In:
The American Surgeon, SAGE Publications, Vol. 84, No. 10 ( 2018-10), p. 1705-1709
Abstract:
Focused assessment with Sonography for trauma (FAST) examination is essential to trauma triage. We sought to determine whether FASTs completed early in sequencing portend worse outcomes. A two-year review (2014–2015) of all trauma activations at our Level I trauma center was performed. Patients were matched at baseline and FAST times were compared. Outcomes included resuscitation time (RESUS-h), ventilation days (d), hospital length of stay (HLOS-d), ICU length of stay (LOS-d), survival (%), nosocomial infection rate (%), and venous thromboembolism complication rate (%). ED interventions included transfusions, crystalloid, antibiotics, central line placement, intubation, thoracostomy, thoracotomy, pelvic X-ray, and binder. One thousand, three hundred and twelve patients were included for analysis (mean age = 38 ± 19 years, mean Injury Severity Score = 12 ± 11, 21% penetrating). Compared with FASTs completed after the primary survey, early FASTs led to significantly more ventilation days ( P 〈 0.01), longer ICU length of stay ( P 〈 0.01), and a greater incidence of nosocomial infections ( P = 0.03). In the ED, early FASTs led to significantly more intubations ( P 〈 0.01) and transfusions ( P 〈 0.01) compared with late FASTs. FASTs completed before primary survey portend worse outcomes, with more ED interventions and equivocal results. FAST as a true adjunct to primary survey is recommended.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0003-1348
,
1555-9823
DOI:
10.1177/000313481808401034
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2018
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