Closed-Suction Drain Placement at Laparotomy in Isolated Solid Organ Injury is Not Associated with Decreased Risk of Deep Surgical Site Infection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intra-abdominal closed-suction drainage after emergent trauma laparotomy for isolated solid organ injuries (iSOI) and to determine its association with deep surgical site infections (DSSI). All patients subjected to trauma laparotomy between January 2006 and December 2008 for an iSOI at two Level I urban trauma centers were identified. Patients with isolated hepatic, splenic, or renal injuries were included. Study variables extracted included demographics, clinical characteristics, intra-abdominal injuries, drain placement, DSSI, septic events, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Diagnosis of DSSI was based on abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrating an intra-abdominal collection combined with fever and elevated white blood cell count. For the analysis, patients were stratified based on injury severity. To identify an independent association between closed-suction drain placement and DSSI, stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. Overall, 142 patients met the inclusion criteria with 80 per cent (n = 114) having severe iSOI. In 47 per cent (n = 53) of the patients with a severe injury, an intra-abdominal drain was placed. A drain was placed more often in patients with a blunt trauma with more severe injury defined by Injury Severity Score and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale Score and those who underwent splenectomy ( P < 0.05). There was a three-fold increased risk of DSSI in patients subjected to drain placement (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 8.2; P = 0.046). Subgroup analysis demonstrated those who sustained severe hepatic injury receiving a drain had a significantly increase risk of DSSI ( P = 0.02). There was no statistical difference in the rate of DSSI based on the presence or absence of an intra-abdominal drain after severe splenic injury (17 vs 18%, P = 0.88). The use of intra-abdominal closed-suction drains after iSOI is not associated with decreased risk of DSSI.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency; a risk factor for chronic kidney disease in ambulatory indigent patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in ambulatory indigent patients.

METHODS

Data for all serum 25(OH)D concentrations measured during 2010 in our ambulatory nondialysis-dependent patients were analyzed along with CKD-related parameters. Patients were stratified into groups based on 25(OH)D levels of <10, 10 to 19, 20 to 29, and ≥30 ng/mL. CKD was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD-EPI] equation) and abnormal urine protein to creatinine ratios. CKD-associated parameters included serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), alkaline phosphatase, albumin, corrected calcium, and total CO2 levels.

RESULTS

A total of 2,811 patients had 25(OH)D levels measured. Patients with 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL had significantly increased relative risk (RR) of an eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (RR, 4.0), an eGFR of 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2 (RR, 2.6), urine protein to creatinine ratio >3.5 g/g (RR, 5.6), and serum PTH >100 pg/mL (RR, 2.8) compared to patients with a 25(OH)D level ≥30 ng/mL. Patients with 25(OH)D levels of 10 to19 ng/mL had significantly increased RR of a urine protein to creatinine ratio >3.5 g/g (RR, 4.8) and serum PTH >100 pg/mL (RR, 1.5) compared to patients with 25(OH)D levels ≥30 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

25(OH)D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was associated with reduced eGFR, nephrotic-range proteinuria, and increased PTH levels in our population of ambulatory urban indigent patients.

Fat distribution in children and adolescents with myelomeningocele

AIM

To evaluate fat distribution in children and adolescents with myelomeningocele using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

METHOD

Cross-sectional DXA measurements of the percentage of fat in the trunk, arms, legs, and whole body were compared between 82 children with myelomeningocele (45 males, 37 females; mean age 9y 8mo, SD 2y 7mo; 22 sacral, 13 low lumbar, 47 mid lumbar and above) and 119 comparison children (65 males, 54 females; mean age 10y 4mo, SD 2y 4mo). Differences in fat distribution between groups were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Children with myelomeningocele had higher total body fat (34% vs 31%, p=0.02) and leg fat (42% vs 35%, p<0.001) than comparison children, but no differences in trunk or arm fat after adjustment for anthropometric measures.

INTERPRETATION

Children with myelomeningocele have higher than normal total body and leg fat, but only children with higher level lesions have increased trunk fat, which may be caused by greater obesity in this group. Quantifying segmental fat distribution may aid in better assessment of excess weight and, potentially, the associated health risks.

Effect of community educational interventions on rate of organ donation among Hispanic Americans

IMPORTANCE

The need for suitable organs for transplantation is especially pronounced in minority populations such as Hispanic Americans owing to disproportionately high rates of diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. Considerable barriers exist for Hispanic Americans consent to donation, resulting in significantly lower donation rates compared with white individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of an aggressive outreach intervention during a 5-year period aimed at improving organ donation rates among Hispanic Americans.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective longitudinal observation study of organ donors treated at a major metropolitan level I trauma center. The center provides most of the medical care to the 4 Southern California neighborhoods with a high percentage of Hispanic Americans that were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Television and radio media campaigns and culturally sensitive educational programs implemented at high schools, churches, and medical clinics in the target neighborhoods.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE

Consent rate for organ donation recorded during the study.

RESULTS

Outreach interventions started in 2007 and were completed by 2012. Of 268 potential donors, 155 total donors (106 Hispanic Americans) provided consent during this time. A significant increase in consent rate was noted among Hispanic Americans, from 56% in 2005 to 83%in 2011 (P = .004); this increase was not evident in the population that was not Hispanic (67%in 2005 and 79% in 2011; P = .21).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Aggressive outreach programs can reduce the disparity between organ supply and demand by improving the consent rate among the target group.

Long-term treatment with tenofovir in Asian-American chronic hepatitis B patients is associated with abnormal renal phosphate handling

BACKGROUND

Increased risk of defective urinary phosphate reabsorption and osteoporosis has been reported in HIV and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

AIMS

Goals of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of renal phosphate wasting and abnormal bone mineral density in CHB patients taking TDF compared to CHB patients treated with entecavir (ETV) and untreated CHB patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 146 consecutive Asian-American CHB patients who were treatment naïve (n = 60) or treated with either TDF (n = 42) or ETV (n = 44). Proximal tubular handling of phosphate was assessed by the maximal rate of tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TmPO4) divided by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (TmPO4/GFR). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

TmPO4/GFR was similar among CHB patients treated with TDF compared to untreated patients and patients taking ETV. However, among patients treated with ≥18 months of TDF or ETV, prevalence of abnormal TmPO4/GFR was higher among patients treated with TDF compared to ETV (48.5 % (16/33) vs. 12.5 % (3/24), p = 0.005). Overall prevalence of osteoporosis in this cohort of CHB patients was 14 %, with no significant difference between the three groups. Renal phosphate handling did not correlate with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hepatitis B patients treated with ≥18 months of TDF experienced an increased risk of proximal tubular dysfunction. TDF did not increase the risk of osteoporosis. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Breast reconstruction satisfaction rates at a large county hospital

BACKGROUND

It has been previously reported that the indigent patient population is less likely to seek breast reconstruction. It has also been reported that lower income women who do chose to undergo reconstruction are less satisfied with the results. This study assesses the level of breast reconstruction satisfaction in women treated at Los Angeles County Medical Center (LAC). For those women with lower satisfaction, we seek to identify the root source of this dissatisfaction.

METHODS

Patients who underwent breast reconstruction at LAC from 2007 to 2012 were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Eligible participants were administered the BREAST-Q postreconstruction module. Demographic data were obtained from the patient and/or their medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients completed the surveys. The satisfaction scores for the appearance of the breast were 61 (24) and satisfaction with overall outcome was 80 (26). The occurrence of major complications was associated with lower satisfaction scores with respect to the appearance of the breast (P<0.0001) and overall outcome (P=0.02). In addition, patients with delayed reconstruction were also noted to be more satisfied with respect to appearance of the breast (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite suggestions that the indigent and the underserved patient population are less satisfied with the results of their breast reconstruction procedures, patients at LAC demonstrated comparable satisfaction levels to other published reports. The occurrence of major complications and immediate reconstruction were significantly associated with lower levels of satisfaction.

Reliability of lateral distal femur dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lateral distal femur (LDF) has been suggested for patients with metal implants or joint contractures preventing DXA scanning at conventional anatomical sites. This study assessed variability in LDF DXA measures due to repeat scanning using data from 5 healthy young adults who had 3 unilateral scans with repositioning between scans. Variability due to image analysis was evaluated in 10 children who underwent bilateral LDF scans with each scan being analyzed 3 times by 2 raters. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in the anterior distal metaphysis (R1), metadiaphysis (R2), and diaphysis (R3) as described previously. An additional region (R4) was defined in the metaphysis similar to R1 but centered in the medullary canal. Variability was consistently lower for bone mineral density than for bone mineral content and bone area; R4 was more repeatable than R1; and variability because of repeat scanning was negligible. These results suggest that DXA measures of the LDF are reliable and may be useful when standard DXA measures cannot be obtained, but it is recommended that a central, rather than anterior, ROI be used in the metaphysis.

Increasing organ donation in Hispanic Americans: the role of media and other community outreach efforts

IMPORTANCE

The growing demand for organs continues to outpace supply. This gap is most pronounced in minority populations, who constitute more than 40% of the organ waiting list. Hispanic Americans are particularly less likely to donate compared with other minorities for reasons that remain poorly understood and difficult to change.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether outreach interventions that target Hispanic Americans improve organ donation outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective before-after study of 4 southern California neighborhoods with a high percentage of Hispanic American residents. We conducted cross-sectional telephone surveys before and 2 years after outreach interventions. Respondents 18 years or older were drawn randomly from lists of Hispanic surnames. Awareness, perceptions, and beliefs regarding organ donation and intent to donate were measured and compared before and after interventions.

INTERVENTION

Television and radio commercials about organ donation and educational programs at 5 high schools and 4 Catholic churches.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Number of survey participants who specify intent to donate.

RESULTS

A total of 402 preintervention and 654 postintervention individuals participated in the surveys. We observed a significant increase in awareness of and knowledge about organ donation and a significant increase in the intent to donate (17.7% vs 12.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.06-2.26; P = .02]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Focused donor outreach programs sustain awareness and knowledge and can significantly improve intent to donate organs in the Hispanic American population. These programs should continue to be evaluated and implemented to influence donor registration.

Analysis of risk factors associated with microvascular free flap failure using a multi-institutional database

BACKGROUND

There are numerous factors that may contribute to microvascular free flap failure. Although technical issues are dominant factors, patient and clinical characteristics are also contributory. The aim of this study was to investigate non-technical variables associated with microsurgical free flap failure using a multi-institutional dataset.

METHODS

Utilizing the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, we identified all patients who underwent microvascular free tissue transfer from 2005 through 2009. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association of flap failure with the following factors: age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, intraoperative transfusion, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, year of operation, operative time, number of flaps, and type of reconstruction. Factors with a significance of P < 0.2 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 639 patients underwent microsurgical free flap reconstruction with 778 flaps over the 4-year study period; 139 patients had two free flaps during the same operation. The overall incidence of flap failure was 4.4% (34/778) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0%, 6.2%). Operative time was identified as an independent risk factor for free flap failure. After adjusting for other factors, those whose operative time was equal to or greater than the 75th percentile (625.5 min) were twice as likely to experience flap failure (AOR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.01-4.31; P = 0.045). None of the other risk factors studied were significant contributors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the overall flap loss rate of was 4.4%. Operative time was a significant independent risk factor for flap failure.

Lower extremity fractures in falls

INTRODUCTION

Lower extremity fractures are very common in victims of falls. These fractures are usually associated with other bodily injuries and can lead to permanent disability if appropriate management is not provided. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of associated injuries in victims of falls with lower extremity fractures.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review (1995-2006) of all fall-related trauma patients evaluated at our Level I trauma center. Injuries were categorized as: isolated femur fractures (FF), isolated tibia fractures (TF), and both femur and tibia fractures (FTF). Data were analyzed for differences in patterns of injury, associated fractures and injuries, and mortality and morbidity according to age groups within patients with minor body injuries expressed by Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) < 3.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty-two patients (64.8 %) had FF, 164 patients (32 %) had TF, and 16 patients (3.2 %) presented with FTF. The incidence of severe trauma was 9.4 % (Injury Severity Score, ISS > 25). A higher incidence of ISS > 25 was observed in patients with FF. Increased mortality was observed in the elderly group, especially in patients with an isolated femur fracture.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a combination of femur and tibia fractures have a significantly higher risk of associated injuries compared to patients with either a femur or a tibia fracture. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) have higher morbidity and mortality compared to younger patients after falls. Clinicians evaluating these patients should be aware of these injury patterns. Further studies assessing the impact of age and pattern of injury in patients following falls are warranted.

Dalteparin versus Enoxaparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events in trauma patients

BACKGROUND

The use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the chemoprophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients is supported by Level-1 evidence. Because Enoxaparin was the agent used in the majority of studies for establishing the efficacy of LMWH in VTE, it remains unclear if Dalteparin provides an equivalent effect.

OBJECTIVE

To compare Dalteparin to Enoxaparin and investigate their equivalence as VTE prophylaxis in trauma.

PATIENTS/SETTING

Trauma patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a Level-1 Trauma Center from 2009 (Enoxaparin) to 2010 (Dalteparin) were included.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the incidence of clinically significant VTE. Secondary outcomes included heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), major bleeding, and drug acquisition cost savings. Equivalence margins were set between -5 and 5 %.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 610 patient records (277 Enoxaparin, 333 Dalteparin) were reviewed. The two study groups did not differ significantly: blunt trauma 67 vs. 62 %, p = 0.27; mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) 17 ± 10 vs. 16 ± 10, p = 0.34; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score 17 ± 9 vs. 17 ± 10, p = 0.76; time to first dose of LMWH 69 ± 98 vs. 65 ± 67 h, p = 0.57). The rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (3.2 vs. 3.3 %, p = 1.00), pulmonary emboli (PE) (1.8 vs. 1.2 %, p = 0.74), and overall VTE (5.1 vs. 4.5 %, p = 0.85) did not differ. The absolute difference in the incidence of overall VTE was 0.5 % [95 % confidence interval (CI): -2.9, 4.0 %, p = 0.85]. The 95 % CI was within the predefined equivalence margins. There were no significant differences in the frequency of HIT or major bleeding. The total year-on-year cost savings, achieved with 277 patients during the switch to Dalteparin, was estimated to be $107,778.

CONCLUSIONS

Dalteparin is equivalent to Enoxaparin in terms of VTE in trauma patients and can be safely used in this population, with no increase in complications and significant cost savings.

Increasing intent to donate in Hispanic American high school students: results of a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

High school students are an important target audience for organ donation education. A novel educational intervention focused on Hispanic American (HA) high school students might improve organ donation rates.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in five Los Angeles High Schools with a high percentage of HA students. A "culturally sensitive" educational program was administered to students in grades 9 to 12. Preintervention surveys that assessed awareness, knowledge, perception, and beliefs regarding donation as well as the intent to become an organ donor were compared to postintervention surveys.

RESULTS

A total of 10,146 high school students participated in the study. After exclusions, 4876 preintervention and 3182 postintervention surveys were analyzed. A significant increase in the overall knowledge, awareness, and beliefs regarding donation was observed after the intervention, as evidenced by a significant increase in the percentage of correct answers on the survey (41% pre- versus 44% postintervention, P < .0001). When specifically examining HA students, there was a significant increase in the intent to donate organs (adjusted odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.09, 1.34, P = .0003).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate a significant increase in the intent to donate among HA high school students following an educational intervention.

Demographic and serological characteristics of Asian Americans with hepatitis B infection diagnosed at community screenings

There is limited information regarding follow-up and hepatitis B serological status of Asian Americans diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) through community screening. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and characterize CHB among Asians living in Los Angeles, assess follow-up of individuals with CHB diagnosed at screening and compare with patients with CHB followed by community gastroenterologists. Between October 2007 and May 2010, 7387 Asians were tested for HBV. HBsAg positive individuals (CHB) underwent additional testing for ALT, HBeAg/anti-HBe and HBV DNA. Patients with CHB were contacted 6 months later to determine whether they received follow-up care. We compared serological patterns of these individuals with CHB to patients with CHB who were seen for the first time (treatment naïve) by community gastroenterologists during the study period. Prevalence of CHB was 5.2%. About 99% patients with CHB were foreign-born, and only 27% could read/write English. 297 (77%) patients with CHB could be reached 6 months after diagnosis; 43% did not receive follow-up care, mostly because of lack of medical insurance. Patients with CHB followed by gastroenterologists were more likely to have insurance (69% vs 26%, P < 0.0001). 90% patients with CHB at screening were HBeAg negative/anti-HBe positive with 62% having inactive disease compared to only 30% of patients seen by gastroenterologists (P < 0.0001). Among CHB participants, 13% met criteria for treatment compared to 51% of patients with CHB (P < 0.0001). Only a small number of CHB screening participants require antiviral therapy. Lack of medical insurance is the main reason for most patients with CHB not seeking follow-up care after screening.

Clinical factors and incidence of acute chest syndrome or pneumonia among children with sickle cell disease presenting with a fever: a 17-year review

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) presenting with fever before and after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and to determine clinical factors associated with ACS for a febrile child with SCD.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was undertaken for children with SCD from 1993 to 2009 in a single, urban, tertiary-care pediatric center. Clinical and laboratory data for each febrile event for each child with SCD were recorded. We compared incidence of ACS for the 3 PCV7 eras: pre-PCV7, inter-PCV7, and post-PCV7. Univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression were used to identify clinical factors most associated with ACS in the post-PCV7 era.

RESULTS

Of 2504 febrile events in 466 children with SCD, we found 492 diagnoses of ACS. The incidence of ACS cumulatively decreased over time from 27.0% to 17.4% among febrile children with SCD (P < 0.001), although no change was seen in children younger than 2 years (P = 0.89). Independent predictors of ACS in the post-PCV7 era include history of previous ACS, upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, noncompliance to penicillin, male sex, hypoxemia, an absolute neutrophil count greater than 9 × 10/L, and hemoglobin less than 8.6 g/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ACS has decreased over time in febrile children with SCD. No effect was seen in those 2 years or younger. Children with SCD presenting with a fever had higher odds of developing ACS when accompanied by certain clinical, demographic, and laboratory features.

Argon beam coagulation versus fibrin sealant for hemostasis following liver resection: a randomized study in a porcine model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bleeding from the raw liver surface represents a significant surgical complication after elective liver resection or hepatic trauma. The application of argon beam coagulation (ABC) has been proposed to improve hemostasis, but is associated with significant necrosis of the liver parenchyma. Topical hemostatic agents, i.e. fibrin sealant (FS), have also been recommended, yet the optimal management is under debate. This study compares the efficacy and safety of both methods following liver resection in an animal model.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty pigs underwent liver resection, and were then randomized into ABC or FS group for treatment of raw liver surfaces. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were studied. Animals were sacrificed at day 12, and extent of necrosis was assessed using a scoring system and morphometry.

RESULTS

Intraoperative parameters did not show any significant difference between two groups except for shorter time of application in the FS group. Postoperatively, animals in the FS group showed significantly higher hemoglobin levels (p=0.0001). Histologically, FS showed a smaller depth of necrosis than ABC (p=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of FS is superior to ABC for management of the raw liver surface after liver resection, in terms of application time, postoperative bleeding and the extent of liver tissue necrosis.

Outcomes of lower extremity orthopedic surgery in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy with and without gait analysis: results of a randomized controlled trial

This study examined the impact of gait analysis on surgical outcomes in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) through a randomized controlled trial. 156 children with CP (94 male; age 10.2 ± 3.7 years) underwent gait analysis and were randomized to two groups: Gait Report group (N = 83), where the referring surgeon received the patient's gait analysis report, and Control group (N = 73), where the surgeon did not receive the gait report. Outcomes were assessed pre- and 1.3 ± 0.5 years post-operatively. An intent-to-treat analysis compared outcomes between the two groups. Outcome measures included the Gillette Functional Activity Questionnaire (FAQ), Gait Deviation Index (GDI), oxygen cost, gross motor function measure, Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), and Pediatric Evaluation and Disability Inventory. The outcomes that differed significantly between groups were change in health from the CHQ, which was rated as much better for 56% (46/82) of children in the Gait Report group compared with 38% (28/73) in the Control group (p = 0.04), and upper extremity physical function from the PODCI. Gait outcomes (FAQ and GDI) improved more when over half of the recommendations for a patient were followed or the recommended extent of surgery (none, single, or multi-level) was done (p ≤ 0.04). On average, however, only 42% of the recommendations were followed in the Gait Report group, compared with 35% in the Control group (p = 0.23). This is much less than the >85% reported in previous studies and may account for the lack of differences between groups for some of the outcome measures.

Utility of infrared thermography for screening febrile subjects

OBJECTIVE

To assess the utility of remote-sensing infrared thermography as a screening tool for fever.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study comparing body temperatures measured by remote-sensing infrared thermography (maximum for frontal, forehead, or lateral views) with core temperatures measured by aural or oral methods.

SETTING

Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1517 patients (747 men, 770 women) with or without fever; 34 of whom entered a substudy to measure the effects of distance on recorded temperature.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The proportions of subjects with fever (core temperature of 38°C or above) detected by remote-sensing infrared thermography compared with the proportion detected by conventional thermometry.

RESULTS

The correlations between infrared thermography temperatures and core temperature were only moderate (r=0.36-0.44), albeit statistically significant. The temperature recorded by infrared thermography was inversely proportional to the distance from the camera. There were 113 (7.4%) subjects with a core temperature of 38°C or above. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the three infrared thermography measurements were around 0.8. However, the maximum sensitivity achieved at a low cut-off temperature of 35°C was only 0.87 (for frontal and lateral infrared thermography views), resulting in 13% of febrile subjects being missed. The maximum forehead temperature in general had the poorest performance among the three infrared thermography views.

CONCLUSIONS

Forehead infrared thermography readings from a distance should be abandoned for fever screening. Although maximum lateral or frontal infrared thermography temperatures have reasonable correlations with core temperatures and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the sensitivity-specificity combination might still not be high enough for screening febrile conditions, especially at border crossings with huge numbers of passengers.

Assessment of maximum weight change and duration of therapeutic effect for non-surgical treatment of obesity using an exponential model

Efficacy of weight loss and maintenance therapies in obesity is difficult to quantify due to continuous weight changes over time. We assessed a single exponential model of weight changes during selected non-surgical therapies of non-diabetic obese subjects. We analyzed published mean weight data from 6 studies of ≥12 weeks duration, with comparable treatment groups, and ≥4 weight measurements during very low carbohydrate or fat diets, or treatment with Lorcaserin, Sibutramine or Orlistat. We fit data to a single exponential model to estimate maximum predicted weight loss or regain and duration of weight loss or regain for each therapy. A single exponential is the appropriate model as determined by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, constant variance, and Durbin-Watson tests. Validity of parameter estimates was indicated by coefficients of variation <25%. Sensitivity analysis showed that weight regain at the end of the weight loss phase affected parameter estimates in some instances, with variations of weight loss of 0.2-0.7% of basal. Estimated weight loss and regain were similar to observed weight changes in all studies. The model could also be used to assess dose-response relationships. Estimates from the model were used to compare concurrent obesity regimens using 95% confidence intervals, taking into account pre-determined minimal clinically important differences. This exponential model may provide accurate estimates of maximum achievable weight loss or regain and optimal duration of efficacy for a variety of non-surgical weight loss and maintenance regimens from published mean weight data and may be useful to more accurately evaluate weight loss and maintenance regimens.

A focused educational program after religious services to improve organ donation in Hispanic Americans

Religion is an important determinant in Hispanic Americans (HA) becoming organ donors as HA often believe religion forbids donation. We investigated the effect of an educational program targeting HA organ donation in places of worship. A prospective observational study was conducted at four Catholic churches with a high percentage of HA. A 45-min "culturally sensitive" educational program, conducted in Spanish, was implemented. Organ donation awareness, knowledge, perception, and beliefs, as well as the intent to become an organ donor, were measured before and after the intervention. Differences between before and after the intervention were analyzed. A total of 182 surveys were conducted before and 159 surveys were conducted after the educational program. A significant increase was observed in organ donation knowledge (54% vs. 70%, p<0.0001), perception (43% vs. 58%, p<0.0001), and beliefs (50% vs. 60%, p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in the willingness to discuss donation with family, intent-to-donate, or registering to donate after the intervention. This study demonstrates that a focused educational program in places of worship can significantly improve HA knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs regarding organ donation. Further work is needed to understand why intent-to-donate does not increase despite the increase in organ donation awareness.

Closed-suction drain placement at laparotomy in isolated solid organ injury is not associated with decreased risk of deep surgical site infection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intra-abdominal closed-suction drainage after emergent trauma laparotomy for isolated solid organ injuries (iSOI) and to determine its association with deep surgical site infections (DSSI). All patients subjected to trauma laparotomy between January 2006 and December 2008 for an iSOI at two Level I urban trauma centers were identified. Patients with isolated hepatic, splenic, or renal injuries were included. Study variables extracted included demographics, clinical characteristics, intra-abdominal injuries, drain placement, DSSI, septic events, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Diagnosis of DSSI was based on abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrating an intra-abdominal collection combined with fever and elevated white blood cell count. For the analysis, patients were stratified based on injury severity. To identify an independent association between closed-suction drain placement and DSSI, stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. Overall, 142 patients met the inclusion criteria with 80 per cent (n=114) having severe iSOI. In 47 per cent (n=53) of the patients with a severe injury, an intra-abdominal drain was placed. A drain was placed more often in patients with a blunt trauma with more severe injury defined by Injury Severity Score and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale Score and those who underwent splenectomy (P<0.05). There was a three-fold increased risk of DSSI in patients subjected to drain placement (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 8.2; P=0.046). Subgroup analysis demonstrated those who sustained severe hepatic injury receiving a drain had a significantly increase risk of DSSI (P=0.02). There was no statistical difference in the rate of DSSI based on the presence or absence of an intra-abdominal drain after severe splenic injury (17 vs 18%, P=0.88). The use of intra-abdominal closed-suction drains after iSOI is not associated with decreased risk of DSSI.

Identifying risk factors for surgical site infections in mastectomy patients using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that surgical site infections (SSIs) create a significant hospital burden. To date, few multi-institutional studies have been performed to evaluate the risk factors for SSIs in mastectomy patients.

METHODS

By using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, all patients undergoing mastectomy from 2005 to 2009 were identified. The outcome was to determine the incidence rate and identify significant independent risk factors of SSIs.

RESULTS

The incidence of SSI was 2.3% (891 of 38,739; 95% confidence interval, 2.2%-2.5%) in patients undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction. Significant (P < .05) risk factors for SSI included a body mass index greater than 25, American Society of Anesthesiology classification of 3 or higher, diabetes mellitus, surgical time of 2 hours or longer (75th percentile), and current smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

Before this study, there was wide variation in the incidence rate of surgical site infections in this patient population. This was a large-scale study to address these inconsistencies.

Venous thromboembolic events in isolated severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of prophylactic anticoagulation on the incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients suffering from isolated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective matched case-control study in adult patients sustaining isolated severe TBI (head AIS ≥3, with extracranial AIS ≤2) receiving VTE prophylaxis while in the surgical intensive care unit from 1/2007 through 12/2009. Patients subjected to VTE prophylaxis were matched 1:1 by age, gender, glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission, presence of hypotension on admission, injury severity score, and head abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score, with patients who did not receive chemical VTE prophylaxis. The primary outcome measure was VTE. Secondary outcomes were SICU and hospital length of stay (HLOS), adverse effects of anticoagulation, and mortality.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, 37 matched pairs were analysed. Cases and controls had similar demographics, injury characteristics, rate of craniotomies/craniectomies, SICU LOS, and HLOS. The median time of commencement of VTE prophylaxis was 10 days. The incidence of VTE was increased 3.5-fold in the controls compared to the cases (95% CI 1.0-12.1, P=0.002). The mortality was higher in patients who did not receive anticoagulation (19% vs. 5%, P=0.001). No adverse outcomes were detected in the anticoagulated patients.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic anticoagulation decreases the overall risk for clinically significant VTE in patients with severe isolated TBI. Prospective validation of the timing and safety of chemical VTE prophylaxis in these instances is warranted.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of complications associated with acellular dermal matrix-assisted breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Multiple outcome studies have been published on the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction with disparate results. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine an aggregate estimate of risks associated with ADM-assisted breast reconstruction.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were queried, and relevant articles published up to September 2010 were analyzed based on specific inclusion criteria. Seven complications were studied including seroma, cellulitis, infection, hematoma, skin flap necrosis, capsular contracture, and reconstructive failure. A pooled random effects estimate for each complication and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived. For comparisons of ADM and non-ADM, the pooled random effects odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were derived. Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistic.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled complication rates were seroma (6.9%; 95% CI, 5.3%-8.8%), cellulitis (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.2%-3.1%), infection (5.7%; 95% CI, 4.3%-7.3%), skin flap necrosis (10.9%; 95% CI, 8.7%-13.5%), hematoma (1.3%; 95% CI, 0.6%-2.4%), capsular contracture (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.1%-1.7%), and reconstructive failure (5.1%; 95% CI, 3.8%-6.7%). Five studies reported findings for both the ADM and non-ADM patients and were used in the meta-analysis to calculate pooled OR. ADM-assisted breast reconstructions had a higher likelihood of seroma (pooled OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.4-6.2), infection (pooled OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4), and reconstructive failure (pooled OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3-6.8) than breast reconstructions without the use of ADM. The relation of ADM use to hematoma (pooled OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.8-5.2), cellulitis (pooled OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9-4.3), and skin flap necrosis (pooled OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-5.4) was inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

In the studies evaluated, ADM-assisted breast reconstructions exhibited a higher likelihood of seroma, infection, and reconstructive failure than prosthetic-based breast reconstructions using traditional musculofascial flaps. ADM is associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture. A careful risk/benefit analysis should be performed when choosing to use ADM in implant-based breast reconstruction.

A medical staff peer review system in a public teaching hospital--an internal quality improvement tool

Peer review of the quality of care of the medical staff in a healthcare delivery system, properly executed and utilized, can bring about changes that improve the quality and safety of patient care, enhance clinical performance, and augment physician education. Although all healthcare facilities are mandated to conduct peer reviews, the process of how it is conducted, reported, and utilized varies widely. In 2007, our institution, a large public teaching acute care facility, developed and implemented an electronic Medical Staff Peer Review System (MS-PRS) that replaced the existing paper-based system and created a centralized database for all peer review activities. Despite limited resources and mounting known challenges, we have developed and implemented a system that includes 100% mortality reviews, an ongoing random review for reappointment and operative procedures, and morbidity peer reviews. Parallel to the 4-year implementation of the system, we observed a steady, significant downward trend in the medical malpractice claim rate, which can be attributable in part to the implementation of MS-PRS. In this paper, we share our experiences in the development, outcomes, challenges encountered, and lessons learned from MS-PRS and provide our recommendations to similar institutions for the development of such a system.

Organ donation and Hispanic american high school students: attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and intent to donate

The growing need for transplantable organs continues to outpace supply. This discrepancy is most pronounced in minority populations. Hispanic Americans, however, are significantly less likely to donate their organs for reasons that remain poorly understood. We sought to identify factors that influence Hispanic American high school students' intent to donate organs. A prospective observational study was conducted in five Los Angeles high schools within four separate zip codes known for a high percentage of Hispanic Americans. High school students, ages 15 to 20 years, were surveyed to assess demographic factors, cultural factors, awareness and knowledge, perception, and belief regarding organ donation and the intent to donate. A total of 5444 surveys were collected over a 4-month period. After logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for predicting the intent to donate were: family support, 11th and 12th grade high school students, being female, religion, and the belief that Hispanics are more likely to need an organ transplant. This study represents the largest study to date examining factors associated with the intent to donate in Hispanic American high school students. To address the organ shortage crisis in Hispanic Americans, these risk factors should be considered using specific, effective educational programs.

Organ Donation and Hispanic American High School Students: Attitudes, Beliefs, Perceptions, and Intent to Donate

The growing need for transplantable organs continues to outpace supply. This discrepancy is most pronounced in minority populations. Hispanic Americans, however, are significantly less likely to donate their organs for reasons that remain poorly understood. We sought to identify factors that influence Hispanic American high school students’ intent to donate organs. A prospective observational study was conducted in five Los Angeles high schools within four separate zip codes known for a high percentage of Hispanic Americans. High school students, ages 15 to 20 years, were surveyed to assess demographic factors, cultural factors, awareness and knowledge, perception, and belief regarding organ donation and the intent to donate. A total of 5444 surveys were collected over a 4-month period. After logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for predicting the intent to donate were: family support, 11th and 12th grade high school students, being female, religion, and the belief that Hispanics are more likely to need an organ transplant. This study represents the largest study to date examining factors associated with the intent to donate in Hispanic American high school students. To address the organ shortage crisis in Hispanic Americans, these risk factors should be considered using specific, effective educational programs.

Decrease in incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with erythropoietin administration in preterm infants: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in clinical care, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains high in premature infants. Erythropoietin (EPO) is used for the treatment of anemia of prematurity (AOP) to decrease blood transfusion needs. EPO has been shown to mobilize circulating endothelial progenitor cells and to enhance lung repair in animal models.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether EPO treatment for AOP was associated with a reduced incidence of BPD in premature infants.

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed on all live-born neonates with birth weights from 500 to 1,500 g and gestational age (GA) from 22 to 32 weeks admitted from 1994 to 2002. Infants who received EPO and those who did not receive EPO were compared for incidence of BPD and other morbidities.

RESULTS

Of 478 patients, 297 received EPO before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (group 1) and 181 did not receive EPO (group 2). Group 1 was of similar birth weight but lower GA than group 2. The incidence of BPD was lower in group 1 than group 2 (26 vs. 36%, p = 0.03); after adjusting for significant risk factors, the adjusted odds ratio for BPD was 0.50 (95% CI 0.32, 0.79), p = 0.0028. The BPD rate was much lower when EPO was initiated before 4 weeks of age (16%) as compared to later initiation (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows an association between EPO treatment and reduced incidence of BPD in preterm infants, particularly when EPO treatment was initiated within the first 4 weeks of life.

Swan-Ganz catheter use in trauma patients can be reduced without negatively affecting outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The use of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to document the changing pattern of PAC use and to determine its effect on outcome.

METHODS

The use of PAC was analyzed in patients ≥16 years old admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) over a 9-year period starting in 2000. Patients with SICU length of stay exceeding 30 days were excluded. For the evaluation of PAC's effect on outcome, PAC and no-PAC patients were matched utilizing propensity scores.

RESULTS

During the 9-year study period, a total of 5,192 trauma patients were admitted to the SICU. Of these, 426 (8.2%) were <16 years old, and 174 (3.4%) had a SICU length of stay that exceeded 30 days. For the remaining 4,592 patients, the mean ± SD age was 39.5 ± 18.8 years, and the mean ISS was 19.9 ± 12.4. PAC was utilized in 19.5% (n = 896) of all the patients admitted to the SICU. The trend for PAC use decreased significantly over the years (P value for trend <0.001), from 38.6% in the year 2000 to 4.2% in the year 2008. This decrease was noted in all age and injury severity groups of patients. The overall mortality, however, remained at the same levels (P value for trend = 0.111). Patients managed with a PAC were significantly older, more severely injured, more frequently injured by a blunt mechanism, and were admitted more often in a hypotensive or comatose status. In the early part of the study, the PAC was utilized on the first day and for 4.1 days on average. In the later part of the study, however, the PAC was used on the second day and for a shorter period of time (3 days on average, P < 0.001). In the matched study population, patients in the PAC group had almost twofold higher odds for death, when compared to the no-PAC group [34.2% vs. 22.5%, Odds Ratio (95% CI): 1.78 (1.42, 2.26), P < 0.001]. Patients younger than 50 years of age who had an ISS ≥16 had worse outcome when managed with a PAC, whereas patients aged 30-69 years with an ISS <16 had a higher survival. The overall complication rate was fivefold higher in patients receiving a PAC [46.3% vs. 14.2%, Odds Ratio (95% CI): 5.22 (4.04, 6.74), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

The use of PAC has decreased almost 10-fold over the last decade at our institution. The PAC is being used later during the ICU course and for a shorter period of time. In a matched population, the use of PAC is associated with a significantly higher mortality and complication rate, but the reason for this association remains uncertain. The use of PAC is invasive and is associated with known complications and financial costs. While the use of PAC maybe useful in a select population, routine and widespread use of the PAC should be avoided.

Utilizing the media to help increase organ donation in the Hispanic American population

OBJECTIVE

As the shortage of suitable organs for transplantation is especially pronounced among Hispanic Americans (HA), our objective was to determine whether a focused media campaign including culturally sensitive educational material on organ donation would positively influence organ donation awareness, perceptions, and beliefs, and increase the likelihood of organ donation in the HA community.

METHODS

Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted before and after a media campaign in four Southern California neighborhoods with a high percentage of HA. Respondents, age ≥18 yr, were drawn randomly from lists of Hispanic surnames. Awareness, perception, and belief regarding organ donation and intent-to-donate were measured. The differences between the Pre- and Post-media surveys were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 524 Pre-media and 528 Post-media subjects were evaluated. The Post-media surveys demonstrated improvements in: organ donation awareness (43% vs. 31%, p < 0.0001), the belief that donation is a social responsibility (54% vs. 45%, p = 0.008), and the belief that donation helps people (91% vs. 87%, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

A media campaign emphasizing culturally sensitive educational material can significantly influence organ donation awareness and beliefs in HA.

Effect of age on cervical spine injury in pediatric population: a National Trauma Data Bank review

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence, risk factors, and patterns of cervical spine injury (CSI) in different pediatric developmental ages.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank was conducted for the period of January 2002 through December 2006 to identify pediatric patients admitted following blunt trauma. Patients were stratified into 4 developmental age groups: infants/toddlers (age 0-3 years), preschool/young children (age 4-9 years), preadolescents (age 10-13 years), and adolescents (age 14-17 years). Patients with a CSI were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Demographics, clinical injury data, level of CSI, and outcomes were abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 240,647 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 1.3% (n = 3,035) sustained a CSI. The incidence of CSI in the stratified age groups was 0.4% in infants/toddlers, 0.4% in preschool/young children, 0.8% in preadolescents, and 2.6% in adolescents. The level of CSI (upper [C1-C4] vs lower [C5-C7]) according to the age groups was as follows: infants and toddlers, 70% vs 25%; preschool/young children, 74% vs 17%; preadolescents, 52% vs 37%; and adolescents, 40% vs 45%, respectively. The adjusted risk for CSI increased 2-fold in preadolescents and 5-fold in adolescents.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pediatric CSI increases in a stepwise fashion after 9 years of age. We noted an increase in lower CSI and a decrease in upper CSI after the age of 9 years. The incidence of upper CSI compared with lower CSI was higher in preadolescents (52% vs 37%) and almost equal in adolescents (40% vs 45%).

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes for atrial arrhythmias in trauma patients

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes after the development of an atrial arrhythmia (AA) in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We performed a retrospective study of more than 7 years of trauma patients admitted to the ICU at an urban, academic Level I trauma center. Patients with AA, defined as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, were compared with patients without AA. Groups were compared by univariate and multivariate analysis. Three thousand, four hundred and ninety-nine trauma patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period and 210 (6%) developed an AA. AA patients were more likely to sustain blunt trauma, were older, more often female, more severely injured, and sustained more head injuries. The only independent risk factor for developing an AA was age > 55 years (odds ratio = 4.6, P < 0.01). Mortality was higher in the AA group (33% vs. 14%, P < 0.01) and AA was an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio = 1.7, P = 0.01). Twenty-eight per cent (n = 59) of AA patients received beta-blockers in the postinjury period, and these patients had lower mortality (22% vs. 37%, P = 0.04). AA occurs in 6 per cent of trauma patients admitted to the ICU. Developing an AA is an independent risk factor for mortality after trauma. Beta-blocker therapy was associated with decreased mortality in trauma patients with AA.

Influence of gait analysis on decision-making for lower extremity orthopaedic surgery: Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial

Previous studies examining the influence of gait analysis on surgical decision-making have been limited by the lack of a control group. The aim of this study was to use data from a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of gait analysis on surgical decision-making in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 178 ambulatory children with CP (110 male; age 10.3±3.8 years) being considered for lower extremity orthopaedic surgery underwent gait analysis and were randomized into one of two groups: gait report group (N=90), where the orthopaedic surgeon received the gait analysis report, and control group (N=88), where the surgeon did not receive the gait report. Data regarding specific surgeries were recorded by the treating surgeon before gait analysis, by the gait laboratory surgeon after gait analysis, and after surgery. Agreement between the treatment done and the gait analysis recommendations was compared between groups using the 2-sided Fisher's Exact test. When a procedure was planned initially and also recommended by gait analysis, it was performed more often in the gait report group (91% vs. 70%, p<0.001). When the gait laboratory recommended against a planned procedure, the plan was changed more frequently in the gait report group (48% vs. 27%, p=0.009). When the gait laboratory recommended adding a procedure, it was added more frequently in the gait report group (12% vs. 7%, p=0.037). These results provide a stronger level of evidence demonstrating that gait analysis changes treatment decision-making and also reinforces decision-making when it agrees with the surgeon's original plan.

Reference accuracy in the general surgery literature

BACKGROUND

Reference inaccuracy in scientific articles brings the scientific validity of the research into question and may create difficulty when accessing the cited background data. The objective of this study was to examine the reference accuracy in the general surgery literature and its correlation with the journal impact factor.

METHODS

Five general surgery journals were chosen with varying impact factors. From the year 2007, one issue was randomly chosen from each journal, and from each issue 180 citations were randomly chosen for review. Three investigators evaluated the chosen references for primary, citational, and quotational errors. The impact factor of each journal was compared to the percentage of errors detected.

RESULTS

The total number of errors per journal ranged from 31.3 to 39.3%, with a total of 35.4% of all citations reviewed containing some type of error. The most common error type detected was incorrect citation of the primary source supporting a statement, the incidence of which ranged from 13.8 to 25.2%, depending on the journal, and accounting for 53.6% of the total errors found. Citational errors, which included incorrect author names, pagination, dates, and issue and volume numbers, ranged from 1.8 to 18.1% and accounted for 20.4% of the total errors detected. Qualitative errors, which occurred when the author misquoted another author's written assertions or conclusions, ranged from 7.4 to 16.0% and accounted for 34.7% of the total errors detected. Quantitative errors (misquoted numerical data) ranged from 3.1 to 8.6% and accounted for 17.9% of the total errors detected. No association between impact factor and error rate was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference inaccuracy is common in the general surgery literature. The impact factor has no clear association with the error rate, demonstrating that journal quality does not necessarily correlate with reference quality. Further investigation into potential methods for improving reference accuracy in the general surgery literature is warranted.

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score: an independent prognostic factor of mortality in injured cirrhotic patients

OBJECTIVE

To examine the ability of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score to predict the risk of mortality in trauma patients with cirrhosis. Although cirrhosis is associated with poor outcomes after injury, the relative effect of the severity of the cirrhosis on outcomes is unclear. The MELD score is a prospectively developed and validated scoring system, which is associated with increasing severity of hepatic dysfunction and risk of death in patients with chronic liver disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective review. The MELD score for each patient was calculated from the international normalized ratio, the serum creatinine level, and the serum total bilirubin level obtained from the patient at admission to the level 1 trauma center. The association of MELD score with mortality was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Cirrhotic patients with trauma admitted to the level 1 trauma center during the period from January 2003 to December 2009.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mortality.

RESULTS

During the 7-year study period, 285 injured cirrhotic patients were admitted. The mean (SD) age was 50.0 (10.5) years, and the mean (SD) MELD score was 11.7 (4.8) (range, 6-28). Overall, patients who died had a significantly higher mean (SD) MELD score than did survivors (14.1 [5.4] vs 11.2 [4.6]; P < .001). The MELD score and the injury severity score were statistically significant risk factors that were independently associated with mortality in this group of patients (the area under the curve for the model was 0.944; cumulative R(2) = 0.545). Each unit increase in the MELD score was associated with an 18% increase in the odds for mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.29]; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The MELD score is a simple objective tool for risk stratification in cirrhotic patients who have sustained injury.

Abdominal injuries in pregnancy: a 155-month study at two level 1 trauma centers

INTRODUCTION

Trauma in pregnancy is the leading cause of non-obstetrical maternal death and remains a major cause of fetal demise. The objective of this study was to examine the outcomes of pregnant patients sustaining abdominal injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of all pregnant trauma patients admitted to two level 1 trauma centers from February 1, 1996 to December 31, 2008. Patient data abstracted included mechanism of injury, physiologic parameters on admission, Injury Severity Score (ISS), abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), gestational age, diagnostic and surgical procedures performed,complications, and maternal and fetal mortality. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

During the 155-month study period, 321 pregnant patients were included, of which 291 (91%)sustained a blunt injury, while 30 (9%) were victims of penetrating trauma. Of the penetrating injuries,22 (73%) were gunshot wounds, 7 (23%) stab wounds, and 1 (4%) shotgun injury. The overall maternal and fetal mortality was 3% (n = 9) and 16% (n = 45), respectively. Mean age was 22 6 year-old, and the mean ISS was 12 16. The overall mean abdominal AIS was 2 1.2. When adjusted for age, abdominal AIS,ISS, and diastolic blood pressure, the penetrating trauma group experienced higher maternal mortality [7%vs. 2% (adjusted OR: 7; 95% CI: 0.65–79), p = 0.090], significantly higher fetal mortality [73% vs. 10% (adjusted OR: 34; 95% CI: 11–124), p < 0.0001] and maternal morbidity [66% vs. 10% (adjusted OR: 25; 95% CI: 9–79)p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal mortality and overall maternal morbidity remains exceedingly high, at 73% and 66%,respectively, following penetrating abdominal injury. Penetrating injury mechanism, severity of abdominal injury and maternal hypotension on admission were independently associated with an increased risk for fetal demise following traumatic insult during pregnancy.

Diagnosis, microbial epidemiology, and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common condition for which antibiotics are prescribed for US children; however, wide variation exists in diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review on AOM diagnosis, treatment, and the association of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) use with AOM microbiology.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Databases, and Web of Science, searched to identify articles published from January 1999 through July 2010.

STUDY SELECTION

Diagnostic studies with a criterion standard, observational studies and randomized controlled trials comparing AOM microbiology with and without PCV7, and randomized controlled trials assessing antibiotic treatment.

DATA EXTRACTION

Independent article review and study quality assessment by 2 investigators with consensus resolution of discrepancies.

RESULTS

Of 8945 citations screened, 135 were included. Meta-analysis was performed for comparisons with 3 or more trials. Few studies examined diagnosis; otoscopic findings of tympanic membrane bulging (positive likelihood ratio, 51 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 36-73]) and redness (positive likelihood ratio, 8.4 [95% CI, 7-11]) were associated with accurate diagnosis. In the few available studies, prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae decreased (eg, 33%-48% vs 23%-31% of AOM isolates), while that of Haemophilus influenzae increased (41%-43% vs 56%-57%) pre- vs post-PCV7. Short-term clinical success was higher for immediate use of ampicillin or amoxicillin vs placebo (73% vs 60%; pooled rate difference, 12% [95% CI, 5%-18%]; number needed to treat, 9 [95% CI, 6-20]), while increasing the rate of rash or diarrhea by 3% to 5%. Two of 4 studies showed greater clinical success for immediate vs delayed antibiotics (95% vs 80%; rate difference, 15% [95% CI, 6%-24%] and 86% vs 70%; rate difference, 16% [95% CI, 6%-26%]). Data are absent on long-term effects on antimicrobial resistance. Meta-analyses in general showed no significant differences in antibiotic comparative effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Otoscopic findings are critical to accurate AOM diagnosis. AOM microbiology has changed with use of PCV7. Antibiotics are modestly more effective than no treatment but cause adverse effects in 4% to 10% of children. Most antibiotics have comparable clinical success.

Management of Acute Otitis Media: update

CONTEXT

Acute Otitis Media (AOM), a viral or bacterial infection of the ear, is the most common childhood infection for which antibiotics are prescribed in the United States. In 2001, the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center conducted a systematic review of the evidence comparing treatments of AOM.

OBJECTIVES

This review updates the 2001 review findings on diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated AOM, assesses the evidence for treatment of recurrent AOM, and assesses the impact of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV7) vaccine on the microbiology of AOM.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

Searches of PubMed® and the Cochrane databases were conducted from January 1998 to July 2010 using the same search strategies used for the 2001 report, with the addition of terms not considered in the 2001 review. The Web of Science was also searched for citations of the 2001 report and its peer-reviewed publications.

DATA EXTRACTION

After review by two investigators against pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria, we included existing systematic reviews and randomized controlled clinical trials for assessment of treatment efficacy and safety. Pooled analysis was performed for comparisons with three or more trials.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Few studies were found that examined the accuracy and precision of the diagnosis of AOM. Since PCV7's introduction, AOM microbiology has shifted significantly, with Streptococcus pneumoniae becoming less prevalent and Haemophilus influenzae (HF) increasing in importance. For uncomplicated AOM, pooled analysis indicates that nine children (95% CI: 6, 20) would need to be treated with ampicillin or amoxicillin rather than placebo to note a difference in the rate of clinical success. However, in four studies of delayed treatment approaches for uncomplicated AOM, two had higher rates of clinical success with immediate antibiotic therapy while two did not, and in three studies, a marked decrease in antibiotic utilization was noted. We are unable to draw definitive conclusions regarding the comparative effectiveness of different antibiotics for AOM in children with recurrent otitis media (ROM). For ROM, long-term antibiotic administration will decrease AOM episodes from 3 to 1.5 for every 12 months of treatment per otitis prone child during active treatment (95% CI: 1.2, 2.1); however, potential consequences of long-term treatment need to be considered. Data were insufficient to draw conclusions about comparative effectiveness of different treatment strategies in subgroups of children with uncomplicated AOM. Adverse events were generally more frequent for amoxicillin-clavulanate than for cefdinir, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin. Higher quality studies and improved reporting of study characteristics related to quality are needed to provide definitive conclusions for AOM and ROM treatment options.

Clinical review: Thyroid hormone therapy for postoperative nonthyroidal illnesses: a systematic review and synthesis

CONTEXT

Effects of thyroid hormone therapy on postoperative morbidity and mortality in adults remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to conduct a systematic review evaluating effects and risks of postoperative T(3) therapy in adults.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases and reference lists through March 2010 were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies with comparable control groups comparing T(3) to placebo therapy in randomized controlled trials were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed titles, abstracts, and articles. Data were abstracted from 14 randomized controlled trials (13 cardiac surgery and one renal transplantation). In seven studies, iv T(3) was given in high doses (0.175-0.333 μg/kg · h) for 6 to 9 h, in four studies iv T(3) was given in low doses (0.0275-0.0333 μg/kg · h for 14 to 24 h), and in three studies T(3) was given orally in variable doses and durations.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Both high- and low-dose iv T(3) therapy increased cardiac index after coronary artery bypass surgery. Mortality was not significantly altered by high-dose iv T(3) therapy and could not be assessed for low-dose iv or oral T(3). Effects on systemic vascular resistance, heart rate, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, new onset atrial fibrillation, inotrope use, serum TSH and T(4) were inconclusive.

LIMITATIONS

Numbers of usable unique studies and group sizes were small. Duration of T(3) therapy was short, and dosages and routes of administration varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Short duration postoperative iv T(3) therapy increases cardiac index and does not alter mortality. Effects on other parameters are inconclusive.

Contributing factors for the willingness to donate organs in the Hispanic American population

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that contribute to intent to donate organs in Hispanic American individuals.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional telephone surveys.

SETTING

Four southern California neighborhoods with a high percentage of Hispanic American individuals.

PATIENTS

Respondents 18 years or older were drawn randomly from lists of Hispanic surnames.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Telephone surveys were conducted that measured demographic and socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, awareness and knowledge, and perception and belief regarding organ donation, as well as the intent to become an organ donor. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent contributing factors to intent to register for organ donation.

RESULTS

Five hundred twenty-four telephone surveys were conducted over a 3-week period. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed were between the ages of 18 and 44 years and the sample was equally divided between men and women. The following independent risk factors contributed to intent to register: low acculturation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.62; P < .001), religion (AOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.60; P < .001), perception that the wealthy are more likely to receive organs (AOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25-0.65; P = .001), belief that donation disfigures the body and impacts the funeral (AOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89; P = .02), and family influence (AOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.28-3.22; P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Among Hispanic American individuals, low acculturation, religion, belief, and family influence affect the intent to register for organ donation. To improve organ donation, these risk factors should be considered using specific, effective educational programs.