Showing papers in "Open Access Emergency Medicine in 2018"

The role of inhaled methoxyflurane in acute pain management.

Abstract: Methoxyflurane is an inhaled analgesic administered via a disposable inhaler which has been used in Australia for over 40 years for the management of pain associated with trauma and for medical procedures in children and adults. Now available in 16 countries worldwide, it is licensed in Europe for moderate to severe pain associated with trauma in conscious adults, although additional applications are being made to widen the range of approved indications. Considering these ongoing developments, we reviewed the available evidence on clinical usage and safety of inhaled analgesic methoxyflurane in trauma pain and in medical procedures in both adults and children. Published data on methoxyflurane in trauma and procedural pain show it to be effective, well tolerated, and highly rated by patients, providing rapid onset of analgesia. Methoxyflurane has a well-established safety profile; adverse events are usually brief and self-limiting, and no clinically significant effects on vital signs or consciousness levels have been reported. Nephrotoxicity previously associated with methoxyflurane at high anesthetic doses is not reported with low analgesic doses. Although two large retrospective comparative studies in the prehospital setting showed inhaled analgesic methoxyflurane to be less effective than intravenous morphine and intranasal fentanyl, this should be balanced against the administration, supervision times, and safety profile of these agents. Given the limitations of currently available analgesic agents in the prehospital and emergency department settings, the ease of use and portability of methoxyflurane combined with its rapid onset of effective pain relief and favorable safety profile make it a useful nonopioid option for pain management. Except for the STOP! study, which formed the basis for approval in trauma pain in Europe, and a few smaller randomized controlled trials (RCTs), much of the available data are observational or retrospective, and further RCTs are currently underway to provide more robust data.

Reduction in laboratory turnaround time decreases emergency room length of stay.

Abstract: Objective Laboratory tests are an important contributor to treatment decisions in the emergency department (ED). Rapid turnaround of laboratory tests can optimize ED throughout by reducing the length of stay (LOS) and improving patient outcomes. Despite evidence supporting the effect of shorter turnaround time (TAT) on LOS and outcomes, there is still a lack of large retrospective studies examining these associations. Here, we evaluated the effect of a reduction in laboratory TAT on ED LOS using retrospective analysis of Electronic Health Records (EHR). Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of ED encounters from a large, US-based, de-identified EHR database and a separate analysis of ED encounters from the EHR of an ED at a top-tier tertiary care center were performed. Additionally, an efficiency model calculating the cumulative potential LOS time savings and resulting financial opportunity due to laboratory TAT reduction was created, assuming other factors affecting LOS are constant. Results Multivariate regression analysis of patients from the multisite study showed that a 1-minute decrease in laboratory TAT was associated with 0.50 minutes of decrease in LOS. The single-site analysis confirmed our findings from the multisite analysis that a positive correlation between laboratory TAT and ED LOS exists in the ED population as a whole, as well as across different patient acuity levels. In addition, based on the calculations from the efficiency model, for a 5-, 10- and 15-minute TAT reduction, the single-site ED can potentially admit a total of 127, 256 and 386 additional patients, respectively, annually. Conclusion A positive correlation between laboratory TAT and ED LOS was observed in a broad patient population and across distinct acuity levels.

Modified Revised Trauma–Marshall score as a proposed tool in predicting the outcome of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract: Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common healthcare problem related to disability. An easy-to-use trauma scoring system informs physicians about the severity of trauma and helps to decide the course of management. The purpose of this study is to use the combination of both physiological and anatomical assessment tools that predict the outcome and develop a new modified prognostic scoring system in TBIs. Patients and methods A total of 181 subjects admitted to the emergency department (ED) of Sanglah General Hospital were documented for both Marshall CT scan classification score (MCTC) and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) upon admission. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was then documented at six months after brain injury. A new Modified Revised Trauma-Marshall score (m-RTS) was developed using statistical analytic methods. Results The total sample enrolled for this study was 181 patients. The mean RTS upon admission was 10.2±1.2. Of the 181 subjects, 110 (60.8%) were found to have favorable GOS (GOS score >3). Best Youden's index results were obtained with any of the RTS of ≤10 with area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.2542 and with risk ratio of 2.9 (95% CI=1.98-4.28; P=0.001); and Marshall score ≤2 with area under ROC curve of 0.2249 with risk ratio of 3.9 (95% CI=2.52-5.89; P=0.001). The RTS-Marshall combination has higher sensitivity with risk ratio of 4.5 (CI 95%=2.55-8.0; P=0.001) for screening tools of unfavorable outcome. The Pearson's correlation between RTS and Marshall classification is 0.464 (P<0.001). Conclusion Combination of physiological and anatomical score improves the prognostic of outcome in moderate and severe TBI patients, formulated in this accurate, simple, applicable and reliable m-RTS prognostic score model.

Conservative treatment of duodenal diverticulitis perforation: a case report and literature review.

Abstract: Perforation is the rarest complication of the duodenal diverticulum (DD), but it is the most serious complication Mortality rate was reported up to 30%, which may be related to diagnostic delay because the symptoms of the perforated DD are vague and nonspecific Therefore, accurate diagnosis is important to improve the clinical outcome Surgical treatment was considered as the standard therapeutic option However, surgical intervention may increase morbidity and mortality due to surgical complications Therefore, nonoperative management can be considered in some patients with perforated diverticulum who have stable vital signs without generalized peritonitis, or in elderly patients with comorbidities Several case reports of nonoperative management of perforated DD have been reported Herein, we describe a patient with perforated DD diagnosed based on a computed tomography scan, who was successfully treated with conservative treatment

Epidemiology, prognostic factors, and outcome of trauma patients admitted in a Brazilian intensive care unit.

Abstract: Background Trauma is a major cause of hospital admissions and is associated with manifold complications and high mortality rates However, data on intensive care unit (ICU) admissions are scarce in developing and low-income countries, where its incidence has been increasing Objectives To analyze epidemiological and clinical factors and outcomes in adult trauma patients admitted to the ICU of a public teaching hospital in a developing country as well as to identify risk factors for complications in the ICU Patients and methods Retrospective cohort of adult trauma patients admitted to the general ICU of a public teaching hospital in southern Brazil in the year 2012 Demographic, clinical, and outcome data from the ICU were analyzed Results During the study period, 144 trauma patients were admitted (83% male, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score II =186±72, age =333 years, 93% required mechanical ventilation) Of these, 604% suffered a traffic accident (52% motorcycle), and 312% were victims of violence (aggressions, gunshot wounds, or stabbing); 71% had brain trauma, 37% had chest trauma, and 21% had abdominal trauma Patients with trauma presented a high incidence of complications, such as infections, acute renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and thrombocytopenia The ICU mortality rate was 229% Conclusion In a Brazilian public teaching ICU, there was a great variability of trauma etiologies (mainly traffic accidents with motorcycles and victims of violence); patients with trauma had a high incidence of complications and mortality in the ICU

Decision-making in cardiac arrest: physicians' and nurses' knowledge and views on terminating resuscitation.

Abstract: Introduction Many cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts are unsuccessful and must be terminated. On the contrary, premature termination results in a self-fulfilling prophecy. This study aimed to investigate 1) physicians' self-assessed competence in terminating CPR, 2) physicians' and nurses' knowledge of the European Resuscitation Council guidelines on termination, and 3) single factors leading to termination. Methods Questionnaires were distributed at advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) courses at a university hospital in Denmark. Participants included ACLS health care providers, ie, physicians and nurses from cardiac arrest teams, intensive care and anesthetic units or medical wards with a duty to provide ACLS. Physicians were divided into junior physicians (house officers) and experienced physicians (specialist registrars and consultants). Results Overall, 308 participants responded (104 physicians and 204 nurses, response rate: 98%). Among physicians, 37 (36%) did not feel competent to decide when to terminate CPR (junior physicians: n=16, 64%, compared with experienced physicians: n=21, 28%, P=0.002). Two (2%) physicians and one (0.5%) nurse were able to state the contents of termination guidelines. Several factors were reported to impact termination, including absence of a pupillary light reflex (physicians: 17%, nurses: 22%) and cardiac standstill on echocardiography (physicians: 18%, nurses: 20%). Moreover, nine (9%) physicians and 35 (17%) nurses would terminate prolonged CPR despite a shockable rhythm present. Conclusion One-third of all physicians did not feel competent to decide when to terminate CPR. Physicians' and nurses' knowledge of termination guidelines was poor, and both professions reported unvalidated or controversial factors as a single reason for terminating CPR.

Risk factors associated with perforated acute appendicitis in geriatric emergency patients.

Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with perforated acute appendicitis in geriatric patients at the emergency department (ED). Patients and methods The medical records of 223 consecutive patients aged >60 years with acute appendicitis between 2006 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into those with perforated and non-perforated appendicitis. A comparison was made between the two groups in regard to baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, physical examination, time from onset of symptoms to ED arrival, time from ED arrival to operation, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Significant factors associated with perforated appendicitis were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses by logistic regression. Results A total of 78 (35%) patients had perforated appendicitis. Four significant factors associated with perforated appendicitis were as follows: 1) time duration from onset of symptoms to ED arrival >24 hours (OR 2.49, CI 1.33-4.68); 2) heart rate ≥90 beats/minute (OR 1.93, CI 1.04-3.59); 3) respiratory rate ≥20 breaths/minute (OR 2.54, CI 1.33-4.84); and 4) generalized guarding (OR 12.58, CI 1.43-110.85). Conclusion Time duration from onset of symptoms to ED arrival >24 hours, heart rate ≥90 beats/minute, respiratory rate ≥20 breaths/minute, and generalized guarding were the significant factors associated with perforated acute appendicitis in geriatric patients.

Patterns of injuries and predictors of inhospital mortality in trauma patients in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: Background The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of traumatic injuries and determine the predictors of inhospital mortality in patients admitted to the emergency department. Patients and methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 3,786 patients with traumat injuries admitted to the emergency department of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2012 and December 2014. Data on patient characteristics, trauma characteristics and outcomes were extracted from medical records. A negative binomial regression model was utilized to identify significant predictors of inhospital mortality. Results Of all injured patients, 77.5% were male, 29.8% were aged 15-25 years and 25.7% were aged 26-45 years. Blunt trauma was the main mechanism of injury, including motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in 52.0% and falls in 25.8% of patients. Most patients had injuries to the extremities (61.3%), followed by the head (32.2%), chest (16.9%) and abdomen (8.9%). Injuries were mild in 49.7% of patients, moderate in 30.2% and severe in 20.1%. The sex of the patients was significantly associated with the mechanism of injury (p<0.001), severity (p<0.001), anatomical site of injury (p<0.001), admission to the intensive care unit (p<0.001), need for trauma team activation (p<0.001) and type of transportation to hospital (p<0.001). The predictors of inhospital mortality were age (rate ratio [RR] for each 10-year increase=1.174; p<0.001), falls and burns (RR=2.337 and 1.728; p<0.001) and moderate and severe injuries (RR=6.438 and 181.780; p<0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest different patterns of trauma injuries according to patient age and sex. MVCs were the leading cause of injuries, but falls and burns had the highest inhospital mortality. This suggests the need for a comprehensive national education and prevention programs that address all causes of injuries.

Medical issues in flight and updating the emergency medical kit.

Abstract: Airline travel is more affordable than ever and likely safer than ever too. Within half a day, a passenger can be on the other side of the world. However, medical care in-flight has been an issue for those with medical conditions and for those who fall sick during a journey. While airlines have the advice of multiple recognized organizations on needs and standards of care, in-flight emergencies occur at various levels. An emergency medical kit (EMK) together with trained cabin crew can be very effective at resolving the minor problems that arise and reducing the risk of escalation. On occasion, an overhead plea may be announced for additional medical expertise. Having the right content in a medical kit is more important in modern day travel, coupled with advances in equipment and passenger expectations. The authors address current issues of illness and other relevant conditions and suggest a content enhancement for an onboard EMK.

Aural foreign body removal: there is no one-size-fits-all method.

Abstract: Background Managing patients with aural foreign body (AFB) may pose a dilemma regarding which removal technique to use for different AFB types. The current study comprises a review of all the possible methods one could employ in removing AFB. My aim was to describe the best methods for different types of AFBs, complete with a description of the method and tool(s) required, and descriptions of the AFBs for which they are best used. Materials and methods The medical literature published between 2000 and 2016 was reviewed using Medline, Cinahl, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus to compile a list of all published AFB removal methods. Results Ten methods were identified and described, each having their own advantages for different AFBs. Patients normally permit very few attempts, so the first AFB removal attempt should ideally be the only one. Conclusion There is no single method guaranteed to work with all AFBs, so this report also contains a flowchart to aid deciding which technique to use.

Temporomandibular joint dislocation: a retrospective study from a Swiss urban emergency department.

Abstract: Purpose Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is an uncommon and debilitating condition of the facial skeleton. The condition may be traumatic or nontraumatic, in an acute or chronic form, and with bilateral or monolateral expression. Patients and methods In this study, conducted from May 2012 to July 2016, we retrospectively analyzed TMJ dislocations treated in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, by focusing on the following parameters: age, gender, reason, localization, frequency, and therapy. Results Thirty-two patients were included. The mean age was 42.06 years and there was no predominant gender. Most cases of TMJ dislocation were nontraumatic (93.7%). Dislocations were mostly bilateral (59.4%) and appeared in a chronic situation and with repetitive events (62.5%). Thirty-one patients received conservative treatment, which consists of reposition of the TMJ with (38.7%) or without (61.3%) analgosedation. Only one patient needed surgical reposition due to previous surgical treatment. Conclusion This is the first attempt to evaluate TMJ dislocations in Switzerland in an acute hospital setting. To our knowledge, there are no other studies that systematically analyze these injuries by focusing on the patients' characteristics. Surgical reposition is only indicated in complicated and very rare situations. Conservative approaches are commonly used and should be exhausted before any surgery.

Using sideline concussion tests in the emergency department.

Abstract: Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability in the United States. Many patients with TBI are initially treated in the emergency department (ED), but there is no evidence-based method of detecting or grading TBI in patients who have normal structural neuroimaging. This study aims to evaluate the validity of two common sideline concussion tests. The Concussion Symptom Severity Score (CSSS) and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) tests are well-validated sideline tests for concussion, but have not been validated in the setting of non-sport-related concussion, in settings other than the sideline or athletic training room or in moderate or severe TBI. Patients and methods One hundred forty-eight subjects who had sustained a TBI within the previous 72 hours and 53 healthy control subjects were enrolled. CSSS and mBESS were administered. Clinical outcomes were followed up prospectively. Results The CSSS was collected in 147 TBI subjects but only 51 TBI subjects were able to complete the mBESS. The CSSS was collected for all 53 control subjects, and the mBESS was completed for 51 control subjects. The mean CSSS for TBI and control subjects was 32.25 and 2.70, respectively (P < 0.001). The average mBESS for TBI and control subjects was 7.43 and 7.20, respectively (P = 0.82). CSSS greater than 5.17 was 93.43% sensitive and 69.84% specific for TBI. Conclusion The mBESS is poorly tolerated and, among those who can complete the test, not sensitive to TBI in the ED. The CSSS is both sensitive to TBI and well tolerated.

Acute pulmonary edema induced by non-ionic low-osmolar radiographic contrast media

Abstract: Background Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE) after intravenous (iv) administration of non-ionic radiocontrast media (RCM) is a rare but life-threatening complication. In a context of emergency, its diagnosis is difficult. Case report We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed an acute pulmonary edema following iv infusion of non-ionic, low-osmolar RCM during abdominal CT scan. She needed a 24-hour hospitalization in intensive care unit for an acute hypoxemic dyspnea. She was falsely treated at first for an anaphylactic reaction, and then for a cardiac failure. She improved with cortisone and diuretic treatment. Conclusion Although NCPE has been rarely reported after RCM injection, it remains an acute severe complication that has to be considered. The differential diagnosis involves multiple pathogenic patterns giving furthermore complexity in choosing an appropriate treatment.

Using initial serum lactate level in the emergency department to predict the sustained return of spontaneous circulation in nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Abstract: Objective To examine the initial level of lactate to predict sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Materials and methods This was a 30-month retrospective cohort study in an emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital. The inclusion criteria were adult nontraumatic OHCA patients who came to the ED with ongoing chest compression. The primary outcome was initial serum lactate level at the ED to predict sustained ROSC in nontraumatic OHCA. Logistic regression was used to determine any association between sustained ROSC and significant variables. Results There were 207 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Forty one percent of nontraumatic OHCA patients achieved sustained ROSC. The mean ± SD initial serum lactate in the ROSC group was lower than the non-ROSC group (12.0±4.8 vs 12.6±5), but without statistical significance. The significant factors to predict sustained ROSC were no underlying disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71, 95% CI 0.51-5.71, P=0.014), cardiac arrest in a public area (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.2-4.79, P=0.013), and witnessed arrest (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.26-4.52, P=0.008). The cut-off points of initial serum lactate to predict mortality at 24 and 48 hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation were 9.1 (P=0.031) and 9.4 (P=0.049) mmol/L, respectively. Eleven survived to hospital discharge, and 54.5% had good neurological outcome without statistical significance (P=0.553). The significant variables and initial lactate levels were used to develop a scoring system which ranged from -4 to 11. The receiver operating characters curve indicated a cut-off point of 3.6 to predict ROSC with an area under the curve of 0.715. Conclusion The initial serum lactate had no association with sustained ROSC and hospital discharge with good neurological outcome but can be used to predict 24- and 48-hour postresuscitation mortality in nontraumatic OHCA patients with initial serum lactate cut-off points of 9.1 and 9.4 mmol/L, respectively.

Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale correlates with bispectral index in traumatic brain injury patients who underwent craniotomy.

Abstract: Background Assessing consciousness in traumatic brain injury is important because it also determines the treatment option, which will influence patients' outcome. A tool used to objectively assess consciousness level is the bispectral index (BIS) monitor, which was originally designed to monitor the depth of anesthesia. Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) provides a measuring tool to assess traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcome. The goal of this study was to assess the correlation between GOS-E scores with BIS values in patients with TBI who underwent craniotomy. Patients and methods A total of 68 patients admitted to the emergency department with decreased consciousness due to TBI who underwent craniotomy were included in the study. BIS value was measured upon admission, then GOS-E score was determined 6 months after the incident took place. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between GOS-E score and BIS value. Results In 68 patients, the GOS-E score was found to have a strong correlation (r =0.921, p<0.01) with BIS values. From this study, the formula to estimate GOS-E score based on BIS value upon admission stands as: GOS-E =0.19 (BIS) - 8.31. Conclusion This study found that there is a strong correlation between GOS-E score and BIS value. These findings suggest that BIS scores upon admission may be used to predict the outcomes in patients with TBI. However, the wide distribution of BIS values for each GOS-E score may limit the use of BIS scores in accurately predicting GOS-E scores.

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement in the emergency department: experience in a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia.

Abstract: Introduction The use of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the emergency room (ER) is a valuable tool for the comprehensive management of critically ill patients; however, the positioning of these devices is not free of complications. Currently, the use of ultrasound is considered a useful and safe tool to carry out these procedures, but in Colombia, the number of emergency departments providing this tool is scarce and there is no literature describing the experience in our country. Objective The objective of this study was to describe the experience regarding placement of ultrasound-guided CVCs by emergency physicians in an institution in Bogota, as well as the associated complications. Materials and methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study. Medical records of 471 patients requiring insertion of CVCs in the resuscitation area from January 2014 to December 2014 were reviewed. Insertion site and complications are described. Results For 471 total cases, the average age of patients was 68.6 years, the most frequent diagnosis was sepsis (30.7%), the preferred route of insertion was the right internal jugular vein, and insertion was successful at the first attempt in 85.9% of patients. Pneumothorax was the most common complication (1.2%), followed by extensive hematoma and infection. Conclusion Insertion of ultrasound-guided CVCs by emergency physicians is a safe procedure that involves complications similar to those reported in the literature; it is necessary to expand the use of ultrasound-guided CVCs in ERs.

Prehospital dexamethasone administration in children with croup: a medical record review.

Abstract: Objectives Croup is one of the most common childhood respiratory illnesses. Early dexamethasone administration in croup can improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical impact of prehospital administration of dexamethasone to children with croup. Methods A medical record review that included children between 6 months and 6 years, who were brought via emergency medical services (EMS) to the emergency department (ED) with a final diagnosis of croup, between January 2010 and December 2012, was conducted. Data were collected regarding prehospital management and ED management, length of stay (LOS), final disposition, and patient demographics. Results A total of 188 patients with an ED diagnosis of croup were enrolled, 35.1% (66/188) of whom received a prehospital diagnosis of croup. The mean age of the participants was 32.96±17.18 months and 10.6% (20/188) were given dexamethasone in the prehospital setting by EMS, while 30.3% (57/188) were given epinephrine nebulizations. Out of the 66 patients with a prehospital diagnosis of croup, 10.6% (7/66) were given dexamethasone by EMS. In ED, dexamethasone was administered to 88.3% (166/188) while 29.8% of participants (56/188) received epinephrine nebulizations. There was no significant difference in ED LOS between those who received prehospital dexamethasone (2.6±1.6 hours, n=18) and those who did not (3.3±2.7 hours, n=159) (P=0.514). The number of in-hospital epinephrine doses per patient was significantly influenced by the administration of prehospital dexamethasone (P=0.010). Conclusions Prehospital administration of dexamethasone results in less ED epinephrine use and may reflect dexamethasone's positive influence on the severity and short-term persistence of croup symptoms.

Emergency department antibiotic use for exacerbations of COPD

Abstract: Background COPD is the third leading cause of death, with acute exacerbations accounting for 1.5 million emergency department (ED) visits annually. Guidelines include recommendations for antibiotic therapy, though evidence for benefit is limited, and little is known about ED prescribing patterns. Our objectives were to determine the rate with which ED patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are treated with antibiotics, compare the proportions of antibiotic classes prescribed, describe trends of antibiotic treatment, and identify predictors of antibiotic therapy. Patients and methods This was an analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) for the years 2009-2014. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the rate of antibiotic therapy and the relative proportions of each antibiotic class prescribed for AECOPD. Logistic regression was used to measure the trend in treatment rate over time and identify the variables associated with antibiotic use. Results There were an estimated 4.5 million ED visits for AECOPD. Antibiotic treatment occurred at a rate of 39%. Among those treated, macrolides (41%) and quinolones (35%) were prescribed most frequently. Logistic regression did not reveal a trend in antibiotic treatment over time and identified emergent/immediate triage level (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.09-4.10) and elevated temperature (OR 7.92, 95% CI 2.28-27.50) as being independently associated with antibiotic therapy. Conclusion Less than half of the ED visits for AECOPD resulted in antibiotic therapy, with no upward trend over time. Fever and triage level were predictive of antibiotic therapy, with macrolides and quinolones constituting the agents most commonly prescribed.

Strategies for improving outcomes in the acute management of ischemic stroke in rural emergency departments: a quality improvement initiative in the Stroke Belt

Abstract: Background The timely evaluation and initiation of treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical to optimal patient outcomes. However, clinical practice often falls short of guideline-established goals. Hospitals in rural regions of the USA, and notably those in the Stroke Belt, are particularly challenged to meet timing goals since the vast majority of primary stroke centers (PSCs) are concentrated in urban academic institutions. Methods Between May 2015 and May 2017, emergency department (ED) teams from 5 non-PSC hospitals in the Stroke Belt participated in a quality improvement (QI) initiative. The intervention included a baseline practice assessment survey, repeat audit-and-feedback cycles with patient data on AIS treatment timing, personalized Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Education-certified grand rounds sessions at each participating site with expert study faculty, targeted reinforcement of best practices, and follow-up to evaluate the benefits and limitations of the intervention. Results At the start of the initiative, clinical staff from participating EDs overestimated the proportion of patients with AIS who received alteplase within the guideline-recommended 60-minute door-to-needle window at their facility. At the end of the 6-month intervention period, significantly more patients were treated with alteplase within 60 minutes of ED arrival compared to baseline across the entire sample (1.9% of patients at baseline vs. 5.2% at 6 months; P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a trend toward a decrease in the percentage of patients whose alteplase treatment was initiated more than 60 minutes after their arrival at the ED (67.3% at baseline vs. 22.2% at 6 months). Conclusion Structured QI interventions that engage ED care teams to reflect on processes related to AIS diagnosis and treatment and deploy repeat audit-and-feedback cycles with real-time patient data have the potential to support an increase in the number of patients who receive alteplase within the guideline-recommended timeframe of 60 minutes from hospital arrival.

All guns blazing: management and survival of massive valproic acid overdose – case report and literature review

Abstract: A 51-year-old woman, who intentionally ingested a massive dose of ~60 g of valproic acid which she was using as a mood stabilizer for bipolar affective disorder, presented within 30 minutes of ingestion to the emergency department. The patient was asymptomatic and was immediately started on decontamination therapy with activated charcoal (AC). Drug serum levels, liver functions, and ammonia levels were tested and followed up during treatment. Due to the massive ingestion and continuous rise in serum drug levels, the patient received regular multiple doses of AC, as well as l-carnitine for liver protection. The patient was started on extracorporeal therapy in the form of renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU), followed by intermittent hemodialysis. Drug serum levels dropped significantly. Ammonia levels showed improvement with treatment. The patient was discharged from the ICU after 14 days of treatment. She was stable and in good condition with no residual hepatic or central nervous system (CNS) manifestations.

Differences in implementation strategies of the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2015 in Danish hospitals - a nationwide study.

Abstract: Introduction Guideline implementation is essential to improve survival following cardiac arrest. This study aimed to investigate awareness, expected time frame, and strategy for implementation of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines 2015 in Danish hospitals. Methods All public, somatic hospitals with a cardiac arrest team in Denmark were included. A questionnaire was sent to hospital resuscitation committees one week after guideline publication. The questionnaire included questions on awareness of ERC Guidelines 2015 and time frame and strategy for implementation. Results In total, 41 hospitals replied (response rate: 87%) between October 22 and December 22, 2015. Overall, 37% hospital resuscitation committees (n=15) were unaware of the guideline content. Most hospitals (80%, n=33) expected completion of guideline implementation within 6 months and 93% hospitals (n=38) expected the staff to act according to the ERC Guidelines 2015 within 6 months. In contrast, 78% hospitals (n=32) expected it would take between 6 months to 3 years for all staff to have completed a resuscitation course based on ERC Guidelines 2015. Overall, 29% hospitals (n=12) planned to have a strategy for implementation later than a month after guideline publication and 10% (n=4) hospitals did not plan to make a strategy. Conclusion There are major differences in guideline implementation strategies among Danish hospitals. Many hospital resuscitation committees were unaware of guideline content. Most hospitals expected hospital staff to follow ERC Guidelines 2015 within six months after the publication even though they did not offer information or skill training to all staff members within that time frame.

Elaborated plan for incoming surgical emergency management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: Background Globally, there has been an increase in injuries as a major cause of death. This burden is mainly due to an increase in road traffic injuries, and it poses an enormous burden in low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal and head injuries are the most prevalent ones, which has led to an overcrowding of traumatic surgical emergencies. Methodology An unrestricted search was done in different research databases for articles published in English between January 2005 and November 2017 focusing on traumatic surgical emergencies. Results The past several decades on the global health landscape are notable for increases in traumatic surgical emergencies. Although this burden of surgical emergencies is universal, high-income countries have implemented measures including mass casualty incident management, which continuously reduces the mortality and morbidity of trauma-related injuries. Nonindustrialized countries are facing almost the same burden, but there is still a lack of enough sustainable measures for combating this burden. Nevertheless, the Rwandan pre-hospital emergency care service (SAMU) which integrate pre-hospital services, has contributed a lot in the management of emergencies in Rwanda. Limb and head injuries are increasing, and there is a trend that this would continue. Conclusion A global upward shift in traumatic surgical emergencies was noted for the past several decades. This trend will continue, and it poses a significant burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, along with worldwide. The Sub-Saharan African mortality and morbidity rates are increasing in regard to traumatic surgical emergencies. Task shifting, initiation of similar systems such as SAMU, increase in workforce, conducting enough research, mass casualty incident protocols implementation, and zero tolerance in regard to alcohol or psychoactive substances by road users are recommendations from this review.

Approach of minimal invasive monitoring and initial treatment of the septic patient in emergency medicine

Abstract: Sepsis and septic shock constitute a complex disease condition that requires the engagement of several medical specialties. A great number of patients with this disease are constantly admitted to the emergency department, which warrants the need for emergency physicians to lead in the recognition and early management of septic patients. Timely and appropriate interventions may help reduce mortality in a disease with an unacceptably high mortality rate. Poor control of cellular hypoperfusion is one of the most influential mechanisms contributing to the high mortality rate in these patients. This article aims to make an evidence-based approach and an algorithm for the active identification of hypoperfusion in patients with suspicion of severe infection, based on both clinical variables (capillary refill, mottling index, left ventricular function by ultrasound, temperature gradient, etc.) and laboratory-measured variables (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO2], and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide tension difference [P (v-a) CO2]). Such variables are feasible to use in the emergency department and would help to explain the cause behind the inadequate oxygen use by cells, thereby guiding treatment at the macrovascular, microvascular, or cellular level.

Potential mortality and cost reduction in adult severe sepsis and septic shock through the use of an innovative fluid delivery device

Abstract: Background While early fluid resuscitation has been shown to significantly improve health and economic metrics in septic shock, providers are often unable to achieve fluid delivery guidelines using current techniques. Purpose To examine expected clinical and economic consequences of more consistent achievement of fluid resuscitation guidelines through use of a novel fluid delivery technology. Patients and methods A decision analytic model was developed to compare expected costs and outcomes associated with the standard technique vs a novel, faster technique for rapid fluid resuscitation in adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Results Use of an innovative fluid delivery device (LifeFlow) resulted in lower expected mortality compared to standard intravenous fluid delivery methods (reduction of 10 fewer deaths per 500 cases). Compared to standard methods, use of the innovative rapid fluid delivery device also resulted in lower expected hospital costs (US$1,569,131 cost reduction per 500 cases), a lower required use of mechanical ventilation (24% vs 31%), decreased average length of stay (11 vs 13 days), decreased average intensive care unit length of stay (2 vs 3 days), and decreased use of vasopressors (17% vs 21%). A sensitivity analysis showed that utilization of the rapid fluid delivery device is more cost-effective than standard methods, even under the most conservative assumptions. Conclusion Based on existing data supporting the importance of early, controlled fluid resuscitation in septic shock patients, the analytical model developed in this study demonstrated the benefit of a novel device that facilitates earlier fluid bolus completion and better adherence to sepsis bundles.