Publications (49)194.56 Total impact
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Article: Platelets are dominant contributors to hypercoagulability after injury.
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ABSTRACT: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease has a high incidence following trauma, but debate remains regarding optimal prophylaxis. Thrombelastography (TEG) has been suggested to be optimal in guiding prophylaxis. Thus, we designed a phase II randomized controlled trial to test the hypothesis that TEG-guided prophylaxis with escalating low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH), followed by antiplatelet therapy would reduce VTE incidence. Surgical intensive care unit trauma patients (n = 50) were randomized to receive 5,000 IU of LMWH daily (control) or to TEG-guided prophylaxis, up to 5,000 IU twice daily with the addition of aspirin, and were followed up for 5 days. In vitro studies were also conducted in which apheresis platelets were added to blood from healthy volunteers (n = 10). Control (n = 25) and TEG-guided prophylaxis (n = 25) groups were similar in age, body mass index, Injury Severity Score, and male sex. Fibrinogen levels and platelet counts did not differ, and increased LMWH did not affect clot strength between the control and study groups. The correlation of clot strength (G value) with fibrinogen was stronger on Days 1 and 2 but was superseded by platelet count on Days 3, 4, and 5. There was also a trend in increased platelet contribution to clot strength in patients receiving increased LMWH. In vitro studies demonstrated apheresis platelets significantly increased clot strength (7.19 ± 0.35 to 10.34 ± 0.29), as well as thrombus generation (713.86 ± 12.19 to 814.42 ± 7.97) and fibrin production (274.03 ± 15.82 to 427.95 ± 16.58). Increased LMWH seemed to increase platelet contribution to clot strength early in the study but failed to affect the overall rise clot strength. Over time, platelet count had the strongest correlation with clot strength, and in vitro studies demonstrated that increased platelet counts increase fibrin production and thrombus generation. In sum, these data suggest an important role for antiplatelet therapy in VTE prophylaxis following trauma, particularly after 48 hours. Therapeutic study, level III.The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 03/2013; 74(3):756-65. -
Article: Functional fibrinogen assay indicates that fibrinogen is critical in correcting abnormal clot strength following trauma.
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ABSTRACT: Thromboelastography (TEG) is emerging as the standard in the management of acute coagulopathies in injured patients. Although TEG is sensitive in detecting abnormalities in clot strength, one shortcoming is differentiating between fibrinogen and platelet contributions to clot integrity. Current American algorithms suggest platelet transfusion, whereas European guidelines suggest fibrinogen concentrates for correcting low clot strength. Therefore, we hypothesized that a TEG-based functional fibrinogen (FF) assay would assess the contribution of fibrinogen and platelets to clot strength and provide insight to transfusion priorities. Blood samples were obtained from trauma patients on arrival to the emergency department or who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (n = 68). Citrated kaolin TEG, FF, and von Clauss fibrinogen levels (plasma-based clinical standard) were measured. Correlations were assessed using linear regression models. In vitro studies were also performed with adding fibrinogen concentrates to blood collected from healthy volunteers (n = 10). Functional fibrinogen and citrated kaolin TEG parameters were measured. Functional fibrinogen strongly correlated with von Clauss fibrinogen levels (R = 0.87) and clot strength (R = 0.80). The mean fibrinogen contribution to clot strength was 30%; however, there was a direct linear relationship with fibrinogen level and percent fibrinogen contribution to clot strength (R = 0.83). Traditional TEG parameters associated with fibrinogen activity (α angle and kinetic time) had significantly lower correlations with FF (R = 0.70 and 0.35). Furthermore, platelet count had only a moderate correlation to clot strength (R = 0.51). The addition of fibrinogen concentrate in in vitro studies increased clot strength (MA) (60.44 ± 1.48 to 68.12 ± 1.39) and percent fibrinogen contribution to clot strength (23.8% ± 1.8% to 37.7% ± 2.5%). Functional fibrinogen can be performed rapidly with TEG and correlates well with the standard von Clauss fibrinogen assay. Both fibrinogen and platelet contribution of clot strength can be derived from FF. Moreover, FF had a stronger correlation to clot strength, and increased levels were directly associated with increased percent contribution to clot strength. In vitro studies also demonstrated an increase in FF, clot strength, and percent fibrinogen contribution to clot strength with the addition of fibrinogen concentrate. These data suggest that fibrinogen should be addressed early in trauma patients manifesting acute coagulopathy of trauma.Shock (Augusta, Ga.) 01/2013; 39(1):45-9. · 2.87 Impact Factor -
Article: Acute appendicitis: A disease severity score for the acute care surgeon.
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ABSTRACT: Analogous to organ injury scales developed for trauma, a scoring system is needed for acute care surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop a disease severity score (DSS) for acute appendicitis, the most common surgical emergency. A panel of acute care surgery experts reviewed the literature and developed a DSS for acute appendicitis as follows: grade 1, inflamed; Grade 2, gangrenous; Grade 3, perforated with localized free fluid; Grade 4, perforated with a regional abscess; and Grade 5, perforated with diffuse peritonitis. We applied the DSS to 1,000 consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy from 1999 to 2009 and examined its association with outcomes (mortality, length of hospital stay, incidence of in-hospital, and postdischarge complications). Of the 1,000 patients, 82 were excluded owing to negative or interval appendectomy or advanced end-stage renal disease. Among 918 eligible patients, the DSS distribution was Grade 1 at 62.4%, Grade 2 at 13.0%, Grade 3 at 18.7%, Grade 4 at 4.4%, and Grade 5 at 1.5%. Statistical analyses indicated a stepwise risk increase in adverse outcomes with higher DSS grades (c statistics ≥ 0.75 for all outcomes). Covariates (age, sex, and type of surgical access) did not add to the predictive power of DSS. Based on this single-institution study, the proposed appendicitis DSS seems to be a useful tool. This DSS can inform future, national efforts, which can build on the knowledge provided by the present investigation. This DSS may be useful for comparing therapeutic modalities, planning resource use, improving programs, and adjusting reimbursement Epidemiologic study, level III.The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 01/2013; 74(1):32-6. -
Article: Antiplatelet Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Transfusion-Associated Risk of Lung Dysfunction, Multiple Organ Failure, and Mortality in Trauma Patients.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:: To determine whether prehospital antiplatelet therapy was associated with reduced incidence of acute lung dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and mortality in blunt trauma patients. DESIGN:: Secondary analysis of a cohort enrolled in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Trauma Glue Grant database. SETTING:: Multicenter study including nine U.S. level-1 trauma centers. PATIENTS:: A total of 839 severely injured blunt trauma patients at risk for multiple organ failure (age > 45 yr, base deficit > 6 mEq/L or systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg, who received a blood transfusion). Severe/isolated head injuries were excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: Primary outcomes were lung dysfunction (defined as grades 2-3 by the Denver multiple organ failure score), multiple organ failure (Denver multiple organ failure score >3), and mortality. Patients were documented as on antiplatelet therapy if taking acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, and/or ticlopidine. Fifteen percent were taking antiplatelet therapy prior to injury. Median injury severity score was 30 (interquartile range 22-51), mean age 61 + 0.4 yr and median RBCs volume transfused was 1700 mL (interquartile range 800-3150 mL). Overall, 63% developed lung dysfunction, 19% had multiple organ failure, and 21% died. After adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, blood products, crystalloid/12 hrs, presence of any head injury, injury severity score, and 12 hrs base deficit > 8 mEq/L, 12 hrs RBC transfusion was associated with a significantly smaller risk of lung dysfunction and multiple organ failure among the group receiving antiplatelet therapy compared with those not receiving it (lung dysfunction p = 0.0116, multiple organ failure p = 0.0291). In addition, antiplatelet therapy had a smaller risk (albeit not significant, p = 0.06) of death for patients receiving RBC compared to those not on antiplatelet therapy after adjustment for confounders, CONCLUSIONS:: Pre-injury antiplatelet therapy is associated with a decreased risk of lung dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and possibly mortality in high-risk blunt trauma patients who received blood transfusions. These findings suggest platelets have a role in organ dysfunction development and have potential therapeutic implications.Critical care medicine 12/2012; · 6.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Elderly patients may benefit from tight glucose control.
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ABSTRACT: While minimizing hyperglycemia in critically injured patients improves outcomes, it is debatable whether postinjury glucose control should aim for conventional glucose control levels (≤180 mg/dL) or tight glucose control levels (81-108 mg/dL). We queried our 17-year prospective database of patients at risk for postinjury multiple organ failure to examine the association between glucose levels and adverse outcomes. Acutely injured patients admitted to a Level I trauma center intensive care unit from 1992 to 2008 who were more than 15 years of age, had Injury Severity Scores >15, and who survived >48 hours were eligible for the study. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the independent association of glucose control with adverse outcomes (death, ventilator-free days, intensive care unit-free days, and major infections), adjusted for Injury Severity Score, age, and red blood cell transfusion in the first 12 hours. Overall, 2,231 patients were eligible, of whom 153 (6.9%) died. The mean age was 37.8 ± 0.4 years, and the median Injury Severity Score was 27 (interquartile range, 21-35). The majority (77%) of these patients maintained mean glucose within conventional glucose control levels and only 10% achieved mean glucose levels within tight glucose control levels. Nonsurvivors required greater doses of insulin to control glucose levels and had greater mean insulin to glucose ratios (t test; P = .025). After adjusting for confounders, mean glucose remained significantly associated with the studied adverse outcomes. Age significantly modified all these associations with older patients seeming to benefit more from tight glucose control levels than their younger counterparts. Age is an effect modifier of the association between glucose levels and adverse outcomes. Future studies including larger samples of elderly trauma patients are needed to determine the ideal levels for glucose control in this growing population.Surgery 09/2012; 152(3):315-21. · 3.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Obesity in US children and adults.
JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association 05/2012; 307(20):2145; author reply 2145-6. · 30.03 Impact Factor -
Article: Early platelet dysfunction: an unrecognized role in the acute coagulopathy of trauma.
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ABSTRACT: Our aim was to determine the prevalence of platelet dysfunction using an end point of assembly into a stable thrombus after severe injury. Although the current debate on acute traumatic coagulopathy has focused on the consumption or inhibition of coagulation factors, the question of early platelet dysfunction in this setting remains unclear. Prospective platelet function in assembly and stability of the thrombus was determined within 30 minutes of injury using whole blood samples from trauma patients at the point of care using thrombelastography-based platelet functional analysis. There were 51 patients in the study. There were significant differences in the platelet response between trauma patients and healthy volunteers, such that there was impaired aggregation to these agonists. In trauma patients, the median ADP inhibition of platelet function was 86.1% (interquartile range [IQR] 38.6% to 97.7%) compared with 4.2 % (IQR 0 to 18.2%) in healthy volunteers. After trauma, the impairment of platelet function in response to arachidonic acid was 44.9% (IQR 26.6% to 59.3%) compared with 0.5% (IQR 0 to 3.02%) in volunteers (Wilcoxon nonparametric test, p < 0.0001 for both tests). In this study, we show that platelet dysfunction is manifest after major trauma and before substantial fluid or blood administration. These data suggest a potential role for early platelet transfusion in severely injured patients at risk for postinjury coagulopathy.Journal of the American College of Surgeons 05/2012; 214(5):739-46. · 4.55 Impact Factor -
Article: Acute kidney injury and posttrauma multiple organ failure: the canary in the coal mine.
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ABSTRACT: Despite improved resuscitation strategies, acute kidney injury (AKI) remains an important cause of morbidity and high resource use among severely injured patients. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the epidemiology and outcomes of early AKI among severely injured patients as well as its impact on the development of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF). We queried our 17-year database of high-risk postinjury patients (Injury Severity Score >15, age >15 years, survival >48 hours, and no isolated head injury). MOF and AKI (creatinine >1.8 mg/dL) were defined by the Denver MOF score. Patients with documented preexisting renal, hepatic, cardiac, or pulmonary disease (120, 5%) were excluded, leaving 2157 for analysis. Early (day 2) AKI was evident in 2.13% of the patients and associated with a 78% MOF incidence and 27% mortality. Both rates were higher than those associated with early heart, lung, or liver failure. Early AKI is a harbinger of adverse outcome postinjury, outperforming hepatic, cardiac, or pulmonary dysfunction as a predictor of MOF and death. Prevention of early AKI and a better understanding of organ crosstalk may help reduce AKI-associated morbidity, mortality, and obligatory costs of this complication. I, prognostic study.The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 02/2012; 72(2):373-8; discussion 379-80. -
Article: Advance directive discussions: lost in translation or lost opportunities?
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown that minority populations have low rates of documented advance directives and express preferences for more life-prolonging interventions at the end of life. We sought to determine the impact of Latino ethnicity on patients' self-report of having an advance directive discussion and having a completed advance directive in the medical record at an index hospitalization for serious medical illness. This was a prospective observational cohort study of 458 adults admitted to the general medical services of a safety net hospital, an academic medical center, and a Veterans' Affairs (VA) hospital. Patients were asked if they had discussed advance directives, and we reviewed medical records for documented advance directives. Overall, 45% of patients reported having had a discussion about advance directives (29% of Latinos compared with 54% of Caucasians, p=0.0002) and 24% of patients had a completed advance directive in their medical record (25% Latinos and 26% of Caucasians, p=not significant [ns]). Using logistic regression modeling and adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES), education level, and language spoken, Latinos (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.75) were less likely to report having advance directive discussions compared with Caucasians (referent). However, modeling of a completed advance directive in the medical record showed no significant difference between Latinos (OR 1.44, CI 0.73-2.85) and Caucasians (referent). The unexpected discrepancy we found highlights the need for more effective communication in advance care planning that includes education that is culturally sensitive and accessible to persons with low health literacy.Journal of palliative medicine 01/2012; 15(1):86-92. · 1.84 Impact Factor -
Article: "They're going to unplug grandma": Advance directive discussions and documentation do not decrease survival in patients at baseline lower risk of death.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of having advance directive (AD) discussions or having an AD in the medical record on patient survival. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Three Colorado area hospitals: a large academic tertiary referral center, a Veteran's Affairs medical center, and an urban safety net hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-eight adults admitted to the general internal medicine service interviewed about AD discussions. A concurrent chart review documented the presence of an AD in the medical record. Participants were stratified into low, medium, and high risk of death within 1 year based on validated prognostic criteria. MEASURES: Kaplan-Meier survival plots were estimated for those at low and medium risk of death. RESULTS: No significant differences in survival for participants at low and medium risk of death who reported having had an AD discussion and those who had not (Wilcoxon low risk, P = 0.97; medium risk, P = 0.28; and log-rank low risk, P = 0.82; medium risk, P = 0.45), and for those who had an AD in the medical record vs those who did not (Wilcoxon low risk, P = 0.84; medium risk, P = 0.78; and log-rank low risk, P = 0.86; medium risk, P = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence that AD discussions or documentation result in increased mortality. In regards to the current national debate about the merits of advance care planning, this study suggests that honoring patients' wishes to engage in AD discussions and documentation does not lead to harm. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.Journal of Hospital Medicine 09/2011; · 1.40 Impact Factor -
Article: Viscoelastic clot strength predicts coagulation-related mortality within 15 minutes.
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ABSTRACT: Predicting refractory coagulopathy early in resuscitation of injured patients may decrease a leading cause of preventable death. We hypothesized that clot strength (G) measured by point-of-care rapid thrombelastography (r-TEG) on arrival in the emergency department can predict massive transfusion (MT) and coagulation-related mortality (MT-death). Trauma alerts/activations from May 2008 to September 2010 were reviewed. The variables included the following: age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), base deficit (BD), traditional coagulation tests (international normalized ratio ([INR], partial thromboplastin time [PTT]), TEG-derived G, and blood products transfused within the first 6 hours. Independent predictors of 2 outcomes (MT [≥10 packed red blood cells units/6 h] and MT-related death) were identified using logistic regression. The individual predictive values of BD, INR, PTT, and G were assessed comparing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC ROC), while adjusting for age, ISS, and SBP. Among the 80 study patients, 48% required MT, and 21% died of MT-related complications. INR, ISS, and G were independent predictors of MT, whereas age, ISS, SBP, and G were independently associated with MT-death. The predictive power for outcome MT did not differ among INR (adjusted AUC ROC = 0.92), PTT (AUC ROC = 0.90, P = .41), or G (AUC ROC = 0.89, P = .39). For outcome MT-death, G had the greatest adjusted AUC ROC (0.93) compared with the AUC ROC for BD (0.87, P = .05), INR (0.88, P = .11), and PTT (0.89; P = .19). These data suggest that the point-of-care TEG parameter clot strength (G) provides consistent, independent prediction of MT and MT-death early in the resuscitation of injured patients.Surgery 09/2011; 151(1):48-54. · 3.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Initial experiences with point-of-care rapid thrombelastography for management of life-threatening postinjury coagulopathy.
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ABSTRACT: Massive transfusion (MTP) protocol design is hindered by lack of accurate assessment of coagulation. Rapid thrombelastography (r-TEG) provides point-of-care (POC) analysis of clot formation. We designed a prospective study to test the hypothesis that integrating TEG into our MTP would facilitate goal-directed therapy and provide equivalent outcomes compared to conventional coagulation testing. Thiry-four patients who received more than 6 units of red blood cells (RBCs)/6 hours who were admitted to our Level 1 trauma center after r-TEG implementation (TEG) were compared to 34 patients admitted prior to TEG implementation (Pre-TEG). Data are presented as mean±SEM. Emergency department pre-TEG versus TEG shock, and coagulation indices, were not different: systolic blood pressure (94 mmHg vs. 101 mmHg), temperature (35.3°C vs. 35.9°C), pH (7.16 vs. 7.11), base deficit (-13.0 vs. -14.7), lactate (6.5 vs. 8.1), international normalized ratio (INR; 1.59 vs. 1.83), and partial thromboplastin time (48.3 vs. 57.9). Although not significant, patients with Injury Severity Score range 26 to 35 were more frequent in the pre-TEG group. Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP):RBCs, platelets:RBCs, and cryoprecipitate (cryo):RBC ratios were not significantly different at 6 or 12 hours. INR at 6 hours did not discriminate between survivors and nonsurvivors (p=0.10), whereas r-TEG "G" value was significantly associated with survival (p=0.03), as was the maximum rate of thrombin generation (MRTG; mm/min) and total thrombin generation (TG; area under the curve) (p=0.03 for both). Patients with MRTG of more than 9.2 received significantly less components of RBCs, FFP, and cryo (p=0.048, p=0.03, and p=0.04, respectively). Goal-directed resuscitation via r-TEG appears useful for management of trauma-induced coagulopathy. Further experience with POC monitoring could result in more efficient management leading to a reduction of transfusion requirements.Transfusion 07/2011; 52(1):23-33. · 3.22 Impact Factor -
Article: Contemporary pediatric splenectomy: continuing controversies.
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ABSTRACT: We undertook the current study to update the literature on pediatric splenectomy in the age of minimally invasive proficiency among pediatric surgeons. The study is designed to address specific concerns among surgeons about the suitability of the laparoscopic approach in specific situations and among hematologists about the relative benefits and risks of splenectomy in children. Retrospective analysis of clinicopathologic data for 118 children who underwent open (OS) or laparoscopic (LS) splenectomy at an urban tertiary children's hospital from January 2000 to July 2008. One hundred and three cases (87%) were started as LS. Operative times were equivalent for LS and OS (P = 0.8). In the LS group, there were four conversions (3.9%) from LS to OS and five early post-operative complications (4.9%). Median length of stay was 2 days for LS and 4 days for both OS and LS converted to OS (P < 0.0001). The ten largest spleens removed by LS had greater mass (P = 0.02) and tended to have greater volume (P = 0.1) than those removed by OS. Children with hereditary spherocytosis, ITP, and hemoglobinopathy had favorable clinical outcomes, regardless of operative approach. There were no cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis in this series. Laparoscopic splenectomy is the preferred approach for splenectomy in children with hematological diseases, with or without splenomegaly. Compared to open splenectomy, laparoscopic splenectomy has equivalent operative time and improved length of stay. Both approaches have excellent therapeutic outcomes for appropriate indications.Pediatric Surgery International 05/2011; 27(11):1165-71. · 1.25 Impact Factor -
Article: Refractory postinjury thrombocytopenia is associated with multiple organ failure and adverse outcomes.
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ABSTRACT: Postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF) remains the leading cause of morbidity and late mortality after severe trauma. Our previous work consistently identified an association between thrombocytopenia and progression to MOF. In addition, recent studies suggest that platelets play a critical role in postinjury hyperinflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that postinjury thrombocytopenia is a marker for progression to MOF. One thousand four hundred fifteen critically injured surgical intensive care unit patients surviving>48 hours were prospectively collected over 12 years. Variables studied included age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), red blood cell (RBC)/12 h, MOF (Denver MOF score), death, infectious complications, and noninfectious complications. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelets<80k. Logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of MOF and death. Mean±standard error of the mean ISS, age, and RBC were 29.3±11.3; 37.4 years±16.6 years; and 4.4 units±5 units. MOF developed in 346 patients (24%) and 118 patients (8%) died. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 35% of patients within 48-hour postinjury and was associated with a significant increase in ISS, RBC transfused, and age. Logistic regression confirmed that thrombocytopenia was a major independent risk factor for all adverse outcomes with an odds ratio of 2.4 for developing MOF and 3.4 for death. After adjustment for these factors, a relative increase in platelet count from day 3 to day 10 was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of MOF and death. Early postinjury thrombocytopenia is an independent risk factor for MOF, death, and other complications. Following platelet count dynamics over the first several days postinjury can help predict which high-risk patient will develop these adverse outcomes.The Journal of trauma 02/2011; 70(2):401-6; discussion 406-7. · 2.48 Impact Factor -
Article: Fatal gunshot wounds to the head: a critical appraisal of organ donation rates.
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ABSTRACT: Patients sustaining fatal gunshot wounds to the head are often young, without associated comorbidities, and are potentially ideal transplantation candidates. A 5-year review of a level I trauma center's prospective database was performed for all patients sustaining fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Demographic, physiologic, anatomic, and laboratory variables were collected. Sixty-eight patients were identified, of whom 10 (14.7%) were organ donors. Of 25 admitted to the intensive care unit who eventually did not become donors, 15 (60%) were due to lack of consent. Despite frequent intensive care unit admissions, organ donation is infrequent following fatal gunshot wounds to the head, primarily because of lack of consent. Improved communication with next of kin could improve organ recovery and reduce futile care in this group.American journal of surgery 12/2010; 200(6):728-33; discussion 733. · 2.36 Impact Factor -
Article: Effect of blood products transfusion on the development of postinjury multiple organ failure.
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ABSTRACT: Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets is independently associated with the development of multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically injured patients. Prospective cohort study. Academic regional level I trauma center. From 1992 to 2004, a total of 1440 critically injured patients were admitted to our surgical intensive care unit and survived at least 48 hours. Of these, 1415 had complete data on age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and units of FFP, platelets, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused. Multiple organ failure was defined using the Denver MOF score. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust transfusion of FFP, platelets, and PRBCs for known MOF risk factors. Multiple organ failure. The mean (SD) ISS was 29.3 (11.3), and the mean (SD) patient age was 37.4 (16.6) years. Among 1440 patients, 346 (24.0%) developed MOF, and 118 (8.2%) died. Multiple logistic regression analysis detected a significant interaction between units of FFP and PRBCs transfused (P < .001). Regardless of the units of PRBCs transfused, FFP transfusion was independently associated with the development of MOF. However, the deleterious effect associated with FFP transfusion was more prominent among patients receiving fewer than 6 U of PRBCs. Platelet transfusion was unassociated with MOF after adjustment for age, ISS, and FFP and PRBC transfusion. Early transfusion of FFP is associated with an increased risk of postinjury MOF, even after adjusting for age, ISS, and PRBC transfusion. Caution is warranted in developing protocols for empirical FFP transfusion. Specifically, transfusion triggers for FFP should be reexamined, as well as the practice of delivering FFP in fixed ratios to the units of PRBCs transfused.Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill.: 1960) 10/2010; 145(10):973-7. · 4.32 Impact Factor -
Article: Two-stage brachial-basilic transposition fistula provides superior patency rates for dialysis access in a safety-net population.
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ABSTRACT: Guidelines of the National Kidney Foundation recommending aggressive pursuit of autogenous fistulae for dialysis access in lieu of prosthetic arteriovenous grafts have stimulated a renewed interest in transposed brachial-basilic fistulae as an alternative technique for upper arm access in patients who may not be candidates for a lower arm radial-cephalic or forearm brachial-cephalic fistula. We hypothesized that in our safety-net population, where radial-cephalic and brachial-cephalic often are not possible, brachial-basilic would provide patency rates superior to arteriovenous grafts and equivalent to radial-cephalic and brachial-cephalic fistulae. We analyzed retrospectively our most recent 2.5-year experience with dialysis access procedures at our metropolitan safety-net hospital. Procedures were grouped as follows: radial-cephalic, brachial-cephalic, brachial-basilic, and arteriovenous grafts. The access outcomes measured were primary failure, time to use, need for intervention, and primary as well as secondary patency. Differences in age, sex, race, renal function (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), baseline diagnoses (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease), as well as the number of previous accesses, were adjusted in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of primary failure, and Kaplan-Meier plots assessed differences in primary patency rates. A log of the time variables was used to approximate normal distribution. In all, 193 patients were included in this study as follows: radial-cephalic, 75 (39%) patients; brachial-cephalic, 35 (18%) patients; brachial-basilic, 33 (17%) patients; and arteriovenous grafts, 50 (26%) patients. Primary patency means differed marginally between groups (P = .08), and when grafts were excluded from the analysis, no difference was found between primary patency in all autogenous fistula techniques (P = .88). Kaplan-Meier plots showed that when analyzing the first 35 weeks, a significantly lower primary patency among graft recipients early after the procedure was noted, and a higher performance of BB after 20 weeks was noted (log-rank P = .05, Wilcoxon P = .004). Furthermore, secondary patency did not vary significantly between groups (P = .62). Radial-cephalic were more likely to fail primarily when compared with the other access groups (P = .03), and in a univariate analysis, underlying hypertension was associated with a lower risk of primary failure (P = .01) compared with other diagnoses. A logistic regression stepwise selection showed that the underlying diagnoses of peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease were associated with a greater risk of primary failure compared with those with HTN (P = .001; odds ratio, 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.71-9.59), as well as the presence of a previously failed access (P = .04; odds ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-5.67). In a safety-net population, our results suggest that 2-stage brachial-basilic transposition fistulae provide patency rates equivalent to brachial-cephalic and radial-cephalic fistulae and superior to grafts. Although 2 procedures are required, brachial-basilic fistulae provide a reliable access and should be considered the next choice when radial-cephalic and/or brachial-cephalic are not possible.Surgery 10/2010; 148(4):687-93; discussion 693-4. · 3.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Progressive postinjury thrombocytosis is associated with thromboembolic complications.
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ABSTRACT: Our previous investigation demonstrated that despite routine chemoprophylaxis, thrombelastography, which is a comprehensive test measuring the viscoelastic properties of blood, identified a hypercoagulable state in a cohort of critically ill surgical patients that was associated with thromboemobolic events. Furthermore, because thrombelastography allows for the comprehensive assessment of coagulation status, this work suggested that platelet hyperactivity is a component of the hypercoagulable state. We hypothesized that progressive postinjury thrombocytosis contributes to a hypercoagulable state that is associated with thrombelastography. One thousand four hundred and forty severely injured patients surviving >48 h were entered into a database prospectively over 12 years. The variables that were evaluated in associated with thrombocytosis (platelet count >450,000) included age, Injury Severity Score, packed red blood cell transfusions in 12 h, and thromboemobolic complications (TE) (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, mesenteric thrombosis, stroke, and arterial thrombosis). The time frame for the development of thrombocytosis was assessed at greater or less than 7 days postinjury. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent variables predictive of thrombocytosis and to adjust the association of thrombocytosis with TE for other risk factors. C-statistic was used to assess the discriminative power of thrombocytosis for prediction of TE. The mean age was 37.4 ± 0.4 years. The Injury Severity Score was 29.3 ± 0.3, and mean red blood cell transfusions in 12 h was 4.4 ± 0.2 units. Injury via blunt force occurred in 76% of patients, and 72% of patients were male. Thrombocytosis was identified in 447 (31%) patients and was noted almost exclusively >7 days postinjury (98%). TE developed in 35 (8%) of the 447 patients with thrombocytosis, compared with 45 (4.5%) of the remaining 993 patients who did not develop thrombocytosis. Persistent thrombocytosis >7 days was associated with TE (P > .0001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that when adjusted for intensive care unit duration of stay, transfusions, age, and Injury Severity Score, patients with sustained thrombocytosis more than 3 days were noted to have a 1.4 × increased risk of TE (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.2; P = .002; C-statistic = 0.82). Persistent thrombocytosis in critically injured patients receiving routine chemoprophylaxis is associated with thrombotic complications. Subsequent investigation is warranted to differentiate enzymatic from platelet hypercoagulability to ascertain the role of antiplatelet therapy for prevention of TE.Surgery 10/2010; 148(4):667-74; discussion 674-5. · 3.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Primary fibrinolysis is integral in the pathogenesis of the acute coagulopathy of trauma.
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ABSTRACT: The existence of primary fibrinolysis (PF) and a defined mechanistic link to the "Acute Coagulopathy of Trauma" is controversial. Rapid thrombelastography (r-TEG) offers point of care comprehensive assessment of the coagulation system. We hypothesized that postinjury PF occurs early in severe shock, leading to postinjury coagulopathy, and ultimately hemorrhage-related death. Consecutive patients over 14 months at risk for postinjury coagulopathy were stratified by transfusion requirements into massive (MT) >10 units/6 hours (n = 32), moderate (Mod) 5 to 9 units/6 hours (n = 15), and minimal (Min) <5 units/6 hours (n = 14). r-TEG was performed by adding tissue factor to uncitrated whole blood. r-TEG estimated percent lysis was categorized as PF when >15% estimated percent lysis was detected. Coagulopathy was defined as r-TEG clot strength = G < 5.3 dynes/cm. Logistic regression was used to define independent predictors of PF. A total of 34% of injured patients requiring MT had PF, which was associated with lower emergency department systolic blood pressure, core temperature, and greater metabolic acidosis (analysis of variance, P < 0.0001). The risk of death correlated significantly with PF (P = 0.026). PF occurred early (median, 58 minutes; interquartile range, 1.2-95.9 minutes); every 1 unit drop in G increased the risk of PF by 30%, and death by over 10%. Our results confirm the existence of PF in severely injured patients. It occurs early (<1 hour), and is associated with MT requirements, coagulopathy, and hemorrhage-related death. These data warrant renewed emphasis on the early diagnosis and treatment of fibrinolysis in this cohort.Annals of surgery 09/2010; 252(3):434-42; discussion 443-4. · 7.90 Impact Factor -
Article: Cranioplasty after postinjury decompressive craniectomy: is timing of the essence?
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ABSTRACT: The appropriate timing of cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for trauma is unknown. Potential benefits of delayed intervention (>6 weeks) for reducing the risk of infection must be balanced by persistent altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics leading to hydrocephalus. We reviewed our recent 5-year experience in an effort to improve patient throughput and develop a rational decision making plan. A 5-year query (2003-2007) of our level I neurotrauma database. From 2,400 head injuries, we performed a total of 350 craniotomies. Of the 350 patients who underwent craniotomy for trauma, 70 patients (20%) underwent decompressive craniectomy requiring cranioplasty. Timing of cranioplasty, cranioplasty material, postoperative infections, and incidence of hydrocephalus were evaluated with logistic regression to study potential associations between complications and timing, adjusted for risk factors. No specific time frame was predictive of hydrocephalus or infection, and logistic regression failed to identify significant predictors among the collected variables. In our experience, the prior practice of delayed cranioplasty (3-6 months postdecompressive craniectomy), requiring repeat hospital admission, does not seem to lower postcranioplasty infection rates nor the need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures. Our current practice emphasizes cranioplasty during the initial hospital admission, as soon as there is resolution on computed tomography scan of brain swelling outside of the cranial vault with concurrent clinical examination. This occurs as early as 2 weeks postcraniectomy and should lower the overall cost of care by eliminating the need for additional hospital admissions.The Journal of trauma 08/2010; 69(2):270-4. · 2.48 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2006–2013
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University of Colorado Denver
- • Department of Surgery
- • Division of Health Care Policy and Research
Denver, CO, USA -
Washington Hospital Center
Washington, D. C., DC, USA
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2010
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Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine
- Trauma - Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery
Hershey, PA, USA -
Wayne State University
- Department of Emergency Medicine
Detroit, MI, USA
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