Effect of body mass index on the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in pneumonia: a comparative study between normal-weight and obese adults

Objective@#Body mass index (BMI) is a major determinant of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). However, the relationship of BMI with pneumonia has not been entirely characterized. @*Methods@#Adult patients with pneumonia, who visited the emergency department from January 2017 to December 2019, were included. According to BMI, they were divided into two groups, including normal-weight and obesity groups. Data were retrospectively reviewed via the prospectively collected pneumonia registry and medical chart. NT-proBNP, BMI and pneumonia severity index (PSI) were determined for all subjects. The moderating effect between NT-proBNP and BMI was examined by entering interaction terms into the multivariable regression model predicting mortality. Using the area under the curve (AUC), the predictive performance of NT-proBNP was evaluated. @*Results@#Of 327 enrolled patients, 118 patients belonged to the obesity group. In a multivariable model including BMI, NT-proBNP was identified as an independent predictor of mortality. The AUC of the adjusted NT-proBNP including BMI, significantly increased the AUC of the adjusted NT-proBNP excluding BMI and tended to be superior to that of PSI. A positively significant BMI-by-NT-proBNP interaction for mortality was observed. NT-proBNP showed significant prognostic power in both BMI groups, but NT-proBNP of the obesity group had significantly higher AUC than that of the normalweight group. In the obesity group, the AUC of NT-proBNP tended to be higher than that of PSI. @*Conclusion@#BMI is a significant factor enhancing the prognostic power of NT-proBNP in pneumonia. The prognostic utility of NT-proBNP was significantly differed by BMI groups, which is more useful in the obesity group than the normalweight group.

Prognostic utility of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in adult and elderly patients with community acquired pneumonia

Objective@#N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is suggested as a prognostic biomarker for communityacquired pneumonia (CAP). However, its predictive value for an individual adult and elderly CAP patients has not been fully investigated. @*Methods@#Patients with CAP aged 18 years and older, who visited the emergency department (ED) from March 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019, were included in this study. Patients were divided into the adult group and the elderly group (age ≥70 years). Data was collected from the ED-based registry, and medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. The registry data included sociodemographic and past medical characteristics, as well as laboratory findings including NT-proBNP and C-reactive protein (CRP), Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), and CURB65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and aged 65 or more). The independent potential of NT-proBNP to predict mortality was assessed in both groups using multivariable logistic regression, and its predictive ability was evaluated in terms of performance (using areas under the curve [AUCs]) and goodness-of-fit (using the Bayesian information criterion [BIC]). @*Results@#Totally, 325 CAP patients were evaluated, of which 208 (64%) belonged to the elderly group. NT-proBNP was identified as an independent predictor of CAP mortality in elderly patients, but not in adult patients. Moreover, AUC of the NT-proBNP for mortality was comparable to AUC of the PSI, but was higher than that of the CURB65, in elderly CAP patients. Similarly, the NT-proBNP had a better overall fit (lower BIC value) compared to the CURB65, for mortality. Additionally, both AUC and overall fit of the NT-proBNP for mortality were significantly superior to values obtained for CRP. @*Conclusion@#For elderly CAP patients in the ED, the NT-proBNP is an independent and useful predictor of mortality.

QTc Prolongation due to Psychotropic Drugs Intoxication and Its Risk Assessment

Purpose@#The aims of the present study were twofold. First, the research investigated the effect of an individual’s risk factors and the prevalence of psychotropic drugs on QTc prolongation, TdP (torsades de pointes), and death. Second, the study compared the risk scoring systems (the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score) on QTc prolongation. @*Methods@#The medical records of intoxicated patients who visited the emergency department between March 2010 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Among 733 patients, the present study included 426 psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients.The patients were categorized according to the QTc value. The known risk factors of QTc prolongation were examined, and the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score were calculated. The analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). @*Results@#The numbers in the mild to moderate group (male: 470≤QTc<500 ms, female: 480≤QTc<500 ms) and severe group (QTc≥500 ms or increase of QTc at least 60ms from baseline, both sex) were 68 and 95, respectively. TdP did not occur, and the only cause of death was aspiration pneumonia. The statically significant risk factors were multidrug intoxications of TCA (tricyclic antidepressant), atypical antipsychotics, an atypical antidepressant, panic disorder, and hypokalemia. The Tisadale risk score was larger than the Mayo Pro-QT risk score. @*Conclusion@#Multiple psychotropic drugs intoxication (TCA, an atypical antidepressant, and atypical antipsychotics), panic disorder, and hypokalemia have been proven to be the main risk factors of QTc prolongation, which require enhanced attention. The present study showed that the Tisadale score had a stronger correlation and predictive accuracy for QTc prolongation than the Mayo Pro-QT score. As a result, the Tisadale risk score is a crucial assessment tool for psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients in a clinical setting.

QTc Prolongation due to Psychotropic Drugs Intoxication and Its Risk Assessment

Purpose@#The aims of the present study were twofold. First, the research investigated the effect of an individual’s risk factors and the prevalence of psychotropic drugs on QTc prolongation, TdP (torsades de pointes), and death. Second, the study compared the risk scoring systems (the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score) on QTc prolongation. @*Methods@#The medical records of intoxicated patients who visited the emergency department between March 2010 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Among 733 patients, the present study included 426 psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients.The patients were categorized according to the QTc value. The known risk factors of QTc prolongation were examined, and the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score were calculated. The analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). @*Results@#The numbers in the mild to moderate group (male: 470≤QTc<500 ms, female: 480≤QTc<500 ms) and severe group (QTc≥500 ms or increase of QTc at least 60ms from baseline, both sex) were 68 and 95, respectively. TdP did not occur, and the only cause of death was aspiration pneumonia. The statically significant risk factors were multidrug intoxications of TCA (tricyclic antidepressant), atypical antipsychotics, an atypical antidepressant, panic disorder, and hypokalemia. The Tisadale risk score was larger than the Mayo Pro-QT risk score. @*Conclusion@#Multiple psychotropic drugs intoxication (TCA, an atypical antidepressant, and atypical antipsychotics), panic disorder, and hypokalemia have been proven to be the main risk factors of QTc prolongation, which require enhanced attention. The present study showed that the Tisadale score had a stronger correlation and predictive accuracy for QTc prolongation than the Mayo Pro-QT score. As a result, the Tisadale risk score is a crucial assessment tool for psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients in a clinical setting.

Identifying out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients by using International Classification of Diseases codes and procedure code

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes for identifying patients who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: Consecutive data pertaining to adult patients who suffered OHCA or received ICD-10 codes for cardiac arrest were collected. Patient characteristics and clinical data during the period from January 2015 to December 2016 were obtained. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of each code for identifying OHCA were calculated and an optimal algorithm using diagnostic and procedure codes to detect OHCA patients was selected. The kappa coefficient was calculated to examine the agreement between algorithm-detected cases and true OHCA patients. RESULTS: A total of 397 patients were included in this study. The single use of ICD-10 codes was an insensitive method for identifying OHCA patients. Combination of diagnostic codes and procedure codes showed a good sensitivity (98.6%) and PPV (94.8%) for identifying OHCA patients. The agreement between the optimal algorithm and true OHCA was excellent (κ=0.970). CONCLUSION: Using ICD-10 codes for identifying OHCA patients is an insensitive method. The combination of ICD-10 codes and procedure codes can be an alternative search method.

Usefulness of Age Shock Index in Predicting the Severity of Acute Cholecystitis in Emergency Department Patients

PURPOSE: This study examined the availability of the age shock index in an assessment of high risk patients with acute cholecystitis in an emergency department. METHODS: Consecutive data of patients who presented to the emergency department with acute cholecystitis during the period, January 2012 and March 2017, were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the severity of acute cholecystitis and the clinical factors. RESULTS: A total of 242 patients with acute cholecystitis were included in this study. From univariate analyses, age, Murphy's sign, symptom duration, heart rate, respiratory rate, age shock index, hypertension, diabetes, leukocytes, C-reactive protein and blood urea nitrogen were found to be related to the severity of acute cholecystitis. From multivariate analysis, the symptom duration (OR, 4.271; 95% CI, 2.672-6.827), respiratory rate (OR, 1.482; 95% CI, 1.189-1.847), age shock index (OR, 1.609; 95% CI, 1.060-2.442, 10-point interval), leukocytes (OR, 1.283; 95% CI, 1.156-1.424), and diabetes (OR, 4.590; 95% CI, 1.507-13.976) had a positive relationship with the severity of acute cholecystitis. CONCLUSION: The age shock index, which is calculated easily using the patient's age, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure, can be a predicting factor of severe acute cholecystitis in an emergency department.

Prediction of the Likelihood of Surgical Management in Blow-out Fracture Patients: Using Two CT Measuring Method, DFD and CCD

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the measured factors that can be used in an emergency department to assess patients with blow-out fractures (BOFs) who are expected to undergo surgical management. METHODS: This study was conducted on patients with BOFs who attended an emergency department in a tertiary teaching hospital from December 2013 to November 2016. The medical records and radiology findings, such as facial computed tomography (CT), were reviewed retrospectively. The depth of floor displacement (DFD) and cranial-caudal dimension (CCD), which were measured using facial CT, were evaluated to determine the power of the CT parameters as predictors expecting surgical management in BOF patients. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS statistics ver. 23.0. RESULTS: The final 44 BOF patients were included in the study. Among them, 21 patients had undergone surgery. From this study, using a threshold DFD value of 0.5 cm, the accuracy of DFD was 86.36%, and the sensitivity and specificity in predicting surgery in BOF patients was 100% and 73.91%, respectively. Using a threshold CCD value of 0.4 cm, the accuracy of CCD was 88.64%, and the sensitivity and specificity in predicting surgery in BOF patients was 100% and 78.26%, respectively. CONCLUSION: With the aid of DFD and CCD, which was measured from facial CT, BOF patients who may require surgical management can be detected easily and more promptly by emergency physicians in emergency settings.

Near-complete optic nerve transection by high-pressure air

The use of high-pressure air instruments has become more common. Consequently, there have been a number of cases of orbital emphysema caused by contact with high-pressure air. In this case, a 62-year-old male patient visited an emergency medical center after his left eye was shot by an air compressor gun that was used to wash cars. Lacerations were observed in the upper and lower eyelids of his left eye. Radiological examinations revealed orbital emphysema, optic nerve transection, pneumocephalus, and subcutaneous emphysema in the face, neck, shoulder, and mediastinum. Canalicular injury repair was performed, and the emphysema resolved. However, there was near-complete vision loss in the patient's left eye. Because most optic nerve transections occur after a severe disruption in bone structure, pure optic nerve transections without any injury of the bone structure, as in the present case, is extremely rare.

Clinical Characteristics of Geriatric Patients with Digestive System Foreign Body in Emergency Center

BACKGROUND: In patients with foreign bodies in their digestive systems, old age is associated with higher rates of incidence and complications. Therefore, we compared the characteristics of geriatric patients with nongeriatric patients who were found to have with foreign bodies in their digestive systems. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 497 cases of foreign bodies in the digestive system over the period from 2010 through 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: nongeriatric (20-64 years, n=404) and geriatric (> or =65 years, n=93). RESULTS: The geriatric patients had more underlying diseases (12.0% vs. 3.0%), took longer to arrive at the hospital (8.92+/-21.31 hours vs. 4.50+/-14.76 hours, p<0.001), and had higher complication rates (4.3% vs. 0.2%, p<0.001), and longer hospital stays (4.88+/-4.26 days vs. 3.08+/-2.97 days, p<0.001). The following factors were significantly different between the geriatric and nongeriatric patients: type (p<0.001) and the locations (p=0.001) of the foreign bodies and their management (p=0.001). In the geriatric patients, the detected foreign bodies were more frequently located in the esophagus (46.0% vs. 17.4%), especially in the upper esophagus (30.0% vs. 14.5%). Smooth-shaped foreign bodies (18.0% vs. 5.0%) and food lumps (16.0% vs. 3.3%) were also frequently detected in the geriatric patients. CONCLUSION: In comparison with nongeriatric patients, the geriatric patients had more smooth-shaped shaped foreign bodies such as food lumps in their esophagi, and this patient group also showed higher rates of admission and complications. Thus, differences between geriatric and nongeriatric patients should be considered carefully in evaluating foreign bodies in the digestive system to prevent late diagnosis and further complications.

Diagnostic Characteristics of Geriatric Patients With Ureterolithiasis in Emergency Center

BACKGROUND: Incidence rate of ureterolithiasis has been increasing worldwide in general, with an especially rapid increase in the elderly, over 65 years of age. Therefore, the characteristics of geriatric patients diagnosed with uureterolithiasis in an Emergency Center were examined. METHODS: A total of 613 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with ureterolithiasis through computed tomography from January 2012 to March 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided in two groups: the geriatric group and nongeriatric group. RESULTS: Among the 613 patients, there were 64 geriatric patients (> or =65 years, 10.4%) and 549 nongeriatric patients (<65 years, 89.6%). In the geriatric patients, 13 patients (20.3%) appeared without any pain or with atypical types of pain, while 39 of the nongeriatric patients (7.1%) had no pain or atypical symptoms, presenting a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were more common in geriatric patients than in nongeriatric patients (42.2% vs. 29.9%, p=0.044), while lower positive rate of microscopic hematuria was reported (78.1% vs. 90.5%, p=0.002). Furthermore, in geriatric patients, the positive rate of costovertebral angle tenderness was lower and distal ureter stones were found to be more common, while urine pH and serum creatinine levels were higher. CONCLUSION: In comparison to nongeriatric patients, geriatric patients with ureterolithiasis showed lower rates of renal colic and hematuria, while showing higher rates of having gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Thus, differences between these two groups should be considered in evaluating geriatric patients to prevent complications which may be caused from the late diagnosis of ureterolithiasis.

External Validation Study of San Francisco Syncope Rule Based on Standardized Reporting Guidelines for Emergency Department Syncope Risk Stratification Research

PURPOSE: We validated the performance of the San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) for accurate identification of Korean emergency department (ED) syncope patients who will experience a short term serious outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients over 16 years old who fulfilled the inclusion criteria according to the definition of syncope and visited the ED from January 2010 to June 2013. The authors excluded patients with alcohol or illicit drugs use seizure, stroke or transient ischemic attack, head trauma followed by loss of consciousness, or hypoglycemia. The patients were divided into two groups according to the SFSR for the purpose of performing a comparative analysis. The authors calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SFSR and analyzed other variables, except five predictor variables of SFSR. RESULTS: Of 1,235 visits screened, 409 were included. The average age of enrolled patients was 55.2+/-20.1 and male population accounted for 45.0%(n=184). A total of 93(27.7%) patients experienced serious outcomes; 41 of 287(14.3%) patients with a serious outcome were not identified as high risk according to the rule. The rule performed with a sensitivity of 55.9%, specificity of 77.8%, positive predictive value of 42.6%, and negative predictive value of 85.7%. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective validation study based on the standardized reporting guidelines for ED syncope risk stratification research, the SFSR performed with significantly lower sensitivity than previously reported. The results suggest that application of the original rule has limited generalizability and conduct of future studies will be needed in order to refine the SFSR.

External Validation Study of San Francisco Syncope Rule Based on Standardized Reporting Guidelines for Emergency Department Syncope Risk Stratification Research

PURPOSE: We validated the performance of the San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) for accurate identification of Korean emergency department (ED) syncope patients who will experience a short term serious outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients over 16 years old who fulfilled the inclusion criteria according to the definition of syncope and visited the ED from January 2010 to June 2013. The authors excluded patients with alcohol or illicit drugs use seizure, stroke or transient ischemic attack, head trauma followed by loss of consciousness, or hypoglycemia. The patients were divided into two groups according to the SFSR for the purpose of performing a comparative analysis. The authors calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SFSR and analyzed other variables, except five predictor variables of SFSR. RESULTS: Of 1,235 visits screened, 409 were included. The average age of enrolled patients was 55.2+/-20.1 and male population accounted for 45.0%(n=184). A total of 93(27.7%) patients experienced serious outcomes; 41 of 287(14.3%) patients with a serious outcome were not identified as high risk according to the rule. The rule performed with a sensitivity of 55.9%, specificity of 77.8%, positive predictive value of 42.6%, and negative predictive value of 85.7%. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective validation study based on the standardized reporting guidelines for ED syncope risk stratification research, the SFSR performed with significantly lower sensitivity than previously reported. The results suggest that application of the original rule has limited generalizability and conduct of future studies will be needed in order to refine the SFSR.

A Retrospective Study for Validity of the Denver Seizure Score in Emergency Medical Care Center for Differential Diagnosis of Seizure and Syncope

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to validate the Denver seizure score (DSS) compared with a questionnaire and scoring system for symptoms pertaining to loss of consciousness (QSLOC) in patients with loss of consciousness who visited the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was an observational study. Patients with loss of consciousness who were admitted from January, 2011, to July, 2013 in an urban ED with approximately 30,000 annual visits were eligible. General characteristics, clinical manifestation, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were collected. DSS and QSLOC were calculated as originally described. The SPSS package with Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression was used for analysis of the data. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used for discrimination of each score. RESULTS: Based on the historical feature, clinical manifestation, and final diagnosis, the patients were divided into 45 seizure and 52 syncope cases. In the seizure group, there were more males than females (p=0.015) and statistically significant findings were observed for serum bicarbonate (p<0.001), anion gap (p<0.001). AUCs were 0.954 and 0.998 for DSS and QSLOC, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared to QSLOC, DSS did not show a noticeable difference in differentiating seizure disorder, and for patients who lost consciousness, it can be used in determining procedures and for prediction of both treatment method and prognosis in the emergency department.

The Characteristics and Factors Affecting Patients Diagnosed with Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans in an Emergency Department

PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between the laboratory results of patients diagnosed with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (LASO) in an emergency department (ED), general characteristics, clinical manifestation, hematological conditions, and clinical views of severity. Another purpose of the study was to determine the factors that could contribute to clinical severity to facilitate the prediction and diagnosis of LASO in the ED. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2012 we conducted a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with LASO in the ED. Included in the study were 52 patients diagnosed with LASO through CT. The patients were divided into two groups according to the Fontaine classification-for comparative analysis: "less severe" (for stage II and below) and "more severe" (for stage III and above). Vital signs, clinical findings, laboratory data, and CT findings were analyzed in each patient. The SPSS package with the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average age of patients diagnosed with LASO was 73.1+/-10.1 and male saccounted for 76.9% of the population (n=40). Based upon the levels of severity by the Fontaine classification, patients were divided into 28 "more severe" and 24 "less severe" cases. The "more severe" LASO patients showed a high pulse rate (p=0.017) and a higher current smoking rate (p=0.04). The laboratory data from "more severe" LASO patients showed significant differences in total white blood cell count (p=0.040), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.000), and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.002), creatine kinase (p=0.000), creatine kinase-MB (p=0.002), myoglobin (p=0.000), and C-reactive protein (p=0.000). The significant factors that could affect clinical severity were erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.066, 95% CI 1.010-1.125, p=0.021), and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.002-1.029, p=0.027), creatine kinase-MB (OR 1.229, 95% CI 1.028-1.468, p=0.023), and C-reactive protein (OR 1.533, 95% CI 1.074-2.188, p=0.019). CONCLUSION: The patients diagnosed with more severe LASO showed a high pulse rate, a higher current smoking rate, high levels of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and high levels of muscle enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, myogolobin, creatine kinase-MB). The factors that could influence clinical severity were erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and C-reactive protein.

The Characteristics and Factors Affecting Patients Diagnosed with Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans in an Emergency Department

PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between the laboratory results of patients diagnosed with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (LASO) in an emergency department (ED), general characteristics, clinical manifestation, hematological conditions, and clinical views of severity. Another purpose of the study was to determine the factors that could contribute to clinical severity to facilitate the prediction and diagnosis of LASO in the ED. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2012 we conducted a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with LASO in the ED. Included in the study were 52 patients diagnosed with LASO through CT. The patients were divided into two groups according to the Fontaine classification-for comparative analysis: "less severe" (for stage II and below) and "more severe" (for stage III and above). Vital signs, clinical findings, laboratory data, and CT findings were analyzed in each patient. The SPSS package with the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average age of patients diagnosed with LASO was 73.1+/-10.1 and male saccounted for 76.9% of the population (n=40). Based upon the levels of severity by the Fontaine classification, patients were divided into 28 "more severe" and 24 "less severe" cases. The "more severe" LASO patients showed a high pulse rate (p=0.017) and a higher current smoking rate (p=0.04). The laboratory data from "more severe" LASO patients showed significant differences in total white blood cell count (p=0.040), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.000), and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.002), creatine kinase (p=0.000), creatine kinase-MB (p=0.002), myoglobin (p=0.000), and C-reactive protein (p=0.000). The significant factors that could affect clinical severity were erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.066, 95% CI 1.010-1.125, p=0.021), and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.002-1.029, p=0.027), creatine kinase-MB (OR 1.229, 95% CI 1.028-1.468, p=0.023), and C-reactive protein (OR 1.533, 95% CI 1.074-2.188, p=0.019). CONCLUSION: The patients diagnosed with more severe LASO showed a high pulse rate, a higher current smoking rate, high levels of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and high levels of muscle enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, myogolobin, creatine kinase-MB). The factors that could influence clinical severity were erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and C-reactive protein.

Does the Incidence of Rhabdomyolysis Induced by Doxylamine Overdose Increase in the Elderly?

BACKGROUND: Doxylamine is an over-the-counter drug that is popular in the treatment of insomnia. Doxylamine is relatively safe but can cause rhabdomyolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of rhabomyolysis increased in elderly patients (age> or =65 years) with doxylamine overdose. METHODS: This study included 108 patients admitted to an Emergency Department after doxylamine overdose between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2013. Age, sex, time ingested before admission, amount of drug ingested, gastric lavage, tachycardia, vomiting, hematuria, blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, urine pH, and alcohol ingestion were investigated for the risk factors of rhabdomyolysis. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (47.6%) developed rhabdomyolysis. Of 16 elderly patients, 11 developed rhabdomyolysis. Of the 92 patients <65 years-of-age, 34 developed rhabdomyolysis. Advanced age, alcohol ingestion, and increased blood creatinine level were significantly associated with the development of rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with doxylamine overdose, the incidence rate of rhabdomyolysis may be increased. A high index of suspicion and evaluation of rhabdomyolysis is warranted in elderly patients with doxylamine overdose.

A Study for Evaluation of the Validity of Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis Score in Geriatric Patients with Sepsis at the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to validate the Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score in older patients with sepsis who visited the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was an observational study. Patients 65 years of age or older with sepsis who were admitted from January, 2010, to May, 2011, in an urban ED with approximately 30,000 annual visits were eligible. Demographic, anthropometric, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were collected. MEDS and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) scores were calculated as originally described. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used for discrimination of each score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The primary end-point was 28-day in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 397 patients, 11.8%(95% confidence interval, 8.7%~15.0%) died. Mortality stratified according to MEDS was as follows: 0 to 4 points, 0.0%; 5 to 7 points, 4.8%; 8 to 12 points, 11.4%; 13 to 15 points, 22.2%; and > or = 16 points, 35.7%. Mortality stratified according to GNRI was as follows: > 98 points, 3.9%; 92 to 98 points, 9.8%; 87 to < 92 points, 6.9%; 82 to < 87 points, 20.0%; and < 82 points, 34.6%. AUCs were 0.707 and 0.734 for MEDS and GNRI, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, GNRI was found to be an independent predictor of 28-day in-hospital mortality, however, MEDS was not. CONCLUSION: The MEDS score performed with moderate accuracy for prediction of 28-day in-hospital mortality in older ED patients with sepsis. These results suggest the need of geriatric-specific risk assessment tools in the ED.

Multidetector Computed Tomographic Image Characteristics of Clinically Severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in an Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is based on clinical history and examination; however, it may be difficult to distinguish from other disease entities. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a useful radiologic modality, which can be performed in an emergency department (ED). The aim of the current study was to clarify the MDCT characteristics of clinically severe PID by comparison of patients with clinically more severe and less severe forms of PID. In addition, we evaluated the independent predictors of MDCT findings in the severe PID group. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of female patients with symptoms and signs of PID who visited the ED at our institution during a five-year period. Patients who underwent abdominal MDCT and were diagnosed with PID were retrospectively enrolled in the study. For determination of CT characteristics, each patient was evaluated for pelvic edema, amount of ascites, Hounsfield units (HU) of ascites, salpingitis, oophoritis, intrauterine devices, peritoneal fat infiltration, cervicitis, abnormal endometrial enhancement, tubo-ovarian abscess, adjacent bowel wall thickening, localized ileus, and perihepatitis. Patients were divided into two groups: clinically more severe and less severe forms of PID. Patients having the clinically more severe form of PID were defined as follows: (1) initial body temperature over 38.3degrees C, (2) initial systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, (3) intractable abdominal pain, or (4) uncontrollable nausea or vomiting despite medication. We compared data between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty eight patients had the clinically more severe form (28%) and 98 patients had the less severe form (72%). In comparison with subjects in the group having the less severe form, the amount of ascites (p<0.001), salpingitis (p<0.05), and tubo-ovarian abscess (p<0.01) differed statistically between the groups. The HU value of ascites in the more severe group, 19.56+/-11.14 HU, was significantly greater, compared with that of the group having the less severe form. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed an association of the amount of ascites, a high HU value, and atubo-ovarian abscess with increased odds of the more severe form (adjusted OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.01-10.45; adjusted OR 5.84, 95% CI 1.80-18.95; and adjusted OR 8.42, 95% CI 1.73-40.96, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with clinically more severe PID show more clinically important findings on MDCT, such as a greater amount of ascites, higher HU value of ascites, and tubo-ovarian abscess. Leukocytosis, increased neutrophil percentage, and elevated CRP were observed in patients with severe PID.

Nutritional Risk Screening as a Prognostic Factor for Emergency Department Patients with Severe Sepsis

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at determining if nutritional risk is associated with increased mortality in severe sepsis patients, and whether or not nutritional risk screening is helpful when assessing mortality risk for these patients in the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: We conducted an observational study using adult patients (> or =18 years of age) with severe sepsis who were admitted to the ED in a tertiary teaching hospital during a 12-month period. Participant data collected included demographics, sepsis severity scale, laboratory test results and nutritional risk screening results. We divided the patients into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. The endpoint was 28-day hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients participated in this study and 166 had survived and 38 had died by the endpoint. The two participant groups differed with regards to age, gender, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Nutritional Risk Screening Tool (NRST) score, presence of cancer, serum creatinine level, and arterial lactate level. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis results, the most significant variables for prognosis were the SOFA score (p=0.027), NRST score (p=0.001) and arterial lactate level (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In ED patients with severe sepsis, nutritional risk is related to 28-day hospital mortality. Nutritional risk screening may be helpful for risk stratification of severe sepsis patients.

Nutritional Risk Screening as a Prognostic Factor for Emergency Department Patients with Severe Sepsis

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at determining if nutritional risk is associated with increased mortality in severe sepsis patients, and whether or not nutritional risk screening is helpful when assessing mortality risk for these patients in the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: We conducted an observational study using adult patients (> or =18 years of age) with severe sepsis who were admitted to the ED in a tertiary teaching hospital during a 12-month period. Participant data collected included demographics, sepsis severity scale, laboratory test results and nutritional risk screening results. We divided the patients into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. The endpoint was 28-day hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients participated in this study and 166 had survived and 38 had died by the endpoint. The two participant groups differed with regards to age, gender, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Nutritional Risk Screening Tool (NRST) score, presence of cancer, serum creatinine level, and arterial lactate level. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis results, the most significant variables for prognosis were the SOFA score (p=0.027), NRST score (p=0.001) and arterial lactate level (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In ED patients with severe sepsis, nutritional risk is related to 28-day hospital mortality. Nutritional risk screening may be helpful for risk stratification of severe sepsis patients.