External validation and comparison of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network and Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury 2 clinical decision rules in children with minor blunt head trauma

Objective@#Among the pediatric population with minor head trauma, it is difficult to determine an indication for the usage of brain computerized tomography (CT). Our study aims to compare the efficiency of the most commonly used clinical decision rules: the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) and Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury 2 (CATCH2). @*Methods@#This retrospective study investigated whether the PECARN and CATCH2 rules were applicable to Korean children with minor head trauma for reducing the use of brain CT imaging, while detecting intracranial pathology. @*Results@#Overall, 251 patients (0–5 years old) admitted to emergency rooms within 24 hours of injury were included between August 2015 to August 2018. The performance results are as follows: the PECARN and CATCH2 rules had a sensitivity of 80.00% (51.91%–95.67%) and 100% (78.20%–100.00%) with a specificity of 28.39% (22.73%–34.60%) and 15.25% (10.92%–20.49%), respectively; the negative predictive values were 98.58% and 100%, respectively. Overall, the CATCH2 rule was more successful than the PECARN rule in detecting intracranial pathology; however, there was no significant difference between them. Furthermore, the PECARN and CATCH2 rules lowered the rate of head CT imaging in our study group. @*Conclusion@#Both the rules significantly lowered the rate of indicated brain CT. However, since the CATCH2 rule had higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than the PECARN rule, it is more appropriate to be used in emergency rooms for detecting intracranial pathology in children with minor head trauma.

External validation and comparison of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network and Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury 2 clinical decision rules in children with minor blunt head trauma

Objective@#Among the pediatric population with minor head trauma, it is difficult to determine an indication for the usage of brain computerized tomography (CT). Our study aims to compare the efficiency of the most commonly used clinical decision rules: the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) and Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury 2 (CATCH2). @*Methods@#This retrospective study investigated whether the PECARN and CATCH2 rules were applicable to Korean children with minor head trauma for reducing the use of brain CT imaging, while detecting intracranial pathology. @*Results@#Overall, 251 patients (0–5 years old) admitted to emergency rooms within 24 hours of injury were included between August 2015 to August 2018. The performance results are as follows: the PECARN and CATCH2 rules had a sensitivity of 80.00% (51.91%–95.67%) and 100% (78.20%–100.00%) with a specificity of 28.39% (22.73%–34.60%) and 15.25% (10.92%–20.49%), respectively; the negative predictive values were 98.58% and 100%, respectively. Overall, the CATCH2 rule was more successful than the PECARN rule in detecting intracranial pathology; however, there was no significant difference between them. Furthermore, the PECARN and CATCH2 rules lowered the rate of head CT imaging in our study group. @*Conclusion@#Both the rules significantly lowered the rate of indicated brain CT. However, since the CATCH2 rule had higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than the PECARN rule, it is more appropriate to be used in emergency rooms for detecting intracranial pathology in children with minor head trauma.

Effects of cholesterol levels on outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: High cholesterol level is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and coronary artery disease is a major risk factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the effect of cholesterol level on outcomes of OHCA has been poorly studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of cholesterol level on outcomes of OHCA.METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the CAPTURES (Cardiac Arrest Pursuit Trial with Unique Registration and Epidemiologic Surveillance) project database in Korea. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of cholesterol level on outcomes in OHCA.RESULTS: In all, 584 cases of OHCA were analyzed; those with cholesterol levels <120 mg/dL were classified as having low total cholesterol (TC) (n=197), those with levels ranging from 120–199 mg/dL as middle TC (n=322), and those with ≥200 mg/dL as high TC (n=65). Compared to low TC, more patients with middle TC and high TC survived to discharge (9.1% vs. 22.0% and 26.2%, respectively, P=0.001). The good cerebral performance category also increased in that order (4.1 % vs. 14.6% and 23.1%, respectively, P≤0.001). Comparing middle TC and high TC with low TC, adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.97 (1.06 to 3.64) and 2.53 (1.08 to 5.92) for survival to discharge, respectively, and 2.53 (1.07 to 5.98) and 4.73 (1.63 to 13.71) for good neurological recovery, respectively.CONCLUSION: Higher cholesterol is associated with better outcomes in OHCA; cholesterol level is a good predictor of outcomes of OHCA.

A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Multi-Disciplinary Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Program for Patients with Fractures of the Oral and Maxillofacial Region Because of Alcohol-Related Injuries in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE@#We have implemented a multi-disciplinary Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) protocol to prevent individuals who sustained alcohol-related traumatic injuries. We therefore conducted this single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to assess its efficacy.@*METHODS@#All the enrolled patients (n=30) were randomized to either the SBIRT group or the control group. In the current RCT, the proportion of the patients who reduced the amount of alcohol consumption and those who received a specialized treatment served as primary outcome measures. Moreover, changes in a 3-item version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C), Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-6) scores at 3 months from baseline served as secondary outcome measures.@*RESULTS@#At 3 months, the proportion of the patients who reduced the amount of alcohol consumption was significantly higher in the SBIRT group as compared with the control group (86.7% vs. 57.1%, p=0.02). Moreover, the proportion of the patients who received a specialized treatment was also significantly higher as compared with the control group (26.7% vs. 1.4%, p=0.01). Furthermore, there were significant differences in changes in the AUDIT, SDS and K-6 scores at 3 months from baseline between the two groups (p < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In conclusion, our results indicate that the SBIRT is effective in reducing hazardous and harmful levels of drinking, the degree of alcohol dependence and that of psychological distress in at-risk drinkers.

Analysis of Differential factors for Detecting Surgical Acute Abdomen in Women of Childbearing Age Presenting to the Emergency Department with Non-traumatic Abdominal Pain in the Absence of Laboratory Abnormalities

PURPOSE: Acute abdomen in women of childbearing age has a broad differential diagnosis, often presenting a diagnostic challenge to an emergency physician. Computed tomography (CT) has been used for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of acute abdomen. On the other hand, the increasing use of CT has been a subject of concern for patients, particularly women of childbearing age, due to the potential risk of radiation exposure. This study analyzed the efficacy of various physical examinations for detecting surgical acute abdomen in women of childbearing age who presented with non-traumatic abdominal pain in the absence of laboratory abnormalities. METHODS: The charts and CT reports of women, aged 15-35 years old, who visited our ED for non-traumatic abdominal pain between May 2011 and April 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with chronic abdominal disease, pregnancy, recent abdominal surgery within one month, and abnormal laboratory tests were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 121 patients were identified, of which 34 patients fell into a group that required surgical intervention (surgical acute abdomen group). The remaining 87 patients were managed conservatively without surgical intervention (non-surgical acute abdomen group). The maximal tenderness point (p=0.006), rebound tenderness (p=0.001), shorter duration of abdominal pain (p < 0.001), and absence of diarrhea (p=0.001) were statistically significant for predicting the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: In the absence of abnormal laboratory studies, the hypogastrium tenderness point, rebound tenderness, duration of abdominal pain, and diarrhea were found to be independently valid factors for detecting surgical acute abdomen in women of childbearing age who presented with non-traumatic abdominal pain.

Effects of Three Different Types of Anti-adhesive Agents in a Rat Abdominal Wall Defect Model

PURPOSE: Postsurgical adhesion formation is a significant clinical problem within every surgical specialty. Several adhesion barriers have been developed in the form of solution, membrane or film in an attempt to solve these problems. The purpose of the present study is to compare the efficacy of antiadhesive agents in the prevention of postsurgical adhesion formation in a standardized rat adhesion model. METHODS: We examined forty Sprague-Dawley rats, which is a cecal abrasion with partial peritonectomy model. Three treatment groups (Group I: Film-type Surgiwrap(R), Group II: Solution-type Guardix-sol(R), Group III: Membrane-type Interceed(R)), each consists of 10 rats, and a control group of 10 rats were used by saline. Ten days after surgery, the rats were killed, and the levels of adhesion were graded. Immunohistochemical staining for microvessel density (CD34, MVD) and macrophage (ED1) were performed in adhesion tissue. RESULTS: The peritoneum adhesion mean scores are as follows: control group: 2.2+/-0.78, Group I: 1.0+/-1.06, Group II: 0.9+/-0.99, Group III: 0.6+/-0.84. All treatment groups showed significantly less peritoneum adhesion (P=0.006), while there was no significant difference in each group. The intraperitoneal organs adhesion mean scores are as follows: control group: 2.8+/-0.91, Group I: 2.6+/-1.06, Group II: 1.4+/-0.84, Group III: 1.0+/-0.81. Group I had no significant difference about intraperitoneal organs adhesion with control group, but Group II and Group III showed less intraperitoneal organs adhesion. The mean numbers of microvessel density are as follows: control group: 42.5+/-4.83, Group I: 40.8+/-6.53, Group II: 30.9+/-6.15, Group III: 15.60+/-4.37, from which there was a significant difference between Group II and Group III with control group (P<0.001). The mean numbers of macrophage are as follows: control group: 223.3+/-33.12, Group I: 211.25+/-10.96, Group II: 171.60+/-23.96, Group III: 147.0+/-12.22, from which there was a significant difference between Group II and Group III with control group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our animal model, three different types of antiadhesive agents (Surgiwrap(R), Guardix-sol(R), Interceed(R)) were effective in adhesion prevention, but Surgiwrap(R) had less antiadhesive effect for intraperitoneal organs adhesion. Membrane-type Interceed(R) had a better effect for microvessel density (MVD) and macrophage than solution-type Guardix-sol(R).

The Initial Experience with a Single Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy

PURPOSE: A laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming popular for the treatment of acute and perforated appendicitis. Since it was first described, the LA has been modified many times. We present the result for a new technique of LA, in which the LA is conducted through a single umbilical incision without exteriorizing the appendix to perform the operation. METHODS: A single incision laparoscopic appendectomy was attempted in 25 patients (17 men, 8 women). Under general anesthesia, a wound retractor was inserted through the umbilicus. The appendix was grasped and dissected from surrounding tissues with a single flexible dissector or grasper. After mesenteric dissection with ultrasonic shear, the base of the appendix was ligated with an Endoloop. The appendix was withdrawn into the wound protector and extracted from the abdomen. RESULTS: A single incision laparoscopic appendectomy was completed in 25 patients. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The average duration of the procedure was 50.3+/-21.3 min. The average hospital stay was 4.1+/-2.4 days. CONCLUSION: This new technique, a single incision laparoscopic appendectomy, further improves the minimal invasiveness of a LA because a single incision is used. This procedure is a safe, very minimally invasive procedure with excellent cosmetic results.