Usefulness of the delta neutrophil index to lymphocyte ratio to predict prognosis in sepsis patients in the emergency department

Objective@#This study verifies the practicality of the delta neutrophil index to lymphocyte ratio for the prognostic evaluation of sepsis patients. @*Methods@#Records of 2,233 patients diagnosed with sepsis were reviewed; 1,042 patients were included in the final analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve studies were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) to determine the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the delta neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (Delta-NLR). To adjust for skewed distributions, the NLR and Delta-NLR were analyzed after natural logarithm transformations. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine potential predictors for mortality. @*Results@#To predict 30-day mortality, AUCs were performed using the values of days 0, 1, and 2 (0.604, P<0.0001; 0.648, P<0.0001; and 0.684, P<0.0001, respectively). The NLR results were 0.504 (P=0.8624), 0.553 (P=0.0191), and 0.598 (P<0.0001), respectively. The AUC increased significantly when the Delta-NLR at day 0 was combined with age, hemoglobin levels, and lactate levels. Further subgroup analysis was performed by dividing patients into an upper respiratory infection (URI) group, a gastrointestinal tract infection (GI) (including hepatobiliary infection) group, and a urinary tract infection (UTI) group. The predictive ability of the GI group was determined to be much higher than the other two groups. @*Conclusion@#Increase in the Delta-NLR of sepsis patients was found to be an independent predictor of mortality within 30 days.

Effect of fast track on prognosis in patients with common bile duct obstruction with cholangitis in emergency department

Objective@#Biliary decompression through bile drainage is a key treatment for common bile duct obstruction with cholangitis. However, the effectiveness of early interventions has not been studied sufficiently in Korea. This study investigated the effectiveness of fast-track biliary decompression. @*Methods@#A group of patients diagnosed with common bile duct obstruction with cholangitis between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, was reviewed retrospectively. We divided them into two groups: before and after the implementation of fast-track biliary decompression. The following items were analyzed in the two groups: time to intervention, number of hospital days, length of stay in the emergency department, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. @*Results@#Between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, 418 patients were admitted for common bile duct obstruction, and a total of 369 patients were included in this study. Of these, 168 patients visited the hospital prior to implementation of the treatment, and 201 patients visited after implementation. The time to intervention was 6.1 (4.2-11.0) hours in the fast-track group, which was about 9 hours shorter than the other group (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the number of hospital days, emergency department length of stay, and ICU admissions (P=0.535, P=0.034, P=0.322). @*Conclusion@#The time to intervention was shortened significantly in the fast-track group. However, we did not observe a significant improvement in patient prognosis. It may be possible that the procedure time may need to be shortened for a better prognosis. This should be investigated in future studies.

Effect of Prehospital Epinephrine on Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes:A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Purpose@#A pilot project using epinephrine at the scene under medical control is currently underway in Korea. This study aimed to determine whether prehospital epinephrine administration is associated with improved survival and neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who received epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the emergency department. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective observational study used a nationwide multicenter OHCA registry. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether they received epinephrine at the scene or not. The associations between prehospital epinephrine use and outcomes were assessed using propensity score (PS)-matched analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using PS matching. The same analysis was repeated for the subgroup of patients with non-shockable rhythm. @*Results@#PS matching was performed for 1084 patients in each group. Survival to discharge was significantly decreased in the patients who received prehospital epinephrine [odds ratio (OR) 0.415, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.250–0.670, p<0.001]. However, no statistical significance was observed for good neurological outcome (OR 0.548, 95% CI 0.258–1.123, p=0.105). For the patient subgroup with non-shockable rhythm, prehospital epinephrine was also associated with lower survival to discharge (OR 0.514, 95% CI 0.306–0.844, p=0.010), but not with neurological outcome (OR 0.709, 95% CI 0.323–1.529, p=0.382). @*Conclusion@#Prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with decreased survival rates in OHCA patients but not statistically associated with neurological outcome in this PS-matched analysis. Further research is required to investigate the reason for the detrimental effect of epinephrine administered at the scene.

Thrombotic Microangiopathy Score as a New Predictor of Neurologic Outcomes in Patients after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Purpose@#Given the morphological characteristics of schistocytes, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) score can be beneficial as it can be automatically and accurately measured. This study aimed to investigate whether serial TMA scores until 48 h post admission are associated with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing targeted temperature management (TTM) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 185 patients using a prospective registry. We analyzed TMA scores at admission and after 12, 24, and 48 hours. The primary outcome measures were poor neurological outcome at discharge and 30-day mortality. @*Results@#Increased TMA scores at all measured time points were independent predictors of poor neurological outcomes and 30-day mortality, with TMA score at time-12 showing the strongest correlation [odds ratio (OR), 3.008; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.707–5.300; p<0.001 and hazard ratio (HR), 1.517; 95% CI, 1.196–1.925; p<0.001]. Specifically, a TMA score ≥2 at time-12 was closely associated with an increased predictability of poor neurological outcomes (OR, 6.302; 95% CI, 2.841–13.976; p<0.001) and 30-day mortality (HR, 2.656; 95% CI, 1.675–4.211; p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#Increased TMA scores predicted neurological outcomes and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing TTM after OHCA. In addition to the benefit of being serially measured using an automated hematology analyzer, TMA score may be a helpful tool for rapid risk stratification and identification of the need for intensive care in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after OHCA.

The prognostic usefulness of the lactate/albumin ratio for predicting multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in severe trauma

Objective@#Early prediction of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and providing early innovative treatment may improve outcomes in patients with severe trauma. Lactate and serum albumin levels, which are widely used markers predicting the severity of critically ill patients, tend to diverge during clinical deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the lactate/albumin ratio (LAR) as a predictive factor for MODS and 30-day mortality in patients with severe trauma. @*Methods@#This retrospective, observational cohort study was performed with patients prospectively integrated into a critical pathway for trauma. We analyzed severe trauma patients (Injury Severity Score≥16) admitted to the emergency department (ED), between January 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017. The outcomes were the development of MODS and 30-day mortality. @*Results@#In total, 348 patients were enrolled, of which 18 (5.2%) died within 96 hours of ED admission, and the remaining 330 patients (94.8%) were evaluated for the development of MODS. An increase in the LAR at admission (odds ratio, 1.618; P=0.028) was an independent predictor of MODS development. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.755) and Harrell's C-index (0.783) showed that LAR could predict MODS and 30-day mortality. @*Conclusion@#Initial LAR is an independent predictor of MODS development in patients with severe trauma. Our study results suggest that an elevated LAR can be a useful prognostic marker in patients with severe trauma.

Usefulness of critical pathway for variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department for the treatment and prognosis of patients

Objective@#Endoscopic hemostasis is a key treatment for variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the effects of early endoscopy in variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding have not been sufficiently studied. This study investigated the effects of the use of the critical pathway (CP) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. @*Methods@#The study was designed as a ‘before and after’ study. A group of patients diagnosed with variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014, and CP activated patients from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, were reviewed retrospectively. The study endpoints included an analysis of the following in the two groups: time from emergency department (ED) arrival to endoscopy, number of blood transfusions, hospitalization period, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 30-day mortality. @*Results@#From January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018, 207 patients were admitted with variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and 137 patients with a Blatchford score of 7 or higher were included in the study. Of these, 88 patients visited before the implementation of CP and 49 patients visited thereafter. The time from ED arrival to endoscopy was 218.1±201.7 minutes in the CP activated group, which was about 200 minutes shorter (P=0.046) than the non-CP group. There was no statistical difference in 30-day mortality, transfusion, emergency room hospitalization time, number of ICU admissions, and hospitalization days (P=0.348, P=0.394, P=0.651, P=0.164, and P=0.069). @*Conclusion@#After CP, the time to endoscopy was significantly shortened, but it did not reduce mortality.

Comparison among frailty screening tools in the emergency department: a systematic review

Objective@#It is important to identify high-risk elderly patients in the emergency department (ED), and various screening tools should be used. This study aimed to find the most appropriate tool by comparing frailty screening tools used in the ED. @*Methods@#The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and KoreaMed databases for medical literature. Two or more frailty screening tools were studied. Sensitivities and values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of each tool used in individual studies were compared. @*Results@#After the screening process, six studies using 12 tools were selected. Most of the tools had low sensitivities. The sensitivities were 90% or more in case of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Program of Research to Integrate Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy (PRISMA-7). Seniors at Risk (ISAR) tools for frailty screening, Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and Geriatric (G8) tools were identified for predicting postoperative mortality, and CFS, Fried and Stable, Unstable, Help to walk, Bedbound (SUHB) tools were used for determining bad composite outcomes. The areas under the curve values predicting outcome were as follows: 0.63-0.67 for death, 0.52-0.64 for postoperative death, 0.52-0.68 for postoperative adverse outcome, 0.55-0.64 for poor prognosis, 0.65-0.69 for activity daily living disability, 0.66-0.78 for functional decline, 0.58-0.61 for hospitalization, 0.57-0.59 for fall, and 0.77-0.91 for frailty screening. @*Conclusion@#It was difficult to select the most appropriate tool among the 12 frailty tools included in this review. However, Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, Loss of weight (FRAIL), Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF), CFS, VES-13, and PRISMA-7 were relatively useful in the ED.

Systematic review for economic benefit of poison control center

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the socio-economic benefits of the poison control center (PCC) and to assess whether telephone counseling at the poison control center affects the frequency of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and length of stay of patients with acute poisoning. @*Methods@#The authors conducted a medical literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Two reviewers evaluated the abstracts for eligibility, extracted the data, and assessed the study quality using a standardized tool. Key results such as the cost-benefit ratio, hospital stay days, unnecessary emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and reduced hospital charges were extracted from the studies. When meta-analysis was possible, it was performed using RevMan software (RevMan version 5.4). @*Results@#Among 299 non-duplicated studies, 19 were relevant to the study questions. The cost-benefit ratios of PCC showed a wide range from 0.76 to 36 (average 6.8) according to the level of the medical expense of each country and whether the study included intentional poisoning. PCC reduced unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. PCC consultation shortened the length of hospital stay by 1.82 (95% CI, 1.07-2.57) days. @*Conclusion@#The systematic review and meta-analysis support the hypothesis that the PCC operation is cost-beneficial. However, when implementing the PCC concept in Korea in the future, it is necessary to prepare an institutional framework to ensure a costeffective model.

Usefulness of delta neutrophil index to predict neurologic outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective@#Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common emergency condition, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. The delta neutrophil index (DNI), which reflects the fraction of circulating immature granulocytes, is significantly associated with systemic inflammation after infection or sterile injury. Aneurysmal SAH also leads to systemic inflammation after a brain injury. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the DNI and poor neurologic outcomes in patients with aneurysmal SAH. @*Methods@#We retrospectively identified patients (>18 years old) with aneurysmal SAH consecutively admitted to the emergency department (ED) between January 1, 2011, and November 30, 2018. The diagnosis of aneurysmal SAH was confirmed using clinical and radiological findings. DNI was determined at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after ED admission. The primary result was a poor neurologic outcome using the modified Rankin scale. @*Results@#A total of 352 patients with aneurysmal SAH were included in this study. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that a high value of DNI at 24 hours after ED admission was a strong independent predictor of poor neurologic outcome upon discharge (odds ratio [OR], 1.471; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.081-2.001; P=0.014). Among patients with aneurysmal SAH, DNI >1.0% at 24 hours was significantly associated with poor neurologic outcomes upon discharge (OR, 5.037; 95% CI, 3.153-8.044; P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#DNI can be determined easily and rapidly after ED admission without any additional cost or time burden. A high DNI value at 24 hours after ED admission is significantly associated with a poor neurologic outcome upon discharge among patients with aneurysmal SAH.

Usefulness of delta neutrophil index to predict neurologic outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective@#Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common emergency condition, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. The delta neutrophil index (DNI), which reflects the fraction of circulating immature granulocytes, is significantly associated with systemic inflammation after infection or sterile injury. Aneurysmal SAH also leads to systemic inflammation after a brain injury. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the DNI and poor neurologic outcomes in patients with aneurysmal SAH. @*Methods@#We retrospectively identified patients (>18 years old) with aneurysmal SAH consecutively admitted to the emergency department (ED) between January 1, 2011, and November 30, 2018. The diagnosis of aneurysmal SAH was confirmed using clinical and radiological findings. DNI was determined at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after ED admission. The primary result was a poor neurologic outcome using the modified Rankin scale. @*Results@#A total of 352 patients with aneurysmal SAH were included in this study. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that a high value of DNI at 24 hours after ED admission was a strong independent predictor of poor neurologic outcome upon discharge (odds ratio [OR], 1.471; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.081-2.001; P=0.014). Among patients with aneurysmal SAH, DNI >1.0% at 24 hours was significantly associated with poor neurologic outcomes upon discharge (OR, 5.037; 95% CI, 3.153-8.044; P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#DNI can be determined easily and rapidly after ED admission without any additional cost or time burden. A high DNI value at 24 hours after ED admission is significantly associated with a poor neurologic outcome upon discharge among patients with aneurysmal SAH.

Usefulness of serial measurement of the mean platelet volume to predict multipleorgan dysfunction syndrome in patients with severe trauma

Objective@#The early prediction of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in trauma patients and provision ofprompt treatment may improve their outcomes. We investigated the efficacy of the mean platelet volume (MPV) for predictingMODS in cases of severe trauma. @*Methods@#This retrospective, observational cohort study was performed with patients prospectively integrated in a criticalpathway of TRAUMA. We analyzed the severe trauma patients admitted to the emergency department (ED), based onthe Advanced Trauma Life Support guideline, between January 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017. The outcomes were developedfrom MODS at least 48 hours after ED admission. @*Results@#A total of 348 patients were enrolled. An increase in the MPV at 12 hours (odds ratio [OR], 2.611; P8.6 fL (OR, 4.831; P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC) value of the MPV at 12 hours (0.751; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.687-0.818; P<0.01) was not inferior thanthat of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, injury severity score, lactate, and total CO2 for predictingMODS. @*Conclusion@#MPV was an independent predictor of MODS development in severe trauma patients. Emergency physicianscan use the MPV as an ancillary biomarker for predicting MODS.

Acute Nicotine Poisoning due to Electronic Cigarette Liquid:Systematic Review of Case Reports

Purpose@#Acute nicotine poisoning by liquid nicotine in electronic cigarettes is becoming an increasing problem worldwide. The current systematic review aimed to determine the harm of acute nicotine poisoning by reviewing published case reports. @*Methods@#An online literature search with PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database was performed to identify relevant studies addressing acute nicotine poisoning with electronic cigarettes. Two investigators searched the case reports written in English or Korean. @*Results@#Twenty-six cases were included in this study. The routes of intoxication included ingestion in 18 cases, intravenous injection in three cases, subcutaneous injection in two cases, and ocular exposure in two cases. Ten cases had a cardiac arrest, and seven of them died. Seven out of 12 cases with intentional poisoning had a cardiac arrest. Nine children under 18 years were reported, and three of them had a cardiac arrest. Sixteen cases without a cardiac arrest recovered well, except for one case with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. @*Conclusion@#The authors reviewed the risks of electronic cigarette liquid in terms of acute poisoning through a systematic review.The nicotine solution of an e-cigarette can be life-threatening in cases of acute poisoning. Therefore, active emergency treatment with early recognition is necessary. In addition, various management methods and regulations for preventing acute nicotine poisoning, such as restriction of distribution and nicotine concentration, should be considered.

Outcome and status of postcardiac arrest care in Korea: results from the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry

Objective@#High-quality intensive care, including targeted temperature management (TTM) for patients with postcardiac arrest syndrome, is a key element for improving outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to assess the status of postcardiac arrest syndrome care, including TTM and 6-month survival with neurologically favorable outcomes, after adult OHCA patients were treated with TTM, using data from the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry. @*Methods@#We used the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry, a web-based multicenter registry that includes data from 22 participating hospitals throughout the Republic of Korea. Adult comatose OHCA survivors treated with TTM between October 2015 and December 2018 were included. The primary outcome was neurological outcome at 6 months. @*Results@#Of the 1,354 registered OHCA survivors treated with TTM, 550 (40.6%) survived 6 months, and 413 (30.5%) had good neurological outcomes. We identified 839 (62.0%) patients with preClinsumed cardiac etiology. A total of 937 (69.2%) collapses were witnessed, shockable rhythms were demonstrated in 482 (35.6%) patients, and 421 (31.1%) patients arrived at the emergency department with prehospital return of spontaneous circulation. The most common target temperature was 33°C, and the most common target duration was 24 hours. @*Conclusion@#The survival and good neurologic outcome rates of this prospective registry show great improvements compared with those of an earlier registry. While the optimal target temperature and duration are still unknown, the most common target temperature was 33°C, and the most common target duration was 24 hours.

Acute Nicotine Poisoning due to Electronic Cigarette Liquid:Systematic Review of Case Reports

Purpose@#Acute nicotine poisoning by liquid nicotine in electronic cigarettes is becoming an increasing problem worldwide. The current systematic review aimed to determine the harm of acute nicotine poisoning by reviewing published case reports. @*Methods@#An online literature search with PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database was performed to identify relevant studies addressing acute nicotine poisoning with electronic cigarettes. Two investigators searched the case reports written in English or Korean. @*Results@#Twenty-six cases were included in this study. The routes of intoxication included ingestion in 18 cases, intravenous injection in three cases, subcutaneous injection in two cases, and ocular exposure in two cases. Ten cases had a cardiac arrest, and seven of them died. Seven out of 12 cases with intentional poisoning had a cardiac arrest. Nine children under 18 years were reported, and three of them had a cardiac arrest. Sixteen cases without a cardiac arrest recovered well, except for one case with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. @*Conclusion@#The authors reviewed the risks of electronic cigarette liquid in terms of acute poisoning through a systematic review.The nicotine solution of an e-cigarette can be life-threatening in cases of acute poisoning. Therefore, active emergency treatment with early recognition is necessary. In addition, various management methods and regulations for preventing acute nicotine poisoning, such as restriction of distribution and nicotine concentration, should be considered.

Outcome and status of postcardiac arrest care in Korea: results from the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry

Objective@#High-quality intensive care, including targeted temperature management (TTM) for patients with postcardiac arrest syndrome, is a key element for improving outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to assess the status of postcardiac arrest syndrome care, including TTM and 6-month survival with neurologically favorable outcomes, after adult OHCA patients were treated with TTM, using data from the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry. @*Methods@#We used the Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry, a web-based multicenter registry that includes data from 22 participating hospitals throughout the Republic of Korea. Adult comatose OHCA survivors treated with TTM between October 2015 and December 2018 were included. The primary outcome was neurological outcome at 6 months. @*Results@#Of the 1,354 registered OHCA survivors treated with TTM, 550 (40.6%) survived 6 months, and 413 (30.5%) had good neurological outcomes. We identified 839 (62.0%) patients with preClinsumed cardiac etiology. A total of 937 (69.2%) collapses were witnessed, shockable rhythms were demonstrated in 482 (35.6%) patients, and 421 (31.1%) patients arrived at the emergency department with prehospital return of spontaneous circulation. The most common target temperature was 33°C, and the most common target duration was 24 hours. @*Conclusion@#The survival and good neurologic outcome rates of this prospective registry show great improvements compared with those of an earlier registry. While the optimal target temperature and duration are still unknown, the most common target temperature was 33°C, and the most common target duration was 24 hours.

Lactate/albumin ratio for the prediction of the development of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury in the emergency department

OBJECTIVE: The early prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) in sepsis and the provision of prompt treatment may improve the outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy of the lactate/albumin ratio (LAR) in predicting severe AKI in cases of septic shock. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study was performed on patients integrated prospectively in a critical pathway of early-goal-directed therapy (EGDT)/SEPSIS. Adult patients with septic shock, who were admitted to the emergency department with a normal kidney function or stage 1 disease based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2017, were analyzed. The outcomes were the development of sepsis-induced severe AKI within 7 days. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients were enrolled. An increase in the LAR value at admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.85; P=0.001) was a strong independent predictor of the development of severe AKI. The increasing predictability of AKI was closely associated with a L/A ratio≥0.794 at admission (OR, 14.66; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of the L/A ratio (0.821; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.774–0.861; P < 0.01) was higher than that of lactate (0.795; 95% CI, 0.747–0.838; P < 0.01) for predicting severe AKI (P=0.032). CONCLUSION: L/A ratio was found to be an independent predictor of the development of severe AKI in septic shock. The prognostic performance of the L/A ratio for predicting AKI of critically ill sepsis patients was superior to that of lactate measurements.

The usefulness of lactate as an early predictor of the severity of emergency department patients with postpartum hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies have examined the role of lactate reflecting on tissue hypoperfusion determining the severity of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) patients in the emergency department (ED). This study evaluated the utility of the arterial lactate level as a prognostic marker of severity in PPH patients admitted to an ED. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted on patients integrated prospectively in a critical pathway of SPEED (Severance Protocol to save postpartum bleeding through Expeditious care Delivery). Adult primary PPH patients admitted to the ED between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2017 were analyzed. The outcomes were the development of severe PPH including death, hysterectomy, surgical treatment, and massive transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were enrolled in this study. An increase in the arterial lactate value was a strong independent predictor of severe PPH. The increasing predictability of severe PPH was closely associated with an arterial lactate ≥3.15 mL/L at admission (odds ratio, 13.870; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lactate is an independent predictor of severe PPH and is suitable for a rapid and simple estimation of the severity of PPH. Emergency physicians can use lactate to determine the initial treatment strategies more precisely.

Comparison of Silymarin, Penicillin, N-acetylcysteine in Patient with Amatoxin Poisoning: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of pharmacologic treatment of amatoxin poisoning patients. METHODS: Literature was accessed through PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, KoreaMed, KISS and KMBASE. Studies relevant to human use of pharmacologic therapy including silymarin, penicillin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for amanita poisoning were included. Case reports, letters, editorials and papers with insufficient information were excluded. Comparison of clinical outcomes (especially mortality and liver transplantation rate) in each study was analyzed. RESULTS: The final analysis included 13 retrospective studies. None of these studies showed direct comparisons of individual agents. Among 12 studies comparing silymarin vs penicillin, eight showed clinical superiority of silymarin. Among eight studies comparing silymarin with NAC, six showed clinical superiority of silymarin. Among seven studies of NAC vs penicillin, five showed clinical superiority of NAC. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggested that clinical superiority of various pharmacological agents used to treat amatoxin poisoning is debatable. Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests it is reasonable to consider combinations of multiple agents for patients with amanita poisoning. Further studies are required to establish a treatment regimen for amanita poisoning.

Usefulness of Predictors for Hepatotoxicity in Acetaminophen Poisoning Patient

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether hepatotoxicity could be predicted early using biochemical markers in patients with acetaminophen (AAP) poisoning and to assess the usefulness of predictive factors for acute liver injury or hepatotoxicity. METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational study involving a medical records review. The participants were patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with AAP overdose at two hospitals over a 10-year period. Demographic data, age, time from ingestion to visit, initial AAP level, initial hepatic aminotransferases, and initial prothrombin time were recorded. Acute liver injury was defined as a peak serum ALT >50 U/L or double the admission value, and hepatotoxicity was defined as a peak ALT >1,000 U/L. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to compare the prognostic performance among variables. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were admitted to the ED with AAP overdose, of whom 26 had acute liver injury and 6 had hepatotoxicity. Acute liver injury was associated with the time interval after taking the drug, and hepatotoxicity was associated with the initial PT and the ALT level. The scoring system proposed by the authors has a significant ability to predict both acute liver injury and hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: To predict the prognosis of AAP poisoning patients, the time interval after taking AAP was important, and initial prothrombin time and ALT level were useful tests. Also a scoring system combining variables may be useful.

Prognostic Factor Analysis Including Electrocardiogram Change in Patientss with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: The prognostic factors of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are still not completely known. Several studies suggested that electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can act as a predictor of outcome in SAH patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the prognostic factors, including ECG changes, which are predictive of unfavorable outcome in non-traumatic SAH patients. METHODS: We retrospectively selected patients from our prospectively collected database of 202 SAH patients who visited the emergency medical center. The outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale at six months after the occurrence of SAH. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, a high score in one of the conventional systems (Hunt and Hess system, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] scale, and Fisher grade), advanced age, accompanying intracranial hemorrhage or intraventricular hemorrhage, ECG changes (ST depression or Tall T), and a history of hypertension were associated with unfavorable outcome. The multivariate analysis showed three prognostic factors (ECG changes, age and high score in the conventional system) for unfavorable outcome. Using this result, three novel models corresponding to the three conventional systems were constructed to predict an unfavorable outcome in such patients. The area under the curve for model 1 (containing the WFNS scale) was 0.912, that of model 2 (containing the HH system) was 0.913, and that of model 3 (containing the Fisher system) was 0.885. Compared with the WFNS, HH or Fisher grade alone, each model exhibited superior accuracy. CONCLUSION: ECG can be described as an independent predictor of poor outcome, and the novel models which contain the ECG changes were found to be more accurate in predicting an unfavorable outcome in SAH patients compared with the conventional scoring system.