A critical tour of trauma research from 2019–20, covering tranexamic acid in head injury, plasma and whole blood, hypocalcaemia and prehospital care. Simon Carley weighs trial findings against the limits of observational evidence, with an additional look at the Zero Point Survey.
Journal ClubCommunication Skills
A June 2020 appraisal of the RECOVERY dexamethasone preprint in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. The review examines mortality findings in patients receiving oxygen or ventilation, recruitment and generalisability, and the difficulties of assessing important research first announced through a press release.
What did HALT-IT establish about tranexamic acid for gastrointestinal bleeding? This 2020 appraisal examines the lack of a mortality benefit and the increased venous thromboembolism and seizure signals, alongside questions about recruitment, treatment timing and the trial's primary outcome.
Ten COVID-19 papers selected for emergency clinicians in June 2020. The team reviews paediatric inflammatory illness, testing, vaccine planning, staff wellbeing and the pandemic's wider health effects, explaining where early studies and commentary leave important uncertainties.
Dan Horner examines the difficulties of diagnosing and treating venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 in May 2020. The review considers D-dimer, imaging, screening effects and possible immunothrombosis, weighing uncertain treatment benefits against bleeding risks while randomised trial results were still awaited.
An April 2020 podcast and accompanying notes following patients with COVID-19 from the emergency department into critical care. Dan Horner discusses respiratory support, proning, ventilation physiology and equipment problems, alongside the practical and emotional pressures of working in intensive care during the first wave.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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