Walker et al identified risk factors for infection in patients with thoracic trauma. This can help identify patients who may require closer monitoring and more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Texas in Houston.
Patient selection: presence of major thoracic trauma (with or without other trauma)
Major thoracic trauma include:
(1) penetrating injuries
(2) pneumothorax
(3) hemothorax
(4) lung contusion
(5) damage to other thoracic organs
Risk factors for infection:
(1) blunt thoracic trauma
(2) shock on arrival
(3) unconscious on arrival
(4) splenectomy
(5) failure to use prophylactic antibiotics
Risk factors for pneumonia:
(1) prolonged endotracheal intubation (>= 7 days)
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