Is it possible to reduce intra-hospital transport time for computed tomography evaluation in critically ill cases using the Easy Tube Arrange Device?

OBJECTIVE: Patients are often transported within the hospital, especially in cases of critical illness for which computed tomography (CT) is performed. Since increased transport time increases the risks of complications, reducing transport time is important for patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of our newly invented device, the Easy Tube Arrange Device (ETAD), to reduce transport time for CT evaluation in cases of critical illness. METHODS: This prospective randomized control study included 60 volunteers. Each participant arranged five or six intravenous fluid lines, monitoring lines (noninvasive blood pressure, electrocardiography, central venous pressure, arterial catheter), and therapeutic equipment (O2 supply device, Foley catheter) on a Resusci Anne mannequin. We measured transport time for the CT evaluation by using conventional and ETAD method. RESULTS: The median transport time for CT evaluation was 488.50 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI], 462.75 to 514.75) and, 503.50 seconds (95% CI, 489.50 to 526.75) with 5 and 6 fluid lines using the conventional method and 364.50 seconds (95% CI, 335.00 to 388.75), and 363.50 seconds (95% CI, 331.75 to 377.75) with ETAD (all P < 0.001). The time differences were 131.50 (95% CI, 89.25 to 174.50) and 148.00 (95% CI, 116.00 to 177.75) (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The transport time for CT evaluation was reduced using the ETAD, which would be expected to reduce the complications that may occur during transport in cases of critical illness.

Is the Modified AIMS65 Score Suitable for Distinguishing the Low Risk Group and the High Risk Group for Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to increase the performance of the AIMS65 score in the prediction of outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding by modifying the AIMS65 score. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively between January 2015 and June 2015. A total of 212 adult patients, who visited the emergency department with an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage during this period were included for analysis. High risk patients were defined as follows: those who needed an endoscopic or surgical hemostasis, suffered rebleeding, hospitalized in an intensive care unit, and those who were deceased within 30 days or required a blood transfusion. The seven parameters of the modified AIMS65 score were as follows: Albumin levels, international normalized ratio (prothrombin time), altered mental status, systolic blood pressure, age>65 years, hemoglobin levels, and heart rate. RESULTS: The high-risk group was comprised of 163 patients, while the low risk group was comprised of 49 patients. The areas under the curve for AIMS65 and modified AIMS65 scores were 0.727 (95% confidence interval, 0.662-0.786) and 0.847 (95% confidence interval, 0.791-0.892), respectively, which were significantly different (p<0.001). The AIMS65 score had a sensitivity of 53.0% and a specificity of 78.5% at a score of 0. The modified AIMS65 score had a sensitivity of 22.4% and a specificity of 99.3% at a score of 0. For the modified AIMS65 score of 3 or lower, the sensitivity was 97.9% with a specificity of 21.4%. CONCLUSION: The modified AIMS65 score was effective in distinguishing between the low-risk group and the high-risk group among patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Effects of Paraquat Ban on Herbicide Poisoning-Related Mortality

PURPOSE: In Korea, registration of paraquat-containing herbicides was canceled in November 2011, and sales thereof were completely banned in November 2012. We evaluated the effect of the paraquat ban on the epidemiology and mortality of herbicide-induced poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients treated for herbicide poisoning at 17 emergency departments in South Korea between January 2010 and December 2014. The overall and paraquat mortality rates were compared pre- and post-ban. Factors associated with herbicide mortality were evaluated using logistic analysis. To determine if there were any changes in the mortality rates before and after the paraquat sales ban and the time point of any such significant changes in mortality, R software, version 3.0.3 (package, bcp) was used to perform a Bayesian change point analysis. RESULTS: We enrolled 2257 patients treated for herbicide poisoning (paraquat=46.8%). The overall and paraquat poisoning mortality rates were 40.6% and 73.0%, respectively. The decreased paraquat poisoning mortality rate (before, 75% vs. after, 67%, p=0.014) might be associated with increased intentionality. The multivariable logistic analysis revealed the paraquat ban as an independent predictor that decreased herbicide poisoning mortality (p=0.035). There were two major change points in herbicide mortality rates, approximately 3 months after the initial paraquat ban and 1 year after complete sales ban. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the paraquat ban decreased intentional herbicide ingestion and contributed to lowering herbicide poisoning-associated mortality. The change point analysis suggests a certain timeframe was required for the manifestation of regulatory measures outcomes.

Reduction of intra-hospital transport time using the easy tube arrange device

OBJECTIVE: Critically ill patients sometimes require transport to another location. Longer intra-hospital transport time increases the risk of hemodynamic instability and associated complications. Therefore, reducing intra-hospital transport time is critical. Our objective was to evaluate whether or not a new device the easy tube arrange device (ETAD) has the potential to reduce intra-hospital transport time of critically ill patients. METHODS: We enrolled volunteers for this prospective randomized controlled study. Each participant arranged four, five, and six fluid tubings, monitoring lines, and therapeutic equipment on a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training mannequin (Resusci Anne). The time required to arrange the fluid tubings for intra-hospital transport using two different methods was evaluated. RESULTS: The median time to arrange four, five, and six fluid tubings was 86.00 (76.50 to 98.50), 96.00 (86.00 to 113.00), and 115.50 (93.00 to 130.75) seconds, respectively, using the conventional method and 60.50 (52.50 to 72.75), 69.00 (57.75 to 80.80), and 72.50 (64.75 to 90.50) seconds using the ETAD (all P<0.001). The total duration (for preparing the basic setting and organizing before and after the transport) was 280.00 (268.75 to 293.00), 315.50 (304.75 to 330.75), and 338.00 (319.50 to 360.25) seconds for four, five, and six fluid tubings, respectively, using the conventional method and 274.50 (261.75 to 289.25), 288.00 (271.75 to 298.25), and 301.00 (284.50 to 310.75) seconds, respectively, using the new method (P=0.024, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The ETAD was convenient to use, reduced the time to arrange medical tubings, and is expected to assist medical staff during intra-hospital transport.

The Poisoning Information Database Covers a Large Proportion of Real Poisoning Cases in Korea

The poisoning information database (PIDB) provides clinical toxicological information on commonly encountered toxic substances in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage rate of the PIDB by comparing the database with the distribution of toxic substances that real poisoning patients presented to 20 emergency departments. Development of the PIDB started in 2007, and the number of toxic substances increased annually from 50 to 470 substances in 2014. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with toxic exposure who visited 20 emergency departments in Korea from January to December 2013. Identified toxic substances were classified as prescription drug, agricultural chemical, household product, animal or plant, herbal drug, or other. We calculated the coverage rate of the PIDB for both the number of poisoning cases and the kinds of toxic substances. A total of 10,887 cases of intoxication among 8,145 patients was collected. The 470 substances registered in the PIDB covered 89.3% of 8,891 identified cases related to poisoning, while the same substances only covered 45.3% of the 671 kinds of identified toxic substances. According to category, 211 prescription drugs, 58 agricultural chemicals, 28 household products, and 32 animals or plants were not covered by the PIDB. This study suggested that the PIDB covered a large proportion of real poisoning cases in Korea. However, the database should be continuously extended to provide information for even rare toxic substances.

Task and Time Analysis of Intern Physicians in the Emergency Department: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to describe how intern physicians in the emergency department (ED) spent their time, and the frequency of tasks performed by them. METHODS: This was an observational, time-motion study for 15 intern physicians in 15 emergency centers. Observers in each hospital shadowed interns for a 60-minute period, two times, both day and night shift. They recorded time spent on various activities, type and number of activities. The proportion of activity that can be replaced by other staff members was calculated. RESULTS: Average number of duty hours of interns was 80.9 hours (63~87.8) per week. A total of 662 activities were observed during 30 hours. Interns' activities were classified as direct patient care 28.2%, personal time 24.2%, documentation 17.0%, procedures 16.7%, communication 8.1%, transportation 2.6%, indirect patient care 2.0%, learning activity 0.8%, and administrative work 0.4%. The proportion of procedural task showed negative correlation with the number of emergency medical technicians (r=-0.710, p=0.003). The proportion of activity that can be replaced by staff members other than doctors was 24.3% (0~47%) of time, except personal or learning activity. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that only 24.3% of interns' activity in the emergency department could be replaced by staff members other than doctors. Because the proportion of activities that could be replaced was variable among hospitals, each hospital should perform task analysis of interns' activity in order to forecast alternative manpower.

Could One-Hand Compression for a Small Child Cause Intra-abdominal Injuries?

PURPOSE: We examined the question of whether one-hand chest compression for a small child could compress intraabdominal organs. METHODS: We retrospectively examined medical charts and multidirectional computed tomography (MDCT) images obtained from children aged 1 to 18 years who presented to the hospital from March 2002 to March 2012. We measured the length of the sternum (Stotal) and the length of the lower half of the sternum (Stotal/2~X). We also measured the distance from the diaphragm to the midpoint of the sternum (Stotal/2~D) and half the width of an adult hand (Wtotal/2). Finally, we counted the number of instances at each age in which Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D were less than Wtotal/2. RESULTS: This study included records and MDCT images for 301 children with a mean age of 12.05+/-5.59 years. We also enrolled 47 adult rescuers (25 men, 53.2%) with a mean age of 23.20+/-2.13 years. The mean Wtotal/2 was 4.62+/-0.46 cm. All 1-year-old children had Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D less than Wtotal/2. Among children aged 2 years, six (60.0%) had Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D less than Wtotal/2. Among children aged 3 years, four (26.7%) had Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D less than Wtotal/2, and among those aged 4 years, two (13.3%) had Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D less than Wtotal/2. However, Stotal/2~X and Stotal/2~D were greater than Wtotal/2 in children aged 5 years or more. CONCLUSION: Our measurements indicate that one-hand chest compression for a small child could cause intraabdominal organ injury.

Clinical Review of Toxic Alcohol Poisoning Cases in Korea

PURPOSE: Toxic alcohols are responsible for accidental and suicide motivated poisonings, resulting in death or permanent sequelae for the afflicted patients. Major therapeutic modalities in these cases include treatment with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors and extracorporeal elimination. There have been a number of case reports of toxic alcohol intoxication in Korea. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics of patients suffering toxic alcohol intoxication. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who presented with toxic alcohol intoxication at 8 emergency departments (ED) from Jun 2005 to Nov 2011. Patients who ingested methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and other alcohols except ethanol, were included in this study. The clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed to include anion and osmolar gap, and estimated concentration of alcohol in the body. RESULTS: During the study period, 21 patients were identified who had ingested toxic alcohol (methanol; 12 patients, ethylene glycol; 9 patients). At ED arrival, the mean anion gap was 18.7+/-6.9 and the osmolar gap was elevated in 13 patients. Oral and IV ethanol were administrated to 11 patients in order to inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase. Extracorporeal elimination procedures such as hemodialysis were performed in 9 patients. There were no fatalities, but the one patient suffered permanent blindness. CONCLUSION: This study found that ethylene glycol and methanol were the substances ingested which produced toxic alcohol intoxication. The patients presented with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and were typically treated with oral ethanol and hemodialysis.

The Safety of Bolus Infusion Through Intraosseous Access Using the EZ-IO in Terms of Extraosseous Flow

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety of bolus infusion through intraosseous access using the EZ-IO in adults in terms of extraosseous flow. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of adults (over age 18) in whom intraosseous access through the tibia was performed by emergency physicians or residents from June 2010 to June 2011. We used ultrasonography to confirm extraosseous flow during infusion of 80 mL normal saline with a 4 mL/s flow rate through intraosseous access, immediately after confirmation of intraosseous needle insertion using conventional methods. Finally, we recorded any complications that occurred immediately in the area of intraosseous access. RESULTS: Of 30 patients enrolled in the study, 22(73.3%) were male and eight (26.7%) were female. The mean age of study participants was 62.78+/-15.68 years; mean cortical thickness of participants' tibias was 0.27+/-0.03 cm. The mean time required for performance of the intraosseous access procedure was 16.00+/-4.65 s; success rate on the first attempt, 100.0%. No immediate complications, including swelling or extraosseous flow at the area of intraosseous access, were observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, bolus infusion though intraosseous access using the EZ-IO in adults in emergency departments was a safe option in terms of extraosseous flow.

Clinical Predictors of Cervical Abscess in Adult Emergency Department Patients Presenting a Sore Throat

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical predictors of cervical abscess in adult patients who present a sore throat. METHODS: We prospectively studied adult patients (18 years of age or older) who presented with a sore throat at one of three hospitals (Chungnam national university hospital, Chungbuk national university hospital, and Konyang university hospital) from June 2010 to June 2011. The enrolled patients received a neck computed tomography scan, and their clinical manifestations were investigated. We evaluated several clinical variables in order to predict the existence of cervical abscess by use of multiple logistic regression analysis, and assessed the ability of the results of these variables to accurately diagnose cervical abscess using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were enrolled in this study. We identified two clinical variables (swelling and voice change) useful in predicting the existence of cervical abscess, and the AUC acquired by adding the scores of the two clinical factors was 0.89 (p<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of these clinical factors to predict cervical abscess were 0.96 and 0.69 when the cut off value was determined to be 2. CONCLUSION: Two clinical factors (swelling and voice change) were useful in predicting the appearance of cervical abscesses. Consideration should be made for the need for incision and drainage of a cervical abscess if a patient presents swelling, or swelling and voice change.

Clinical Predictors of Cervical Abscess in Adult Emergency Department Patients Presenting a Sore Throat

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical predictors of cervical abscess in adult patients who present a sore throat. METHODS: We prospectively studied adult patients (18 years of age or older) who presented with a sore throat at one of three hospitals (Chungnam national university hospital, Chungbuk national university hospital, and Konyang university hospital) from June 2010 to June 2011. The enrolled patients received a neck computed tomography scan, and their clinical manifestations were investigated. We evaluated several clinical variables in order to predict the existence of cervical abscess by use of multiple logistic regression analysis, and assessed the ability of the results of these variables to accurately diagnose cervical abscess using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were enrolled in this study. We identified two clinical variables (swelling and voice change) useful in predicting the existence of cervical abscess, and the AUC acquired by adding the scores of the two clinical factors was 0.89 (p<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of these clinical factors to predict cervical abscess were 0.96 and 0.69 when the cut off value was determined to be 2. CONCLUSION: Two clinical factors (swelling and voice change) were useful in predicting the appearance of cervical abscesses. Consideration should be made for the need for incision and drainage of a cervical abscess if a patient presents swelling, or swelling and voice change.

Comparison of Tidal Volume with Conventional and Newly Designed Manual Resuscitator Ventilation devices?

PURPOSE: A manual resuscitator is often used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Artificial ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important to the victim's survival. But, manual resuscitators can not achieve delivery of optimal tidal volumes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hence, we suggest a newly designed manual resuscitator that achieves optimal tidal volumes. METHODS: This study was done on sixty one participants using a conventional manual resuscitator and a newly designed resuscitator. Each participant squeezed the resuscitators ten times. We measured tidal volumes and participant variables including age, sex, type of emergency medical practitioner, hand height, hand grip strength, and hand volume. RESULTS: For the 61 patients, mean tidal volume with the conventional resuscitator was 501.67+/-143.95 ml and with the newly designed resuscitator it was 527.14+/-23.77 ml (p=0.156). Accuracy of the conventional resuscitator was 19.7%; for the newly designed resuscitator it was 91.8%. Tidal volume did not correlate with age, sex, type of emergency medical practitioner, hand height, hand grip strength, or hand volume. CONCLUSION: Our newly designed resuscitator was better able to ventilate optimal tidal volumes than a conventional resuscitator. Further study with the newly designed resuscitator should be done in the clinical setting.

The Obturator Hernia: A Challenge for Early Diagnosis with Computed Tomography in Emergency Situations

Obturator hernias usually occur in elderly persons. We sometimes miss the correct diagnosis because of vague symptoms and signs in older patients at initial presentation. For good clinical outcomes, we should make the correct diagnosis earlier, especially in aged patients. Here we report cases of obturator hernia in two aged patients without specific medical or surgical histories. Two older women suffered obturator hernias, which were characterized by clinical and radiographic features. They did not have any specific surgical and medical histories. For further evaluation of abdominal symptoms and signs, we did an abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan in the emergency department. The CT scan revealed findings compatible with an obturator hernia in the area of the obturator foramen. They were treated and discharged without complications. When obturator hernia is suspected in a patient with related symptoms and signs, early CT scans should be considered to detect obturator hernia.

Correlation Between Inferior Vena Cava/Aorta Diameter Index and CVP - A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the inferior vena cava/aorta diameter index correlates with central venous pressure (CVP) in the emergency department. METHODS: We selected patients who had computed tomography and had their central venous pressure checked between September 2008 and December 2008. Measurement of the IVC and aorta diameters was performed in conjunction with computed tomography. Subjects were divided into two groups: those with a CVP of less than 8 cm H2O (group A), and those with a CVP greater than 8 cm H2O (group B). Data collected included the patient's age, sex, height, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, hemoglobin level, IVC diameter and aorta diameter. We analyzed the correlation between the IVC/aorta index and the CVP. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. Of the 80, 39 patients were assigned to group A and 41 to group B. The mean IVC diameter in group A was 14.98+/-2.58 mm; in group B it was and 18.84+/-3.01 (p<0.01). The IVC/aorta index in group A was 0.72+/-0.12; in group B it was 0.96+/-0.20 (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient for CVP and IVC was 0.72 (p<0.01); for CVP and aorta it was - 1.5 (p=0.17); for CVP and the IVC/aorta index it was 0.69 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The IVC/aorta index is related to the CVP. There is a difference in the IVC diameter and IVC/aorta index between groups A and B. The IVC/aorta index may be a predictor of body fluid status in the emergency department.

The Accuracy of a Simple Radiologic Study for Diagnosing Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of a simple radiologic images as a diagnostic tool for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (IAF). METHODS: This study proceeded prospectively from April 2008 to December 2009. We let 25 ERs (emergency residents) interpret the radiologic images of 45 patients who had injuries of their wrists and presented to a hospital. We used surgical findings or multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to confirm the final diagnosis of enrolled patients. Finally, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of simple radiologic images of IAF. We also compared test performance characteristics between the four grades of the ERs (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years) via Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. We considered differences to be significant, if p<0.05 RESULTS: Of 45 patients, 40 (88.9%) had fractures of the distal radius; of the 40, 25 (62.5%) had IAF. There were no differences in sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy between the four grades of the ERs (p=0.86, 0.76, 0.49). The sensitivity of simple radiologic images for diagnosing IAF was 0.69; specificity was 0.77; accuracy was 0.72. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that simple radiologic images as the primary diagnostic tool for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius were not completely adequate. Therefore, ERs should carefully consider using MDCT imaging to diagnose patients who suffer from wrist pain.

Correlation Between Sonographic Inferior Vena Cava/Aorta Diameter Index and Central Venous Pressure

PURPOSE: Body fluid status of patients in an emergency room environment is a very important parameter during clinical evaluation. In this study, we wanted to know the relationship between the diameter of the inferior vena cava and the diameter of the (IVC/Ao index) and central venous pressure (CVP) in hemodynamically unstable patients. METHODS: This study was done prospectively in an emergency medical center of a hospital from January to August, 2009. We compared the diameter of the IVC, the diameter of inferior vena cava/the body surface area index (IVC/BSA index), the IVC/Ao index, and other variables. Before and after hydration of patients with a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg and who had a central venous catheter in place. Then, we calculated the correlation coefficient for DeltaCVP, DeltaIVC/Ao index, and other indexes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. The mean IVC diameter before hydration was 14.3+/-2.7 mm; it was 15.6+/-2.7 mm after hydration (p<0.01). The IVC/BSA index before hydration was 8.75+/-1.72 and 9.55+/-1.79 after hydration (p<0.01). The IVC/Ao index before hydration was 1.08+/-0.23; it was 1.16+/-0.25 after hydration (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient for DeltaCVP and DeltaIVC was 0.37 (p<0.01); for DeltaCVP vs. the DeltaIVC/BSA index it was 0.37 (p<0.01); for the DeltaIVC/Ao index it was 0.27 (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: CVP has a higher correlation to IVC diameter and to IVC/BSA index than to the IVC/Ao index. Hence, we should estimate the IVC/Ao index and use that estimate along with other indexes to evaluate body fluid status when dealing with hemodynamically unstable patients.

Development of Assessment Tools for Performance and Leadership of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Team / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: The assessment tools for leadership and performance of resuscitation teams are have not been developed. We evaluated the checklists for resuscitation team performance and teamwork. METHODS: We developed two checklists for team dynamics (D1, D2) and two checklists for team performances (P1, P2). The videotaped mock resuscitation before and after a 2-hr Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training were also evaluated by two emergency physicians and two nurses using the four checklists. The validity and agreement between assessors were determined. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach-alpha. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in scores by expert consensus and the checklist score. The average scores between different assessors were different except for the D1 and D2 between doctors. The Cronbach-alpha for internal consistency were within acceptable ranges in the checklists D2 and P2. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the D2 and P2 checklists are provisionally acceptable due to relatively high validity, agreement, and internal consistency. However, further research is needed to develop validated checklists for resuscitation teams.

Comparison of Ultrasound-assisted Lumbar Puncture with Lumbar Puncture using Palpation of Landmarks in Aged Patients in an Emergency Center

PURPOSE: We evaluated the utility of ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture (UALP) in aged patients who visited our emergency center. METHODS:This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. From July to December 2007 we enrolled patients who were at least 60 years of age . Patients were divided into a group that had lumbar puncture (LP) using landmark palpation (group A) and a UALP group (group B). We did between-group comparisons for the number of attempts, procedure time, the number of LP failures, and whether traumatic LP was done. For all hypotheses, a significance level of 0.05 was used. Variables are reported as percentages and mean +/-standard deviation. RESULTS: We enrolled sixty aged patients: 30 in group A and 30 in group B. There were 5 cases of LP failure in group A and none in group B (p<0.05). There were 6 cases of traumatic lumbar puncture in group A, and one case in group B (p=0.05). The number of attempts was 3.3+/-2.4 in group A and 1.5+/-0.8 in group B (p<0.05). It took 10.6+/-7.7 minutes to finish each LP in group A compared to 5.3+/-4.2 minutes in group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture significantly reduces the number of failures, the number of attempts, and the procedure time in aged patients.

Comparison between the Glasgow Coma Scale and Simplified Motor Score as a Tools to Predict Outcome for Adult Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the utility of the Simplified Motor Score (SMS) for prediction of outcome for adult stroke patients. METHODS: This was a prospective study of adult stroke patients from May to October, 2007. Emergency medicine residents independently checked the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) for each patient at the same time that interns otherwise, senior medical students (MS) and nurses checked the 3-point SMS within 5 minutes of patients arrival at our emergency care center. We telephoned the patients or their families to inform them of intubation, or death and to check the cerebral performance category (CPC) on the first- day and- first month after the patients' visits. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. Each SMS of evaluation by interns, MS and nurses was correlated with GCS (Correlation Coefficient=0.63, 0.59, 0.61; p<0.01, respectively). In the case of mortality within 24 hours, the AUC (area under the curve) for GCS was 0.46 and the AUCs for SMS of interns, MS and nurses were 0.94, 0.94, and 0.94. In the case of intubation within 24 hours, the AUC for GCS was 0.81 and the AUCs for SMS of interns, MS and nurses were 0.78, 0.79, and 0.77. In the case of CPC at one month, the AUC for GCS was 0.82 and the AUCs for SMS of interns, MS and nurses were 0.74, 0.75, and 0.73, respectively. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of SMS was equal to that of GCS for predicting outcome for adult stroke patients in such parameters as mortality, intubation and CPC.

Acute Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure: Our Clinical Experience at Emergency Centers in Two University Teaching Hospitals

PURPOSE: We investigated the clinical characteristics and demographics of patients who suffered from hydrofluoric acid chemical injury and the mechanism of damage. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were exposed to hydrofluoric acid from March 2004 to March 2009 and who were seen at the emergency centers in two university teaching hospitals. RESULTS: Forty four patients out of 47 patients suffered from chemical burn, while the injuries of the remaining 3 could not be identified by the medical records. A total of 17 hydrofluoric acid chemical injury patients were enrolled during the study period, and their mean age was 29.6+/-7.0. All the patients were accidentally injured by contact with the material and none of them inhaled or ingested the material. Only 6 patients wore appropriate protective equipments and 5 underwent the water irrigation for more than 10 minutes. The most common exposure area was the hand and forearm (70.5%). Less than 1% of all of the patients had their total body surface (TBS) exposed to hydrofluoric acid (mean=0.35%). The mean time interval from calcium gluconate administration to pain relief was 33.6+/-8.8 hours. CONCLUSION: When exposed to hydrofluoric acid, it is important to wear protective equipment and undergo water irrigation for more than 10 minutes. Pain and skin damage were observed in all the patients. After treatment, we concluded that administration of calcium gluconate and pain killers was successful in relieving pain, and the prognosis was also positive for the admitted and followed up patients when less than 1% of the TBS was exposed.