Diagnostic Efficacy of the Modified Alvarado Score for Acute Appendicitis in Pregnant Women

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate whether the modified Alvarado score-which is currently being used to diagnose acute appendicitis-can be applicable in the diagnosis of diseases in pregnant women. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 252 pregnant women who visited our emergency department (ED) with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and a suspicion of acute appendicitis, and ultimately underwent appendix ultrasonography or appendix magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The modified Alvarado score was calculated for each pregnant woman. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for each subject, those in the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester, from which the best cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity were induced. RESULTS: For all 252 pregnant women who visited our ED, the area under the curve was 0.742 (p<0.001), with sensitivity and specificity of 75.41% and 62.30%, respectively, when using the value of 5 as the cut-off point for the modified Alvarado score. The area under the curve was 0.811 (p<0.001) for those in their first trimester and 0.749 (p<0.001) for those in the second trimester, while it was 0.641, with the p-value of 0.109, for those in the third trimester. CONCLUSION: There is a limitation using the modified Alvarado score alone in pregnant woman, and if there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, other imaging studies, such as appendix ultrasonography or appendix MRI, should be considered.

Appropriateness of Glasgow-Blatchford Scoring System in Early Prediction of High Risk Group for Old Age Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Patients Visiting Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the most common causes of emergency department (ED) presentation which can lead to a fatal condition. Many clinical scoring systems intended to predict the prognosis of UGIB patients were developed and validated, including Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) and Rockall score (RS). In particular, GBS has shown its superiority in prediction of mortality, the necessity of endoscopic intervention and admission, compared with other scoring systems, in recent studies. However, GBS does not include the age of the patient as its component and has clearly shown its efficacy only in subjects under age 70. Hence, we aimed to assess whether GBS could also be used in old age UGIB patients as a useful risk stratifying method as in younger age. METHODS: UGIB patients who visited our ED for one year were retrospectively enrolled in the analysis. Medical records of the subjects were reviewed, and their GBS and clinical RS were calculated. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve of each score in prediction of high risk UGIB was drawn and area under curve (AUC) was calculated. Correlation analysis of each score and hospital length of stay was also performed. To assess the validity of each score for use in old age patients, all analyses were also performed in subgroups of age over 60 years, and under that. RESULTS: ROC curves suggest that GBS has significant detecting power for high risk UGIB in overall subjects, subgroups of age over 60 and under (p=<0.001 for all, AUC=0.919, 0.935, 0.901, respectively). Otherwise, clinical RS only showed significant results in overall group and subgroup of age over 60 with lower AUC. CONCLUSION: GBS may also be used safely as an initial risk stratifying method in old age UGIB patients visiting the ED, as in other age groups.

Observation of Emergency Department Adult Patient Presenting Primary Symptoms of Upper Digestive Tract Oreign Body Ingestion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to search for factors which can help in deciding on proper treatment for patients who visit the Emergency department (ED) with symptoms of foreign body ingestion. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of medical records of ED patients with primary symptoms of foreign body ingestion. The patients' demographic data, elapsed time since the ingestion, type of foreign body, symptoms, and the method of removal were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for analysis of whether these factors can be used to decide on proper treatment. RESULTS: Among 321 patients, a foreign body was removed successfully in 285 patients and the foreign body was not found in the remaining 36 patients. Of the successfully treated cases, 76 were removed grossly, 133 were removed using a laryngoscope, 74 were removed with endoscopy, and 2 were removed spontaneously. Comparing the group in which a foreign body was found and the other group, there was a significant difference in elapsed time since the onset of symptoms (p=0.013) and the type of foreign body (p=0.001). There was no significant reliable factor which can predict the existence of a foreign body. CONCLUSION: There was no significant factor which can predict the existence of a foreign body. Considering that the foreign body was found in most suspected patients, and that numerous patients in which a foreign body was not found had shown signs of complications due to foreign body, constructive treatment should be advocated.

Prediction of Complicated Acute Cholecystitis During Emergency Department Stay

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with complicated acute cholecystitis of initial clinical findings during an emergency department (ED) visit, and to use them as a guideline for consideration of early and active surgical intervention, to improve the prognosis of acute cholecystitis. METHODS: Medical records of adult patients diagnosed and treated in the ED as acute cholecystitis were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical findings including demographic data, past medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results were included in the analysis. A case associated with gall bladder empyema, gangrene, perforation, hydrops, or failure of initial laparoscopic approach was defined as complicated acute cholecystitis. Factors showing significance in univariate analyses were included in binary logistic regression analysis for prediction of complicated acute cholecystitis. RESULTS: Age, sex, hypertension history, anorexia, body temperature, white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, total bilirubin, amylase, and lipase were significant in univariate analyses, and included in multivariate analysis. Age (p=0.039), male sex (p=0.004), and WBC (p=0.019) were significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Age, sex, and initial WBC of patients diagnosed and treated in the ED as acute cholecystitis were independently associated with complicated acute cholecystitis.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Length of Hospital Stay in Geriatric Patients Transferred from Long-term Care Hospitals

PURPOSE: The number of geriatric patients transferred from long-term care hospitals to emergency department (ED) is increasing because the number of long-term care hospitals has increased significantly in recent years. Only a few studies showing the characteristics of geriatric patients transferred from long-term care hospitals to ED have been reported. We assessed factors affecting length of hospital stay in geriatric non-trauma patients transferred from long-term care hospital to ED. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of the medical records of 143 patients who were transferred from long-term care hospital to ED. Admitted patients were classified according to two groups (general ward group and intensive care unit group). Univariate analyses were performed relating initial vital signs and laboratory methods for prediction of the length of hospital stay. Cox proportional hazard analysis was then derived, with all variables in the final model significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were enrolled in the study. Results of univariate analysis for Glasgow Coma Scale, heart rate, oxygen saturation, white blood cell count, segmented granulocyte percent, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were significant. In multivariate analysis results for oxygen saturation (p=0.014, hazard ratio=1.065) and segmented granulocyte percent (p=0.025, hazard ratio=0.975) were significant. CONCLUSION: Higher oxygen saturation and lower segmented granulocyte percent are independent factors leading to earlier discharge from the hospital in geriatric non-trauma patients transferred from long-term care hospitals.

Assessing Safety Attitudes among Healthcare Providers after a Hospital-Wide High-Risk Patient Care Program

PURPOSE: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is commonly performed in high-risk, high intensity situations and is therefore a good procedure around which to develop and implement safety culture strategies in the hospital. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a hospital-wide quality improvement program on the management of sudden cardiac arrests by assessing healthcare providers' attitudes towards patient safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective cohort study at a single academic medical center. The comprehensive hospital-based safety program included steps to identify areas of hazard, partner units with the Resuscitation Committee, and to conduct a Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). The SAQ evaluated 35 questions in seven domains to assess changes in patient safety culture by comparing the results before and after the hospital-wide high risk patient care improvement program. RESULTS: The response rates of the pre- and post-SAQ survey were 489 out of 1121 (43.6%) and 575 out of 1270 (45.3%), respectively. SAQ survey responses revealed significant improvement in all seven domains of the questionnaire (p-values of 0.006 and lower). In a subgroup analysis, doctors and nurses showed improvement in five domains. Both doctors and nurses did not show improvement in the "sharing information" domain. CONCLUSION: A hospital-wide quality improvement program for high-risk, high reliability patient care involving CPR care was shown to be associated with a change in healthcare providers' attitudes towards patient safety. Through an immersive and active program on CPR care, change in healthcare providers' attitudes towards patient safety was initiated.

Assessment and Training of Teamwork and Leadership for Critical Care Nurses: A Pilot Study / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Teamwork and leadership training have been shown to improve subsequent resuscitation performance in a variety of clinical situations. Critical care nurses, in addition to those who may be part of resuscitation team leaders and members, have also the need for such training. This study examines the teamwork and leadership skills of critical care nurses and their perceptions of the need for teamwork and leadership training. METHODS: We developed a pilot, interactive 3-hour teamwork, and the leadership training program based on the objectives and teaching methods of the Advanced Life Support (ACLS) course. Participants completed a 1-hour lecture, and discussion for team roles and obstacles, 30 min of script-based role play in resuscitation team training, and finally, a 2-hour simulation-based team training program. Before the completion of the course, participants were anonymously surveyed on the perceived educational value of the teamwork and leadership program. Expert raters reviewed videos of simulated resuscitation events in the course, and scored each video by two existing checklist for the team dynamic. RESULTS: Fifty-one nurses voluntarily participated and six videotaped simulation were rated by an expert rater. Most of the students believed the course was delivered at an appropriate level for them, and that it is a necessary training in their continuing professional education. The video rated average scores were from 68.5 to 72.9 according to the checklists. CONCLUSIONS: Critical care nurses can learn teamwork and leadership skills from appropriately designed programs, and believe it is a necessity in their training.

International Collaborative Faculty Development Program on Simulation-Based Healthcare Education: A Report on Its Successes and Challenges / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Countries that are less experienced with simulation-based healthcare education (SBHE) often import Western programs to initiate their efforts to deliver effective simulation training. Acknowledging cultural differences, we sought to determine whether faculty development program on SBHE in the United States could be transported successfully to train faculty members in Korea. METHODS: An international, collaborative, multi-professional program from a pre-existing Western model was adapted. The process focused on prioritization of curricular elements based on local needs, translation of course materials, and delivery of the program in small group facilitation exercises. Three types of evaluation data were collected: participants' simulation experience; participants' ratings of the course; and participant's self-assessment of the impact of the course on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) toward simulation teaching. RESULTS: Thirty faculty teachers participated in the course. Eighty percent of the participants answered that they spent less than 25% of their time as simulation instructors. Time spent on planning, scenario development, delivering training, research, and administrative work ranged from 10% to 30%. Twenty-eight of 30 participants agreed or strongly agreed that the course was excellent and relevant to their needs. The participants' assessment of the impact of the course on their KSA toward simulation teaching improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Although there were many challenges to overcome, a systematic approach in the adaptation of a Western simulation faculty development course model was successfully implemented in Korea, and the program improves self-confidence and learning in participants.

Ultrasonography of Suspected Ileocolic Intussusceptions Performed by Emergency Medicine Residents

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography of suspected ileocolic intussusception performed by emergency medicine (EM) residents who participated in a 2-hour focused ultrasound training program for intussusception. METHODS: This was a 16-month retrospective, observational study. Pediatric patients with suspected ileocolic intussusception who underwent ultrasound performed by second or third year EM residents were included in the study. The gold standard was a diagnostic work-up performed by a radiologist or clinical follow-up, compared with the results of ultrasonography performed by EM residents. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were enrolled. The sensitivity of ultrasound performed by emergency medicine residents for prediction of ileocolic intussusception was 92.86%(66.13% to 99.82%), the specificity was 91.67%(73.00% to 98.97%), the positive likelihood ratio was 11.14(2.93 to 42.34), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.08(0.01 to 0.52). CONCLUSION: Emergency residents can identify ileocolic intussusceptions with only minimal training, which could substitute for ultrasonography performed by radiologists when they are not immediately available.

Assessment and Training Effect of Communication Skills of Emergency Department Staffs

PURPOSE: Communication and interpersonal skills are among the essential competencies of a good emergency physician. The purpose of this study was to develop a communication skill training program for emergency department staffs and to compare communication skills before and after the training. METHODS: Communication skills of emergency department staffs were assessed in a blinded fashion according to a 12-item checklist that probed image making, attitude, and communication. We trained emergency staffs in communication skills for 2 hours with a communication guide for emergency staffs that was developed based on the results of baseline assessments. After 6 months of training, the assessments of emergency department resident physicians were repeated. RESULTS: Baseline scores of communication skills showed no significant differences among emergency residents, non-emergency residents and nurses. The communication skill scores of emergency residents were increased after the training (2.3 vs 3.0, p=0.022). According to the sub-categories probed, image making (p=0.012) and communication (p=0.008) showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that the communication skills of emergency staffs can be improved with appropriate communication training. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to develop communication skill programs.

Optimal Chest Compression Depth for Children Determined by Chest Computed Tomography

PURPOSE: The recommended compression depth for basic life support of pediatric patients is one third to one half the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. This study was designed to evaluate, using chest computed tomography (CT), whether the recommended compression depth is appropriate. METHODS: Data for pediatric patients who underwent chest computed tomography were collected. Axial images containing both nipples were selected. We measured external chest thickness, internal thickness from sternum to vertebral body, and residual thickness; the latter was defined as internal thickness minus one third or one half of external thickness. We assumed potential injury would occur from chest compression if residual thickness was less than 10 mm. RESULTS: Chest CT images from 164 children were analyzed. The compression depth was 62.4+/-6.9 mm if one half of the chest thickness was compressed, which was deeper than the high margin of compression depth recommended for adults. No potential injury was assumed when compressing one third of external chest thickness, while 96.3% of patients were assumed to sustain an injury when receiving compressions as deep as one half of chest thickness. CONCLUSION: One half the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, the compression depth for pediatric CPR recommended in the current guidelines, is deeper than the 4~5 cm depth recommended for adult chest compression, and will result in less than 10 mm of residual thickness in most cases. This may cause internal organ injury.

Comparison of the Macintosh Laryngoscope and the GlideScope Video Laryngoscope in a Cadaver Model of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

PURPOSE: The GlideScope video laryngoscope (GL) has been known to help inexperienced health care providers become able to manage even difficult airways. The purpose of this study was to compare foreign body removal efficacies between the Macintosh laryngoscope (ML) and the GL in a setting of airway obstruction. METHODS: Participants were asked to remove the simulated foreign body (2x2 cm rice cake) from the supraglottic area of a freshly embalmed cadaver. This simulated a normal airway and a difficult airway with cervical spine immobilization. Participants performed the removal maneuver 4 times in random order using a Magill forceps with both the ML and the GL. We measured the time to removal (sec) and preference of the participant (5-point scale) and compared results according to the type of laryngoscope. Successful removal was defined as a removal time that was less than 120 sec. RESULTS: Forty participants were enrolled in this simulation experiment. The success rate, time to removal and provider preference were not significantly different betweeh the two types of laryngoscope. In subgroup analysis for experienced providers, the time to removal was significantly shorter in the ML group than the GL group (14 vs 20 sec, p<0.05). The preference of experienced provider was also significantly higher for ML than GL. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ML has comparable efficacy for foreign body removal to GL and is acceptable to experienced providers.

Comparison of Anatomical and Clinical Characteristics in Emergency Endotracheal Intubation Between Non-Elderly and Elderly Adults

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical characteristics in emergency endotracheal intubation procedures between non-elderly and elderly patients. METHODS: Data for airway registry, which were collected in two emergency departments (ED) between April 2006 and March 2010, were retrospectively reviewed. The airway registry data included patient's demographic information and variables such as Cormack-Lehane grade, 3-3-2 finger analysis, success rate, the number of attempts at intubation, complications of intubation, and clinical outcomes after intubation. RESULTS: A total of 1,457 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 62.2+/-15.7 and 62.1%(n=905) were male. A total of 726(49.8%) patients were classified as being in the elderly intubation group(> or =65 years). Cormack-Lehane grade, 3-3-2 finger analysis, the relationship between the number of attempts and success rate, the relationship between Cormack-Lehane classification and success rate, complications, and clinical outcomes after intubation showed no significant difference between elderly and non-elderly groups. CONCLUSION: Anatomical structures related to endotracheal intubation, the process and clinical outcomes of elderly patients are not different than for non-elderly adult patients. However, considering the lower physiologic reservoir and higher comorbidities of elderly patients, a more vigorous approach to emergency airway management in the elderly is needed.

How many emergency physicians does Korea need?

PURPOSE: This research used mathematical modeling to project the supply and demand of emergency physicians over the next decade in Korea. METHODS: A model was used to project the annual emergency physicians (EP) workforce supply and demand through the year 2015. The mathematical equations used were as follows: Supply = number of emergency physicians at the beginning of the year plus annual residency graduates minus annual attrition; Demand formula I = 5.29 fulltime equivalent positions/emergency department (ED) x the number of hospital EDs, Demand formula II = annual ED visits/(4,700visits/EP/year), Demand formula III = (11 to 16 EP per major referral ED) + (6 to 8 EP per urban district/ regional hospital ED). RESULTS: While the most conservative demand projection was 1,505 EPs in the year 2015, the most aggressive supply estimate with a yearly supply of 120 new EPs and a 1% attrition rate was 1,362 EPs in that year. CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, emergency physicians will remain in short supply for the next ten years, even at the present levels of EM residency output.

A Case of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome with Myonecrosis due to Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with myonecrosis is a rapidly progressive process that kills 80% of patients in 72-96 h. Various bullae, hypotension, fever, and evidence of organ failure are late clinical manifestations. The symptoms and signs of myonecrosis can be nonspecific and misleading, not clearly revealing the involvement of deep skeletal muscle. Thus, the challenge to clinicians is to make an early diagnosis and to intervene with aggressive fluid replacement, emergent surgical debridement, and general supportive measures. We describe an presentation of myonecrosis of the lower extremities secondary to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection in a 21-years-old woman. In addition, the patient had no history or evidence of trauma to the affected area.

Pneumomediastinum Secondary to an Open Mandible Fracture

Pneumomediastinum can result from fractures involving paranasal sinuses, orbits, mandibles, other facial bones. This is a case report of an 25-year-old man who fell from a third floor. He suffered injuries to the maxillofacial region. Initial examination revealed a mandibular complex fracture and tooth loss, but the man developed neck swelling, dyspnea, and dysphagia over the next 3 days. Repeat examination revealed marked pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.