Increasing the precision of simulated percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy-a pilot prototype device development study.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a bedside medical procedure which sites a new tracheostomy tube in the front of the neck. The critical first step is accurate placement of a needle through the neck tissues into the trachea. Misplacement occurs in around 5% of insertions, causing morbidity, mortality, and delays to recovery. We aimed to develop and evaluate a prototype medical device to improve precision of initial PDT-needle insertion. The Guidance for Tracheostomy (GiFT) system communicates the relative locations of intra-tracheal target sensor and PDT-needle sensor to the operator. In simulated "difficult neck" models, GiFT significantly improved accuracy (mean difference 10.0 mm, ANOVA p < 0.001) with ten untrained laboratory-based participants and ten experienced medical participants. GiFT resulted in slower time-to-target (mean difference 56.1 s, p < 0.001) than unguided attempts, considered clinically insignificant. Our proof-of-concept study highlights GiFT's potential to significantly improve PDT accuracy, reduce procedural complications and offer bedside PDT to more patients.

Recovery from profound acidosis (pH 6.685) in multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.

Acidosis is a common feature of patients referred to critical care from the emergency department. We present the case of a 49-year-old female with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and an arterial pH of 6.685 on arrival to the emergency department. This case is unique as the patient was in circulatory shock with MODS from rhabdomyolysis on arrival and had not suffered a cardiac arrest. We believe this to be the first reported case of full recovery from such an extreme metabolic disturbance in this context, and discuss the relevance of profound acidosis to early clinical decision-making.

Risk factors in child sexual abuse.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the incidence of child sexual abuse allegations referred to a forensic examination centre; to identify possible risk factors predisposing children to sexual abuse by measuring their prevalence among the complainant population. METHODOLOGY: The records of children involved in sexual abuse allegations presenting over a 12 month period were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data such as nature of case, sex, ethnicity, number of previous allegations, assailant relationship, month of presentation, and age were compiled. Potential risk factors such as alcohol or drug use, being 'looked after', physical disability, learning disability, previous consensual sexual intercourse, past psychiatric history, and history of psychiatric support were compiled. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: 138 cases were recorded, of which the majority were acute. Epidemiological data demonstrated a higher incidence in females and most complainants were of White British origin. Most of the cases were of first allegations and the assailant relationship was most frequently an acquaintance. The incidence was highest in January. The modal age was 15 years and age distribution was positively skewed. Of the potential risk factors studied, alcohol and drug use was the most prevalent. Prevalence increased with age for the majority of factors studied. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol and drug use may be an area in which preventative strategies would be beneficial. Ethnic minorities may hold a large amount of unreported cases.