BACKGROUND:Loss of community dwelling status is frequent after hospitalization for traumatic injuries in older adults. Arranging placement to a skilled nursing facility or an inpatient rehabilitation facility often causes a delay in discharge after the patient is medically stable, exacerbating bed capacity issues in health systems and unnecessarily exposing patients to hospital-related complications. This study aimed to identify characteristics associated with delayed discharge and to quantify temporal trends in discharge delays at a high-volume trauma center. STUDY DESIGN:We retrospectively analyzed all trauma patients from 2018 to 2023 in our Level I trauma registry, excluding in-hospital mortalities. Patients living greater than 70 miles from our trauma center were excluded due to the need for long-distance transport. Patients were stratified by delayed discharge time vs discharge at medical readiness. RESULTS:Of 17,886 patients, 1,091 (6.1%) had a delay in discharge, waiting an average of 4.9 days after medical readiness. Patients with delayed discharge were more likely to be older (65.1 vs 53.2 years, p < 0.001), female (50.1% vs 38.8%, p < 0.001), have a higher Injury Severity Score (12.4 vs 8.6, p < 0.001), and blunt mechanism (92.7% vs 80.4%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, Medicare beneficiary status and skilled nursing facility placement remained associated with delayed discharge. The time of the week that the patient was medically ready for discharge did not significantly affect the discharge delay duration. CONCLUSIONS:Trauma patients with Medicare experience significant delays in discharge. Currently, an average of 5 patients await disposition in our trauma center, which has increased yearly from a low of 0.5 patients in 2018. Further investigation is needed to determine causes of increased delays, including insurance denial of inpatient rehabilitation.

Introduction As screening protocols for blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) have improved, the incidence of these injuries has increased among trauma patients. Grade 2 BCVIs represent a heterogeneous group of vascular injuries and include injuries with thrombus. We hypothesize that the presence of intraluminal thrombus in patients with grade 2 BCVI is associated with a higher incidence of stroke compared to those without thrombus. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective review of trauma patients diagnosed with BCVI at a Level I Trauma Center from November 2015 to October 2023. Demographic and injury characteristics were obtained from the institutional trauma registry. Detailed chart reviews were performed to assess imaging findings, stroke incidence, interventions, and follow-up outcomes. Additionally, all grade 2 BCVIs underwent secondary review by neuroradiologists to confirm grade and to identify whether thrombus was present. Results We identified a total of 39 patients with at least one grade 2 BCVI. The overall stroke rate among those with grade 2 BCVI was 23% (n = 9). Intraluminal thrombus was present in 31% of patients (n = 12); however, the stroke rate among these patients was similar (25%, n = 3). Incidence of stroke did not significantly differ based on whether patients received an intervention, anti-platelet therapy, or no therapy. Follow-up imaging was performed in 64% of patients (n = 25), demonstrating that 24% of injuries resolved, 24% improved, 40% remained stable, and 16% progressed. Nearly two-thirds of patients (n = 25) underwent at least one repeat CTA during their hospitalization or outpatient follow-up with a median number of 38 days to repeat imaging when performed. Conclusion Although grade 2 BCVIs are often considered lower risk injuries, our findings indicate that over 20% of affected patients experience a stroke. The presence of intraluminal thrombus was not associated with an increased risk of stroke. These findings support the early initiation of antithrombotic therapy in patients with grade 2 BCVI to mitigate stroke risk.

Violent injury survivors are at risk for revictimization. The St. Louis area hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP), Life Outside of Violence (LOV), is the first multisystem, region-wide HVIP in the United States. To describe the LOV program during its pilot phase and evaluate violent reinjury 1 year after index injury among LOV participants. Pilot observational cohort study of violently injured patients. Data were queried from the program's multisystem data repository, which contains individual encounter-level data for all violent injury visits from the 2 adult and 2 pediatric LOV-partner level 1 trauma hospitals. Patients eligible for LOV who were violently injured between 15 August 2018 and 31 December 2022 and enrolled in LOV, matched to control participants of nonenrolled LOV-eligible patients selected from the data repository using propensity score matching. Participation in the LOV program. Sociodemographic characteristics, predictors of LOV enrollment, and returning to a LOV partner hospital with a violent reinjury within 1 year of index injury. The probability of violent reinjury and 95% CIs were compared between LOV participants and control participants using Kaplan-Meier estimates. 233 of 3744 eligible patients enrolled in LOV. Of 198 LOV-enrolled participants matched to 388 nonenrolled control participants, Kaplan-Meier estimates for 1-year probability of reinjury were 7.6% (95% CI, 3.8% to 11.2%) among LOV participants and 7.4% (CI, 4.8% to 10.0%) in control participants. This pilot study cannot provide precise estimates of LOV intervention efficacy. Although no informative evidence of differences in reinjury probability for LOV participants was seen, findings suggest that the overwhelming risk in which our patients are immersed cannot be overcome by an approach scaled for individual-level impact. Missouri Foundation for Health.

BACKGROUND:Violent injury survivors are at risk for revictimization. The St. Louis area hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP), Life Outside of Violence (LOV), is the first multisystem, region-wide HVIP in the United States. OBJECTIVE:To describe the LOV program during its pilot phase and evaluate violent reinjury 1 year after index injury among LOV participants. DESIGN:Pilot observational cohort study of violently injured patients. SETTING:Data were queried from the program's multisystem data repository, which contains individual encounter-level data for all violent injury visits from the 2 adult and 2 pediatric LOV-partner level 1 trauma hospitals. PARTICIPANTS:Patients eligible for LOV who were violently injured between 15 August 2018 and 31 December 2022 and enrolled in LOV, matched to control participants of nonenrolled LOV-eligible patients selected from the data repository using propensity score matching. INTERVENTION:Participation in the LOV program. MEASUREMENTS:Sociodemographic characteristics, predictors of LOV enrollment, and returning to a LOV partner hospital with a violent reinjury within 1 year of index injury. The probability of violent reinjury and 95% CIs were compared between LOV participants and control participants using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS:233 of 3744 eligible patients enrolled in LOV. Of 198 LOV-enrolled participants matched to 388 nonenrolled control participants, Kaplan-Meier estimates for 1-year probability of reinjury were 7.6% (95% CI, 3.8% to 11.2%) among LOV participants and 7.4% (CI, 4.8% to 10.0%) in control participants. LIMITATION:This pilot study cannot provide precise estimates of LOV intervention efficacy. CONCLUSION:Although no informative evidence of differences in reinjury probability for LOV participants was seen, findings suggest that the overwhelming risk in which our patients are immersed cannot be overcome by an approach scaled for individual-level impact. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE:Missouri Foundation for Health.

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem with patients frequently suffering long-term neurologic, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. Systematic outpatient follow-up after hospital discharge is critical for identifying residual deficits and improving functional outcomes. We hypothesize that the majority of TBI patients do not engage in routine outpatient follow-up after their index admission and may not receive ancillary services necessary for long-term recovery. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of all admitted TBI patients between January 2022 and January 2024. Patients with radiographically confirmed TBI who were expected to survive to follow-up were included. Chart reviews determined post discharge appointments and referrals to ancillary services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and neurocognitive testing. Results Among 1142 TBI patients, 605 (53%) returned for outpatient follow-up. Of those, 543 (89.8%) patients were seen in neurosurgery clinic, primarily for repeat imaging and/or post surgical care. Clinic documentation rarely discussed quality of life, cognitive deficits, or behavioral changes, and ancillary referrals were infrequent (<2%). In multivariate analysis, discharge to a nonrehabilitative facility (odds ratio (OR): 0.541, P < 0.001) and uninsured status (OR 0.591, P = 0.016) were independently associated with decreased likelihood of follow-up. Higher Abbreviated Injury Scale Head scores (OR 1.446, P < 0.001) and decompressive craniectomy (OR 2.867, P = 0.003) were associated with increased likelihood of follow-up. Conclusions Nearly half of TBI patients did not receive outpatient follow-up after discharge, and utilization of ancillary services was low, revealing significant gaps in post acute care. Targeted strategies to improve post discharge follow-up are essential to support long-term recovery in this vulnerable population.

Standing electric scooter (e-scooter) usage has risen dramatically over the last decade. This micromobility option, available for rent in over 150 cities across the nation, has become a popular and affordable method for short-distance travel. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the existing literature on e-scooter injuries. Analyses of national registry data demonstrate that there has been a significant increase in injuries and admissions related to e-scooter usage since their widespread adoption. Lacerations, abrasions, extremity fractures, and head injuries are commonly reported. Additionally, over 110 fatalities related to e-scooter incidents occurred nationwide from 2017 to 2022. Despite the emergence of outcomes data, there are few reports of initiatives designed specifically for e-scooter injury prevention and surveillance. E-scooter injuries contribute a substantial burden to national healthcare costs. Improved coding and surveillance of these injuries can help inform the development of injury prevention efforts.

Background: Low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) or component therapy (CT) may be used to resuscitate hemorrhaging trauma patients. LTOWB may have clinical and logistical benefits and may improve survival. Objectives: We hypothesized LTOWB would improve 24-hour survival in hemorrhaging patients and would be safe and equally efficacious in non-group O compared with group O patients. Methods: Adult trauma patients with massive transfusion protocol activations were enrolled in this observational study. The primary outcome was 24-hour mortality. Secondary outcomes included 72-hour total blood product use. A Cox regression determined the independent associations with 24-hour mortality. Results: In total, 348 patients were included (CT, n = 180; LTOWB, n = 168). Demographics were similar between cohorts. Unadjusted 24-hour mortality was reduced in LTOWB vs CT: 8% vs 19% (P = .003), but 6-hour and 28-day mortality were similar. In an adjusted analysis with multivariable Cox regression, LTOWB was independently associated with reduced 24-hour mortality (hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67; P = .004). LTOWB patients received significantly less 72-hour total blood products (80.9 [41.6-139.3] mL/kg vs 48.9 [25.9-106.9] mL/kg; P < .001). In stratified 24-hour survival analyses, LTOWB was associated with improved survival for patients in shock or with coagulopathy. LTOWB use in non-group O patients was not associated with increased mortality, organ injury, or adverse events. Conclusion: In this hypothesis-generating study, LTOWB use was independently associated with improved 24-hour survival, predominantly in patients with shock or coagulopathy. LTOWB also resulted in a 40% reduction in blood product use which equates to a median 2.4 L reduction in transfused products.

Background: Emergency laparotomy for abdominal trauma is associated with high rates of surgical site infection (SSI). A protocol for antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) for trauma laparotomy was implemented to determine whether SSI could be reduced by adhering to established principles of AMP. Patients and Methods: A protocol utilizing ertapenem administered immediately before initiation of trauma laparotomy was adopted. Compliance with measures of adequate AMP were determined before and after protocol implementation, as were rates of SSI and other infections related to abdominal trauma. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine risk factors for development of infection related to trauma laparotomy. Results: Over a four-year period, 320 patient operations were reviewed. Ertapenem use for prophylaxis increased to 54% in the post-intervention cohort. Compliance with individual measures of appropriate AMP improved modestly. Overall, infections related to trauma laparotomy decreased by 46% (absolute decrease of 13%) in the post-intervention cohort. Multivariable analysis confirmed that treatment during the post-intervention phase was associated with this decrease, with a separate analysis suggesting that ertapenem use was an important factor in this decrease. Conclusions: Development of a standardized protocol for AMP in trauma laparotomy led to decreases in infectious complications after that procedure.

BACKGROUND:Firearm injuries are a public health crisis in the United States. OBJECTIVE:To examine the incidence and factors associated with recurrent firearm injuries and death among patients presenting with an acute (index), nonfatal firearm injury. DESIGN:Multicenter, observational, cohort study. SETTING:Four adult and pediatric level I trauma hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri, 2010 to 2019. PARTICIPANTS:Consecutive adult and pediatric patients (n = 9553) presenting to a participating hospital with a nonfatal acute firearm injury. MEASUREMENTS:Data on firearm-injured patient demographics, hospital and diagnostic information, health insurance status, and death were collected from the St. Louis Region-Wide Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program Data Repository. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index was used to characterize the social vulnerability of the census tracts of patients' residences. Analysis included descriptive statistics and time-to-event analyses estimating the probability of experiencing a recurrent firearm injury. RESULTS:We identified 10 293 acutely firearm-injured patients of whom 9553 survived the injury and comprised the analytic sample. Over a median follow-up of 3.5 years (IQR, 1.5 to 6.4 years), 1155 patients experienced a recurrent firearm injury including 5 firearm suicides and 149 fatal firearm injuries. Persons experiencing recurrent firearm injury were young (25.3 ± 9.5 years), predominantly male (93%), Black (96%), and uninsured (50%), and resided in high social vulnerability regions (65%). The estimated risk for firearm reinjury was 7% at 1 year and 17% at 8 years. LIMITATIONS:Limited data on comorbidities and patient-level social determinants of health. Inability to account for recurrent injuries presenting to nonstudy hospitals. CONCLUSION:Recurrent injury and death are frequent among survivors of firearm injury, particularly among patients from socially vulnerable areas. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to prevent recurrence. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE:Emergency Medicine Foundation-AFFIRM and Missouri Foundation for Health.

Screening for the risk of thromboembolism (TE) due to tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with severe traumatic injury has not been performed in randomized clinical trials. Our objective was to determine if TXA dose was independently‐associated with thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND While pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) and adult trauma centers (ATCs) exhibit equivalent trauma mortality, the optimal care environment for traumatically injured adolescents remains controversial. Race has been shown to effect triage within emergency departments (EDs) with people of color receiving lower acuity triage scores. We hypothesized that African-American adolescents were more likely triaged to an ATC than a PTC compared with their White peers. METHODS Institutional trauma databases from a neighboring, urban Level I PTC and ATC were queried for gunshot wounds in adolescents (15–18 years) presenting to the ED from 2015 to 2017. The PTC and ATC were compared in terms of demographics, services, and outcomes. Results were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS Among 316 included adolescents, 184 were treated in an ATC versus 132 in a PTC. Patients at the PTC were significantly more likely to be younger (16.1 vs. 17.5 years; p < 0.001), White (16% vs. 5%; p = 0.001), and privately insured (41% vs. 30%; p = 0.002). At each age, the proportion of Whites treated at the PTC exceeded the proportion of African-Americans. At the PTC, patients were more likely to receive inpatient and outpatient social work follow-up (89% vs. 1%, p < 0.001). Adolescents treated at the PTC were less likely to receive opioids (75% vs. 56%, p = 0.001) at discharge and to return to ED within 6 months (25% vs. 11%, p = 0.005). On multivariate logistic regression, African-American adolescents were less likely to be treated at a PTC (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.85; p = 0.02) after controlling for age and Injury Severity Score. CONCLUSION Disparities in triage of African-American and White adolescents after bullet injury lead to unequal care. African-Americans were more likely to be treated at the ATC, which was associated with increased opioid prescription, decreased social work support, and increased return to ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management, Level IV.

BACKGROUND:Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a helpful adjunct in the control of non-compressible truncal hemorrhage. Concerns regarding ischemia time limits its applicability in transfer. We describe the first reported case of civilian transfer via aeromedical transport to a higher level of care with a zone 3 REBOA catheter deployed.CASE REPORT:We present the case of a patient in hemorrhagic shock with a complex pelvic fracture exceeding the capability of a rural level-two trauma center requiring the use of REBOA catheter to permit aeromedical transport to a level-one trauma center for definitive embolization.CONCLUSION:Deployment of REBOA catheter to facilitate aeromedical transport to an appropriate level of care may be considered if travel times can be kept brief and there is a process and training in place to empower flight medics to consider transporting with a REBOA deployed.

Purpose of Review This review focuses on the application of geriatric expertise to care for traumatically injured patients through the use of geriatrician consultation versus a surgeon-led geriatric trauma service (GTS). We offer guidance on elements needed to establish an effective geriatric trauma service. Recent Findings Geriatrics expertise, through consultation, can have a positive effect on several important outcomes in the elderly injured. Several groups have published on recent successes with surgeon-led geriatric trauma services. Surgeon-led geriatric trauma services have shown improvements in discharge disposition and hospital length of stay and trends toward improved mortality. Regardless of approach, geriatrics experience and expertise as well as focused and intentional deployment of important resources appears to improve outcomes in geriatric trauma. Summary Care for the elderly injured can be significantly improved by incorporating expertise in geriatrics. This can be accomplished by consultation of a geriatrician; however, consolidation of these patients onto a dedicated surgeon-led geriatric trauma service with dedicated hospital resources may be more effective.

BACKGROUND The "Surgery for Abdomino-thoracic ViolencE (SAVE)" animate lab engages surgical residents in the management of penetrating injuries in a team setting. Senior residents, representing postgraduate year (PGY) 3-5, assume the role of team leader and facilitate the junior residents, PGY1-2, in operative management of simulated penetrating wounds. Residents completed five scenarios with increasing level of difficulty within set time limits. Senior residents were evaluated on their team's ability to "SAVE" their patient within the time allotted, as well as their communication and leadership skills. METHODS General, vascular, urology, and plastic surgery residents (n = 79) were divided into 25 teams of three to four residents by "resident scores" (R scores, the sum of the team members' PGY) to create balanced teams with comparable years of clinical experience. Residents completed assessments of their senior resident's leadership ability and style. RESULTS Evaluation of a resident's desired learning style changed across PGY with junior residents preferring more hands-on guidance compared with senior residents preferring only verbal correction. Resident leadership evaluations demonstrated that team leaders of varied resident years achieved the highest scores. Greater differences in the mismatch between autonomy provided to and desired by junior residents correlated to greater junior resident discomfort in expressing their opinion, confidence, and leadership ratings of senior residents. However, greater autonomy mismatch also correlated to more rapid time to task completion. CONCLUSION Different from our expectations, clinical experience alone did not define team leader success. Leadership is a powerful influence on the outcome of team performance and may be a skill, which can transcend overall clinical experience. A match between desired and provided resident autonomy and team cohesion may demonstrate a stronger effect on team success in stressful operative situations, such as trauma resuscitation. Enhancement of leadership skills early in residency training may represent an important focus for trauma surgery education.

Sona, Carrie; Kuthe, Andrea; koeln, catherine; Suntrup, Myra; Dougherty, Debi; Lough, Laura; Canter, Matthew; Lisa, Gebhart; Schmidt, Kellie; Schuerer, Douglas Author Information

BACKGROUND There is a resurgence in the use of low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) for hemorrhagic shock. We hypothesized the use of LTOWB compared to component therapy (CT) would be independently associated with improved 24-hour mortality. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In this prospective observational study, trauma patients 18 years of age or older with massive transfusion protocol activations were included from August 17, 2018, to May 14, 2019. The primary outcome was 24-hour mortality. Secondary outcomes included 72-hour blood product totals, multiple organ dysfunction scores (MODS), and 28-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression (MVLR) and Cox regression were performed to determine independent associations. RESULTS There were no clinically meaningful differences in measures of injury severity between study groups (CT, n = 42; LTOWB, n = 44). There was no difference in MODS between study groups. The unadjusted mortality was not statistically different between the study groups (9/42 [21%] for CT vs. 7/44 [16%] for LTOWB; p = 0.518). In the MVLR model, LTOWB increased the odds of 24-hour survival by 23% (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.96; p = 0.017). Adjusted survival curve analysis indicated improved survival at both 24 hours and 28 days for LTOWB patients (p < 0.001). Further stratification showed an association between LTOWB use and survival when maximum clot firmness (MCF) was 60 mm or less (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The use of LTOWB is independently associated with improved 24-hour and 28-day survival, and does not increase organ dysfunction at 72 hours. Use of LTOWB most impacted survival of patients with reduced clot firmness (MCF <= 60 mm). Collectively, these data support the clinical use and continued study of LTOWB for hemostatic resuscitation.

Background The hemostatic properties of tranexamic acid (TXA) are well described, but the immunological effects of TXA administration after traumatic injury have not been thoroughly examined. We hypothesized TXA would reduce monocyte activation in bleeding trauma patients with severe injury.Methods This was a single center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing placebo to a 2 g or 4 g intravenous TXA bolus dose in trauma patients with severe injury. Fifty patients were randomized into each study group. The primary outcome was a reduction in monocyte activation as measured by human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) expression on monocytes 72 h after TXA administration. Secondary outcomes included kinetic assessment of immune and hemostatic phenotypes within the 72 h window post-TXA administration.Results The trial occurred between March 2016 and September 2017, when data collection ended. 149 patients were analyzed (placebo, n = 50; 2 g TXA, n = 49; 4 g TXA, n = 50). The fold change in HLA-DR expression on monocytes [reported as median (Q1–Q3)] from pre-TXA to 72 h post-TXA was similar between placebo [0.61 (0.51–0.82)], 2 g TXA [0.57 (0.47–0.75)], and 4 g TXA [0.57 (0.44–0.89)] study groups (p = 0.82). Neutrophil CD62L expression was reduced in the 4 g TXA group [fold change: 0.73 (0.63–0.97)] compared to the placebo group [0.97 (0.78–1.10)] at 24 h post-TXA (p = 0.034). The fold decrease in plasma IL-6 was significantly less in the 4 g TXA group [1.36 (0.87–2.42)] compared to the placebo group [0.46 (0.19–1.69)] at 72 h post-TXA (p = 0.028). There were no differences in frequencies of myeloid or lymphoid populations or in classical complement activation at any of the study time points.Conclusion In trauma patients with severe injury, 4 g intravenous bolus dosing of TXA has minimal immunomodulatory effects with respect to leukocyte phenotypes and circulating cytokine levels.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02535949.

OBJECTIVE:Many centers advocate use of triple-contrast (IV, oral, and rectal) CT for assessing hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma. Enteric contrast material has several disadvantages, leading our practice to pursue use of single-contrast (IV) CT. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our institution to assess the accuracy of single-contrast CT for diagnosing bowel injuries in cases of penetrating abdominopelvic trauma.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed patients who presented to our emergency department between January 1, 2004, and March 1, 2014, with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma, underwent an abdominopelvic CT, and had surgery performed thereafter. We reviewed pertinent emergency department records for details regarding the site of injury, the number of injuries per patient, and the type of weapon used. We correlated CT reports with operative notes for presence and sites of bowel injury.RESULTS:A total of 274 patients (median age, 27 years old) met our inclusion criteria; 77% had sustained gunshot wounds (GSWs). CT showed bowel injury in 173 cases; surgery revealed bowel injury in 162 cases. CT had 142 true-positive, 31 false-positive, 81 true-negative, and 20 false-negative cases, resulting in sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 72%, positive predictive value of 82%, and negative predictive value of 80% for detecting bowel injuries. CT had the highest sensitivity and specificity in patients with multiple GSWs (94% and 79%, respectively) and those with injuries to the stomach and rectum.CONCLUSION:Single-contrast CT can show bowel injuries in patients with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma with accuracy comparable with that reported for triple-contrast CT.