Volume 22 · Issue 03 · 2019

To examine the relationships between emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) with hospital length of stay (HLOS) and clinical outcome in hemodynamically stable trauma patients.

Prospective data collected for 2 years from consecutive trauma patients admitted to the trauma resuscitation bay. Only stable blunt trauma patients with appropriate trauma triage criteria requiring trauma team activation were included in the study. EDLOS was determined short if patient spent less than 2 h in the emergency department (ER) and long for more than 2 h.

A total of 248 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean total EDLOS was 125 min (range 78-180). Injury severity score (ISS) were significantly higher in the long EDLOS group (17 ± 13 versus 11 ± 9, p < 0.001). However, when leveled according to ISS, there were no differences in mean in diagnostic workup, admission rate to intensive care unit (ICU) or HLOS between the short and long EDLOS groups.

EDLOS is not a significant parameter for HLOS in stable trauma patients.

To summarize and analyze the early treatment of multiple injuries combined with severe pelvic fractures, especially focus on the hemostasis methods for severe pelvic fractures, so as to improve the successful rate of rescue for the fatal hemorrhagic shock caused by pelvic fractures.

A retrospective analysis was conducted in 68 cases of multiple trauma combined with severe pelvic fractures in recent 10 years (from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2015). There were 57 males and 11 females. Their age ranged from 19 to 75 years, averaging 42 years. Causes of injury included traffic accidents in 34 cases (2 cases of truck rolling), high falling injuries in 17 cases, crashing injuries in 15 cases, steel cable wound in 1 case, and seat belt traction injury in 1 case. There were 31 cases of head injury, 11 cases of chest injury, 56 cases of abdominal and pelvic injuries, and 37 cases of spinal and limb injuries. Therapeutic methods included early anti-shock measures, surgical hemostasis based on internal iliac artery devasculization for pelvic hemorrhage, and early treatment for combined organ damage and complications included embolization and repair of the liver, spleen and kidney, splenectomy, nephrectomy, intestinal resection, colostomy, bladder ostomy, and urethral repair, etc. Patients in this series received blood transfusion volume of 1200-10,000 mL, with an average volume of 2850 mL. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1.5 years.

The average score of ISS in this series was 38.6 points. 49 cases were successfully treated and the total survival rate was 72.1%. Totally 19 patients died (average ISS score 42.4), including 6 cases of hemorrhagic shock, 8 cases of brain injury, 1 case of cardiac injury, 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 1 case of pulmonary embolism, and 1 case of multiple organ failure. Postoperative complications included 1 case of urethral stricture (after secondary repair), 1 case of sexual dysfunction (combined with urethral rupture), 1 case of lower limb amputation (femoral artery thrombosis), and 18 cases of consumptive coagulopathy.

The early treatment of multiple injuries combined with severe pelvic fractures should focus on pelvic hemostasis. Massive bleeding-induced hemorrhagic shock is one of the main causes of poor prognosis. The technique of internal iliac artery devasculization including ligation and embolization can be used as an effective measure to stop or reduce bleeding. Consumptive coagulopathy is difficult to deal with, which should be detected and treated as soon as possible after surgical measures have been performed. The effect of using recombinant factor VII in treating consumptive coagulopathy is satisfactory.

The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive method to analyze the balance of the autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to compare the changes of HRV and base deficit (BD) during the treatment of trauma patients.

Forty-three trauma patients with a low injury severity scores (ISS < 24) and negative base excess on admission were included in this study. Based on the BD changes, patients were divided into three groups: 'end pointed’ group (n= 13), patients' BDs instantly cleared after primary hydration; 'needs further resuscitation’ group (n = 21), patients' BDs did not reach the end point and thus required further hydration or packed red blood cells transfusion; and 'hydration minimal change’ group (n = 9), patients' BDs lower than 2.5 mmol/L at the onset of admission and thereafter had minimal change (near normal range). The changes in HRV during fluid resuscitation were detected and compared to BD changes in their arterial blood gases. All data were analysed using the SPSS software Version 15.0. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the changes in HRV, heart rate, blood pressure, and BD among groups.

A significant reverse correlation was found between the BD ratio and the HRV ratio (r = -0.562; p = 0.01). The HRV of patients with aggravated BDs after fluid resuscitation was decreased. There was an increase in HRV at the time of BD clearance. A decrease in HRV after primary crystalloid hydration bore a significant connection with the need for an ICU (p = 0.021) and transfusion of packed red blood cells (p < 0.001).

Increase in HRV may be a new non-invasive index for the end point of resuscitation in trauma patients.

Pelvic fractures are severe injuries and are often associated with multiple system injuries, exacerbating the overall outcome. In India, the incidence of pelvic fractures is on a rise due to suboptimal roads and traffics but related literature regarding the overall epidemiology of these injuries is scarce and scanty. Our aim was to study the epidemiology of patients admitted with pelvic fractures at a level 1 trauma centre in India.

A 16-month (between September 2015 and December 2016) prospective observational study was carried out on trauma patients with pelvic fractures at a level 1 trauma centre of a tertiary care hospital. Demography of patients, mechanism of injuries and complications were recorded prospectively.

We observed 75 patients who presented with pelvic fractures, where 56 were males and 19 were females. Mean age of the study population was 37.57 years. Road traffic accidents were the most common mode of injuries. Lateral compression injuries were the most common pattern. Associated injuries frequently encountered were lower extremities and acetabulum fractures, blunt abdominal trauma, urogenital injuries and head injuries. Out of the 75 patients, 52 were treated surgically and 23 were managed by conservative methods. Associated injuries of the extremities, head, abdomen and urogenital system indicated a longer hospital stay.

Pelvic fractures, although belong to a relatively rare trauma subset, cause a high morbidity and mortality with considerable burden on the economy. Proper road safety training and driving etiquettes along with its strict implementation in true sense and spirit are the need of the hour.

To determine the relationship of illnesses and medical drug consumption with the occurrence of traffic accidents among truck and bus drivers.

This is a cross-sectional study on truck and bus drivers in Tehran, Iran. The criteria for participating in this study were: married males over 30 years old, driving license in grade one, five years of job experience, mental health and non-addiction license. The criterion for not participating in this study was the lack of cooperation in responding to the questions. Six months was spent to collect the latest five years data of driving accidents from 2011 to 2016. A total of 323 truck and bus drivers in Tehran city and the suburbs, Iran were chosen. Among them, 112 were responsible for accidents (accident group) while 211 were not responsible for any accidents or involved in an accident in the last five years (non-accident group). A specially designed questionnaire was used to investigate the demographic information, medical drug consumption, medical backgrounds and history of accidents.

The results revealed that compared with healthy subjects, the occurrence of accidents among people with diabetes (OR = 2.3, p = 0.001) and vision weakness (OR = 1.7, p = 0.020) was significantly higher, while that among people with cardiac (OR = 0.5, p = 0.002) and hypertension (OR = 0.9, p = 0.048) problems was remarkably lower. Moreover, consumption of Gemfibrozil (OR = 1.8, p = 0.010) and Glibenclamide (OR = 2.2, p = 0.002) drugs resulted in significantly higher incidence of accidents than those without.

Frequencies of illnesses like cardiovascular and hypertension were not higher in accident drivers than in non-accident drivers; but diabetes, vision weakness and consumption of Gemfibrozil and Glibenclamide lead to more traffic accidents.

Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death and disability, causing annual deaths of 1.23 million and tens of millions injured people worldwide. Meanwhile, a significant proportion of the deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents occur among motorcyclists. According to the world health organization's 2015 report, about 25% of deaths from traffic accidents occur in motorists. In Iran, a significant proportion of deaths and injuries result from traffic accidents among motorcyclists, especially in passages within the cities. According to traffic police, about 25% of deaths and 50% of injuries in traffic accidents of Tehran are reported among motorcyclists. Therefore, due to the importance of this issue, the spatial factors influencing the incidence of motorcycle-related accidents in Tehran were investigated using the geographic information system.

The present work was a cross-sectional and descriptive analysis study. The data necessary for the study were extracted from Tehran traffic police as well as municipality databases. Zoning maps were used to display the distribution of events. In the analytical investigation, Moran index was used to determine the distribution pattern of the events, while Getis-Ord G * statistics were applied to analyze hot spots. To investigate the role of regional and environmental factors in the frequency of traffic accidents related to motorcyclists in geographic units (Tehran 22 districts), Poisson regression and negative binomial models were used. The geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to analyze the relationship between environmental factors and the location of these events. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, STATA, ARC-GIS and GWR software.

The southern and eastern margins of Tehran are the most vulnerable areas in terms of deaths related to traffic accidents of motorcyclists. Highways are considered the location of most traffic accidents which lead to death of motorcyclists. Getis-Ord General G * (p < 0.04) indicates that the distribution of high-risk points is statistically significant. The final model showed that in Tehran, the association of different variables including demographic characteristics, pathways network and type of land use with the number of accidents in geographic units was statistically significant. The spatial distribution of traffic accidents leading to deaths of motorcyclists in the center of Tehran varies considerably with changes in population density, length of highways, volume of traffic, and land use in different parts.

Most of the traffic accidents leading to deaths of motorcyclists occur in highways. Various environmental variables play a role in determining the distribution pattern of these types of events. Through proper traffic management, controlling environmental risk factors and training people the safety of motorcyclists in Tehran can be improved.

Primary reconstruction via transconjunctival approach is a standardized treatment option for orbital floor fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the findings of specific ophthalmologic assessment with the patient's complaints after fracture reduction.

A retrospective medical chart analysis was performed on patients who had undergone transconjunctival orbital floor fracture reduction for fracture therapy with resorbable foil (ethisorb sheet or polydioxanone foil). A follow-up assessment including ophthalmological evaluation regarding visual acuity (eye chart projector), binocular visual field screening (Bagolini striated glasses test) and diplopia (cover test, Hess screen test) was conducted. Additionally, a questionnaire was performed to assess patients' satisfaction.

A total of 53 patients with a mean follow-up of 23 months (ranging from 11 to 72) after surgical therapy were included. Diplopia was present preoperatively in 23 (43.4%) and reduced in follow-up examination (n= 12, 22.6%). Limitations in ocular motility reduced from 37.7% to 7.5%. The questionnaire about the patient's satisfaction revealed excellent outcomes in relation to the functional and esthetical parameters.

Transconjunctival approach is a safe approach for orbital fracture therapy. Postoperative diplopia is nearly never perceptible for the individual and differs to pathologic findings in the ophthalmic assessment.

To investigate whether dexmedetomidine (Dex) can reduce the production of inflammatory factor IL-1β by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in hippocampal microglia, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response of the central nervous system induced by surgical injury.

Exploratory laparotomy was used in experimental models in this study. Totally 48 Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 12 for each), respectively sham control (group A), laparotomy only (group B); and Dex treatment with different doses of 5 μg/kg (group D1) or 10 μg/kg (group D2). Rats in groups D1 and D2 were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding doses of Dex every 6 h. The rats were sacrificed 12 h after operation; the hippocampus tissues were isolated, and frozen sections were made. The microglia activation was estimated by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC and IL-1β were detected by immunoblotting. All data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and independent sample t test was used to analyze the statistical difference between groups.

The activated microglia in the hippocampus of the rats significantly increased after laparotomy (group B vs. sham control, p < 0.01). After Dex treatment, the number was decreased in a dose-dependent way (group D1 vs. D2, p < 0.05), however the activated microglia in both groups were still higher than that of sham controls (both p < 0.05). Further Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC and downstream cytokine IL-1β in the hippocampus from the laparotomy group were significantly higher than those of the sham control group (all p < 0.01). The elevated expression of these proteins was relieved after Dex treatment, also in a dose-dependent way (D2 vs. D1 group, p < 0.05).

Dex can inhibit the activation of microglia and NLRP3 inflammasome in the hippocampus of rats after operation, and the synthesis and secretion of IL-1β are also reduced in a dose-dependent manner by using Dex. Hence, Dex can alleviate inflammation activation on the central nervous system induced by surgical injury.

To evaluate the clinico-radiological outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures treated with Ilizarov external fixation with or without minimal internal fixation.

This retrospective review was conducted on all the cases of Schatzker types V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated by Ilizarov external fixation between July 2006 and December 2015 with the minimum follow-up duration of one year. There were 30 patients: 24 males and 6 females, mean age 43.33 years, and mean follow-up 3.6 years. Three of them were open fractures; 15 cases were Schatzkertype V fractures and the other 15 type VI. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 11 type C1, 12 C2 and 7 type C3 fractures. Outcome assessment was made with American Knee Society Score (AKSS) and Rasmussen's Radiological Score (RRS) at final follow-up.

Out of the 30 cases, mini-open reduction was performed in 7, bone graft in 4, minimal internal fixation in 10 and knee temporary immobilisation in 11 patients. Mean duration of external fixation was 11.8 weeks. All fractures united. Pin tract infections in 7 and common peroneal neuropathy in 2 patients were self-limiting. Two patients had axial misalignment of less than 10^°. At final follow-up, the mean knee range of motion was 114.7, mean AKSS 81.5 and mean RRS 16.7. On statistical analysis, Schatzker type of fractures, use of minimal internal fixation and knee-spanning did not influence the final outcome.

Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal internal fixation provides acceptable outcome for complex tibial plateau fractures. Care must be taken to look for minor loss of alignment, especially in Type VI Schatzker fractures after removal of the fixator. However small sample size precludes firm conclusions.

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is systemic manifestation of fat emboli in the circulation seen mostly after long bone fractures. FES is considered a lethal complication of trauma. There are various case reports and series describing FES. Here we describe the clinical characteristics, management in ICU and outcome of these patients in level I trauma center in a span of 6 months.

In this prospective study, analysis of all the patients with FES admitted in our polytrauma intensive care unit (ICU) of level I trauma center over a period of 6 months (from August 2017 to January 2018) was done. Demographic data, clinical features, management in ICU and outcome were analyzed.

We admitted 10 cases of FES. The mean age of patients was 31.2 years. The mean duration from time of injury to onset of symptoms was 56 h. All patients presented with hypoxemia and petechiae but central nervous system symptoms were present in 70% of patients. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 11.7 days and the mean length of ICU stay was 14.7 days. There was excellent recovery among patients with no neurological deficit.

FES is considered a lethal complication of trauma but timely management can result in favorable outcome. FES can occur even after fixation of the fracture. Hypoxia is the most common and earliest feature of FES followed by CNS manifestations. Any patient presenting with such symptoms should raise the suspicion of FES and mandate early ICU referral.

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury is a common shoulder injury. There are various techniques of ACJ reconstruction. Superficial infection after ACJ reconstruction is not an uncommon complication. However, osteomyelitis post ACJ reconstruction has never been highlighted as a possible complication. Our patient is a 31-year-old male who sustained a Rockwood 5 ACJ dislocation and had anatomical ACJ reconstruction with autogenous gracilis and semitendinosus graft. Our technique involved the anatomical reconstruction of the ACJ and the coracoclavicular ligament with the usage of two bioscrews and the temporary stabilisation of the ACJ with two k-wires. As in any orthopaedic surgery, infection is often disastrous especially when the surgery involves implants. It can be disastrous with high morbidity to the patient as well as a costly complication to treat. Therefore, we wish to highlight this case as despite its rarity, osteomyelitis can be devastating to the patient and should be prevented if possible.