Hypoxemia and arterial hypotension at the accident scene in head injury.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the occurrence of arterial hypotension and arterial oxygen desaturation in a series of patients with head trauma rescued by helicopter.


METHODS
Prospective, observational study.


METHODS
Arterial HbO2 was measured before tracheal intubation at the accident scene in 49 consecutive patients with head injuries. Arterial pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer.


RESULTS
Mean arterial saturation was 81% (SD 24.24); mean arterial systolic pressure was 112 mm Hg (SD 37.25). Airway obstruction was detected in 22 cases. Twenty-seven patients showed an arterial saturation lower than 90% on the scene, and 12 had a systolic arterial pressure of less than 100 mm Hg. The outcome was significantly worse in cases of hypotension, desaturation, or both.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypoxemia and shock are frequent findings on patients at the accident scene. Hypoxemia is more frequently detected and promptly corrected, white arterial hypotension is more difficult to control. Both insults may have a significant impact on outcome.
Stocchetti
N
N
First Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital of Parma, Italy.
Furlan
A
A
Volta
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017732:Air Ambulances; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010092:Oximetry; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome