title: Pulmonary consequences of severe chest trauma.
abstract: Combined flail chest and pulmonary contusion is a frequent problem in patients with blunt multisystem trauma admitted to the intensive care unit. These patients are at high risk for pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome, which adds substantially to their morbidity and mortality rates. This article discusses the epidemiology and pathophysiology of this condition and the role of the respiratory care practitioner in the optimal management of these critically injured patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Haenel
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*