Emergency Department SpO2/FiO2 Ratios Correlate with Mechanical Ventilation and Intensive Care Unit Requirements in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are at high risk for respiratory dysfunction. The pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) ratio is a non-invasive assessment of respiratory dysfunction substituted for the PaO2:FiO2 ratio in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scoring. We hypothesized that emergency department (ED) SpO2/FiO2 ratios correlate with requirement for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. Our objective was to identify COVID-19 patients at greatest risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, using SpO2/FiO2 ratios. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted with COVID-19 at two hospitals. Highest and lowest SpO2/FiO2 ratios (percent saturation/fraction of inspired O2) were calculated on admission. We performed chi-square, univariate, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the relationship of admission SpO2/FiO2 ratios with requirement for mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) care. Results: A total of 539 patients (46% female; 84% White), with a mean age 67.6 ± 18.6 years, met inclusion criteria. Patients who required mechanical ventilation during their hospital stay were statistically younger in age (P = 0.001), had a higher body mass index (P < .001), and there was a higher percentage of patients who were obese (P = 0.03) and morbidly obese (P < .001). Shortness of breath, cough, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms with a median temperature of 99°F. Average white blood count was higher in patients who required ventilation (P = <0.001). A highest obtained ED SpO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤300 was associated with a requirement for mechanical ventilation. A lowest obtained ED SpO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤300 was associated with a requirement for intensive care unit care. There was no statistically significant correlation between ED SpO2/FiO2 ratios >300 and mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit (ICU) requirement. Conclusion: The ED SpO2/FiO2 ratios correlated with mechanical ventilation and ICU requirements during hospitalization for COVID-19. These results support ED SpO2/FiO2 as a possible triage tool and predictor of hospital resource requirements for patients admitted with COVID-19. Further investigation is warranted.

The Effect of Resuscitation Residents on the Duration of Pre-induction of Targeted Temperature Management in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Background The Resuscitation Rotation is a novel second-year emergency medicine rotation focusing on the highest acuity patients, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The resuscitation resident (RR) functions as an extra physician during resuscitation and post return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The objective of this study is to examine if the presence of a RR decreases the pre-induction interval of targeted temperature management (TTM) for patients following OHCA. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care level 1 trauma center with an annual ED census of 127,323 visits in 2019. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive OHCA patients from September 1, 2014, to July 20, 2020, who underwent TTM. Patients were identified as cases with or without a RR. Clinical characteristics were summarized by the status of RR involvement and compared by using t-test and χ2 test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. All tests with p < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results Our study population identified 198 adult OHCA patients that underwent TTM from 2014-2020. There were exclusions for missing TTM start time and for missing patient characteristics leaving 176 for final analysis, of which 55 (33.3%) had RR involvement. The mean time (hours) to TTM initiation (ie, the pre-induction phase) for patients involving the RR versus those without was not statistically significant (3.11 vs 3.34, p=0.39). Linear regression analysis indicates that the adjusted effect of RR involvement was not associated with the mean hours of pre-induction (p=0.47). Conclusion There is no statistically significant association of a RR on the duration of the pre-induction phase. Limitations include that both arms had prolonged pre-induction phases. This may represent a non-optimized TTM protocol. Future work will aim to use the RR to improve our pre-induction phase.

Assessing the impact of resuscitation residents on the treatment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation patients.

BACKGROUND: The management of cardiac arrest patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential aspect of emergency medicine (EM) training. At our institution, we have a 1-month Resuscitation Rotation designed to augment resident training in managing critical patients. The objective of this study is to compare 30-day mortality between cardiac arrest patients with resuscitation resident (RR) involvement versus patients without. Our secondary outcome is to determine if RR involvement altered rates of initiating targeted temperature management (TTM). METHODS: This study was conducted at a single site tertiary care Level-1 trauma center with an Emergency Department (ED) census of nearly 130,000 visits per year. Data was collected from 01/01/2015 to 01/01/2018 using electronic medical records via query. Patients admitted with cardiac arrest were separated into two groups, one with RR involvement and one without. Initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia (VFIB/VTACH), 30-day mortality, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and initiation of TTM were compared. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Out of 885 patient encounters, 91 (10.28%) had RR participation. There was no statistical difference in 30-day mortality between patients with RR involvement compared to those without (71.42% vs 66.36%; P = 0.3613). However, TTM was initiated more in the RR group (20.70% vs 8.86%; P = 0.0025). Patients who received TTM also had a lower 30-day mortality compared to those without TTM (52.94% vs 70.87%; P = 0.0020). Patients who were older and had no history of CAD were also noted to have a statistically significant higher 30-day mortality. All other variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Resuscitation resident involvement with the care of cardiac arrest patients had no impact in 30-day mortality. However, the involvement of RR was associated with a statistically significant increase in the initiation of TTM. One limitation is that RR participated in 10.28% of the cases analyzed herein, thus the two arms are unbalanced in size. Future work may investigate if the increase in TTM in the RR involved cases may portend improved rates of neurologically intact survival or more rapid achievement of goal temperatures.

Resuscitation Resident Impact in the Treatment of Sepsis.

Background The resuscitation of septic patients is a fundamental skill of emergency medicine (EM) training. We developed a required rotation designed to augment resident training in resuscitating critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the successful completion of sepsis core measures alongside clinical outcomes between patients with a resuscitation resident (RR) involved in care versus patients without. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a single site tertiary care Level 1 trauma center with an ED census of 130,000 visits annually. Data were collected from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016, using the electronic medical record (EMR) via an Epic query (Epic Systems Corp., Verona, WI). Patients admitted with severe sepsis or septic shock (Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines) were included and separated into two groups, one with RR involvement and one without. Emergency department length of stay, time to initial lactic acid draw, lactic acid value, time to bolus fluid initiation, time to antibiotic initiation, need for medical intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 30-day mortality were compared between the two groups. Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the categorical variables. Two-sided t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to examine continuous variables. Results Out of 4,746 patients admitted, 101 patients had an RR participate in their care. The median time to initial lactic acid draw was shorter (0.53 vs 1.05 hours; p < 0. 0001) and the lactic acid level was higher (2.5 vs 1.8 mmol/L; p < 0. 0001) with the presence of an RR. Resuscitation resident was correlated with a decrease in time to antibiotics and appropriate 30 cc/kg bolus, however, these were not statistically significant (p = 0.10 and p = 0.09 respectively). Resuscitation resident involvement was also associated with more medical ICU (45.5% vs 18.8%; p<0.0001) admissions and a higher 30-day mortality (14.9% vs 29.7%; p < 0. 0001). All other variables were not statistically significant. Conclusion Resuscitation residents demonstrate a statistically significant impact on lactic acid-related bundle compliance and help facilitate the care of higher acuity severe sepsis and septic shock patients.

Effect of Lower Blood Pressure Goals on Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Patients With Subclinical Hypertensive Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypertensive heart disease (SHHD) is a precursor to heart failure. Blood pressure (BP) reduction is an important component of secondary disease prevention in patients with SHHD. Treating patients with SHHD utilizing a more intensive BP target (120/80 mm Hg), may lead to improved cardiac function but there has been limited study of this, particularly in African Americans (AAs). METHODS: We conducted a single center, randomized controlled trial where subjects with uncontrolled, asymptomatic hypertension, and SHHD not managed by a primary care physician were randomized to standard (<140/90 mm Hg) or intensive (<120/80 mm Hg) BP therapy groups with quarterly follow-up for 12 months. The primary outcome was the differences of BP reduction between these 2 groups and the secondary outcome was the improvement in echocardiographic measures at 12 months. RESULTS: Patients (95% AAs, 65% male, mean age 49.4) were randomized to the standard (n = 65) or the intensive (n = 58) BP therapy groups. Despite significant reductions in systolic BP (sBP) from baseline (-10.9 vs. -19.1 mm Hg, respectively) (P < 0.05), no significant differences were noted between intention-to-treat groups (P = 0.33) or the proportion with resolution of SHHD (P = 0.31). However, on post hoc analysis, achievement of a sBP <130 mm Hg was associated with significant reduction in indexed left ventricular mass (-6.91 gm/m2.7; P = 0.008) which remained significant on mixed effect modeling (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In post hoc analysis, sBP <130 mm Hg in predominantly AA patients with SHHD was associated with improved cardiac function and reverse remodeling and may help to explain preventative effects of lower BP goals. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Trial Number NCT00689819.

Left ventricular non-compaction; an unusual presentation with supraventricular tachycardia in the emergency department.

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a cardiomyopathy with altered ventricular wall anatomy. This condition is characterized by the presence of prominent left ventricular trabeculae, a thin compacted layer, and deep intertrabecular recesses that are continuous with the left ventricular cavity and separated from the epicardial coronary. Left ventricular non-compaction can present with acute heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death. We present a case of a common cardiac arrhythmia in the emergency department with a work up consistent with LVNC being the underlying etiology.

An assessment of repeat computed tomography utilization in the emergency department in the setting of blunt trauma.

PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) is a standard imaging modality utilized during the evaluation of trauma patients in the emergency department (ED). However, while it is common to utilize intravenous (IV) contrast as an adjunct, the use of multiple CT scans and how it impacts patient flow can lead to changes in patient management. Our objectives are to assess length of stay (LOS) and rates of acute kidney injury (AKI), when two CT scans of the abdomen/pelvis are performed compared to one CT scan. METHODS: Data of trauma hospital encounters were retrospectively collected during a 5-year period at a large, level 1 trauma center. Encounters were categorized into patients who received one or two CT scans of the abdomen/pelvis, as well as if they had received IV contrast or not. CT scan reads were extracted from chart records, and groups were compared. RESULTS: Of 5787 patient encounters, 5335 (93.4%) received IV contrast and 75 (1.3%) received two CT scans. Lower rates of AKI were associated with IV contrast (2.5 vs 12.5%). Receiving two CT scans was associated with increased rates of AKI (20.0 vs 3.0%; p < 0.0001), ICU admissions (88.0 vs 25.1%; p < 0.0001), and hospital LOS (21.9 vs 1.4 days; p < 0.0001). Of the repeat CT scans, 59.4% demonstrated no significant difference and did not require blood products or the operating room. CONCLUSION: Two CT scans performed during blunt trauma encounters demonstrated mixed benefit and were associated with an increased hospital LOS. Additionally, IV contrast was associated with lower rates of AKI.

Screening and Treatment for Subclinical Hypertensive Heart Disease in Emergency Department Patients With Uncontrolled Blood Pressure: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Poorly controlled hypertension (HTN) is extremely prevalent and, if left unchecked, subclinical hypertensive heart disease (SHHD) may ensue leading to conditions such as heart failure. To address this, we designed a multidisciplinary program to detect and treat SHHD in a high-risk, predominantly African American community. The primary objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of our program. METHODS: Study costs associated with identifying and treating patients with SHHD were calculated and a sensitivity analysis was performed comparing the effect of four parameters on cost estimates. These included prevalence of disease, effectiveness of treatment (regression of SHHD, reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH], or blood pressure [BP] control as separate measures), echocardiogram costs, and participant time/travel costs. The parent study for this analysis was a single-center, randomized controlled trial comparing cardiac effects of standard and intense (<120/80 mm Hg) BP goals at 1 year in patients with uncontrolled HTN and SHHD. A total of 149 patients (94% African American) were enrolled, 133 (89%) had SHHD, 123 (93%) of whom were randomized, with 88 (72%) completing the study. Patients were clinically evaluated and medically managed over the course of 1 year with repeated echocardiograms. Costs of these interventions were analyzed and, following standard practices, a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) less than $50,000 was defined as cost-effective. RESULTS: Total costs estimates for the program ranged from $117,044 to $119,319. Cost per QALY was dependent on SHHD prevalence and the measure of effectiveness but not input costs. Cost-effectiveness (cost per QALY less than $50,000) was achieved when SHHD prevalence exceeded 11.1% for regression of SHHD, 4.7% for reversal of LVH, and 2.9% for achievement of BP control. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of predominantly African American patients with uncontrolled HTN, SHHD prevalence was high and screening with treatment was cost-effective across a range of assumptions. These data suggest that multidisciplinary programs such as this can be a cost-effective mechanism to mitigate the cardiovascular consequences of HTN in emergency department patients with uncontrolled BP.

Pediatric Urinary Retention in the Emergency Department: A Concerning Symptom with Etiology Outside the Bladder.

BACKGROUND: Urinary retention in an otherwise healthy adolescent is a concerning symptom, in which etiology can range from an extracystic mass to central nervous system involvement (CNS). One possibility is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the CNS via demyelination. The disease usually is preceded by an acute viral infection, and commonly presents with multifocal neurological deficits. The diagnosis for ADEM is made based on clinical presentation, correlating with findings characterized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the CNS. CASE REPORT: Our case involves a 16-year-old boy who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with urinary retention. The patient was an otherwise healthy adolescent who was experiencing intermittent fevers for 1 week, and was found to be monospot positive when seen by his pediatrician. When presenting to the ED, the patient's primary complaint was urinary retention, which he experienced acutely in the middle of the night. Due to the suspicious nature of the patient's symptoms and history of present illness, the patient received a thorough workup including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient's brain and spinal cord, which demonstrated findings consistent with ADEM. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: There is very little literature describing a case of ADEM in the ED where the primary manifesting symptom was urinary retention. In addition, it is important that clinicians address acute urinary retention in an otherwise healthy adolescent as a red flag, with the need to rule out concerning etiology.

Blood pressure treatment and outcomes in hypertensive patients without acute target organ damage: a retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is of the study to evaluate the effect of antihypertensive therapy in emergency department (ED) patients with markedly elevated blood pressure (BP) but no signs/symptoms of acute target organ damage (TOD). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of ED patients age 18 years and older with an initial BP greater than or equal to 180/100 mm Hg and no acute TOD, who were discharged with a primary diagnosis of hypertension. Patients were divided based on receipt of antihypertensive therapy and outcomes (ED revisits and mortality) and were compared. RESULTS: Of 1016 patients, 435 (42.8%) received antihypertensive therapy, primarily (88.5%) oral clonidine. Average age was 49.2 years, and 94.5% were African American. Treated patients more often had a history of hypertension (93.1% vs 84.3%; difference = -8.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.5 to -4.9) and had higher mean initial systolic (202 vs 185 mm Hg; difference = 16.9; 95% CI, -19.7 to -14.1) and diastolic (115 vs 106 mm Hg; difference = -8.6; 95% CI, -10.3 to -6.9) BP. Emergency department revisits at 24 hours (4.4% vs 2.4%; difference = -2.0; 95% CI, -4.5 to 0.3) and 30 days (18.9% vs 15.2%; difference = -3.7; 95% CI, -8.5 to 0.9) and mortality at 30 days (0.2% vs 0.2%; difference = 0; 95% CI, -1.1 to 0.8) and 1 year (2.1% vs 1.6%; difference = -0.5; 95% CI, -2.5 to 1.2) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Revisits and mortality were similar for ED patients with markedly elevated BP but no acute TOD, whether they were treated with antihypertensive therapy, suggesting relative safety with either approach.

Anaphylactic reaction after ongoing exposure to hair glue: a novel case report.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy is thought to be present in up to 6.5% of the general population, and can be much higher among those with chronic exposure. It is, however, uncommonly associated with severe anaphylactic reactions. Hair-care practices, such as the application of a hair weave, are a potential cause of latex-related anaphylaxis because the adhesives often contain natural rubber latex. CASE REPORT: We report the first case in the emergency medicine literature of successful treatment of a patient with airway compromise secondary to hair glue exposure. This case involved a 29-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with severe angioedema and airway compromise. The patient had recently had an adhesive substance applied to her scalp for a hair weave placement. The patient did respond initially to antihistamine and alpha-adrenergic medication, however, because the allergen could not be removed, she relapsed, was subsequently intubated, and admitted to the intensive care unit. The latex-containing hair glue was removed over a period of several hours using an oil-based hair-conditioning product. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This unique and potentially lethal situation required innovative management. Successful resolution of this case required a high degree of cultural literacy leading to the correct diagnosis and treatment, and utilization of resources outside of the health care field. Clinicians treating patients in areas where similar hair-care practices are prevalent should be aware of this pathology, and consider similar management strategies.

Blood pressure control and perceived health status in African Americans with subclinical hypertensive heart disease.

The role of antihypertensive therapy in reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart failure is well established, but the effects of different blood pressure goals on patient-perceived health status has not been well defined. We sought to determine if adverse effects on perceived health status will occur with lower blood pressure goals or more intensive antihypertensive therapy. Data were prospectively collected as a part of a single center, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate standard (Seventh Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure-compliant) versus intense (<120/80 mm Hg) blood pressure goals for patients with uncontrolled hypertension and subclinical hypertensive heart disease. Blood pressure management was open label, and health status was measured at 3-month intervals over 1 year of follow-up using the short-form (SF)-36. Mixed linear models were constructed for each of the SF-36 summary scores. One hundred twenty-three (mean age 49.4 ± 8.2; 65% female; 95.1% African American) patients were randomized, 88 of whom completed the protocol. With the exception of a decrease in perceived health transition, health status did not change significantly on repeat measurement. Lower blood pressure goals and more intensive antihypertensive therapy appear to be well tolerated with limited effects on patients' perception of health status.