Novel use of motor-sparing genicular nerve blocks for knee injuries in the emergency department.

Knee injuries are quite prevalent in the Emergency Department (ED) and often present with severe pain, necessitating effective pain management strategies. Traditional pain management approaches, including opioid medications, may carry undesirable side effects and potential risks, leading to the growing interest in non-opioid alternatives. Nerve blocks have emerged as promising options for targeted pain relief in the ED. Motor-sparing nerve blocks have gained importance due to their ability to provide effective analgesia without compromising motor function [1]. The case series demonstrates the successful use of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve blocks(GNB) in the Emergency Department, providing targeted pain relief without compromising motor function. GNBs offer a valuable alternative to traditional nerve blocks(femoral, fascia iliaca, adductor canal) and opioid-based pain control strategies in the ED. As the evidence base grows, GNBs may become a more established component of ED pain management protocols, enhancing patient outcomes and safety in the management of acute knee injuries. The incorporation of ultrasound-guided motor-sparing nerve blocks in ED pain management protocols may hold great promise in optimising pain control and enhancing patient comfort. Trial Registration: N/A.

Capnography as a tool for triaging and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency department: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The cornerstone of management of acidosis in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has traditionally been carried out by blood gas analysis, which is expensive and associated with significant risk. It is against this background that the correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), blood pH, and EtCO2 bicarbonate levels was analyzed. The predictive value of EtCO2 was also analyzed in the diagnosis of DKA. Finally, we aimed to determine the value of EtCO2 as a screening test for the exclusion of DKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study carried out in the emergency department of a tertiary care teaching hospital from September 2020 to September 2021. Patients with suspected DKA underwent simultaneous blood gas collection and EtCO2 analysis. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients with blood sugar levels >250 mg/dl and moderate-to-large (≥2+) urine ketones were studied. A cut-off value of EtCO2 ≤24 was determined to rule in DKA with a sensitivity of 93.02% and specificity of 91.9%. EtCO2 >26 could effectively rule out the diagnosis of DKA with sensitivity of 98.8% and specificity of 75.7%. A significant linear correlation between pH and EtCO2 (P < 0.0001, r = 0.82) and HCO3 and EtCO2 (r = 0.896, P < 0.0001) was found. CONCLUSIONS: EtCO2 values ≤24 can accurately identify patients with DKA in the presence of elevated blood sugar and urinary ketones and must be considered a valuable addition to the diagnostic criteria. EtCO2 values >26 can be an effective triaging tool for ruling our DKA. A significant linear correlation between pH and EtCO2 and pH and HCO3 was observed. EtCO2 can be considered a surrogate marker for the degree of response to the treatment in DKA.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on self-harm and violence among patients presenting to the emergency department.

IMPORTANCE: Considering the resurgence of COVID19 and the rapid spread of new and deadlier strains across the globe understanding the incidence and pattern of violence and self harm tendencies during this period might help in formulating better contingency plans for future lockdowns. A deeper look at the available data shows that there is a significant dearth of research into self-harm & violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence and sociodemographic characteristics of self-harm and violence during the COVID19 lockdown and compare with a control group from the previous year. DESIGN: A cross-sectional retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with self harm and violence during the COVID-19 lockdown period between March 24-June 30, 2020 and March 24-June 30, 2019. EXPOSURE: The COVID-19 lockdown period. MAIN OUTCOME (S) AND MEASURE (S): The hypothesis being tested was formulated before the study. The null hypothesis tested was a decline in number of self-harm and violence cases during the lockdown. RESULTS: A total of 828 patients were analysed over both the time periods, out of which 30% (248) were females while 70% (580) were males. Increases in self-harm and violence were 12.71% and 95.32% respectively per 1000 ED admissions. A significant correlation was found between the COVID-19 lockdown and the increased incidence (X2 (1, N = 828) = 9.2, p < .05). An increase of violence by known individuals and between partners was seen. Intimate partner violence also increased to 7%. X2 (3, N = 662) = 21.03, p < .05. In the self harm dataset an increase in mortality, ICU admissions and decision to leave against medical advice was noted (X2 (4, N = 166) = 24.49, p < .05). Increase in the use of alcohol prior to acts of self harm and violence was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in the incidence of cases of self-harm and violence reported to the ED was noted during the lockdown period. Upgradation of health-care and law enforcement infrastructure maybe needed to deal with similar circumstances in a more efficient manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.