Objective: : Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly exhibit a poor mental health status and can easily develop aspiration pneumonia. Thus, early proper nutrition through oral or tube feeding is difficult to achieve, leading to malnutrition. However, evidence regarding early nutritional support in the intensive care unit (ICU) is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of early nutrition in patients with TBI admitted to the ICU. Methods: : Data of adult patients with TBI admitted to the trauma ICU of a regional trauma center in Korea between 2022 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Those with ICU stay <7 days, younger than 18 years, and with underlying diseases that could alter baseline metabolism, were excluded. Nutritional support on day 4 of ICU admission was measured. The patients were classified into mortality and survival groups, and risk factors for mortality were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on TBI severity. Results: : Overall, 864 patients were diagnosed with acute TBI, of whom 227 were included in this study. The mortality rate in the study population was 15% (n=34). Those in the survival group were younger, had longer hospital stays, had a higher initial Glasglow coma scale (GCS) score, and had a higher intake of calorie supplements than those in the mortality group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with non-severe TBI (GCS >8), total calorie intake (751.4 vs. 434.2 kcal, p=0.029), total protein intake (37.5 vs. 22.1 g, p=0.045), and ratio of supplied to target calories (0.49 vs. 0.30, p=0.047) were higher in the survival group than in the mortality group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that calorie intake (B=-0.002, p=0.040) and initial hemoglobin level (B=-0.394, p=0.005) were risk factors for mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. Conclusion : More calories were supplied to the survival group than the mortality group among patients with TBI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that increased calorie supply was associated with reduced mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. The mortality group had low protein intake; however, this did not emerge as a risk factor for mortality. Early sufficient nutritional support improves the prognosis of patients with TBI.

Objective: : Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly exhibit a poor mental health status and can easily develop aspiration pneumonia. Thus, early proper nutrition through oral or tube feeding is difficult to achieve, leading to malnutrition. However, evidence regarding early nutritional support in the intensive care unit (ICU) is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of early nutrition in patients with TBI admitted to the ICU. Methods: : Data of adult patients with TBI admitted to the trauma ICU of a regional trauma center in Korea between 2022 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Those with ICU stay <7 days, younger than 18 years, and with underlying diseases that could alter baseline metabolism, were excluded. Nutritional support on day 4 of ICU admission was measured. The patients were classified into mortality and survival groups, and risk factors for mortality were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on TBI severity. Results: : Overall, 864 patients were diagnosed with acute TBI, of whom 227 were included in this study. The mortality rate in the study population was 15% (n=34). Those in the survival group were younger, had longer hospital stays, had a higher initial Glasglow coma scale (GCS) score, and had a higher intake of calorie supplements than those in the mortality group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with non-severe TBI (GCS >8), total calorie intake (751.4 vs. 434.2 kcal, p=0.029), total protein intake (37.5 vs. 22.1 g, p=0.045), and ratio of supplied to target calories (0.49 vs. 0.30, p=0.047) were higher in the survival group than in the mortality group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that calorie intake (B=-0.002, p=0.040) and initial hemoglobin level (B=-0.394, p=0.005) were risk factors for mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. Conclusion : More calories were supplied to the survival group than the mortality group among patients with TBI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that increased calorie supply was associated with reduced mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. The mortality group had low protein intake; however, this did not emerge as a risk factor for mortality. Early sufficient nutritional support improves the prognosis of patients with TBI.

Objective: : Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly exhibit a poor mental health status and can easily develop aspiration pneumonia. Thus, early proper nutrition through oral or tube feeding is difficult to achieve, leading to malnutrition. However, evidence regarding early nutritional support in the intensive care unit (ICU) is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of early nutrition in patients with TBI admitted to the ICU. Methods: : Data of adult patients with TBI admitted to the trauma ICU of a regional trauma center in Korea between 2022 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Those with ICU stay <7 days, younger than 18 years, and with underlying diseases that could alter baseline metabolism, were excluded. Nutritional support on day 4 of ICU admission was measured. The patients were classified into mortality and survival groups, and risk factors for mortality were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on TBI severity. Results: : Overall, 864 patients were diagnosed with acute TBI, of whom 227 were included in this study. The mortality rate in the study population was 15% (n=34). Those in the survival group were younger, had longer hospital stays, had a higher initial Glasglow coma scale (GCS) score, and had a higher intake of calorie supplements than those in the mortality group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with non-severe TBI (GCS >8), total calorie intake (751.4 vs. 434.2 kcal, p=0.029), total protein intake (37.5 vs. 22.1 g, p=0.045), and ratio of supplied to target calories (0.49 vs. 0.30, p=0.047) were higher in the survival group than in the mortality group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that calorie intake (B=-0.002, p=0.040) and initial hemoglobin level (B=-0.394, p=0.005) were risk factors for mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. Conclusion : More calories were supplied to the survival group than the mortality group among patients with TBI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that increased calorie supply was associated with reduced mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. The mortality group had low protein intake; however, this did not emerge as a risk factor for mortality. Early sufficient nutritional support improves the prognosis of patients with TBI.

Objective: : Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly exhibit a poor mental health status and can easily develop aspiration pneumonia. Thus, early proper nutrition through oral or tube feeding is difficult to achieve, leading to malnutrition. However, evidence regarding early nutritional support in the intensive care unit (ICU) is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of early nutrition in patients with TBI admitted to the ICU. Methods: : Data of adult patients with TBI admitted to the trauma ICU of a regional trauma center in Korea between 2022 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Those with ICU stay <7 days, younger than 18 years, and with underlying diseases that could alter baseline metabolism, were excluded. Nutritional support on day 4 of ICU admission was measured. The patients were classified into mortality and survival groups, and risk factors for mortality were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on TBI severity. Results: : Overall, 864 patients were diagnosed with acute TBI, of whom 227 were included in this study. The mortality rate in the study population was 15% (n=34). Those in the survival group were younger, had longer hospital stays, had a higher initial Glasglow coma scale (GCS) score, and had a higher intake of calorie supplements than those in the mortality group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with non-severe TBI (GCS >8), total calorie intake (751.4 vs. 434.2 kcal, p=0.029), total protein intake (37.5 vs. 22.1 g, p=0.045), and ratio of supplied to target calories (0.49 vs. 0.30, p=0.047) were higher in the survival group than in the mortality group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that calorie intake (B=-0.002, p=0.040) and initial hemoglobin level (B=-0.394, p=0.005) were risk factors for mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. Conclusion : More calories were supplied to the survival group than the mortality group among patients with TBI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that increased calorie supply was associated with reduced mortality in patients with non-severe TBI. The mortality group had low protein intake; however, this did not emerge as a risk factor for mortality. Early sufficient nutritional support improves the prognosis of patients with TBI.

Hemorrhagic trauma is a major preventable cause of mortality in critically injured patients. Rapid surgical interventions are essential for hemostasis. Comprehensive critical care management before and after surgery significantly enhances the patient survival. Damage control resuscitation (DCR) concept has been adapted from the damage control method of the United States Navy, which outlines immediate temporary measures to prevent a ship from sinking, followed by the definitive repair of the ship at a dock.Current Concepts: DCR combined with damage control surgery focuses on controlling life-threatening hemorrhages and preventing trauma-induced coagulopathy. Key aspects of this strategy are: (1) Permissive hypotension (avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation to reduce re-bleeding risk), (2) restricted fluid and hemostatic resuscitation (limiting fluids and using blood products to promote coagulation), (3) use of antifibrinolytics (administering tranexamic acid to inhibit fibrinolysis and stabilize clots), (4) hypothermia prevention (maintaining normothermia to promote coagulation and mitigate acidosis), (5) calcium maintenance (maintaining normal calcium levels for proper cardiac function and coagulation), and (6) use of vasopressors (for stabilizing blood pressure and tissue perfusion). By integrating these aspects, DCR effectively controls immediate bleeding and overcomes systemic physiological challenges, thereby improving the survival of patients with severe trauma.Discussion and Conclusion: Implementation of DCR with surgical interventions as a bundle of care effectively manages hemorrhagic trauma, possibly saving the patient. Therefore, DCR is a cornerstone strategy to improve the survival of patients with hemorrhagic trauma.

Hemorrhagic trauma is a major preventable cause of mortality in critically injured patients. Rapid surgical interventions are essential for hemostasis. Comprehensive critical care management before and after surgery significantly enhances the patient survival. Damage control resuscitation (DCR) concept has been adapted from the damage control method of the United States Navy, which outlines immediate temporary measures to prevent a ship from sinking, followed by the definitive repair of the ship at a dock.Current Concepts: DCR combined with damage control surgery focuses on controlling life-threatening hemorrhages and preventing trauma-induced coagulopathy. Key aspects of this strategy are: (1) Permissive hypotension (avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation to reduce re-bleeding risk), (2) restricted fluid and hemostatic resuscitation (limiting fluids and using blood products to promote coagulation), (3) use of antifibrinolytics (administering tranexamic acid to inhibit fibrinolysis and stabilize clots), (4) hypothermia prevention (maintaining normothermia to promote coagulation and mitigate acidosis), (5) calcium maintenance (maintaining normal calcium levels for proper cardiac function and coagulation), and (6) use of vasopressors (for stabilizing blood pressure and tissue perfusion). By integrating these aspects, DCR effectively controls immediate bleeding and overcomes systemic physiological challenges, thereby improving the survival of patients with severe trauma.Discussion and Conclusion: Implementation of DCR with surgical interventions as a bundle of care effectively manages hemorrhagic trauma, possibly saving the patient. Therefore, DCR is a cornerstone strategy to improve the survival of patients with hemorrhagic trauma.

Hemorrhagic trauma is a major preventable cause of mortality in critically injured patients. Rapid surgical interventions are essential for hemostasis. Comprehensive critical care management before and after surgery significantly enhances the patient survival. Damage control resuscitation (DCR) concept has been adapted from the damage control method of the United States Navy, which outlines immediate temporary measures to prevent a ship from sinking, followed by the definitive repair of the ship at a dock.Current Concepts: DCR combined with damage control surgery focuses on controlling life-threatening hemorrhages and preventing trauma-induced coagulopathy. Key aspects of this strategy are: (1) Permissive hypotension (avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation to reduce re-bleeding risk), (2) restricted fluid and hemostatic resuscitation (limiting fluids and using blood products to promote coagulation), (3) use of antifibrinolytics (administering tranexamic acid to inhibit fibrinolysis and stabilize clots), (4) hypothermia prevention (maintaining normothermia to promote coagulation and mitigate acidosis), (5) calcium maintenance (maintaining normal calcium levels for proper cardiac function and coagulation), and (6) use of vasopressors (for stabilizing blood pressure and tissue perfusion). By integrating these aspects, DCR effectively controls immediate bleeding and overcomes systemic physiological challenges, thereby improving the survival of patients with severe trauma.Discussion and Conclusion: Implementation of DCR with surgical interventions as a bundle of care effectively manages hemorrhagic trauma, possibly saving the patient. Therefore, DCR is a cornerstone strategy to improve the survival of patients with hemorrhagic trauma.

Objective: : Psoas and masseter muscles are known markers of sarcopenia. However, the relative superiority of either muscle as a marker is unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the two muscles in patients with a prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: : Patients with TBI visiting a regional trauma center between January 2017 and December 2018 were selected, and their medical records were reviewed. TBI patients with an abbreviated injury score (AIS) of 4 or 5 were selected. Patients with an AIS of 4 or 5 at the chest, abdomen, and extremity were excluded. Patients with a hospital stay of 1 to 2 days were excluded. Both muscle areas were measured based on the initial computed tomography. The psoas muscle index (PMI) and the masseter muscle index (MMI) were calculated by dividing both muscle areas by height in meters squared (cm2/m2). These muscle parameters along with other medical information were used to analyze mortality and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Results: : A total of 179 patients, including 147 males (82.1%), were analyzed statistically. The mean patient age was 58.0 years. The mortality rate was 16.8% (30 patients). The mean GOS score was 3.7. Analysis was performed to identify the parameters associated with mortality, which was a qualitative study outcome. The psoas muscle area (16.9 vs. 14.4 cm2, p=0.028) and PMI (5.9 vs. 5.1 cm2/m2, p=0.004) showed statistical differences between the groups. The PMI was also statistically significant as a risk factor for mortality in logistic regression analysis (p=0.023; odds ratio, 0.715; 95% confidence interval, 0.535–0.954). Quantitative analyses were performed with the GOS scores. Bivariate correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between PMI and GOS scores (correlation coefficient, 0.168; p=0.003). PMI (p=0.004, variation inflation factor 1.001) was significant in multiple regression analysis. The masseter muscle area and MMI did not show significance in the study. Conclusion : Larger PMI was associated with statistically significant improved survival and GOS scores, indicating its performance as a superior prognostic marker. Further analyses involving a larger number of patients, additional parameters, and more precise settings would yield a better understanding of sarcopenia and TBI.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergency teams (METs) have shown their merit in preventing unexpected cardiac arrest. However, it might be impractical for small- or medium-sized hospitals to operate an MET due to limited manpower and resources. In this study, we sought to evaluate the feasibility of a medical alert system (MAS) that alerts all doctors involved in patient care of patient deterioration via text message using smart-phones. METHODS: The MAS was test-operated from July 2015 to September 2015, in five general wards with a high incidence of cardiac arrest. The number of cardiac arrests was compared to that of 2014. The indication for activation of MAS was decided by the intensive care unit committee of the institution, which examined previous reports on MET. RESULTS: During the three-month study period, 2,322 patients were admitted to the participating wards. In all, MAS activation occurred in 9 patients (0.39%). After activation, 7 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Two patients (0.09%) experienced cardiac arrest. Of 13,129 patients admitted to the ward in 2014, there were 50 cases (0.38%) of cardiac arrest (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use MAS to prevent unexpected cardiac arrest in a general ward.
Emergencies ; Heart Arrest ; Hospital Rapid Response Team ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intensive Care Units ; Mortality ; Patient Care ; Patients' Rooms ; Pilot Projects* ; Text Messaging

BACKGROUND: Medical emergency teams (METs) have shown their merit in preventing unexpected cardiac arrest. However, it might be impractical for small- or medium-sized hospitals to operate an MET due to limited manpower and resources. In this study, we sought to evaluate the feasibility of a medical alert system (MAS) that alerts all doctors involved in patient care of patient deterioration via text message using smart-phones. METHODS: The MAS was test-operated from July 2015 to September 2015, in five general wards with a high incidence of cardiac arrest. The number of cardiac arrests was compared to that of 2014. The indication for activation of MAS was decided by the intensive care unit committee of the institution, which examined previous reports on MET. RESULTS: During the three-month study period, 2,322 patients were admitted to the participating wards. In all, MAS activation occurred in 9 patients (0.39%). After activation, 7 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Two patients (0.09%) experienced cardiac arrest. Of 13,129 patients admitted to the ward in 2014, there were 50 cases (0.38%) of cardiac arrest (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use MAS to prevent unexpected cardiac arrest in a general ward.
Emergencies ; Heart Arrest ; Hospital Rapid Response Team ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intensive Care Units ; Mortality ; Patient Care ; Patients' Rooms ; Pilot Projects ; Text Messaging