Effects of emergency doctor’s hospitalization authority from internal medicine and utilizing emergency ward on length of stay in emergency department

Objective@#The emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) is related to ED overcrowding and emergency practice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of enabling an ED doctor to have the authority to make hospitalization decisions and utilization of the emergency ward on ED LOS. @*Methods@#This retrospective observational study included patients who were admitted through a local emergency medical center. We compared the ED LOS between the periods' March to July 2018 and March to July 2019. In the latter period, ED doctors were authorized to take decisions on patient hospitalizations from the internal medicine department, and the emergency ward was operated under these new conditions. @*Results@#A total of 6,291 patients were included in the study, with 2,934 in 2018 and 3,357 in 2019. In the comparison of ED LOS for internal medicine inpatients by year, there was a significant reduction in the total ED LOS (1,129.0 [491.0-1,618.0] minutes vs. 539.0 [344.0-1,016.25] minutes, P<0.001), LOS before the admission decision (345.0 [198.0-634.0] minutes vs. 280.0 [176.0-442.3] minutes, P<0.001), and LOS after the admission decision (415.0 [147.0-1,089.0] minutes vs. 179.5 [80.0-422.0] minutes, P<0.001). In a subgroup analysis of internal medicine inpatients in 2019, the admission sheets of an ED doctor showed a significant decrease in LOS before the admission decision (268.0 [170.5-424.5] minutes vs. 404.0 [252.0-570.5] minutes, P<0.001). Also, the utilization of the emergency ward showed a significant decrease in LOS after the admission decision (147.0 [75.0-283.0] minutes vs. 187.0 [81.0-460.0] minutes, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The delegation of hospitalization decisions to the ED doctor and the subsequent utilization of the emergency ward shorten the ED LOS of internal medicine inpatients.

Analysis of risk factors between influenza and the occurrence of complicated influenza

Objective@#Influenza is an acute, respiratory viral disease, and may lead to complications such as pneumonia, which presents with significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies did not have sufficient data regarding the risk factors and complications of the H1N1 flu caused by the influenza A virus subtype H1N1 during the 2009 pandemic in Korea. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of complicated influenza. @*Methods@#Data were collected from influenza patients who visited a local emergency center in Daegu from January 2017 to December 2019. The study population was divided into three groups: influenza, influenza pneumonia, and influenza with a bacterial infection. The patients’ sex, age, influenza type, comorbidities, vital signs, symptoms, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were investigated for the risk analysis of complicated influenza. @*Results@#The total number of patients was 574, of which 393 (68.5%) had influenza only, 135 (23.5%) had influenza pneumonia, and 46 (8%) had influenza with a bacterial infection. The odds ratio of complicated influenza was found using multivariate logistic regression analysis; for influenza pneumonia, it was 2.94 for patients aged over 65-years, 3.47 for those with an elevated procalcitonin level, 2.24 for cough, 6.41 for dyspnea, and 3.11 for renal disease. For influenza with bacterial infection, the odds ratio was 2.31 for males, 2.68 for over 80-year-olds, 3.75 for elevated procalcitonin levels, 7.61 for dyspnea, and 3.65 for nursing home residents. @*Conclusion@#The risk factors of complicated influenza were advanced age, elevated procalcitonin level, dyspnea, renal disease, and residing in a nursing home.

Characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients. @*Methods@#A total of 2,582 non-traffic accident patients, above 16 years old, who visited the emergency department (ED) from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were categorized as alcohol group (A group) and no alcohol group (NA group) after checking their electronic medical records. Their general characteristics, the severity of their injury, and their ED length of stay were compared. @*Results@#The A group included younger patients, a higher percentage of males, and a higher frequency of visits to the ED via the 119 ambulance route than the NA group. The A group had a higher proportion of patients being struck by a person or object in terms of the mechanism of injury, intentional violence, and head injuries, especially in the face as compared to the NA group. In terms of the severity of the injury, the Injury Severity Score was lower in the A group than in the NA group, and the ratio of bone fracture and/or cerebral hemorrhage was also lower. As per the survey, the A group tended to stay in the ED longer than the NA group. @*Conclusion@#The characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients show that they have a relatively long stay in the ED, a high ratio of facial injury with low trauma severity, and need professional treatment facilities with specialized personnel and equipment.

Characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients. @*Methods@#A total of 2,582 non-traffic accident patients, above 16 years old, who visited the emergency department (ED) from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were categorized as alcohol group (A group) and no alcohol group (NA group) after checking their electronic medical records. Their general characteristics, the severity of their injury, and their ED length of stay were compared. @*Results@#The A group included younger patients, a higher percentage of males, and a higher frequency of visits to the ED via the 119 ambulance route than the NA group. The A group had a higher proportion of patients being struck by a person or object in terms of the mechanism of injury, intentional violence, and head injuries, especially in the face as compared to the NA group. In terms of the severity of the injury, the Injury Severity Score was lower in the A group than in the NA group, and the ratio of bone fracture and/or cerebral hemorrhage was also lower. As per the survey, the A group tended to stay in the ED longer than the NA group. @*Conclusion@#The characteristics of alcohol-related non-traffic accident trauma patients show that they have a relatively long stay in the ED, a high ratio of facial injury with low trauma severity, and need professional treatment facilities with specialized personnel and equipment.

Appropriateness of triage by emergency medical technician using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale

Objective@#Appropriate triage in emergency rooms is fundamental. This study assessed the appropriateness of the triage results using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) by emergency medical technicians (EMT) by comparing an emergency physician and a KTAS instructor. @*Methods@#The medical records of patients who presented to a local emergency room for a month were analyzed retrospectively. This study compared the triage results using KTAS among EMTs, an emergency physician, and a KTAS instructor. @*Results@#Among 2,248 patients, consistent KTAS codes of 1,453 patients (64.6%) were obtained between the EMTs and emergency physicians. In addition, a KTAS instructor had agreed with the results of EMT for 1,686 patients (75%). The Kappa value to evaluate the agreement between an emergency physician and a KTAS instructor was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.89). @*Conclusion@#The results of triage using KTAS by EMT was appropriate because substantial agreement existed between an emergency physician and KTAS instructor. On the other hand, there were some inappropriate results of triage, and it is proposed that the results would be reflected in KTAS provider education programs aimed at EMTs. It is expected that qualified KTAS providers will be produced, and the quality of triage can be controlled and improved.

The effect of hospital based clinical practice of paramedic students on cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance and recognition: a before and after study

OBJECTIVE: Various educational programs have been implemented to achieve skill, willingness and self-confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Paramedic students usually participate in clinical practice in emergency department as one of their educational courses. We investigated the effects of hospital based clinical practice and participation in real cardiac arrest situation on paramedic students' CPR performance and recognition. METHODS: Eighty-one paramedic students from 10 different universities who received hospital based clinical practice for 3 or 4 weeks in a regional emergency medical center from December 2016 to August 2017 were enrolled in our study. Subjects were asked, using a questionnaire, about their confidence and willingness to perform CPR before and after clinical practice. We also objectively measured two minute-CPR performance using the Laerdal skill reporter before and after clinical practice. During clinical practice, students participated in real CPR situations and took several theoretical examinations; however, additional CPR practical training was not included. RESULTS: This study included 48.1% male volunteers and 70.4% respondents who had Basic Life Support provider certification. The average number of real CPR situations participated in was 8.35 times. Scores in confidence of CPR increased significantly (3.80 vs. 4.36, P < 0.001) after clinical practice; however, scores in willingness to conduct CPR were high in both groups (4.46 vs. 4.48, P=0.787). Average chest compression depth also increased significantly (51.3 mm vs. 55.5 mm, P < 0.001) after clinical practice, but average compression rate showed no difference (111 vs. 111, P=0.694). Correct hand positioning and chest recoil also showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Hospital based clinical practice of paramedic students could provide extra confidence in student's ability to perform CPR and lead to adequate chest compression depth.

Relevance of emergency level assessment by the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale for adult patients in a local emergency medical center

OBJECTIVE: The Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS), which was implemented in 2016, needs to be assessed for its validity and reliability. Here we evaluate the relevance of emergency level assessment by analyzing the validity of KTAS as a Korean standardized triage system. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of adults who presented to a local emergency room (ER) during an 18-month period. We compared medical resources used, life-saving interventions performed, length of stay (LOS) in ER, admission rate, and mortality at each KTAS level. RESULTS: Among a total of 40,339 patients, most patients were at KTAS 4 (n=19,532, 48.4%) and the longest median LOS in ER was 450 minutes at KTAS 2. As the KTAS level increased, the percentage of medical resources used and life-saving interventions performed increased significantly. The odds of total admission and intensive care unit admission were significantly higher at KTAS 1 through 4 compared to those at KTAS 5. The odds related to admission and mortality were also significantly higher at KTAS 3 than at KTAS 4. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the KTAS, as a Korean standardized triage system of emergency level assessment, is relevant. Further, KTAS 1-3 and KTAS 4-5 are appropriate criteria to distinguish emergency and non-emergency patients.

A Case of Cement Hardening Agent Intoxication with Acute Kidney Injury

Chronic silica nephropathy has been associated with tubulointerstitial disease, immune-mediated multisystem disease, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. On the other hand, acute intentional exposure is extremely rare. The authors' experienced a 44-year-old man who took rapid cement hardener (sodium silicate) in a suicide attempt whilst in a drunken state. He visited the emergency department approximately 1 hour after ingestion. Information on the material was obtained after 3 L gastric lavage. The patient complained of a sore throat, epigastric pain, and swollen to blood tinged vomitus. Proton pump inhibitors, hemostats, steroid, and fluids were administered. Nine hours after ingestion, he was administered 200 mL hematochezia. Immediately after, a gastroenterologist performed an endoscopic procedure that revealed diffuse hyperemic mucosa with a color change and variable sized ulceration in the esophagus, whole stomach, and duodenal 2(nd) portion. Approximately 35 hours later, persistent oligouria and progressive worsening of the renal function parameters (BUN/Cr from 12.2/1.2 to 67.5/6.6 mg/dL) occurred requiring hemodialysis. The patient underwent 8 sessions of hemodialysis for 1 month and the BUN/Cr level increased to 143.2/11.2 mg/dL and decreased to 7.6/1.5 mg/dL. He was discharged safely from the hospital. Follow up endoscopy revealed a severe esophageal stricture and he underwent endoscopic bougie dilatation. Acute cement hardener (sodium silicate) intoxication can cause renal failure and strong caustic mucosal injury. Therefore, it is important to consider early hemodialysis and treatment to prevent gastrointestinal injury and remote esophageal stricture.

Clinical characteristics and mortality-predictive factors analyses of glyphosate intoxication

OBJECTIVE: Glyphosate intoxicated patients are increasing as glyphosate use increases. This study was conducted to analyze clinical characteristics of glyphosate intoxication patients to provide early treatment to high risk patients. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data pertaining to glyphosate intoxicated patients who visited emergency department from January 2012 to December 2016 based on medical records. The patients were divided into survivors and deaths, after which their clinical characteristics and laboratory results were compared. RESULTS: Among 84 glyphosate intoxicated patients, 12 died (14.3%). The mortality group showed advanced age (P=0.006), low blood pressure (P=0.001), worse mental status (P=0.000), low arterial blood pH (P=0.000), high serum creatinine (P=0.030), high glucose (P=0.000), high serum lactate (P=0.011), and low serum albumin (P=0.034). Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that the mortality group had advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.193), high serum glucose (OR, 1.018), and low systolic blood pressure (OR, 0.961) compared to the survivor group. CONCLUSION: On the scene and emergency department, glyphosate intoxicated patients with advanced age, high serum glucose level, and low systolic blood pressure should be provided early supportive treatments and transported to a toxicology facility.

Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in proximal deep vein thrombosis / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are conditions with significant morbidity and mortality. Proximal DVT has a significant association with PE and possible fatal outcomes. Traditionally, PE is subdivided into symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE, which have different treatments, preventions and prognoses. The growing utilization of computed tomography pulmonary angiography has led to increased detection of PE in DVT patients. This study examined the clinical characteristics and compared symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE following proximal DVT.METHODS: The medical records of 258 DVT inpatients from July, 2012 to June, 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding the patients who did not performed PE evaluation and were not diagnosed with PE, 95 patients diagnosed with PE following proximal DVT were enrolled in this study. They were divided into the symptomatic PE group and asymptomatic PE group.RESULTS: The body weight, body mass index, thrombus size, thrombus length and location were similar in the two groups. The symptomatic PE following proximal DVT group showed an older age, higher incidence of emergency department access (85.0% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001) and preceding infection (25.0% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001) as well as a higher incidence of immobilization (45.0% vs 13.3%, p=0.016). In the multivariate logistic regression study, preceding infection and emergency department access showed significant association with symptomatic PE.CONCLUSION: In proximal DVT inpatients, symptomatic PE was associated with emergency department access and preceding infection. The possibility of a symptomatic PE event should be considered in proximal DVT patients, especially those who were admitted through the emergency department and had preceding infection.

Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in proximal deep vein thrombosis / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are conditions with significant morbidity and mortality. Proximal DVT has a significant association with PE and possible fatal outcomes. Traditionally, PE is subdivided into symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE, which have different treatments, preventions and prognoses. The growing utilization of computed tomography pulmonary angiography has led to increased detection of PE in DVT patients. This study examined the clinical characteristics and compared symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE following proximal DVT. METHODS: The medical records of 258 DVT inpatients from July, 2012 to June, 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding the patients who did not performed PE evaluation and were not diagnosed with PE, 95 patients diagnosed with PE following proximal DVT were enrolled in this study. They were divided into the symptomatic PE group and asymptomatic PE group. RESULTS: The body weight, body mass index, thrombus size, thrombus length and location were similar in the two groups. The symptomatic PE following proximal DVT group showed an older age, higher incidence of emergency department access (85.0% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001) and preceding infection (25.0% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001) as well as a higher incidence of immobilization (45.0% vs 13.3%, p=0.016). In the multivariate logistic regression study, preceding infection and emergency department access showed significant association with symptomatic PE. CONCLUSION: In proximal DVT inpatients, symptomatic PE was associated with emergency department access and preceding infection. The possibility of a symptomatic PE event should be considered in proximal DVT patients, especially those who were admitted through the emergency department and had preceding infection.

A Case of Traumatic Cardiac Arrest due to SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality)

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare injury and reported less frequently in adults than children. The symptoms and prognosis of SCIWORA are associated with injury level of the spinal cord, neurologic impairment, resolution rate, etc. High level injury of the spinal cord can lead to development of quadriplegia, paraplegia, spinal shock, cardiac dysfunction, and respiratory arrest. However initial presenting cardiac arrest is extremely rare in SCIWORA. Therefore we report on a cardiac arrest patient due to SCIWORA after a motorcycle accident. A 50-year-old male was an out of hospital cardiac arrest in a transferred hospital. At the time of local hospital arrival, he was in cardiac arrest state. Therefore he received endotracheal intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 5 minutes, and spontaneous circulation returned. In our hospital, he underwent whole body computed tomography and echocardiography. He had a fibular fracture and simple multiple rib fractures without pneumothorax and hemothorax. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord edema from the cervicomedullary junction to C3 level and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament at C2-3 level without bony abnormality. In unknown cause of traumatic cardiac arrest, high level spinal cord injury and further evaluation of the cervical spine may be needed.

Relationship between Re-visits and Complaints' Characters of Out Patient Department and Emergency Department in One Tertiary Hospital

PURPOSE: Emergency department (ED) and Outpatient department (OPD) are similar to some extent, but there are differences. The difference is complaints that can be encountered during practice. The aim of this study was to investigate complaints of OPD and ED and factors associated with Re-visits. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 431 official complaints of visitors and 426 re-visitors in one tertiary university hospital OPD and ED between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. RESULTS: ED complaints were 18 times more common than OPD. The two groups differed in chronic disease, follow up duration and frequency, transportation, visiting day of the week, visiting time, relation between patient and claimant, claimant age, related department, medical department, method of expression, major reason for complaints, treatment result, and re-visit. The factors associated with ED re-visits were chronic disease, follow up duration and frequency, treatment result, and expression method. CONCLUSION: Doctors, particularly emergency physicians in the ED, were the subject of the most common complaints. Patients had more complaints about the subjective time delay than the ED retention time. Emergency physicians should be more alert for first visit patients.

Types of Shared Medical Decision Making for Terminally Ill Patients / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze types of shared medical decision making by health professionals in a decision making position. METHODS: The Q-methodology was used. Q sample was constructed with a total of 35 Q-statements that were offered with a 9-point rating scale. The statements were structured to generate answers that would form a shape of a normal distribution. Answers to Q sample were analyzed using a QUANL PC program. RESULTS: Four types of shared medical decision making were identified. Type I is patient-centered decision making, Type II is physician-centered, Type III is health professional-centered and Type IV is patient-family-centered. CONCLUSION: Study results indicate that it is recommended to develop an education program based on the four types of shared medical decision making so that health professionals can be provided with different approaches according to their decision making style.

Clinical Analysis of Prehospital Heartsavers Surviving Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest of Cardiac Origin

PURPOSE: Sudden cardiac death is still a major cause of death and a burden to national public health. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients achieving field Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) have better survival rates and good neurological outcomes. The study was designed for analysis of prehospital and hospital clinical characteristics of Heartsaver patients surviving OHCA of cardiac origin. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 31 Heartsaver patients surviving OHCA by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) from March, 2011 to May, 2014; 24 cardiogenic-Heartsaver patients were enrolled in this study. They were divided into the myocardial infarction group (MI group) and the non-myocardial infarction group (Non-MI group) by final diagnosis for comparison of prehospital and in-hospital characteristics. RESULTS: The etiology of cardiac arrest cause of cardiogenic-Heartsaver was categorized according to five groups, including myocardial infarction (29.2%), Brugada syndrome (25.0%), idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (25.0%), idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (8.3%), and coronary spasm (12.5%). Most patients had good neurological outcomes, Cerebral Performance Categories scale (CPC) median was 1.0(1.0-1.0). The MI group showed higher average age (57.1+/-6.49 vs 52.3+/-13.0, p=0.036), high incidence of ST-segment elevation (42.9%), and nonspecific-ST or T-wave change (24.9%) in electrocardiogram (ECG) after ROSC, higher incidence of regional wall motion abnormality in Echocardiography (85.7% vs 23.5%, p=0.009), and higher peak level of CK-MB, troponin I within 12 hours (p=0.005, p=0.014). Some Non-MI patients had undergone an electrophysiologic study and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. CONCLUSION: Cardiogenic OHCA patients should be examined by cardiac enzyme, ECG, echocardiography, and coronary angiography in order to differentiate etiology. Besides, to prevent sudden cardiac death from fatal arrhythmia, electrophysiologic study and implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion therapy must be considered.

Clinical Analysis of Acute Sedative/Hypnotic Intoxication by Route of Emergency Department Access

PURPOSE: The prevalence of intoxication and toxidromes, such as altered mental status, from Sedatives/hypnotics is high. Many patients have been transferred to a higher-level emergency center. This study was designed to analyze the clinical features of these patients and to compare patients transferred from a regional hospital with patients who directly visited a higher-level emergency center. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 298 sedative/hypnotic intoxication patients examined from January 2008 to December 2012. After excluding patients intoxicated from other category medications and missing data on medical records, 158 acute intoxication patients were enrolled in the study and divided into transferred and direct-visit groups. Gastric lavage patients (n=108) were also subdivided into two groups by irrigation site. Clinical features, treatments, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in initial clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and toxicological information, except for charcoal treatment and complications from pneumonia. The use of charcoal was significantly lower in the group transferred from a regional medical center. The transferred group showed a higher incidence of pneumonia than the direct-visit group (10/54(18.5%) vs. 5/104(4.8%), respectively, p=0.007). In the subgroup analysis of gastric lavage patients, there was also a higher incidence of pneumonia in the regional hospital lavage group compared to the higher-level emergency center lavage group (8/32(25.0%) vs. 5/76(6.6%), respectively, p=0.011). From a comparative analysis of pneumonic complications and mental status, pneumonia patients showed a higher incidence of painful responses and unresponsive mentality (6(40.0%) and 4(26.7%), respectively, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In acute sedative/hypnotic intoxication patients, transferred patients, including regional hospital gastric lavage patients, showed a higher incidence of pneumonia. Pneumonic complication patients showed a higher incidence of a decreased mentality. Therefore, for patients transferred or treated for an altered mental status, precautions for complications from pneumonia must be considered.

A Case of Latrogenic Hemoperitoneum after Diagnostic Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a routinely performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for colorectal diseases. Abdominal pain after colonoscopy is a relatively common complication; however, hemoperitoneum is a very rare complication. We report a case of a 51-year-old male patient who suffered from a left upper quadrant pain after diagnostic colonoscopy at a healthcare promotion center. He had a routine screening test, including computed tomography (CT), and the follow-up CT showed an iatrogenic hemoperitoneum without a definite spleen injury. That is complication is rare, but potentially life-threatening. We recommend a high suspicion for this complication for its early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Predictive Factors for City Dwellers' Attitudes toward Death with Dignity / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: This correlation study was performed to examine Korean adults' perceptions and attitudes towards death with dignity and the withdrawal of life sustaining treatment and to identify factors that predict their attitude towards death with dignity. METHODS: The study was conducted using convenience sampling of 291 adults from three towns of a metropolitan city in Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires which surveyed people's perception about and attitudes towards withdrawal of life sustaining treatment and scaled their attitude towards death with dignity. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression. RESULTS: The attitude towards the withdrawal of life sustaining treatment and death with dignity showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.49, P<0.001). For attitudes towards death with dignity, significant predictors were attitudes towards the withdrawal of life sustaining treatment, age, religion, a proper withdrawal process and advanced medical directives, which explained 49.3% of total variance. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may contribute to development of a new medical decision-making system including nurses' appropriate roles in the process of withdrawing life sustaining treatment and advanced medical directives.

What is the Prognostic Factors for Emergency Laparotomy Patients due to Abdominal Trauma? / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: To study epidemiologic characteristics and prognostic factors of emergency laparotomy patients due to abdominal trauma. METHODS: From Jan 2006 to Dec 2008, 116 patients enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria for patients were abdominal trauma patients with emergency laparotomy. Age, sex, ED access, transportation, previous history, time, injured organ, combined injury, initial mental status, revised trauma score, laboratory finding, mortality ware reviewed. RESULTS: Trauma was most common at 40s and at night. Men has three time more common than women. Trauma etiology was traffic accident (64 cases, 55.2%), stab injuries (31 cases, 26.7%), violence (11 cases, 9.5%). Most commonly injured organs were the small intestine, the mesentery was a following. Combined injuries were extremities fractures, head and neck injuries, chest trauma, pelvis trauma, respectively. The average time of prehospital interval was 186.49 +/- 233.29 minutes and Emergency department stay time was 270.50 +/- 180.08 minutes. The average hospitalization was 22.84 +/- 38.02 days. In a univariate logistic regression study, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.364), systolic blood pressure below 90mmHg (OR 4.460), Hemoglobin (OR 2.380), Revised trauma score (OR 0.902), initial mental status (OR 3.394) were significant prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study indicated that age, systolic blood pressure below 90mmHg, hemoglobin, revised trauma score, initial mental status were prognostic factor of emergency laparotomy patients due to abdominal trauma. When treating patients with abdominal trauma, we could be considered these prognostic factors. In addition, to establish therapeutic plan will be helpful.

Clinical Analysis of Acute Cholangitis; Prognostic Factors for Emergency Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

PURPOSE: Acute cholangitis is a life-threatening biliary complication. Medical treatment is the first-line therapy in patients with acute cholangitis, but those who fail to respond to antibiotic treatment require urgent biliary decompression. This study was undertaken in order to determine predictive factors for emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: This was a retrospective observation study with data from Daegu Catholic University Hospital, Emergency Department (ED). Between Jan 2005 and Dec 2007, 317 patients were enrolled into this study. Inclusion criteria for patients were a final diagnosis: acute cholangitis, and an ERCP from ED visit. We defined emergency ERCP, as ERCP done within 24 hours of an ED visit. We analyzed the medical data by using SPSS 14.0 and compared the Emergency ERCP group to the Elective (Non emergency) ERCP group with regard to age, sex, vital signs on ED, symptom onset time, mortality, and various laboratory tests. RESULTS: Access to ED and laboratory tests (such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were factors that showed statistically significant differences between the ERCP group (n=289) and Elective ERCP group (n=28) by the Chi-square test and the t-test by each. There were no statistical differences in other factors by independent t test or Chi-square test. Multiple logistic regression showed access to ED; a laboratory test such as AST were predictive factors for emergency ERCP. CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicates that the EP (Emergency physician) should pay attention to the acute cholangitis patients who visit the ED with an abnormal laboratory test. In the timely consultation to the endoscopist, EP plays a key role in the treatment of acute cholangitis.