Cardiac arrest occurred by cerebral fat embolism

Fat embolism syndrome is a rare disease associated with long bone fractures and plastic surgery. In previous studies of cerebral fat embolism, no reports of cardiac arrest occurred by cerebral fat embolism. Therefore, we aimed to report the first case of cardiac arrest by cerebral fat embolism after scalp lipoma removal.

Initial Serum Ammonia as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Acute Glufosinate Ammonium Herbicide Poisoning

Purpose@#The association of the initial serum ammonia level with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning was studied. @*Methods@#This retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 2012 and August 2019 in the emergency department after glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning. Survivors and non-survivors were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for mortality. @*Results@#One hundred and six patients were enrolled; 11 died, yielding a mortality of 10.4%. The serum bicarbonate level was significantly lower in the non-survival group than the survival group. Age, serum ammonia, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels, SOFA score, and APACHE II score were significantly higher in the non-survival group than the survival group. Age, serum ammonia, and creatinine level were independent risk factors for mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#The initial serum ammonia level is associated with mortality in patients with acute glufosinate herbicide poisoning.

Initial Serum Ammonia as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Acute Glufosinate Ammonium Herbicide Poisoning

Purpose@#The association of the initial serum ammonia level with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning was studied. @*Methods@#This retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 2012 and August 2019 in the emergency department after glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning. Survivors and non-survivors were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for mortality. @*Results@#One hundred and six patients were enrolled; 11 died, yielding a mortality of 10.4%. The serum bicarbonate level was significantly lower in the non-survival group than the survival group. Age, serum ammonia, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels, SOFA score, and APACHE II score were significantly higher in the non-survival group than the survival group. Age, serum ammonia, and creatinine level were independent risk factors for mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis. @*Conclusion@#The initial serum ammonia level is associated with mortality in patients with acute glufosinate herbicide poisoning.

Is the National Early Warning Score applicable to patients with trauma?

OBJECTIVE@#The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is used widely to detect deteriorating patients in a range of clinical situations. This study examined the ability of the NEWS to predict poor outcomes in trauma patients.@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective observational study using a dataset collected prospectively from trauma patients who visited the emergency department of a tertiary referral center in the southern area of the Republic of Korea. The area under the receiver operating curves (AUC) of the Revised Trauma Score (RTS) and NEWS were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.@*RESULTS@#Among 17,661 patients finally enrolled, 66.3% were male, and the median age was 49 (34-64). The AUC of the NEWS and RTS were 0.878 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.873–0.883) and 0.827 (95% CI, 0.821–0.833) (AUC difference, 0.051; 95% CI, 0.025–0.077; P<0.01), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the NEWS were 74.0% and 91.2%, respectively, at a cutoff of four, and those of the RTS were 67.7% and 96.1%, respectively, at 7.55.@*CONCLUSION@#The NEWS showed better performance in predicting the in-hospital mortality of patients with trauma compared to the RTS.

Performance of the combined models of Pediatric Risk of Admission scores I and II, and C-reactive protein for prediction of hospitalization in febrile children who visited the emergency department

PURPOSE: To study the performance of the combined models of Pediatric Risk of Admission (PRISA) scores I and II and Creactive protein (CRP) for prediction of hospitalization in febrile children who visited the emergency department.METHODS: We reviewed febrile children aged 4 months-17 years who visited a tertiary hospital emergency department between January and December 2017. White blood cell count, CRP concentration, the PRISA scores, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score were calculated. We compared areas under the curves (AUCs) of the admission decision support tools for hospitalization using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTS: Of 1,032 enrolled children, 423 (41.0%) were hospitalized. CRP and the PRISA scores were significantly higher in the hospitalization group than in the discharge group (all P < 0.001). Among the individual tools, CRP showed the highest AUC (0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.72). AUC was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69–0.74) for the combined model of the PRISA I score and CRP, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68–0.74) for that of the PRISA II score and CRP. The AUC of PRISA score I and CRP combined was significantly higher than that of isolated CRP (P = 0.048).CONCLUSION: The combined model of the PRISA I score and CRP may be useful in predicting hospitalization of febrile children in emergency departments.

Comparison of radiation exposure by area before and after emergency center remodeling

OBJECTIVE: Radiation is used extensively in emergency centers. Computed tomography and X-ray imaging are used frequently. Portable X-rays, in particular, cause a significant amount of indirect radiation exposure to medical personnel. The authors' emergency center was remodeled, and a comparative study of radiation exposure was carried out in certain places that had experienced radiation for a long time. METHODS: The cumulative radiation dose was measured 20 times in the 24 hours prior to remodeling, and the cumulative radiation dose was measured again 20 times across the 24-hour period. The measurement points were fixed at the emergency doctor's seat (Zone A), charge nurse's seat (Zone B), and section nurse's seat (Zone C). During the 24-hour cumulative radiation measurement period, the number of portable X-ray shots was recorded in the emergency center. RESULTS: The mean of the 24-hour cumulative radiation measurements in zone A was 3.36±0.07 µSV and 4.54±0.07 µSV before and after remodeling, respectively (P<0.001). Regarding the number of portable X-rays performed during the measurement, a higher number of trials in the Pearson correction correlated with a higher radiation measurement. CONCLUSION: In an emergency medical center, there is a higher level of low-dose radiation exposure compared to that experienced from natural radioactivity. Regarding the number of portable X-rays, the cumulative radiation dose measured 24 hours after remodeling increased and can be assumed to be related to the environment.

Comparison of acute phase reactant levels of Kawasaki disease patients who visited with less than 5 days duration of fever and with 5 days or longer

PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common, acute systemic vasculitis in children. Acute phase reactants (APRs) have been used to assist diagnosis, and to predict outcome in children with KD. However, it remains unknown on levels of APRs depending on duration of fever. We aimed to compare APR levels of children with KD who visited with < 5 days duration of fever and with ≥ 5 days. METHODS: Children (≤ 15 years) with complete KD who visited the emergency department were enrolled from March 2012 through February 2018. The children were divided into the early (fever < 5 days) and late (fever ≥ 5 days) presenters. The baseline characteristics, APR levels, such as platelet count, and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 145 children with complete KD were enrolled. Median age was 27.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 12.0–46.5) months, and boys accounted for 60.0%. The early presenters (63 [43.4%]) had a younger age (17.0 [IQR, 7.0–45.0] vs. 32.5 [IQR, 14.0–48.0] months; P = 0.006), shorter duration of fever (3.0 [IQR, 2.0–4.0] vs. 6.0 [IQR, 5.0–7.0] days; P < 0.001), and a lower platelet count (336.7 ± 105.2 [× 10³/µL] vs. 381.6 ± 121.8 [× 10³/µL], P = 0.02) than the late presenters. The other APR levels, and frequency of resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin and coronary artery abnormalities showed no differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Children with KD who visited with < 5 days duration of fever had a lower platelet count compared to those with ≥ 5 days. No differences were found in the other APR levels and the outcomes. It may be necessary to consider the differences in APR levels depending on duration of fever when treating children with KD.

The Effect of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion in a Rat Model of Verapamil Toxicity

PURPOSE: Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has been shown to have significant therapeutic effects on calcium channel blocker overdose in animal studies and clinical cases. In this preliminary experiment, we investigated the hemodynamic changes and survival in a rat model of verapamil intoxication. METHODS: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were sedated and treated with ILE or normal saline (control), followed by continuous intravenous infusion of verapamil (20 mg/kg/h). Mean arterial pressure and heart rate of rats were monitored during the infusion. In addition, the total dose of infused verapamil and the duration of survival were measured. RESULTS: Survival was prolonged in the ILE group (32.43±5.8 min) relative to the control group (24.14±4.3 min) (p=0.01). The cumulative mean lethal dose of verapamil was higher in the ILE group (4.3±0.7 mg/kg) than in the control group (3.2±0.5 mg/kg; p=0.017). CONCLUSION: ILE pretreatment prolonged survival and increased the lethal dose in a rat model of verapamil poisoning.

Therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid on dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in rats

OBJECTIVE: Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) is currently used to treat leprosy, malaria, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other diseases. It is also used to treat pneumocystis pneumonia and Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV-positive patients. The most common adverse effect of DDS is methemoglobinemia from oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and reducing agent that scavenges the free radicals produced by oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid in the treatment of DDS induced methemoglobinemia. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: an ascorbic acid group, a methylene blue (MB) group, and a control group. After DDS (40 mg/kg) treatment via oral gavage, ascorbic acid (15 mg/kg), MB (1 mg/kg), or normal saline were administered via tail vein injection. Depending on the duration of the DDS treatment, blood methemoglobin levels, as well as the nitric oxide levels and catalase activity, were measured at 60, 120, or 180 minutes after DDS administration. RESULTS: Methemoglobin concentrations in the ascorbic acid and MB groups were significantly lower compared to those in the control group across multiple time points. The plasma nitric oxide levels and catalase activity were not different among the groups or time points. CONCLUSION: Intravenous ascorbic acid administration is effective in treating DDS-induced methemoglobinemia in a murine model.

Establishment of peripheral intravenous catheter for pediatric patients in the emergency department: who and how?

PURPOSE: Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIC) for children is technically difficult. We aimed to investigate factors associated with the primary success of PIC for children in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on children younger than 3 years who visited the ED from September 2014 to August 2015. The children undergoing primary success, defined as success at the first attempt, comprised the success group. Using a case report form, information about the children (age, sex, and weight), practitioners' occupation (doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians [EMTs]), treatment venue, insertion site of PIC, presence of guardians, and use of auxiliary devices were collected and compared between the success and failure groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with the primary success. RESULTS: Of 439 children, 271 underwent the primary success (61.7%). The success group showed older age, heavier weight, and higher proportion of EMT. No differences were found in treatment venue, insertion site, and presence of the guardian. We found that patients' age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.1), and practitioners' occupation (EMT; OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9–4.7, compared with doctors) were the factors associated with the primary success. CONCLUSION: Practitioners' occupation (EMT) and children's age (older) may be associated with the primary success of PIC. It may be helpful to have specialized personnel when performing PIC on children in the ED.

Non-aneurysmal and non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage after attempted suicide by incomplete hanging

Hanging is a common method of suicide that is being reported more frequently in many countries. Several complications including injuries to the cervical spine, neck vessels, and brain can occur after attempted suicide by hanging. There are only a few reports of brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of hanging victims. The most common abnormality was diffuse cerebral edema. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is an atypical complication by suicidal hanging. We report a case of a female patient who presented to an emergency department with altered mental status after attempting suicide by incomplete hanging. The patient was diagnosed with a non-aneurysmal and non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. This case shows that spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage can develop due to a sudden elevation of intracranial pressure, as occurs with hanging.

Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of 30-day Mortality in Patients with Acute Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning

PURPOSE: The association of hypoalbuminemia with 30-day in-hospital mortality in patients with organophosphate insecticide poisoning (OPI) was studied. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and November 2013 in the emergency department (ED) after OPI poisoning. A Kaplan-Meier 30-day survival curve and the log-rank test were used to analyze patients stratified according to serum albumin levels on ED admission (hypoalbuminemia or normo-albuminemia). Independent risk factors including hypoalbuminemia for 30-day mortality were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included. Eighty-eight (65%) patients were male and the mean age was 57.3±17.0 years. Serum albumin, mean arterial pressure, and Glasgow coma scale score were significantly higher in the survival group than the non-survival group. APACHE II score was significantly lower in the non-survival group than the survival group. The mortality of the hypoalbuminemia group (serum albumin <3.5 g/dl) was 68.8%, while that of the normo-albuminemia group (serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dl) was 15.1%. The area under the ROC curve of the serum albumin level was 0.786 (95% CI, 0.690–0.881) and the APACHE II score was 0.840 (95% CI, 0.770–0.910). CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with 30-day mortality in patients with OPI poisoning.

Change in Guardians' Favor in Computed Tomography after Explained by Emergency Physicians in Pediatric Head Injury

PURPOSE: Head injury in children is a common problem presenting to emergency departments, and cranial computed tomography scan is the diagnostic standard for these patients. Several decision rules are used to determine whether computed tomography scans should be used; however, the use of computed tomography scans is often influenced by guardian favor toward the scans. The objective of this study was to identify changes in guardian favor for explanation of minor head injuries based on the institutional clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A survey was conducted between July 2010 and June 2012. Patients younger than 16 years with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 after a head injury and guardians of these patients were included. Pre- and post-explanation questionnaires were administered to guardians to evaluate their favor for computed tomography scans and factors related to the degree of favor. Treating physicians explained the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines. Guardian favor for a computed tomography (CT) scan was examined using a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients and their guardians were included in this survey. Guardian favor for computed tomography scans was significantly reduced after explanation (46.7 vs. 17.4, p<0.01). Pre-explanation favor and the degree of physician recommending computed tomography were the most important factors affecting pre- and postexplanation changes in favor. CONCLUSION: Explanation of the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines may significantly reduce guardian favor for computed tomography scans.

Clinical Predictors of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Non-traumatic Headache in Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Missing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can cause catastrophic results. We aimed to find clinical factors for predicting SAH in neurologically intact patients with acute non-traumatic headache visiting the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review study. Data were collected from September 2006 until October 2011. We included patients aged over 16 with acute non-traumatic headache who had brain imaging work up results during ED visits. Information on candidate clinical predictor variables was obtained from previous reports, and the outcome was confirmed SAH in brain imaging work up or cerebrospinal fluid study. We found the predictors for SAH through multivariable analysis with variables chosen in univariable analysis considering clinical application. Then we simulated possible SAH prediction scoring models using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and assessed model fit through the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: A total of 3294 patients were enrolled. Seven clinical characteristics were proven for relation of SAH; age, visiting emergency department within six hours from symptom onset time, visiting mode, vomiting, neck pain or neck stiffness, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. We constructed six available SAH prediction scoring models. The area under the ROC curves of each model ranged from 0.810 to 0.834 and all simulated models were good-fit. With these models, we can expect to reduce unnecessary computed tomography use. CONCLUSION: Seven clinical predictors could be helpful in selection of high risk patients of SAH. The proposed SAH prediction models using these characteristics will have to be tested prospectively for external validation.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training for a Layperson Through Conventional Instructor-led Training and a Self-learning Program Using the CPR Anytime Kit

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether a trained layperson could perform high quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) after conventional training and a self-learning program using the "CPR Anytime" kit. METHODS: Traditional CPR training for a lay rescuer was conducted two weeks before a CPR contest for high school students. "CPR Anytime" training kits were distributed to the students for their practical training at home or in school. The students were tested in pairs for two-person CPR with rescuer breaths and an automated external defibrillator. The quantitative and qualitative data regarding the quality of CPR, including chest compression and rescuer breaths, were collected using a standardized checklist and a skill reporter. RESULTS: A total of 161 teams with 322 students, including 116 males and 206 females, participated in the CPR contest in pairs. The mean depth and rate for the chest compression were 49.0+/-8.2 mm and 110.2+/-10.2 /min, respectively. The mean tidal volume for the rescue breaths was 604.8+/-208.7 ml. The percentage of participants satisfying the correct chest compression rate of > or =100/min and depth of > or =50 mm was 87.3% and 52.2%, respectively. Only 25.2% of the participants satisfied an optimal tidal volume (between 500 ml and 600 ml). Shallow compression (57.5%) and under-ventilation (44.4%) were the major causes of incorrect compression and ventilation, respectively. CONCLUSION: The quality of CPR with rescuer breaths in the trained lay rescuer was not adequate, especially for mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Therefore, the development of teaching methods to improve rescue breathing or omit mouth-to-mouth ventilation in training should be considered.

Usefulness of Blood Cultures in Children Aged Under 3 Years with Fever at the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Blood cultures are commonly performed in evaluation of febrile children without an obvious source of infection. Pediatric clinicians treat patients with a positive blood culture before final identification of the organism. This study sought to determine the yield and the clinical usefulness of blood cultures in pediatric patients younger than 3 years with fever at the emergency department. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all children between the ages of 1 and 36 months with a body temperature of at least 38.0degrees C who underwent blood culture in the emergency department (ED) from January 2008 to December 2010. RESULTS: Bacteria growth occurred in 126(10.3%) out of 1,219 blood cultures. True positives (TPs), defined as true pathogens, were observed in 2.5% of cultures, representing 23.8% of positives. False positives (FPs), defined as contaminants, were observed in 7.9% of cultures, representing 76.2% of positives. Patients with TP cultures had lower mean pH (7.36+/-0.17 vs 7.41+/-0.08, p=0.031), higher mean base deficit (4.9+/-6.0 mmol/L vs 2.9+/-2.5 mmol/L, p=0.012), and higher mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level (3.3+/-3.7 mg/dL vs 1.8+/-3.2 mg/dL, p=0.034) than those with FP cultures. CONCLUSION: True positive results were observed relatively infrequently in blood cultures of febrile children younger than 3 years in the ED; therefore, changes in treatment of pediatric patients with fever are uncommon. However, bacteria identified by blood cultures are likely to be the true pathogen in a pediatric patient with a large base deficit or a high CRP level.

A Case of Right Atrial Aneurysm Incidentally Found in Old Age

Right atrial aneurysm is a rare abnormality of unknown origin. Approximately half of patients with right atrial aneurysm show no symptoms. Right atrial aneurysm is usually detected by chance at any time between fetal and adult life and can be associated with atrial arrhythmia and systemic embolism. The diagnosis of right atrial aneurysm can be established with echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because of thromboembolic risk, aneurysmectomy is usually recommended. We review the case report of a 69-year-wold woman with right atrial appendiceal aneurysm, whose diagnosis was established by echocardiography and CT angiography.

A Case of Aortopulmonary Fistula Caused by a Huge Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Aortopulmonary fistula is an uncommon but often fatal condition resulting as a late complication of an aortic aneurysm. The most common cause is erosion of a false aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta into the pulmonary artery, resulting in the development of a left-to-right shunt and leading to acute pulmonary edema and right heart failure. We report an our experience with aortopulmonary fistula as a rare complication associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm and high output heart failure.

Isolated Dizziness. Admission? or Discharge?

PURPOSE: Dizziness is a common chief complaint in patients presenting at emergency deparments. As central dizziness can be life-threatening, it is important to differentiate central from peripheral dizziness. VBI (vertebrobasilar insufficiency) or PICA (posterior inferior cerebellar artery) infarction can present as only isolated dizziness without other neurologic symptoms, thus mimicking peripheral dizziness. It is difficult to differentiate from isolated dizziness in emergency departments because of limitations attendant to time, space, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. This study was performed with the goal of devising a protocol to positively identify isolated dizziness at the bedside in emergency departments. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 384 patients with isolated dizziness who visited the emergency department of Kyunghee Medical Center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. We analyzed age, gender, the risk factors of cerebral vascular accident, neurologic examinations, and features of dizziness and performed a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In logistic regression analysis, age of at least 65 years, cerebral vascular accident history, disequilibrium character, cranial nerve system, and tandem gait abnormality were significantly associated with central dizziness. Negative predictive value and sensitivity of the protocol were 99.6% and 98.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with isolated dizziness in the emergency department, patients less than 65 years old, and without history of cerebral vascular accident, disequilibrium character, cranial nerve system, or tandem gait abnormality can be safely discharged after conservative management without further evaluation.

Protection of Cardiomyocytes from Acute Ischemic Injury by Protein Kinase Cepsilon Expression

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ischemic injury is the most common and important cause of myocardial damage. Over past decades, a number of studies have identified a protective mechanism known as ischemic preconditioning, which can block or delay cell death from ischemic injury. Protein kinase C (PKC), especially theepsilonisoform has been proposed as a key factor in the signaling pathway of ischemic preconditioning. However, whether PKCepsilon expression in cardiomyocytes can offer such protection from acute ischemia has not been explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To demonstrate a direct effect of PKCepsilon expression, a lentiviral vector system was established. Using the lentiviral vector, PKCepsilon was introduced to neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) cultured under ischemic conditions, and also to adult rat myocardium subject to left coronary artery ligation. RESULTS: Compared to control, PKCepsilon expression in cultured NRVM under ischemia resulted in preserved cell density and morphology, and a reduction in cell death (77.6+/-12.8% vs 58.1+/-7.2%, p<0.05). In adult rats, the infarcted area after coronary artery ligation was markedly reduced in myocardium injected with PKCepsilon vector compared to control (11.4+/-5.3% vs 20.5+/-11.3%, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results provide direct evidence that PKCepsilon is a central player in protection against cell death from acute ischemia.