How to interpret a negative high-resolution pulse oximetry in hospitalized patients screened for obstructive sleep apnea: an exploratory analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder that often is unrecognized. Recently, a novel protocol for screening hospitalized patients for OSA resulted in early initiation of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and early post-discharge follow-up. The protocol utilizes a combination of high-resolution pulse oximetry (HRPO) and home sleep apnea tests (HSATs); the former has been well-validated in previous studies against HSAT and polysomnography. While a definitive treatment plan can be generated for patients with a positive HRPO for OSA, it is less clear how best to manage patients with a negative HRPO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a registry of patients screened for OSA was conducted. Consecutive patients with HRPO-derived ODI (oxygen desaturation index) < 5/h who underwent same-night HRPO and HSAT were identified. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with ODI < 5/h and AHI (apnea hypopnea index) < 5/h were compared with patients with ODI < 5/h and AHI ≥ 5/h. RESULTS: The analysis revealed 190 patients with ODI < 5/h. Only 23 (12%) of these patients had AHI ≥ 5/h. When compared with patients who had ODI < 5/h and AHI < 5/h, there was no difference in most testing and patient characteristics. However, antiplatelet use and total time in minutes with saturation < 88% greater than 100 min were associated with a higher likelihood of discordant ODI and AHI. CONCLUSION: HRPO-derived ODI has a low rate of false negativity. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a false negative ODI for patients with antiplatelet use and time with saturation < 88% greater than 100 min and antiplatelet therapy.

Does the evidence justify routine transfer of residents of aged care facilities for CT scan after minor head trauma?

BACKGROUND: In 2014, the South Australian coroner recommended that residents of residential aged care facilities (RACF) who had sustained a head injury should be transported to emergency departments (ED) for assessment and a head CT scan, with the view to preventing mortality. The evidence base for the recommendation is unclear. AIMS: To determine the rate of emergent intervention (neurosurgery, transfusion of blood products or reversal of anti-coagulation) in residents transferred to ED with minor head trauma who had their usual cognitive function on ED assessment. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study by medical records review at two university-affiliated community ED. Participants were patients from RACF attending ED who had suffered minor head trauma and had their usual cognitive function. Exclusions were altered conscious state, new neurological findings or associated orthopaedic injury requiring hospital admission. The primary outcome was rate of emergent intervention in residents transferred to ED with minor head trauma who had their usual cognitive function on ED assessment. RESULTS: A total of 366 patients was studied; median age 86 years, 45% taking anti-coagulant/anti-platelet medication. Eighty per cent underwent head CT. Six per cent had intracranial haemorrhage (ICH; 95% CI 4-8.9%). No patient underwent neurosurgery. One had emergent intervention, reversal of anti-coagulation (0.3%, 95% CI 0.05-1.5%). CONCLUSION: The rate of emergent intervention for ICH in patients from RACF who sustained a minor head trauma but had their normal cognitive function was <1%. None underwent neurosurgical intervention. The low rate of intervention seriously challenges the appropriateness of routine transfer and CT for this patient group.

Palatal erythema in patients using Listerine Cool Mint PocketPaks Oral Care Strips: case reports.

The purpose of this report was to present 2 cases of similar erythematous lesions in patients using Listerine Cool Mint PocketPaks Oral Care Strips. The first case, a 44-year-old female presented with an erythematous, well-defined, macular lesion centrally located on the midhard palatal gingiva. The second case involved a healthy 7-year-old Hispanic female who presented with a similar lesion and the same clinical presentation. Both presented as solitary lesions involving the height of the palate, with bilateral congruency to the mid-palatal suture line. The lesions were square in shape, with 3 sides being distinctly demarcated. The fourth side feathered anteriorly, gradually disappearing as it approached the anterior third of the palate. On verbal questioning in both cases, no discomfort or irritation was indicated in the medical history or by the patient. Both patients indicated regular use of Listerine Cool Mint PocketPaks Oral Care Strips. Treatment consisted of a: (1) recommendation that the strips be discontinued; and (2) re-evaluation of the lesions at the follow-up appointments to make assessments for any possible changes in lesion color, size, or shape. Following discontinuance of the Oral Care Strips, the lesions disappeared. Follow-up appointments suggest an allergic contact focal erythema caused by prolonged contact with the irritant, in this case due to use of Listerine Cool Mint PocketPaks Oral Care Strips.