scholarly journals Existence of knowledge silos in the adult blunt cerebrovascular injury literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000741
Author(s):  
Zane Schnurman ◽  
Gustavo Chagoya ◽  
Jan O Jansen ◽  
Mark R Harrigan
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Digital Object Identifier ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Peer Reviewers ◽  
Python Programming

BackgroundBlunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) remain a significant source of disability and mortality among trauma patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether knowledge silos exist in the overall BCVI literature.MethodsAn object-oriented programmatic script written in Python programming language was used to extract and categorize articles and references on the topic of BCVI. Additionally, each BCVI article was searched for by digital object identifier in the other BCVI references to build a network analysis and visualize topic reference patterns. Analyses were performed using Stata V.14.2 (StataCorp).ResultsA total of 306 articles with 10 282 references were included for analysis. Of these, 24% (74) were published in neurosurgery journals, 45% (137) were published in trauma journals, and 31% (95) were published in a journal of another specialty. Similar proportions were found when categorized by author departmental affiliation. Trauma surgery authors disproportionately referenced articles in the trauma literature, compared with neurosurgeons (73.5% vs. 48.0%, p<0.0001), and other authors. The biggest factor influencing reference proportions was the specialty of the publishing journal. Finally, a network analysis revealed that there are more trauma BCVI articles, and there are more frequently cited trauma BCVI articles by all specialties.ConclusionsThis study revealed the existence of a one-way knowledge silo in the BCVI literature. However, a robust preference by both trauma and neurosurgery to cite trauma references when publishing in trauma journals may indicate a possible conscious curating of citations by authors to increase the likelihood of publication. These observations highlight the need for an active role by journal editors, peer reviewers, and authors to actively foster diversity of citations and cross-specialty collaboration to improve dissemination of information between these specialties.Level of evidenceLevel IV. Observational study.

scholarly journals Different strokes: differences in the characteristics and outcomes of BCVI and non-BCVI strokes in trauma patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000457
Author(s):  
Michelle K McNutt ◽  
Cedar Slovacek ◽  
David Rosenbaum ◽  
Hari Kishan Reddy Indupuru ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Traumatic Injuries ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Trauma Population ◽  
Extremity Injuries

BackgroundAlthough strokes are rare in trauma patients, they are associated with worse functional and cognitive outcomes and decreased mobility. Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI)–related strokes and mortality have decreased, likely due to refined screening and treatment algorithms in trauma literature; however, there is a paucity of research addressing non-BCVI strokes in trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, etiology, and risk factors of stroke in our trauma population in order to identify preventive strategies.MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of all adult trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma hospital who suffered a stroke during trauma admission from 2010 to 2017. Data were collected from the prospectively maintained trauma and stroke databases. Stroke etiology was determined by a vascular neurologist.ResultsOf the 43 674 adult trauma patients admitted during the study period, 99 (0.2%) were diagnosed with a stroke during the index admission. Twenty-one (21%) strokes were due to BCVI. Seventy-eight (79%) strokes were due to non-BCVI etiologies. Patients with non-BCVI strokes were older, less severely injured, and had more medical comorbidities compared with patients with a BCVI stroke. While patients with a BCVI stroke were more likely to suffer multiple traumatic injuries from MVC (76% vs 28%, p<0.001), non-BCVI strokes had more isolated extremity injuries from fall mechanism (55% vs 10%, p<0.001). Over the study period, the age and incidence of stroke and BCVI (p<0.001) increased. However, the rate of BCVI strokes decreased while the rate of non-BCVI strokes increased.DiscussionThe incidence of stroke has increased despite aggressive screening and treatment of BCVI. This increase is primarily due to non-BCVI strokes which are associated with advanced age and medical comorbidities after low mechanism traumatic injury. Medical optimization of comorbid conditions during trauma hospitalization will become increasingly important for stroke prevention as the population ages.Level of evidence: Level III

scholarly journals Deconstructing Dissections: A Case Report and Review of Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury of the Neck

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Brittany A. Walsh ◽  
W. Douglas Gregorie ◽  
Jessica S. Whittle
Keyword(s):  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Vertebral Artery Dissection ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Artery Dissection ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Bilateral Carotid

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a term encompassing traumatic carotid and vertebral artery dissection or disruption. While the reported incidence appears to be increasing as diagnostic modalities improve, these injuries are often diagnosed only after patients have developed acute neurologic symptoms. These injuries often result in severe permanent neurologic disability or death. The gold standard for diagnosis has historically been a 4-vessel arteriogram. However, newer data are suggesting that computed tomographic angiography may be more appropriate for most patients and new criteria for its utilization have been developed. We report a case of bilateral carotid dissection in a 23-year-old woman involved in a motor vehicle collision (MVC). She initially presents with a normal neurologic exam and two hours later develops hemiparesis. She is treated with antiplatelet therapy and given intravascular catheter directed tissue plasminogen activator with carotid stent placement. Nonetheless, the patient goes on to require intubation and, ultimately, a tracheostomy and transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation setting due to continued hemiparesis. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of a potentially debilitating, life-threatening disease process. A high index of suspicion is required among emergency medicine physicians for early diagnosis and treatment of trauma patients with BCVI.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomographic Angiography for Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury Detection in Trauma Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 257 (4) ◽  
pp. 621-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek J. Roberts ◽  
Vikas P. Chaubey ◽  
David A. Zygun ◽  
Diane Lorenzetti ◽  
Peter D. Faris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Cerebrovascular Injury ◽  
Tomographic Angiography

scholarly journals Self-assessment of Skills by Surgeons and Anesthesiologists After a Trauma Surgery Masterclass

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward C. T. H. Tan ◽  
Tim W. H. Rijnhout ◽  
Marit Rensink ◽  
Alexander P. B. Alken ◽  
Chris P. Bleeker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Trauma Training ◽  
Science Paper ◽  
General Skills

Abstract Background In the Netherlands, each year a three-day international multidisciplinary trauma masterclass is organized to provide the knowledge and skills needed to care for critically injured trauma patients. This study was designed to longitudinally evaluate the effect of the course on participant’s self-assessment of their own ability and confidence to perform general and specific skills. Methods Between 2013 and 2016, all participants were invited to complete a questionnaire before and during follow-up. Participants were asked to self-assess their level of confidence to perform general skills (communication, teamwork, leadership) and specific skills. Mean scores were calculated, and mixed models were used to evaluate correlation. Results We asked 265 participants to participate. Response rate was 64% for the pre-questionnaire, 63% for the post-questionnaire and for 3 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively, 40%, 30%, 20%. The surgical group showed a statistically significant increase in self-assessed confidence for general skills (3.82–4.20) and specific technical skills (3.01–3.83; p < 0.001). In the anesthetic group, self-assessed confidence increased significantly in general skills (3.72–4.26) and specific technical skills (3.33–4.08; p < 0.001). For both groups statistical significance remained during follow-up. Conclusions This study demonstrated a sustained positive effect of a dedicated multidisciplinary trauma training curriculum on participant’s self-assessed confidence to perform both general and specific technical skills necessary for the care of injured patients. Given the known association between confidence and competence, these findings provide evidence that dedicated trauma training curricula can provide positive lasting results. Level of evidence This is a basic science paper and therefore does not require a level of evidence.

scholarly journals Trauma resource pit stop: increasing efficiency in the evaluation of lower severity trauma patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000670
Author(s):  
Imad S Dandan ◽  
Gail T Tominaga ◽  
Frank Z Zhao ◽  
Kathryn B Schaffer ◽  
Fady S Nasrallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Injury Severity ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Trauma Team ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Evaluation Time ◽  
Retrospective Comparison ◽  
Trauma Bay

BackgroundOvertriage of trauma patients is unavoidable and requires effective use of hospital resources. A ‘pit stop’ (PS) was added to our lowest tier trauma resource (TR) triage protocol where the patient stops in the trauma bay for immediate evaluation by the emergency department (ED) physician and trauma nursing. We hypothesized this would allow for faster diagnostic testing and disposition while decreasing cost.MethodsWe performed a before/after retrospective comparison after PS implementation. Patients not meeting trauma activation (TA) criteria but requiring trauma center evaluation were assigned as a TR for an expedited PS evaluation. A board-certified ED physician and trauma/ED nurse performed an immediate assessment in the trauma bay followed by performance of diagnostic studies. Trauma surgeons were readily available in case of upgrade to TA. We compared patient demographics, Injury Severity Score, time to physician evaluation, time to CT scan, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Comparisons were made using 95% CI for variance and SD and unpaired t-tests for two-tailed p values, with statistical difference, p<0.05.ResultsThere were 994 TAs and 474 TRs in the first 9 months after implementation. TR’s preanalysis versus postanalysis of the TR group shows similar mean door to physician evaluation times (6.9 vs. 8.6 minutes, p=0.1084). Mean door to CT time significantly decreased (67.7 vs. 50 minutes, p<0.001). 346 (73%) TR patients were discharged from ED; 2 (0.4%) were upgraded on arrival. When admitted, TR patients were older (61.4 vs. 47.2 years, p<0.0001) and more often involved in a same-level fall (59.5% vs. 20.1%, p<0.0001). Undertriage was calculated using the Cribari matrix at 3.2%.DiscussionPS implementation allowed for faster door to CT time for trauma patients not meeting activation criteria without mobilizing trauma team resources. This approach is safe, feasible, and simultaneously decreases hospital cost while improving allocation of trauma team resources.Level of evidenceLevel II, economic/decision therapeutic/care management study.

scholarly journals Burden of motorcyclists without helmets in a state without a universal helmet law: a propensity score analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000583
Author(s):  
Michael D Jones ◽  
Joel G Eastes ◽  
Damjan Veljanoski ◽  
Kristina M Chapple ◽  
James N Bogert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Propensity Score Analysis ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Helmet Use ◽  
Score Analysis ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundAlthough helmets are associated with reduction in mortality from motorcycle collisions, many states have failed to adopt universal helmet laws for motorcyclists, in part on the grounds that prior research is limited by study design (historical controls) and confounding variables. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association of helmet use in motorcycle collisions with hospital charges and mortality in trauma patients with propensity score analysis in a state without a universal helmet law.MethodsMotorcycle collision data from the Arizona State Trauma Registry from 2014 to 2017 were propensity score matched by regressing helmet use on patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, alcohol intoxication, illicit drug use, and comorbidities. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the impact of helmet use.ResultsOur sample consisted of 6849 cases, of which 3699 (54.0%) were helmeted and 3150 (46.0%) without helmets. The cohort was 88.1% male with an average age of 40.9±16.0 years. Helmeted patients were less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (20.3% vs. 23.7%, OR 0.82 (0.72–0.93)) and ventilated (7.8% vs. 12.0%, OR 0.62 (0.52–0.75)). Propensity-matched analyses consisted of 2541 pairs and demonstrated helmet use to be associated with an 8% decrease in hospital charges (B −0.075 (0.034)) and a 56% decrease in mortality (OR 0.44 (0.31–0.58)).DiscussionIn a state without mandated helmet use for all motorcyclists, the burden of the unhelmeted rider is significant with respect to lives lost and healthcare charges incurred. Although the helmet law debate with respect to civil liberties is complex and unsettled, it appears clear that helmet use is strongly associated with both survival and less economic encumbrance on the state.Level of evidenceLevel III, prognostic and epidemiological.

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