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1.
Management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage of the abdomen in civilian and military austere environments: a scoping review
Adams, D., McDonald, P. L., Holland, S., Merkle, A. B., Puglia, C., Miller, B., Allison, D. D., Moussette, C., Souza, C. J., Nunez, T., et al
Trauma surgery & acute care open. 2024;9(1):e001189
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage (NCAH) is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in both civilian and military austere environments, and an improvement in mortality due to this problem has not been demonstrated during the past quarter century. Several innovations have been developed to control hemorrhage closer to the point of injury. OBJECTIVE This review assessed NCAH interventions in civilian and military settings, focusing on austere environments. It identified innovations, effectiveness, and knowledge gaps for future research. METHODOLOGY The Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Synthesis methodology guided this scoping review to completion. Studies evaluating NCAH with human participants in civilian and military austere environments that were eligible for inclusion were limited to English language studies published between December 1990 and January 2023. The PCC (Participant, Concept, Context) framework was used for data synthesis. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were used to assess the literature that met inclusion criteria, identify patterns/themes to address the research questions and identify common themes within the literature. A stakeholder consultation was conducted to review and provide expert perspectives and opinions on the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses. RESULTS The literature search identified 868 articles; 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Textual narrative analysis of the 26 articles resulted in the literature addressing four main categories: NCAH, penetrating abdominal trauma, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), and ResQFoam. The deductive thematic analysis aimed to answer three research questions. Research question 1 addressed the effectiveness of REBOA, damage control resuscitation, and damage control surgery in managing NCAH in austere environments. No effectiveness studies were found on this topic. Research question 2 identified three knowledge gaps in NCAH management in austere environments. The analysis identified early hemorrhage control, prehospital provider decision-making ability, and REBOA implementation as knowledge gaps in NCAH. Research question 3 identified five innovations that may affect the management of NCAH in the future: transport of patients, advanced resuscitative care, expert consultation, REBOA implementation, and self-expanding foam implementation. The inductive thematic analysis resulted in four recurrent themes from the literature: prehospital care, decision-making, hemorrhage control, and mortality in NCAH. During the stakeholders' consultation, the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses were reviewed and agreed on by the stakeholders. Special emphasis and discussion were given to prehospital management, expert opinions in the prehospital environment, decision-making in the prehospital environment, transport and resuscitation in the prehospital setting, REBOA, alternative discussion for research, and research gaps. CONCLUSION NCAH is still a significant cause of preventable death in both military and civilian austere environments, even with ongoing research and interventions aimed at extending survival in such conditions. This scoping review has identified several potential concepts that could reduce the mortality associated with a preventable cause of death due to hemorrhage in austere environments.
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2.
Characterization and Analysis of Chitosan-Gelatin Composite-Based Biomaterial Effectivity as Local Hemostatic Agent: A Systematic Review
Herliana H, Yusuf HY, Laviana A, Wandawa G, Cahyanto A
Polymers. 2023;15(3)
Abstract
Chitosan and gelatin were the most widely used natural materials in pharmaceutical and medical fields, especially as local hemostatic agents, independently or as a composite material with the addition of other active substances. Chitosan and gelatin have excellent properties in biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity and water absorption capacity. The objective of this review was to analyze the characteristics of chitosan-gelatin (CG) composite-based biomaterial and its effectivity as a local hemostatic agent. We used PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework to compile this review. The findings demonstrated that the CG composite-based biomaterial had excellent physical, chemical, mechanical properties and local hemostatic agent activity by adding other active substances such as oxidized fibers (OF), silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), calcium (Ca) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) or by setting the CG composite proportion ratio.
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3.
ECMO in adult patients with severe trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang, Y., Zhang, L., Huang, X., Ma, N., Wang, P., Li, L., Chen, X., Ji, X.
European journal of medical research. 2023;28(1):412
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe trauma can result in cardiorespiratory failure, and when conventional treatment is ineffective, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can serve as an adjunctive therapy. However, the indications for ECMO in trauma cases are uncertain and clinical outcomes are variable. This study sought to describe the prognosis of adult trauma patients requiring ECMO, aiming to inform clinical decision-making and future research. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases until March 13, 2023, encompassing relevant studies involving over 5 trauma patients (aged ≥ 16 years) requiring ECMO support. The primary outcome measure was survival until discharge, with secondary measures including length of stay in the ICU and hospital, ECMO duration, and complications during ECMO. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to analyze these outcomes. The study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, while the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. RESULTS The meta-analysis comprised 36 observational studies encompassing 1822 patients. The pooled survival rate was 65.9% (95% CI 61.3-70.5%). Specifically, studies focusing on traumatic brain injury (TBI) (16 studies, 383 patients) reported a survival rate of 66.1% (95% CI 55.4-76.2%), while studies non-TBI (15 studies, 262 patients) reported a survival rate of 68.1% (95% CI 56.9-78.5%). No significant difference was observed between these two survival comparisons (p = 0.623). Notably, studies utilizing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) (15 studies, 39.0%, 95% CI 23.3-55.6%) demonstrated significantly lower survival rates than those using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) (23 studies, 72.3%, 95% CI 63.2-80.7%, p < 0.001). The graded assessment of evidence provided a high degree of certainty regarding the pooled survival. CONCLUSIONS ECMO is now considered beneficial for severely traumatized patients, improving prognosis and serving as a valuable tool in managing trauma-related severe cardiorespiratory failure, haemorrhagic shock, and cardiac arrest.
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4.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for hemorrhagic trauma care
Peng, H. T., Siddiqui, M. M., Rhind, S. G., Zhang, J., Teodoro da Luz, L., Beckett, A.
Military Medical Research. 2023;10(1):6
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI), a branch of machine learning (ML) has been increasingly employed in the research of trauma in various aspects. Hemorrhage is the most common cause of trauma-related death. To better elucidate the current role of AI and contribute to future development of ML in trauma care, we conducted a review focused on the use of ML in the diagnosis or treatment strategy of traumatic hemorrhage. A literature search was carried out on PubMed and Google scholar. Titles and abstracts were screened and, if deemed appropriate, the full articles were reviewed. We included 89 studies in the review. These studies could be grouped into five areas: (1) prediction of outcomes; (2) risk assessment and injury severity for triage; (3) prediction of transfusions; (4) detection of hemorrhage; and (5) prediction of coagulopathy. Performance analysis of ML in comparison with current standards for trauma care showed that most studies demonstrated the benefits of ML models. However, most studies were retrospective, focused on prediction of mortality, and development of patient outcome scoring systems. Few studies performed model assessment via test datasets obtained from different sources. Prediction models for transfusions and coagulopathy have been developed, but none is in widespread use. AI-enabled ML-driven technology is becoming integral part of the whole course of trauma care. Comparison and application of ML algorithms using different datasets from initial training, testing and validation in prospective and randomized controlled trials are warranted for provision of decision support for individualized patient care as far forward as possible.
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5.
The role of REBOA in patients in traumatic cardiac arrest subsequent to hemorrhagic shock: a scoping review
Slot SAS, van Oostendorp SE, Schoonmade LJ, Geeraedts LMG
European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society. 2022
Abstract
PURPOSE Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a useful adjunct in treatment of patients in severe hemorrhagic shock. Hypothetically, REBOA could benefit patients in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) as balloon occlusion of the aorta increases afterload and may improve myocardial performance leading to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This scoping review was conducted to examine the effect of REBOA on patients in TCA. METHODS This scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Statement. PubMed, EMBASE.com and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Articles were included if they reported any data on patients that underwent REBOA and were in TCA. Of the included articles, data regarding SBP, ROSC and survival were extracted and summarized. RESULTS Of 854 identified studies, 26 articles met criteria for inclusion. These identified a total of 785 patients in TCA that received REBOA (presumably less because of potential overlap in patients). This review shows REBOA elevates mean SBP in patients in TCA. The achievement of ROSC after REBOA deployment ranged from 18.2% to 67.7%. Survival to discharge ranged from 3.5% to 12.1%. CONCLUSION Overall, weak evidence is available on the use of REBOA in patients in TCA. This review, limited by selection bias, indicates that REBOA elevates SBP and may benefit ROSC and potentially survival to discharge in patients in TCA. Extensive further research is necessary to further clarify the role of REBOA during TCA.
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6.
Permissive hypotension compared to fluid therapy for the management of traumatic haemorrhage: a rapid review
Clarke R, Dippenaar E
British paramedic journal. 2022;7(3):34-43
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemorrhage and subsequent hypovolemia from traumatic injury is a potentially reversible cause of cardiac arrest, as interventions can be made to increase circulatory volume and organ perfusion. Traditionally, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is recommended for all patients who have experienced a haemorrhagic emergency. There has been some argument, however, that this may not be the most effective treatment as isotonic fluids can dilute coagulation factors and further stimulate bleeding. Permissive hypotension, also known as hypotensive resuscitation within the context of damage control resuscitation, is a method of managing haemorrhagic trauma patients by restricting IV fluid administration to allow for a reduced blood pressure. It is important to evaluate and compare current research literature on the effects of both permissive hypotension and fluid therapy on patients suffering from traumatic haemorrhage. METHODS A rapid review was conducted by systematically searching and identifying literature to narratively compare permissive hypotension and fluid therapy. Searches were carried out across two databases to find relevant primary research containing quantitative data that provide contextual and statistical evidence to achieve the aim of this review. Papers were narratively synthesised to produce key themes for discussion. RESULTS The database searches identified 125 records, 78 from PubMed and 47 from ScienceDirect. Eleven duplicates were removed, and 114 titles screened. Ninety-four records were initially excluded and nine more after abstract review. Eleven papers were critiqued using Benton and Cormack's framework, with eight articles included in the final review. CONCLUSION Permissive hypotension may have a positive impact on 30-day mortality, when compared with fluid resuscitation methods, however there is evidence to suggest that hypotensive resuscitation may be more effective for blunt force injuries. Some studies even suggest a reduction in the treatment cost when reducing fluid volumes. Penetrating injuries are usually more likely to be a compressible source of haemorrhage within which haemorrhage control can be gained much more easily. There are recommendations for the use of permissive hypotension in both compressible and non-compressible injuries. It is difficult at this time to draw definitive conclusions for the treatment of every case related to traumatic haemorrhage given the variability and unpredictability of trauma.
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7.
Tourniquet use for civilian extremity hemorrhage: systematic review of the literature
BenÍtez CY, Ottolino P, Pereira BM, Lima DS, Guemes A, Khan M, Ribeiro Junior MAF
Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes. 2021;48:e20202783
Abstract
INTRODUCTION extremity tourniquet (TQ) use has increased in the civilian setting; the beneficial results observed in the military has influenced acceptance by EMS and bystanders. This review aimed to analyze extremity TQ types used in the civilian setting, injury site, indications, and complications. METHODS a systematic review was conducted based on original articles published in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane following PRISMA guidelines from 2010 to 2019. Data extraction focused on extremity TQ use for hemorrhage control in the civilian setting, demographic data, study type and duration, mechanism of injury, indications for use, injury site, TQ type, TQ time, and complications. RESULTS of the 1384 articles identified, 14 were selected for review with a total of 3912 civilian victims with extremity hemorrhage and 3522 extremity TQ placements analyzed. The majority of TQs were applied to male (79%) patients, with blunt or penetrating trauma. Among the indications for TQ use were hemorrhagic shock, suspicion of vascular injuries, continued bleeding, and partial or complete traumatic amputations. Upper extremity application was the most common TQ application site (56%), nearly all applied to a single extremity (99%), and only 0,6% required both upper and lower extremity applications. 80% of the applied TQs were commercial devices, and 20% improvised. CONCLUSIONS TQ use in the civilian setting is associated with trauma-related injuries. Most are single-site TQs applied for the most part to male adults with upper extremity injury. Commercial TQs are more commonly employed, time in an urban setting is under 1 hour, with few complications described.
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8.
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Castellini G, Gianola S, Biffi A, Porcu G, Fabbri A, Ruggieri MP, Coniglio C, Napoletano A, Coclite D, D'Angelo D, et al
World Journal of Emergency Surgery : WJES. 2021;16((1):):41
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies regarding the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in patients with non-compressible torso injuries and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock were recently published. To date, the clinical evidence of the efficacy of REBOA is still debated. We aimed to conduct a systematic review assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of REBOA in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and CENTRAL up to June 2020. All randomized controlled trials and observational studies that investigated the use of REBOA compared to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) with/without REBOA or no-REBOA were eligible. We followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias of included studies. Effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using random-effects models. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Primary outcomes were mortality, volume of infused blood components, health-related quality of life, time to haemorrhage control and any adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were improvement in haemodynamic status and failure/success of REBOA technique. RESULTS We included 11 studies (5866 participants) ranging from fair to good quality. REBOA was associated with lower mortality when compared to RT (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20-0.74), whereas no difference was observed when REBOA was compared to no-REBOA (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 0.79-2.46). No significant difference in health-related quality of life between REBOA and RT (p = 0.766). The most commonly reported complications were amputation, haematoma and pseudoaneurysm. Sparse data and heterogeneity of reporting for all other outcomes prevented any estimate. CONCLUSIONS Our findings on overall mortality suggest a positive effect of REBOA among non-compressible torso injuries when compared to RT but no differences compared to no-REBOA. Variability in indications and patient characteristics prevents any conclusion deserving further investigation. REBOA should be promoted in specific training programs in an experimental setting in order to test its effectiveness and a randomized trial should be planned.
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9.
Appropriate Tourniquet Types in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
Charlton NP, Goolsby CA, Zideman DA, Maconochie IK, Morley PT, Singletary EM
Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14474
Abstract
Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in those aged 1-19, with hemorrhage accounting for up to 40% of all trauma deaths. Manufactured tourniquets are recommended for the control of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage in adults but their use in the pediatric population requires further investigation. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the most appropriate tourniquet design for use in the pediatric population. A literature search of Embase and the Cochran databases of trials and systematic reviews on October 1, 2020 identified 454 unique references, of which 15 were included for full-text screening. Two single-arm observational studies with a high risk of bias evaluated the use of windlass tourniquets in the pediatric population (73 patients, age 2-16 years). The certainty of the evidence was very low. In both studies, conducted on uninjured extremities, the use of a manufactured windlass tourniquet, specifically the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T®) Generation 7, led to the cessation of Doppler detected pulses in 71/71 (100%) of upper extremities and 69/73 (94.5%) of lower extremities. Of the four failures, one participant withdrew due to pain and three tourniquet applications failed to occlude pulses after three turns of the windlass. No controls were used for comparison. In conclusion, two observational studies demonstrated that windlass tourniquets were able to abolish distal pulses in children as young as two years of age and with a minimum limb circumference of 13 cm. These preliminary findings may be helpful for organizations in the creation of guidelines for the management of life-threatening extremity bleeding in children.
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10.
Effectiveness of Pre-Hospital Tourniquet in Emergency Patients with Major Trauma and Uncontrolled Haemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Latina, R., Iacorossi, L., Fauci, A. J., Biffi, A., Castellini, G., Coclite, D., D'Angelo, D., Gianola, S., Mari, V., Napoletano, A., et al
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(23)
Abstract
Trauma is one of the leading causes of uncontrolled haemorrhage, death, and disability. Use of a tourniquet can be considered an optimal anti-haemorrhagic resource, in pre-hospital and emergency settings, and its lifesaving effect is clinically contradictory. This review aims to assess the clinical efficacy of the tourniquet in the emergency pre-hospital care setting for the management of haemorrhage. We conducted the systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, the PRISMA statement. We searched the following electronic databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane-CENTRAL. All studies included were appraised for risk of bias. Prevalent primary outcomes were mortality and use of blood products. Secondary outcomes were related to adverse effects. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach (GRADE). Four studies were involved (1762 trauma patients). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.47 (95% confidence Interval (CI) 0.19-1.16; three studies; 377 patients) for overall mortality estimates did not give a clear indication of the benefits of emergency pre-hospital tourniquets (PH-TQ) versus no pre-hospital tourniquet (NO PH-TQ) placement. The adjusted mean difference for blood product use was -3.28 (95% CI -11.22, 4.66) for packed red blood cells (pRBC) and -4.80 (95% CI -5.61, -3.99) for plasma, respectively. The certainty of evidence was downgraded to very low for all outcomes. Our results suggest an unclear effect of emergency pre-hospital tourniquet placement on overall mortality and blood product use. However, this systematic review highlights the availability of only observational studies and the absence of high quality RCTs assessing the efficacy of PH-TQs. Randomized controlled trials are needed.