A 45-year-old female with no known past medical history presented to the trauma unit as an unrestrained passenger in a motor vehicle accident. On arrival, her GCS was 8 and she intubated. Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam negative, but initial chest imaging (Figure 1A Figure 1B) revealed right-sided fractures of first through seventh ribs, fracture left rib bilateral consolid...

To the Editor: Transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) to healthcare workers at emergency departments is a matter of great concern. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of seropositivity to HIV-1, HBV, and HCV among patients admitted in the Clinical Emergency Unit and the Trauma Unit o...

A little over 3 years ago an intensive care unit was established at Leicester Royal Infirmary for use by all departments of the hospital for critically ill patients. The purpose of this paper is to review cases of major abdominal trauma treated in this unit in the 3-year period since its inception. The major chest injuries are separately reviewed. During this time there were 1134 admissions to ...

IMPORTANCE The present study is the largest on the use and effect of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in pediatric trauma patients. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of ICP monitoring on survival in pediatric patients with severe head injuries using the National Trauma Data Bank. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The National Trauma Data Bank was queried (version 6.2, 2001-2006) for i...

BACKGROUND Delirium is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, hospital costs, and postdischarge cognitive dysfunction. Most research focuses on nontrauma patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and predictors of delirium in trauma patients residing in intensive and intermediate care units of an academic medical cent...

Many of injured children will require surgical treatment with involvement of the anesthesiologist. The anesthesia providers may have to take care of pediatric patients on following occasions: 1- Initial stabilization in the emergency department 2- Providing sedation and monitoring for imaging 3- Preoperative management of emergent surgical procedures such as laparotomy or craniotomy 4- Manageme...

In the last two decennia, the mixed population general intensive care unit (ICU) with a "closed format" setting has gained in favour compared to the specialized critical care units with an "open format" setting. However, there are still questions whether surgical patients benefit from a general mixed ICU. Trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Major or se...

The many chapters of this book testify to the many facets of critical care. Most are applicable to trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). In contrast, the initial management of the trauma patient requires a different focus and prioritization. This chapter presents common life-threatening problems that face all critical care physicians who care for trauma victims. Trauma patients look...

With the high level of crime in the Western Cape, the state hospitals have witnessed a tremendous increase in the incidence of gunshot injuries. The Groote Schuur Trauma Unit sees between 70 and 120 gunshot injuries a month. Many of these involve the musculoskeletal system, and some the spine. This is in stark contrast to the European experience. Of 34 903 trauma cases seen in Scotland over 28 ...