In a recent analysis, researchers found sex differences in the health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of people exposed to alcohol before birth.
Tag: Trauma
Men Over 65 Are at Greater Risk than Women of Skull Fractures from Falls
Because females 65 and older have an increased rate of falls and facial fractures, researchers compared the risk of skull fracture secondary to head trauma in geriatric female and male patients. Results showed that males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture secondary to head trauma, due mostly to falls. This outcome was unexpected, as previous research has indicated females are more susceptible to facial fractures. This trend also was seen across race/ethnicity, though results were only statistically significant for whites.

Chicago Cubs Become the First MLB Team to Install American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED® Kits
The Chicago Cubs have taken an important step to keep fans, staff, and players safe in case a bleeding emergency occurs by installing trauma kits at Wrigley Field.
Major medical organizations form a coalition to stem the rising tide of firearm violence using a comprehensive public health approach
A new group — the Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention — is being established to advance firearm injury prevention using a public health approach.
Study by FSU researchers finds resilience to natural disasters lags in Black communities
Years after Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents of that area are still struggling to overcome the trauma of the Category 5 storm. In a recent study, FSU researchers found that trauma and a host of psychosocial and physical challenges caused by Hurricane Michael are disproportionately affecting the region’s Black communities.
Over $5M Awarded to Community Violence Reduction Programs at Penn Medicine
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) awarded over $5 million in grants to three community violence prevention and intervention programs across Penn Medicine. The Penn Medicine programs not only aim to reduce and prevent community violence, but also address the lasting impacts of violence on victims, such as treating their mental health, and helping them utilize social service agencies.

Director of UC San Diego Health Regional Burn Center Offers Life-Saving Tips during Burn Awareness Week
Each year, the UC San Diego Health Regional Burn Center admits approximately 400 patients, from infants to adults, and treats hundreds more as outpatients. About one-quarter of those patients are pediatric patients, with most under the age of five. During…
American College of Surgeons launches guidelines to help trauma centers screen patients for mental health disorders and substance misuse
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has released new guidelines this week to assist trauma centers in addressing mental health and substance use issues among patients who have experienced a traumatic injury.
Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program improves efficiency in treating children with traumatic injuries
Participation in the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (CSV) Quality-Improvement Program led to significant reductions in operating room wait times and improvement in other key metrics for children treated for traumatic femur fractures.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Introduces the Fracture & Trauma Registry Powered by PatientIQ
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) today announced the Fracture & Trauma Registry (FTR) will now be powered by PatientIQ. This new partnership will offer healthcare institutions a turnkey solution for FTR participation, thus reducing barriers to tracking evidence-based practices and advancing the delivery of musculoskeletal care.
Firearm injuries in kids leave lasting mental scars, study finds
Children and teens who survive a firearm injury have a high rate of developing new mental health diagnoses in the year afterward, even compared with kids who suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash, a new study shows.
Tulane researchers to help Louisiana schools launch proactive violence prevention programs
Under the project, experts will work to better prepare school crisis intervention teams to prevent violence and promote a positive school atmosphere.
Even without symptoms, trauma patients who test positive for COVID fare worse than comparable patients who do not have the virus
Trauma patients who show no symptoms for COVID, yet test positive for the virus, have significantly higher rates of cardiac events, stay in the hospital longer, and incur higher hospital charges than do similar trauma patients who test negative for COVID.
Pandemic Escalated Teen Cyberbullying – Asian Americans Targeted Most
A study of U.S. middle and high school students shows that about 17 percent were cyberbullied in 2016 and 2019, but that proportion rose to 23 percent in 2021. Notably, 19 percent of Asian American youth said they had been cyberbullied, and about 1 in 4 (23.5 percent) indicated they were victimized online because of their race/color. Asian American youth were the only racial group where the majority (59 percent) reported more cyberbullying since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In 2019, Asian American youth were the least likely to have experienced cyberbullying.
What other storms can teach us about looming mental health impacts of Hurricane Ian
As residents of southwest Florida begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Tulane University experts who have studied long-term impacts of storms in New Orleans have one piece of advice: don’t ignore your…
New Emergency General Surgery Verification Program releases inaugural standards for quality care in emergency general surgery
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) announced the launch of the Emergency General Surgery Verification Program (EGS-VP), a new surgical quality program that will help hospitals establish and maintain the highest standards in emergency general surgery.
Changes in Traumatic Brain Injury Patterns During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Researchers affiliated with the Council of State Neurological Societies investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by evaluating data from the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP).

Clinicians who responded to recent mass shootings release recommendations for an effective healthcare response in the future
Recommendations developed during a consensus conference can help healthcare facilities and communities be ready to respond if a mass shooting occurs nearby.
Bike Helmets: Finding the Right Fit For Your Child
Follow these tips to make sure your child’s helmet is safe. A bike helmet can literally be a lifesaver for a child—dramatically reducing the chances of a head or brain injury from a bike, scooter or skateboard accident. But did you know that a helmet has to fit right to do its job? If it’s too small, too loose, or not positioned correctly, it may not protect your child.
Brain Activity May Play Role in Childhood Trauma Victims’ Heart Disease Risk
Rockville, Md. (June 1, 2022)—Research published ahead of print in the journal Function suggests that reduced activity in one area of the brain may play in role in how adults who experienced adverse childhood events (ACEs) have a greater risk…
Tulane trauma experts available to discuss mass school killing in Texas
Tulane University has the following experts available to discuss the trauma surrounding the mass killing of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. For interviews, contact Barri Bronston at [email protected] or Mike Strecker at [email protected] Charles Figley is the…

FAU Awarded $1 Million to Help Prevent Injury, Death from Falls in Older Adults
Every second, an older person in the U.S. falls and injures themselves, and every 20 minutes one of them dies from the fall. The Geriatric Emergency Department Fall Injury Prevention Project will investigate several emergency department-based prevention strategies in older patients at high risk for recurrent falls and injury. The tailored multicomponent intervention will identify effective fall prevention strategies that target limited resources to high-risk individuals who come to the emergency department to improve patient outcomes, improve safety, and reduce overall costs of health care.
ACS Committee on Trauma announces release of the revised National Guideline for the Field Triage of Injured Patients
To improve clinical outcomes, a process of field triage is needed to identify seriously injured patients and quickly transport them to the appropriate care facility.

NSF supports research studying how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affects Americans
Irvine, Calif., May 2, 2022 — The National Science Foundation has awarded a Rapid Response Research grant of nearly $175,000 to University of California, Irvine researchers seeking to gauge the effect that the reporting of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in traditional and social media outlets has on the mental health of U.S. citizens.
Association of raising US-Mexico wall with migrant deaths, trauma center admissions, injury severity
About The Study: This retrospective trauma registry study of the University of California, San Diego level 1 trauma center, which receives patients with border wall injuries from San Diego and Imperial counties, examined deaths, injuries and hospital costs after construction of…

Study: Unprecedented Increase in Number of Border Wall Falls and Trauma
Trauma physicians at UC San Diego Health attribute the rise in injuries to a height increase of the border wall at U.S.-Mexico border.
Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, confirmed as next Chair of ACS Committee on Trauma
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents has confirmed Jeffrey D. Kerby, MD, PhD, FACS, as the next Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT).
A Unique Case Highlights the Expertise of Henry Ford’s Orthopedic Trauma Team
DETROIT – In his 14 years as an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Henry Ford Health System, Joseph Hoegler, M.D., has seen his share of broken bones and crushing injuries. But the degree of trauma suffered by a local football coach from a near-fatal car accident presented its own unique challenges.
Trauma surgeon M. Margaret Knudson, MD, FACS, honored for inspiring women in surgery
M. Margaret Knudson, MD, FACS, San Francisco, California, received the 2021 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award.
Patients with stroke symptoms are evaluated safely for both stroke and trauma with new “STRAUMA activation”
A novel hospital alert called “STRAUMA” (a dual stroke alert and trauma activation) allows patients with stroke symptoms to be quickly assessed for traumatic injuries.
TraumaChekTM: Next step in life-saving blood-assessment technology
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University are leading the development of TraumaChekTM, a hand-held medical device to quickly assess a wounded soldier’s critical clotting issues and other blood conditions in the battlefield. The new sensor, if successful and adopted in the field, would represent the next generation of their successful ClotChip®, which emergency workers can use to measure how well a patient’s blood may clot.
TraumaChekTM: Next step in life-saving blood-assessment technology
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University are leading the development of TraumaChekTM, a hand-held medical device to quickly assess a wounded soldier’s critical clotting issues and other blood conditions in the battlefield. The new sensor, if successful and adopted in the field, would represent the next generation of their successful ClotChip®, which emergency workers can use to measure how well a patient’s blood may clot.
Lifesaving Trauma Skills Course Quickly and Significantly Sharpens Rarely Used Military Surgeons’ Skills
Military surgeons must maintain a broad set of surgical skills to care for combat-related injuries, but during times of peace, these skills are rarely put to use. However, according to a new JAMA Surgery study, a two-day trauma skills course can significantly improve their proficiency and ensure they are able to continue providing optimal trauma care in combat. The study, “Surgical Skills Training and Assessment of Competency,” was led by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and published Sept. 15.
For one group in child welfare, trauma is especially common
While many parents and caregivers involved in the child welfare system suffered trauma as children, new research suggests that those with substance misuse issues as adults may have had particularly difficult childhoods.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Trauma Division Launches Partnership with United States Navy
Representatives from Penn Medicine and the United States Navy will sign a unique agreement today marking the start of a three-year partnership to integrate members of the Navy with the Trauma Division at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC). The program, known as the Naval Strategic Health Alliance for Readiness and Performance, is designed to provide sustained experiences in all aspects of trauma care – from surgery to anesthesiology to nursing – in one of the nation’s busiest trauma centers. The eleven Navy team members bring a wealth of experience with multiple deployments around the globe that will promote new approaches and knowledge across both civilian and military healthcare.
Racial Differences in Recovery Following Sports-Related Concussion Identified in Young Black and White Athletes
Researchers examined whether race (Black or White) influences outcomes and subjective experiences in young athletes who have sustained a sports-related concussion. Of primary interest were how long it takes for symptom resolution and return to school as well as changes in daily activities and sports behaviors.
Sports-Related Traumatic Spine Injuries
Harvard researchers examined data on sports-related traumatic spine injuries (TSIs) to see if different sports activities tend to result in particular injuries. They found that accidents involving cycling are by far the most frequent cause of TSIs, followed by accidents due to skiing and snowboarding.
Trauma Informed Care can help break the cycle of violence
Trauma centers can help address root causes of violence, improve health, and reduce inequities in marginalized communities.
Healing trauma: Research links PTSD, emotion regulation and quality of life
Research from Binghamton University, State University of New York provides insight into the impact PTSD has on emotional regulation and quality of life, and points to ways to improve both.
Surgeons endorse advocacy efforts to improve firearm safety and reduce firearm-related injuries
Results from a survey of 54,761 U.S. ACS members, of whom 11,147 responded, have been published as two articles on the website of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS)
Patient trapped by fallen tree during tornado walks again thanks to UAB
Arnoldo Vasquez Hernandez was pinned under an oak tree that fell on his house during a tornado in January 2021, requiring a rare, in-the-field amputation. After being fitted for a prosthetic leg, he is now able to take his first steps in nearly five months.
Traumatized People with Alcohol Use Disorder Likely Need a Range of Interventions to Address Risky Drinking
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are successfully treated for trauma likely need additional interventions addressing persistent drinking patterns, according to a new study.
Healing from Post-Pandemic Trauma: Moving Forward After Lockdown
Dreams about unmasked crowds. Getting back to the routines of work, school or the everyday things we used to do. Shaking hands and hugging. Meeting without a computer screen separating the people in the conversation. Mourning the loss of lives. Anxiety about re-entering society as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic is real.
Trauma Patients with COVID-19 Face Greater Risk of Complications and Death
COVID-19 complicated patient care in a range of ways, from increased incidence of heart attacks to decreased cancer screenings. The virus also caused a six-fold increase in the risk of complications and death among trauma patients, according to new research.
Research underway to find tools for caregivers of trauma survivors to cope with anxiety, stress
An early intervention developed for caregivers of patients with serious illnesses or injuries will be tested by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
Associations between head impact exposure and abnormal imaging findings in youth football players over consecutive seasons
Researchers examined the frequency and severity of head impacts experienced by youth football players and how exposure to head impacts changes from one year to the next in returning players, then compared the resulting data with findings on neuroimaging studies obtained over consecutive years in the same athletes.
Study: More multilingual and mental health staff needed to offset trauma experienced by refugees, displaced students and their teachers
The University at Buffalo study examined whether United States educational policies and practices helped or hindered school staff in supporting the needs of students who are refugees or displaced for reasons such as natural disasters.
Horror films as a reimagined space for healing
A new article examines how the depiction of a “final girl’s” struggle after survival in a horror film – how she has been vilified and dismissed, but ultimately proven right – might offer trauma survivors the chance to see a bit of themselves on the big screen.
Most pediatric spinal fractures related to not wearing seatbelts
Two thirds of all pediatric spinal fractures, especially in the adolescent population, occur in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) where seatbelts are not utilized, reports a study in Spine. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope Launches Red Desk Project As Call-to-Action to Prevent Child Homicide
In a powerful call-to-action to prevent child homicides, LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope created a moving public art display: 111 red school desks on the lawn of Sinai Hospital. Each desk represents a child killed in the City of Baltimore over the past six years. The Red Desk Project is designed to sound the alarm and raise public awareness about the dramatic increase in child homicide in Baltimore City year over year and the effects these homicides have on the entire community, including other children.