Abstract | INTRODUCTION: The experience on management of crush injury after a devastating earthquake is lacking, and there are even less reports on the front-line critical care of these patients. A front-line intensive care unit (ICU) was set up in a tent after the disastrous Wenchuan earthquake (May, 12, 2008, China), where 32 patients suffering from crush injury were treated from May 12 to May 26. This study summarized our experience on management of 32 crush injury patients in a front-line tent ICU. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 32 crush injury patients treated in our frontline tent ICU. Using limited equipment, we observed the arterial blood gas parameters, blood routine, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine protein of patients. We also closely watched for changes in crush injury symptoms, urine output, and the dangerous complications of crush injury. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Severe crushing injuries and life-threatening complications are major causes of death after major disasters like earthquakes. Prompt treatment and close monitoring of the severe complications are of great importance in saving patients' lives. Establishment of a well-equipped front-line ICU close to the epicentre of the earthquake allows for prompt on the spot rescue of critical patients with crush injury, greatly decreasing the mortality rate and complications and avoiding amputation. There should be sufficient equipment to meet the needs of more patients.
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Authors | Wenfang Li, Jun Qian, Xuefen Liu, Qiang Zhang, Lv Wang, Dechang Chen, Zhaofen Lin |
Journal | Critical care (London, England)
(Crit Care)
Vol. 13
Issue 6
Pg. R178
( 2009)
ISSN: 1466-609X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19895693
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Acute Kidney Injury
(etiology, mortality, surgery)
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Amputation, Surgical
(statistics & numerical data)
- Arm Injuries
(therapy)
- Blood Gas Analysis
- China
(epidemiology)
- Crush Syndrome
(blood, complications, etiology, therapy)
- Earthquakes
- Humans
- Intensive Care Units
(organization & administration)
- Leg Injuries
(therapy)
- Middle Aged
- Proteinuria
- Retrospective Studies
- Young Adult
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