Urgent airways after trauma: who gets pneumonia?

Outcomes of simultaneous versus staged intramedullary nailing fixation of multiple long bone lower extremity fractures

INTRODUCTION

Repair of multiple lower extremity long bone fractures with intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation is associated with significant cardiopulmonary burden and may result in mortality. These patients are at an increased risk for fat embolism syndrome, pulmonary embolism, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and pneumonia. No standardized guidelines exist to guide treatment of these patients. Further, there is a paucity of data regarding the risk of simultaneous versus staged fixation of multiple long bone fractures that includes both tibial and femoral injuries, as patients with multiple concomitant fractures are often excluded from relevant analyses. Our level one trauma center aimed to identify whether simultaneous fixation, defined by definitive fixation of multiple lower extremity long bone fractures during one operative event, led to increased cardiopulmonary complications as compared to a staged approach, defined as multiple operations to reach definitive fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP) database from 35 Level I and II trauma centers was queried to identify patients from January 2016 - December 2019. The primary outcome was incidence of cardiopulmonary complications for staged and simultaneous IMN fixation.

RESULTS

We identified 11,427 patients with tibial and/or femoral fractures during the study period. 146 patients met the inclusion criteria of two or more fractures treated with IMN fixation. 118 patients underwent simultaneous IMN fixation, and 28 patients received staged IMN fixation. There were no significant differences in injury severity score (ISS), demographics, pre-existing conditions, and cardiopulmonary complications between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.0012). The median hospital LOS for simultaneous fixation was 8.3 days versus 15.8 days for the staged cohort, a difference of 7.5 days.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest retrospective study to date examining simultaneous versus staged IMN fixation in patients with multiple long bone lower extremity fractures. In contrast to previous studies, we found no difference in cardiopulmonary complications. Given these findings, patients with multiple long bone lower extremity fractures should be considered for simultaneous IMN, an approach which may decrease hospital LOS.

A systematic review of the timing of intubation in patients with traumatic brain injury: pre-hospital versus in-hospital intubation

PURPOSE

The objective of this systematic review was to examine current evidence on the risks versus benefit of pre-hospital intubation when compared with in-hospital intubation in adult patients with traumatic brain injuries.

METHODS

We conducted electronic searches of PubMed, Medline, Embase, CIANHL and the Cochrane library up to March 2021. Data extracted compared mortality, length of hospital and intensive care stay, pneumonia and functional outcomes in traumatic brain injured patients undergoing pre-hospital intubation versus in-hospital intubation. The risk of bias was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

RESULTS

Ten studies including 25,766 patients were analysed. Seven were retrospective studies, two prospective cohort studies and one randomised control study. The mean mortality rate in patients who underwent pre-hospital intubation was 44.5% and 31.98% for in-hospital intubation. The odds ratio for an effect of pre-hospital intubation on mortality ranged from 0.31 (favouring in-hospital intubation) to 3.99 (favouring pre-hospital). The overall quality of evidence is low; however, the only randomised control study showed an improved functional outcome for pre-hospital intubation at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing evidence does not support widespread pre-hospital intubation in all traumatic brain injured patients. This does not, however, contradict the need for the intervention when there is severe airway compromise; instead, it must be assessed by experienced personnel if a time critical transfer to hospital is more advantageous. Favourable neurological outcomes highlighted by the randomised control trial favours pre-hospital intubation, but further research is required in this field.

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia and Intubation Location in Adults with Traumatic Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients, particularly those who present with traumatic injuries. This review aims to determine whether patients with traumatic injuries who are intubated in the prehospital setting are at higher risk of developing VAP compared to those intubated in the hospital.

METHODS

A systematic review of Medline, Scopus and Cochrane electronic databases was conducted from inception through January 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients with traumatic injuries who were intubated in the prehospital or hospital settings with VAP as an outcome. Using a random effects model, the risk of VAP across study arms was compared by calculating a summary relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The results of individual studies were also summarized qualitatively.

RESULTS

The search identified 754 articles of which 6 studies (N = 2990) met inclusion criteria. All studies were good quality based on assessment with the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Prehospital intubation demonstrated an increased risk of VAP development in 2 of the 6 studies. Among the 6 studies, the overall quality weighted risk ratio was 1.09 (95% CI 0.90-1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatically injured patients who are intubated in the prehospital setting have a similar risk of developing VAP compared to those that are intubated in the hospital setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bronchoscopy Decreases Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Trauma Patients

Health care-associated pneumonias (HAPs) are a significant comorbidity seen in hospitalized patients. Traumatic injury is a known independent risk factor for the development of HAP. Trauma-related injuries also contribute to an increase in the rate of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. In 2011, the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate among ICU patients at our institution (CMMC) increased dramatically. As a result, our infection control specialists performed a focused review of these patients and found a likely association between these infections and patients requiring pre-hospital intubation. Their determination prompted a July 2012 revision of the CMMC Trauma/Surgery Admission ICU protocol for ventilated patients to include bronchoscopy for all patients who have been intubated pre-hospital providing no contraindications were present. Our aim was to ascertain any influence of the protocol change on the rate of VAP. We conducted a retrospective medical record review of trauma patients who were intubated in the field or ED and seen at our institution (an accredited Level 1 trauma center) from 2012 to 2018. Applying the current definition of VAP from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to data collected from the CMMC trauma registry, we observed a 13% lower VAP rate in the bronchoscopy group (YB) as compared to the group that did not receive bronchoscopy (NB) (P < .025). Based on our results, we determined that bronchoscopy performed in this setting does support a statistically significant decrease in the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Making Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Rate a Meaningful Quality Marker

INTRODUCTION

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) rate has been tracked as a comparable quality measure but there is significant variation between types of ICUs. We sought to understand variability and improve its utility as a marker of quality.

METHODS

The National Trauma Database was surveyed to identify risk factors for VAP. Logistic regression, χ², Student's T-test or Mann-Whitney U test were used.

RESULTS

Risk factors associated with developing VAP were: injury severity score (ISS) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03 -1.04), prehospital assisted respiration (PHAR) (OR 1.10, 1.03 -1.17), thoracic injuries (OR 2.28, 1.69-3.08), diabetes (OR 1.32, 1.20 -1.46), male gender (OR 1.38, 1.28 -1.60), care at a teaching hospital (OR 1.40, 1.29 -1.47) and unplanned intubation (OR 2.76, 2.52-3.03).

DISCUSSION

ISS, PHAR, diabetes, male gender, care at a teaching hospital and unplanned intubation are risk factors for the development of VAP. These factors should be accounted for in order to make VAP an effective quality marker.

Is prehospital endobronchial intubation a risk factor for subsequent ventilator associated pneumonia? A retrospective analysis

More than half of patients under mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) are field-intubated, which is a known risk factor for ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). We assessed whether field endobronchial intubation (EBI) is associated with the development of subsequent VAP during the ICU stay. This retrospective, nested case-control study was conducted in a cohort of field-intubated patients admitted to an ICU of a teaching hospital during a three-year period. Cases were defined as field-intubated patients with EBI and controls corresponded to field-intubated patients with proper position of the tracheal tube on admission chest X-ray. Primary endpoint was the development of early VAP. Secondary endpoints included the development of early ventilator associated tracheo-bronchitis, late VAP, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay and mortality in the ICU. A total of 145 patients were studied (mean age: 54 ± 19 years; men: 74%). Reasons for field intubation were predominantly multiple trauma (49%) and cardiorespiratory arrest (38%). EBI was identified in 33 patients (23%). Fifty-three patients (37%) developed early or late VAP. EBI after field intubation was associated with a nearly two-fold increase of early VAP, though not statistically significant (30% vs. 17%: p = 0.09). No statistically significant difference was found regarding secondary outcomes. The present study suggests that inadvertent prehospital EBI could be associated with a higher incidence of early-onset VAP. Larger studies are required to confirm this hypothesis. Whether strategies aimed at decreasing the incidence and duration of EBI could reduce the incidence of subsequent VAP remains to be determined.

Pneumonia in severely injured patients with thoracic trauma: results of a retrospective observational multi-centre study

Background

While the incidence and aspects of pneumonia in ICU patients has been extensively discussed in the literature, studies on the occurrence of pneumonia in severely injured patients are rare. The aim of the present study is to elucidate factors associated with the occurrence of pneumonia in severely injured patients with thoracic trauma.

Setting

Level-I University Trauma Centres associated with the TraumaRegister DGU®.

Methods

A total of 1162 severely injured adult patients with thoracic trauma documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) were included in this study. Demographic data, injury severity, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), duration of ICU stay, occurrence of pneumonia, bronchoalveolar lavage, aspiration, pathogen details, and incidences of mortality were evaluated. Statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS (Version 25.0, SPSS, Inc.) software.

Results

The overall incidence of pneumonia was 27.5%. Compared to patients without pneumonia, patients with pneumonia had sustained more severe injuries (mean ISS: 32.6 vs. 25.4), were older (mean age: 51.3 vs. 47.5) and spent longer periods under MV (mean: 368.9 h vs. 114.9 h). Age, sex (male), aspiration, and duration of MV were all independent predictors for pneumonia occurrence in a multivariate analysis. The cut-off point for duration of MV that best discriminated between patients who would and would not develop pneumonia during their hospital stay was 102 h. The extent of thoracic trauma (AIS_thorax), ISS, and presence of pulmonary comorbidities did not show significant associations to pneumonia incidence in our multivariate analysis. No significant difference in mortality between patients with and without pneumonia was observed.

Conclusions

Likelihood of pneumonia increases with age, aspiration, and duration of MV. These parameters were not found to be associated with differences in outcomes between patients with and without pneumonia. Future studies should focus on independent parameters to more clearly identify severely injured subgroups with a high risk of developing pneumonia.

Level of evidence

Level II - Retrospective medical record review.

Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients: A descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the risk factors for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and whether the location of intubation posed a risk in trauma patients.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively reviewed for adult trauma patients requiring intubation for > 48 hours, admitted between 2010 and 2013. Patients' demographics, clinical presentations and outcomes were compared according to intubation location (prehospital intubation [PHI] vs. trauma room [TRI]) and presence vs. absence of VAP. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of VAP.

RESULTS

Of 471 intubated patients, 332 patients met the inclusion criteria (124 had PHI and 208 had TRI) with a mean age of 30.7±14.8 years. PHI group had lower GCS (P=0.001), respiratory rate (P=0.001), and higher frequency of head (P=0.02) and chest injuries (P=0.04). The rate of VAP in PHI group was comparable to the TRI group (P=0.60). Patients who developed VAP were 6 years older, had significantly lower GCS and higher ISS, head AIS, and higher rates of polytrauma. The overall mortality was 7.5%, and was not associated with intubation location or pneumonia rates. In the early-VAP group, gram-positive pathogens were more common, while gram-negative microorganisms were more frequently encountered in the late VAP group. Logistic regression analysis and modeling showed that the impact of the location of intubation in predicting the risk of VAP appeared only when chest injury was included in the models.

CONCLUSION

In trauma, the risk of developing VAP is multifactorial. However, the location of intubation and presence of chest injury could play an important role.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing mortality in pre-hospital tracheal intubation to emergency department intubation in trauma patients

Background

Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation is frequently used for trauma patients in many emergency medical systems. Despite a wide range of publications in the field, it is debated whether the intervention is associated with a favourable outcome, when compared to more conservative airway measures.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify interventional and observational studies where the mortality rates of adult trauma patients undergoing pre-hospital endotracheal intubation were compared to those undergoing emergency department intubation.

Results

Twenty-one studies examining 35,838 patients were included. The median mortality rate in patients undergoing pre-hospital intubation was 48% (range 8–94%), compared to 29% (range 6–67%) in patients undergoing intubation in the emergency department. Odds ratios were in favour of emergency department intubation both in crude and adjusted mortality, with 2.56 (95% CI: 2.06, 3.18) and 2.59 (95% CI: 1.97, 3.39), respectively. The overall quality of evidence is very low. Twelve of the twenty-one studies found a significantly higher mortality rate after pre-hospital intubation, seven found no significant differences, one found a positive effect, and for one study an analysis of the mortality rate was beyond the scope of the article.

Conclusions

The rationale for wide and unspecific indications for pre-hospital intubation seems to lack support in the literature, despite several publications involving a relatively large number of patients. Pre-hospital intubation is a complex intervention where guidelines and research findings should be approached cautiously. The association between pre-hospital intubation and a higher mortality rate does not necessarily contradict the importance of the intervention, but it does call for a thorough investigation by clinicians and researchers into possible causes for this finding.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-017-1787-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Review

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most frequent intensive care unit (ICU)-related infection in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. In contrast to other ICU-related infections, which have a low mortality rate, the mortality rate for ventilator-associated pneumonia ranges from 20% to 50%. These clinically significant infections prolong duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay, underscoring the financial burden these infections impose on the health care system. The causes of ventilator-associated pneumonia are varied and differ across different patient populations and different types of ICUs. This varied presentation underscores the need for the intensivist treating the patient with ventilator-associated pneumonia to have a clear knowledge of the ambient microbiologic flora in their ICU. Prevention of this disease process is of paramount importance and requires a multifaceted approach. Once a diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia is suspected, early broad-spectrum antibiotic administration decreases morbidity and mortality and should be based on knowledge of the sensitivities of common infecting organisms in the ICU. De-escalation of therapy, once final culture results are available, is necessary to minimize development of resistant pathogens. Duration of therapy should be based on the patient’s clinical response, and every effort should be made to minimize duration of therapy, thus further minimizing the risk of resistance.

[No improved survival rate in severely injured patients by prehospital intubation : A retrospective data analysis and matched-pair analysis]

BACKGROUND

Training programs for the treatment of trauma patients generally recommend establishing a secure airway if the patient presents with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of less than 9; however, the evidence for its effectiveness is rather sparse. This study analyzed the effect of preclinical intubation on mortality of patients with a GCS <9 in an emergency medical situation.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included patients who were primarily admitted to a German level 1 trauma center between 2002 and 2012 with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16, a GCS < 9 and primary transport from the site of the accident. Data were collected from the trauma registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery and from hospital records. A total of 455 patients were included and a matched-pair analysis of 62 patients was conducted.

RESULTS

Both analytical methods showed no significant reduction in mortality rate after prehospital intubation. In the retrospective analysis intubated patients presented with a significantly lower systolic blood pressure on admission, received a higher amount of fluid volume at all phases of treatment and arrived at the hospital after a prolonged rescue time. In the matched-pair analysis, intubated patients also received a higher amount of fluid volume and showed better peripheral oxygen saturation on admission. No further differences between the groups could be found.

CONCLUSION

It appears that preclinical intubation in trauma patients with a GCS < 9 does not result in a better outcome. The preclinical intubation resulted in a reduced systolic blood pressure on arrival at hospital, a prolonged preclinical rescue time and a greater amount of infused fluid volume.

Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns from fractures suppress pulmonary immune responses via formyl peptide receptors 1 and 2

BACKGROUND

No known biologic mechanisms link tissue injury with pneumonia (PNA). Neutrophils (PMNs) are innate immune cells that clear bacteria from the lung by migration toward chemoattractants and killing bacteria in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We predicted that tissue injury would suppress PMN antimicrobial function in the lung. We have also shown that mitochondria-derived damage-associated molecular pattern molecules from the bone can alter PMN phenotype and so hypothesized that formyl peptides (FPs) from fractures predispose to PNA by suppressing PMN activity in the lung.

METHODS

Animal studies involved the following. (1) Rats were divided into three groups (10 per condition) as follows: (a) saline injection in the thigh (b) Staphylococcus aureus (SA, 3 × 10) injected intratracheally, or (c) pseudofracture (PsFx; bone supernatant injected in the thigh) plus intratracheally injected SA. (2) Rats were divided into four groups as follows: (a) control, (b) pulmonary contusion (PC), (c) PsFx, and (d) PC + PsFx. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed 16 hours later. Clinical studies involved the following. (3) Human bone supernatant was assayed for its FP-receptor (FPR) stimulation. (4) Trauma patients' PMN (n = 32; mean ± SE Injury Severity Score [ISS], 27 ± 10) were assayed for chemotaxis (CTX) or treated with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, Phorbol ester) and analyzed for NET formation.

RESULTS

In the animal studies, (1) SA was rapidly cleared by the uninjured mice and PsFx markedly suppressed lung bacterial clearance (p < 0.01). (2a) PC induces PMN traffic to the lung, but PsFx decreases PC-induced PMN traffic (p < 0.01). (2b) SA increased bronchoalveolar lavage PMN, and PsFx decreased that influx (p < 0.01). In the clinical studies, (3) bone supernatant activates PMN both via FPR-1 and FPR-2. (4) Trauma decreases PMN CTX to multiple chemokines. Circulating PMNs show NETs spontaneously after trauma, but maximal NET formation is markedly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

Fractures may decrease lung bacterial clearance because FP suppresses PMN CTX to other chemoattractants via FPR-1/2. Trauma activates NETosis but suppresses maximal NETosis. Fractures decrease lung bacterial clearance by multiple mechanisms. PNA after fractures may reflect damage-associated molecular pattern-mediated suppression of PMN antimicrobial function in the lung.

Analysis of Hypoxemia in Early Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Secondary to Haemophilus in Trauma Patients

BACKGROUND

Haemophilus species bacteria (HSB) are known pathogens responsible for early pneumonia in intubated trauma patients. The primary goal of this study was to examine the incidence and extent of hypoxemia in intubated trauma patients who develop early ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) secondary to HSB. On the basis of our clinical experiences, we hypothesized that patients with Haemophilus species bacteria pneumonia (HSBP) would have a high rate of hypoxemia but that the effect would be transient.

METHODS

Retrospective review of intubated trauma patients from an urban level I trauma center with HSBP diagnosed by deep tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage from April 2007 to November 2012. Collected variables included day of HSBP diagnosis; PaO2 to FIO2 ratio (P:F) at HSBP diagnosis as well as HSBP day three and HSBP day seven; injury severity score (ISS) and its component parts; admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score; and mortality. Hypoxemia was defined as P:F <200. χ(2) Tests were utilized to assess factors that differed between hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic patients; data are presented as median (interquartile range, IQR).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were identified (80% male; age, 35 y [range, 24-49]; ISS 27 [9-59]). Diagnosis of HSBP occurred early (hospital day 4 [range, 3-5]). Forty-three percent of patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on HSBP day 1; this decreased to 26% on day three and to 30% on day seven. Forty patients (77%) had a tracheostomy performed. Patients with hypoxemia were significantly less likely to have a severe head injury (GCS<9), p<0.05. Patients with hypoxemia had similar hospital length of stay and mortality to patients who did not develop hypoxemia.

CONCLUSION

Haemophilus species bacteria pneumonia in trauma patients is associated with high rates of transient hypoxemia and a high tracheostomy rate, although subsequent outcomes are not affected. Patients with head injuries had a lower incidence of hypoxemia from pneumonia.

Infection prevention in the emergency department

Infection prevention remains a major challenge in emergency care. Acutely ill and injured patients seeking evaluation and treatment in the emergency department (ED) not only have the potential to spread communicable infectious diseases to health care personnel and other patients, but are vulnerable to acquiring new infections associated with the care they receive. This article will evaluate these risks and review the existing literature for infection prevention practices in the ED, ranging from hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, health care personnel vaccination, and environmental controls to strategies for preventing health care-associated infections. We will conclude by examining what can be done to optimize infection prevention in the ED and identify gaps in knowledge where further research is needed. Successful implementation of evidence-based practices coupled with innovation of novel approaches and technologies tailored specifically to the complex and dynamic environment of the ED are the keys to raising the standard for infection prevention and patient safety in emergency care.

Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns released by abdominal trauma suppress pulmonary immune responses

BACKGROUND

Historically, fever, pneumonia, and sepsis after trauma are ascribed to pain and poor pulmonary toilet. No evidence supports that assertion however, and no known biologic mechanisms link injury to infection. Our studies show that injured tissues release mitochondria (MT). Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) however can mimic bacterial pathogen-associated danger molecules and attract neutrophils (PMN). We hypothesized that mtDAMPs from traumatized tissue divert neutrophils from the lung, causing susceptibility to infection.

METHODS

Anesthetized rats (6-10 per group) underwent pulmonary contusion (PC) by chest percussion. When modeling traumatic MT release, some rats had MT isolated from the liver (equal to 5% liver necrosis) injected intraperitoneally (IPMT). Negative controls had PC plus buffer intraperitoneally. Positive controls underwent PC plus cecal ligation and puncture. At 16 hours, bronchoalveolar and peritoneal lavages were performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peritoneal lavage fluid were assayed for PMN count, albumin, interleukin β, (IL-β), and CINC-1. Assays were normalized to blood urea nitrogen to calculate absolute concentrations.

RESULTS

PC caused alveolar IL-1β and CINC production and a 34-fold increase in BALF neutrophils. As expected, IPMT increased peritoneal IL-1β and CINC and attracted PMN to the abdomen. However, remarkably, IPMT after PC attenuated BALF cytokine accumulation and decreased BALF PMN. Cecal ligation and puncture had no direct effect on BALF PMNs but, like IPMT, blunted BALF leukocytosis after PC.

CONCLUSION

Rather than acting as a "second hit" to enhance PMN-mediated lung injury, mtDAMPs from trauma and pathogen-associated danger molecules from peritoneal infection diminish PMN accumulation in a contused lung. This may make the lung susceptible to pneumonia. This paradigm provides a novel mechanistic model of the relationship among blunt tissue trauma, systemic inflammation, and pneumonia that can be studied to improve trauma outcomes.

High incidence of post-injury pneumonia in intensive care-treated trauma patients

INTRODUCTION

Trauma patients are susceptible to post-injury infections. We investigated the incidence, as well as risk factors for development of pneumonia in intensive care unit (ICU)-treated trauma patients. In addition, we report pathogens identified in patients that developed pneumonia.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 322 trauma patients admitted to the ICU at a level-one trauma centre following initial resuscitation. Patients 15 years or older with an ICU stay of more than 24 h were included. We investigated pre-hospital and hospital parameters during the first 24 h after admission and their possible association with pneumonia within 10 days of ICU admission.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients were male (78%) and the median age was 41 years. The overall degree of injury was high with a median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 24. Overall 30-day mortality was 9%. Eighty-five (26%) patients developed pneumonia during their first 10 days in the ICU. Univariate logistic regression revealed that intubation in the field, shock, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-8, major surgery within 24 h after admission, massive transfusion and ISS > 24 were all risk factors for subsequent development of pneumonia. In the multivariable model, only GCS 3-8 was identified as an independent risk factor. In 42 out of the 85 cases of pneumonia, the diagnosis was defined by significant growth of at least one pathogen where Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common.

CONCLUSIONS

Pneumonia is a common complication among ICU-treated trauma patients. Reduced consciousness is an independent risk factor for development of pneumonia after severe injury.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in burn patients: a cause or consequence of critical illness?

Infectious complications are a constant threat to thermally injured patients during hospitalizations and are a predominant cause of death. Most of the infections that develop in burn patients are nosocomial and of a pulmonary etiology. The bacteria that cause ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) take advantage of the fact that uniquely among intensive care unit patients endotracheal intubation allows them a 'free' passage to the sterile lower airways; however, the combination of severe thermal injury (systemic immunosuppression) and inhalation injury (local immunosuppression and tissue injury) create an ideal environment for development of VAP. Thus, strategies directed at preventing and treating VAP in burn patients must address not only rapid extubation and VAP prevention bundles known to work in other intensive care unit populations, but therapies directed to more rapid wound healing and restoration of pulmonary patency.

Should trauma patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 be intubated prior to hospital arrival?

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies of heterogeneous populations (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores<9) suggest that endotracheal intubation of trauma patients prior to hospital arrival (i.e., prehospital intubated) is associated with an increased mortality compared to those patients not intubated in the prehospital setting. Deeply comatose patients (GCS=3) represent a unique population of severely traumatized patients and may benefit from intubation in the prehospital setting. The objective of this study was to compare mortality rates of severely comatose patients (scene GCS=3) with prehospital endotracheal intubation to those intubated at the hospital.

METHODS

Using the National Trauma Data Bank (V. 6.2), the following variables were analyzed retrospectively: (1) age; (2) injury type (blunt or penetrating); (3) Injury Severity Score (ISS); (4) scene GCS=3 (scored prior to intubation/without sedation); (5) emergency department GCS score; (6) arrival emergency department intubation status; (7) first systolic blood pressure in the emergency department (>0); (8) discharge status (alive or dead); (9) Abbreviated Injury Scale Score (AIS); and (10) AIS body region.

RESULTS

Of the 10,948 patients analyzed, 23% (2,491/10,948) were endotracheally intubated in a prehospital setting. Mortality rate for those hospital intubated was 35% vs. 62% for those with prehospital intubation (p<0.0001); mean ISS scores 24.2±16.0 vs. 31.6±16.2, respectively (p<0.0001). Using logistic regression, controlling for first systolic blood pressure, ISS, emergency department GCS, age, and type of trauma, those with prehospital intubation were more likely to die (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.7-2.2). For patients with only head AIS scores (no other body region injury, n=1,504), logistic regression (controlling for all other variables) indicated that those with prehospital intubation were still more likely to die (OR=2.0. 95% CI=1.4-2.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Prehospital endotracheal intubation is associated with an increased mortality in completely comatose trauma patients (GCS = 3). Although the exact reasons for this remain unclear, these results support other studies and suggest the need for future research and re-appraisal of current policies for prehospital intubation in these severely traumatized patients.

Early onset pneumonia in severe chest trauma: a risk factor analysis

BACKGROUND

The development of an early-onset pneumonia (EOP), occurring within the first 72 hours after admission, represents a critical event in severe thoracic trauma population. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors associated with the occurrence of this complication in this specific population.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective implemented trauma registry was conducted during a 4-year period in a Level I trauma center. Over the study period, 223 severely injured patients were admitted with severe thoracic trauma (Injury Severity Score >16 and Thorax Abbreviated Injury Score >2). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of EOP based on the clinical characteristics and the initial management both in the field and after admission in the trauma center.

RESULTS

Independent predictors of EOP were the necessity of intubation and mechanical ventilation in the field (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.3-32.7), a history of aspiration (OR: 28.6; 95% CI: 4.0-203.5), the presence of pulmonary contusion (OR: 7.0; 95% CI: 2.0-23.9), and the occurrence of a hemothorax (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-7.6).

CONCLUSION

These results emphasize the influence of prehospital and early factors in the further occurrence of EOP, which allows the development of early and specific clinical management to prevent it.

Systems initiatives reduce healthcare-associated infections: a study of 22,928 device days in a single trauma unit

BACKGROUND

"Implementation research" promotes the systematic conversion of evidence-based principles into routine practice to improve the quality of care. We hypothesized a system-based initiative to reduce nosocomial infection would lower the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), urinary tract infection (UTI), and bloodstream infection (BSI).

METHODS

From January 2006 to April 2008, 7,364 adult trauma patients were admitted, of which 1,953 (27%) were admitted to the trauma intensive care unit and comprised the study group. Tight glycemic control was maintained using a computer algorithm for continuous insulin administration based on every 2-hour blood glucose testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions of nosocomial infections were used. Evidence-based infection reduction strategies included the following: a VAP bundle (spontaneous breathing, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale, oral hygiene, bed elevation, and deep vein thrombosis/stress ulcer prophylaxis), UTI (expert insertion team and Foley removal/change at 5 days), and BSI (maximum barrier precautions, chlorhexidine skin prep, line management protocol). An electronic dashboard identified the at-risk population, and designated auditors monitored the compliance. Infection rates (events per 1,000 device days) were measured over time and compared annually using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The study group had 22,928 device exposure days: 6,482 ventilator days, 9,037 urinary catheter days, and 7,399 central line days. Patient acuity, demographics, and number of device days did not vary significantly year-to-year. Annual infection rates declined between 2006 and 2008, and decreases in UTI and BSI rates were statistically significant (p < 0.05). These decreases pushed UTI and BSI rates below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention norms.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 28 months, a systems approach to reducing nosocomial infection rates after trauma decreased nosocomial infections: UTI (76.3%), BSI (74.1%), and VAP (24.9%). Our experience suggests that infection reduction requires (1) an evidence-based plan; (2) MD and staff education/commitment; (3) electronic documentation; and (4) auditors to monitor and ensure compliance.

Pre-hospital tracheal intubation in patients with traumatic brain injury: systematic review of current evidence

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the current evidence on the benefit and harm of pre-hospital tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search up to December 2007 without language restriction to identify interventional and observational studies comparing pre-hospital intubation with other airway management (e.g. bag-valve-mask or oxygen administration) in patients with TBI. Information on study design, population, interventions, and outcomes was abstracted by two investigators and cross-checked by two others. Seventeen studies were included with data for 15,335 patients collected from 1985 to 2004. There were 12 retrospective analyses of trauma registries or hospital databases, three cohort studies, one case-control study, and one controlled trial. Using Brain Trauma Foundation classification of evidence, there were 14 class 3 studies, three class 2 studies, and no class 1 study. Six studies were of adults, five of children, and three of both; age groups were unclear in three studies. Maximum follow-up was up to 6 months or hospital discharge.

RESULTS

In 13 studies, the unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for an effect of pre-hospital intubation on in-hospital mortality ranged from 0.17 (favouring control interventions) to 2.43 (favouring pre-hospital intubation); adjusted ORs ranged from 0.24 to 1.42. Estimates for functional outcomes after TBI were equivocal. Three studies indicated higher risk of pneumonia associated with pre-hospital (when compared with in-hospital) intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the available evidence did not support any benefit from pre-hospital intubation and mechanical ventilation after TBI. Additional arguments need to be taken into account, including medical and procedural aspects.

Emergency Department Length of Stay: a Major Risk Factor for Pneumonia in Intubated Blunt Trauma Patients

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia occurs commonly in intubated patients and is morbid and occasionally mortal. Pneumonia prevention strategies have been successful in the intensive care unit and are favorably regarded, cost effective, and efficacious. Trauma patients are often intubated emergently in the prehospital or emergency department (ED) setting. Nationwide, hospital crowding has resulted in prolonged ED length of stay (LOS). We sought to study the association between prolonged ED LOS and rates of pneumonia.

METHODS

This was a 2-year retrospective case-control study of pneumonia risk among blunt trauma patients presenting to an urban Level I trauma center who were emergently intubated. The trauma registry was queried for demographic and clinical information. All patients who were intubated prehospital or in the ED and developed pneumonia were identified as cases. A group of matched controls with equivalent age, injury severity score, abbreviated injury score (AIS) chest, and AIS head who did not develop pneumonia were identified. A comparison of ED LOS between the two groups was assessed using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 509 emergently intubated blunt trauma patients. Of these, 33 developed pneumonia and could be matched with comparable controls. The case subjects had a mean age of 44.6 (+/-24.3), a mean injury severity score of 32.7 (+/- 9.4), a mean chest AIS of 1.5 (+/-1.6), and a mean head AIS of 4.4 (+/-1.2). The ED LOS for the cases was significantly longer than that for the controls (281.3 minutes vs. 214.0 minutes, p < 0.05). Each hour increased the risk of developing pneumonia by approximately 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

In blunt trauma patients who are emergently intubated, increased ED LOS is an independent risk factor for pneumonia. Ventilator associated pneumonia interventions, successful in the intensive care unit, should be implemented early in the hospital course, and efforts should be made to minimize hospital crowding and ED LOS.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia After Combined Burn and Trauma Is Caused by Associated Injuries and Not the Burn Wound

An increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has previously been demonstrated in trauma patients urgently intubated in the prehospital (ie, field) and emergency department (ED) settings. This study investigated the impact of urgent intubation on subsequent VAP in patients who sustained both a burn injury and a traumatic injury. We undertook a retrospective review of both trauma registry data and medical records for all patients with combined thermal and traumatic injuries admitted to a single verified burn center and level I trauma center. Patients undergoing field or ED intubation during the 5-year period ending December 2002 were identified and studied. Data abstracted included admission demographics and vital signs, presence of inhalation injury, location at the time of intubation, presence of associated injury, percentage TBSA burn, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital day of VAP diagnosis. Seventy-eight of the 3388 patients (2.3%) admitted during the study period sustained a combination of burn wounds and trauma and underwent urgent field or ED intubation. The majority of patients were men (71%), with a mean age of 46 +/- 24 years. There was one failed oral intubation, which required cricothyroidotomy. The location of the patient at the time of intubation was ED, 66%; burn center ED, 17%; and field, 17%. Eighty percent of all patients were diagnosed with an inhalation injury. VAP was diagnosed in 39 patients (50%), with a mean time to diagnosis of 10 +/- 9 days. TBSA burn, smoke inhalation, and time (in days) to diagnosis of VAP were not independent risk factors for the occurrence of pneumonia in any of the 3 groups. However, those intubated at the initial ED were more likely to develop VAP (P = .028) compared to those intubated in the field or in the burn center. The incidence of associated injuries was significantly greater (P < .0001) in the initial ED group. Only a small percentage of burn patients also sustain blunt trauma. VAP occurs in 50% of the patients requiring urgent intubation. Independent risk factors appear to be intubation at an initial ED before transfer and associated injuries.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia, like real estate: location really matters

INTRODUCTION

Previous work has demonstrated an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in trauma patients after prehospital (field) intubation as compared with emergency department (ED) intubations. However, this population was not compared with patients intubated as inpatients, making data interpretation difficult. We sought to further examine predictors for the development of VAP after trauma.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective review of all patients mechanically ventilated greater than 24 hours after injury was performed.

RESULTS

In all, 1,628 patients were identified, of which 1,213 (75%) were intubated as inpatients and 415 were emergently intubated (353 ED, 62 field). Overall, those intubated emergently were younger (p = 0.03) and less injured as seen by higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores (p = 0.0002), lower Injury Severity Scores (p = 0.01) and higher Revised Trauma Scores (p < 0.0001). Despite a lower injury severity, those patients emergently intubated were more likely to develop pneumonia as 22% of ED intubations and 15% of field intubations developed pneumonia, as compared with the inpatient rate of 6.5%. Pneumonia after field intubation was more likely to be community-acquired (p < 0.0001) with a significantly lower percentage of infecting enteric gram-negative rods (p < 0.0001) as compared with the inpatient and ED groups. Forward logistic regression analysis (with VAP = 1) identified inpatient intubation as protective against VAP (odds ratio 0.28, 95% CI = 0.2-0.4). Backwards logistic regression analysis further identified both field airway (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI = 1.1-4.9) and ED airway (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI = 2.5-5.2) as predictive of VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with a population of trauma patients as inpatients, and excluding those patients mechanically ventilated less than 24 hours, patients intubated in the ED or field have a higher incidence of pneumonia, despite equivalent or lower injury severity.