Effects of Aeromedical Evacuation on the Host Response in Seriously Injured Casualties
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that aeromedical evacuation (AE) can increase local and systemic inflammation after severe injury. How different components of AE, such as hypoxia, pressure, noise, vibration, and G-forces, affect the inflammatory response to severe injury is unknown. Previous studies suggest that AE occurring rapidly after injury may have greater effects on the inflammatory response after severe injuries, such as hemorrhage/resuscitation, burn injury, and moderate traumatic brain injury, and may provide insight into the "ideal time-to-fly." Therapeutic targeting of inflammatory mediators to reduce AE effects on inflammation has not been studied. Such studies may identify treatments that can protect against AE-induced inflammation and allow rapid AE. The effect of AE on susceptibility to infection is unknown. Our previous Air Force-funded work has shown that AE induces the expression of mediators that may suppress immune function and therefore increase the risk of post-transport infection. The manner in which AE may induce immunosuppression is unclear. Previous work has demonstrated that resuscitation with aged blood products exacerbates systemic inflammation. This work has identified potential inflammatory mediators that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It is unknown whether blockade of these mediators would extend the age effectiveness of blood products and therefore ease the logistical problems of blood transport to theater.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590379
Entities
People
- Timothy A. Pritts
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati