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BackgroundGlobal surgery research efforts have been criticized for failure to transition from problem identification to intervention implementation. We developed a context-appropriate trauma quality improvement (TQI) bundle to ameliorate care gaps at a regional referral hospital in Cameroon. We determined associations between bundle implementation and improvement in trauma resuscitation practices.MethodsWe implemented a TQI bundle consisting of a hospital-specific trauma protocol, staff training, a trauma checklist, provision of essential emergency trauma supplies in the resuscitation area, and monthly quality improvement meetings. We compared trends in target process measures (e.g., frequency and timing of vital sign collection and primary survey interventions) in the six-month period pre- and post-bundle implementation using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsWe compared 246 pre-bundle patients with 203 post-bundle patients. Post-bundle patients experienced a greater proportion of all vital signs collected compared to the pre-intervention cohort (0 % pre-bundle vs. 69 % post-bundle, p < 0.001); specifically, the proportion of respiratory rate (0.8 % pre-bundle vs. 76 % post-bundle, p < 0.001) and temperature (7 % pre-bundle vs. 91 % post-bundle, p < 0.001) vital sign collection significantly increased. The post-bundle cohort had vital signs measured sooner (74 % vital signs measured within 15 min of arrival pre-bundle vs. 90 % post-bundle, p < 0.001) and more frequently per patient (7 % repeated vitals pre-bundle vs 52 % post-bundle, p < 0.001). Key primary survey interventions such as respiratory interventions (1 % pre-bundle vs. 8 % post-bundle, p < 0.001) and cervical collar placement (0 % pre-bundle vs. 7 % post-bundle, p < 0.001) also increased in the post-bundle cohort.ConclusionsThe implementation of a context-appropriate TQI bundle was associated with significant improvements in previously identified trauma care deficits at a single regional hospital. Data-derived interventions targeting frontline capacity at the local level can bridge the gap between identifying care limitations and improvement in resource-limited settings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of early cold stored platelet transfusion compared with standard care resuscitation in patients with hemorrhagic shock. BACKGROUND: Data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of early cold stored platelet transfusion are lacking following severe injury. METHODS: A phase 2, multicenter, randomized, open label, clinical trial was performed at 5 US trauma centers. Injured patients at risk of large volume blood transfusion and the need for hemorrhage control procedures were enrolled and randomized. The intervention was the early transfusion of a single apheresis cold stored platelet unit, stored for up to 14 days versus standard care resuscitation. The primary outcome was feasibility and the principal clinical outcome for efficacy and safety was 24-hour mortality. RESULTS: Mortality at 24 hours was 5.9% in patients who were randomized to early cold stored platelet transfusion compared with 10.2% in the standard care arm (difference, -4.3%; 95% CI, -12.8% to 3.5%; P =0.26). No significant differences were found for any of the prespecified ancillary outcomes. Rates of arterial and/or venous thromboembolism and adverse events did not differ across treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In severely injured patients, early cold stored platelet transfusion is feasible, safe and did not result in a significant lower rate of 24-hour mortality. Early cold stored platelet transfusion did not result in a higher incidence of arterial and/or venous thrombotic complications or adverse events. The storage age of the cold stored platelet product was not associated with significant outcome differences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04667468.

Surf lifesaving members are essential first responders who patrol public waterways, performing rescues and resuscitation to individuals in the community when needed. In this way, surf lifesaving members experience arduous physical requirements alongside extensive psychological stress during resuscitation. Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) represents the predominant, frontline lifesaving service in Queensland, Australia; however, little research has explored key aspects of drowning resuscitations involving this organisation, as well as in the broader lifesaving industry, limiting current understanding on this vital topic. We sought to explore key aspects of drowning resuscitations within SLSQ and create a framework to generate evidence-based practice. In guiding future lines of inquiry addressing this deficiency, a six-step research framework has been proposed to aid in holistically understanding the resuscitation process from a surf lifesaving perspective. Evidence generated from applying this framework will create a much- needed knowledge base for surf lifesaving organisations to use in the development of practical, strategic, and effective decisions to enhance their practices and ultimately better prevent drowning fatalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The trauma mortality rate is higher in the elderly compared with younger patients. Ageing is associated with physiological changes in multiple systems and correlated with frailty. Frailty is a risk factor for mortality in elderly trauma patients. We aim to provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of geriatric trauma patients to improve it and reduce futile procedures. METHODS: Six working groups of expert acute care and trauma surgeons reviewed extensively the literature according to the topic and the PICO question assigned. Statements and recommendations were assessed according to the GRADE methodology and approved by a consensus of experts in the field at the 10th international congress of the WSES in 2023. RESULTS: The management of elderly trauma patients requires knowledge of ageing physiology, a focused triage, including drug history, frailty assessment, nutritional status, and early activation of trauma protocol to improve outcomes. Acute trauma pain in the elderly has to be managed in a multimodal analgesic approach, to avoid side effects of opioid use. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in penetrating (abdominal, thoracic) trauma, in severely burned and in open fractures elderly patients to decrease septic complications. Antibiotics are not recommended in blunt trauma in the absence of signs of sepsis and septic shock. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with LMWH or UFH should be administrated as soon as possible in high and moderate-risk elderly trauma patients according to the renal function, weight of the patient and bleeding risk. A palliative care team should be involved as soon as possible to discuss the end of life in a multidisciplinary approach considering the patients directives, family feelings and representatives desires, and all decisions should be shared. CONCLUSIONS: The management of elderly trauma patients requires knowledge of ageing physiology, a focused triage based on assessing frailty and early activation of trauma protocol to improve outcomes. Geriatric Intensive Care Units are needed to care for elderly and frail trauma patients in a multidisciplinary approach to decrease mortality and improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use is common in pregnancy. It is associated with delayed neonatal adaptation. Most previous studies have not adjusted for the severity of maternal mental health disorders or examined the impact of SSRI type and dosage. We examined whether treatment with SSRIs in late pregnancy (after 20 weeks) is associated with delayed neonatal adaptation independent of maternal depression and anxiety. DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS: Retrospective population-based birth cohort of 280 090 term infants born at 15 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, 2011-2019. Individual-level pharmacy, maternal, pregnancy and neonatal data were obtained from electronic medical records. EXPOSURE: Dispensed maternal SSRI prescription after 20 weeks of pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Delayed neonatal adaptation defined as a 5 min Apgar score ≤5, resuscitation at birth or admission to a neonatal intensive care unit for respiratory support. Secondary outcomes included each individual component of the primary outcome and more severe neonatal outcomes (pulmonary hypertension, hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and seizures). RESULTS: 7573 (2.7%) infants were exposed to SSRIs in late pregnancy. Delayed neonatal adaptation occurred in 11.2% of exposed vs 4.4% of unexposed infants (relative risk 2.52 (95% CI 2.36 to 2.70)). After multivariable adjustment, there was an association between SSRI exposure and delayed neonatal adaptation (adjusted OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.96 to 2.32)). This association was dose dependent. Escitalopram and fluoxetine were associated with the highest risk of delayed neonatal adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: Infants exposed to SSRIs have increased risks of delayed adaptation in a type and dose-dependent relationship, pointing toward a causal relationship.

Introduction: Intra-arrest transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have been introduced in adult patients with cardiac arrest (CA). Whether the diagnostic performance of TTE or TEE is superior during resuscitation is unclear. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.Methods: We searched databases from PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar and evaluated articles with intra-arrest TTE and TEE in adult patients with non-traumatic CA. Two authors independently screened and selected articles for inclusion; they then dual-extracted study characteristics and target conditions (pericardial effusion, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, hypovolemia, left ventricular dysfunction, and sonographic cardiac activity). We performed quality assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Version 2 criteria.Results: A total of 27 studies were included: 14 studies with 2,145 patients assessed TTE; and 16 with 556 patients assessed TEE. A high risk of bias or applicability concerns in at least one domain was present in 20 studies (74%). Both TTE and TEE found positive findings in nearly one-half of the patients. The etiology of CA was identified in 13% (271/2,145), and intervention was performed in 38% (102/271) of patients in the TTE group. In patients who received TEE, the etiology was identified in 43% (239/556), and intervention was performed in 28% (68/239). In the TEE group, a higher incidence regarding the etiology of CA was observed, particularly for those with aortic dissection. However, the outcome of those with aortic dissection in the TEE group was poor.Conclusion: While TEE could identify more causes of CA than TTE, sonographic cardiac activity was reported much more in the TTE group. The impact of TTE and TEE on the return of spontaneous circulation and further survival was still inconclusive in the current dataset.

Background: Simulation-based medical education has been used in medical training for decades. Rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) is a novel simulation strategy that uses iterative practice and feedback to achieve skill mastery. To date, there has been minimal evaluation of RCDP vs standard immersive simulation (IS) for the teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to graduate medical education (GME) learners. Our primary objective was to compare the time to performance of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) actions between trainees who completed RCDP vs IS.Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled curriculum evaluation. A total of 55 postgraduate year-1 internal medicine and emergency medicine residents participated in the study. Residents were randomized to instruction by RCDP (28) or IS (27). Stress and ability were self-assessed before and after training using an anonymous survey that incorporated five-point Likert-type questions. We measured and compared times to initiate critical ACLS actions between the two groups during a subsequent IS.Results: Prior learner experience between RCDP and IS groups was similar. Times to completion of the first pulse check, chest compression initiation, backboard placement, pad placement, initial rhythm analysis, first defibrillation, epinephrine administration, and antiarrhythmic administration were similar between RCDP and IS groups. However, RCDP groups took less time to complete the pulse check between compression cycles (6.2 vs 14.2 seconds, P = 0.01). Following training, learners in the RCDP and IS groups scored their ability to lead and their levels of anticipated stress similarly (3.43 vs 3.30,(P = 0.77), 2.43 vs. 2.41, P = 0.98, respectively). However, RCDP groups rated their ability to participate in resuscitation more highly (4.50 vs 3.96, P = 0.01). The RCDP groups also reported their realized stress of participating in the event as lower than that of the IS groups (2.36 vs 2.85, P = 0.01).Conclusion: Rapid cycle deliberate practice learners demonstrated a shorter pulse check duration, reported lower stress levels associated with their experience, and rated their ability to participate in ACLS care more highly than their IS-trained peers. Our results support further investigation of RCDP in other simulation settings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes over time in resuscitation, survival, and morbidity of extremely preterm infants in California. STUDY DESIGN: This population-based, retrospective cohort study includes infants born ≤28 weeks. Linked birth certificates and hospital discharge records were used to evaluate active resuscitation, survival, and morbidity across two epochs (2011-2014, 2015-2019). RESULTS: Of liveborn infants, 0.6% were born ≤28 weeks. Active resuscitation increased from 16.9% of 22-week infants to 98.1% of 25-week infants and increased over time in 22-, 23-, and 25-week infants (p-value ≤ 0.01). Among resuscitated infants, survival to discharge increased from 33.2% at 22 weeks to 96.1% at 28 weeks. Survival without major morbidity improved over time for 28-week infants (p-value

Fluid bolus therapy (FBT) is fundamental to the management of circulatory shock in critical care but balancing the benefits and toxicities of FBT has proven challenging in individual patients. Improved predictors of the hemodynamic response to a fluid bolus, commonly referred to as a fluid challenge, are needed to limit non-beneficial fluid administration and to enable automated clinical decision support and patient-specific precision critical care management. In this study we retrospectively analyzed data from 394 fluid boluses from 58 pigs subjected to either hemorrhagic or distributive shock. All animals had continuous blood pressure and cardiac output monitored throughout the study. Using this data, we developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict the hemodynamic response to a fluid challenge using only arterial blood pressure waveform data as the input. A Random Forest binary classifier referred to as the ML fluid responsiveness algorithm (MLFRA) was trained to detect fluid responsiveness (FR), defined as a ≥ 15% change in cardiac stroke volume after a fluid challenge. We then compared its performance to pulse pressure variation, a commonly used metric of FR. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), confusion matrix metrics, and calibration curves plotting predicted probabilities against observed outcomes. Across multiple train/test splits and feature selection methods designed to assess performance in the setting of small sample size conditions typical of large animal experiments, the MLFRA achieved an average AUROC, recall (sensitivity), specificity, and precision of 0.82, 0.86, 0.62. and 0.76, respectively. In the same datasets, pulse pressure variation had an AUROC, recall, specificity, and precision of 0.73, 0.91, 0.49, and 0.71, respectively. The MLFRA was generally well-calibrated across its range of predicted probabilities and appeared to perform equally well across physiologic conditions. These results suggest that ML, using only inputs from arterial blood pressure monitoring, may substantially improve the accuracy of predicting FR compared to the use of pulse pressure variation. If generalizable, these methods may enable more effective, automated precision management of critically ill patients with circulatory shock.

Objective Cerebral oximetry using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical technology widely used in neonatology. The present study aimed to define reference ranges for cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (crSO 2) with a new four-wavelength NIRS device, Masimo O3 oximeter, during immediate transition after birth and compare values with those obtained previously with NIRO 200NX ®. Study Design This was a prospective observational study using Masimo O3 device to measure crSO 2 and regional cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) in healthy term newborns delivered by primary cesarean section, during the 15 minutes after cord clamping. The neonates who required any medical support were excluded. The NIRS sensor was placed on the right forehead. Peripheral oxygen saturation and heart rate were continuously measured by pulse oximetry. Previous studies which established centiles for crSO 2 with NIRO 200NX were used for comparison. Results A total of 44 newborns were included. The median crSO 2 and cFTOE (interquartile range) at 2, 5, and 7 minutes was 54% (49–54), 71% (64–86), and 79% (73–84) and 0,25 (0,18–0,33), 0,19 (0,15–0,23), and 0,16 (0,12–0,21), respectively, with no further changes afterwards. The crSO 2 measurements were significantly higher with Masimo O3 compared with NIRO-200NX. Conclusion The present observational study presented reference ranges for crSO 2 and cFTOE measured with Masimo O3 oximeter during the immediate neonatal transition. Values obtained with O3 were higher than those obtained with other oximeters. For this reason, crSO 2 is device-specific so there must be known reference values for each oximeter to define therapeutic interventions based on crSO 2 and assess cerebral oxygenation in clinical studies. Key Points Masimo O3 uses four wavelengths to measure regional oxygen saturation value. O3 values of crSO 2 and cFTOE differ with other neonatal oximeters at birth. Knowledge of reference range of O3 at birth is essential to guide resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective It is important to determine whether the use of different quality improvement tools in neonatal resuscitation is well-received by health care teams and improves coordination and perceived quality of the stabilization of the newborn at birth. This study aimed to explore the satisfaction of personnel involved in resuscitation for infants under 32 weeks of gestational age (<32 wGA) at birth with the use of an assistance toolkit: Random Real-time Safety Audits (RRSA) of neonatal stabilization stations, the use of pre-resuscitation checklists, and the implementation of briefings and debriefings. Study Design A quasi-experimental, prospective, multicenter intervention study was conducted in five level III-A neonatal intensive care units in Madrid (Spain). The intervention involved conducting weekly RRSA of neonatal resuscitation stations and the systematic use of checklists, briefings, and debriefings during stabilization at birth for infants <32 wGA. The satisfaction with their use was analyzed through surveys conducted with the personnel responsible for resuscitating these newborns. These surveys were conducted both before and after the intervention phase (each lasting 1 year) and used a Likert scale response model to assess various aspects of the utility of the introduced assistance tools, team coordination, and perceived quality of the resuscitation. Results Comparison of data from 200 preintervention surveys and 155 postintervention surveys revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between the two phases. The postintervention phase scored higher in all aspects related to the effective utilization of these tools. Improvements were observed in team coordination and the perceived quality of neonatal resuscitation. These improved scores were consistent across personnel roles and years of experience. Conclusion Personnel attending to infants <32 wGA in the delivery room are satisfied with the application of RRSA, checklists, briefings, and debriefings in the neonatal resuscitation and perceive a higher level of quality in the stabilization of these newborns following the introduction of these tools. Key Points RRSA, checklists, briefings, and debriefings improve the quality of neonatal resuscitation at birth. These tools, when used together, are well-received and enhance perceived resuscitation quality. Perception of utility and quality improvement is consistent across roles and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac etiologies arrest accounts for almost half of all in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), and previous studies have shown that the location of IHCA is an important factor affecting patient outcomes. The aim was to compare the characteristics, causes and outcomes of cardiovascular disease in patients suffering IHCA from different departments of Fuwai hospital in Beijing, China. Methods: We included patients who were resuscitated after IHCA at Fuwai hospital between March 2017 and August 2022. We categorized the departments where cardiac arrest occurred as cardiac surgical or non-surgical units. Independent predictors of in-hospital survival were assessed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 119 patients with IHCA were analysed, 58 (48.7%) patients with cardiac arrest were in non-surgical units, and 61 (51.3%) were in cardiac surgical units. In non-surgical units, acute myocardial infarction/cardiogenic shock (48.3%) was the main cause of IHCA. Cardiac arrest in cardiac surgical units occurred mainly in patients who were planning or had undergone complex aortic replacement (32.8%). Shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia) were observed in approximately one-third of all initial rhythms in both units. Patients who suffered cardiac arrest in cardiac surgical units were more likely to return to spontaneous circulation (59.0% vs. 24.1%) and survive to hospital discharge (40.0% vs. 10.2%). On multivariable regression analysis, IHCA in cardiac surgical units (OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.90-15.26) and a shorter duration of resuscitation efforts (≤ 30 min) (OR 6.76, 95% CI 2.27–20.09) were associated with greater survival rate at discharge. Conclusion: IHCA occurring in cardiac surgical units and a duration of resuscitation efforts less than 30 min were associated with potentially increased rates of survival to discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circulatory shock and multi-organ failure remain major contributors to morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients and are associated with insufficient oxygen availability in the tissue. Intrinsic mechanisms to improve tissue perfusion, such as up-regulation of functional capillary density (FCD) and red blood cell velocity (RBCv), have been identified as maneuvers to improve oxygen extraction by the tissues; however, their role in circulatory shock and potential use as resuscitation targets remains unknown. To fill this gap, we examined the baseline and maximum recruitable FCD and RBCv in response to a topical nitroglycerin stimulus (FCDNG, RBCvNG) in patients with and without circulatory shock to test whether this may be a method to identify the presence and magnitude of a microcirculatory reserve capacity important for identifying a resuscitation target. Methods: Sublingual handheld vital microscopy was performed after initial resuscitation in mechanically ventilated patients consecutively admitted to a tertiary medical ICU. FCD and RBCv were quantified using an automated computer vision algorithm (MicroTools). Patients with circulatory shock were retrospectively identified via standardized hemodynamic and clinical criteria and compared to patients without circulatory shock. Results: 54 patients (57 ± 14y, BMI 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2, SAPS 56 ± 19, 65% male) were included, 13 of whom presented with circulatory shock. Both groups had similar cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, RBCv, and RBCvNG. Heart rate (p < 0.001), central venous pressure (p = 0.02), lactate (p < 0.001), capillary refill time (p < 0.01), and Mottling score (p < 0.001) were higher in circulatory shock after initial resuscitation, while FCD and FCDNG were 10% lower (16.9 ± 4.2 and 18.9 ± 3.2, p < 0.01; 19.3 ± 3.1 and 21.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.03). Nitroglycerin response was similar in both groups, and circulatory shock patients reached FCDNG similar to baseline FCD found in patients without shock. Conclusion: Critically ill patients suffering from circulatory shock were found to present with a lower sublingual FCD. The preserved nitroglycerin response suggests a dysfunction of intrinsic regulation mechanisms to increase the microcirculatory oxygen extraction capacity associated with circulatory shock and identifies a potential resuscitation target. These differences in microcirculatory hemodynamic function between patients with and without circulatory shock were not reflected in blood pressure or cardiac index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Modern warfare operations are volatile, highly complex environments, placing immense physiological, psychological, and cognitive demands on the warfighter. To maximize cognitive performance and warfighter resilience and readiness, training must address psychological stress to enhance performance. Resilience in the face of adversity is fundamentally rooted in an individual's psychophysiological stress response and optimized through decreased susceptibility to the negative impact of trauma exposure. The current project aims to optimize warfighter expertise, resilience, adaptability, and performance by utilizing a validated Full Dive Virtual Reality (FDVR) training platform to provide high-fidelity, safe, and scalable, controlled stress exposure in highly realistic simulated training scenarios with the most advanced, immersive technology available. Materials and Methods Following Institutional Review Board approval and consent, 2 operators were fitted with high-fidelity virtual reality headsets with hand and eye tracking, full-body haptic feedback suits, a 360° omnidirectional treadmill, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared biometric monitors. Following acclimation, operators were placed in an industrial fire scenario and instructed to respond as a firefighter and paramedic, to search for and resuscitate any casualties, extinguish the fire, and exfiltrate safely. Following initial acclimation and after each demonstration (n  = 2), 3 semistructured interviews asked operators their perceptions and experiences related to FDVR, focusing on usability, feasibility, and safety. Biometric data were continuously recorded using the Caretaker Medical VitalStream. Results Proof-of-concept (POC) testing proved that the FDVR training platform is usable, safe, and feasible. It creates an immersive environment with physiological responses to mimic realistic Mass Casualty Events (MCEs). Using a case study approach, transcript data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: Sensory deficits reduced realism, but sensory feedback improved fidelity, vestibular discord affected the virtual reality experience but only when the system did not respond naturally to operator movement after acclimation, and movement accommodations were made by operators to enhance usability, especially for fine motor movements. Biometric data analysis correlated timestamps from the VitalStream unit with operator responses to stress-inducing events (i.e. explosions, fires, and a deceased victim). Both operators exhibited significant physiological responses, including elevated heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, particularly following explosions, encountering fire, and encountering the deceased victim within the training environment. Conclusions The FDVR training platform overcomes the obstacles of in-person simulation training and provides the closest to real-life experience available. It will allow warfighters to train with their teams in immersive environments that replicate the conditions in which they are expected to perform their duties. The POC demonstrated that physiological responses can be mapped to scenario events to allow tracking of stress responses, cognitive load, as well as performance, and decision-making of the warfighter. The POC only involved 2 operators, but served to prove that the platform was safe and effective. Future testing plans to include 200 warfighters in operational teams of 10 to 12 to further validate the training effectiveness of the FDVR platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC) is a military adaptation aimed at providing pre-hospital care in austere settings when evacuation is delayed or even impossible. Current lack of standardized medical equipment and size/weight restrictions of military packs during dismounted operations hinder effective PCC. We sought to design a standardized, practical, and effective prolonged field care kit (PFAK) to enable widespread implementation of PCC. Materials and Methods We reviewed Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines to generate a list of potential contents of the PFAK. We obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption and then conducted stakeholder surveys of combat casualty care experts across the Joint Trauma System using a modified Delphi survey approach. We established a civil–military working group that provided in-depth qualitative feedback on the PFAK contents and provided an initial design of a long-range medical rucksack (LMR) to house it. Responses were analyzed using mean rank scores to help determine initial components of the PFAK. Tactical subject-matter experts tested and evaluated the PFAK and LMR prototype in austere conditions to refine the design. Results Review of the PCC Clinical Practice Guidelines generated 49 medications and 301 potential supplies as potential PFAK contents. The first Delphi survey was sent to 100 stakeholders (overall response rate of 60%). After the first survey, contents were narrowed to a list of the most essential 27 medications and 105 other components. Iterative prototypes of the PFAK and LMR were tested to determine ergonomics, portability, flexibility, and equipment compartmentalization to facilitate use in emergencies. The prototype was optimized to address the clinical, logistical, and tactical requirements of PCC across a variety of platforms and environmental conditions. Conclusions Given the changing battlefield environment, efficient and effective PCC will play an increasingly important role in the management of combat trauma. The PFAK can meet this need by providing a practical and standardized resuscitation kit generated by expert military and trauma personnel consensus, carried conveniently in the LMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Retrograde Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is an effective management for the transient responder, but the ischemic consequences of complete aortic occlusion currently limit its use. Multiple DoD-funded preclinical studies have clearly demonstrated that partial REBOA reduces distal ischemia to potentially extend safe occlusion times, while still providing effective temporization of noncompressible torso hemorrhage. Early versions of REBOA devices were designed to completely occlude the aorta and had little ability to provide partial occlusion. Recently, a new REBOA device (pREBOA-PRO) was designed specifically to allow for partial occlusion, with the hypothesis that this may reduce the complications of aortic occlusion and extend safe occlusion times while maintaining the benefits on cardiac and cerebrovascular circulation as well as reductions in resuscitation requirements. Materials and Methods To ascertain the impact of a new purpose-built partial REBOA device on the extension of safe occlusion time, the Partial REBOA Outcomes Multicenter ProspecTive (PROMPT) trial compared available data from the pREBOA-PRO with existing data from 200 clinical uses of pREBOA-PRO and available data in the AAST AORTA Registry were reviewed to design primary endpoints and clinical evidence for a prospective multi-center trial, the PROMPT Study. Together with the endpoints identified in preclinical studies of partial REBOA, primary endpoints for the PROMPT study were identified and power analyses were conducted to determine the target patient enrollment goals. Results Results from the clinical implementation of partial REBOA at a single trauma center were used to conduct the initial power analysis for the primary endpoint of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after prolonged occlusion. The rate of AKI after complete REBOA was 55% (12/20) compared to 33% (4/12) after partial REBOA (Madurska et al. 2021). With an alpha of 0.05 and power (β) of 0.8, the projected sample size for comparison on a dichotomous outcome is 85 patients for the assessment of AKI. Initial power and endpoint analyses have been confirmed and extended with the ongoing analysis of partial and complete REBOA reported in the AORTA database. These analyses confirm preclinical findings which show that compared to complete REBOA, partial REBOA is associated with extended occlusion time in zone 1 (complete: 31 min vs. partial: 45 min, P  = 0.003), lower rates of AKI after zone 1 occlusion (complete: 33% vs. partial: 19%, P  = 0.05) and reduced resuscitation requirements (e.g. 25% reduction in pRBC administration: complete: 18 units vs. partial: 13 units, P  = 0.02). Conclusions The DoD-funded PROMPT study of partial REBOA will provide prospective observational clinical data on patients being treated with pREBOA-PRO. Outcomes will be stratified based on partial or complete occlusion to address whether partial REBOA has additional clinical benefits over complete REBOA, such as decreased distal ischemia, extension of safe occlusion time, improved hemodynamics during transition to and from occlusion, and reduced interoperative bleeding and blood product use. The results from this study are expected to confirm previous data demonstrating reduction of ischemic sequalae, improved transition to reperfusion, and reduced resuscitative requirements compared to complete REBOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Non-compressible torso hemorrhagic (NCTH) shock is the leading cause of potentially survivable trauma on the battlefield. New hypotensive drug therapies are urgently required to resuscitate and protect the heart and brain following NCTH. Our aim was to examine the strengths and limitations of permissive hypotension and discuss the development of small-volume adenosine, lidocaine, and Mg2+ (ALM) fluid resuscitation in rats and pigs. Materials and Methods For review of permissive hypotension, a literature search was performed from inception up to November 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases, with inclusion of animal studies, clinical trials and reviews with military and clinical relevance. For the preclinical study, adult female pigs underwent laparoscopic liver resection. After 30 minutes of bleeding, animals were resuscitated with 4 mL/kg 3% NaCl ± ALM bolus followed 60 minutes later with 4 h 3 mL/kg/h 0.9% NaCl ± ALM drip (n  = 10 per group), then blood transfusion. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output (CO) were continuously measured via a left ventricular pressure catheter and pulmonary artery catheter, respectively. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was calculated using the formula: 80 × (MAP − CVP)/CI. Oxygen delivery was calculated as the product of CO and arterial oxygen content. Results Targeting a MAP of ∼50 mmHg can be harmful or beneficial, depending on how CO and SVR are regulated. A theoretical example shows that for the same MAP of 50 mmHg, a higher CO and lower SVR can lead to a nearly 2-fold increase in O2 supply. We further show that in animal models of NCTH, 3% NaCl ALM bolus and 0.9% NaCl ALM drip induce a hypotensive, high flow, vasodilatory state with maintained tissue O2 supply and neuroprotection. ALM therapy increases survival by resuscitating the heart, reducing internal bleeding by correcting coagulopathy, and decreasing secondary injury. Conclusions In rat and pig models of NCTH, small-volume ALM therapy resuscitates at hypotensive pressures by increasing CO and reducing SVR. This strategy is associated with heart and brain protection and maintained tissue O2 delivery. Translational studies are required to determine reproducibility and optimal component dosing. ALM therapy may find wide utility in prehospital and far-forward military environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a temporizing hemorrhage control intervention, but its inevitable effect on time to operating room (OR) has not been assessed. The aim of our study is to assess the impact of undergoing REBOA before surgery (RBS) on time to definitive hemorrhage control surgery. Methods In this retrospective analysis of 2017–2021 ACS-TQIP database, all adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent emergency hemorrhage control laparotomy (≤4 hours of admission) and received early blood products (≤4 hours) were included, and patients with severe head injury (Head-abbreviated injury score > 2) were excluded. Patients were stratified into those who did (RBS) vs those who did not undergo REBOA before surgery (No-RBS). Primary outcome was time to laparotomy. Secondary outcomes were complications and mortality. Multivariable linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent associations between RBS and outcomes. Results A total of 32,683 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy were identified (RBS: 342; No-RBS: 32,341). The mean age was 39 (16) years, 78% were male, mean SBP was 107 (34) mmHg, and the median injury severity score was 21 [14–29]. The median time to emergency hemorrhage control surgery was 50 [32–85] minutes. Overall complication rate was 16% and mortality was 19%. On univariate analysis, RBS group had longer time to surgery (RBS 56 [41–89] vs No-RBS 50 [32–85] minutes, P  < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, RBS was independently associated with a longer time to hemorrhage control surgery (β + 14.5 [95%CI 7.8–21.3], P  < 0.001), higher odds of complications (aOR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.27–2.34, P  < 0.001), and mortality (aOR = 3.42, 95%CI = 2.57–4.55, P  < 0.001). Conclusion REBOA is independently associated with longer time to OR for hemorrhaging trauma patients with an average delay of 15 minutes. Further research evaluating center-specific REBOA volume and utilization practices, and other pertinent system factors, may help improve both time to REBOA as well as time to definitive hemorrhage control across US trauma centers. Level of Evidence III Study Type Epidemiologic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The association between hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis in trauma is well described. Hypothermia mitigation starts in the prehospital setting; however, it is often a secondary focus after other life-saving interventions. The deployed environment further compounds the problem due to prolonged evacuation times in rotary wing aircraft, resource limitations, and competing priorities. This analysis evaluates hypothermia in combat casualties and the relationship to resuscitation strategy with blood products. Methods Using the data from the Department of Defense Joint Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2021, a retrospective analysis was conducted on adult trauma patients. Inclusion criteria was arrival at the first military treatment facility (MTF) hypothermic (<95ºF). Study variables included: mortality, year, demographics, battle vs non-battle injury, mechanism, theater of operation, vitals, and labs. Subgroup analysis was performed on severely injured (15 < ISS < 75) hypothermic trauma patients resuscitated with whole blood (WB) vs only component therapy. Results Of the 69,364 patients included, 908 (1.3%) arrived hypothermic; the vast majority of whom (N  = 847, 93.3%) arrived mildly hypothermic (90–94.9°F). Overall mortality rate was 14.8%. Rates of hypothermia varied by year from 0.7% in 2003 to 3.9% in 2014 (P <0.005). On subgroup analysis, mortality rates were similar between patients resuscitated with WB vs only component therapy; though base deficit values were higher in the WB cohort (−10 vs −6, P  < 0.001). Conclusion Despite nearly 20 years of combat operations, hypothermia continues to be a challenge in military trauma and is associated with a high mortality rate. Mortality was similar between hypothermic trauma patients resuscitated with WB vs component therapy, despite greater physiologic derangements on arrival in patients who received WB. As the military has the potential to conduct missions in environments where the risk of hypothermia is high, further research into hypothermia mitigation techniques and resuscitation strategies in the deployed setting is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Assess temporal changes, intercenter variability, and birthing person (BP) factors relating to interventions for extremely early deliveries. METHODS: Retrospective study of BPs and newborns delivered from 22-24 completed weeks at 13 US centers from 2011-2020. Rates of neonatology consultation, antenatal corticosteroids, cesarean delivery, live birth, attempted resuscitation (AR), and survival were assessed by epoch, center, and gestational age. RESULTS: 2028 BPs delivering 2327 newborns were included. Rates increased in epoch 2--at 22 weeks: neonatology consultation (37.6 vs 64.3%, P < .001), corticosteroids (11.4 vs 29.5%, P < .001), live birth (66.2 vs 78.6%, P < .001), AR (20.1 vs 36.9%, P < .001), overall survival (3.0 vs 8.9%, P = .005); and at 23 weeks: neonatology consultation (73.0 vs 80.5%, P = .02), corticosteroids (63.7 vs 83.7%, P < .001), cesarean delivery (28.0 vs 44.7%, P < .001), live birth (88.1 vs 95.1%, P < .001), AR (67.7 vs 85.2%, P < .001), survival (28.8 vs 41.6%, P < .001). Over time, intercenter variability increased at 22 weeks for corticosteroids (interquartile range 18.0 vs 42.0, P = .014) and decreased at 23 for neonatology consultation (interquartile range 23.0 vs 5.2, P = .045). In BP-level multivariate analysis, AR was associated with increasing gestational age and birth weight, Black BP race, previous premature delivery, and delivery center. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention rates for extremely early newborns increased and intercenter variability changed over time. In BP-level analysis, factors significantly associated with AR included Black BP race, previous premature delivery, and center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 7-week-old infant presented to the emergency department with fussiness, abstract decreased oral intake, loose stool, and respiratory distress for 2 days. The patient was born full-term with an uncomplicated birth history but had a history of slow weight gain. He was alert, but toxic-appearing at presentation, hypothermic with signs of dehydration, and with respiratory failure. He was found to have severe anion gap metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, elevated lactate, and hyperammonemia. He responded well to initial resuscitation and was admitted to the ICU for intravenous electrolyte replacement, bowel rest, and respiratory support. A workup was pursued for failure to thrive with severe malnutrition, hyperammonemia, hyperlactatemia, anemia, vitamin D deficiency, and electrolyte abnormalities. After stabilization, he was restarted on enteral feeds and had a recurrence of loose stool and severe electrolyte abnormalities, which were refractory to enteral supplementations and required readmission to the ICU. His hospital course extended several weeks, included several subspecialty consultations, and ended with a surprising diagnosis of exclusion based on his clinical response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an important food-borne pathogens found to be associated with seafoods and marine environs. It has been a topic of debate for many decades that most pathogens are known to enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under cold temperature and nutrient limited conditions. The present study examined the time required for the induction of VBNC state and the revival strategies of both the endemic O3:K6 and O1:K25 sporadic strains of V. parahaemolyticus. The results revealed that V. parahaemolyticus survived even after 55 days of incubation in nutrient starved media such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and Coastal Water (CW) and could be recovered by temperature upshift method, and compared the resuscitation using Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), sheep blood serum, chitin flakes with live Artemia salina, and the results suggests that chitin plays a significant role in regulating the VBNC state. It was also confirmed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis that VBNC cells can alter their morphology to coccoid forms in order to survive in most extreme nutrient limited environment. Further data on the promoting factors and the exact mechanism that resuscitate VBNC V. parahaemolyticus in cold natural environments and frozen foods are needed to perform a robust risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS) are life-sustaining measures for severe cardiovascular diseases, serving as bridging treatment either until cardiovascular function is restored or alternative treatment, such as heart transplantation or the implantation of permanent ventricular assist devices is performed. Given the insufficient evidence and frequent urgency of implantation without initial patient consent, the ethical challenges and psychological burden for patients, relatives and the interprofessional intensive care team are significant. As with any treatment, an appropriate therapeutic goal for ECLS treatment based on the indications and patient informed consent is mandatory. In order to integrate the necessary ethical considerations into everyday clinical practice, a structured algorithm for handling ECLS is proposed here, which takes ethical aspects into due account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The integration of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) into the care of trauma patients, specifically the E-FAST, has improved the accuracy of initial diagnoses and improved time to surgical intervention in critically ill patients. Physician assistants (PAs) are critically important members of any military trauma resuscitation team and are often team leaders in a pre-hospital setting. They may receive training in ultrasound but there are little data to support their use or evaluate their effectiveness in using POCUS. We designed a study to evaluate the image quality of an E-FAST Exam performed by Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) Fellows and Emergency Medicine (EM) Interns following identical training. Our hypothesis is that image quality obtained by EMPAs will be non-inferior to those images obtained by EM Interns. Materials and Methods This is a prospective single-blinded study comparing the image quality of E-FAST exams performed by first year EM interns and first year EMPA fellows. All participants completed standard POCUS training prior to enrollment in the study. A total of 8 EMPAs and 8 EM first year residents completed 10 recorded E-FAST exams to be used as study images. Participants also viewed a 15-question slide show containing images of positive (6) and negative (9) E-FAST exams and recorded their interpretations. Images were reviewed by expert reviewers who were blinded to which images were collected by which group. An image quality score was recorded for each view as well as an overall image quality score. Image quality was rated on a 1 to 5 image quality scale. Results For overall image quality, the mean score for EMPAs was 3.6 ± 0.5 and for EM residents was 3.2 ± 0.5 with statistical significance favoring better image quality from the EMPAs. The time to completion for the EFAST exam for EMPAs was 4.8 ± 1.3 minutes and for interns it was 3.4 ± 1.4 minutes (P value = 0.02). There was no difference in image interpretation quiz scores between the groups (mean score 92% among interns and 95% among PAs). Conclusions POCUS is an imaging modality which is very portable and relatively inexpensive which makes it ideal for military medicine. PAs are essential members of military trauma teams, and often run an initial trauma resuscitation. Being able to correctly identify patients who have free fluid early in the course of treatment allows for more correct evacuation criteria to ensure the sickest patients get to care the fastest. Although there are limited data to support POCUS use by non-physicians, our data support a growing body of evidence that it is not the profession or baseline medical education that determines an individual's ability to use and incorporate ultrasound into bedside and clinical practice. Our study shows that with training and experience PAs or other members of the military health care team can use the EFAST to better care for trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction While previous studies have analyzed military surgeon experience within military–civilian partnerships (MCPs), there has never been an assessment of how well military providers are integrated within an MCP. The Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills, Cincinnati supports the Critical Care Air Transport Advanced Course and maintains the clinical skills of its staff by embedding them within the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. We hypothesized that military trauma surgeons are well integrated within University of Cincinnati Medical Center and that they are exposed to a similar range of complex surgical pathophysiology as their civilian partners. Materials and Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were abstracted from billing data for trauma surgeons covering University of Cincinnati Hospitals in 2019. The number of trauma resuscitations and patient acuity metrics were abstracted from the Trauma Registry and surgeon Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities clinical activity (KSA-CA) scores were calculated using their CPT codes. Finally, surgeon case distributions were studied by sorting their CPT codes into 23 categories based on procedure type and anatomic location. Appropriate, chi-squared or Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to compare these metrics between the military and civilian surgeon groups and the metrics were normalized by the group's full-time equivalent (FTE) to adjust for varying weeks on service between groups. Results Data were available for two active duty military and nine civilian staff. The FTEs were significantly lower in the military group: military 0.583-0.583 (median 0.583) vs. civilian 0.625-1.165 (median 1.0), P  = 0.04. Per median FTE and surgeon number, both groups performed a similar number of trauma resuscitations (civilian 214 ± 54 vs. military 280 ± 13, P  = 0.146) and KSA-CA points (civilian 55,629 ± 25,104 vs. military 36,286 ± 11,267; P  = 0.582). Although the civilian surgeons had a higher proportion of hernia repairs (P  < 0.001) and laparoscopic procedures (P  = 0.006), the CPT code categories most relevant to combat surgery (those relating to solid organ, hollow viscus, cardiac, thoracic, abdominal, and tissue debridement procedures) were similar between the surgeon groups. Finally, patient acuity metrics were similar between groups. Conclusion This is the first assessment of U.S. Air Force trauma surgeon integration relative to their civilian partners within an MCP. Normalized by FTE, there was no difference between the two groups' trauma experience to include patient acuity metrics and KSA-CA scores. The proportion of CPT codes that was most relevant to expeditionary surgery was similar between the military and civilian partners, thus optimizing the surgical experience for the military trauma surgeons within University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The methods used within this pilot study can be generalized to any American College of Surgeons verified Trauma Center MCP, as standard databases were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies reporting neonatal outcomes in birth centers include births with risk factors not acceptable for birth center care using the evidence‐based CABC criteria. Accurate comparisons of outcomes by birth setting for low‐risk patients are needed. Methods: Data from the public Natality Detailed File from 2018 to 2021 were used. Logistic regression, including adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios, compared neonatal outcomes (chorioamnionitis, Apgar scores, resuscitation, intensive care, seizures, and death) between centers and hospitals. Covariates included maternal diabetes, body mass index, age, parity, and demographic characteristics. Results: The sample included 8,738,711 births (8,698,432 (99.53%) in hospitals and 40,279 (0.46%) in birth centers). There were no significant differences in neonatal deaths (aOR 1.037; 95% CI [0.515, 2.088]; p‐value 0.918) or seizures (aOR 0.666; 95% CI [0.315, 1.411]; p‐value 0.289). Measures of morbidity either not significantly different or less likely to occur in birth centers compared to hospitals included chorioamnionitis (aOR 0.032; 95% CI [0.020, 0.052]; p‐value < 0.001), Apgar score < 4 (aOR 0.814, 95% CI [0.638, 1.039], p‐value 0.099), Apgar score < 7 (aOR 1.075, 95% CI [0.979, 1.180], p‐value 0.130), ventilation >6 h (aOR 0.349; [0.281,0.433], p‐value < 0.001), and intensive care admission (aOR 0.356; 95% CI [0.328, 0.386], p‐value < 0.001). Birth centers had higher odds of assisted neonatal ventilation for <6 h as compared to hospitals (aOR 1.373; 95% CI [1.293, 1.457], p‐value < 0.001). Conclusion: Neonatal deaths and seizures were not significantly different between freestanding birth centers and hospitals. Chorioamnionitis, Apgar scores < 4, and intensive care admission were less likely to occur in birth centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The retention of resuscitation skills is a widespread concern, with a rapid decay in competence frequently following training. Meanwhile, training programmes continue to be disconnected with real‐world expectations and assessment designs remain in conflict with the evidence for sustainable learning. This study aimed to evaluate a programmatic assessment pedagogy which employed entrustment decision and the principles of authentic and sustainable assessment (SA). Methods: We conducted a prospective sequential explanatory mixed methods study to understand and address the sustainable learning challenges faced by final‐year undergraduate paramedic students. We introduced a programme of five authentic assessments based on actual resuscitation cases, each integrating contextual elements that featured in these real‐life events. The student‐tutor consensus assessment (STCA) tool was configured to accommodate an entrustment scale framework. Each test produced dual student led and assessor scores. Students and assessors were surveyed about their experiences with the assessment methodologies and asked to evaluate the programme using the Ottawa Good Assessment Criteria. Results: Eighty‐four students participated in five assessments, generating dual assessor‐only and student‐led results. There was a reported mean score increase of 9% across the five tests and an 18% reduction in borderline or below scores. No statistical significance was observed among the scores from eight assessors across 420 unique tests. The mean student consensus remained above 91% in all 420 tests. Both student and assessor participant groups expressed broad agreement that the Ottawa criteria were well‐represented in the design, and they shared their preference for the authentic methodology over traditional approaches. Conclusion: In addition to confirming local sustainability issues, this study has highlighted the validity concerns that exist with conventional resuscitation training designs. We have successfully demonstrated an alternative pedagogy which responds to these concerns, and which embodies the principles of SA, quality in assessment practice, and the real‐world expectations of professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Registered nurses report the experience of delivering end of life care in emergency departments as challenging. The study aim was to understand what it is like to be a registered nurse providing end of life care to an older person in the emergency department. A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted in 2021, using semi-structured interviews with seven registered nurses across two hospital emergency departments in Queensland, Australia. Thematic analysis of participants' narratives was undertaken. Seven registered nurses were interviewed; six of whom were women. Participant's experience working in the emergency department setting ranged from 2.5–20 years. Two themes were developed through analysis: (i) Presenting the patient as a dying person; and (ii) Mentalising death in the context of the emergency department. Nurses providing end of life care in the emergency department draw upon their personal and aesthetic knowing to present the dying patient as a person. The way death is mentalised suggests the need to develop empirical knowing about ageing and supportive medical care and ethical knowing to assist with the transition from resuscitation to end of life care. Shared clinical reflection on death in the emergency department, facilitated by experts in ageing and end of life care is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Paramedics are responsible for critical resuscitation decisions when attending Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA). Existing research indicates that a range of clinical and non-clinical factors moderate their decision-making. Within the United Kingdom (UK), there is little evidence on how and why paramedics make their decisions at actual OHCA events. Methods: We explored the experiences of UK paramedics using individually recalled OHCA events as catalysts for discussion. Pen portraits developed from semi-structured interviews with 31 paramedics across two UK ambulance services were thematically analysed, enabling cross-participant comparisons whilst retaining depth and context. Results: We identified four themes: uncertainties encountered in resuscitation guidelines, influences on decision-making, holistic perspectives, and indirect moderators. We found that paramedics experienced uncertainty at all stages of the resuscitation process. Uncertainties arose from indeterminate, ambiguous or complex information and were described as having both clinical and ethical dimensions. Whilst guidelines drove paramedics' decisions, non-clinical personal, practical and relational factors moderated their assessments of survivability and decision-making, with attitudes to interactions between patient age, frailty and quality of life playing a substantial role. Coping strategies such as uncertainty reduction, assumption-based reasoning and weighing pros and cons were evident from interviews. Conclusions: The complexity of interactions between clinical and non-clinical factors points to an element of variability in paramedics' responses to uncertainty. Exploring UK paramedics' uncertainties and decision-making during specific OHCA events can help acknowledge and address uncertainties in resuscitation guidelines and paramedic training, providing paramedics with the tools to manage uncertainty in a consistent and transparent way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circulatory shock, defined as decreased tissue perfusion, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to meet cellular metabolic demands, remains a common condition with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid restitution and restoration of adequate tissue perfusion are the main treatment goals. To achieve this, current hemodynamic strategies focus on adjusting global physiological variables such as cardiac output (CO), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2). However, it remains a challenge to identify optimal targets for these global variables that best support microcirculatory function. Weighting up the risks and benefits is especially difficult for choosing the amount of oxygen supplementation in critically ill patients. This review assesses the physiological basis for oxygen delivery to the tissue and provides an overview of the relevant literature to emphasize the importance of considering risks and benefits and support decision making at the bedside. Physiological premises: Oxygen must reach the tissue to enable oxidative phosphorylation. The human body timely detects hypoxia via different mechanisms aiming to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation. In contrast to the pulmonary circulation, where the main response to hypoxia is arteriolar vasoconstriction, the regulatory mechanisms of the systemic circulation aim to optimize oxygen availability in the tissues. This is achieved by increasing the capillary density in the microcirculation and the capillary hematocrit thereby increasing the capacity of oxygen diffusion from the red blood cells to the tissue. Hyperoxia, on the other hand, is associated with oxygen radical production, promoting cell death. Current state of research: Clinical trials in critically ill patients have primarily focused on comparing macrocirculatory endpoints and outcomes based on stroke volume and oxygenation targets. Some earlier studies have indicated potential benefits of conservative oxygenation. Recent trials show contradictory results regarding mortality, organ dysfunction, and ventilatory-free days. Empirical studies comparing various targets for SaO2, or partial pressure of oxygen indicate a U-shaped curve balancing positive and negative effects of oxygen supplementation. Conclusion and future directions: To optimize risk–benefit ratio of resuscitation measures in critically ill patients with circulatory shock in addition to individual targets for CO and Hb concentration, a primary aim should be to restore tissue perfusion and avoid hyperoxia. In the future, an individualized approach with microcirculatory targets will become increasingly relevant. Further studies are needed to define optimal targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global public health confronts a pressing challenge in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), necessitating urgent intervention strategies due to the low success rate of new antibiotic development. Bacterial motility, beyond conventional antibiotic usage, significantly influences resistance evolution and ecological dynamics. Our recent study marks a breakthrough, revealing the unexplored ability of ultrafine gold nanosystems (UGNs) to inhibit bacterial resuscitation using a motile Escherichia coli (E.coli) K12 strain. We aim to deepen our comparative understanding of UGNs' efficacy and resuscitation propensity against a non-motile E. coli K12 strain to assess the role of motility. Through UGN application, we identified heritable resistance in both strains, with motile strains exhibiting notably higher mutation rates. Resuscitation experiments unveiled faster recovery in motile strains, attributable to virulence factors, compared to non-motile strains. Additionally, our investigation into aggregation dynamics highlighted the role of protein-mediated aggregation in resistance development to nano-antimicrobials. Overall, the study reveals that the non-motile strains are more susceptible against UGNs, which shows promise in combating AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Newborn resuscitation algorithms have since the turn of the century been more evidence-based. In this review, we discuss the development of American Heart Association (AHA) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR)’s algorithm for newborn resuscitation from 1992–2024. We have also aimed to identify the remaining gaps in non-evidenced practice. Summary: Of the 22 procedures reviewed in the 2020 ILCOR recommendations, the evidence was either low, very low, or non-existing. The strength of recommendation is weak or non-existing for most topics discussed. Several knowledge gaps are also summarized. The special challenge for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is discussed. Key Messages: Newborn resuscitation is still not evidence-based, although great progress has been achieved the recent years. We have identified several knowledge gaps which should be prioritized in future research. The challenge of obtaining evidence-based knowledge from LMIC should be focused on in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific statement presents a conceptual framework for the pathophysiology of post-cardiac arrest brain injury, explores reasons for previous failure to translate preclinical data to clinical practice, and outlines potential paths forward. Post-cardiac arrest brain injury is characterized by 4 distinct but overlapping phases: ischemic depolarization, reperfusion repolarization, dysregulation, and recovery and repair. Previous research has been challenging because of the limitations of laboratory models; heterogeneity in the patient populations enrolled; overoptimistic estimation of treatment effects leading to suboptimal sample sizes; timing and route of intervention delivery; limited or absent evidence that the intervention has engaged the mechanistic target; and heterogeneity in postresuscitation care, prognostication, and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Future trials must tailor their interventions to the subset of patients most likely to benefit and deliver this intervention at the appropriate time, through the appropriate route, and at the appropriate dose. The complexity of post-cardiac arrest brain injury suggests that monotherapies are unlikely to be as successful as multimodal neuroprotective therapies. Biomarkers should be developed to identify patients with the targeted mechanism of injury, to quantify its severity, and to measure the response to therapy. Studies need to be adequately powered to detect effect sizes that are realistic and meaningful to patients, their families, and clinicians. Study designs should be optimized to accelerate the evaluation of the most promising interventions. Multidisciplinary and international collaboration will be essential to realize the goal of developing effective therapies for post-cardiac arrest brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report highlights the effective use of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in warming a 71-year-old female patient with severe hypothermia who presented with a rectal temperature of 25 °C and signs of hemodynamic instability. The patient, found unconscious after prolonged exposure to cold exacerbated by alcohol consumption, initially showed some improvement in core temperature through active external rewarming methods. However, soon, her temperature plateaued at 27 °C. Patient was deemed unsuitable for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) due to her age, and urgent IHD was initiated. This approach resulted in a stable increase in core temperature at approximately 2.0 °C/hr, along with normalization of lactic acidosis, creatinine phosphokinase, and correction of electrolyte imbalances, culminating in her full recovery and discharge after seven days in the hospital. After reviewing this case alongside similar ones from before, this case report highlights the efficacy and safety of IHD as an efficient, readily available, and less invasive method for rewarming moderate to severe hypothermic patients who are hemodynamically unstable patients but do not have cardiac arrest or renal dysfunction. IHD is especially useful when less invasive cooling devices (Artic Sun/ CoolGard) are not available or more invasive extracorporeal life support options (ECMO/ CPB) are either not indicated or unavailable. IHD can also help improve concurrent electrolyte imbalances and/or toxin buildup. The report further emphasizes the necessity of monitoring for potential complications, such as post-dialysis hypophosphatemia and rebound hyperkalemia, following successful rewarming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionThe field of immunology has undoubtedly benefited from the in vitro use of cell lines for immunological studies; however, due to the “immortal” nature of many cell lines, they are not always the best model. Thus, direct collection and culture of primary cells from model organisms is a solution that many researchers utilize. To the best of our knowledge, there is not a singular protocol which encompasses the entire process of bone marrow cell collection through cryopreservation and resuscitation of cells from a murine model.Bone marrow cells were collected from mice with a C57BL6 genetic background. Cells were differentiated using L929 conditioned media. Cells were assessed using a combination of microscopy, differential staining, immunocytochemistry, and trypan blue. Results: Primary murine BMDMs that underwent cryopreservation followed by resuscitation retained a high degree of viability. Furthermore, these BMDMs retained on overall ability to clear S. aureus.Primary murine BMDMs that underwent cryopreservation followed by resuscitation retained a high degree of viability. Furthermore, these BMDMs retained on overall ability to clear S. aureus.Crypopreserved and resuscitated primary murine BMDMs were viable and retained their pverall S. aureus clearance ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotics are frequently administered prophylactically to trauma patients with various injury patterns to prevent infectious complications. Trauma patients may also require large volume resuscitation with blood products. Limited data are available to support antibiotic dosing recommendations in this population. We hypothesized that we would be able to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of cefazolin, a frequently used antibiotic in the trauma scenario, from remnant blood samples by pharmacokinetic analysis of trauma patients. Methods: Remnant plasma from standard of care chemistry/hematology assessments was retrieved within 48 h of collection and assayed to determine cefazolin concentrations. Population pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted in Pmetrics using R. Linear regression was conducted to assess the effect of blood product resuscitation volume on cefazolin pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Cefazolin concentrations best fitted a two-compartment model (Akaike information criterion: 443.9). The mean ± standard deviation parameters were total body clearance (4.3 ± 1.9L), volume of the central compartment (Vc: 7.7 ± 6.9L), and intercompartment transfer constants (k12: 1.3 ± 0.98 h−1, k21: 0.6 ± 0.45 h−1). No statistical relationships were observed between blood products, volume of blood products, and cefazolin clearance or Vc (R2: 0.0004–0.21, p = 0.08–0.95). Using a 5,000-patient Monte Carlo simulation, 2 g with repeated dosing every 2 h until end of surgery was required to achieve 93.2% probability of 100% free time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (fT > MIC) at the ECOFF value for Staphylococcus aureus (2 mg/L). Conclusions: In these 15 trauma patients receiving blood transfusion, no relationship with blood volume resuscitation and cefazolin pharmacokinetics was observed. On the basis of this pharmacokinetic model, frequent cefazolin doses are required to maintain 100% fT > MIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be life-saving for patients in cardiac arrest, it simultaneously puts them at risk for skeletal and soft tissue injuries. The prevalence of cardiovascular and thoracic wall injuries related to CPR varies significantly in the literature, from 21% to more than 78%. After restoration of circulation, ischemia–reperfusion brain injury ensues. Sedation is one of the interventions that can reduce its effects on brain cells. The purpose of this study was to analyse the use of analgesics and sedatives in nontraumatic patients after sudden cardiac arrest in the peri-resuscitation period in the emergency department. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. An analysis was performed on the electronic health records of 131 patients who underwent CPR, with ages ranging from 24 to 96 years. The study protocol was in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Chest wall injuries were assessed based on the results of X-ray imaging (n = 39; 31%) and computed tomography (n = 87; 69%). Of the 126 cases, 17.5% had rib fractures and 6.3% had rib and sternal fractures. Almost 78% of the patients (n = 102) received sedatives and/or analgesics during the peri-resuscitation period. Monotherapy was used in 85 cases. Among these drugs the most frequently mentioned were midazolam (45.2%), fentanyl (26.8%), and propofol (20.8%). Conclusions: As only two-thirds of the patients received sedation and half received analgesics, there is still room for a broader incorporation of analgesia and sedation into peri-resuscitation care protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tension pneumocephalus (PMC) is a rare and feared complication following the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) to skull base procedures. This is a neurosurgical emergency that requires urgent decompression to avoid catastrophic neurologic damage or death. An avoidable cause is the application of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in EEA patients for postoperative hypoxia. Our institution implemented a hospital-wide protocol in response to this to identify and manage at-risk patients; this paper aims to identify if this protocol was effective in lowering the rates of tension PMC secondary to PPV. In the 3 years following the implementation of the protocol, 110 patients underwent EEAs, from which 1 case of tension PMC (found to be not secondary to PPV) was identified. This is compared with 2 cases of tension PMC secondary to PPV over the preceding 5 years, out of 406 EEA patients. This constitutes a quantifiable reduction in PPV-related tension PMC in both standard and extended approach EEAs, signifying the effective uptake of the protocol. We found no cases of tension PMC after PPV following EEA skull base surgery in our institution since the implementation of an institution-wide guideline. This underscores the utility of our simple and cost-effective preventative protocol in reducing the overall rates of tension PMC following the inadvertent postoperative application of PPV. Further research is needed to study the comparative risks and benefits of PPV in the post-EEA patient and thus inform future iterations of the protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13-day-old, late preterm male, born appropriate for gestational age, presented to the pediatric clinic for his routine 2-week well visit with less than 1-day history of decreased oral intake and lethargy. During the baby's well exam, he acutely decompensated and required resuscitation and transfer to the emergency department, where he was intubated for frequent apneic events. He was admitted to the NICU for management and further workup. Physical examination and initial laboratory tests were unremarkable. An EEG demonstrated electrographic and clinical seizures. His initial MRI was unremarkable, and infection studies revealed the diagnosis. We review the patient's initial presentation, evaluation, hospital course, and the long-term implications of his diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) reflects the adrenomedullin level, which has vasodilatory activity, decreases endothelial permeability, and downregulates proinflammatory cytokines. Sepsis diagnosis in these patients is difficult, and MR-proADM is a widely studied sepsis biomarker. This study evaluates MR-proADM levels during the resuscitation phase, considering the potential influence of haemodynamic changes and its usefulness for the early sepsis detection in burn patients. A prospective observational study performed in the Critical Burn Unit. Demographic data, burn characteristics, comorbidities, prognostic/severity scales, and haemodynamic parameters were collected. The resuscitation protocol guided by diuresis, transpulmonary thermodilution, and lactate levels was followed. Blood samples were collected at various time points for biomarker measurement. Biomarker levels, including MR-proADM, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were measured during the resuscitation phase and septic episodes. Twenty-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 51 years, a mean total body surface area burn of 41.8%, a mean Abbreviated Burn Severity Index of 9.7, and a mean Baux score of 92. MR-proADM levels were elevated on admission (0.9 ± 0.5 nmol/l) and continued to increase slightly during the resuscitation phase (2.4 ± 2.2 nmol/l). Haemodynamic changes during resuscitation did not significantly affect MR-proADM levels. Twelve of the 27 patients developed sepsis, whose MR-proADM levels were significantly elevated on the day of clinical diagnosis (3.91 ± 2.99 nmol/l) and even the day before (2.57 ± 3.37). Higher MR-proADM levels were associated with greater severity as measured by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. The mean MR-proadrenomedullin values during resuscitation in the patients who died was 3.51 ± 2.30 nmol/l, whereas in the survivors it was 1.28 ± 1.10 nmol/l (p = 0.0001). MR-proadrenomedullin values are elevated after thermal injury but are not affected by haemodynamic changes. During septic episodes in burn patients, MR-proADM rises early (the day before sepsis diagnosis). Higher levels of MR-proADM are associated with greater organ dysfunction and mortality. • MR-proADM is elevated after thermal injury. • MR-proADM is not affected by hemodynamic changes during the resuscitation phase in critical burn patients. • MR-proADM rises early (the day before sepsis diagnosis) during septic episodes in burned patients. • Higher levels of MR-proADM are associated with greater organ dysfunction and higher mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]