Prevention and management of infection in trauma

Examination of the causes of late mortality in multiple trauma patients reveals that as much as 78% of all deaths may be attributed to septic complications, suggesting the value of understanding the prevention and treatment of traumatic sepsis. In penetrating trauma, the protective features of the skin are eliminated, and systemic mechanisms of host defense are compromised. These changes in the host defense mechanism and the risk of infection influence the choice and technical features of wound closure and the use of antibiotics. Early diagnosis is imperative, but difficult.