Objective: To explore the intensive care unit (ICU) strategy and algorithm of treatment for critical patients from the Lushan Earthquake.
Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on the clinical characteristics and treatments for critical patients of Lushan Earthquake occurring on April 20, 2013. A total of 18 critical patients were admitted into 3 ICUs of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. There were 8 females and 10 males with an average age of 46 ± 23 years and a mean score of APACHE II 11 ± 6. There were extremity fractures (n = 16, 88.9%), chest traumas (n = 11, 61.1%), head injuries (n = 8, 44.4%) and pelvic fractures (n = 9, 50%) . All of them received VIPC plan for early stage resuscitation and CRASHPLAN for further evaluations. And individual treatment was planned and implemented by multidisciplinary specialists.
Results: During ICU stay, 7 patients (38.9%) suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Among them, noninvasive ventilation (n = 2) and intubation and mechanical ventilation (n = 5) were implemented. Ten septic patients (55.6%) received antibiotic therapy, 6 with severe head injury accepted Lund's concept for brain protection and 13 (72.2%) underwent 20 operations. Sixteen patients (88.9%) were discharged and another 2 (11.1%) remained comatose in hospital.
Conclusion: Earthquake-related critical patients have complicated disease situations. And centralized salvage, optimal strategy and algorithm may improve their outcomes.