Thomas B. Coopwood

Blunt traumatic occult pneumothorax: is observation safe?--results of a prospective, AAST multicenter study.

BACKGROUND An occult pneumothorax (OPTX) is found incidentally in 2% to 10% of all blunt trauma patients. Indications for intervention remain controversial. We sought to determine which factors predicted failed observation in blunt trauma patients. METHODS A prospective, observational, multicenter study was undertaken to identify patients with OPTX. Successfully observed patients and patients who failed observation were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of failure of observation. OPTX size was calculated by measuring the largest air collection along a line perpendicular from the chest wall to the lung or mediastinum. RESULTS Sixteen trauma centers identified 588 OPTXs in 569 blunt trauma patients. One hundred twenty-one patients (21%) underwent immediate tube thoracostomy and 448 (79%) were observed. Twenty-seven patients (6%) failed observation and required tube thoracostomy for OPTX progression, respiratory distress, or subsequent hemothorax. Fourteen percent (10 of 73) failed observation during positive pressure ventilation. Hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, and ventilator days were longer in the failed observation group. OPTX progression and respiratory distress were significant predictors of failed observation. Most patient deaths were from traumatic brain injury. Fifteen percentage of patients in the failed observation group developed complications. No patient who failed observation developed a tension PTX, or experienced adverse events by delaying tube thoracostomy. CONCLUSION Most blunt trauma patients with OPTX can be carefully monitored without tube thoracostomy; however, OPTX progression and respiratory distress are independently associated with observation failure.

Use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in clinical practice: Not as good as we once thought

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is believed to be a useful tool to evaluate the biliary tree and pancreas for stones, tumors, or injuries to the ductile system. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of MRCP to the gold standard, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), in our institution. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of all MRCP followed by ERCP (follow-on ERCP) at a single institution over a 6-year period. Exam findings from MRCP were compared with findings on the follow-on ERCP and compared. Studies were grouped into 2 main classifications: tests being performed for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis (stone disease) and tests being performed for concerns of malignant strictures or duct injuries (non-stone disease). RESULTS A total of 81 patients had MRCPs and follow-on ERCPs in this time period. Thirty-six patients had positive findings on MRCP and ERCP for stones in the common duct system, and 14 patients had positive findings on MRCP and subsequent ERCP for masses and strictures of the common duct. Three patients had positive MRCP and ERCP findings for pancreatic duct abnormalities. The specificity and positive predictive value of MRCP were 94% and 98%, respectively. However, 13 of 28 patients had lesions identified on ERCP after a normal MRCP. The sensitivity and negative predictive value were 80% and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was not useful in the management algorithm of either stone or non-stone disease of the biliary tree or pancreas. It should be abandoned as a diagnostic tool for work-up of biliary duct pathology.

Management of pediatric occult pneumothorax in blunt trauma: a subgroup analysis of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter prospective observational study

BACKGROUND Occult pneumothorax (OPTX) represents air within the pleural space not visible on conventional chest radiographs. Increased use of computed tomography has led to a rise in the detection of OPTX. Optimal management remains undefined. METHODS A pediatric subgroup analysis (age <18 years) from a multicenter, observational study evaluating OPTX management. Data analyzed were pneumothorax size, management outcome, and associated risk factors to characterize those that may be safely observed. RESULTS Fifty-two OPTX (7.3 ± 6.2 mm) in 51 patients were identified. None were greater than 27 mm; all those under 16.5 mm (n = 48) were successfully managed without intervention. Two patients underwent initial tube thoracostomy (one [21 mm] and the other with bilateral OPTX [24 mm, 27 mm]). Among patients under observation (n = 49), OPTX size progressed in 2; one (6.4mm) required no treatment, while one (16.5 mm) received elective intervention. Respiratory distress occurred in one patient (10.7 mm) who did not require tube thoracostomy. Nine received positive pressure ventilation; 8 did not have a tube thoracostomy. Twenty-four patients (51%) had one or more rib fractures; 3 required tube thoracostomy. CONCLUSION No pediatric OPTX initially observed developed a tension pneumothorax or adverse event related to observation. Pediatric patients with OPTX less than 16 mm may be safely observed. Neither the presence of rib fractures nor need for PPV alone necessitates intervention.

Thromboelastogram does not detect pre-injury anticoagulation in acute trauma patients

Purpose: Thromboelastography (TEG) has been recommended to characterize post‐traumatic coagulopathy, yet no study has evaluated the impact of pre‐injury anticoagulation (AC) on TEG variables. We hypothesized patients on pre‐injury AC have a greater incidence of coagulopathy on TEG compared to those without AC. Methods: This retrospective chart review evaluated all trauma patients admitted to an urban, level one trauma center from February 2011 to September 2014 who received a TEG within the first 24 h. Patients were classified as receiving pre‐injury AC or no AC if their documented medications prior to admission included warfarin, dabigatran, or anti‐Xa (aXa) inhibitors (apixaban or rivaroxaban). The presence of coagulopathy on TEG or conventional assays was defined by exceeding local laboratory reference standards. Results: A total of 54 patients were included (AC, n = 27 [warfarin n = 13, dabigatran n = 6, aXa inhibitor n = 8] vs. no AC, n = 27). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, including age (72 ± 13 years vs. 72 ± 15; p = 0.85), male gender (70% vs. 74%; p = 0.76) and blunt mechanism of injury (100% vs. 100%; p = 1). There was no difference in the number of patients determined to have coagulopathy on TEG (no AC 11% vs. AC 15%; p = 0.99). Conventional tests, including the international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), identified coagulopathy in a high proportion of anti‐coagulated patients (no AC 22% vs. AC 85%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: TEG has limited clinical utility to evaluate the presence of pre‐injury AC. Traditional markers of drug induced coagulopathy should guide reversal decisions.

PTSD in those who care for the injured

BACKGROUND Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a focus for the care of trauma victims, but the incidence of PTSD in those who care for injured patients has not been well studied. Our hypothesis was that a significant proportion of health care providers involved with trauma care are at risk of developing PTSD. METHODS A system-wide survey was applied using a modified version of the Primary Care PTSD Screen [PC-PTSD], a validated PTSD screening tool currently being used by the VA to screen veterans for PTSD. Pre-hospital and in-hospital care providers including paramedics, nurses, trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and residents were invited to participate in the survey. The survey questionnaire was anonymously and voluntarily performed online using the Qualtrix system. Providers screened positive if they affirmatively answered any three or more of the four screening questions and negative if they answered less than three questions with a positive answer. Respondents were grouped by age, gender, region, and profession. RESULTS 546 providers answered all of the survey questions. The screening was positive in 180 (33%) and negative in 366 (67%) of the responders. There were no differences observed in screen positivity for gender, region, or age. Pre-hospital providers were significantly more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to the in-hospital providers (42% vs. 21%, P<0.001). Only 55% of respondents had ever received any information or education about PTSD and only 13% of respondents ever sought treatment for PTSD. CONCLUSION The results of this survey are alarming, with high proportions of healthcare workers at risk for PTSD across all professional groups. PTSD is a vastly underreported entity in those who care for the injured and could potentially represent a major problem for both pre-hospital and in-hospital providers. A larger, national study is warranted to verify these regional results.

Effectiveness of a bundled approach to reduce urinary catheters and infection rates in trauma patients

HighlightsCAUTI prevention should include multifactorial efforts that work synergistically.Optimal technical aspects of urinary catheterization minimize risk for patient harm.Standardized urine culturing practices decrease risk for false‐positive cultures.Negative pyuria on urinalysis can rule out a CAUTI, but is not solely diagnostic.A multidisciplinary team can prospectively ensure accountability for processes. Background: Catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common nosocomial infections. In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began imposing financial penalties for institutions where CAUTI rates are higher than predicted. However, the surveillance definition for CAUTI is not a clinical diagnosis and may represent asymptomatic bacteriuria. The objective of this study was to compare rates of urinary catheterization and CAUTI before and after the implementation of a bundled intervention. Methods: This retrospective review evaluated trauma patients from January 2013‐January 2015. The bundled intervention optimized the urinary catheterization process and culturing practices to reduce false positives. The CAUTI rate was defined as a positive surveillance CAUTI divided by total catheter days multiplied by 1,000 days. Results: A total of 6,236 patients were included (pre: n = 5,003; post: n = 1,233). Fewer patients in the post bundle group received a urinary catheter (pre: 25% vs post: 16%; P < .001). After bundle implementation, the CAUTI rate reduced over one third (pre: 4.07 vs post: 2.56; incidence rate ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.19‐2.07). Conclusions: Although the number of patients exposed to urinary catheters and catheter days was decreased, optimization of culturing practices was essential to prevent the CAUTI rate from increasing from a reduced denominator. Implementation of a CAUTI prevention bundle works synergistically to improve patient safety and hospital performance.