CHAPTER 99 ULTRASOUND IN TRAUMA

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Point-of-care, Limited Ultrasonography for Trauma in the Emergency Department: The First Sonography Outcomes Assessment Program Trial

Melniker LA, Leibner E, McKenney MG, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2006;48(3):227–235

BACKGROUND

Torso trauma accounts for more than five million ED visits annually, and is the leading cause of death in patients younger than 45 years. Identifying those patients requiring intervention is essential as those with the shortest time to definitive care have the best outcome. At the time of this study, point-of-care, limited ultrasonography (PLUS) had been shown to be accurate in identifying patients with traumatic injury; however, it had not been shown to improve clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To determine how a focused assessment with sonography for patients in trauma (FAST) affects time to definitive operative care, as well as its effect on CT use, length of stay, hospital charges, and complications.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized trial at two US trauma centers between 2002 and 2003.

Patients

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