scholarly journals U.S. Combat-related Invasive Fungal Wound Infection (IFI) Epidemiology and Wound Microbiology: Afghanistan Theater 2009–2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S5-S6
Author(s):  
Anuradha Ganesan ◽  
Faraz Shaikh ◽  
Philip Peterson ◽  
William P Bradley ◽  
Dana M Blyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Failure Assessment ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Combat Casualties

Abstract Background Culturing combat-related wounds often yields both fungi and bacteria. It is difficult to differentiate fungal contamination from infection, and objective criteria that identify patients at risk for IFI are needed. This study was designed to characterize IFI among US combat casualties in the Afghanistan Theater. Methods This retrospective study includes subjects with any labortory evidence of fungi (either histopathology or cultures). Wounds with ongoing necrosis and labortory evidence of infection were classified as IFI). Wounds with labortory evidence of fungal infection, but without ongoing necrosis were classified as either highly suspicious wounds based on objective clinical criteria (i.e., presence of systemic and local signs of infection and use of antifungals for ≥10 days) or non-IFI wounds if they failed to meet clinical criteria. Results Of 1932 subjects, 246 (12.7%) had labortory evidence of fungal infection. There were a total of 143 IFI wounds (n = 94), 157 non-IFI wounds (n = 96), and 113 high suspicion wounds (n = 56). IFI subjects had significantly higher injury severity scores (ISS median: 39.5 vs. 33), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (7 vs. 2) and were more likely to require mechanical ventilation (66 vs. 28%). IFI patients also had higher ISS (93 vs. 84% with ISS >25) and SOFA scores (7 vs. 4) compared with the subjects with high suspicion wounds. IFI wounds often grew molds belonging to the order Mucorales compared with high suspicion (19 vs. 10%, P = 0.04) and non-IFI wounds (19 vs. 7%, P = 0.02). About half of the IF wounds grew fungi of the order Mucorales either isolated alone or in conjunction with other fungi, in comparison, 25% of the high suspicion wounds and 11% of the non-IFI wounds grew fungi of the order Mucorales. Three groups of fungi belonging to the order Mucorales, genus Aspergillus and Fusarium accounted for 83% of the IFI wounds and 74% of the high suspicion wounds. Conclusion Labortory evidence of fungal infection is common among combat casualties. Clinical characteristics and wound microbiology allows us to group subjects into groups at low and high risk of IFI. Fungi of the order Mucorales, genus Aspergillus and Fusarium should not be considered contaminants. The presence of these fungi should obligate close clinical follow-up and debridement as needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Intentional Fallers with Complex Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures Do Not have Worse Radiological and Functional Outcomes than Accidental Fallers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsun Yu ◽  
Ying-Chao Chou ◽  
Yung-Heng Hsu ◽  
I-Jung Chen ◽  
Lien-Chung Wei
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Major Diagnosis

Abstract Background: Individuals who fell from heights of >6 m accidentally or intentionally can suffer from complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. The extent to which an intentional fall correlates with prognosis and outcome after osteosynthesis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures after osteosynthesis and to compare the radiological and functional outcomes between intentional and accidental fallers.Methods: Between 2014 and 2017, individuals who fell from heights of >6 m, developed pelvic and acetabular fractures, survived after resuscitation, and completed surgical treatments were enrolled. The fallers were divided into the intentional and accidental fallers, and their clinical parameters were statistically evaluated and compared.Results: Forty-nine fallers who underwent osteosynthesis for pelvic and acetabular fractures were included. Sixteen patients were intentional fallers, whereas the rest of the patients fell accidentally. All patients who fell intentionally had pre-existing mental disorders, and the major diagnosis was adjustment disorder. The group with intentional fallers had female sex predominance, higher injury and new injury severity scores, and longer hospital stay. However, the early loss of fixation (less than three month) and functional outcomes (6- and 12-month follow-up) did not significantly differ between the intentional and accidental fallers. Conclusions: The intentional fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures might be accompanied by more severe injuries compared to accidental fallers. However, the radiological and functional outcomes of the intentional fallers after osteosynthesis were not inferior to those of the accidental fallers.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study Between Two Combat Injury Severity Scores

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael García Cañas ◽  
Ricardo Navarro Suay ◽  
Carlos Rodríguez Moro ◽  
Diana M Crego Vita ◽  
Javier Arias Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Injury Severity Score ◽  
Severity Score ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Combat Injury ◽  
New Injury Severity Score ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Trauma Scoring ◽  
Combat Casualties ◽  
The Military

ABSTRACT Introduction In recent years, specific trauma scoring systems have been developed for military casualties. The objective of this study was to examine the discrepancies in severity scores of combat casualties between the Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005-Military (mAIS) and the Military Combat Injury Scale (MCIS) and a review of the current literature on the application of trauma scoring systems in the military setting. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted between May 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014. The study population consisted of all combat casualties attended in the Spanish Role 2 deployed in Herat (Afghanistan). We used the New Injury Severity Score (NISS) as reference score. Severity of each injury was calculated according to mAIS and MCIS, respectively. The severity of each casualty was calculated according to the NISS based on the mAIS (Military New Injury Severity Score—mNISS) and MCIS (Military Combat Injury Scale-New Injury Severity Score—MCIS-NISS). Casualty severity were grouped by severity levels (mild—scores: 1-8, moderate—scores: 9-15, severe—scores: 16-24, and critical—scores: 25-75). Results Nine hundred and eleven casualties were analyzed. Most were male (96.37%) with a median age of 27 years. Afghan patients comprised 71.13%. Air medevac was the main casualty transportation method (80.13). Explosion (64.76%) and gunshot wound (34.68%) mechanisms predominated. Overall mortality was 3.51%. Median mNISS and MCIS-NISS were similar in nonsurvivors (36 [IQR, 25-49] vs. [IQR, 25-48], respectively) but different in survivors, 9 (IQR, 4-17) vs. 5 (IQR, 2-13), respectively (P < .0001). The mNISS and MCIS-NISS were discordant in 34.35% (n = 313). Among cases with discordant severity scores, the median difference between mNISS and MCIS-NISS was 9 (IQR, 4-16); range, 1 to 57. Conclusion Our study findings suggest that discrepancies in injury severity levels may be observed in one in three of the casualties when using mNISS and MCIS-NISS.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of people with cystic fibrosis and frequent fungal infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Poore ◽  
Maxene Meier ◽  
Elin Towler ◽  
John Brinton ◽  
Stacey Martiniano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Lung Function Decline

Background: Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and fungal airway infection may present with fungal bronchitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or may appear unaffected despite fungal detection. We sought to characterize people with CF with frequent detection of fungi from airway samples and determine clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included individuals with CF with ≥ 4 lower airway cultures over a 2-year baseline period and ≥ 2 years of follow-up. We defined two groups: ≤ 1 positive fungus culture (rare) or ≥ 2 positive cultures during baseline (frequent). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were determined. Results: Between 2004-2016, 294 individuals met inclusion with 62% classified as rare and 38% as frequent fungi during baseline. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 2-9 years). Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common fungal species detected. Individuals with frequent fungi were older (13.7 vs. 11.7 yrs, p = 0.02) and more likely to have Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (35% vs 17%, p < 0.001) at baseline, but did not differ in lung function or ABPA diagnosis. During follow-up, those with frequent fungi were more likely to have chronic P. aeruginosa and S. maltophilia. Individuals with ABPA and frequent fungi had the highest rates of co-infection and co-morbidities, and a trend towards more rapid lung function decline. Discussion: Fungal infection in CF was associated with frequent P. aeruginosa and S. maltophilia co-infection even in those without ABPA. Individuals with frequent fungi and ABPA had worse outcomes, highlighting the potential contribution of fungi to CF pulmonary disease.

Incidence and Outcomes of Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency in Trauma Patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 579-585
Author(s):  
Mark L. Walker ◽  
Phillip S. Owen ◽  
Candace Sampson ◽  
Janene Marshall ◽  
Teresa Pounds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Illness ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Prolonged Duration ◽  
Injured Patients ◽  
Corticosteroid Insufficiency

The spectrum of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in trauma is not fully defined. This study describes our trauma experience with hydrocortisone-treated patients experiencing CIRCI. We conducted a 5-year retrospective analysis from a Level II trauma center using biochemical and clinical criteria for adrenal insufficiency. Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria for CIRCI. There was a 34 per cent mortality rate despite therapy. Nonsurvivors were older with larger admission base deficits and experienced higher rates of sepsis, bacteremia, and pneumonia. Nonsurvivors had prolonged vent days (mean 53 ± 64 days) when compared with survivors (mean 30 ± 22 days; P = 0.029). Renal replacement therapy was a strong predictor of mortality. Spinal cord-injured patients had high Injury Severity Scores (mean 34 ± 18), elevated baseline Cortisol levels (mean 56 ± 84 vs 18 ± 14; P = 0.004), and required prolonged duration of steroid therapy (30 ± 52 vs 15 ± 15 days; P = 0.080) when compared with the nonspinal cord-injured group. Our data suggest that CIRCI in trauma is associated with significant mortality and morbidity even when patients are treated appropriately.

scholarly journals Multidisciplinary Management of Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Ellis ◽  
Lesley J. Ritchie ◽  
Patrick J. McDonald ◽  
Dean Cordingley ◽  
Karen Reimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Multidisciplinary Management ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Pediatric Concussion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Concussion Recovery ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

AbstractObjectives: To summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric sports-related concussion (SRC) patients who were evaluated and managed at a multidisciplinary pediatric concussion program and examine the healthcare resources and personnel required to meet the needs of this patient population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric SRC patients referred to the Pan Am Concussion Program from September 1st, 2013 to May 25th, 2015. Initial assessments and diagnoses were carried out by a single neurosurgeon. Return-to-Play decision-making was carried out by the multidisciplinary team. Results: 604 patients, including 423 pediatric SRC patients were evaluated at the Pan Am Concussion Program during the study period. The mean age of study patients was 14.30 years (SD: 2.32, range 7-19 years); 252 (59.57%) were males. Hockey (182; 43.03%) and soccer (60; 14.18%) were the most commonly played sports at the time of injury. Overall, 294 (69.50%) of SRC patients met the clinical criteria for concussion recovery, while 75 (17.73%) were lost to follow-up, and 53 (12.53%) remained in active treatment at the end of the study period. The median duration of symptoms among the 261 acute SRC patients with complete follow-up was 23 days (IQR: 15, 36). Overall, 25.30% of pediatric SRC patients underwent at least one diagnostic imaging test and 32.62% received referral to another member of our multidisciplinary clinical team. Conclusion: Comprehensive care of pediatric SRC patients requires access to appropriate diagnostic resources and the multidisciplinary collaboration of experts with national and provincially-recognized training in TBI.

scholarly journals Intentional Fallers with Complex Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures Do Not have Worse Radiological and Functional Outcomes than Accidental Fallers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsun Yu ◽  
Ying-Chao Chou ◽  
Yung-Heng Hsu ◽  
I-Jung Chen ◽  
Lien-Chung Wei
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Major Diagnosis

Abstract Background: Individuals who fell from heights of >6 m accidentally or intentionally can suffer from complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. The extent to which an intentional fall correlates with prognosis and outcome after osteosynthesis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures after osteosynthesis and to compare the radiological and functional outcomes between intentional and accidental fallers.Methods: Between 2014 and 2017, individuals who fell from heights of >6 m, developed pelvic and acetabular fractures, survived after resuscitation, and completed surgical treatments were enrolled. The fallers were divided into the intentional and accidental fallers, and their clinical parameters were statistically evaluated and compared.Results: Forty-nine fallers who underwent osteosynthesis for pelvic and acetabular fractures were included. Sixteen patients were intentional fallers, whereas the rest of the patients fell accidentally. All patients who fell intentionally had pre-existing mental disorders, and the major diagnosis was adjustment disorder. The group with intentional fallers had female sex predominance, higher injury and new injury severity scores, and longer hospital stay. However, the early loss of fixation (less than three month) and functional outcomes (6- and 12-month follow-up) did not significantly differ between the intentional and accidental fallers. Conclusions: The intentional fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures might be accompanied by more severe injuries compared to accidental fallers. However, the radiological and functional outcomes of the intentional fallers after osteosynthesis were not inferior to those of the accidental fallers.

scholarly journals Intentional Fallers with Complex Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures Do Not Have worse Radiological and Functional Outcomes than Accidental Fallers

2022 ◽  
Vol 2022 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsun Yu ◽  
Ying-Chao Chou ◽  
Bo-Yan Yeh ◽  
Yung-Heng Hsu ◽  
I-Jung Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Hospital Stays ◽  
Combined Injuries

Individuals who fall from heights of ≥6 m can suffer from complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. The extent to which an intentional fall correlates with prognosis and outcome after osteosynthesis is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures after osteosynthesis and compare the radiological and functional outcomes between intentional and accidental fallers. We retrospectively reviewed 49 fallers who fell from heights of ≥6 m, developed pelvic and acetabular fractures, survived after resuscitation, and completed surgical treatment between 2014 and 2017. Fallers were divided into intentional and accidental fallers. Sixteen patients were intentional fallers, whereas the rest of the patients were accidental fallers. Psychiatric counseling was provided to each of the intentional fallers during follow-up. All intentional fallers had preexisting mental disorders, and the most common diagnosis was adjustment disorder. The group of intentional fallers predominantly comprised females that had a higher injury and new injury severity scores and longer hospital stays. However, early loss of fixation (<3 months) and functional outcomes (Merle d’Aubigné and Majeed hip scores at 6- and 12-month follow-ups) did not significantly differ between intentional and accidental fallers. We found that intentional fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures may have more severe combined injuries compared to accidental fallers. However, the radiological and functional outcomes of the intentional fallers after osteosynthesis were not inferior to those of the accidental fallers with the implementation of well-designed surgical protocols and individualized physical and mental rehabilitation programs.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics and Resistance Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Combat Casualties

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary B Ford ◽  
Katrin Mende ◽  
Susan J Kaiser ◽  
Miriam L Beckius ◽  
Dan Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Severely Injured ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Resistance Patterns ◽  
Initial Hospitalization ◽  
Combat Casualties

ABSTRACT Introduction Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections complicate care of combat casualties. We describe the clinical characteristics, resistance patterns, and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in combat casualties. Methods Combat casualties included in the Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study with infections with and without P. aeruginosa isolation during initial hospitalization were compared. Pseudomonas aeruginosa from initial wound, blood, and serial isolates (≥7 days from previous isolate) collected from June 2009 through February 2014 was subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and whole genome sequencing for assessing clonality. Multidrug resistance was determined using the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network definition. Results Of 829 combat casualties with infections diagnosed during initial hospitalization, 143 (17%) had P. aeruginosa isolated. Those with P. aeruginosa were more severely injured (median Injury Severity Score 33 [interquartile range (IQR) 27-45] vs 30 [IQR 18.5-42]; P &lt; .001), had longer hospitalizations (median 58.5 [IQR 43-95] vs 38 [IQR 26-56] days; P &lt; .001), and higher mortality (6.9% vs 1.5%; P &lt; .001) than those with other organisms. Thirty-nine patients had serial P. aeruginosa isolation (median 2 subsequent isolates; IQR: 1-5), with decreasing antimicrobial susceptibility. Ten percent of P. aeruginosa isolates were MDR, associated with prior exposure to antipseudomonal antibiotics (P = .002), with amikacin and colistin remaining the most effective antimicrobials. Novel antimicrobials targeting MDR Gram-negative organisms were also examined, and 100% of the MDR P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to imipenem/relabactam, while ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam were active against 35% and 56% of the isolates, respectively. We identified two previously unrecognized P. aeruginosa outbreaks involving 13 patients. Conclusions Pseudomonas aeruginosa continues to be a major cause of morbidity, affecting severely injured combat casualties, with emergent antimicrobial resistance upon serial isolation. Among MDR P. aeruginosa, active antimicrobials remain the oldest and most toxic. Despite ongoing efforts, outbreaks are still noted, reinforcing the crucial role of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control.

scholarly journals Intentional fallers with complex pelvic and acetabular fractures do not have worse radiological and functional outcomes than accidental fallers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsun Yu ◽  
Ying-Chao Chou ◽  
Bo-Yan Yeh ◽  
Yung-Heng Hsu ◽  
I-Jung Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Combined Injuries ◽  
Major Diagnosis

Abstract Individuals who fell from heights of > 6 m can suffer from complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. The extent to which an intentional fall correlates with prognosis and outcome after osteosynthesis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures after osteosynthesis and to compare the radiological and functional outcomes between intentional and accidental fallers. We retrospectively reviewed forty-nine fallers who fell from heights of > 6 m, developed pelvic and acetabular fractures, survived after resuscitation, and completed surgical treatments between 2014 and 2017. The fallers were divided into the intentional and accidental fallers. Sixteen patients were intentional fallers, whereas the rest of the patients fell accidentally. Psychiatric counselling was performed for each intentional fallers during their follow ups. All patients who fell intentionally had pre-existing mental disorders, and the major diagnosis was adjustment disorder. The group with intentional fallers had female sex predominance, higher injury and new injury severity scores, and longer hospital stay. However, the early loss of fixation (less than three month) and functional outcomes (Merle d'Aubigné and Majeed hip scores at 6- and 12-month follow-up) did not significantly differ between the intentional and accidental fallers. We found that the intentional fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures might be accompanied by more severe combined injuries compared to accidental fallers. Under a standardized perioperative protocol and individualized physical and mental rehabilitation program, the functional and radiological outcomes of the intentional fallers could be comparable to those of the accidental fallers.

A Sex Disparity Among Earthquake Victims

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Ardagh ◽  
Sarah Standring ◽  
Joanne M. Deely ◽  
David Johnston ◽  
Viki Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Central Business District ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Business District ◽  
Sex Disparity

AbstractObjectiveUnderstanding who is most vulnerable during an earthquake will help health care responders prepare for future disasters. We analyzed the demography of casualties from the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.MethodsThe demography of the total deceased, injured, and hospitalized casualties of the Christchurch earthquake was compared with that of the greater Christchurch population, the Christchurch central business district working population, and patients who presented to the single acute emergency department on the same month and day over the prior 10 years. Sex data were compared to scene of injury, context of injury, clinical characteristics of injury, and injury severity scores.ResultsSignificantly more females than males were injured or killed in the entire population of casualties (P<0.001). Most of the deceased and hospitalized casualties were injured in the central business district (171/182 deceased [94%]; 33/91 hospitalized [36.2%]). Approximately half of both sexes were injured at home (1002/2032 males [49%]; 2390/4627 females [52%]) and >20% were injured at commercial or service localities (444/2032 males [22%]; 1105/4627 females [24%]). Adults aged between 20 and 69 years (1639/2032 males [81%]; 3717/4627 females [80%]) were most frequently injured.ConclusionWhere people were and what they were doing at the time of the earthquake influenced their risk of injury. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:67-73)

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