SARAH DAWN MAJERCIK, MD

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This study looked at how a specialized team, called the Massive Transfusion Response Team (MTRT), improved the way hospitals manage blood transfusions for patients with severe bleeding that isn't due to an injury. The results showed that patients managed by this team had a better blood component ratio of red blood cells to plasma (1.1:1 compared to 1.5:1) and received their first blood transfusion more quickly (10 minutes instead of 17 minutes). This matters because it means patients can get the right treatment faster and more efficiently, potentially improving their outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe bleeding.

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The study surveyed members of two surgical congresses to understand how doctors prescribe medication to prevent blood clots in trauma patients after they leave the hospital. Out of 49 respondents, 90% felt that this preventive treatment is important for some patients, but 31% rarely or never prescribe it. The most common medications prescribed were enoxaparin (47%), followed by direct oral anticoagulants (22%) and aspirin (18%). This research highlights a gap between belief in the importance of post-discharge care and actual prescription practices. Who this helps: This helps trauma patients who are at risk of blood clots after leaving the hospital.

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This study looked at how different hospitals manage fluid buildup in the chest after surgery for rib fractures. Researchers tracked 273 patients across eight trauma centers and found that while most patients had a tube to drain fluid placed in their chest during surgery, there were big differences in other methods like washing the pleural space or using cameras. The average hospital stay was about 8 days, with very few patients needing additional operations or returning to the hospital soon after their surgery, which shows that while practices vary, outcomes are generally positive. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from rib fractures and their doctors by providing insights on effective treatment methods.

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This study looked at trauma patients at risk of developing blood clots after leaving the hospital. Researchers compared patients who received preventive treatment (post-discharge prophylaxis) with those who did not, analyzing data from 1,512 patients. They found that while patients receiving treatment had more severe injuries and longer hospital stays, both groups had a similar low occurrence of blood clots (1.5% for those receiving treatment vs. 1.0% for those not receiving it) within 90 days after discharge, suggesting that the added treatment may not significantly reduce the risk of complications in this group. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients and doctors assessing their post-hospital care needs.

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This study looked at how to improve the way doctors classify kidney injuries caused by trauma. Researchers analyzed data from 549 patients, finding that the new grading system better predicted which patients would need treatment for bleeding. Specifically, it showed increased accuracy, with the ability to predict the need for interventions rising from 80.5% to 88.3% after the update. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating patients with kidney injuries, enabling them to make better decisions about necessary interventions.

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This study looked at COVID-19 patients who were stable but sought care at urgent locations, such as emergency rooms or urgent care clinics, to see if this affected their risk of serious health issues. It found that patients who came from these acute care settings were ten times more likely to face severe complications, like hospitalization or death, compared to those who were contacted through minimal care methods, with rates of 7.9% versus 0.7%. This matters because it highlights that patients presenting at urgent care locations are at a greater risk for complications, which could help better target treatments and interventions for them. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving care in urgent care settings and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how doctors are treating severe kidney injuries (grade V renal trauma) in patients. Out of 80 patients studied, 40% needed surgery to remove the kidney, while 36% were treated using less invasive methods, like procedures to block bleeding, and 24% were monitored without immediate treatment. The findings show that a significant number of patients can be treated successfully without surgery, which is important because it often leads to fewer complications and a shorter recovery time. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with severe kidney injuries by providing evidence for non-surgical treatment options.

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The study examined how often kidneys are severely injured in accidents, specifically focusing on cases where a kidney is shattered into pieces. Out of 861 patients with severe kidney injuries, 41 had shattered kidneys, and 61% of these patients required medical interventions to control bleeding, like surgeries to remove the kidney or techniques to block blood flow. The researchers found that their new method of defining kidney injuries helped better predict when bleeding interventions were needed, with a 75% success rate compared to 72% using the old definition. Who this helps: This helps doctors treat patients with severe kidney injuries more effectively.

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This study looked at how a new set of guidelines for managing mild brain injuries could be applied in a hospital to help certain patients avoid unnecessary tests and transfers. Researchers found that by using these guidelines, they could safely prevent 72 repeat head scans and 83 specialist consultations, allowing 21 patients to go home right from the emergency department without any readmissions. This is important because it shows that the new guidelines can help hospitals use their resources better and provide effective care to patients with low-risk brain injuries. Who this helps: Patients with mild brain injuries.

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This study looked at how to manage below-knee blood clots (BKDVT) in trauma patients who are hospitalized. Out of nearly 2,000 patients, 136 had BKDVT, but only 7 (or 6.9%) of those progressed to more serious clots or complications. The results show that many patients with BKDVT can be monitored with regular ultrasound checks instead of immediate treatment, which helps avoid unnecessary medication and complications. Who this helps: This approach benefits hospitalized trauma patients by reducing the need for aggressive treatments for their blood clots.

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This study looked at how a new pain management approach that combines different types of medication can help trauma patients use fewer opioids while still managing their pain effectively. Researchers found that the amount of opioids given to patients when they left the hospital dropped significantly from a median of 15 milligrams to just 1.2 milligrams. Additionally, 44% of patients discharged after this new approach left without any opioids, compared to 37% before, and they also saw an increase in non-opioid pain medication use. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients by providing safer pain management options.

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Researchers examined how well the Risk Assessment Profile (RAP) score predicts the risk of blood clots in trauma patients. Out of nearly 2,000 patients studied, 163 had blood clots, with the highest risk factors being massive blood transfusions and spinal cord injuries. This matters because the current RAP score doesn't effectively predict blood clot risks, suggesting that a new approach could improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better assess and monitor trauma patients at risk for blood clots.

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This study looked at how changes in training and emergency medical services (EMS) protocols affected the practice of a procedure called needle thoracostomy (NT), used for treating tension pneumothorax (a life-threatening lung condition). The researchers found that the correct way to perform NT increased from 5.1% to 38.9%, and proper patient selection improved a little from 23.1% to 27.8%. However, there was no increase in the success rate of the procedure, and while injuries from the procedure dropped from 28.2% to 16.7%, more improvements are needed in EMS training. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing tension pneumothorax and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study examined how scapula fractures (shoulder blade fractures) affect recovery in patients who had surgery for rib fractures under the shoulder. Out of 144 patients reviewed, 53 (37%) also had a scapula fracture but, surprisingly, this did not lead to worse recovery outcomes compared to those without a scapula fracture. This is important because it shows that having a scapula fracture doesn’t negatively impact patients' overall recovery from rib surgeries, which helps shape treatment plans. Who this helps: Patients recovering from rib fracture surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at factors that might cause renal angioembolization (a procedure to stop bleeding in the kidneys) to fail in patients with serious kidney injuries. Out of 67 patients treated, 18 (27%) experienced failed procedures, which were linked to more severe kidney damage and larger blood clots around the kidneys. These findings are important because they help doctors identify which patients might need more intensive treatment right away. Who this helps: This helps doctors determine the best approach for patients with severe kidney injuries.

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This study looked at trauma patients at high risk for blood clots to see if regular ultrasound checks for deep vein clots would reduce the number of dangerous blood clots in their lungs, known as pulmonary emboli (PE). The findings showed that patients who had ultrasound screening experienced significantly fewer in-hospital PE events (1 case or 0.1%) compared to those who did not undergo screening (9 cases or 0.9%). Although the ultrasound group had more detected blood clots in their legs, the reduced risk of PE is important because it can lead to fewer complications and deaths in these patients. Who this helps: Trauma patients who are at high risk for blood clots.

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Researchers studied the effects of surgically fixing broken ribs in patients aged 80 and older. They found that patients who had the surgery had a 59% lower risk of dying compared to those who did not have the surgery, with 8.6% of all patients included in the study dying in the hospital. However, those who had surgery were more likely to get pneumonia and stayed longer in intensive care. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients with severe rib fractures and their doctors.

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The study looked at the effects of removing a kidney (nephrectomy) in patients with severe kidney injuries and found that those who underwent the surgery had a much higher chance of dying—about 22% compared to only 7% for those who didn't have surgery. This is important because it suggests that doctors should carefully consider whether to perform nephrectomy in these cases, especially when patients are not critically unstable. Who this helps: This helps doctors making decisions about kidney trauma treatment.

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This study looked at patients who were readmitted to the hospital for complications related to their chest injuries after they were discharged. Among over 3,400 patients with chest injuries, 155 were readmitted within 30 days, and 49 of those had complications involving the pleural space. The patients who were readmitted tended to be older, heavier, and more likely to have suffered multiple types of chest injuries, with a majority showing problems on their discharge X-rays that were related to their pleural space. Who this helps: This information can guide doctors in identifying patients at higher risk for readmission, ultimately improving care for trauma patients.

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This study investigated whether blood-thinning medications, specifically aspirin and two doses of apixaban, could help prevent serious health issues in outpatients with stable COVID-19 symptoms. Out of nearly 7000 participants, only 1.4% of those on therapeutic apixaban experienced significant health events, which was not much different from those on placebo. Importantly, the use of these medications did not lead to a reduction in serious health problems and the study was stopped early due to fewer complications than expected. Who this helps: This research is important for doctors treating COVID-19 outpatients, as it clarifies that these blood thinners may not provide additional benefits.

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This study looked at the best imaging methods for diagnosing nontraumatic chest wall pain, which is often caused by musculoskeletal issues. The researchers reviewed current medical literature to create guidelines for doctors on when and how to use different imaging techniques. They emphasized that following these guidelines can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing chest pain, ensuring the right approach is taken based on the evidence available. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with chest pain by providing clear guidelines for diagnosis.

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This study looked at how effective a surgical procedure called surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is for patients with severe rib fractures that are not part of a flail chest injury. The researchers found that patients who had the surgery reported significantly less pain (an average score of 2.9 compared to 4.5 for those who didn’t have surgery) and had better quality of life related to their respiratory health. This matters because it shows that SSRF can help improve recovery and reduce complications in these patients. Who this helps: Patients with multiple severe rib fractures.

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This study examined changes to the grading system for kidney injuries, focusing on how the 2018 updates from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) affect injury classification and predictions about the need for bleeding interventions. Among 322 kidney injuries analyzed, about 27% were upgraded in severity based on the new system, while nearly 59% of the highest-grade injuries were downgraded. Despite these changes, both grading systems performed similarly in predicting whether patients would need treatment for bleeding. Who this helps: This helps doctors in trauma centers make better decisions about managing kidney injuries.

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This study looked at two scoring systems, the Marshall Classification and the Rotterdam score, to see which one better predicts how well people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries will recover after rehabilitation. It found that while neither system was good at predicting long-term recovery, certain scores from both systems did relate to how long patients stayed in rehabilitation and their cognitive performance shortly after discharge. This matters because identifying which specific scores are useful can help improve rehabilitation planning for patients with brain injuries. Who this helps: Patients with traumatic brain injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how doctors manage extraperitoneal bladder injuries, comparing two treatment methods: surgical repair and catheter drainage. Out of 157 patients reviewed, 43% had surgery, and both treatment methods showed similar complication rates—23% for those who drained the bladder and 19% for those who had surgery. The main factor linked to complications was the presence of injuries to the bladder neck or urethra. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treating patients with bladder injuries by providing evidence on treatment options.

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This study compared three different scoring systems that predict the risk of death for hospitalized patients: the Charlson, Elixhauser, and Intermountain Mortality Risk Scores (IMRS). Researchers analyzed data from nearly 200,000 hospital admissions and found that the IMRS was the most accurate predictor of mortality, outperforming both the Charlson and Elixhauser scores, especially in predicting short-term and long-term outcomes. The findings are important because they suggest that using IMRS, which is based on routine blood tests, could improve how hospitals assess patient risks and manage care. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers by giving them a better tool to predict patient outcomes.

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This study looked at injuries from sports activities among people aged 65 and older at a major trauma hospital over a 16-year period. Out of nearly 10,000 admissions of older trauma patients, 526 (5%) were due to sports, and those who were injured from sports were generally younger and had fewer health problems. The study found that 73% of these sports-injured patients were able to go home after their treatment, compared to only 36% of older patients injured in non-sport accidents, highlighting that staying active may lead to better recovery outcomes for seniors. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults who want to stay active and medical professionals managing their care.

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This study looked at the best timing for a specific type of CT scan used to diagnose urinary injuries in patients with serious kidney trauma. Researchers found that waiting about 9 minutes before taking the excretory phase of the scan significantly improved the chances of detecting urinary leaks, with a 15% increase in the likelihood for every additional minute waited. These findings are important because they help medical professionals accurately identify and manage kidney injuries, which can improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients with high-grade kidney injuries.

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This study looked at patients with serious kidney injuries to better understand which factors might lead them to require surgeries for bleeding. Researchers analyzed information from 326 patients and found that 14% needed such interventions, including procedures like renal angioembolization and nephrectomy. They created a tool, called a nomogram, that uses various clinical signs to help doctors predict the risk of bleeding problems related to these injuries, potentially guiding more effective management and reducing unnecessary treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors caring for patients with serious kidney injuries.

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This study looked at how initial imaging results from CT scans can help doctors decide on necessary treatments for patients with severe kidney injuries. Among 326 patients studied, 14% needed some kind of intervention for bleeding, with specific imaging features like vascular contrast extravasation increasing the risk of needing treatment by almost six times. Having a hematoma rim distance of 3.5 cm or more and a laceration depth of 2.5 cm or more were key indicators for the need for these interventions. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions for patients with severe kidney injuries.

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This study looked at how patients who survived an ICU stay used healthcare services in the year before and after their ICU admission. Researchers found that 45% of the 4,074 patients studied used more healthcare resources after leaving the ICU. Specifically, hospital readmissions increased significantly, with 43% of patients readmitted within a year, many due to conditions that could potentially have been managed outside the hospital. This is important because it shows that ICU survivors often need more medical care afterward, highlighting the need for better follow-up and coordination of care to improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who have been in the ICU, as well as doctors managing their post-hospital care.

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This study looked at patients with blunt solid organ injuries to see how their blood’s ability to clot changes after they are injured. Researchers found that when these patients arrived at the hospital, all of them were already prone to forming blood clots, and 58% showed signs of a shutdown in their body’s natural dissolving process for clots. Importantly, 13% of these patients went on to develop severe complications like blood clots or strokes, indicating that immediate treatment to prevent clots should start right away. Who this helps: This helps doctors treat patients with blunt solid organ injuries more effectively.

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This study looked at how the function of platelets, which are important for blood clotting, changes after a severe head injury. Researchers found that patients with more severe injuries had significantly worse platelet function, with a 18.4-point difference in dysfunction scores compared to those with moderate injuries. This dysfunction was linked to a higher risk of dying in the hospital, with a 3.3% increase in mortality risk for every point of dysfunction. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and medical staff treating patients with severe head injuries.

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This study looked at the best timing for performing surgery to stabilize broken ribs and analyzed data from 551 patients over ten years. The researchers found that patients who had the surgery within one day of being admitted to the hospital experienced better outcomes, such as lower rates of pneumonia and the need for prolonged ventilation, compared to those who had surgery later. Specifically, for each additional day before surgery, patients faced a 31% higher risk of pneumonia and a 27% higher risk of needing mechanical ventilation. Who this helps: Patients with rib fractures benefit from earlier surgical intervention to improve recovery outcomes.

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This study looked at how high-grade renal injuries (serious kidney damage) are treated in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017, focusing on 431 patients. The findings showed that 70% of patients were managed without surgery, but about 19% needed surgery to remove the kidney, with higher rates of surgery for the most severe injuries (15% for grade IV and 62% for grade V). This is important because it highlights that while non-surgical options are often successful, many patients still undergo surgery, which could impact their recovery and long-term health. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare teams managing kidney injuries.

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This study looked at how a compound called (-)-phenserine could help prevent programmed cell death in brain cells, which is common in both Alzheimer's disease and mild brain injuries. The researchers found that, in animal models, (-)-phenserine appeared to reduce this harmful cell death, suggesting it may help protect against the progression of dementia. Their work emphasizes the need for new treatment strategies beyond traditional methods, which have largely failed in clinical trials focused on other targets. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a weight-based dose of enoxaparin, a blood thinner, in preventing blood clots in trauma patients compared to a standard dose. The researchers found that while 9.7% of patients on the standard dose developed blood clots during hospitalization, only 3.6% of those on the weight-based dose did, which is a promising sign but not statistically significant. After 90 days, the clot rates were similar between the two groups: 9.7% for standard versus 5.5% for weight-based. This matters because better dosing might lead to fewer dangerous blood clots in these vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This helps trauma patients at risk for blood clots and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the size of brain injuries measured right after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects recovery in patients. Researchers found that larger injury volumes were linked to lower scores on cognitive tests during rehabilitation and made it less likely for patients to return home after treatment. Specifically, patients with larger injuries scored significantly lower on cognitive measures, indicating that understanding the size of injuries early on can help predict recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with traumatic brain injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at trauma patients who were transferred to a major trauma center to see how often they needed repeat CT scans and how much this cost. It found that patients transferred from a cohesive healthcare system had 36% fewer repeat CT scans and lower overall hospital costs on their first day compared to those transferred from other hospitals. This matters because reducing unnecessary scans not only saves money but also helps patients avoid extra radiation and stress. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in trauma care.

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This study looked at chest wall injuries, particularly how they affect patients who have experienced trauma. It found that patients with a condition called flail chest—where multiple ribs are fractured—see significant improvements when they undergo surgery. Specifically, those who had surgery spent fewer days on a ventilator and in the intensive care unit, and they had better long-term recovery compared to those who did not have surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits trauma patients with severe rib injuries.

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This study looked at how often hospitals are using a surgical procedure called surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) to treat patients with severe chest injuries from 2007 to 2014. Researchers found that the number of patients receiving SSRF increased by 76%, from 0.7% to 4.36%, and that SSRF led to significantly lower death rates (1.58% for SSRF vs. 5.3% for non-surgical treatment). The study highlights that while more hospitals are adopting this surgery, those with lower trauma care levels have the highest death rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe rib fractures and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at patients with central nervous system devices who received long-term antibiotic treatment to see if it led to antibiotic-resistant infections and Clostridium difficile infections. The researchers found that 15.5% of patients on prolonged antibiotics developed resistant infections compared to only 4.1% of those who did not receive the devices. However, the rates of C. difficile infections were similar in both groups, at around 2.6% and 2.0%. This is important because it highlights the potential risks of long-term antibiotic use, suggesting that shorter courses might be safer to prevent resistant infections. Who this helps: This helps patients who might need central nervous system devices and their doctors by guiding safer antibiotic use.

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The study looked at whether giving medications to prevent seizures helps patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and how it affects their health outcomes. Out of 2,111 patients, only 26.4% received seizure prevention. Those who got the medications had a lower rate of early seizures (0.4% vs. 1.4%), but experienced a higher death rate (14.2% vs. 6.2%) and longer hospital stays (mean of 6.8 days compared to 3.8 days). This matters because while seizure prevention can reduce the occurrence of seizures, it may be linked to more severe cases and worse overall outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions on treatment for patients with brain injuries.

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This study looked at patients with serious rib fractures and compared two treatment methods: surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) versus medical management of rib fractures (MMRF). They found that only 2.2% of patients who had surgery developed retained hemothorax (blood buildup) compared to 10.2% of those who did not have surgery. Additionally, none of the surgical patients developed empyema (a type of infection) related to retained hemothorax, while 14.3% of the medical group did, which shows that surgery significantly lowers the chances of these complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe rib fractures by reducing their risk of complications after treatment.