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Background: Historically, procalcitonin(PCT) has been used as a predictor of bacterial infection and to guide antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to determine PCT's diagnostic utility in predicting secondary bacterial pneumonia in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in COVID-19 adults admitted to the ICU between March 2020, and March 2021. All included patients had a PCT level within 72 h of presentation and serum creatinine of 0.05). While there was no difference in bacterial pneumonia in low versus high groups (34(26.8%) versus 12(31.6%), p = 0.562), more patients in the high PCT group had bacteremia (19(15%) versus 11(28.9%), p = 0.050). Sensitivity was 26.1% and specificity was 78.2% for PCT to predict bacterial pneumonia coinfection in ICU patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. ROC yielded an AUC 0.54 ( p = 0.415). After adjusting for LDH>350U/L and creatinine in multivariable regression, PCT did not enhance performance of the regression model. Conclusions: PCT offers little to no predictive utility in diagnosing concomitant bacterial pneumonia in critically ill patients with COVID-19 nor in predicting increased severity of disease or worse outcomes including mortality.

Purpose: Trauma is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality annually in the United States. As an adult level 1 and pediatric level 2 trauma center, we are committed to injury prevention through outreach and education. The Safety Ambassadors Program (SAP) was developed as part of this aim. Safety Ambassadors (SA) are high schoolers who teach elementary school students about safety/injury prevention. This model is impactful, relatable, and engaging when provided by participants’ aspirational peers. The curriculum addresses prevalent areas of injury risk: car/pedestrian safety, wheeled sports/helmets, and fall prevention. We hypothesized that participation in SAP, leads to improved safety knowledge/behaviors, and ultimately reduce childhood preventable injuries. Methods: With IRB approval and as part of quality improvement, pre- and post-course exams were administered to SAP participants to assess knowledge (12-questions) and behavior (4-questions). Results were retrospectively reviewed, and pre/post training mean scores were calculated. Scores were calculated based on number of correct answers on pre/post exam. Comparisons were made using the student t-test. All tests were 2-tailed with significance set at 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Results: Pre- and post-training results were assessed for 2016–2019. During that time, 8,832-students participated in SAP. First graders demonstrated significant improvement in safety knowledge [pre 9(95% CI 8.9–9.2) vs post 9.8(95%CI 9.6–9.9),(p

Hospital readmission is an important quality-of-care indicator. We sought to examine the rates and predictors of unplanned readmission for the high-risk non-trauma emergency laparotomy patient.This is a post hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, a total of 19 centers enrolled all adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomies and systematically collected preoperative, operative, and 30-day postoperative variables. For the purpose of this study, we defined unplanned readmission as a readmission occurring within 30 days from discharge and one that was immediately preceded by an emergency department visit. Patients were excluded if they died during the index admission, were discharged to hospice, or were transferred to other hospitals. Predictors of unplanned readmission were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory variables, and preoperative acuity of disease variables.A total of 1,347 patients were included, of which 234 (17.4%) had an unplanned readmission. The median patient age was 60 y, 49.4% were male, and 71.4% were white. The most common diagnoses were hollow viscus perforation (28.1%) and small bowel obstruction (24.5%). Predictors of unplanned readmission included patient factors (eg, disseminated cancer [odds ratio: 2.22, confidence interval: 1.35-3.64, P = .002], weight loss10% in the past 6 months [odds ratio: 1.65, confidence interval: 1.07-2.54, P = .023], dyspnea at baseline [odds ratio: 1.62, confidence interval: 1.06-2.48, P = .026], wound complications [odds ratio: 2.23, confidence interval: 1.55-3.19, P.001], and discharge to nursing homes [odds ratio: 1.68, confidence interval: 1.02-2.80, P = .044]).Unplanned readmission after emergency laparotomies are common, especially for patients with wound complications or requiring nursing homes. These system factors are potential quality improvement targets to reduce readmissions.

Background: Recent literature suggests respiratory system compliance (Crs) based phenotypes exist among COVID-19 ARDS patients. We sought to determine whether these phenotypes exist and whether Crs predicts mortality. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study of 111 COVID-19 ARDS patients admitted March 11-July 8, 2020. Crs was averaged for the first 72-hours of mechanical ventilation. Crs 2O was defined as poor Crs(phenotype-H) whereas Crs ≥ 30ml/cmH2O as preserved Crs(phenotype-L). Results: 111 COVID-19 ARDS patients were included, 40 phenotype-H and 71 phenotype-L. Both the mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio for the first 72-hours of mechanical ventilation and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio hospital nadir were lower in phenotype-H than L(115[IQR87] vs 165[87], p = 0.016), (63[32] vs 75[59], p = 0.026). There were no difference in characteristics, diagnostic studies, or complications between groups. Twenty-seven (67.5%) phenotype-H patients died vs 37(52.1%) phenotype-L(p = 0.115). Multivariable regression did not reveal a mortality difference between phenotypes; however, a 2-fold mortality increase was noted in Crs 50ml/cmH2O when analyzing ordinal Crs groups. Moving up one group level (ex. Crs30-39.9ml/cmH2O to 40-49.9ml/cmH2O), was marginally associated with 14% lower risk of death(RR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.72, 1.01, p = 0.065). This attenuated(RR = 0.94, 95%CI 0.80, 1.11) when adjusting for pH nadir and PaO2/FiO2 ratio nadir. Conclusion: We identified a spectrum of Crs in COVID-19 ARDS similar to Crs distribution in non-COVID-19 ARDS. While we identified increasing mortality as Crs decreased, there was no specific threshold marking significantly different mortality based on phenotype. We therefore would not define COVID-19 ARDS patients by phenotypes-H or L and would not stray from traditional ARDS ventilator management strategies.

Purpose: While fever may be a presenting symptom of COVID-19, fever at hospital admission has not been identified as a predictor of mortality. However, hyperthermia during critical illness among ventilated COVID-19 patients in the ICU has not yet been studied. We sought to determine mortality predictors among ventilated COVID-19 ICU patients and we hypothesized that fever in the ICU is predictive of mortality. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 103 ventilated COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between March 14 and May 27, 2020. Final follow-up was June 5, 2020. Patients discharged from the ICU or who died were included. Patients still admitted to the ICU at final follow-up were excluded. Results: 103 patients were included, 40 survived and 63(61.1%) died. Deceased patients were older {66 years[IQR18] vs 62.5[IQR10], ( p = 0.0237)}, more often male {48(68%) vs 22(55%), ( p = 0.0247)}, had lower initial oxygen saturation {86.0%[IQR18] vs 91.5%[IQR11.5], ( p = 0.0060)}, and had lower pH nadir than survivors {7.10[IQR0.2] vs 7.30[IQR0.2] ( p < 0.0001)}. Patients had higher peak temperatures during ICU stay as compared to hospital presentation {103.3°F[IQR1.7] vs 100.0°F[IQR3.5], ( p < 0.0001)}. Deceased patients had higher peak ICU temperatures than survivors {103.6°F[IQR2.0] vs 102.9°F[IQR1.4], ( p = 0.0008)}. Increasing peak temperatures were linearly associated with mortality. Febrile patients who underwent targeted temperature management to achieve normothermia did not have different outcomes than those not actively cooled. Multivariable analysis revealed 60% and 75% higher risk of mortality with peak temperature greater than 103°F and 104°F respectively; it also confirmed hyperthermia, age, male sex, and acidosis to be predictors of mortality. Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to identify ICU hyperthermia as predictive of mortality in ventilated COVID-19 patients. Additional predictors included male sex, age, and acidosis. With COVID-19 cases increasing, identification of ICU mortality predictors is crucial to improve risk stratification, resource management, and patient outcomes.

Background The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) was recently validated as an accurate mortality risk calculator for emergency general surgery. We sought to prospectively evaluate whether ESS can predict the need for respiratory and/or renal support (RRS) at discharge after emergent laparotomies (EL). Methods This is a post hoc analysis of a 19-center prospective observational study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, all adult patients undergoing EL were enrolled. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were systematically collected. In this analysis, patients were excluded if they died during the index hospitalization, were discharged to hospice, or transferred to other hospitals. A composite variable, the need for RRS, was defined as the need for one or more of the following at hospital discharge: tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, or dialysis. Emergency Surgery Score was calculated for all patients, and the correlation between ESS and RRS was examined using the c-statistics method. Results From a total of 1,649 patients, 1,347 were included. Median age was 60 years, 49.4% were men, and 70.9% were White. The most common diagnoses were hollow viscus organ perforation (28.1%) and small bowel obstruction (24.5%); 87 patients (6.5%) had a need for RRS (4.7% tracheostomy, 2.7% dialysis, and 1.3% ventilator dependence). Emergency Surgery Score predicted the need for RRS in a stepwise fashion; for example, 0.7%, 26.2%, and 85.7% of patients required RRS at an ESS of 2, 12, and 16, respectively. The c-statistics for the need for RRS, the need for tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, or dialysis at discharge were 0.84, 0.82, 0.79, and 0.88, respectively. Conclusion Emergency Surgery Score accurately predicts the need for RRS at discharge in EL patients and could be used for preoperative patient counseling and for quality of care benchmarking. Level of evidence Prognostic and epidemiological, level III.

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue with a substantial burden on society. Screening and intervention practices vary widely and there are no standard guidelines. Our objective was to review research on current practices for IPV prevention in emergency departments and trauma centers in the USA and provide evidenced-based recommendations.MethodsAn evidence-based systematic review of the literature was conducted to address screening and intervention for IPV in adult trauma and emergency department patients. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology was used to determine the quality of evidence. Studies were included if they addressed our prespecified population, intervention, control, and outcomes questions. Case reports, editorials, and abstracts were excluded from review.ResultsSeven studies met inclusion criteria. All seven were centered around screening for IPV; none addressed interventions when abuse was identified. Screening instruments varied across studies. Although it is unclear if one tool is more accurate than others, significantly more victims were identified when screening protocols were implemented compared with non-standardized approaches to identifying IPV victims.ConclusionOverall, there were very limited data addressing the topic of IPV screening and intervention in emergency medical settings, and the quality of the evidence was low. With likely low risk and a significant potential benefit, we conditionally recommend implementation of a screening protocol to identify victims of IPV in adults treated in the emergency department and trauma centers. Although the purpose of screening would ultimately be to provide resources for victims, no studies that assessed distinct interventions met our inclusion criteria. Therefore, we cannot make specific recommendations related to IPV interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020219517.

Background Synthetic cannabinoids are a recreational drug that can cause toxicity with significant side effects. Case We report a 21-year-old incarcerated male with a delayed presentation of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum following synthetic cannabinoid use with altered mental status. Discussion This case not only highlights the need to consider pneumothorax when evaluating synthetic cannabinoid toxicity but it also emphasizes a vulnerable population (incarcerated individuals at risk for trauma, substance use disorders, and mental illness) who are at risk for delayed medical care and poor follow-up.

Background We evaluated the association between operating room time and developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) after emergency general surgery (EGS). Methods We reviewed six common EGS procedures in the 2013–2015 NSQIP dataset. After tabulating their incidence of postoperative VTE events, we calculated predictors of developing a VTE using adjusted multivariate logistic regressions. Results Of 108,954 EGS patients, 1,366 patients (1.3%) developed a VTE postoperatively. The median time to diagnosis was 9 days [5–16] for DVTs and 8 days [5–16] for PEs. Operating room time of 100 min or more was associated with increased risk of developing a DVT (OR 1.30 [1.12–2.21]) and PE (OR:1.25 [1.11–2.43]) with a 7% and 5% respective increase for every 10 min increase after the 100 min. Other independent predictors of VTE complications were older age, and history of cancer, and emergent colectomies on procedure-level analysis. Conclusion Prolonged operating room time is independently associated with increased risk of developing VTE complications after an EGS procedure. Most of the VTE complications were delayed in presentation.

BACKGROUND Trauma patients are high-risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Lower extremity screening duplex ultrasonography (LESDUS) is controversial and not standardized for early VTE diagnosis. By implementing risk stratification and selective screening, we aim to optimize resource utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review were conducted at a Level-1 Trauma Center, January 2015-October 2019. LESDUS was performed within 72-h of presentation, then weekly. Demographics, VTE data, and outcomes were collected from the trauma registry. Risk assessment profile (RAP) score was calculated based on collected data. RESULTS Of 5,645 patients included, 2,813 (49.8%) were screened for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). Of 187 patients with LEDVT, 154 were diagnosed on LESDUS, 18 after negative LESDUS, and 15 in unscreened patients. Patients with VTE were older (61y versus 55, P < 0.01), more often male (70.9% versus 29.1%, P = 0.03), had higher ISS (16 versus 10, P < 0.01), longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (11.5 d versus 3, P < 0.01), longer ICU LOS (4.5 d versus 1, P < 0.01), and increased mortality (9.1% versus 4.3%, P = 0.01). RAP was higher in VTE patients versus those without (nine versus three, P < 0.01). RAP ≥8 was 62.5% sensitive and 70.4% specific for VTE. Chemoprophylaxis delay also correlated with increased VTE (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.03-2.12). CONCLUSIONS VTE remains a significant complication in trauma patients. Despite a universal LESDUS protocol, only 50% of patients underwent screening and 20% of all LE DVTs were not identified on LESDUS. To optimize resource utilization and protocol adherence, LESDUS should only be performed if RAP ≥8 or if unable to administer timely chemoprophylaxis.

Introduction We sought to evaluate whether the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) can accurately predict outcomes in elderly patients undergoing emergent laparotomy (EL). Methods This is a post-hoc analysis of an EAST multicenter study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, all adult patients undergoing EL in 19 participating hospitals were prospectively enrolled, and ESS was calculated for each patient. Using the c-statistic, the correlation between ESS and mortality, morbidity, and need for ICU admission was assessed in three patient age cohorts (65–74, 75–84, ≥85 years old). Results 715 patients were included, of which 52% were 65–74, 34% were 75–84, and 14% were ≥85 years old; 51% were female, and 77% were white. ESS strongly correlated with postoperative mortality (c-statistic:0.81). Mortality gradually increased from 0% to 20%–60% at ESS of 2, 10 and 16 points, respectively. ESS predicted mortality, morbidity, and need for ICU best in patients 65–74 years old (c-statistic:0.81, 0.75, 0.83 respectively), but its performance significantly decreased in patients ≥85 years (c-statistic:0.72, 0.64, 0.67 respectively). Conclusion ESS is an accurate predictor of outcome in the elderly EL patient 65–85 years old, but its performance decreases for patients ≥85. Consideration should be given to modify ESS to better predict outcomes in the very elderly patient population.

Background The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) was recently developed and retrospectively validated as an accurate mortality risk calculator for emergency general surgery. We sought to prospectively validate ESS, specifically in the high-risk nontrauma emergency laparotomy (EL) patient. Methods This is an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter prospective observational study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, 19 centers enrolled all adults (aged >18 years) undergoing EL. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were prospectively and systematically collected. Emergency Surgery Score was calculated for each patient and validated using c-statistic methodology by correlating it with three postoperative outcomes: (1) 30-day mortality, (2) 30-day complications (e.g., respiratory/renal failure, infection), and (3) postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results A total of 1,649 patients were included. The mean age was 60.5 years, 50.3% were female, and 71.4% were white. The mean ESS was 6, and the most common indication for EL was hollow viscus perforation. The 30-day mortality and complication rates were 14.8% and 53.3%; 57.0% of patients required ICU admission. Emergency Surgery Score gradually and accurately predicted 30-day mortality; 3.5%, 50.0%, and 85.7% of patients with ESS of 3, 12, and 17 died after surgery, respectively, with a c-statistic of 0.84. Similarly, ESS gradually and accurately predicted complications; 21.0%, 57.1%, and 88.9% of patients with ESS of 1, 6, and 13 developed postoperative complications, with a c-statistic of 0.74. Emergency Surgery Score also accurately predicted which patients required intensive care unit admission (c-statistic, 0.80). Conclusion This is the first prospective multicenter study to validate ESS as an accurate predictor of outcome in the EL patient. Emergency Surgery Score can prove useful for (1) perioperative patient and family counseling, (2) triaging patients to the intensive care unit, and (3) benchmarking the quality of emergency general surgery care. Level of evidence Prognostic study, level III.

Retrohepatic inferior vena cava (RIVC) injuries are often lethal due to challenges in obtaining hemorrhage control. We hypothesized that packing with a new kaolin-based hemostatic dressing (Control+; Z-Medica, Wallingford, CT) would improve hemorrhage control from a penetrating RIVC injury compared with packing with standard laparotomy sponges alone.Twelve male Yorkshire pigs received a 25% exchange transfusion of blood for refrigerated normal saline to induce a hypothermic coagulopathy. A laparotomy was performed and a standardized 1.5 cm injury to the RIVC was created which was followed by temporary abdominal closure and a period of uncontrolled hemorrhage. When the mean arterial pressure reached 70% of baseline, demonstrating hemorrhagic shock, the abdomen was re-entered, and the injury was treated with perihepatic packing using standard laparotomy sponges (L; n = 6) or a new kaolin-based hemostatic dressing (K; n = 6). Animals were then resuscitated for 6 hours with crystalloid solution. The two groups were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher exact test. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.There was no difference in the animal's temperature, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and blood loss at baseline or before packing was performed (all p0.05). In the laparotomy sponge group, five of six pigs survived the entire study period, whereas all six pigs treated with kaolin-based D2 hemostatic dressings survived. Importantly, there was significantly less blood loss after packing with the new hemostatic kaolin-based dressing compared with packing with laparotomy sponge (651 ± 180 mL vs. 1073 ± 342 mL; p ≤ 0.05).These results demonstrate that the use of this new hemostatic kaolin-based dressing improved hemorrhage control and significantly decreased blood loss in this penetrating RIVC model.This is basic science research based on a large animal model, level V.

Objective Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a potential adult mesenchymal stem cell source for restoring endothelial function in patients with critical limb ischemia. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a major role in angiogenesis and wound healing. This study evaluated the effects of FGF and VEGF on the proliferation, migration, and potential endothelial differentiation of human ASCs with regards to their use as endothelial cell substitutes. Methods ASCs were isolated from clinical lipoaspirates and cultured in M199 medium with fetal bovine serum (10%), FGF2 (10 ng/mL), VEGF (50 ng/mL), or combinations of FGF2 and VEGF. Cell proliferation rates, viability, and migration were measured by growth curves, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), and scratch assays. For cell attachment determinations, ASCs were seeded onto a scaffold of small intestinal submucosa for 5 days. Endothelial differentiation capabilities of ASCs were confirmed by expression of endothelial cell-specific markers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and cord formation on Matrigel (BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif). PD173074, a selective inhibitor of FGF receptor, was used to confirm the importance of FGF signaling. Results ASCs treated with FGF or combinations of FGF and VEGF showed increased proliferation rates and consistent differentiation toward an endothelial cell lineage increase in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), von Willebrand factor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and vascular endothelial cadherin message, and in protein and cord formation on Matrigel. FGF and VEGF stimulated ASC migration and increased the attachment and retention after seeding onto a matrix graft of small intestinal submucosa. Blockade of FGF signaling with PD173074 abrogated ASC endothelial cell differentiation potential. Conclusions These results indicate that FGF and VEGF are ASC promoters for proliferation, migration, attachment, and endothelial differentiation. FGF and VEGF have a costimulatory effect on ASC endotheliogenesis. These results further suggest that ASCs with enhanced FGF signaling may potentially be used for tissue engineering and cell-based therapies in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Injury is the leading cause of death in children under 18 years. Damage control principles have been extensively studied in adults but remain relatively unstudied in children. Our primary study objective was to evaluate the use of damage control laparotomy (DCL) in critically injured children.An American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 trauma center review (1996-2013) of pediatric trauma laparotomies was undertaken. Exclusion criteria included: age older than 18 years, laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome or delayed longer than 2 hours after admission. Demographics, mechanism, resuscitation variables, injuries, need for DCL, and outcomes were evaluated. Independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and single-factor analysis of variance assessed statistical significance. Study endpoints were hospital survival and DCL complications.Of 371 children who underwent trauma laparotomy, the median age (IQR; LQ-UQ) age was 16 (5; 11-17) years. Most (73%) were male injured by blunt mechanism (65%). Fifty-six (15%) children (Injury Severity Score [ISS], 33 (25; 17-42), pediatric trauma score 5 (6; 2-8), penetrating abdominal trauma index score [PATI] 29 (32; 12-44)) underwent DCL after major solid organ (63%), vascular (36%), thoracic (38%) and pelvic (36%) injury. DCL patients were older (16.5 (4; 14-18) vs. 16 (7; 10-17)) and were more severely injured (ISS, 33 [25; 17-42] vs. 16 [16; 9-25]), requiring greater intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion (8 [13; 3.5-16.5] vs. 1 (0; [0-1] units) than definitive laparotomy counterparts. Nonsurvivors arrived in severe physiologic compromise (base deficit, 17 [17; 8-25] vs. 7 [4; 4-8]), requiring more frequent preoperative blood product transfusion (67% vs. 10%) after comparable injury (ISS survivors, 36 [23; 18-41] vs. nonsurvivors 26 (7; 25-32), p = 0.8880). Fifty-five percent of DCL patients survived (length of stay, 26 [21; 18-39] days) requiring 3 (2; 2-4) laparotomies during 4 (6; 2-8) days until closure (fascial, 90%; vicryl/split thickness skin grafting, 10%). DCL complications (surgical site infection, 18%; dehiscence, 2%; enterocutaneous fistula, 2%) were analyzed. When stratified by age (15 years vs. 15-18 years) and period (1996-2006 vs. 2007-2013), no differences were found in injury severity or DCL outcomes (p0.05). After controlling for DCL, age, and gender, multivariate analysis indicated only ISS (odds ratio, 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 1.01 - 1.19], p = 0.0218) and arrival systolic blood pressure (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99], p = 0.0254) predicted mortality after severe injury.DCL is a proven, lifesaving surgical technique in adults. This report is the first to analyze the use of DCL in children with critical abdominal injuries. With similar survival and morbidity rates as critically injured adults, DCL merits careful consideration in children with critical abdominal injuries.Therapeutic study, level IV.

The article focuses on the growing popularity of electric scooters (e-scooters) and possible public health issues related to their use. It states that e-scooters ride inches above the ground and can travel up to 15 miles per hour. It mentions companies that build e-scooters recommend wearing a helmet while riding, only riding on roadways, being at least 18 years old, and not blocking public pathways when parking. It talks about traumatic injuries that riders can suffer while using e-scooters.

Background Intra-abdominal packing with laparotomy pads (LP) is a common and rapid method for hemorrhage control in critically injured patients. Combat Gauze™ and Trauma Pads™ ([QC] Z-Medica QuikClot ® ) are kaolin impregnated hemostatic agents, that in addition to LP, may improve hemorrhage control. While QC packing has been effective in a swine liver injury model, QC remains unstudied for human intra-abdominal use. We hypothesized QC packing during damage control laparotomy (DCL) better controls hemorrhage than standard packing and is safe for intracorporeal use. Methods A retrospective review (2011–2014) at a Level-I Trauma Center reviewed all patients who underwent DCL with intentionally retained packing. Clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters, and outcomes were compared with respect to packing (LP vs. LP + QC). All complications occurring within the patients’ hospital stays were reviewed. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results 68 patients underwent DCL with packing; (LP n = 40; LP + QC n = 28). No difference in age, BMI, injury mechanism, ISS, or GCS was detected ( Table 1 , all p > 0.05). LP + QC patients had a lower systolic blood pressure upon ED presentation and greater blood loss during index laparotomy than LP patients. LP + QC patients received more packed red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma resuscitation during index laparotomy (both p 0.05). After a median of 2 days until abdominal closure in both groups, no difference in complications rates attributable to intra-abdominal packing (LP vs LP + QC) was detected. Conclusion While the addition of QC to LP packing did not confer additional benefit to standard packing, there was no additional morbidity identified with its use. The surgeons at our institution now select augmented packing with QC for sicker patients, as we believe this may have additional advantage over standard LP packing. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further evaluate the intra-abdominal use of advanced hemostatic agents, like QC, for both hemostasis and associated morbidity.

BackgroundReported characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are widely disparate with varying mortality rates. No literature describes outcomes in ICU patients with COVID-19 managed by an acute care surgery (ACS) division. Our ACS division manages all ICU patients at a community hospital in New Jersey. When that hospital was overwhelmed and in crisis secondary to COVID-19, we sought to describe outcomes for all patients with COVID-19 admitted to our closed ICU managed by the ACS division.MethodsThis was a prospective case series of the first 120 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted on March 14 to May 10, 2020. Final follow-up was May 27, 2020. Patients discharged from the ICU or who died were included. Patients still admitted to the ICU at final follow-up were excluded.ResultsOne hundred and twenty patients were included (median age 64 years (range 25–89), 66.7% men). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (75; 62.5%), obesity (61; 50.8%), and diabetes (50; 41.7%). One hundred and thirteen (94%) developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, 89 (74.2%) had shock, and 76 (63.3%) experienced acute kidney injury. One hundred (83.3%) required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Median ICU length of stay (LOS) was 8.5 days (IQR 9), hospital LOS was 14.5 days (IQR 13). Mortality for all ICU patients with COVID-19 was 53.3% and 62% for IMV patients.ConclusionsThis is the first report of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a community hospital ICU managed by an ACS division who also provided all surge care. Mortality of critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to an overwhelmed hospital in crisis may not be as high as initially thought based on prior reports. While COVID-19 is a non-surgical disease, ACS divisions have the capability of successfully caring for both surgical and medical critically ill patients, thus providing versatility in times of crisis.Level of evidenceLevel V.

Duodenal and pancreatic injuries are challenging to diagnose and treat. Over the last several decades, appropriate and optimal surgical management of these injuries have been debated. This is a review of the latest literature regarding diagnosis and operative management of these injuries. In duodenal injury, primary repair should be pursued for partial or complete transection with little tissue loss and no ampulla involvement. In more complex injuries, where tension-free repair is not possible, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy or pyloric exclusion with diverting gastrojejunostomy can be utilized. Wide external closed suction drainage is recommended for grade I, II, and IV pancreatic injuries. Distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy is recommended for grade III injuries. Pancreatoduodenectomy in a staged procedure is safe for grade V combined injuries with ductal disruption. Delayed diagnosis contributes to increased mortality in pancreatic and duodenal trauma. Establishing early diagnosis and ductal involvement followed by appropriate surgical intervention improves outcomes.

Cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression have poor surgical site wound healing. Prior literature supports the use of human adipose-derived stem cell (hASC) lipoinjection to improve wound healing. It has been established that multipotent hASCs facilitate neovascularization, accelerate epithelialization, and quicken wound closure in animal models. Although hASC wound therapy may benefit surgical cancer patients, the chemotherapeutic effects on hASCs are unknown. We hypothesized that paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, impairs hASC growth, multipotency, and induces apoptosis.hASCs were isolated and harvested from consented, chemotherapy and radiation naive patients. Growth curves, MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide), and EdU (5-ethynyl-2-deoxyguridine) assays measured cytotoxicity and proliferation. Oil Red O stain, Alizarin Red stain, matrigel tube formation assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyzed hASC differentiation. Annexin V assay measured apoptosis. Immunostaining and Western blot determined tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression.hASCs were selectively more sensitive to paclitaxel (0.01-30 μM) than fibroblasts (P0.05). After 12 d, paclitaxel caused hASC growth arrest, whereas control hASCs proliferated (P = 0.006). Paclitaxel caused an 80.6% reduction in new DNA synthesis (P0.001). Paclitaxel severely inhibited endothelial differentiation and capillary-like tube formation. Differentiation markers, lipoprotein lipase (adipogenic), alkaline phosphatase (osteogenic), CD31, and van Willebrand factor (endothelial), were significantly decreased (all P0.05) confirming paclitaxel impaired differentiation. Paclitaxel was also found to induce apoptosis and TNF-α was upregulated in paclitaxel-treated hASCs (P0.001).Paclitaxel is more cytotoxic to hASCs than fibroblasts. Paclitaxel inhibits hASC proliferation, differentiation, and induces apoptosis, possibly through the TNF-α pathway. Paclitaxel's severe inhibition of endothelial differentiation indicates neovascularization disruption, possibly causing poor wound healing in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is often necessary during initial trauma resuscitations, but may cause complications including catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary emboli (PE), arterial injury, or pneumothoraces. Our primary objective compared subclavian versus femoral CVC complications during initial trauma resuscitations. A retrospective review (2010–2011) at an urban, Level-I Trauma Center reviewed CVCs during initial trauma resuscitations. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and complications including: CRBSIs, DVTs, arterial injuries, pneumothoraces, and PEs were analyzed. Fisher's exact test and Student's t test were used; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 504 CVCs were placed (subclavian, n = 259; femoral, n = 245). No difference in age (47 ± 22 vs 45 ± 23 years) or body mass index (28 ± 6 vs 29 ± 16 kg/m2) was detected ( P > 0.05) in subclavian vs femoral CVC, but subclavian CVCs had more blunt injuries (81% vs 69%), greater systolic blood pressure (95 ± 55 vs 83 ± 43 mmHg), greater Glasgow Coma Scale (10 ± 5 vs 9 ± 5), and less introducers (49% vs 73%) than femoral CVCs (all P < 0.05). Catheter related arterial injuries, PEs, and CRBSIs were similar in subclavian and femoral groups (3% vs 2%, 0% vs 1%, and 3% vs 3%; all P > 0.05). Catheter-related DVTs occurred in 2 per cent of subclavian and 9 per cent of femoral CVCs ( P < 0.001). There was a 3 per cent occurrence of pneumothorax in the subclavian CVC population. In conclusion, both subclavian and femoral CVCs caused significant complications. Subclavian catheter-related pneumothoraces occurred more commonly and femoral CRBSIs less commonly than expected compared with prior literature in nonemergent scenarios. This suggests that femoral CVC may be safer than subclavian CVC during initial trauma resuscitations.

Background Retrohepatic vena cava (RVC) injuries are technically challenging and often lethal. Atriocaval shunting has been promoted as a modality to control haemorrhage from these injuries, but evidence from controlled studies supporting its benefit is lacking. We hypothesised that addition of an atriocaval shunt to perihepatic packing would improve outcomes in our penetrating RVC injury swine model. Methods After a survivable atriocaval shunting model was refined in 4 swine without an injury, 13 additional female Yorkshire swine were randomised into either perihepatic packing and atriocaval shunt (PPAS, n = 7) or perihepatic packing alone (PP, n = 6) treatment arms prior to creating a standardised, 1.5 cm stab wound to the RVC. Haemodynamic parameters, intravenous fluid, and blood loss were recorded until mortality or euthanisation after 4 h. Statistical tests used to test differences include the Wilcoxon rank sums test, Fisher exact test and analysis of covariance. A p -value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Immediately before and after RVC injury, no difference in temperature, cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure or mean pulmonary artery pressure was detected (all p > 0.05) between the two groups. While the RVC injury did affect measures parameters in PPAS swine over time, haemodynamic compromise and blood loss were not significantly greater in PPAS than PP swine. Survival time was significantly different with all PPAS swine dying within 2 h (mean survival duration 39 (SD 58) min) while all 6 PP swine survived the entire 4 h study period. Conclusions While perihepatic packing alone slowed haemorrhage to survivable rates during the 4 h study period, atriocaval shunt placement led to rapid physiologic decline and death in our standardised, penetrating RVC model.

The introduction of laparoscopy has provided trauma surgeons with a valuable diagnostic and, at times, therapeutic option. The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery, combined with potentially quicker postoperative recovery, simplified wound care, as well as a growing number of viable intraoperative therapeutic modalities, presents an attractive alternative for many traumatologists when managing hemodynamically stable patients with selected penetrating and blunt traumatic abdominal injuries. At the same time, laparoscopy has its own unique complication profile. This article provides an overview of potential complications associated with diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy in trauma, focusing on practical aspects of identification and management of laparoscopy-related adverse events.