Hypoxemia and arterial hypotension at the accident scene in head injury
Stocchetti, N.; Furlan, A.; Volta, F.
Journal of Trauma 40(5): 764-767
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5282 PMID: 8614077 Document Number: 468580
Objective: To quantify the occurrence of arterial hypotension and arterial oxygen desaturation in a series of patients with head trauma rescued by helicopter. Design: Prospective, observational study. Materials and Methods: Arterial HbO-2 was measured before tracheal intubation at the accident scene in 49 consecutive patients with head injuries. Arterial pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer. Main 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, while arterial hypotension is more difficult to control. Both insults may have a significant impact on outcome.