Prospective Randomized Trial of the Military Anti-Shock Garment
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct a prospective, controlled, randomized evaluation of MAST in hypotensive patients and thereby determine which sub-groups of trauma victims might benefit from the use of MAST. All hypotensive patients (excluding patients with impaled objects, pregnant patients, and minors) transported to the Ben Taub General Hospital by the Houston Fire Department EMS were randomized on an alternate day basis into MAST or control No-MAST categories, and all other treatment was identical. During a 42-month period of time, more than 80,000 injured patients were brought to the Ben Taub General Hospital. Ten percent required admission and five percent underwent operation performed by the General Surgery Service. Nine hundred fourteen (914) patients transported to the Ben Taub General Hospital by the Houston Fire Department Ambulance Service had documented prehospital hypotension (BP < 90/-). Evaluation and treatment were identical except for an every other day randomization into MAST application or No-MAST application. The epidemiology and prehospital times were identical between groups. Outcome variables were identical between groups except for a tendency for a higher mortality in thoracic injury in those who received MAST.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA224464
Entities
People
- Kenneth L. Mattox
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine