Citation

Wetterslev M, Rose-Larsen K, Hansen-Schwartz J, Steen-Andersen J, Møller K, Møller-Sørensen H. Dan. Med. J. 2013; 60(9): A4704.

Affiliation

Thoraxanæstesiologisk og Intensiv Afdeling 4141, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. hassedk@dadlnet.dk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Danish Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

24001466

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Denmark has been engaged in the Afghanistan war and as a result, Rigshospitalet has received a number of multi-traumatized Danish soldiers. Lesions sustained in armed conflict differ from their civilian counterparts and knowledge of the pathophysiology related to these types of lesions is essential when engaging in the intensive care of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective survey of Danish soldiers evacuated from Afghanistan to the Intensive Care Unit at Rigshospitalet in the 2002-2012 period. The following data were recorded: age, gender, hospitalization (days), mortality, organ involvement, respiratory therapy, dialysis, circulatory supportive care, antibiotic treatment and bacteriology. Furthermore, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Simplified Acute Physiology Score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were calculated. RESULTS: A total of twenty patients were identified and included in the study. All patients had sustained serious blast injuries as a result of explosion. Primarily the central nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal and abdominal systems were affected by the explosions. Eighteen patients survived to discharge and two patients died. DISCUSSION: Explosion was the most frequent cause of injury in all cases and caused damage to several organ systems. Infections after combat injuries are a major problem because of the different microbiological profile. CONCLUSION: The use of explosives has been and remains a substantial part of warfare, and this review has showed us that the knowledge of the mechanism of injury is indeed essential, and that intelligence on the microbiological flora of the geographical location of the conflict is essential. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Language: en