Computer Simulation Accurately Replicated Real-Life Trauma Outcomes

A computer simulation, or 'in silica' model, of the body's inflammatory response to traumatic injury accurately replicated known individual outcomes and predicted population results counter to expectations, according to a study.

Traumatic injury is a major health care problem worldwide. Trauma induces acute inflammation in the body with the recruitment of many kinds of cells and molecular factors that are crucial for tissue survival, explained senior investigator Yoram Vodovotz, Ph.D., professor of surgery and director of the Center for Inflammation and Regenerative Modeling at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. But if inappropriately sustained, the inflammatory response can compromise healthy tissues and organs.

“Thanks to life-saving surgery and extensive supportive care, most patients who require trauma care are now highly likely to survive,” Dr. Vodovotz said. “But along the way, they may experience a variety of complications, such as multiple organ failure, that are difficult to predict in initial assessment. Our current challenge is to identify which patients are vulnerable to certain problems so that we can better implement surveillance and prevention strategies and use resources more effectively.”

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