Changes of Poison Data Characteristics Collected from Telephone Response in 1339 and 119: Discrepancy in Characteristics of Post-toxin Exposure Data Obtained through Telephone Counselling Provided by 1339 and 119

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the toxicologic profiles and outcome of poisoned patients by comparing the data obtained through telephone counselling, each provided by emergency medical information center (1339) and emergency dispatch center (119). METHODS: We analyzed the telephone-based poison exposure data before and after Seoul 1339 merged to 119. We compared the Seoul 1339 call response data in 2008 with Seoul and Busan 119 call response data between 2014 and 2016. We analyzed the changes in the trend and quality of data obtained, as well as the quality of service provided by each center before and after this reallocation, by comparing the data each obtained through telephone counselling. RESULTS: The data was collected for a total of 2260 toxin exposure related calls made to Seoul 1339 in 2009, and 1657 calls to 119 in Seoul and Busan between 2014 and 2016. Significant difference was observed for age, sex, and reason for exposure to toxic substance between the two groups. CONCLUSION: After the integration of 1339 with 119, 119 focused on role of field dispatch and hospital transfer, lacking the consulting on drug poisoning. Moreover, data on exposure to toxic substances at the pre-hospital stage indicate that drug information and counseling are missing or unknown. In addition, first aid or follow-up instructions are not provided. Thus, systematic approach and management are required.

Characterization of Total and Size-Fractionated Manganese Exposure by Work Area in a Shipbuilding Yard

BACKGROUND: Shipbuilding involves intensive welding activities, and welders are exposed to a variety of metal fumes, including manganese, that may be associated with neurological impairments. This study aimed to characterize total and size-fractionated manganese exposure resulting from welding operations in shipbuilding work areas. METHODS: In this study, we characterized manganese-containing particulates with an emphasis on total mass (n = 86, closed-face 37-mm cassette samplers) and particle size-selective mass concentrations (n = 86, 8-stage cascade impactor samplers), particle size distributions, and a comparison of exposure levels determined using personal cassette and impactor samplers. RESULTS: Our results suggest that 67.4% of all samples were above the current American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists manganese threshold limit value of 100 μg/m3 as inhalable mass. Furthermore, most of the particles containing manganese in the welding process were of the size of respirable particulates, and 90.7% of all samples exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 20 μg/m3 for respirable manganese. CONCLUSION: The concentrations measured with the two sampler types (cassette: total mass; impactor: inhalable mass) were significantly correlated (r = 0.964, p < 0.001), but the total concentration obtained using cassette samplers was lower than the inhalable concentration of impactor samplers.

Different Characteristics of Toxic Substance/poison Exposure Data that Collected from Pre-hospital Telephone Response and Emergency Department

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find differences in the demographics of toxic exposed patients and substance between call based poison information data and hospital based poison information data. METHODS: Seoul 1339 call-response data were used as call based poison data and toxic related injury surveillance data of the Korean center for disease control and prevention (KCDC) were used as hospital based poison data. Age, sex, the kind of exposed substance, reasons for exposure, and exposure routes were compared between two data sets. We analyzed the presence or not of documentation on the name and amount of exposed substance, symptoms after exposure in call based poison data. RESULTS: Seoul1339 poison data included a total of 2260 information related to toxic exposure and KCDC poison data included 5650 poison cases. There was no difference in sexual distribution. Pediatric exposure and accidental exposure were more common in call based poison data. The most common exposed substances were household products in call based poison data and medicines in hospital based poison data, respectively. Documents regarding amount and time of toxic exposure and symptoms after toxic exposure were not recorded exactly in call based poison data. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in age, reasons for toxic exposure, and the kinds of exposed substances. Poison information data from both pre-hospital and hospital must be considered.

Different Characteristics of Toxic Substance/poison Exposure Data that Collected from Pre-hospital Telephone Response and Emergency Department

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find differences in the demographics of toxic exposed patients and substance between call based poison information data and hospital based poison information data. METHODS: Seoul 1339 call-response data were used as call based poison data and toxic related injury surveillance data of the Korean center for disease control and prevention (KCDC) were used as hospital based poison data. Age, sex, the kind of exposed substance, reasons for exposure, and exposure routes were compared between two data sets. We analyzed the presence or not of documentation on the name and amount of exposed substance, symptoms after exposure in call based poison data. RESULTS: Seoul1339 poison data included a total of 2260 information related to toxic exposure and KCDC poison data included 5650 poison cases. There was no difference in sexual distribution. Pediatric exposure and accidental exposure were more common in call based poison data. The most common exposed substances were household products in call based poison data and medicines in hospital based poison data, respectively. Documents regarding amount and time of toxic exposure and symptoms after toxic exposure were not recorded exactly in call based poison data. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in age, reasons for toxic exposure, and the kinds of exposed substances. Poison information data from both pre-hospital and hospital must be considered.

Predictive Value of Serum Procalcitonin in Urinary Tract Infection Patients with Bacteremia

PURPOSE: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in the emergency department (ED). In general, UTI could be treated easily without complication. However, UTI with bacteremia can progress to sepsis or severe sepsis and delay of appropriate treatment can result in worse prognosis. Increased serum procalcitonin level in the bacterial infection of ED patients has been proven. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical utility of procalcitonin as a predictor for bacteremia in UTI patients in the ED setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. UTI Patients admitted through the ED of three academic teaching hospitals from January 2010 to December 2012 were enrolled. We investigated demographic characteristics, hemodynamic variables, and laboratory results including serum procalcitonin level at presentation to the ED according to the presence of bacteremia. ROC curve was obtained and multivariate regression analysis was performed to test the predictive value of serum procalcitonin level for bacteremia in UTI patients. RESULTS: A total of 334 patients were enrolled. Bacteremia was proven in 135 UTI patients. UTI patients with bacteremia had significantly higher serum level of procalcitonin (0.830 vs. 6.860, p<0.0001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, level of procalcitonin and platelet count showed statistical significance (Odds Ratio=1.018, (1.007-1.028), 0.995, (0.992-0.998), 95% CI). Area under the curve for procalcitonin was 0.729, and cut off value was 2.52 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Serum procalcitonin level could be used as a valuable predictor for the presence of bacteremia in UTI patients visiting the ED.

A Case Report of Envenomation and Injury by a Poisonous Spine of A Marble Motoro (Potamotrygon Motoro)

Potamotrygon motoro, also known as the Marble motoro, is a potamodromous freshwater ray native to the basins of the Amazon River. Marble motoros were introduced to South Korea in the 2000s, and, because they are easy to raise, were sold as aquarium fish. The aim of this report is to illustrate a new case involving envenomation by a Marble motoro. A 35-year-old commercial aquarium assistant came to the hospital after being pricked by a Marble motoro. The clinical picture in this case showed acute local pain with minimal systemic manifestations. This patient recovered after receiving symptomatic treatment and wound care. This case of envenomation accentuates the potential for injury among people coming in contact with a venomous Marble motoro.

Availability of Toxicologic Screening Tests in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: The role of a point of care test (POCT) is currently becoming important when treating patients and making decisions in the emergency department. It also plays a role for managing patients presenting with drug intoxication. But the availability of the test has not yet been studied in Korea. Therefore, we investigated the utility and the availability of POCT for drug screening used in the emergency department. METHODS: This was a retrospective study for those patients with drug intoxication between January 2007 and December 2010 in an urban emergency department. RESULTS: Between the study period, 543 patients were examined with a Triage(R)-TOX Drug Screen. Among those, 248 (45.7%) patients showed negative results and 295 (54.3%) patients showed positive results. The sensitivity of the test for benzodiazepine, acetaminophen and tricyclic antidepressants were 85.9%, 100%, 79.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: POCT of drug screening in emergency department showed good accuracy especially in patient with benzodiazepine, acetaminophen and tricyclic antidepressant intoxication. Therefore, it can be useful diagnostic tool for the management of intoxicated patients.

Analysis of Emergency Department Patients Transferred from Geriatric Hospitals: Case Series Descriptive Study

PURPOSE: Nursing homes continue to increase in number, and more residents are being transferred to emergency departments (EDs). The objective of this study was to investigate the overall characteristics of residents who were transferred to the ED and follow-up their course of treatments. METHODS: We identified nursing home residents aged 65 years and older who had been transferred to the ED of a regional tertiary university medical center from January 2008 to December 2009. Further attention was paid to those who had been diagnosed with sepsis. Meantime, a separate cohort of sepsis patients was collected, made up of geriatric patients aged 65 years or older who had visited the ED voluntarily from home or through medical institutions other than nursing homes during the same period. We then compared the two cohorts of sepsis patients. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients aged 65 years or older were transferred from nursing homes during the study period. Their mean age was 77.6+/-7.2 years, and 172 (54.8%) were females. Seventy six (24.2%) patients whose caregivers did not comply with the necessary procedures or refused aggressive management were discharged home or were retransferred to nursing homes. A total of 41 sepsis patients had been transferred from nursing homes, whereas 64 patients had visited the ER voluntarily or through medical institutions other than nursing homes. Even though the difference between the two groups was not significant statistically, patients transferred from nursing homes tended to be discharged or retransferred to nursing homes with inadequate treatment. CONCLUSION: A considerable number of patients transferred from nursing homes were found to be discharged or retransferred to nursing homes during acute care due to refusal of aggressive treatments. Likewise, the comparison of sepsis patients between the two arms showed a greater portion being retransferred with inadequate treatment as well as a greater rate of mortality among patients transferred from nursing homes.

Aneurysms of Distal Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms are very rarely encountered in the distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The authors experienced 5 cases with a distal PICA aneurysm among 368 cases of intracranial aneurysms during the period from January 2003 to January 2008. Here, the authors describe their clinical and surgical experiences and include a review of the relevant literature. METHODS: Using radiologic findings and charts, we retrospectively reviewed the surgical results of 5 cases with a distal PICA aneurysm treated from January 2003 to January 2008. RESULTS: The current five cases were composed of four cases of 'Good' and one case of 'Fair'. No postoperative complications occurred other than a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus in Case 2. In all five cases, treatment was successful without neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcome of PICA aneurysms have been reported to be excellent because the amount of intraparenchymal injury is limited. More clinical experience, microsurgical technique developments, and endovascular surgery advancements are certain to improve treatment outcomes.

Lactic Acidosis as a Prognostic Factor and a Therapeutic Guideline for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical utility of lactic acidosis as a predictor of in-hospital mortality and as an early therapeutic marker in severe sepsis and septic shock patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study. Patients visiting the emergency department from January 2005 to October 2006 who were suspected to have severe sepsis and septic shock were candidates for enrollment. Therapies in the emergency department consisted of early goal-directed resuscitation and employed central venous access, antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive agent, and inotropes as required. We measured hemodynamic variables, arterial blood gases, and serum lactate at presentation (0 hours) and at four hours. The SAPS II at emergency department and SOFA score at 0 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were enrolled during the study period. Data were presented as mean+/-SD. Thirtyfour patients died in the hospital, eighteen patients of them within 72 hours after admission. Septic shock was encountered in 44 patients. Non-survivors had significantly lower pH, higher serum lactate level, higher SAPS II scores, lower mean arterial blood pressure, higher heart rates, and lower PaO2/FiO2 values at 0 and 4 hours than did survivors. During the first four hours, persistent lactic acidosis and high SAPS II scores were independently associated with mortality. Although most patients achieved the therapeutic goals, excepting central venous oxygen saturation in nonsurvivors, patients with persistent lactic acidosis at 0 and 4 hours had significantly high in-hospital mortality and early overall mortality than other patients (80.0%, p=0.000, 65.0%, p=0.000, respectively). Patients recovering from lactic acidosis at 4 hours showed lower in-hospital mortality and early overall mortality than patients with persistent lactic acidosis (50.0% vs. 80.0%, p=0.070, 14.3% vs. 65.0%, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Persistent lactic acidosis was found to be an independent variable for predicting mortality and morbidity. Persistent lactic acidosis may be used as a prognostic and treatment indicator during the resuscitation of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in an emergency department.

Clinical significance of the patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy in idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / 대한내과학회지

No abstract available.