Is current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guideline recommending same chest compression depth between men and women appropriate?

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether the depth of chest compression (CC) recommended by current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines is equally appropriate to both men and women. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the chest computed tomography (CT) findings was performed. The anteroposterior diameter (APD), internal compressible depth (ICD), and anterior chest wall thickness were measured at the midpoint of the lower half of the sternum. The residual diameter (RD) for simulated CC was also obtained. If the RD was less than 20 mm, it was assumed that a potential injury would occur. RESULTS: A total of 319 adults (173 men, 141 women), who underwent chest CT at the emergency room, were enrolled. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean APD and ICD between men and women. The mean APD and IPD were 8 mm shorter and 9.5 mm shorter, respectively, in women than in men. When adjusted for age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), the differences in the value of these parameters increased even more. In simulated CC with a 60 mm depth, the predictors of RD of less than 20 mm were weighed (odds ratio [OR], 0.888; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.826–0.954; P=0.001) and BMI (OR, 0.706; 95% CI, 0.579–0.862; P=0.001), and all cases with RD of less than 20 mm were women. CONCLUSION: Chest compression of more than 60 mm may increase the potential risk of injury, particularly in women. The maximum allowable chest compression depth of less than 60 mm should be emphasized for women.

Characteristics of blood tests in patients with acute cerebral infarction who developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator

OBJECTIVE: Patients suspected as having acute ischemic stroke usually undergo blood tests, including coagulation-related indexes, because thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy are contraindications for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administration. We aimed to identify blood test indexes associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous rtPA.METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous rtPA at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul between February 2008 and January 2018. Blood test indexes were compared between the sICH and non-sICH groups. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were performed.RESULTS: In this study, 375 patients were finally included. Of 375 patients, 42 (11.2%) showed new intracranial hemorrhage on follow-up brain computed tomography, of whom 14 (3.73%) had sICH. Platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly different between the sICH and non-sICH groups, and platelet count showed statistical significance in the regression analysis. Significantly lower platelet counts were observed in the sICH group than in the non-sICH group (174,500 vs. 228,000/mm³, P=0.020). The best cutoff platelet count was 195,000/mm³, and patients with platelet counts of < 195,000/mm³ had a 5.4- times higher risk of developing sICH than those with platelet counts of ≥195,000/mm³.CONCLUSION: Platelet count was the only independent parameter associated with sICH among the blood test indexes. Mild thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of sICH after intravenous administration of rtPA.

Hematologic parameters to predict negative cerebrospinal fluid examination results among neurologically intact patients who underwent lumbar puncture on suspicion of central nervous system infection

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is mandatory whenever central nervous system (CNS) infection is suspected. However, pleocytosis is not detected in a substantial number of suspected patients who undergo CSF examination. This study aimed to identify parameters that can aid in predicting negative CSF examination results (defined as a white blood cell count of 0.7, and the best cutoff values were 6.0 (accuracy 70.3%) and 12.7 mg/L (accuracy 76.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥6 and C-reactive protein level ≥12.7 mg/L was significantly associated with negative CSF examination result.

Can a Rescuer Gazing Point Intervention Improve the Depth of Chest Compressions in Hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation? A Randomized Simulation Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a simple verbal instruction regarding the rescuer gazing point can improve the depth of chest compressions (CCs) in the hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Participants who took part in basic life support training courses for lay-rescuers were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, single-blinded, cluster randomized controlled study. After the training courses, both the control and the intervention groups performed the hands-only CPR for two minutes on a manikin placed on the ground. Immediately prior to CCs, instructors provided the intervention group with brief verbal instructions to look in the opposite direction of the adducted arm after placing the heel of the hand on the mid-sternum. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two participants (61 for each group) were enrolled in this study. The intervention group showed significantly deeper CCs than the control group (47.9±8.2 mm vs. 43±8.4 mm, p<0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the quality of chest recoil, CC rate, or duty cycle of CCs. However, the frequency of incorrect hand position was higher in the intervention group when compared with the control group (10.3 [2.3-35.7] vs. 5.7 [0-33.0], p=0.036) CONCLUSION: Instructions to look in the opposite direction of the adducted arm during CCs improved the mean depth of CCs without significant adverse effects on the quality of recoil, CC rate, or duty cycle of CCs. However, the frequency of incorrect hand position was higher in the intervention group than the control group.

Comparison of the GlideRite to the conventional malleable stylet for endotracheal intubation by the Macintosh laryngoscope: a simulation study using manikins

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the GlideRite stylet with the conventional malleable stylet (CMS) in endotracheal intubation (ETI) by the Macintosh laryngoscope. METHODS: This study is a randomized, crossover, simulation study. Participants performed ETI using both the GlideRite stylet and the CMS in a normal airway model and a tongue edema model (simulated difficult airway resulting in lower percentage of glottic opening [POGO]). RESULTS: In both the normal and tongue edema models, all 36 participants successfully performed ETI with the two stylets on the first attempt. In the normal airway model, there was no difference in time required for ETI (TETI) or in ease of handling between the two stylets. In the tongue edema model, the TETI using the CMS increased as the POGO score decreased (POGO score was negatively correlated with TETI for the CMS, Spearman’s rho=-0.518, P=0.001); this difference was not seen with the GlideRite (rho=-0.208, P=0.224). The TETI was shorter with the GlideRite than with the CMS, however, this difference was not statistically significant (15.1 vs. 18.8 seconds, P=0.385). Ease of handling was superior with the GlideRite compared with the CMS (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Performance of the GlideRite and the CMS were not different in the normal airway model. However, in the simulated difficult airway model with a low POGO score, the GlideRite performed better than the CMS for direct laryngoscopic intubation.

Comparison of the GlideRite to the Conventional-malleable-stylet for Endotracheal Intubation by the Macintosh-laryngoscope: A Simulation Study Using Manekins

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the GlideRite with the conventional-malleable-stylet (CMS) in endotracheal intubation (ETI) using the Macintosh-laryngoscope. METHODS: This study is a randomized crossover simulation study. Participants performed ETI using both the GlideRite and the CMS in the normal airway and in a tongue edema (simulated difficult airway resulting in lower percentage of glottis opening [POGO]) model. RESULTS: In both the normal and the tongue edema models, all 36 participants performed ETI successfully using the two stylets on the first attempt. In the normal airway model, there was no difference in time required for ETI (T(ETI)) or ease of handling between the two stylets. In the tongue edema model, the T(ETI) increased as POGO score decreased with the CMS (POGO score showing negative correlation with T(ETI) for the CMS, Spearman's rho=-0.518, p=0.001) but not for the GlideRite (rho=-0.208, p=0.224). The T(ETI) was shorter with the GlideRite than the CMS, but without statistical significance (15.1 vs. 18.8 seconds, p=0.385). Ease of handling was superior with the GlideRite compared to the CMS (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Performance of the GlideRite and the CMS was not different in the normal airway model. However, in the simulated difficult airway model with a low POGO score, the GlideRite performed better than the CMS for direct laryngoscopic intubation.

The Effect of Counting Numbers out for Giving Breaths on the Interrupting Time and Fraction of Chest Compressions in 2-rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Manikin Pilot Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of counting numbers out for giving breaths on the interruption time (IT) of chest compressions (CCs) and chest compression fraction (CCF) in the 2-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Thirty medical students were enrolled in this randomized control simulation study, and were randomly divided into the control group and the study group. Both groups performed 2-rescuer CPR for 5-cycles with giving breaths using a bag-mask. Only participants in the study group were instructed to count numbers out for each breath verbally ("one, two") at the end point of each inspiration period and immediately perform CCs at the point of counting "two". RESULTS: However, no differences in terms of depth, rate, incorrect location, and duty cycle of CCs, as well as ventilation volume of each breath, time to delivery of two breaths, and counts of breathing during 1 minute were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study group had significantly shorter IT and higher CCF compared with the control group. And no significant differences in the other measured parameters of CPR quality were observed between the two groups.

Is There a Difference in the Effect of Thrombolytic Therapy according to the Presence of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)-Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Mismatching in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke?

PURPOSE: We performed this study to investigate whether there is difference in the effect of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis according to the presence of diffusion-weighted imaging- fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch among acute ischemic stroke patients who visited the emergency department (ED) within 3 hours from the onset of symptom. METHODS: Among ED patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke between January 2011 and May 2013, those who underwent MRI and received IV thrombolytic therapy were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into DWI-FLAIR mismatch and match groups and compared for their initial NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), NIHSS 24-hour after the thrombolytic therapy, NIHSS on discharge, early neurologic improvement (ENI), and major neurologic improvement (MNI). RESULTS: During study period, 50 patients were finally included among 213 acute ischemic stroke patients. DWI-FLAIR mismatch group showed significantly more reduction in NIHSS 24-hour after the thrombolytic therapy and NIHSS on discharge than the match group (5.5 vs. 1.2, p<0.001, 6.0 vs. 2.3, p<0.01, respectively). Moreover, ENI and MNI occurred significantly more in DWI-FLAIR mismatch group than match group (27/36 vs. 2/14, p<0.001, 12/36 vs. 0/14, p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Among acute ischemic stroke patients who visited ED within 3 hours from the onset of symptom, those patients who had DWI-FLAIR mismatch on MRI showed significantly better response to IV thrombolytic therapy than DWI-FLAIR match group in terms of neurologic outcome.

The Correlation between Infection Probability Score and Procalcitonin in Emergency Department Patients

PURPOSE: Procalcitonin is a well-established biochemical marker for bacterial infection. We conducted this study to analyze the correlation between procalcitonin and Infection Probability Score (IPS), a recently introduced scoring system to predict bacterial infection in intensive care unit patients. The cutoff value of IPS corresponding to procalcitonin cutoff values was determined for procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy in emergency department (ED) patients. METHODS: A retrospective observation study was conducted on adult ED patients who simultaneously underwent an IPS-required blood test and procalcitonin treatment from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Based on their diagnosis at discharge, patients were grouped into a lower respiratory infection group or an "other" diagnosis group. The correlation between IPS and procalcitonin was analyzed by correlation and linear regression analysis. The IPS value corresponded to 0.25 ng/mL procalcitonin (in the lower respiratory infection group) and 0.5 ng/mL (in the other diagnosis group) as inferred by ROC curve analysis. A total of 722 cases (lower respiratory infection group: 258, other diagnosis group: 464) were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: In correlation analysis, the IPS showed a significant correlation with procalcitonin level in both groups (r=0.26, p or =0.25 microg/L in the lower respiratory infection group (area under curve: 0.783 [95% CI, 0.724-0.841], sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 72.3%). Also, IPS 14 could predict procalcitonin> or =0.5 microg/L in the other diagnosis group (area under curve: 0.764 [95% CI, 0.717-0.810], sensitivity: 70.1%, specificity: 74.2%). CONCLUSION: The IPS had a significant correlation with procalcitonin level and IPS> or =14 corresponded to the procalcitonin cut-off value to predict bacterial infection in ED patients. Thus, IPS> or =14 may be used to predict bacterial infection and can guide early anti-microbial therapy in ED patients when procalcitonin is not readily available.

Initial Electrocardiographic Findings Associated with Failed Resolution of ST-segment Elevation after Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

PURPOSE: Electrocardiography is a non-invasive tool for use in prediction of reperfusion and outcome of acute myocardial infarction. We attempted to determine initial electrocardiographic findings associated with failed resolution of ST-segment elevation (STE) among patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) treated with a thrombolytic agent. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with STEMI who were treated with a thrombolytic agent at the emergency department between October 2008 and March 2011. During the study period, among 331 patients with STEMI, 43 patients were enrolled. Resolution of STE was evaluated by comparison of initial electrocardiography (ECG) with follow-up ECG, taken 90 minutes after thrombolytic therapy. Determination of success or failure of resolution of STE was based on the electrocardiographic criteria of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Patients were divided into two groups according to these criteria, and initial electrocardiographic findings were compared for the two groups. RESULTS: Of a total of 43 patients, 22(55.16%) demonstrated failed resolution of STE after thrombolytic therapy. The risk of failed resolution of STE was approximately nine times higher in the anterior location of STE, compared to the inferior location of STE (OR 9.09, 95% CI, 1.46-94.69, p<0.01). In addition, the absence of reciprocal ST depression was associated with a six times higher risk of failed resolution of STE, compared with the presence of reciprocal ST depression (OR 6, 95% CI, 1.17-39.23, p=0.01). However, other electrocardiographic findings, including abnormal Q-wave, wide QRS complex, and QTc prolongation did not differ statistically between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Failed STE resolution after thrombolytic therapy was more frequent in STEMI patients with ST elevation in an anterior location or without reciprocal ST depression.

A Retrospective Study about Characteristics of Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Caused by Non-traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a fatal disease relatively common in the East Asian population. It can lead to cardiac arrest in several pathologic processes. We attempted to elucidate the characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study in which patients who had visited Samsung medical center emergency room for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from January, 1999 to December 2008 were enrolled. A total of 218 OHCA patients who had achieved ROSC were investigated by review of medical charts. Excluding those who had worn trauma, we analyzed 22 patients who had been diagnosed for SAH by brain non-contrast CT scan. RESULTS: Median age of aneurysmal SAH-induced OHCA patients was 61 (IQR 54-67) years. Fourteen patients (64%) were female and 15 patients (68%) were witnessed. Besides, 7 patients (32%) had complained of headache before collapse. We also found 11 patients (50%) had been diagnosed with hypertension previously. All of them showed unshockable rhythm (asystole 60%, PEA 40%) initially. Their median duration of ACLS was 10 minutes. Majority of patients died within 24 hours and survivors showed poor neurologic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a relatively uncommon cause of cardiac arrest, and the outcome of OHCA induced by SAH is very poor. However, emergency physicians have to consider the possibility of SAH when trying to determine the cause of arrest, especially when treating patients who have the characteristics described above.

Diagnostic Patterns and Medical Costs in the Evaluation of Syncope Patients Visiting an Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Syncope is a common clinical problem. However, diagnosis of the cause of syncope is not simple due to a wide variety of forms of syncope. The aim of this study was to assess current diagnostic methods and the associated medical costs which accompany the evaluation of patients suffering syncope who admitted to an emergency department (ED). METHODS: This study is a prospective, observational, single center study. Patients included in the study visited the ED of a single, tertiary hospital between January and December 2009, and were diagnosed with syncope. We investigated the diagnostic yields (DY) for the tests that were employed and evaluated factors related to medical costs. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were enrolled in this study. Blood tests, chest radiography, postural blood pressure (BP) measurement and computerized tomography of the brain were performed in over 60% of cases, but DY for each of these tests was less than 3%, except for postural BP measurement (7.4%). The test which demonstrated a relatively high DY was the head-up tilt test (68.1%). The ratio of the cost of each test among the total medical costs required by all patients (constituent ratio) was highest for brain imaging tests (12.2%). The total cost of syncope evaluation per patient was 1,454,000+/-2,865,000 won. Factors including hospital admission and diagnosis of cardiac syncope resulted in significantly higher total medical costs for those patients. CONCLUSION: Among the tests performed in the ED for syncope evaluation, blood tests, chest x-ray and brain imaging tests were commonly used but resulted in relatively low diagnostic yield. Independent factors which increased medical costs were hospital admission and diagnosis of cardiac syncope.

Clinical Analysis of Traumatic Pyomyositis in Emergency Patients

PURPOSE: Pyomyositis is a rare disease in temperature climate region. The diagnosis of pyomyositis is often delayed, and pyomyositis is often misdiagnosed in the emergency department. METHODS: The medical records of 11 patients who were diagnosed as having traumatic pyomyositis in the emergency department at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, between 2000 and 2006 were reviewed. Their clinical features, such as history, symptoms, clinical findings, duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, medical history, laboratory data, results of imaging studies and clinical course were collected. RESULTS: The psoas muscles were most commonly involved. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging aided in accurate diagnosis of the infection and of the extent of involvement. Incision, drainage, and antibiotics therapy eradicated the infectioin in all patients CONCLUSION: Pyomyositis should be a part of the differential diagnosis for patients with traumatic muscle pain. Radiologic evaluation, such as computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, must be considered in the diagnosis of traumatic pyomyositis.

Effects of Antitumor Agents to the DNA Synthesis of Cecal Mucosa of Mouse / 체질인류학회지

This experiment was performed to evaluate the morphological responses of the cecal mucosa of the mouse, inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma cells in the inguinal area, following administration of 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C or adriamycin. Healthy adult ICR mice weighing 25 gm each were divided into normal and experimental groups. In the experimental groups, each mouse was inoculated with 1 x 10(7) Ehrlich carcinoma cells subcutaneous in the inguinal area. From next day, 0.2 mL of saline, 5-fluorouracil (30 mg/kg), mitomycin C (400 microgram/kg) or adriamycin (2 mg/kg) were injected subcutaneously to the animals every other day, respectively. The day following the 7th injection of anticancer drugs, each mouse was injected with a single dose of 0.7 micro Ci/gm of methyl-3H-thymidine (25Ci/mmol, Amersham Lab, England) through tail vein. Seventy minutes after the thymidine injection, animals were sacrificed. The number of the labeled epithelial cells of the cecal crypts (mean number of labeled epithelial cells per 3.5 mm length of mucosa) were observed and evaluated. On histological study, in the experimental control and mitomycin C-treated mice, general morphology of the cecal mucosae was similar. And in the 5-fluorouracil-treated mice, slightly swelled epithelial cells and expanded lumen of the intestinal crypts were observed. But in the adriamycin-treated groups, slightly disrupted intestinal crypts, a large number of basophilic epithelial cells and the expanded lumen of the intestinal crypts were observed. On autoradiographic study, number of the labeled cells of normal control, experimental control, 5-fluorouracil treated, mitomycin C-treated, or adriamycin-treated groups were 362.2+/-56.12, 350.7+/-71.13, 215.7+/-80.55, 144.2+/-34.60 and 125.0+/-37.45, respectively. In the adriamycin and mitomycin C-treated groups, poorly-labeled cells containing only a few silver grains were observed more frequently than in those of the normal and experimental control groups. From the above results, adriamycin and mitomycin C suppressed the DNA synthesis of the epithelial cells of the cecal mucosa more severely as compared with 5-fluorouracil did. Especially, adriamycin was more harmful than mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil on the cecal mucosae.