Hemoadsorption Therapy for Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Modern resin hemoadsorption/hemoperfusion for calcium channel blocker overdose is yet to be reported. The characteristics of calcium channel blockers make them unamenable to removal by hemodiafiltration or charcoal hemoperfusion; however, elimination, using styrene bead adsorption in an ex vivo model, has been demonstrated. Its clinical use is described. CASE REPORT: A man in his 20s was admitted with shock into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after an overdose of amlodipine and risperidone. Resuscitation and supportive care were administered, but hypotension did not resolve despite the administration of intravenous fluids, infusions of calcium, adrenaline, and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic therapy. Methylene blue was then administered to maintain the mean arterial pressures. However, the hemodynamic effect did not allow the weaning of the adrenaline. Drug clearance using hemoadsorption/hemoperfusion was attempted using a styrene resin filter (Jafron HA230; Jafron Biomedical Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China). During the two hemoperfusion sessions (6 h duration each, and 18 h apart) the patient had successfully weaned off all supportive measures, with lactate levels returning to normal and was later discharged home. At the end of each session, significant amlodipine concentrations were detected in blood aspirated from both filters, suggesting enhanced clearance. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our case illustrates a temporal relationship between resin hemoperfusion therapy, resolution of hemodynamic instability, and shock without proving causation. Significant amlodipine elimination was suggested by high concentrations found in blood from the filter. At the same time, shock resolution after initiation of hemoperfusion occurred in less than one elimination half-life of amlodipine.

Audit of emergency airway drugs and equipment at a Johannesburg hospital.

Introduction: In-hospital advanced life support and acute airway management is critically time sensitive and requires the immediate availability of key equipment. While most acute airway emergencies present to emergency centres, clinical deterioration may occur at any point during a patient's care process. Thus, all areas of the hospital should be equipped to provide acute airway management. The aim of this study was to audit the availability and functioning of emergency airway equipment and drugs at a large academic Johannesburg hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional spot audit was conducted at nineteen patient care units at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Johannesburg, SA from January to March 2018. Using a modified list of equipment and drugs derived from the EMSSA Practice Guideline of Rapid Sequence Intubation, each unit's emergency trolley was spot audited by a single Investigator, assessing both availability and if the equipment was in good working order. A selection of drugs was assessed for availability and location. Results: Overall, approximately two thirds (67%) of the listed equipment were available and in working order in the audited units. Almost a third (31%) of the listed equipment was not available at all, while 2% of the equipment was available but not working. The Intensive Care Unit, Medical Emergency Unit and Trauma Unit had the highest (≥80%) of available and working equipment, with the Psychiatry Ward and the Labour Ward having the lowest percentage (≤45%). Conclusion: This audit highlights specific deficiencies in emergency airway management equipment within this institution, as well as the need for improved strategies to address equipment shortages. The causes for these shortages were not explored. Recommendations following this audit include further qualitative research to explore and address the barriers to well stocked emergency trolleys, the standardization of equipment checklists and to provide regular staff training in resuscitation.

Drug preparation and administration errors during simulated paediatric resuscitations.

INTRODUCTION: Very few studies have assessed drug preparation and administration errors during paediatric resuscitation. Current evidence suggests that medication errors in paediatrics are a serious problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug preparation and administration errors incurred during the simulated resuscitation of paediatric patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study performed in the emergency department of a tertiary-level hospital. Teams consisting of two emergency doctors were tasked with preparing and delivering medication during simulated emergency scenarios. Preparation processes were video recorded. All phials, syringes and administered volumes were collected and analysed to determine the accuracy of drug preparation and delivery. Deviations from intended volumes were calculated. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 96 dosages were recorded from 24 participants. Most errors were identified in the withdrawal of drug phase (prior to dilution) (13 of 96 doses had a >20% error), and the administration of medication phase (20 of 96 doses had a >20% error). Overall the median time taken to deliver each drug was 79 s (IQR 59, 100 s). The largest percentage errors were seen when a large syringe was used to withdraw or administer a small volume of medication. CONCLUSION: The study clearly demonstrated that there were significant errors in the preparation and administration of medication. Training in the preparation and administration of paediatric medications should be available for all emergency nurses and doctors. Correct syringe choice may reduce these errors-smaller syringes should be used for withdrawing or administering smaller volumes.