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The American journal of emergency medicine
Centrum Philadelphia]
The American journal of emergency medicine

Centrum Philadelphia]

0735-6757

The American journal of emergency medicine/Journal The American journal of emergency medicine
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    Hands-on defibrillation with safety drapes: Analysis of compressions and an alternate current pathway

    Wight J.A.Bigham T.E.Hanson P.R.Zahid A....
    5页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Background: Hands-on defibrillation (HOD) could theoretically improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) though a few mechanisms. Polyethylene drapes could potentially facilitate safe HOD, but questions remain about the effects of CPR on polyethylene's conductance and the magnitude of current looping through rescuers' arms in contact with patients. Methods: This study measured the leakage current through 2 mil (0.002 in.) polyethylene through two different current pathways before and after 30 min of continuous compressions on a CPR mannequin. The two pathways analyzed were the standardized IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) leakage current analysis and a setup analyzing a current pathway looping through a rescuer's arms and returning to the patient. First, ten measurements involving the two pathways were obtained on a single polyethylene drape. 30 min of continuous compressions were applied to the drape on a CPR mannequin after which the ten measurements were repeated. Results: Twenty patients undergoing elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (18/20) or atrial flutter (2/20) at Emory University Hospital underwent analysis all receiving 200 J shocks (age 38–101, 35% female). Through the IEC measurement method the peak leakage current mean was 0.70 +/? 0.02 mA before compressions and 0.59 +/? 0.19 mA after compressions. Only three of the ten measurements assessing current passing through a rescuer's arms had detectable current and each was of low magnitude. All measurements were well below the maximum IEC recommendations of 3.5 mA RMS and 5.0 mA peak. Conclusions: Polyethylene may facilitate safe HOD even after long durations of compressions. Current looping through a rescuer's arms is likely of insignificant magnitude.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Association between fentanyl treatment for acute pain in the emergency department and opioid use two weeks after discharge

    Daoust R.Paquet J.Huard V.Chauny J.-M....
    6页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 The AuthorsBackground: Analgesia with fentanyl can be associated with hyperalgesia (higher sensitivity to pain) and can contribute to escalating opioid use. Our objective was to assess the relationship between emergency department (ED) acute pain management with fentanyl compared to other opioids, and the quantity of opioids consumed two-week after discharge. We hypothesized that the quantity of opioids consumed would be higher for patients treated with fentanyl compared to those treated with other opioids. Methods: Patients were selected from two prospective cohorts assessing opioids consumed after ED discharge. Patients ≥18 years treated with an opioid in the ED for an acute pain condition (≤2 weeks) and discharged with an opioid prescription were included. Patients completed a 14-day paper or electronic diary of pain medication use. Quantity of 5 mg morphine equivalent tablets consumed during a 14-day follow-up by patients treated with fentanyl compared to those treated with other opioids during their ED stay were analyzed using a multiple linear regression and propensity scores. Results: We included 707 patients (mean age ± SD: 50 ± 15 years, 47% women) in this study. During follow-up, patients treated with fentanyl (N = 91) during their ED stay consumed a median (IQR) of 5.8 (14) 5 mg morphine equivalent pills compared to 7.0 (14) for those treated with other opioids (p = 0.05). Results were similar using propensity score sensitivity analysis. However, after adjusting for confounding variables, ED fentanyl treatment showed a trend, but not a statistically significant association with a decreased opioid consumption during the 14-day follow-up (B = ?2.4; 95%CI = ?5.3 to 0.4; p = 0.09). Conclusions: Patients treated with fentanyl during ED stay did not consume more opioids after ED discharge, compared to those treated with other opioids. If fentanyl does cause more hyperalgesia compared to other opioids, it does not seem to have a significant impact on opioid consumption after ED discharge.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    The role of brain tomography scan in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in whom return of spontaneous circulation

    Cankaya Gokdere D.Emektar E.Corbacioglu S.K.Yuzbasioglu Y....
    5页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021Background and aim: The diagnosis and treatment process after resuscitation of patients with spontaneous return of circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest is important. There is no clear recommendation on utilization of computerized tomography (CT) of the brain in patients with ROSC. In this study, it was aimed to diagnosis the pathology detection rates in the brain tomography of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with ROSC after resuscitation in the emergency department and the effect of these pathologies on treatment management. Materials and methods: 131 patients who were admitted to the Emergency Medicine Clinic with cardiac arrest between 08.05.2019 and 07.12.2020, had ROSC after resuscitation and underwent brain CT in the first 24 h were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups; those with clinically significant pathology in brain CT who underwent treatment changes and those without clinically significant pathology. All data recorded in the study form were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20.0 (Chicago, IL, USA) statistics program. P < 0.005 value was considered statistically significant. Results: 51.1% (67) of the patients were women. The age median value was 73 (IQR25-IQR75;63–83). The most common comorbidity in patients was hypertension with 42% (55). Patients with clinically significant pathology observed in brain tomography studied after ROSC were 12.2% (16) of all patients. The most common management changes were requesting a consultation from the neurology department (n = 9) and adding a new drug to the treatment (n= 5) The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We have seen that the data obtained from the CT studied in the early period after the ROSC was achieved, did not change the management of our patients x in the early and late periods after resuscitation. We conclude that it is not necessary to have a brain CT scan in the emergency department in the early period.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    The use of the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children

    Hou J.Feng W.Liu W.Die X....
    7页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Purpose: No reliably specific marker for complicated appendicitis has been identified. The ratio of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin (ALB) (CRP/ALB ratio) is a new inflammation-based prognostic score that is associated with the severity of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CRP/ALB ratio for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children. Methods: A retrospective study of 296 children with acute appendicitis was conducted with assessments of demographic data, clinical symptoms, pre-operative laboratory results, abdominal ultrasound examinations and clinical outcomes. According to the postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into a simple appendicitis group (169 patients) and a complicated appendicitis group (127 patients). SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: Of the 296 patients, CRP/ALB ratio was higher in complicated appendicitis than in simple appendicitis (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of white blood cell count (WBC), CRP, CRP/ALB ratio, and increased incidence in submucosal layer loss and appendicolith were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis in children. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the CRP/ALB ratio (0.883) was larger than that of WBC (0.702), CRP (0.802), ALB (0.835), submucosal layer loss (0.633) and appendicolith (0.673). A CRP/ALB ratio ≥ 1.39 was found to be a significant marker in the prediction of complicated appendicitis, with 86.61% sensitivity and 84.62% specificity. Patients with a CRP/ALB ratio ≥ 1.39 had a 31.263 times higher chance of having complicated appendicitis (95% CI: 16.449–59.418) than those with a CRP/ALB ratio < 1.39. Conclusion: The admission CRP/ALB ratio was significantly higher in children with complicated appendicitis. The CRP/ALB ratio is a novel but promising haematological marker that aids in the differentiation of acute complicated and simple appendicitis.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Proper preservation of amputated parts: A multi-level shortcoming

    Sinatro H.Massand S.Ingraham J.
    4页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021Background: Successful replantation relies on proper preservation of traumatically amputated parts. The established protocol for preservation, however, is inconsistently adhered to. The objective of this study is to examine the rate of proper preservation in multiple patient populations. Methods: A retrospective review of patients from 2015 to 2019 at a single academic institution was conducted. Patients were included if they suffered a traumatic amputation, the amputated part was present for evaluation by the hand surgery team, and modality of preservation was documented. Additional data including method of patient transport, replantation attempt, and operative outcome were assessed. Patients were stratified based on whether proper preservation was employed and compared using chi-square tests. Results: Ninety-one patients were included, thirty-one (34.1%) of whom had amputated parts which were properly preserved. Patients from referring facilities were more likely to present with properly preserved parts (45.0%) than those presenting from home (25.5%), though this did not meet significance (P = .051). In total, 74 patients arrived via EMS with 35.1% adherence to preservation protocol. Of the 31 patients who had properly preserved parts, 58.1% underwent attempted replant; of the 60 patients who had improperly preserved parts, 23.3% underwent attempted replantation (P = .001). Conclusions: The majority of patients who suffer traumatic amputations do not present with properly preserved amputated parts, limiting potential replantation. With a direct correlation to attempted replantation, proper preservation is a crucial aspect of care and should not be overlooked when seeking to optimize efforts and results. Level of evidence: Level IV.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Prevalence of significant traumatic brain injury among patients intubated in the field due to impaired level of consciousness

    Epstein D.Rakedzon S.Kaplan B.Ben Lulu H....
    7页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Objective: Current guidelines advocate prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) in patients with suspected severe head injury and impaired level of consciousness. However, the ability to identify patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the prehospital setting is limited and prehospital ETI carries a high complication rate. We investigated the prevalence of significant TBI among patients intubated in the field for that reason. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from emergency medical services and hospital records of trauma patients for whom prehospital ETI was attempted and who were transferred to Rambam Health Care Campus, Israel. The indication for ETI was extracted. The primary outcome was significant TBI (clinical or radiographic) among patients intubated due to suspected severe head trauma. Results: In 57.3% (379/662) of the trauma patients, ETI was attempted due to impaired consciousness. 349 patients were included in the final analysis: 82.8% were male, the median age was 34 years (IQR 23.0–57.3), and 95.7% suffered blunt trauma. 253 patients (72.5%) had significant TBI. In a multivariable analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale>8 and alcohol intoxication were associated with a lower risk of TBI with OR of 0.26 (95% CI 0.13–0.51, p < 0.001) and 0.16 (95% CI 0.06–0.46, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Altered mental status in the setting of trauma is a major reason for prehospital ETI. Although most of these patients had TBI, one in four of them did not suffer a significant TBI. Patients with a higher field GCS and those suffering from intoxication have a higher risk of misdiagnosis. Future studies should explore better tools for prehospital assessment of TBI and ways to better define and characterize patients who may benefit from early ETI.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with readmission in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Akbari A.Fathabadi A.Razmi M.Zarifian A....
    8页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Background: We aimed to determine the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with readmission in COVID-19 patients. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve articles on readmitted COVID-19 patients, available up to September 25, 2021. All studies comparing characteristics of readmitted and non-readmitted COVID-19 patients were included. We also included articles reporting the reasons for readmission in COVID-19 patients. Data were pooled and meta-analyzed using random or fixed-effect models, as appropriate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the place and duration of readmission. Results: Our meta-analysis included 4823 readmitted and 63,413 non-readmitted COVID-19 patients. The re-hospitalization rate was calculated at 9.3% with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [5.5%–15.4%], mostly associated with respiratory or cardiac complications (48% and 14%, respectively). Comorbidities including cerebrovascular disease (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.812; 95% CI [1.547–2.121]), cardiovascular (2.173 [1.545–3.057]), hypertension (1.608 [1.319–1.960]), ischemic heart disease (1.998 [1.495–2.670]), heart failure (2.556 [1.980–3.300]), diabetes (1.588 [1.443–1.747]), cancer (1.817 [1.526–2.162]), kidney disease (2.083 [1.498–2.897]), chronic pulmonary disease (1.601 [1.438–1.783]), as well as older age (1.525 [1.175–1.978]), male sex (1.155 [1.041–1.282]), and white race (1.263 [1.044–1.528]) were significantly associated with higher readmission rates (P < 0.05 for all instances). The mortality rate was significantly lower in readmitted patients (OR = 0.530 [0.329–0.855], P = 0.009). Conclusions: Male sex, white race, comorbidities, and older age were associated with a higher risk of readmission among previously admitted COVID-19 patients. These factors can help clinicians and policy-makers predict, and conceivably reduce the risk of readmission in COVID-19 patients.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Evaluation of advanced practice provider related return visits to a pediatric emergency department and their outcomes

    Hussain B.Kannikeswaran N.Mathew R.Arora R....
    5页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021Background: While multiple studies have evaluated physician-related return visits (RVs) to a pediatric emergency department (PED) limited data exists for Advanced Practice Provider (APP)-related RVs, hence our study aimed to evaluate APP-related RVs and their outcomes in a PED. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 72-h RVs where clinical care was independently provided by an APP during the index visit from January 2018 to December 2019. We extracted patient demographics, index and return visits' characteristics and outcomes. Reasons for RVs were categorized as progression of illness, medication-related, callbacks and others. Index visits were assessed for any diagnostic errors; impact of which to the patient was classified as none, minor or major. Results: Our APP-related RV rate was 2.1% (653/30,328). 462 eligible RVs were included in the final analysis. Majority of RVs were for medical reasons (n = 442, 95.7%); lower acuity (Emergency Severity Index ≥3, n = 426, 92.2%); due to persistence/progression of illness (n = 403; 87.2%) with viral illness being the common diagnosis (n = 159; 34.4%). 12 (2.6%) RVs were secondary to callbacks (8 radiology callbacks; 4 false positive blood cultures). Diagnostic errors were noted in 14 (3%) encounters of which 3 resulted in a major impact; radiological (7 fractures) and ophthalmological (2 corneal abrasions and 2 foreign bodies) misses constituted the majority of these. Conclusions: APP-related RVs for low acuity medical patients remain low and are associated with good outcomes. Diagnostic errors account for a minority of these RVs. Focused interventions targeting provider errors can further decrease these RVs.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    Operationalizing influenza vaccination in an urban safety-net emergency department

    Farrell N.M.Lamb M.Baker W.E.Gendron B.J....
    5页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Introduction: Influenza vaccination is a recommended tool in preventing influenza-related illnesses, medical visits, and hospitalizations. With many patients remaining unvaccinated each year, the Emergency Department (ED) represents a unique opportunity to provide vaccinations to patient not yet vaccinated. However, busy urban safety-net EDs maybe challenged to safely execute such a vaccination program. The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess influenza vaccination feasibility in the ED and improve influenza vaccination rates in our community. Methods: The quality improvement work-group, comprised of ED physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, designed and implemented an influenza vaccination protocol that aligned with the ED workflow. The outcome measure was the total number of patients vaccinated per month and per influenza season. Process measures included the type of influenza vaccine administered and type of care area within ED. Balancing measures were also included. Results: Following the initiative, a total of 337 patients received influenza vaccinations in the ED between September 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 compared to none during the previous influenza season. With each influenza season, the number of vaccinated patients increased from 61 to 134 and 142, respectively. The average age of the patients was 48.23 ± 15.29, 52.89 ± 15.91, and 44.92 ± 18.97 years old. Most patients received the vaccination while roomed in the high acuity section of the adult ED. No adverse effects or automated dispensing cabinet stockouts were observed. Conclusion: Our structured program indicates that influenza vaccine administration to eligible patients is feasible in a busy urban safety-net ED. Piloting new and further developing existing ED-based influenza vaccination programs have the potential to significantly benefit public health.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier

    MIS-C among return visits for fever in a pediatric emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Kannikeswaran N.Sethuraman U.Merolla D.M.Bond K....
    3页
    查看更多>>摘要：? 2021 Elsevier Inc.Return visits (RV) to a pediatric emergency department (PED) can be secondary to illness progression, parental concerns, call backs or rarely due to a diagnostic error during the first visit. Fever accounts for nearly half of these RVs and is also one of the most common presenting complaints of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children. Although majority of children with COVID 19 have a mild illness, severe complications such as Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can occur. These children are often critically ill with a mortality rate of 2–4%. Initial symptoms of MIS- C are non- specific and mimic other viral illness making early diagnosis challenging. We report five patients who were evaluated for fever and discharged from our PED and were subsequently diagnosed with MIS-C (n = 3) or Kawasaki Disease (n = 2) during their RV within 7 days. All patients presented with fever during the initial visit and three of the five children had gastrointestinal symptoms. They were all noted have persistent tachycardia during the index visit. Three patients presented in cardiogenic shock and echocardiographic abnormalities were noted in four patients during the RV. Significant interventions were required in majority of these children (PICU admission: 4, inotropes: 3, mechanical ventilation:2). Clinicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion for diagnosis of MIS-C especially in those who present with persistent fever and have abnormal vital signs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Elsevier