BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modali...BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modalities,survival rates for TCA patients remain low.This narrative literature review critically examines the indications and eff ectiveness of current therapeutic approaches in treating TCA.METHODS:We performed a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published before December 31,2022.The search was refi ned by combining search terms,examining relevant study references,and restricting publications to the English language.Following the search,943 articles were retrieved,and two independent reviewers conducted a screening process.RESULTS:A review of various studies on pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors showed that survival rates were higher when patients had an initial shockable rhythm.There were conflicting results regarding other prognostic factors,such as witnessed arrest,bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),and the use of prehospital or in-hospital epinephrine.Emergency thoracotomy was found to result in more favorable outcomes in cases of penetrating trauma than in those with blunt trauma.Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta(REBOA)provides an advantage to emergency thoracotomy in terms of occupational safety for the operator as an alternative in managing hemorrhagic shock.When implemented in the setting of aortic occlusion,emergency thoracotomy and REBOA resulted in comparable mortality rates.Veno-venous extracorporeal life support(V-V ECLS)and veno-arterial extracorporeal life support(V-A ECLS)are viable options for treating respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock,respectively.In the context of traumatic injuries,V-V ECLS has been associated with higher rates of survival to discharge than V-A ECLS.CONCLUSION:TCA remains a signifi cant challenge for emergency medical services due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.Pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from aggressive and resource-intensive resuscitation measures.Further research is needed to enhance guidelines for the clinical use of established and emerging therapeutic approaches that can help optimize treatment effi cacy and ameliorate survival outcomes.展开更多
Dear editor,After sustaining severe traumatic brain injury(TBI),patients frequently require invasive mechanical ventilation(MV).However,up to 26%of patients require tracheostomy due to failure to wean from the ventila...Dear editor,After sustaining severe traumatic brain injury(TBI),patients frequently require invasive mechanical ventilation(MV).However,up to 26%of patients require tracheostomy due to failure to wean from the ventilator.[1]The decision of when to perform tracheostomy is important as it balances the risk between avoiding prolonged MV and avoiding risk of tracheostomy.Early predictors for tracheostomy,i.e.,clinical factors when patients first present to an Emergency Department after trauma or when patient fi rst arrive at a regional trauma center,can help clinicians’medical decision-making process.展开更多
Background: Secondary injury processes such as posttraumatic vasospasm (PTV) play a critical role in the development of cerebral ischemia/infarction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives of this study wer...Background: Secondary injury processes such as posttraumatic vasospasm (PTV) play a critical role in the development of cerebral ischemia/infarction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of cerebral vasospasm in patients with moderate to severe TBI and to assess post-injury functional outcome. Study Design: A prospective observational study was conducted in patients with moderate and severe blunt TBI. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was performed within the first 72 hours and then daily for up to 7 days. Patient characteristics and outcome data including functional outcome as assessed by the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) were collected and compared between patients with and without PTV. Results: Twenty-three patients met our inclusion criteria. While there was a 47.8% incidence of vasospasm as detected by TCD, there was no significant difference in hospital LOS or mortality between patients with and without PTV. Of the two patients with PTV who died, both had a cerebral infarct or cerebral ischemia. In evaluating overall GOS-E among patients with a cerebral focal injury, patients with PTV had a significantly higher GOS-E score when compared to patients without PTV (8.0 vs. 6.8, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The high incidence of PTV and the role of clinically significant vasospasm after TBI remain unclear. While functional outcome was better in patients with a focal injury and vasospasm, patients who died had cerebral ischemia or infarction. We hypothesize that there is an interaction between impaired cerebral autoregulation, PTV and poor outcomes in patients with TBI.展开更多
BACKGROUND:When critically ill patients require specialized treatment that exceeds the capability of the index hospitals,patients are frequently transferred to a tertiary or quaternary hospital for a higher level of c...BACKGROUND:When critically ill patients require specialized treatment that exceeds the capability of the index hospitals,patients are frequently transferred to a tertiary or quaternary hospital for a higher level of care.Therefore,appropriate and efficient care for patients during the process of transport between two hospitals(interfacility transfer)is an essential part of patient care.While medical adverse events may occur during the interfacility transfer process,there have not been evidence-based guidelines regarding the equipment or the practice for patient care during transport.METHODS:We conducted searches from the PubMed,Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health(CINAHL),and Scopus databases up to June 2022.Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility.Studies that were not in the English language and did not involve critically ill patients were excluded.RESULTS:The search identified 75 articles,and we included 48 studies for our narrative review.Most studies were observational studies.CONCLUSION:The review provided the current evidence-based management of diverse disease states during the interfacility transfer process,such as proning positioning for respiratory failure,extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO),obstetric emergencies,and hypertensive emergencies(aortic dissection and spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage).展开更多
BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to document the correlation between medical and wilderness training with levels of preparedness for acute mountain sickness(AMS),illness,and injury among backcountry hikers.MET...BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to document the correlation between medical and wilderness training with levels of preparedness for acute mountain sickness(AMS),illness,and injury among backcountry hikers.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional,convenience survey in Rocky Mountain National Park in July and August 2015.The study group consisted of 380 hikers who completed a written survey that collected information about demographics,wilderness experience,altitude experience,hiking equipment,communications devices,and trip planning.RESULTS:Factors such as wilderness training(wilderness first aid[WFA],wilderness first responder[WFR],or wilderness emergency medical technician[WEMT]),wilderness experience,and altitude experience all affected hikers’emergency preparedness.Respondents with medical training were more prepared to avoid or respond to AMS(62.3%vs.34.3%[P<0.001]).They were also more prepared to avoid or manage injury/illness than hikers without medical training(37.7%vs.20.7%[P=0.003]).Participants with wilderness training were more likely to be prepared to avoid or respond to AMS(52.3%vs.36.8%[P=0.025])but not significantly more likely to be prepared to manage illness/injury(31.8%vs.22.0%[P<0.11]).Adjusting for experience,wilderness training,age,and gender,we found that medical training was associated with increased preparedness for AMS(OR2.72;95%CI 1.51–4.91)and injury/illness(OR 2.71;95%CI 1.5–4.89).CONCLUSION:Medically trained hikers were more likely to be prepared to avoid or manage AMS,medical emergencies,and injuries than their non-medically trained counterparts.Wilderness training increased hikers’preparedness for AMS but did not significantly alter preparedness for illness/injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for patient care.Invasive arterial BP(IABP)is more accurate than non-invasive BP(NIBP),although the clinical signifi cance of this diff erence is unknown.We hypothe...BACKGROUND:Blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for patient care.Invasive arterial BP(IABP)is more accurate than non-invasive BP(NIBP),although the clinical signifi cance of this diff erence is unknown.We hypothesized that IABP would result in a change of management(COM)among patients with non-hypertensive diseases in the acute phase of resuscitation.METHODS:This prospective study included adults admitted to the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit(CCRU)with non-hypertensive disease from February 1,2019,to May 31,2021.Management plans to maintain a mean arterial pressure>65 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were recorded in real time for both NIBP and IABP measurements.A COM was defined as a discrepancy between IABP and NIBP that resulted in an increase/decrease or addition/discontinuation of a medication/infusion.Classification and regression tree analysis identified significant variables associated with a COM and assigned relative variable importance(RVI)values.RESULTS:Among the 206 patients analyzed,a COM occurred in 94(45.6%[94/206])patients.The most common COM was an increase in current infusion dosages(40 patients,19.4%).Patients receiving norepinephrine at arterial cannulation were more likely to have a COM compared with those without(45[47.9%]vs.32[28.6%],P=0.004).Receiving norepinephrine(relative variable importance[RVI]100%)was the most signifi cant factor associated with a COM.No complications were identifi ed with IABP use.CONCLUSION:A COM occurred in 94(45.6%)non-hypertensive patients in the CCRU.Receiving vasopressors was the greatest factor associated with COM.Clinicians should consider IABP monitoring more often in non-hypertensive patients requiring norepinephrine in the acute resuscitation phase.Further studies are necessary to confi rm the risk-to-benefi t ratios of IABP among these high-risk patients.展开更多
Sickle cell disease(SCD)is strongly associated with severe preeclampsia and has also been linked to poor pregnancy-related outcomes.Moreover,sickle cell nephropathy(SCN)is a common complication of SCD and results in c...Sickle cell disease(SCD)is strongly associated with severe preeclampsia and has also been linked to poor pregnancy-related outcomes.Moreover,sickle cell nephropathy(SCN)is a common complication of SCD and results in chronic proteinuria.Pregnant patients with SCD who present to the emergency department(ED)with pulmonary edema,hypertension,and proteinuria may suffer from a hypertensive emergency with or without preeclampsia.Without prior lab work to determine whether a patient’s proteinuria or kidney dysfunction is new or at baseline,it may be impossible for the emergency physician to determine which diagnosis is more likely.Thus,amultidisciplinary approach which involves cardiology,nephrology,medicine and obstetrics consultations should be utilized to help direct treatment.We present the case of a 39-yearold patient with SCD,who was also 26 weeks pregnant,and presented to the ED with markedly elevated blood pressure and dyspnea.Although she was initially admitted to the obstetrics ward for blood pressure management given concern for preeclampsia,she was ultimately diagnosed with hypertensive emergency and sickle cell nephropathy.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and No...BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and North America,causing the World Health Organization(WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern.This article aims to review clinical presentation,diagnosis,and prevention and treatment strategies on mpox,providing the basic knowledge for prevention and control for emergency providers.METHODS:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and SCOPUS databases from their beginnings to the end of July 2023.The inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients focusing on emerging infections that described an approach to a public health emergency of international concern,systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,and retrospective studies.Studies that were not published in English were excluded.RESULTS:We included 50 studies in this review.The initial symptoms of mpox are non-specific:fever,malaise,myalgias,and sore throat.Rash,a common presentation of mpox,usually occurs 2–4 weeks after the prodrome,but the presence of lymphadenopathy may distinguish mpox from other infections from the Poxviridae family.Life-threatening complications such as pneumonia,sepsis,encephalitis,myocarditis,and death can occur.There are documented co-occurrences of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can worsen morbidity.CONCLUSION:The initial presentation of mpox is non-specific.The preferred treatment included tecovirimat in patients with severe illness or at high risk of developing severe disease and vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS.However,careful history and physical examination can raise the clinicians’ suspicion and point toward a prompt diagnosis.There are diff erent modalities to prevent and treat mpox infection.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the role of emergent laparoscopy as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic modality in pediatric trauma. We hypothesize that diagnostic laparoscopy provides important ...Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the role of emergent laparoscopy as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic modality in pediatric trauma. We hypothesize that diagnostic laparoscopy provides important information for the treatment of children with abdominal trauma and is accompanied by improved diagnostic accuracy, reduction of nontherapeutic laparotomy rates, and a reduction of morbidity. Methods: A 5-year (January 2000-December 2004) retrospective review of a pediatric level I trauma center database was performed after institutional review board approval was obtained, and information regarding patients who had operations for abdominal trauma was abstracted. Demographic variables, mechanism of injury, operative interventions, and patient outcomes were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Student’s t test (P < .05). Results: There were 7127 trauma admissions, of which 113 had abdominal explorations for blunt (88%) and penetrating (12%) trauma. Thirty-two (28%) patients had laparoscopy performed. Laparotomy was avoided in 56%of these patients. Laparoscopic therapeutic interventions were performed in 6 (19%) patients. Laparoscopy assisted in the diagnosis and subsequent conventional repair of perforated viscera in 10, diaphragmatic rupture in 3, and distal pancreatic injury in 1. Patients who had a laparoscopic procedure of any kind were less severely injured leading to significantly lower number of intensive care unit (0.6 ±1.6, P = .0004) and hospital days (7.4 ±5.6, P = .002) than patients who had a laparotomy (3.7 ±7.1 and 12.5 ±11.4). No injuries were missed, or technical complications occurred, as a result of laparoscopic explorations. There were 6 deaths in the laparotomy group. No patients who underwent laparoscopy died. Conclusion: Laparoscopy in pediatric trauma is a safe method for the evaluation and treatment of selective blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries in hemodynamically stable patients. Laparoscopy serves as a diagnostic tool in abdominal trauma, which reduces the morbidity of a negative laparotomy.展开更多
Purpose:Spinal injuries resulting in neurological damage cause significant morbidity.Swift neurosurgical intervention can mitigate negative outcomes.However,variable mechanisms of injury may be associated with inappro...Purpose:Spinal injuries resulting in neurological damage cause significant morbidity.Swift neurosurgical intervention can mitigate negative outcomes.However,variable mechanisms of injury may be associated with inappropriate transport(IAT),which may delay necessary surgical interventions.Patients with near shore spinal injuries(NSSI)presented with unique mechanisms,so we investigated factors associated with IAT in patients with NSSI.Methods:We performed a multicenter retrospective study of all adult patients transported from a beach resort to 3 hospitals for suspected NSSI between 2006-2017.We excluded patients transferred to other facilities,and those not injured in the water.Primary outcome was IAT,defined as patients with NSSI requiring transfer to another trauma center.To avoid heterogeneity in our analysis,we further excluded patients without NSSI who were inappropriately transported to a level I trauma center.We used multivariable logistic regression to assess association of independent variables(such as demographic,environmental,and clinical factors)with outcome.Results:We analyzed 278 patients with suspected NSSI,and found 14(5.0%)had IAT.Compared to appropriately transported patients,diving was associated with higher percentages of IAT(28.6%vs.3.9%,p=0.014)and more were transported by air(50.0%vs.20.6%,p=0.01).In multivariable regression,patients'oxygenation saturation(odds ratio[OR]=0.8,95%confidence intervals[Cl]:077-0.98)and diving(OR=7.5,95%Cl:1.2-46)were significantly associated with IAT.Conclusion:Rate of IAT for patients with NSSI was low.However,first responders and emergency medicine providers should be aware that diving is associated with a higher likelihood of IAT.展开更多
Traumatic injury is a public health epidemic within the United States.The growth of trauma systems within the United States has saved countless lives as trauma care continues to improve nationally.This article briefly...Traumatic injury is a public health epidemic within the United States.The growth of trauma systems within the United States has saved countless lives as trauma care continues to improve nationally.This article briefly looks at the history of trauma systems with in the United States,focusing on the Maryland system,one of the nation’s first statewide,regionalized and organized trauma systems.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modalities,survival rates for TCA patients remain low.This narrative literature review critically examines the indications and eff ectiveness of current therapeutic approaches in treating TCA.METHODS:We performed a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published before December 31,2022.The search was refi ned by combining search terms,examining relevant study references,and restricting publications to the English language.Following the search,943 articles were retrieved,and two independent reviewers conducted a screening process.RESULTS:A review of various studies on pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors showed that survival rates were higher when patients had an initial shockable rhythm.There were conflicting results regarding other prognostic factors,such as witnessed arrest,bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),and the use of prehospital or in-hospital epinephrine.Emergency thoracotomy was found to result in more favorable outcomes in cases of penetrating trauma than in those with blunt trauma.Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta(REBOA)provides an advantage to emergency thoracotomy in terms of occupational safety for the operator as an alternative in managing hemorrhagic shock.When implemented in the setting of aortic occlusion,emergency thoracotomy and REBOA resulted in comparable mortality rates.Veno-venous extracorporeal life support(V-V ECLS)and veno-arterial extracorporeal life support(V-A ECLS)are viable options for treating respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock,respectively.In the context of traumatic injuries,V-V ECLS has been associated with higher rates of survival to discharge than V-A ECLS.CONCLUSION:TCA remains a signifi cant challenge for emergency medical services due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.Pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from aggressive and resource-intensive resuscitation measures.Further research is needed to enhance guidelines for the clinical use of established and emerging therapeutic approaches that can help optimize treatment effi cacy and ameliorate survival outcomes.
文摘Dear editor,After sustaining severe traumatic brain injury(TBI),patients frequently require invasive mechanical ventilation(MV).However,up to 26%of patients require tracheostomy due to failure to wean from the ventilator.[1]The decision of when to perform tracheostomy is important as it balances the risk between avoiding prolonged MV and avoiding risk of tracheostomy.Early predictors for tracheostomy,i.e.,clinical factors when patients first present to an Emergency Department after trauma or when patient fi rst arrive at a regional trauma center,can help clinicians’medical decision-making process.
文摘Background: Secondary injury processes such as posttraumatic vasospasm (PTV) play a critical role in the development of cerebral ischemia/infarction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of cerebral vasospasm in patients with moderate to severe TBI and to assess post-injury functional outcome. Study Design: A prospective observational study was conducted in patients with moderate and severe blunt TBI. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was performed within the first 72 hours and then daily for up to 7 days. Patient characteristics and outcome data including functional outcome as assessed by the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) were collected and compared between patients with and without PTV. Results: Twenty-three patients met our inclusion criteria. While there was a 47.8% incidence of vasospasm as detected by TCD, there was no significant difference in hospital LOS or mortality between patients with and without PTV. Of the two patients with PTV who died, both had a cerebral infarct or cerebral ischemia. In evaluating overall GOS-E among patients with a cerebral focal injury, patients with PTV had a significantly higher GOS-E score when compared to patients without PTV (8.0 vs. 6.8, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The high incidence of PTV and the role of clinically significant vasospasm after TBI remain unclear. While functional outcome was better in patients with a focal injury and vasospasm, patients who died had cerebral ischemia or infarction. We hypothesize that there is an interaction between impaired cerebral autoregulation, PTV and poor outcomes in patients with TBI.
文摘BACKGROUND:When critically ill patients require specialized treatment that exceeds the capability of the index hospitals,patients are frequently transferred to a tertiary or quaternary hospital for a higher level of care.Therefore,appropriate and efficient care for patients during the process of transport between two hospitals(interfacility transfer)is an essential part of patient care.While medical adverse events may occur during the interfacility transfer process,there have not been evidence-based guidelines regarding the equipment or the practice for patient care during transport.METHODS:We conducted searches from the PubMed,Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health(CINAHL),and Scopus databases up to June 2022.Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility.Studies that were not in the English language and did not involve critically ill patients were excluded.RESULTS:The search identified 75 articles,and we included 48 studies for our narrative review.Most studies were observational studies.CONCLUSION:The review provided the current evidence-based management of diverse disease states during the interfacility transfer process,such as proning positioning for respiratory failure,extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO),obstetric emergencies,and hypertensive emergencies(aortic dissection and spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage).
文摘BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to document the correlation between medical and wilderness training with levels of preparedness for acute mountain sickness(AMS),illness,and injury among backcountry hikers.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional,convenience survey in Rocky Mountain National Park in July and August 2015.The study group consisted of 380 hikers who completed a written survey that collected information about demographics,wilderness experience,altitude experience,hiking equipment,communications devices,and trip planning.RESULTS:Factors such as wilderness training(wilderness first aid[WFA],wilderness first responder[WFR],or wilderness emergency medical technician[WEMT]),wilderness experience,and altitude experience all affected hikers’emergency preparedness.Respondents with medical training were more prepared to avoid or respond to AMS(62.3%vs.34.3%[P<0.001]).They were also more prepared to avoid or manage injury/illness than hikers without medical training(37.7%vs.20.7%[P=0.003]).Participants with wilderness training were more likely to be prepared to avoid or respond to AMS(52.3%vs.36.8%[P=0.025])but not significantly more likely to be prepared to manage illness/injury(31.8%vs.22.0%[P<0.11]).Adjusting for experience,wilderness training,age,and gender,we found that medical training was associated with increased preparedness for AMS(OR2.72;95%CI 1.51–4.91)and injury/illness(OR 2.71;95%CI 1.5–4.89).CONCLUSION:Medically trained hikers were more likely to be prepared to avoid or manage AMS,medical emergencies,and injuries than their non-medically trained counterparts.Wilderness training increased hikers’preparedness for AMS but did not significantly alter preparedness for illness/injury.
文摘BACKGROUND:Blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for patient care.Invasive arterial BP(IABP)is more accurate than non-invasive BP(NIBP),although the clinical signifi cance of this diff erence is unknown.We hypothesized that IABP would result in a change of management(COM)among patients with non-hypertensive diseases in the acute phase of resuscitation.METHODS:This prospective study included adults admitted to the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit(CCRU)with non-hypertensive disease from February 1,2019,to May 31,2021.Management plans to maintain a mean arterial pressure>65 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were recorded in real time for both NIBP and IABP measurements.A COM was defined as a discrepancy between IABP and NIBP that resulted in an increase/decrease or addition/discontinuation of a medication/infusion.Classification and regression tree analysis identified significant variables associated with a COM and assigned relative variable importance(RVI)values.RESULTS:Among the 206 patients analyzed,a COM occurred in 94(45.6%[94/206])patients.The most common COM was an increase in current infusion dosages(40 patients,19.4%).Patients receiving norepinephrine at arterial cannulation were more likely to have a COM compared with those without(45[47.9%]vs.32[28.6%],P=0.004).Receiving norepinephrine(relative variable importance[RVI]100%)was the most signifi cant factor associated with a COM.No complications were identifi ed with IABP use.CONCLUSION:A COM occurred in 94(45.6%)non-hypertensive patients in the CCRU.Receiving vasopressors was the greatest factor associated with COM.Clinicians should consider IABP monitoring more often in non-hypertensive patients requiring norepinephrine in the acute resuscitation phase.Further studies are necessary to confi rm the risk-to-benefi t ratios of IABP among these high-risk patients.
文摘Sickle cell disease(SCD)is strongly associated with severe preeclampsia and has also been linked to poor pregnancy-related outcomes.Moreover,sickle cell nephropathy(SCN)is a common complication of SCD and results in chronic proteinuria.Pregnant patients with SCD who present to the emergency department(ED)with pulmonary edema,hypertension,and proteinuria may suffer from a hypertensive emergency with or without preeclampsia.Without prior lab work to determine whether a patient’s proteinuria or kidney dysfunction is new or at baseline,it may be impossible for the emergency physician to determine which diagnosis is more likely.Thus,amultidisciplinary approach which involves cardiology,nephrology,medicine and obstetrics consultations should be utilized to help direct treatment.We present the case of a 39-yearold patient with SCD,who was also 26 weeks pregnant,and presented to the ED with markedly elevated blood pressure and dyspnea.Although she was initially admitted to the obstetrics ward for blood pressure management given concern for preeclampsia,she was ultimately diagnosed with hypertensive emergency and sickle cell nephropathy.
文摘BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and North America,causing the World Health Organization(WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern.This article aims to review clinical presentation,diagnosis,and prevention and treatment strategies on mpox,providing the basic knowledge for prevention and control for emergency providers.METHODS:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and SCOPUS databases from their beginnings to the end of July 2023.The inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients focusing on emerging infections that described an approach to a public health emergency of international concern,systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,and retrospective studies.Studies that were not published in English were excluded.RESULTS:We included 50 studies in this review.The initial symptoms of mpox are non-specific:fever,malaise,myalgias,and sore throat.Rash,a common presentation of mpox,usually occurs 2–4 weeks after the prodrome,but the presence of lymphadenopathy may distinguish mpox from other infections from the Poxviridae family.Life-threatening complications such as pneumonia,sepsis,encephalitis,myocarditis,and death can occur.There are documented co-occurrences of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can worsen morbidity.CONCLUSION:The initial presentation of mpox is non-specific.The preferred treatment included tecovirimat in patients with severe illness or at high risk of developing severe disease and vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS.However,careful history and physical examination can raise the clinicians’ suspicion and point toward a prompt diagnosis.There are diff erent modalities to prevent and treat mpox infection.
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the role of emergent laparoscopy as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic modality in pediatric trauma. We hypothesize that diagnostic laparoscopy provides important information for the treatment of children with abdominal trauma and is accompanied by improved diagnostic accuracy, reduction of nontherapeutic laparotomy rates, and a reduction of morbidity. Methods: A 5-year (January 2000-December 2004) retrospective review of a pediatric level I trauma center database was performed after institutional review board approval was obtained, and information regarding patients who had operations for abdominal trauma was abstracted. Demographic variables, mechanism of injury, operative interventions, and patient outcomes were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Student’s t test (P < .05). Results: There were 7127 trauma admissions, of which 113 had abdominal explorations for blunt (88%) and penetrating (12%) trauma. Thirty-two (28%) patients had laparoscopy performed. Laparotomy was avoided in 56%of these patients. Laparoscopic therapeutic interventions were performed in 6 (19%) patients. Laparoscopy assisted in the diagnosis and subsequent conventional repair of perforated viscera in 10, diaphragmatic rupture in 3, and distal pancreatic injury in 1. Patients who had a laparoscopic procedure of any kind were less severely injured leading to significantly lower number of intensive care unit (0.6 ±1.6, P = .0004) and hospital days (7.4 ±5.6, P = .002) than patients who had a laparotomy (3.7 ±7.1 and 12.5 ±11.4). No injuries were missed, or technical complications occurred, as a result of laparoscopic explorations. There were 6 deaths in the laparotomy group. No patients who underwent laparoscopy died. Conclusion: Laparoscopy in pediatric trauma is a safe method for the evaluation and treatment of selective blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries in hemodynamically stable patients. Laparoscopy serves as a diagnostic tool in abdominal trauma, which reduces the morbidity of a negative laparotomy.
文摘Purpose:Spinal injuries resulting in neurological damage cause significant morbidity.Swift neurosurgical intervention can mitigate negative outcomes.However,variable mechanisms of injury may be associated with inappropriate transport(IAT),which may delay necessary surgical interventions.Patients with near shore spinal injuries(NSSI)presented with unique mechanisms,so we investigated factors associated with IAT in patients with NSSI.Methods:We performed a multicenter retrospective study of all adult patients transported from a beach resort to 3 hospitals for suspected NSSI between 2006-2017.We excluded patients transferred to other facilities,and those not injured in the water.Primary outcome was IAT,defined as patients with NSSI requiring transfer to another trauma center.To avoid heterogeneity in our analysis,we further excluded patients without NSSI who were inappropriately transported to a level I trauma center.We used multivariable logistic regression to assess association of independent variables(such as demographic,environmental,and clinical factors)with outcome.Results:We analyzed 278 patients with suspected NSSI,and found 14(5.0%)had IAT.Compared to appropriately transported patients,diving was associated with higher percentages of IAT(28.6%vs.3.9%,p=0.014)and more were transported by air(50.0%vs.20.6%,p=0.01).In multivariable regression,patients'oxygenation saturation(odds ratio[OR]=0.8,95%confidence intervals[Cl]:077-0.98)and diving(OR=7.5,95%Cl:1.2-46)were significantly associated with IAT.Conclusion:Rate of IAT for patients with NSSI was low.However,first responders and emergency medicine providers should be aware that diving is associated with a higher likelihood of IAT.
文摘Traumatic injury is a public health epidemic within the United States.The growth of trauma systems within the United States has saved countless lives as trauma care continues to improve nationally.This article briefly looks at the history of trauma systems with in the United States,focusing on the Maryland system,one of the nation’s first statewide,regionalized and organized trauma systems.
