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Thomas M Scalea

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas M Scalea.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Kleihauer-betke testing is important in all cases of maternal trauma.

BACKGROUND: In maternal trauma, the Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test has traditionally been used to detect transplacental hemorrhage (TPH), so that Rh-negative women could receive appropriate Rh immune prophylaxis. Reasoning that the magnitude of TPH would reflect uterine injury, we evaluated Kleihauer-Betke testing as an independent predictor of preterm labor (PTL) after maternal trauma. METHODS: Admissions to the Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland, from January 1996 to January 2002, were reviewed. Of 30,362 trauma patients admitted, 166 were pregnant, and 93 of these underwent electronic fetal monitoring. Their records were abstracted for demographics, injury type, three separate trauma scores, documented uterine contractions, PTL (contractions with progressive cervical change), and serious perinatal complications. In 71 cases, transplacental hemorrhage was assessed by maternal KB test. RESULTS: TPH, defined as KB-positive for greater than 0.01 mL of fetal blood in the maternal circulation, occurred in 46 women. Forty-four had documented contractions (25 had overt PTL) and 2 had no contractions. In 25 women with a negative KB test, none had uterine contractions. All patients with contractions or PTL had positive KB tests. By logistic regression, KB test result was the single risk factor associated with PTL (p < 0.001; likelihood ratio, 20.8 for positive KB test). Compared with other sites, abdominal trauma was associated more often with uterine contractions (p < 0.001), PTL (p = 0.001), and a positive KB test (p < 0.001, chi). None of the trauma scoring systems predicted PTL. CONCLUSION: Kleihauer-Betke testing accurately predicts the risk of preterm labor after maternal trauma. Clinical assessment does not. With a negative KB test, posttrauma electronic fetal monitoring duration may be limited safely. With a positive KB test, the significant risk of PTL mandates detailed monitoring. KB testing has important advantages to all maternal trauma victims, regardless of Rh status.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2004

A time-dependent analysis of intensive care unit pneumonia in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate and timely antibiotic therapy to treat pneumonia in trauma patients is extremely important. We evaluated the incidence and microbiology of pneumonia stratified by days postadmission and risk factors. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on 714 trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit over a 1-year period. Pneumonia was classified as community acquired (CAP) (< or = 3 days), early nosocomial (ENP) (4-6 days), or late nosocomial (LNP) (> or = 7 days). In addition, pneumonia was classified as CAP only, nosocomial only (NI), or combination (CAP and NI, or ENP and LNP) pneumonia. Strict institutional guidelines were followed for diagnosis. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two patients (25%) were diagnosed with 204 pneumonias over the study period. One hundred twenty-five (61%) of these pneumonias were ventilator associated. Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were the most common pathogens isolated. Twenty-one percent of patients with CAP acquired an LNP (p < 0.025), in which Pseudomonas was the most common organism. Haemophilus caused LNP in 12% of patients. Cancer (p < 0.01), liver failure (p < 0.05), and age (p < 0.01) were predictive of nontypical pathogens in patients with CAP and ENP (p < 0.05). Obesity was most predictive of increased ventilator days (p < 0.001) and intensive care unit length of stay (p < 0.001). Increased age, alcohol abuse, and field airway were most predictive of mortality. CONCLUSION: Unanticipated pathogens were isolated in each class of pneumonia. The clinician must be aware of significant risk factors that may predispose patients to pathogens that are not ordinarily covered with standard antibiotic therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Splenic embolization revisited: a multicenter review.

BACKGROUND: Splenic embolization can increase nonoperative salvage. However, complications are not clearly defined. A retrospective multicenter review was performed to delineate the risks and benefits of splenic embolization. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing splenic embolization from 1997 to 2002 at four separate Level I trauma centers was performed. Reviewed results included patient demographics, admission and follow-up computed tomographic scan results, angiographic technique, and patient outcomes including splenic salvage rate and procedural complications. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were reviewed. The majority were young male patients involved in motor vehicle crashes. These patients had high abdominal computed tomographic grades of splenic injury and moderate Injury Severity Scores. The splenic salvage rate was 87%, which decreased with increasing injury grade. However, over 80% of splenic injury grades 4 and 5 were successfully managed nonoperatively. Significant hemoperitoneum did not affect success, but the presence of arteriovenous fistula was associated with a high failure rate, even with embolization. Salvage rates were similar between main coil and subselective embolization groups. Patients over 55 years of age did no worse than younger patients. Major complications included bleeding in 16 patients; 6 splenic abscesses, with 5 patients requiring splenectomy; and 1 episode of arterial injury requiring operative repair. CONCLUSION: Splenic embolization remains a valuable technique in splenic salvage, especially in higher grade injuries. Complications are common but do not seem to affect outcome.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2004

Decompressive laparotomy to treat intractable intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can cause increases in intracranial pressure (ICP). Recently, we noticed that abdominal fascial release could be useful in treating intracranial hypertension (ICH) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We added this as an option in our treatment of TBI. METHODS: In our institution, ICH is treated with an algorithm using osmolar therapy, CSF drainage and barbiturates. Patients with refractory ICH have routine measurement of IAP. If elevated, consideration is given to decompressive laparotomy. We retrospectively reviewed all patients admitted from January 2000 through July 2003 who had abdominal decompression to treat refractory ICH. RESULTS: From 1/00 to 7/03, 17 patients underwent decompressive laparotomy for intractable ICH. Thirteen male and 4 females all sustained blunt injury. All had failed maximal therapy including 14 who had had decompressive craniectomy. Mean ICP was 30 +/- 8.1 mmHg (range 20-40 mmHg) before decompression. No patients had evidence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Before decompression mean IAP was 27.5 (+/- 5.2) mmHg (range 21-35 mmHg). After abdominal decompression ICP dropped precipitously by at least 10 mmHg to a mean of 17.5 (+/- 3.2) mmHg (range 10-25 mmHg). In 6 patients the decrease in ICP was transient. All died. The remaining 11 had sustained decreases in ICP. All survived, made neurologic recovery and were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. CONCLUSION: Decompressive laparotomy can be a useful adjunct in the treatment of ICH failing maximal therapy following TBI. More work will need to be done to precise the exact indications for this therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Factor VIIa for correction of traumatic coagulopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Activated factor VIIa (FVIIa) was developed to treat hemophiliacs with high-titer antibodies to factor VIII. FVIIa initiates thrombin formation by binding with exposed tissue factor. Anecdotal reports have described the utility of FVIIa in correcting coagulopathy from trauma, but no large series exists. We present our experience with 81 coagulopathic trauma patients treated using FVIIa in years 2001-2003, compared with "control" patients matched from the trauma registry from the same time period. METHODS: Use of FVIIa was restricted to active hemorrhage with clinical coagulopathy. We recorded the cause of coagulopathy, dose of FVIIa administered, effect on clinical coagulation, pertinent laboratory values, length of stay, number and type of blood products administered, and patient outcome. For the same time period we also examined outcomes in coagulopathic patients who did not receive FVIIa. RESULTS: Causes of coagulopathy were diverse, and included acute traumatic hemorrhage (46 patients), traumatic brain injury (20), warfarin use (9), congenital Factor VII deficiency (2), and other acquired hematologic defects (4). Coagulopathy was reversed in 61/81 cases (75%), with an associated reduction in PT from 19.6 to 10.8 (p=0.000018). 34 patients (42%) survived to hospital discharge (20/46 traumatic hemorrhage, 5/20 TBI, 4/9 on warfarin, 2/2 factor deficient, 3/4 other). Patients died from irreversible shock, multiple organ system failure, or traumatic brain injury. FVIIa patients had a higher mortality than coagulopathic controls matched by specific anatomic injuries, admission lactate value, and predicted probability of survival. Only a group identified by all three characteristics had a similar mortality to the FVIIa cohort, but the number of patients that could be matched this way was too small to be meaningful. CONCLUSION: FVIIa therapy lead to an immediate reduction in coagulopathic hemorrhage in most cases, accompanied by a significant improvement in laboratory measures. Application of FVIIa as a therapy of last resort makes the identification of equivalent control patients difficult. Use of FVIIa should be considered for any patient with coagulopathic hemorrhage in which surgically-accessible bleeding has been controlled. Prospective trials of FVIIa in patients with traumatic coagulopathy are strongly indicated, and should focus on appropriate patient selection and the dose and timing of therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Computer-assisted communication for critically ill patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill nonverbal patients often have limited means of communication through eye-blinking, communication cards, and occasionally writing. We evaluated a novel computer communication device to determine its clinical utility as an alternative form of communication between patients and hospital staff. METHODS: We conducted a prospective pilot study to evaluate a communication system (LifeVoice) for intubated nonverbal trauma patients. Patients and hospital staff completed questionnaires regarding product satisfaction and utility on days 1, 3, and 7. RESULTS: Patients (n = 35) felt the system assisted them in obtaining their needs (>90%). Hospital staff (n = 42) felt the device improved patient care (96%) and comfort (91%). CONCLUSION: The system evaluated offers an effective alternative to traditional means of communication in the intensive care unit. Computer-assisted communication improves patient comfort and allows advanced patient participation in medical care. Further studies will determine whether this modality objectively improves patient care by promoting a higher degree of safety and reducing medical errors.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Reevaluating the management and outcomes of severe blunt liver injury.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that predict the need for operative management (OM) of severe blunt liver injury. We also sought to determine the impact of interventional angiography (Ang) in the treatment and outcomes of these patients. METHODS: Patients with blunt liver injuries of grade IV or higher were retrospectively reviewed for their demographics, hemodynamics, blood product requirements, laboratory and radiologic data, hospital course, and outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-four patients underwent OM. They had a significantly higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (p = 0.004), a lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.002) and a higher heart rate (p = 0.02), and higher fluid and transfusion requirements (p < 0.001) than those treated without OM. Their mortality rate was 66%; 59% of deaths were from uncontrolled bleeding. Initial platelet count and fluid requirements at 4 hours were independent predictors of the need for OM. Ang was performed in 48 patients. Patients who were treated without Ang required more fluids (p = 0.03) and more packed red blood cells (p = 0.02) at 4 hours. Patients requiring both OM and Ang had a higher complication rate (p = 0.02) and longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (p < 0.001) than those who had OM alone, but mortality was the same (p = 0.1). Patients treated nonoperatively had longer intensive care unit (p = 0.006) and hospital stays (p < 0.05) if they required Ang, but mortality was the same. The only survival advantage to the use of Ang was when Ang alone was compared with OM alone. CONCLUSION: Select high-grade injuries can be successfully managed nonoperatively. Initial platelet count and crystalloid fluid use at 4 hours predict the need for OM. Patients requiring OM are less stable and have substantial mortality but often do not die as a result of uncontrolled bleeding. Ang has a role in stable patients who do not require OM initially but does not improve outcome in patients who require OM.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Blood transfusion rates in the care of acute trauma.

BACKGROUND: Ten to 15 percent of all RBCs are used in the care of injury. Understanding patterns of RBC use is important. Routine resource allocation, planning for mass casualty situations, designing research, and optimizing triage all can be usefully informed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood Bank and Trauma Registry records were linked to produce a transfused blood product list for each patient directly admitted from the scene of injury to a large Level 1 trauma center in calendar year 2000. Categorical associations between demographic data, Injury Severity Score, transfused products, and outcome were sought. Special attention was paid to the groups receiving uncross-matched RBCs and more than 10 units of RBCs. RESULTS: Eight percent (479/5645) of acute trauma patients received RBCs, using 5219 units and sustaining an overall mortality of 27 percent. Sixty-two percent of RBCs were given in the first 24 hours of care. Three percent of patients (147 injured) received more than 10 units and received 71 percent of all RBCs given. Mortality in this cohort was 39 percent. Ninety percent of the patients who received more than 10 units of RBCs received plasma, and 71 percent received PLTs. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of patients receives most of the blood products used in the treatment of injury. Transfusion of more than 10 units of RBCs identifies a subgroup where most patients received plasma and PLTs to treat actual or anticipated dilutional coagulopathy. There is no clear threshold beyond which blood use is futile.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Admission serum albumin is predicitve of outcome in critically ill trauma patients.

There is a paucity of data evaluating serum albumin on admission as a predictor of outcome in adult trauma patients. Our objectives were to evaluate whether or not hypoalbuminemia on admission is a predictor of adverse outcome in trauma patients. Prospective data was collected daily on 1023 patients over a 2-year period. Patients were stratified by serum albumin level on admission, age, gender, injury severity, and comorbid conditions. Outcome was measured by ICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator days, incidence of infection, and mortality. Student t test, chi2, and multilinear regression analysis were used to determine level of significance. Blunt injuries accounted for the majority (78%) of the admissions. The mean age of the study population was 43+/-21 years with a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 21.4+/-12. The majority of patients were male (74.5%). The mean albumin level on admission was 2.9+/-1.8. Five hundred ninety-three (58%) patients were admitted with a serum albumin level of > or =2.6 as compared to 430 patients (42%) with an admission albumin level of <2.6. Patients with a lower serum albumin level were found to have a significantly greater ICU (17.1 vs 14.2 days) and hospital length of stay (17.3 vs 20.1 days, P'< 0.05), ventilator days (11.1 vs 13.5 days, P < 0.05), and mortality (P = 0.008) when matched for age and injury severity. The relative risk of infection and mortality increased greater than 2.5-fold in patients with increased age and low serum albumin when analyzed by multilinear regression analysis, P < 0.001. An admission serum albumin level of <2.6 g/dL is a significant independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. The combination of increased age and low albumin level was most predictive of infection and mortality. Early nutrition should be considered in these high-risk patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Recombinant factor VIIa for control of hemorrhage: early experience in critically ill trauma patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine our institutional experience with recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) as a treatment for exsanguinating hemorrhage in critically ill trauma patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: A specialized trauma and critical care hospital, serving as the quaternary referral center for trauma and surgical shock in the state of Maryland. PATIENTS: All patients with diffuse coagulopathy and impending exsanguination, given rFVIIa in an effort to control life-threatening hemorrhage. Patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU) or operating room (OR) and included both acute admissions and late-stage patients with multiple organ system failure. INTERVENTIONS: Patients of interest were those that had received rFVIIa. MEASUREMENTS: Examination of medical records, including pharmacy data, laboratory results, and the institutional trauma registry. MAIN RESULTS: Administration of rFVIIa contributed to successful control of hemorrhage in three of five patients. Failure in two patients was mostly likely due to overwhelming shock and acidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of rFVIIa shows promise in the treatment of exsanguinating hemorrhage. Prospective, controlled clinical trials of this therapy are strongly recommended.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2003

Reclassification of urinary tract infections in critically ill trauma patients: a time-dependent analysis.

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the trauma ICU requires early recognition and timely, appropriate antibiotic therapy. We evaluated the incidence and microbiology of UTIs stratified by days post-admission and risk factors. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on 1,172 trauma patients admitted to the ICU over a two-year period. Infections were classified as Community Acquired (CA, < or = 3 days), Early Nosocomial (EN, 4-6 days), Mid-Nosocomial (MN, 7-10 days) and Late Nosocomial (LN > 10 days). Criteria of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were used for diagnosis. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients (19%) were diagnosed with a total of 235 UTIs. Thirtysix patients were diagnosed with multiple UTIs. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp. and Candida sp. were the most common pathogens isolated. One thousand one hundred fifty-one patients had a Foley catheter placed (mean duration, 1 +/- 11 days) with a CDC device-related infection rate (no. of catheter-associated UTIs/1000 catheter days) of 18. Patients admitted with a CA infection were significantly older (p < 0.001) and had a higher mortality rate (39% vs. 15%, p = 0.001). Unanticipated pathogens in this group included Enterococcus, Candida, and Pseudomonas. Women were more likely to be admitted with a CA infection (5% vs. 1%, p < 0.001) or acquire an NI infection (23% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). Obesity was highly predictive of increased Foley catheter days, and thus UTI, by multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen in all nosocomial infection categories. Increased age, gender, and obesity, in addition to catheter-days, were significant risk factors for UTI in trauma patients. Specific risk factors may predispose patients to pathogens that are not ordinarily covered by usually-chosen antibiotic therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Sublingual capnometry: an alternative to gastric tonometry for the management of shock resuscitation.

Normal vital signs do not reflect the physiologic aberrations after blood loss. Recognition of hypoperfusion during resuscitation can avoid the development of multiple organ failure. Advances in technology enable the clinician to monitor changes, potentially identifying tissue hypoxia much earlier than previously was possible. Gastric tonometry can be quite helpful in the intensive care unit in identifying gastric hypoperfusion, but has considerable drawbacks. The ability to monitor P(SI)CO(2) via sublingual capnometers overcomes some limitations of gastric tonometry and may be a valuable aid in the prehospital phase, the emergency department, and the intensive care unit in identifying end points of resuscitation.

Blood Volume↗
PubMed2003

Is field intubation useful?

The establishment and maintenance of an adequate airway is often the single most important initial therapy provided to a victim of severe injury. This may be accomplished by simple techniques such as placement of an oral or nasopharyngeal airway as well as bag-mask ventilation techniques. More advanced techniques such as endotracheal intubation require a higher level of training and expertise for both prehospital and hospital providers. Although paramedics routinely practice endotracheal intubation in the field, there are increasing reports on the many potential risks associated with these procedures as well as increased morbidity and mortality in both pediatric and adult patients. These data have important implications for field airway management in the critically ill trauma patient.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Impact of culture and policy on organ donation: a comparison between two urban trauma centers in developed nations.

BACKGROUND: The similarities and differences in organ donation policies, consent rates, and number of organs transplanted from patients declared "brain dead" after traumatic injury in different countries has not been previously reported. METHODS: An international trauma survey questionnaire was developed. Analysis of two responding centers with regard to organ donation practices between urban, free-standing adult trauma hospitals is presented: the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC) in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Lorenz Böhler Hospital (LBH) in Vienna, Austria. RESULTS: Hospital admissions resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) account for a significantly greater number of admissions at the STC than at the LBH (761 vs. 276), and the STC has a higher number of patients admitted with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score < 8). Of 39 medically suitable brain-dead patients at the STC, 18 went to organ donation. At the LBH, 16 patients were declared brain-dead, 7 were considered to be medically suitable, and all 7 went to donation. A "presumed consent" organ donation policy in Austria resulted in 100% of medically suitable patients going to donation at the LBH. With a volunteer donation policy at the STC, 46% of patients went to donation. Of those families who refused donation at the STC, 9 of 16 eligible African Americans (56%), 10 of 21 eligible Caucasians (48%), 1 Hispanic, and 1 Native American Indian family declined donation. CONCLUSION: "Presumed" organ donation in Austria led to 4 organs transplanted per trauma brain-death at the LBH, as compared with 3.8 organs per brain-death at the STC. The greater number of patients with severe TBI at the STC accounts for a similar organ donation rate compared with the LBH, despite the fact that the consent at the STC is voluntary and at the LBH is "presumed." A higher organ donation rate in the United States would result in a greater number of organ transplants from patients who die after traumatic injury and a resultant increase in potential lives saved. There does not appear to be a significant difference in ethnicity between families who accept and those who refuse organ donation after traumatic brain death declaration at the STC.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Endotracheal intubation in the field does not improve outcome in trauma patients who present without an acutely lethal traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: There is an absence of prospective data evaluating the impact of prehospital intubation in adult trauma patients. Our objectives were to determine the outcome of trauma patients intubated in the field who did not have an acutely lethal traumatic brain injury (death within 48 hours) compared with patients who were intubated immediately on arrival to the hospital. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on 191 consecutive patients admitted to the trauma center with a field Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8 and a head Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 3 who were either intubated in the field or intubated immediately at admission to the hospital. Patients who died within 48 hours of admission and transfers were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 191 patients, 176 (92%) sustained blunt trauma and 25 (8%) were victims of penetrating trauma. Seventy-eight (41%) of the 191 patients were intubated in the field and 113 (59%) were intubated immediately at admission. There was no significant difference in age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score, or Injury Severity Score between the two groups. Patients who were intubated in the field had a significantly higher morbidity (ventilator days, 14.7 vs. 10.4; hospital days, 20.2 vs. 16.7; and intensive care unit days, 15.2 vs. 11.7) compared with patients intubated on immediate arrival to the hospital and nearly double the mortality (23% vs. 12.4). Field-intubated patients had a 1.5 times greater risk of nosocomial pneumonia compared with hospital-intubated patients. CONCLUSION: Prehospital intubation is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in trauma patients with traumatic brain injury who are admitted to the hospital without an acutely lethal injury. A randomized, prospective study is warranted to confirm these results.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗