title: Infection in minor gunshot wounds.
abstract: Of the 3684 patients enrolled in our study, 3390 were available for follow-up, of which 62 patients developed wound infections related to minor gunshot wounds (1.8%). Of these patients, all sustained entry/exit-type wounds while 60% of these patients sustained more than one injury. Complications were more likely to occur when a prolonged period occurred between the time of injury and the initial treatment. The development of infection in minor gunshot wound injuries is an unusual occurrence when these injuries are limited to the soft tissue structures. Additionally, wound debridement and antibiotics are often unnecessary in minor uncomplicated gunshot wounds, but may be beneficial in patients who have sustained multiple injuries, gross wound contamination, significant tissue devitalization, large wounds, or delay in treatment.
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, King/Drew-UCLA Medical Center 90059.
authors: G J
authors: GJ
authors: Ordog
authors: G F
authors: GF
authors: Sheppard
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Wasserberger
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Balasubramanium
authors: W C
authors: WC
authors: Shoemaker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents