Is there a relationship between the diameter of the inferior vena cava and hemodynamic parameters in critically ill patients?

INTRODUCTION: The early detection of critically ill patients together with the rapid initiation of effective treatment in emergency departments(ED) increase the survival rates. AIM: This study investigated whether a correlation exists between haemodynamic parameters of critically ill patients and the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed included patients aged ≥18 years with an unstable haemodynamic and/or respiratory status who were referred to the ED for non-traumatic issues. IVC diameters were measured by ultrasound (US) and then central venous pressures (CVP) were measured. Anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) diameters of the IVC, both in the inspirium (IAP, IML) and expirium (EAP, EML), were measured by US. RESULTS: 102 patients were evaluated with a median age of 59. The relationship between the diameters of IVC and CVP was evaluated and significant correlation was found in IAP, EAP according to CVP values (p<0.001). ROC analyses were performed and significant relationship was found between the EAP diameter with haemoglobin (Hmg), haemotocrit (Hct), and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and also significant correlation was detected between the IAP diameter and white blood cell (WBC). DISCUSSION: We detected significant correlation between the CVP and the IVC diameter in our study compatible with recent studies besides, significant correlation was found between the diameter of the IVC and CVP values as well as between the EAP diameter and Hmg, Hct, ScvO2 levels. CONCLUSION: Measurement of IVC diameters, especially EAP may be useful at the monitoring of critically ill patients in ED.

Emergency Department Overcrowding in Turkey: Reasons, Facts and Solutions.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the long waiting times of the patients in a university hospital. METHODS: This study included 3000 of the adults above 18 years and pediatric trauma patients under 18 years who applied to emergency department between February 2009 and April 2009. The examination period of the physician, length of stay, length of hospitalization, waiting times for hospitalization and follow up times in the emergency department were recorded. Moreover, the patients were divided into four groups according to the reasons for waiting. RESULTS: In our study, the time period between 4 pm-12 pm was determined as the busiest time for the applications. Average length of stay in the emergency department for 3000 patients was 146.7±160.2 minutes. The length of stay for the patients consulted was longer than the length of stay for the ones who were not consulted. Because of the fact that our hospital did not have appropriate bed capacity, 41.1% of the patients waited less than two hours, 13. 4% of the patients waited more than 8 hours. It was also found that the waiting times of the Group two patients (206,7±145,2 minutes) was longer than Group one (95,5±73,9 minutes) patients and the waiting times of Group three patients (470,7±364,7 minutes) was longer than Group one patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, cooperation of the managers, relevant departments and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary to achieve the goals to reduce overcrowding in the emergency departments.