This retrospective review indicates that an earlier initiation of CRRT, based on pre-CRRT BUN, may improve the rate of survival of trauma patients who develop ARF.

Patients sustaining severe traumatic brain injury during military operations represent a unique population. Comparison with civilian counterparts has inherent limitations but reveals higher rates of neurosurgical intervention performed after penetrating injuries and a corresponding improvement in survival. Many factors likely contribute to these findings, which highlight the need for additional research on the optimal management of penetrating brain injury.