death in older adults with traumatic injury, potentially identifying candidates who may benefit from additional inpatient geriatric services.

We evaluated self-rated functional status measured longitudinally in the year after injury in a geriatric trauma population. The longitudinal (L) group included 37 of 60 eligible trauma patients aged 65 years or older admitted December 2006 to November 2007 for greater than 24 hours who completed a Short Functional Status questionnaire (SFS) at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. The SFS yields scores of 0 to 5 (5 = independent in all five activities of daily living [ADLs]) and has been validated among community-dwelling elders. The control (C) group included 63 trauma patients aged 65 years or older admitted December 2007 to July 2009 for greater than 24 hours who reported their preinjury functional status using the SFS at hospital admission. We used characteristics and scores of the C group to impute preinjury ADL scores for the L group. The groups were similar in baseline characteristics (age, ethnicity, Injury Severity Score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and living arrangement; P > 0.05). For the C group, the preinjury ADL score was 4.6 (SD = 0.9). For the L group, ADL scores declined at all intervals reaching statistical significance at 12 months. We conclude that in the year after traumatic injury, geriatric patients lost the equivalent of approximately one ADL, increasing their risk of further functional decline, loss of independence, and death.

PurpOSe: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has improved the quality of surgical care by tracking risk-adjusted patient outcomes. Unlike the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the trauma center verification program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) focuses on availability of optimal resources, not outcomes. We hypothesized that significant variations in outcomes exist across similar level ACS-verified trauma centers despite availability of similar resources. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank was used to identify adult patients (age 16-99 years) who were treated at ACS-verified Level I trauma centers that submitted at least 1,000 patients during the 5-year study period (264,102 patients from 58 trauma centers, excluding dead upon arrival). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze expected survival for each patient, adjusted for age, gender, race, injury mechanism, transfer status, and injury severity. Observed-to-expected survival ratios (O/E ratios with 95% confidence intervals) were used to rank trauma centers as high performers (O/E ratio significantly larger than 1), low performers (O/E ratio significantly less than 1), or average performers (O/E ratio overlapping 1). Results: Almost half the centers performed significantly different from their risk-adjusted expectation. Fourteen were high performers, 11 were low performers, and 33 were average performers. Conclusions: The trauma center verification process in its present form may not ensure optimal outcome across all verified centers. If further validated, these findings suggest significant room for trauma quality improvement by replicating structures and processes of high performing trauma centers.

To the Editor: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for acute abdomen and the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery in the United States.1 Surgeons have traditional...

Background Decompensated hemorrhagic shock is often refractory to resuscitation, and we show here that it is associated with loss of vascular tone in skeletal muscle precapillary arterioles. We tested the hypothesis that microvascular derangements in the skeletal muscle, intestinal, and renal microcirculation systems would be reversed by initial hypertonic saline-dextran infusion. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent precollicular brain stem transection without anesthesia for study. Parameters measured by in vivo videomicroscopy included cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, and microvascular responses in the skeletal muscle, ileum, and renal (i.e., the hydronephrotic kidney) microcirculation systems. Hemorrhaged was induced to a mean arterial pressure of 50 mm Hg until decompensation occurred. The rats were then initially resuscitated with (1) 4 mL/kg 7.5% NaCl in 6% dextran 70, (2) 33 mL/kg .9% NaCl in 6% dextran 70, or (3) 33 mL/kg .9% NaCl. Twenty minutes later they received shed blood plus 33 mL/kg .9% NaCl to maintain mean arterial pressure at baseline levels. Results Decompensated hemorrhagic shock decreased cardiac output to between 24% and 35% of baseline values and profoundly decreased microvascular blood flow to between 10% and 19% of baseline. At the completion of resuscitation cardiac output increased to greater than baseline in all groups. Microvascular blood flow increased toward baseline transiently but then progressively deteriorated to between 36% and 69% of baseline in the 3 tissues. There was no significant difference between the three resuscitative fluids. Conclusions Despite return of cardiac output to greater than baseline levels, muscle, intestinal, and renal microvascular blood flows remained significantly depressed. Hypertonic saline and/or dextran did not improve these deficits.

To determine the impact of patient gender on the performance of helical computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.From January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2000, 650 consecutive nonfocused helical abdominal CT scans were performed in adult patients presenting with acute lower abdominal pain. In general, most patients received both intravenous and oral contrast with 5-mm scan collimation through the lower abdomen and pelvis; details regarding technique and overall accuracy have been published previously. We subanalyzed results with respect to patient gender-related differences, especially in false-positive and false-negative cases. A chi2 analysis was performed to determine if significant gender-related differences were present in major or minor CT diagnostic criteria for acute appendicitis, extra-appendiceal findings, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Of the 650 patients, 552 had adequate clinical follow-up. The sensitivity for diagnosing acute appendicitis was 100% (65/65) in men and 93.6% (74/79) in women (P0.05); specificity was 96.2% (130/135) in men and 98.9% (272/275) in women (P0.05); and accuracy was 97.5% (193/198) in men and 97.6% in women (346/354) (P0.05). A thickened appendix and periappendiceal stranding were seen in 92.1% of men and 84.5% of women (P = 0.15) All 5 false-negative results were in thin women. In patients without acute appendicitis, CT was able to provide a relevant alternative diagnosis in 183 of 272 women (67.3%) and 81 of 130 men (62.3%) (P0.05).Nonfocused helical CT was highly accurate for diagnosing acute appendicitis in both men and women, although there was a slight but significant decrease in sensitivity in thin women.

The clinical usefulness of routine, nonfocused helical CT was evaluated in diagnosing acute appendicitis or providing an alternative diagnosis in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute lower abdominal pain.We reviewed CT reports and clinical records of 650 consecutive adult patients who presented between January 1996 and December 2000 with right lower quadrant pain or lower abdominal pain and clinical findings suggestive of appendicitis. Helical CT was performed with oral contrast material in 610 cases (93.8%) and IV contrast in 572 cases (88.0%). Both vascular and enteric contrast media were administered in 544 cases (83.7%). Rectal contrast material was administered in 52 cases (8.0%). The abdomen was helically scanned from the dome of the diaphragm to the iliac crests with a collimation of 7 mm, from the iliac crests to the acetabular roof at a 5-mm collimation, from the acetabular roof to the symphysis pubis with a collimation of 5-10 mm. The surgical or clinical record was used for follow-up.Of the 650 patients, 552 (84.9%) had adequate clinical follow-up. There were 137 true-positive, eight false-positive, five false-negative, and 402 true-negative cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of nonfocused helical CT were 96.5%, 98.0%, 97.6%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 94.5% and 98.8%, respectively. In patients without acute appendicitis, CT suggested an alternative diagnosis, which clinically explained the patient's acute abdominal pain in 266 patients (66.2%).Nonfocused helical CT was highly accurate in diagnosing acute appendicitis or suggesting an alternative diagnosis in patients with acute lower abdominal pain or right lower quadrant pain.

We randomized 327 blunt trauma patients to compare the open peritoneal lavage technique with the percutaneous (Seldinger wire) technique. The open and closed lavage groups were similar with respect to accuracy and safety. There were one complication in the percutaneous group and two in patients treated by the open method. The incidence of positive lavage was similar in each group. There was one false positive in the percutaneous group and none in the open method group. False negative results did not occur by either method. The percutaneous lavage method required less time for performance, had better patient tolerance, and only required one surgeon to perform the procedure. Percutaneous diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), in the hands of trauma surgeons, is a safe and acceptable alternative to the open DPL method and actually had several advantages as mentioned above.

Shotgun wounds present specific challenges for the surgeon. Multiple penetrating wounds frequently involve large anatomic areas with potential multi-system injury. Experience with 121 patients sustaining shotgun wounds over the 5-year period ending 31 December 1981 was reviewed to assess results and evaluate treatment protocols. Sixty-six patients had chest wounds with pleural penetration. Twenty-four wounds were minor and were observed. Each had less than five pellets penetrating the pleura. Twenty-two patients had close-range injuries. Fourteen of these required chest tube drainage alone and eight patients required thoracotomy for control of bleeding. Eleven patients died, six as a direct result of the chest injury. In 55 patients with abdominal-retroperitoneal wounds exploratory operations were done if more than four pellets were thought to be lodged intraperitoneally or if signs of peritonitis were present, while lesser wounds without peritoneal findings were observed. In the 15 patients who did not have exploratory operations, there were no deaths or major complications. Thirty-five patients had exploratory operations. Two patients had five intraperitoneal missiles and no clinical evidence of peritonitis but were found to have significant intestinal perforations. Four patients died. Eighty-three patients with extremity wounds were classified according to location of injury. Forty-five had upper extremity wounds, with nine vascular injuries. Two patients died and one limb was amputated because of soft tissue infection. Thirty-eight patients had lower extremity wounds. Five had major vascular injuries. Preoperative arteriography was obtained in 13 patients with extremity injuries; the results of one of these were falsely negative. There were no deaths or amputations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

• To determine the microvascular site of vasodilation during hyperdynamic sepsis, we measured arteriolar and venular responses to live Escherichia coli bacteremia in the rat cremaster muscle by direct in vivo videomicroscopy. Our data indicate that cardiac output (by thermodilution) increased, systemic vascular resistance decreased, and a differential arteriolar response occurred, with constriction of large arterioles and dilation of small terminal arterioles. We conclude that dilation of small terminal arterioles in skeletal muscle could contribute to decreased systemic vascular resistance during hyperdynamic sepsis. This may be an appropriate response to increased oxygen demand or decreased tissue utilization of oxygen. Alternatively, small-arteriole dilation may be an inappropriate response and secondary to release of vasoactive inflammatory mediators. If the latter is true, there is a potential therapeutic role for selective manipulation of the tone of small terminal arterioles in hyperdynamic sepsis. ( Arch Surg 1987;122:86-92)