Home > Bibliographic references

Swiss Emergency Research collection

2025

  • Rudolph, S. S., Root, C. W., Tvede, M. F., Fedog, T., Wenger, P., Gellerfors, M., Apel, J., and Unlu, L. “Confined Space Airway Management: A Narrative Review”. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 33, no. 1: 79. doi:10.1186/s13049-025-01357-8.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Airway management is a critical component of prehospital and emergency care, often complicated by the environment in which it is performed. Confined space airway management (CSAM) refers to scenarios were restricted physical space challenges conventional airway techniques. These situations may occur in unpredictable environments, such as vehicle entrapments or collapsed structures, and controlled settings like helicopters. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge, expert opinions, and evidence on CSAM. MAIN BODY: CSAM poses logistical and technical challenges, including limited access to the patient, restricted movement, and reduced visibility. These factors increase the difficulty of performing standard airway management procedures and increase the risk of complications. Supraglottic airways (SGA), due to their ease of insertion and high success rates, are recommended as a first-line approach in CSAM, especially when intubation is delayed or infeasible. Tracheal intubation (TI) may require significant modifications in technique. Alternative methods and adjuncts such as face-to-face intubation and stylets may be considered but are highly dependent on provider expertise and the specific scenario. Emergency front of neck access (eFONA) is provided with high success rated in confined spaces. In controlled settings, systematic preparation can improve success rates and reduce procedural times. In uncontrolled environments, prioritizing patient extrication and maintaining oxygenation is essential, as definitive airway management may conflict with rescue efforts. CONCLUSION: CSAM requires a strategic blend of medical expertise, adaptive techniques, and logistical planning. A focus on training, preparedness, and the use of supraglottic airway devices may mitigate challenges in these high-stakes scenarios.
    Tags: *Airway Management/methods, *Emergency Medical Services/methods, *Intubation, Intratracheal/methods, Airway management, Confined spaces, conflicts of interest have been mitigated. All other authors have no conflict of, Emergency medical services, from the Stryker Corporation, a medical device manufacturer. All relevant, Humans, interests do declare., Prehospital care, Supraglottic airway devices, Tracheal intubation.
  • van Oppen, J. D., de Groot, B., Nickel, C. H., and Beil, M. “Abcde-Frailty For Critical Presentations: Summary Of The 2025 Esicm Expert Consensus Recommendations”. Eur J Emerg Med 32, no. 3: 158-159. doi:10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001227.
    Tags: article, consensus, diagnosis, frailty, human.
  • Kemnitz, M. G., Lupan-Muresan, E. M., Somville, F., Barcella, B., Shopen, N., de Los Angeles Lopez Hernandez, M., and Heymann, E. P. “A Team Without A Name: Emergency Medicine Recognition And Its Impact On Working Conditions And Well-Being”. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 120, no. 6: 481-486. doi:10.1007/s00063-025-01275-8.
    Abstract: Emergency medicine (EM) has evolved significantly over the past 50 years, transitioning from a focus on acute injuries and illnesses to include primary and specialty care, disaster response, and social issues. To date, nearly 60 countries have officially recognized EM as a medical specialty. However, growing patient demands, healthcare staff shortages, and an aging population have strained emergency departments, worsening working conditions for EM professionals and compromising patient care. To address these challenges, formal recognition of EM as a specialty is crucial.As a specialty, EM offers significant benefits. It improves patient outcomes by ensuring structured, standardized training that equips specialists with the skills to manage acute conditions such as trauma, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Countries with recognized EM specialties have reported reduced morbidity and mortality and enhanced healthcare resilience during crises like pandemics and mass casualty events. Additionally, professional recognition aids in recruitment, retention, and reducing burnout among EM practitioners by establishing clear career pathways. Furthermore, it ensures specific paraclinical training in areas such as patient flow, and it strengthens healthcare systems. However, despite these benefits, challenges remain. Resource diversion from primary care, increased healthcare costs, and the initial investment required for training programs are potential drawbacks to EM specialty recognition. Achieving EM recognition will require a strategic collaborative approach, focusing on education, professional support, and collaboration across healthcare sectors.
    Tags: *Emergency Medicine/education, *Patient Care Team, All studies mentioned were in accordance with the ethical standards indicated in, Burnout, Professional/prevention & control/psychology, E.P. Heymann declare that they have no competing interests. For this article no, each case., Emergency medical services, Empowerment, F. Somville, B. Barcella, N. Shopen, M. de los Angeles Lopez Hernandez and, Humans, Medical specialty, Primary care, Psychosocial risk, studies with human participants or animals were performed by any of the authors., Working Conditions.
  • Bockemuehl, D., Fuchs, A., Albrecht, R., Greif, R., Mueller, M., and Pietsch, U. “Age-Specific Considerations In Aetiology Of Paediatric Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest”. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 33, no. 1: 70. doi:10.1186/s13049-025-01385-4.
    Tags: age, etiology, human, letter, male, out of hospital cardiac arrest, therapy.
  • van Oppen, J. D., de Groot, B., Nickel, C. H., and Beil, M. “Abcde-Frailty For Critical Presentations: Summary Of The 2025 Esicm Expert Consensus Recommendations”. Eur J Emerg Med 32, no. 3: 158-159. doi:10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001227.
    Tags: airway, Article, breathing, circulation, consensus, diagnosis, disability, emergency medicine, emergency ward, exposure, frailty, human, intensive care, mortality, physician, resuscitation.
  • van Oppen, J., de Groot, B., Nickel, C. H., and Beil, M. “Abcde-Frailty For Critical Presentations: Summary Of The 2025 Esicm Expert Consensus Recommendations”. European Journal Of Emergency Medicine 32, no. 3: 158-159. doi:10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001227.
    Tags: airway, Article, breathing, circulation, consensus, diagnosis, disability, emergency medicine, emergency ward, exposure, frailty, human, intensive care, mortality, physician, resuscitation.
  • Hamedi, Z., Brigato, L., Dack, E., Schütz, M., Lehmann, B., Exadaktylos, A., Mougiakakou, S., and Krummrey, G. “Ai-Based Analysis Of Abdominal Ultrasound Images To Support Medical Diagnosis In Emergency Departments”. In, 325:16-21, 2025. doi:10.3233/SHTI250209.
    Abstract: The goal of segmentation in abdominal imaging for emergency medicine is to accurately identify and delineate organs, as well as to detect and localize pathological areas. This precision is critical for rapid, informed decision-making in acute care scenarios. Vision foundation models, such as Segment Anything Model (SAM), have demonstrated remarkable results on many different segmentation tasks, but they perform poorly on medical images because of the scarcity of medical datasets. They lack robust generalizability across diverse medical imaging modalities, and they need to be fine-tuned specifically for medical images, as these images considerably differ from natural images. This study aims to investigate the application of a foundation segmentation model to ultrasound (US) images of the abdomen. We employed SAMed to segment and classify all organs and free fluid present in each US image. A dataset comprising 286 US images, corresponding segmentation masks, and organ-level labels was collected from the Bern University Hospital Inselspital. Due to the relatively small size of our dataset, we pre-trained SAMed on a larger public US dataset to fine-tune it for US imaging. We then applied this fine-tuned SAMed on the Inselspital dataset to generate multi-class masks and assessed its performance against ground truth annotations using standard evaluation metrics. The results demonstrated that the fine-tuned SAMed can identify and classify multiple organs, though challenging cases, such as free fluid segmentation, reveal opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, transfer learning proved to be a reliable solution for managing small datasets, a key obstacle in the medical imaging realm.
    Tags: Abdomen, Abdominal Imaging, Abdominal Ultrasound Images, Artificial Intelligence, Classification, Classification (of Information), Computer Aided Diagnosis, Computer Assisted Diagnosis, Decision Making, Decisions Makings, Diagnostic Imaging, Echography, Emergency Departments, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Rooms, Emergency Service, Hospital, Free Fluids, Hospital Emergency Service, Human, Humans, Image Classification, Image Interpretation, Computer-assisted, Image Segmentation, Informed Decision, Medical Image Processing, Procedures, Sam, Segment Anything Model, Segmentation, Ultrasonic Applications, Ultrasonography, Ultrasound Images.
  • Grosjean, L., Sancosme, Y., Morisod, K., Francois, A., Caitlin, R., Jachmann, A., Grazioli, V. S., and Bodenmann, P. “Experiences Of Healthcare And Administrative Staff Working With Asylum Seekers In The Current Polycrisis Context: A Qualitative Study”. Bmc Health Serv Res 25, no. 1: 620. doi:10.1186/s12913-025-12758-x.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare and administrative staff working with asylum seekers are at risk of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization. Moreover, they face a series of crises, with the refugee crisis in 2015-2016, the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and climate change, complexifying their daily practice and increasing the number of asylum seekers. Despite this alarming context, scarce research has explored the personal experiences of healthcare and administrative staff working with asylum seekers. In response, this qualitative study aimed to explore their work-related experiences, resources and needs in the current polycrisis context in Switzerland. METHODS: Participants (N = 24) were part of the front-line care team working with asylum seekers in the Canton of Vaud (Switzerland). The sample included nurses, administrative staff, physicians and psychologists. They participated in semi-structured interviews exploring the personal experiences of their work, difficulties and challenges encountered and their resources and needs. Inductive content analysis was used to organize data and identify themes. RESULTS: Main findings highlighted a significant emotional burden for staff related to their patients' migratory journey and experiences in the asylum system. Next, participants expressed various challenges associated with their work, such as heavy workload, lack of partners in the healthcare network, communication barriers and the polycrisis context. Further, findings documented that participants' strong intrinsic motivation and personal and institutional resources support them in overcoming these difficulties. Finally, participants made some suggestions for the improvement of their working environment, including promotion of exchange between colleagues, collaboration with partners and hiring additional staff. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare and administrative staff working with asylum seekers are exposed to multiple challenges and emotional difficulties linked to their patients' experiences. Findings suggest the need to address the well-being of this population by developing measures to enhance support for them at individual and structural levels, particularly within the current polycrisis context.
    Tags: *COVID-19/epidemiology, *Health Personnel/psychology, *Refugees/psychology, Administrative staff, Adult, Asylum seekers, Attitude of Health Personnel, Burnout, Professional, Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., Experiences, Female, followed the ethical guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All, Healthcare staff, Hospital because it did not involve clinical data measurement. All procedures, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, participants provided written informed consent. Consent for publication: NA., Polycrisis, Qualitative Research, Qualitative study, SARS-CoV-2, Switzerland, was deemed exempt by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Lausanne University.
  • Elhilali, A., Brügger, V., Tschannen, I., Hautz, W., and Krummrey, G. “Ai-Enhanced Speech Recognition In Triage”. In, 325:31-34, 2025. doi:10.3233/SHTI250213.
    Abstract: Triage is used in emergency departments to ensure timely patient care according to urgency of treatment. However, triage accuracy and efficiency remain challenging due to time-constraints and high demand. This proof-of-concept study evaluates an AI-powered triage system that leverages speech recognition (STT) and large language models (LLMs) to process patient interactions in triage and to assign an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage level and a classification of the main presenting complaint according to the Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS). In Switzerland, different Swiss German dialects add to the complexity of the task. STT models achieved word error rates (WER) of 2.3% for High German and 17.66% for Swiss German. Despite the high WER, the AI's classification accuracy reached 90-100% for ESI levels and CEDIS codes. These results highlight the potential of integrating AI into triage workflows, enhancing consistency and reducing the documentation burden for clinical staff. Future research should address multi-language adaptation and data security to ensure seamless implementation in real-world settings.
    Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Automatic Speech Recognition, Computational Linguistics, Emergency Departments, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Service, Hospital, Hospital Emergency Service, Human, Humans, Information Systems, Information Use, Language Processing, Medicine, Natural Language Processing, Natural Language Processing (nlp), Natural Language Processing Systems, Natural Languages, Organization And Management, Patient Treatment, Patient Triage, Procedures, Severity Index, Speech Communication, Speech Recognition, Speech Recognition Software, Speech-to-text, Switzerland, Text Processing, Triage, Triage System, Triage Systems, Word Error Rate.
  • Ebrahimi, R., Ebrahimi, F., Niess, J. H., Mahdi, A., Chen, S., Di Vece, D., Bian, W., Kutz, A., and Forss, A. “Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Events After Coronary Interventions In Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study”. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 61, no. 12: 1904-1912. doi:10.1111/apt.70162.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have been associated with an increased long-term risk of coronary artery disease due to chronic systemic inflammation. AIM: To evaluate the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after coronary interventions. METHODS: In this nationwide cohort study of adults undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (2012-2022), patients with IBD were propensity score-matched 1:10 to comparators without IBD. The primary outcome was MACE, a composite of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalisation for heart failure, or mortality. Secondary outcomes included each MACE component, 30-day all-cause readmission, revascularisation and in-hospital outcomes including intensive care unit admission and length of hospital stay. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and incidence rates (IRs) using Cox proportional hazards modelling. RESULTS: We included 987 patients with IBD and 9571 matched comparators. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, MACE occurred in 488 patients with IBD (49.4%, IR: 96.5/10,000 person-years [PY]) and in 3857 matched comparators (40.3%, IR: 68.9/10,000 PY); HR 1.37 (95% CI, 1.24-1.52). This equates to one additional MACE for every 36 patients with IBD over 10 years. The risk of each MACE component was increased, except for stroke. There were no differences between IBD subtypes or coronary intervention (PCI vs. CABG). Risks were highest in older individuals and elective interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD were at 37% higher risk of MACE after coronary intervention, indicating a need for intensified cardiovascular risk reduction in these high-risk individuals.
    Tags: *Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology/epidemiology, *Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects, *Coronary Artery Disease/surgery, *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications, *Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/adverse effects, Adult, Aged, and Tillotts Pharma. F.E. has served as an advisory board member for Boehringer, Cohort Studies, coronary artery bypass grafting, epidemiology, Female, Humans, Ibd, Incidence, Ingelheim. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this, Mace, Male, Middle Aged, mortality, Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology, percutaneous coronary intervention, Propensity Score, Proportional Hazards Models, Risk Factors, Stroke/epidemiology, study..
  • Voruz, P., Vieira Ruas, M., Fellay, N., Romano, N., Mussini, M., Saubade, M., Faivre, V., et al. “Cluster-Specific Urban Contexts Associated With High Levels Of Sleep Impairment And Daytime Sleepiness: Findings From The Urbasan Collaborative Study”. J Affect Disord 382: 392-398. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.133.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Impaired sleep is a global health concern. However, the environmental factors contributing to sleep impairment in urban settings are still not well understood. METHODOLOGY: This study involved 179 participants from a Swiss municipality (Yverdon-les-Bains), where sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness were measured using validated questionnaires, alongside environmental and geo-referenced data. RESULTS: The findings revealed a high prevalence of sleep disorders across diverse demographic groups (respectively 15.6 % for diurnal sleepiness and 91.1 % for significantly altered sleep quality). Additionally, sleep disorders were associated with both environmental and socio-demographic factors. Geospatial analysis identified clusters of sleep disturbances in specific neighborhoods, with distinct associations to specific sub-scores (factors) of the sleep evaluation. CONCLUSION: Assessing sleep in urban environments is crucial, as it is linked to elevated levels of sleepiness. Environmental and socio-demographic variables play significant roles in these disturbances. The incorporation of geospatial analyses allows for a more precise identification of patterns within the city, offering opportunities for tailored interventions to address the different patterns of sleep disorders.
    Tags: *Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/epidemiology, *Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology, *Urban Population/statistics & numerical data, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Sleep Quality, Surveys and Questionnaires, Switzerland/epidemiology, Young Adult.
  • Klail, T., Sachs, L., Panos, L. D., Urban, O. Y., Siller, T., Pilgram-Pastor, S., Giger, R., Muller, M., and Wagner, F. “Styloid Process-Related Internal Carotid Artery Dissection: Extensive Literature Review Of Diagnosis, Treatment And Outcomes (Exemplified With A Single-Center Case Series)”. Neuroradiology 67, no. 6: 1355-1364. doi:10.1007/s00234-025-03616-y.
    Abstract: PURPOSE: Internal carotid artery dissection (ICA-D) frequently leads to ischemic stroke in individuals under 50 years. There is mounting evidence on the role of the styloid process (SP) in ICA-D, particularly SP length and the SP-ICA distance. Despite having clear guidelines on the treatment of SP-related Eagle syndrome and ICA-D, the concept of SP-related ICA-D is relatively new and no therapeutic guidelines exist. METHODS: A narrative literature search was performed to identify all articles pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of ICA-D linked to an ipsilateral elongated SP or short SP-ICA distance. The treatments were evaluated in terms of symptom recurrence after the treatment. As illustrative examples of clinical management, we present an in-house case series of patients with suspected ICA-D related to SP. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy was assessed, with an in-house case series provided. Seventy-five reports and case studies involving 84 patients were analyzed. Conservative treatments were common (52%) but had a high symptom recurrence rate (33%). It is noteworthy that no patients treated initially with styloidectomy exhibited symptom recurrence. CONCLUSION: In case of a correctly diagnosed SP-related ICA-D, a styloidectomy may offer a curative option, but more research is needed for clear indications and standardized guidelines to prevent recurrent symptoms or strokes.
    Tags: *Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection/diagnostic imaging/therapy/surgery, *Ossification, Heterotopic/diagnostic imaging/complications, *Temporal Bone/abnormalities/surgery/diagnostic imaging, Conflict of interest: All authors approved the final manuscript and there are no, conflicts of interest to declare., consent: For all three patients the general informed consent was provided., Dissection, Female, Humans, Internal carotid artery, Male, Middle Aged, require ethical approval in accordance with local/national guidelines. Informed, Stroke, Styloid process, Treatment Outcome.
  • Wunderle, C., Martin, E., Wittig, A., Tribolet, P., Lutz, T. A., Koster-Hegmann, C., Stanga, Z., Mueller, B., and Schuetz, P. “Comparison Of The Inflammatory Biomarkers Il- 6, Tnf-Alpha, And Crp To Predict The Effect Of Nutritional Therapy On Mortality In Medical Patients At Risk Of Malnutrition : A Secondary Analysis Of The Randomized Clinical Trial Effort”. J Inflamm (Lond) 22, no. 1: 16. doi:10.1186/s12950-025-00442-0.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key driver of disease-related malnutrition and patients with high inflammation may not show the same benefits from nutritional therapy as other patients. We compared in an exploratory manner the prognostic ability of interleukin- 6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict outcome and response to nutritional therapy, respectively, within a large cohort of patients from a previous nutritional trial. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Swiss-wide, multicenter, randomized controlled Effect of early nutritional therapy on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of malnourished medical inpatients Trial (EFFORT) trial comparing individualized nutritional support with usual care nutrition in medical inpatients. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We included 996 patients with an overall mortality rate of 6% within 30 days. Compared to patients with low IL- 6 level < 11.2pg/mL, patients with high levels had a more than 3-fold increase in mortality at 30-days (adjusted HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.95-6.28, p < 0.001), but tended to have a less pronounced mortality benefit from individualized nutritional therapy as compared to usual nutritional care (hazard ratio 0.82 vs. 0.32). CRP and TNF-alpha were not associated with mortality, but patients with increased CRP levels > 100 mg/dl also showed a trend towards a diminished response to nutritional intervention (hazard ratio 1.25 vs. 0.47). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the thesis that a high inflammatory state is linked to reduced benefits from nutritional therapy. Apparently, CRP and IL- 6 effectively predict treatment response, but IL- 6 may additionally serve as a prognostic marker for increased mortality. This finding might help to develop improved treatment strategies for patients with elevated inflammatory profiles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02517476 (registered 7 August 2015).
    Tags: 2014_001) approved the study protocol., All participants or their authorized representatives provided written informed, appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., B. Braun that includes: funding grants. All other authors declare that they have, bioMerieux, Nestle Health Science and Abbott Nutrition that includes: funding, Clinical outcomes, competing interests: PS reports a relationship with Roche, Thermo Fisher,, consent. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (, Crp, financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential, grants. ZS reports a relationship with Nestle Health Science, Fresenius Kabi and, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02517476 ). Consent for publication:, Il- 6, in this secondary analysis. All authors accept responsibility for the decision to, Individualization, Inflammation, Informed consent for participation and publication was obtained from all, Mortality, no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have, Northwestern/Central Switzerland (EKNZ, Nutritional therapy, participants included in the study. All authors read and approved the final, Polymorbid, submit for publication. Competing interests: The authors declare the following, TNF alpha, version of the manuscript. All authors confirm, they had full access to all data.
  • Schregenberger, S., Graup, V., Schibli, A., Preiswerk, B., Laube, I., Huber, L. C., and Stussi-Helbling, M. “Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (Iris): Case Series And Review Of The Literature”. Respir Med Case Rep 55: 102213. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2025.102213.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Immune-reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a dysregulated host inflammatory response following the initiation of appropriate therapy targeting an infectious disease. It is most commonly reported in human immunodeficiency virus patients following the initiation of antiretroviral therapy; however, IRIS can also be seen in immunocompromised patients without HIV, when the immune system is recovering. The diagnosis is confirmed using clinical and laboratory data after excluding differential diagnoses and concomitant infections. CASE SERIES: Here, we describe three cases of patients with IRIS that were treated at our tertiary care center. The first case involves a paradoxical IRIS in an HIV-positive patient with TB, where the re-initiation of ART led to an inflammatory response despite effective anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT). The second case highlights unmasking IRIS in an HIV-positive patient, where the initiation of ART revealed an underlying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoma. The third case describes paradoxical worsening of pulmonary TB in an HIV-negative patient, expanding the scope of IRIS beyond its conventional association with HIV infection. CONCLUSION: These cases illustrate the various manifestations of IRIS and emphasize the need for timely diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to mitigate the potentially severe outcomes associated with this syndrome. Our report highlights the challenges faced in the diagnosis of IRIS which impede prompt onset of therapy.
    Tags: Hiv, Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, Iris, Lymphoma, personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in, Tb, this paper., Tuberculosis.
  • Lindner, G., and Ravioli, S. “Performance Of The Artificial Intelligence-Based Swiss Medical Assessment System Versus Manchester Triage System In The Emergency Department: A Retrospective Analysis”. Am J Emerg Med 94: 46-49. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2025.04.023.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities for applications in emergency medicine, including patient triage. This study evaluates the performance of the Swiss Medical Assessment System (SMASS), an AI-based decision-support tool for rapid patient assessment, in comparison with the well-established Manchester Triage System (MTS). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients aged 18 years or above presenting to the Department of Emergency Medicine at Kepler University Hospital in Linz, Austria, during November and December 2024 with non-traumatic complaints were included. Each patient underwent emergency triage using MTS, conducted by a registered nurse, with SMASS applied in parallel. SMASS had no influence on clinical decision-making. RESULTS: In the study period, 1021 patients were triaged with both MTS and SMASS. The mean patient age was 60 years (SD: 21), and 53 % were women. Of the patients categorized as "orange" by MTS, 19 % were classified as non-urgent by SMASS. Conversely, 28 % of the patients triaged as "green" by MTS were classified as urgent by SMASS. Additionally, 23 % of patients classified as non-urgent by SMASS required hospitalization following emergency department evaluation and treatment. Agreement between SMASS and MTS in triaging emergency patients was low as measured by a Cohen's kappa of 0.167. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients presenting to a large tertiary-care emergency department, SMASS demonstrated considerable discrepancies in triage classification compared to MTS, with significant rates of both over- and undertriage. Further validation is necessary before integrating AI-based triage tools into routine clinical practice.
    Tags: *Artificial Intelligence, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Triage/methods, Adult, Aged, Artificial intelligence, Austria, Chatbot, Emergency, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, relation to this submission., Retrospective Studies, Triage.
  • Schnetzler, N., Taramarcaz, V., Herren, T., Golay, E., Regard, S., Mach, F., Nasution, A., et al. “Recruiting Medical, Dental, And Biomedical Students As First Responders In The Immediate Aftermath Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: Prospective Follow-Up Study”. Jmir Med Educ 11: e63018. doi:10.2196/63018.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Basic life support improves survival prognosis after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but is too rarely provided before the arrival of professional rescue services. First responder networks have been developed in many regions of the world to decrease the delay between collapse and initiation of resuscitation maneuvers. Their efficiency depends on the number of first responders available and many networks lack potential rescuers. Medical, dental, and biomedical students represent an almost untapped source of potential first responders, and a first study, carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to the recruitment of many of these future professionals even though many restrictions were still in effect. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an enhanced strategy on the recruitment of medical, dental, and biomedical students as first responders in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up study, conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland. A web-based study platform was used to manage consent, registrations, and certificates. A first motivational intervention was held early in the academic year and targeted all first-year medical, dental, and biomedical students. Participants first answered a questionnaire designed to assess their initial basic life support knowledge before following an e-learning module. Those who completed the module were able to register for a face-to-face training session held by senior medical students. A course certificate was awarded to those who completed these sessions, enabling them to register as first responders on the Save a Life first responder network. Since the number of students who had enlisted as first responders 2 months after the motivational intervention was markedly lower than expected, a second, unplanned motivational intervention was held in an attempt to recruit more students. RESULTS: Out of a total of 674 first-year students, 19 (2.5%) students had registered as first responders after the first motivational intervention. This was significantly less than the proportion achieved through the initial study (48/529, 9.1%; P<.001). The second motivational intervention led to the enrollment of 7 more students (26/674, 3.9%), a figure still significantly lower than that of the original study (P<.001). At the end of the study, 76 (11.3%) students had been awarded a certificate of competence. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, an earlier presentation during the academic year outside the COVID restriction period did not increase the recruitment of medical, dental, and biomedical students as first responders in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons underlying this drop in motivation should be explored to enable the design of focused motivational interventions.
    Tags: *COVID-19/epidemiology, *Emergency Responders, *Students, Dental/statistics & numerical data, *Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data, Adult, basic life support, biomedical students, blended learning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Covid-19, dental students, e-learning, Female, first responder, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, life support, Male, medical student, motivational interventions, motivational strategies, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, pandemic, Pandemics, Prospective Studies, SARS-CoV-2, student motivation, survival prognosis, Switzerland/epidemiology, undergraduate medical education.
  • Becker, C., Gross, S., Beck, K., Amacher, S. A., Vincent, A., Mueller, J., Loretz, N., et al. “A Randomized Trial Of Shared Decision-Making In Code Status Discussions”. Nejm Evidence 4, no. 5: EVIDoa2400422. doi:10.1056/EVIDOA2400422.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND The effect of a shared decision-making approach on patients’ code status decisions remains unknown. We compared an approach for shared decision-making with usual care to evaluate the effect on patients’ code status preferences and quality of decision-making. METHODS In a pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in six teaching hospitals in Switzerland, we randomly assigned residents to conduct code status discussions based on either an approach incorporating didactic teaching, observation, and feedback and a shared decision-making checklist with a decision aid, or usual care. The primary end point was patients choosing a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) code status in the event of a cardiac arrest. The key secondary end point was patients’ decisional uncertainty, measured by the Decisional Conflict Scale (range 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating lower decisional uncertainty). RESULTS A total of 206 residents caring for 2663 medical patients were included in the trial. Compared with patients in the usual care group, patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher frequency of choosing DNR as their code status (685/1370 (50.0%) vs. 481/1293 (37.2%); adjusted risk ratio, 1.37 (95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 1.50); P<0.001). The intervention was associated with lower decisional uncertainty (Decisional Conflict Scale score, 14.4±15.3 vs. 21.8±20.2 points; adjusted difference, −7.06 (95% confidence interval, −9.43 to −4.68). CONCLUSIONS An approach for shared decision-making that included the discussion of expected outcomes had a significant influence on the code status of medical patients, with a higher preference for DNR code status, and was associated with less uncertainty around the decision. (Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Society of General Internal Medicine; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03872154.) © 2025 Massachussetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.
    Tags: *Decision Making, Shared, *Heart Arrest/therapy, *Resuscitation Orders/psychology, Adult, Aged, Female, Humans, Internship and Residency, Male, Middle Aged, Switzerland, Uncertainty.
  • Tribolet, P., Wunderle, C., Kaegi-Braun, N., Buchmueller, L., Laager, R., Stanga, Z., Mueller, B., Wagner, K. H., and Schuetz, P. “Evaluating Repeated Handgrip Strength Measurements As Predictors Of Mortality In Malnourished Hospitalized Patients. Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Eur J Clin Nutr 79, no. 9: 897-903. doi:10.1038/s41430-025-01618-w.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a simple yet effective bed-side tool for assessing muscle strength, which plays an important role in clinical evaluation and monitoring. We hypothesize that repeated measurements of HGS during the hospital stay may serve as a reliable and robust indicator of clinical course and outcomes. METHODS: We re-analyzed data from 565 out of 2028 patients who had repeated handgrip measurement (on admission and on day 7) included in EFFORT, a Swiss-wide multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing individualized nutritional support with usual care nutrition in medical inpatients. The primary endpoint was 180-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The mean change in HGS from baseline to day 7 was 0.6 kg (SD 4.2) in female and 0.7 kg (SD 3.7) in male patients. Patients with a positive HGS trend had a lower risk of dying within 180 days compared to patients without a positive trend (mortality 11.4% vs. 25.4%, adjusted HR 0.45 [95% CI 0.27 to 0.77], p = 0.003). The change in HGS was also associated with the nutritional intake during the hospitalization in male patients: those who met their energy and protein targets were twice as likely to have an increase in HGS during hospitalization (adjusted OR 2.05 [95% CI 1.23 to 3.42], p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Achieving nutritional targets was associated with a short-term increase in HGS during hospitalization, and a positive HGS trend was associated with a lower risk of mortality after 180 days. These data provide evidence that repeated HGS measurements are a robust bedside tool for assessing and monitoring patients receiving nutritional therapy in the hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02517476.
    Tags: *Hand Strength/physiology, *Hospitalization, *Malnutrition/mortality/physiopathology/therapy, 2014_001). All participants provided, accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Competing interests: The, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, been published previously in whole or part, except in abstract form., Female, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02517476 ). All methods were performed in, Humans, Institution of P. Schuetz has previously received unrestricted grant money, institution of Z. Stanga received speaking honoraria and research support from, Male, Middle Aged, Nestle Health Science, Abbott Nutrition, and Fresenius Kabi. All other authors, Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ, Nutrition Assessment, Nutritional Status, Nutritional Support, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (, report no conflicts of interest. The results presented in this paper have not, Switzerland, their written informed consent to participate in this study. The trial was, unrelated to this project from Nestle Health Science and Abbott Nutrition. The.
  • Stetsyk, V., Apostol, I., Belamaric, N., Panico, C., Grbic, M., Kenbaeva, Z., Tereshchenko, H., and Chumak, A. A. “Building While Responding: Moldova's Experience In Developing Clinical Surge Capacity For Radiation Emergency Response”. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 19: e95. doi:10.1017/dmp.2025.72.
    Abstract: To enhance radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness of hospitals while responding to the refugee crisis, the Government of the Republic of Moldova implemented an innovative approach supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative featured a comprehensive package that integrated health system assessment, analysis of existing plans and procedures, and novel medical training component. The training, based on relevant WHO and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidance, combined theory with contemporary adult learning solutions, such as practical skill stations, case reviews, and clinical simulation exercises.This method allowed participants to identify and address gaps in their emergency response capacities, enhancing their ability to ensure medical management of radiological and nuclear events. This course is both innovative and adaptable, offering a potential model for other countries seeking to strengthen radiological and nuclear emergency response capabilities of the acute care clinical providers.
    Tags: *Capacity Building/methods, *Civil Defense/methods, *Disaster Planning/methods/organization & administration, *Radioactive Hazard Release, *Surge Capacity/trends/standards, Clinical pathways, Hospital readiness, Humans, Moldova, Radiological and nuclear preparedness, Simulation, World Health Organization/organization & administration.
  • Unlu, L., Stephan, F. P., Riede, F. N., Mettler, A. C., Dutilh, G., Capoferri, G., Bosia, T., Sticherling, C., Bingisser, R., and Nickel, C. H. “Diagnostic Accuracy Of Emergency Department Ecgs In Hyperkalemia Detection: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Eur J Intern Med 136: 56-62. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2025.03.038.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECG readings in detecting hyperkalemia and predicting outcome in the ED. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on ED patients, including patients with confirmed hyperkalemia (>/= 5 mmol/l) and a normokalemic control group. The predictive value of ECG readings for the detection of hyperkalemia was studied. For this purpose, the subjective probability of hyperkalemia was rated from 0-100 (Hyperkalemia Probability Scoring) by two attending acute care physicians. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to assess predictive power and sensitivity/specificity of Hyperkalemia Probability Scorings. Prediction of 7-day adverse outcomes (ICU admission, hemodialysis, in-hospital mortality) based on Hyperkalemia Probability Scorings was analyzed. RESULTS: We studied 1608 patients, thereof 805 served as normokalemic control patients. Sensitivity and specificity of ECG readings for hyperkalemia detection were 0.47 and 0.76 for cardiologist 1, and 0.39 and 0.81 for cardiologist 2. The AUC was 0.63 (95 % CI 0.60-0.65) and 0.61 (95 % CI 0.59-0.63) for the respective cardiologists. With a Hyperkalemia Probability Scoring of 100 compared to 0, the Odds Ratios (ORs) of diagnosing hyperkalemia were 8.2 (95 % CI 5.3-12.6) and 9.1 (95 % CI 5.8-14.7), while the ORs for 7-day adverse outcomes were 2.14 (95 % CI 1.34-3.38) and 2.22 (95 % CI 1.39-3.49) respectively. CONCLUSION: The ECG is not an accurate tool for ruling-in or ruling-out hyperkalemia in ED patients. Higher Hyperkalemia Probability Scorings are associated with 7-day adverse outcomes.
    Tags: *Electrocardiography, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Hyperkalemia/diagnosis, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Arrhythmias, Cross-Sectional Studies, Electrocardiogram, Electrocardiography, Emergency department, Female, Hospital Mortality, Humans, Hyperkalemia, Logistic Models, Male, Middle Aged, Predictive Value of Tests, Retrospective Studies, Risk Assessment, ROC Curve, Sensitivity and Specificity.
  • Healey, B., Schwitzguebel, A., and Spechbach, H. “Differential Diagnosis Assessment In Ambulatory Care With A Digital Health History Device: Pseudorandomized Study”. Jmir Form Res 9: e56384. doi:10.2196/56384.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digital health history devices represent a promising wave of digital tools with the potential to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical consultations. They achieve this by providing physicians with standardized, high-quality patient history summaries and facilitating the development of differential diagnoses (DDs) before consultation, while also engaging patients in the diagnostic process. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of one such digital health history device, diagnosis and anamnesis (DIANNA), in assisting with the formulation of appropriate DDs in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A pseudorandomized controlled trial was conducted with 101 patients seeking care at the University Hospital Geneva emergency outpatient department. Participants presented with various conditions affecting the limbs, back, and chest. The first 51 patients were assigned to the control group, while the subsequent 50 formed the intervention group. In the control group, physicians developed DD lists based on traditional history-taking and clinical examination. In the intervention group, physicians reviewed DIANNA-generated DD reports before interacting with the patient. In both groups, a senior physician independently formulated a DD list, serving as the gold standard for comparison. RESULTS: The study findings indicate that DIANNA use was associated with a notable improvement in DD accuracy (mean 79.3%, SD 24%) compared with the control group (mean 70.5%, SD 33%; P=.01). Subgroup analysis revealed variations in effectiveness based on case complexity: low-complexity cases (1-2 possible DDs) showed 8% improvement in the intervention group (P=.08), intermediate-complexity cases (3 possible DDs) showed 17% improvement (P=.03), and high-complexity cases (4-5 possible DDs) showed 15% improvement (P=.92). The intervention was not superior to the control in low-complexity cases (P=.08) or high-complexity cases (P=.92). Overall, DIANNA successfully determined appropriate DDs in 81.6% of cases, and physicians reported that it helped establish the correct DD in 26% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that DIANNA has the potential to support physicians in formulating more precise DDs, particularly in intermediate-complexity cases. However, its effectiveness varied by case complexity and further validation is needed to assess its full clinical impact. These findings highlight the potential role of digital health history devices such as DIANNA in improving clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy in medical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03901495; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03901495.
    Tags: *Ambulatory Care/methods, *Medical History Taking/methods, Adult, Aged, ambulatory care, artificial intelligence, clinical applications software, computer-assisted, decision support, decision-making, diagnosis, Diagnosis, Differential, differential diagnosis, digital assessments, digital diagnosis, Digital Health, digital technology, digital tools, emergency, Female, health informatics, hospital-outpatient clinics, Humans, machine learning, Male, medical consultation, Middle Aged, pseudorandomized study, the DIAANA DHHD..
  • Huwiler, V. V., Tribolet, P., Rimensberger, C., Roten, C., Schonenberger, K. A., Muhlebach, S., Schuetz, P., and Stanga, Z. “Implementation Of Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition: Usability Of The New Digital Platform Clinicalnutrition.science”. Swiss Med Wkly 155, no. 1: 3764. doi:10.57187/s.3764.
    Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY: Malnutrition is a common and complex challenge in inpatient and outpatient settings, associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its management is often neglected, despite strong evidence of the benefits of adequate nutritional therapy. We introduced clinicalnutrition.science (https://clinicalnutrition.science/en/), a digital platform that provides healthcare professionals with easy online access to evidence and streamlines the nutritional care process. The aim of this study was to assess the usability and to validate improvements in nutritional management when the digital platform is used by healthcare professionals. METHODS: The usability study, conducted from 28 September to 16 November 2023, involved 56 healthcare professionals from the University Hospital of Bern and the Cantonal Hospital of Aarau. In an adapted cross-over study design, participants completed key steps of nutritional management for a simulated hepatology and oncology case both with and without the clinicalnutrition.science platform. Usability was assessed using the validated Healthcare Systems Usability Scale questionnaire, supplemented by collection of demographic data. Subgroup analysis was performed for recommended protein and energy intakes by different professional representatives. RESULTS: Clinicalnutrition.science achieved a good overall usability score of 71.8%. Use of the platform significantly improved the protein intake recommendation (p = 0.03; median 96.5 and 80.0 g/d) and the basal metabolic rate estimate (p <0.01; median 1420.8 and 1755.5 kcal/d) of the simulated oncology case. The variance in protein and energy intake recommendations, basal metabolic rate estimation and energy deficit estimation was reduced by using the digital platform. These improvements were achieved without increasing the time required to complete key steps in nutritional management for the two patient cases (median between 10.5 and 15.0 minutes; p = 0.09 and p = 0.67) and without prior training on the platform. There was no effect on the malnutrition detection rate, the selection of an appropriate nutritional product or the identification of the most appropriate guideline. CONCLUSIONS: The use of clinicalnutrition.science improved evidence-based clinical practice in prescribing personalised nutritional therapy and increased the accuracy of both protein and energy intake recommendations, without increasing the time taken to complete key steps in the nutritional management process.
    Tags: *Health Personnel, *Malnutrition/diet therapy, *Nutrition Therapy/methods, Adult, Cross-Over Studies, Energy Intake, Evidence-Based Medicine, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Nutrition Assessment, Surveys and Questionnaires, Switzerland.
  • Huwiler, V. V., Tribolet, P., Rimensberger, C., Roten, C., Schonenberger, K. A., Muhlebach, S., Schuetz, P., and Stanga, Z. “Implementation Of Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition: Usability Of The New Digital Platform Clinicalnutrition.science”. Swiss Med Wkly 155, no. 1: 3764. doi:10.57187/s.3764.
    Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY: Malnutrition is a common and complex challenge in inpatient and outpatient settings, associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its management is often neglected, despite strong evidence of the benefits of adequate nutritional therapy. We introduced clinicalnutrition.science (https://clinicalnutrition.science/en/), a digital platform that provides healthcare professionals with easy online access to evidence and streamlines the nutritional care process. The aim of this study was to assess the usability and to validate improvements in nutritional management when the digital platform is used by healthcare professionals. METHODS: The usability study, conducted from 28 September to 16 November 2023, involved 56 healthcare professionals from the University Hospital of Bern and the Cantonal Hospital of Aarau. In an adapted cross-over study design, participants completed key steps of nutritional management for a simulated hepatology and oncology case both with and without the clinicalnutrition.science platform. Usability was assessed using the validated Healthcare Systems Usability Scale questionnaire, supplemented by collection of demographic data. Subgroup analysis was performed for recommended protein and energy intakes by different professional representatives. RESULTS: Clinicalnutrition.science achieved a good overall usability score of 71.8%. Use of the platform significantly improved the protein intake recommendation (p = 0.03; median 96.5 and 80.0 g/d) and the basal metabolic rate estimate (p <0.01; median 1420.8 and 1755.5 kcal/d) of the simulated oncology case. The variance in protein and energy intake recommendations, basal metabolic rate estimation and energy deficit estimation was reduced by using the digital platform. These improvements were achieved without increasing the time required to complete key steps in nutritional management for the two patient cases (median between 10.5 and 15.0 minutes; p = 0.09 and p = 0.67) and without prior training on the platform. There was no effect on the malnutrition detection rate, the selection of an appropriate nutritional product or the identification of the most appropriate guideline. CONCLUSIONS: The use of clinicalnutrition.science improved evidence-based clinical practice in prescribing personalised nutritional therapy and increased the accuracy of both protein and energy intake recommendations, without increasing the time taken to complete key steps in the nutritional management process.
    Tags: *Health Personnel, *Malnutrition/diet therapy, *Nutrition Therapy/methods, Adult, Cross-Over Studies, Energy Intake, Evidence-Based Medicine, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Nutrition Assessment, Surveys and Questionnaires, Switzerland.
  • van Oppen, J. D., Mooijaart, S., Nickel, C. H., and Conroy, S. “Considering Frailty And Meaningful Outcomes In Geriatric Emergency Care”. Intern Emerg Med. doi:10.1007/s11739-025-03940-4.
    Tags: applicable., conflict of interest. Human and animal rights statement and informed consent:, Emergency department, Frailty, Health services research, Patient-reported outcome measure, Person-centered care, This paper does not present primary data and ethics or consent were not.
  • van Oppen, J. D., Mooijaart, S., Nickel, C. H., and Conroy, S. “Considering Frailty And Meaningful Outcomes In Geriatric Emergency Care”. Intern Emerg Med 20, no. 6: 1973-1975. doi:10.1007/s11739-025-03940-4.
    Tags: applicable., conflict of interest. Human and animal rights statement and informed consent:, Emergency department, Frailty, Health services research, Patient-reported outcome measure, Person-centered care, This paper does not present primary data and ethics or consent were not.
  • Knapp, J., Hoftmann, D., Albrecht, R., Straumann, S., Pasquier, M., and Pietsch, U. “Management And Outcome Of Patients With Cardiac Arrest After Avalanche Accidents In The Swiss Alps: A Retrospective Analysis”. Resusc Plus 22: 100922. doi:10.1016/j.resplu.2025.100922.
    Abstract: AIM: Our aim is to evaluate the management and outcome of avalanche victims in cardiac arrest (CA), focusing on the adherence to international management guidelines and to identify ways to improve the future care of avalanche victims through retrospective evaluation of the missions. METHODS: We analysed a retrospective cohort of all avalanche victims in CA treated by Swiss Air-Rescue Rega between 2010 and 2024. Data regarding the avalanche burial (type of burial, burial duration, presence of a patent airway) were evaluated, as were helicopter operational data, data on prehospital medical care [cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts, airway management, core temperature], transport destination, data from further in-hospital treatment if applicable [core temperature, type of rewarming, serum potassium levels, extracorporeal life support (ECLS)] as well as patient outcome. RESULTS: 147 patients could be evaluated. 50 (34%) were declared dead without CPR efforts. CPR was started in 97 patients (66%), of whom 19 achieved ROSC (13%). Only 4 of these patients survived to hospital discharge (3%), 3 of whom had a good neurological outcome (2%). 34 patients (23%) were transported to hospital while CPR was ongoing, of whom in 11 (7%) ECLS was tried to initiate. None of these patients survived to hospital discharge. 27 patients (18%) were not treated in accordance with the guidelines. 22 of these (15%) were (potentially) undertreated (mainly in the sense of transport to a non-ECLS centre, although an ECLS centre would have been correct), 5 (3%) were overtreated (mainly in the sense of transport under ongoing CPR, although not indicated). 61% were tracheally intubated. On admission, core temperature was 1.9 degrees C (95% confidence interval 1.1-2.7) lower than the temperature measured on scene. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who suffer a CA in avalanche accidents have a very poor outcome. A high proportion of patients were not tracheally intubated during transport, cooled down further during resuscitation and transport or were not transported to ECLS centres although indicated. On the other hand, the outcome of ECLS patients is extremely poor.
    Tags: Accidental, Asphyxia, Avalanche, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Extracorporeal life support, Helicopter emergency medical service, Hypothermia, Outcome, personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in, this paper..
  • Raven, W., Candel, B. G. J., Wali, N., Gaakeer, M. I., Avest, E. T., Sir, O., Lameijer, H., et al. “Comparison Of Standardized Mortality Ratios In Seven Dutch Eds Based On Presenting Complaints”. Bmc Emerg Med 25, no. 1: 49. doi:10.1186/s12873-025-01200-4.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Comparison of emergency departments (EDs) becomes more important, but differences are difficult to interpret because of the heterogeneity of the ED population regarding reason for ED presentation. The aim of this study was two-fold: First to compare patient characteristics (including diagnoses) across 7 EDs. Secondly, to compare Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) across 7 EDs and in subgroups of ED patients categorized by presenting complaints (PCs). METHODS: Observational multicenter study including all consecutive visits of 7 Dutch (two tertiary care centre and 5 teaching hospitals) EDs. Patient characteristics, including PCs as part of triage systems, and SMRs (observed divided by expected in-hospital mortality) per ED and for the most common PCs (PC-SMRs) were compared across EDs and presented as funnel plots. The expected mortality was calculated with a prediction model, which was developed using multivariable logistic regression in the overall population and for PCs separately. Demographics, disease severity, diagnoses, proxies for comorbidity and complexity, and PCs (overall population only) were incorporated as covariates. RESULTS: We included 693,289 ED visits from January 1, 2017 to June 31, 2023, with a median age of 56 years, of which 47.9% were women and 1.9% died. Patient characteristics varied markedly among EDs. Expected mortality was similar in prediction models with or without diagnoses as covariate. SMRs differed across EDs, ranging from 0.80 to 1.44. All EDs had SMRs within the 95%-Confidence Intervals of the funnel plot apart from one ED, which had an higher than expected SMR. However, PC-SMRs showed more variation and more EDs had SMRs falling outside the funnel, either higher or lower than expected. The ranking of SMRs across EDs was PC-dependent and differences across EDs are present only for specific PC-SMRs, such as in "dyspnea" and "feeling unwell". CONCLUSION: In summary, patient characteristics and mortality varied largely across Dutch EDs, and expected mortality across EDs is well assessed in PC subgroups without adjustment for final diagnoses. Differences in SMRs across EDs are PC-dependent. Future studies should investigate reasons of the differences in PC-SMRs across EDs and whether PC-targeted quality improvement programs can improve outcomes.
    Tags: *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data, *Hospital Mortality, Adult, Aged, competing interests., Emergency department, Female, Humans, In-hospital mortality, individual informed consent as this was a pure observational study. Consent for, Male, Middle Aged, Netherlands/epidemiology, Presenting complaints, publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no, Risk stratification, Standardized mortality ratio, Symptom-based, Symptom-oriented research, Triage, was approved by the medical ethics committee of the LUMC, who waived the need for.
  • Asthma, G. B. D., and Allergic Diseases, Collaborators. “Global, Regional, And National Burden Of Asthma And Atopic Dermatitis, 1990-2021, And Projections To 2050: A Systematic Analysis Of The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021”. Lancet Respir Med 13, no. 5: 425-446. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00003-7.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Asthma and atopic dermatitis are common allergic conditions that contribute to substantial health loss, economic burden, and pain across individuals of all ages worldwide. Therefore, as a component of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we present updated estimates of the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), incidence, and deaths due to asthma and atopic dermatitis and the burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, with forecasted prevalence up to 2050. METHODS: Asthma and atopic dermatitis prevalence, incidence, DALYs, and mortality, with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), were estimated for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. A systematic review identified data from 389 sources for asthma and 316 for atopic dermatitis, which were further pooled using the Bayesian meta-regression tool. We also described the age-standardised DALY rates of asthma attributable to four modifiable risk factors: high BMI, occupational asthmagens, smoking, and nitrogen dioxide pollution. Furthermore, as a secondary analysis, prevalence was forecasted to 2050 using the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), air pollution, and smoking as predictors for asthma and atopic dermatitis. To assess trends in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis before (2010-19) and during (2019-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, we compared their average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). FINDINGS: In 2021, there were an estimated 260 million (95% UI 227-298) individuals with asthma and 129 million (124-134) individuals with atopic dermatitis worldwide. Asthma cases declined from 287 million (250-331) in 1990 to 238 million (209-272) in 2005 but increased to 260 million in 2021. Atopic dermatitis cases consistently rose from 107 million (103-112) in 1990 to 129 million (124-134) in 2021. However, age-standardised prevalence rates decreased-by 40.0% (from 5568.3 per 100 000 to 3340.1 per 100 000) for asthma and 8.3% (from 1885.4 per 100 000 to 1728.5 per 100 000) for atopic dermatitis. In 2021, there were substantial variations in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis across different SDI groups, with the highest age-standardised DALY rate found in south Asia for asthma (465.0 [357.2-648.9] per 100 000) and the high-income super-region for atopic dermatitis (3552.5 [3407.2-3706.1] per 100 000). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in asthma prevalence had stagnated (AAPC pre-pandemic -1.39% [-2.07 to -0.71] and during the pandemic 0.47% [-1.86 to 2.79]; p=0.020); however, there was no significant difference in atopic dermatitis prevalence in the same period (pre-pandemic -0.28% [-0.33 to -0.22] and during the pandemic -0.35% [-0.78 to 0.08]; p=0.20). Modifiable risk factors were responsible for 29.9% of the global asthma DALY burden; among them, high BMI was the greatest contributor (39.4 [19.6-60.2] per 100 000), followed by occupational asthmagens (20.8 [16.7-26.5] per 100 000) across all regions. The age-standardised DALY rate of asthma attributable to high BMI was highest in high-SDI settings, whereas the contribution of occupational asthmagens was highest in low-SDI settings. According to our forecasting models, we expect 275 million (224-330) asthma cases and 148 million (140-158) atopic dermatitis cases in 2050, with population growth driving this increase. However, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable (-23.2% [-44.4 to 5.3] for asthma and -1.4% [-9.1 to 7.0] for atopic dermatitis) from 2021 to 2050. INTERPRETATION: Although the increases in the total number of asthma and atopic dermatitis cases will probably continue until 2050, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable. A considerable portion of the global burden could be managed through efforts to address modifiable risk factors. Additionally, the contribution of risk factors to the burden substantially varied by SDI, which suggests the need for tailored initiatives for specific SDI settings. The growing number of individuals expected to be affected by asthma and atopic dermatitis in the future suggests that it is essential to improve our understanding of risk factors for asthma and atopic dermatitis and collect disease prevalence data that are globally generalisable. FUNDING: Gates Foundation.
    Tags: (CASAC), Johns Hopkins EHE Advisory Board, Harvard external advisory committee, (published), A method to transform cow dung into the wall paint by using natural, (published), A system for disposed personal protection equipment (PPE) into, *Asthma/epidemiology/mortality, *Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology/mortality, *Global Burden of Disease/trends, 113-2314-B-003-002), Adult, advocacy group, paid or unpaid as a past steering committee member of the, advocacy group, unpaid as The Bursar and Council Member of Malaysian Academy of, aid for formulation of gel and method thereof (Published), Herbal drug, and previous ownership of stock, and the National Academies Panels and Committees, outside the submitted work. T C, ANI/Exeltis USA, Frictionless Solutions, Schipher, Crealta/Horizon, Medisys,, Assessment, Lancet Countdown, US EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, Associates, Focus Forward, Navigant Consulting, Spherix, MedIQ, Jupiter Life, attending meetings or travel from OMERACT, Bayes Theorem, biofuel through pyrolysis and method (published), A novel herbal pharmaceutical, BioPharma, Adaptimmune Therapeutics, GeoVax Labs, Pieris Pharmaceuticals,, board, society, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid as the Executive, College of Rheumatology, Yale University, Hulio, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, DINORA,, Committee, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid as the Technical Editor, Journal of, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid with Fifth National Climate, consulting fees, consulting fees from ROMTech, Atheneum, ClearView Healthcare Partners, American, Corrente 34/2017), payments made to the Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Cost of Illness, Council Member, Indian Meteorological Society, Jaipur Chapter (India) and as, development, Republic of Serbia (project No 175042, 2011-2023). J J Jozwiak, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, Education Chapter Committee, outside the submitted work. L Ronfani reports, Effects Institute, Yale Women Faculty Forum, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Yale, Ekundayo reports grants or contracts from PDF Research Fellowship, University of, electricity generation through crop stubble by using microbial fuel cells, Enzolytics, Seres Therapeutics, Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp, Aebona, Female, Fidia, PK Med, Two Labs, Adept Field Solutions, Clinical Care Options, Putnam, fiduciary role in other board, society, committee, or advocacy group, paid or, for attending meetings or travel from Colorado School of Public Health,, for training grant, WHO Global Air Pollution and Health Technical Advisory Group,, Forecasting, formulation for treating lung tissue degenerated by particulate matter exposure, from Clinique and ToxiMap, from the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (NSTC, Fund Fellowship, Harvard University, University of Montana, and SciQuest, Global Health, Humans, Incidence, Institute for Biospheric Studies, and Wellcome Trust Foundation, Intelligent Biosolutions, Acumen Pharmaceutical, TPT Global Tech, Vaxart, Atyu, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo. B Oancea reports grants or contracts from, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo. Y L Samodra and J H V Ticoalu report a leadership or, leadership or fiduciary role in other, leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society,, leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee or, Male, manuscript writing or educational events from Novartis, Adamed, and Amgen,, manuscript writing or educational events from Simply Speaking, materials and composition thereof (filed), Member Secretary of DSTPURSE Program, outside the submitted work. M Zielinska, Monitoring Board or Advisory Board as a member of the FDA Arthritis Advisory, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hutchinson Postdoctoral Fellowship, Health, Nature Conference, of Public Health, Duke University, University of Texas, Data4Justice, Korea, of reusable filters for anti-pollution mask (published), A system and method for, OMERACT, options in Amarin, Viking, and Moderna Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted, outside the submitted work. All other authors declare no competing interests., outside the submitted work. M-C Li reports support for the present manuscript, participation on a Data Safety, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations,, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus,, Pharmaceuticals, and Charlotte's Web Holdingss, Pharmacy (Malaysia) and as Committee Member of Malaysian Pharmacists Society, PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 project 760096, outside the submitted work. N E Ismail, present manuscript from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological, Prevalence, Public Health, Columbia University, Harvard University, CMAS Conference, and, reports leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee, or, reports other financial or non-financial interests as an Alexion employee,, reports payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus,, Risk Factors, Science, UBM, Trio Health, Medscape, WebMD, Practice Point Communications, and, South Africa, outside the submitted work. I M Ilic reports support for the, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Colorado School, stock or stock options in atai Life Sciences, Kintara Therapeutics,, submitted work. J I Shin reports other financial or non-financial interests from, support, support for, support for the present manuscript from the Italian Ministry of Health (Ricerca, the American Heart Association, outside the submitted work. L Monasta reports, the NIH, the Yonsei Fellowship, funded by Lee Youn Jae (to J I Shin). J A Singh reports, University of Texas, Duke University, Harvard University, American Journal of, University, IOP Publishing, NIH, Health Canada, EHS, PAC-10, UKRI, AXA Research, University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Northeastern, unpaid as the co-founders of Benang Merah Research Center, Indonesia, outside the, work. E Upadhyay reports patents planned, issued, or pending: A system and method.
  • G. B. D. Asthma,, and Allergic Diseases, Collaborators. “Global, Regional, And National Burden Of Asthma And Atopic Dermatitis, 1990-2021, And Projections To 2050: A Systematic Analysis Of The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021”. Lancet Respir Med 13, no. 5: 425-446. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00003-7.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Asthma and atopic dermatitis are common allergic conditions that contribute to substantial health loss, economic burden, and pain across individuals of all ages worldwide. Therefore, as a component of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we present updated estimates of the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), incidence, and deaths due to asthma and atopic dermatitis and the burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, with forecasted prevalence up to 2050. METHODS: Asthma and atopic dermatitis prevalence, incidence, DALYs, and mortality, with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), were estimated for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. A systematic review identified data from 389 sources for asthma and 316 for atopic dermatitis, which were further pooled using the Bayesian meta-regression tool. We also described the age-standardised DALY rates of asthma attributable to four modifiable risk factors: high BMI, occupational asthmagens, smoking, and nitrogen dioxide pollution. Furthermore, as a secondary analysis, prevalence was forecasted to 2050 using the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), air pollution, and smoking as predictors for asthma and atopic dermatitis. To assess trends in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis before (2010-19) and during (2019-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, we compared their average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). FINDINGS: In 2021, there were an estimated 260 million (95% UI 227-298) individuals with asthma and 129 million (124-134) individuals with atopic dermatitis worldwide. Asthma cases declined from 287 million (250-331) in 1990 to 238 million (209-272) in 2005 but increased to 260 million in 2021. Atopic dermatitis cases consistently rose from 107 million (103-112) in 1990 to 129 million (124-134) in 2021. However, age-standardised prevalence rates decreased-by 40.0% (from 5568.3 per 100 000 to 3340.1 per 100 000) for asthma and 8.3% (from 1885.4 per 100 000 to 1728.5 per 100 000) for atopic dermatitis. In 2021, there were substantial variations in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis across different SDI groups, with the highest age-standardised DALY rate found in south Asia for asthma (465.0 [357.2-648.9] per 100 000) and the high-income super-region for atopic dermatitis (3552.5 [3407.2-3706.1] per 100 000). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in asthma prevalence had stagnated (AAPC pre-pandemic -1.39% [-2.07 to -0.71] and during the pandemic 0.47% [-1.86 to 2.79]; p=0.020); however, there was no significant difference in atopic dermatitis prevalence in the same period (pre-pandemic -0.28% [-0.33 to -0.22] and during the pandemic -0.35% [-0.78 to 0.08]; p=0.20). Modifiable risk factors were responsible for 29.9% of the global asthma DALY burden; among them, high BMI was the greatest contributor (39.4 [19.6-60.2] per 100 000), followed by occupational asthmagens (20.8 [16.7-26.5] per 100 000) across all regions. The age-standardised DALY rate of asthma attributable to high BMI was highest in high-SDI settings, whereas the contribution of occupational asthmagens was highest in low-SDI settings. According to our forecasting models, we expect 275 million (224-330) asthma cases and 148 million (140-158) atopic dermatitis cases in 2050, with population growth driving this increase. However, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable (-23.2% [-44.4 to 5.3] for asthma and -1.4% [-9.1 to 7.0] for atopic dermatitis) from 2021 to 2050. INTERPRETATION: Although the increases in the total number of asthma and atopic dermatitis cases will probably continue until 2050, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable. A considerable portion of the global burden could be managed through efforts to address modifiable risk factors. Additionally, the contribution of risk factors to the burden substantially varied by SDI, which suggests the need for tailored initiatives for specific SDI settings. The growing number of individuals expected to be affected by asthma and atopic dermatitis in the future suggests that it is essential to improve our understanding of risk factors for asthma and atopic dermatitis and collect disease prevalence data that are globally generalisable. FUNDING: Gates Foundation.
    Tags: (CASAC), Johns Hopkins EHE Advisory Board, Harvard external advisory committee, (published), A method to transform cow dung into the wall paint by using natural, (published), A system for disposed personal protection equipment (PPE) into, *Asthma/epidemiology/mortality, *Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology/mortality, *Global Burden of Disease/trends, 113-2314-B-003-002), Adult, advocacy group, paid or unpaid as a past steering committee member of the, advocacy group, unpaid as The Bursar and Council Member of Malaysian Academy of, aid for formulation of gel and method thereof (Published), Herbal drug, and previous ownership of stock, and the National Academies Panels and Committees, outside the submitted work. T C, ANI/Exeltis USA, Frictionless Solutions, Schipher, Crealta/Horizon, Medisys,, Assessment, Lancet Countdown, US EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, Associates, Focus Forward, Navigant Consulting, Spherix, MedIQ, Jupiter Life, attending meetings or travel from OMERACT, Bayes Theorem, biofuel through pyrolysis and method (published), A novel herbal pharmaceutical, BioPharma, Adaptimmune Therapeutics, GeoVax Labs, Pieris Pharmaceuticals,, board, society, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid as the Executive, College of Rheumatology, Yale University, Hulio, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, DINORA,, Committee, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid as the Technical Editor, Journal of, committee or advocacy group, paid or unpaid with Fifth National Climate, consulting fees, consulting fees from ROMTech, Atheneum, ClearView Healthcare Partners, American, Corrente 34/2017), payments made to the Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Cost of Illness, Council Member, Indian Meteorological Society, Jaipur Chapter (India) and as, development, Republic of Serbia (project No 175042, 2011-2023). J J Jozwiak, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, Education Chapter Committee, outside the submitted work. L Ronfani reports, Effects Institute, Yale Women Faculty Forum, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Yale, Ekundayo reports grants or contracts from PDF Research Fellowship, University of, electricity generation through crop stubble by using microbial fuel cells, Enzolytics, Seres Therapeutics, Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp, Aebona, Female, Fidia, PK Med, Two Labs, Adept Field Solutions, Clinical Care Options, Putnam, fiduciary role in other board, society, committee, or advocacy group, paid or, for attending meetings or travel from Colorado School of Public Health,, for training grant, WHO Global Air Pollution and Health Technical Advisory Group,, Forecasting, formulation for treating lung tissue degenerated by particulate matter exposure, from Clinique and ToxiMap, from the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (NSTC, Fund Fellowship, Harvard University, University of Montana, and SciQuest, Global Health, Humans, Incidence, Institute for Biospheric Studies, and Wellcome Trust Foundation, Intelligent Biosolutions, Acumen Pharmaceutical, TPT Global Tech, Vaxart, Atyu, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo. B Oancea reports grants or contracts from, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo. Y L Samodra and J H V Ticoalu report a leadership or, leadership or fiduciary role in other, leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society,, leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee or, Male, manuscript writing or educational events from Novartis, Adamed, and Amgen,, manuscript writing or educational events from Simply Speaking, materials and composition thereof (filed), Member Secretary of DSTPURSE Program, outside the submitted work. M Zielinska, Monitoring Board or Advisory Board as a member of the FDA Arthritis Advisory, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hutchinson Postdoctoral Fellowship, Health, Nature Conference, of Public Health, Duke University, University of Texas, Data4Justice, Korea, of reusable filters for anti-pollution mask (published), A system and method for, OMERACT, options in Amarin, Viking, and Moderna Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted, outside the submitted work. All other authors declare no competing interests., outside the submitted work. M-C Li reports support for the present manuscript, participation on a Data Safety, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations,, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus,, Pharmaceuticals, and Charlotte's Web Holdingss, Pharmacy (Malaysia) and as Committee Member of Malaysian Pharmacists Society, PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8 project 760096, outside the submitted work. N E Ismail, present manuscript from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological, Prevalence, Public Health, Columbia University, Harvard University, CMAS Conference, and, reports leadership or fiduciary role in other board, society, committee, or, reports other financial or non-financial interests as an Alexion employee,, reports payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus,, Risk Factors, Science, UBM, Trio Health, Medscape, WebMD, Practice Point Communications, and, South Africa, outside the submitted work. I M Ilic reports support for the, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Colorado School, stock or stock options in atai Life Sciences, Kintara Therapeutics,, submitted work. J I Shin reports other financial or non-financial interests from, support, support for, support for the present manuscript from the Italian Ministry of Health (Ricerca, the American Heart Association, outside the submitted work. L Monasta reports, the NIH, the Yonsei Fellowship, funded by Lee Youn Jae (to J I Shin). J A Singh reports, University of Texas, Duke University, Harvard University, American Journal of, University, IOP Publishing, NIH, Health Canada, EHS, PAC-10, UKRI, AXA Research, University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Northeastern, unpaid as the co-founders of Benang Merah Research Center, Indonesia, outside the, work. E Upadhyay reports patents planned, issued, or pending: A system and method.
  • Ivanova, S., Hilverdink, E. F., Bastian, J. D., Jakob, D. A., Exadaktylos, A. K., Keel, M. J. B., Schefold, J. C., Anwander, H., and Lustenberger, T. “Short- And Long-Term Mortality In Severely Injured Older Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Analysis”. J Clin Med 14, no. 6. doi:10.3390/jcm14062064.
    Abstract: Background/Objectives: Older trauma patients experience increased in-hospital mortality due to the physiological challenges associated with aging and injury severity. However, limited data exist on long-term mortality rates beyond hospital discharge, particularly among severely injured elderly trauma patients. Understanding these outcomes is essential for improving clinical management and rehabilitation strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate cumulative mortality rates (in-hospital, 28-day, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year) in older trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >/= 16. Independent risk factors for 1-year mortality were also identified. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all trauma patients aged >/= 65 years with ISS >/= 16 admitted to the Emergency Department of our level 1 trauma center between January 2017 and December 2022. Demographic characteristics, injury patterns (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores, ISS), and mortality rates were collected from electronic health records. Patients were stratified into two age groups: 65-80 years and >80 years. Mortality rates were compared with those in the corresponding age groups in the general Swiss population. Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logistic regression for identifying risk factors associated with 1-year mortality. Results: A total of 1189 older trauma patients with a mean ISS of 24.3 +/- 7.9 were included. The most common injury was severe head trauma (AIS head >/= 3: 70.6%), followed by chest trauma (AIS chest >/= 3: 28.2%) and extremity injuries (AIS extremity >/= 3: 17.4%). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 10.3%. Mortality rates at 28 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 15.8%, 26.5%, 31.5%, and 36.3%, respectively. Age-stratified analysis showed significantly higher mortality rates in patients aged > 80 years compared to the 65- to 80-year group at all post-discharge time points (28-day: 22.6% vs. 11.9%, p < 0.001; 1-year: 39.9% vs. 18.8%, p < 0.001; 2-year: 46.5% vs. 22.8%, p < 0.001; 3-year: 56.4% vs. 24.9%, p < 0.001). Compared to the general Swiss population, we observed significantly higher mortality rates at all measured time points in elderly trauma patients, particularly in those aged over 80 years, with 1-year mortality rates of 39.9% vs. 10% in the general population and 3-year mortality rates of 56.4% vs. 30% in the general population. Independent risk factors for 1-year mortality included advanced age and severe head injury (AIS head >/= 3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Severely injured elderly trauma patients face high long-term mortality risks, with 1-year mortality rates reaching 26.5% overall and nearly 40% in patients aged > 80 years. These findings highlight the need for research on tailored, holistic management strategies, including comprehensive in-hospital care, specialized neurorehabilitation, and post-discharge follow-up programs to improve survival and functional recovery in this vulnerable population.
    Tags: mortality, older patients, orthogeriatrics, polytrauma.
  • Jachmann, A., Brandenberger, J., and Schick, M. “Equitable Health Care In The Context Of Migration”. Swiss Med Wkly 155, no. 3: 4245. doi:10.57187/s.4245.
    Abstract: The health policy guiding principle of equitable access to healthcare faces barriers in the context of migration, on the part of both those affected and the health system. The operationalised measurement of health inequity, the training and sensitisation of healthcare professionals regarding needs-based care, diversity, transcultural and socio-medical aspects, and ensuring high-quality communication are among the measures that can contribute to reducing inequitable care (e.g. underuse) in this population.
    Tags: *Health Equity, *Health Services Accessibility, *Healthcare Disparities, Health Policy, Humans.
  • Degen, B., Szczesna, A., Nickel, C. H., Bingisser, R., Gaab, J., and Minotti, B. “Open-Label Placebo For Non-Specific Pain In The Emergency Department (Olp Em): Study Protocol For A Mixed-Method Randomised Control Feasibility Study In Switzerland”. Bmj Open 15, no. 3: e090508. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090508.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Non-specific pain (NSP), defined as pain without a clear pathological cause, is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). There is no universally accepted analgesic strategy, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are often prescribed. However, the established efficacy of NSAIDs for NSP is limited. Additionally, NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, acute kidney injury and cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. There is increasing evidence supporting the analgesic effects of open-label placebo (OLP), defined as placebo administered to patients without deception, in a broad variety of settings. Accordingly, OLP could be a safer, effective analgesic treatment option for NSP. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the feasibility of OLP for NSP in the ED. Therefore, our primary objective is to assess whether OLP is a feasible treatment option in this setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients diagnosed with acute NSP will be prospectively recruited at discharge in the ED at the University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland. Patients treated with pain medication for >7 days prior to ED visit or with chronic pain will be excluded. Patients will be randomised to receive either OLP (intervention) or ibuprofen (control). Rescue medication will be ibuprofen in both groups. Daily online self-assessment will take place during the first 7 days after the baseline visit as well as on day 30. A qualitative interview will be conducted on day 30. The primary outcome is feasibility, consisting of acceptability, adherence to the protocol and patient satisfaction. Clinical outcomes will focus on pain intensity and interference according to the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form as well as adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has received approval from the ethics committee for Northwestern and central Switzerland (EKNZ; project ID 2024-00089). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP000005852); Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT06408519).
    Tags: *Analgesics/therapeutic use, *Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Pain Management/methods, Accident & emergency medicine, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Pain management, Pain Measurement, Placebos, Prospective Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Switzerland.
  • Troxler, D. “Short-Term Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Administration In The Pediatric Emergency Department”. Pediatr Emerg Care 41, no. 7: e48. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000003367.
    Tags: Antimicrobial Therapy, Article, Child, Drug Administration, Emergency Ward, Human, Male, Outpatient.
  • Scotti, B., Szczesna, A., Nickel, C. H., Degen, B., Hugli, O., Jean-Scherb, S., Rovati, L., et al. “Defining The Need For Analgesia In The Emergency Department: Protocol For An International Delphi Process”. Bmj Open 15, no. 3: e089396. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089396.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The high prevalence of pain in the emergency department (ED) highlights the importance of accurate assessments to provide effective interventions. However, common pain scales such as the Numerical Pain Rating Scale have shown limitations in assessing analgesic requirements and adequacy. The ideal outcome for evaluating a pain scale predicting analgesic requirements would be the 'need for analgesia', for which there is no universally accepted definition. Accordingly, the primary aim of this study is to define the 'need for analgesia' using an interdisciplinary approach. The secondary aim is to define the 'adequacy of analgesia'. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A two-stage modified Delphi process will be conducted by a core study group chosen for its expertise in ED pain management. A larger expert panel, identified through a comprehensive search in Scopus and CINAHL databases, will be invited to participate in the study and will be supplemented by patients recruited via international patient organisations or snowballing. In stage 1, the expert panel will complete a written survey to collect potential clinical variables for defining the 'need for analgesia' and 'adequacy of analgesia'. The core study group will elaborate on these variables. In stage 2, the same participants will use a five-point Likert scale to achieve consensus defined as >/=80% of combined agreement on the proposed variables, over a maximum of three rounds. The same process will be used to define the 'adequacy of analgesia'. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Committee of Northwestern and Central Switzerland exempted the project from committee approval under the Human Research Act. Written consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
    Tags: *Analgesia, *Analgesics/therapeutic use, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Pain Management/methods, *Pain/drug therapy, Consensus, Delphi Technique, Emergency Departments, Humans, Pain management, Pain Measurement/methods, Patient Participation, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, Research Design.
  • Goldman, R. D., Hart, R. J., Bone, J. N., Seiler, M., Olson, P. G., Keitel, K., Manzano, S., et al. “Adverse Events Among Early Caregivers' Covid-19 Vaccination Correlated Inversely With Intention To Vaccinate Their Children”. Vaccine 55: 127001. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127001.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Vaccine hesitancy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated if manifestation of adverse events when caregivers received their vaccine was associated with their willingness to vaccinate their children. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, multi-lingual survey of caregivers presenting to 19 pediatric Emergency Departments in the USA, Canada, Israel, and Switzerland early during the early stage of the pandemic, before vaccines for children were available. We asked caregivers if they were vaccinated against COVID-19, to report any side effects and if they would give vaccine to their child. We categorized all reported side effects and report the most common ones. We report willingness to vaccinate based on child's age. RESULTS: Of 4261 caregivers, mean caregiver age was 38.3 years, 2893 (68.3 %) mothers, 3108 (73.3 %) greater than high school education. 43.6 % reported side effects, 35.7 % reported no side effects and 20.7 % were unvaccinated. The lowest rate of caregivers planning to vaccinate their children was the unvaccinated (6.9 %) and the highest was among caregivers who did not report any side effects (74.4 %). Caregivers with no reported side effects after vaccination were more likely to vaccinate their children compared to those that had some side effects (aOR of 1.34, 1.52 and 2.14 for ages <5, 5-11 and >/=12 years, respectively). Reporting general illness/feeling unwell, experiencing weakness, and breathing difficulty were associated with caregivers unlikely to plan to vaccinate their children. The OR to vaccinate children for each additional side effect was 0.86, 95 %CI = 0.78-0.95, p = 0.004, representing a decrease of 14 % in the odds of planning to vaccinate for each additional side effect. CONCLUSIONS: Side effects experienced by caregivers are associated with their intention to vaccinate their children. Building of trust in vaccines, including communicating risks and benefits in the context of caregiver's experience, is important and may help enhance rate of vaccination of children.
    Tags: *Caregivers/psychology, *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage, *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology, *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology/statistics & numerical data, *Vaccination/adverse effects/psychology, Adolescent, Adult, Article, Canada, Caregivers, Child, Child, Preschool, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines.
  • Diethelm, J., Wunderle, C., van Zanten, A. R. H., Tribolet, P., Stanga, Z., Mueller, B., and Schuetz, P. “Urea-To-Creatinine Ratio As A Biomarker For Clinical Outcome And Response To Nutritional Support In Non-Critically Ill Patients: A Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Clin Nutr Espen 67: 242-249. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.03.042.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessing a patient's catabolism in clinical practice is challenging but could help guide nutritional interventions. The urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) reflects muscle breakdown and protein metabolism and has been associated with risk for overfeeding and adverse outcomes in the critical care setting. We validated this concept in a well-characterized population of medical ward patients from a previous nutritional trial. METHODS: This secondary analysis of the Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of Malnourished Medical Inpatients Trial (EFFORT) examined baseline UCR and changes during follow-up in medical inpatients at risk for malnutrition. A catabolic state was defined as a high baseline UCR or an increase in UCR over 7 days. The primary endpoint was mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: We included 1595 of 2028 EFFORT patients with baseline UCR measurements and 870 who also had UCR measurements on day 7. A high baseline UCR, as well as an increase in UCR over 7 days, were associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR for 30-day mortality 2.05 (1.47-2.87) p < 0.001 and 2.02 (1.34-3.06) p = 0.001). There was no difference in treatment response when stratifying patients based on baseline or follow-up UCR. CONCLUSION: Assessment of catabolism through UCR measurement at baseline and changes during follow-up was associated with increased mortality and adverse outcomes in medical inpatients at nutritional risk. However, this stratification was not associated with response to nutritional therapy in our sample. Further studies into the dynamic changes in UCR are needed to better understand the clinical implications for medical ward patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02517476 (registered 7 August 2015).
    Tags: *Creatinine/blood, *Malnutrition/therapy/mortality/blood, *Nutritional Support/methods, *Urea/blood, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, and Fresenius Kabi. No other disclosures are reported., Biomarker, Biomarkers/blood, Diagnostics, not related to this project. Arthur van Zanten reports receiving, Female, from AOP Pharma, Abbott, Baxter, Cardinal Health, Danone-Nutricia, DIM3, Dutch, from Nestle Health Science, Thermo Fisher, bioMerieux, Abbott Nutrition and Roche, honoraria for advisory board meetings, lectures, research, and travel expenses, Humans, Lyric. Zeno Stanga reports grants to the institution from Nestle Health Science, Male, Medical Food, Fresenius Kabi, GE Healthcare, InBody, Mermaid, Rousselot, and, Middle Aged, Mortality, Nutritional risk, Nutritional Status, Nutritional support, Treatment Outcome, Urea-to-creatinine ratio.
  • Damke, K., Lowinski, A., Friederich, M., Grosse, G. M., and Nickel, C. H. “Woman With Unilateral Facial Paleness”. Ann Emerg Med 85, no. 4: 364-365. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.10.009.
  • Gbd Hap Collaborators,. “Global, Regional, And National Burden Of Household Air Pollution, 1990-2021: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021”. Lancet 405, no. 10485: 1167-1181. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02840-X.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite a substantial reduction in the use of solid fuels for cooking worldwide, exposure to household air pollution (HAP) remains a leading global risk factor, contributing considerably to the burden of disease. We present a comprehensive analysis of spatial patterns and temporal trends in exposure and attributable disease from 1990 to 2021, featuring substantial methodological updates compared with previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, including improved exposure estimations accounting for specific fuel types. METHODS: We estimated HAP exposure and trends and attributable burden for cataract, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, tracheal cancer, bronchus cancer, lung cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and causes mediated via adverse reproductive outcomes for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We first estimated the mean fuel type-specific concentrations (in mug/m(3)) of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) pollution to which individuals using solid fuels for cooking were exposed, categorised by fuel type, location, year, age, and sex. Using a systematic review of the epidemiological literature and a newly developed meta-regression tool (meta-regression: Bayesian, regularised, trimmed), we derived disease-specific, non-parametric exposure-response curves to estimate relative risk as a function of PM(2.5) concentration. We combined our exposure estimates and relative risks to estimate population attributable fractions and attributable burden for each cause by sex, age, location, and year. FINDINGS: In 2021, 2.67 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2.63-2.71) people, 33.8% (95% UI 33.2-34.3) of the global population, were exposed to HAP from all sources at a mean concentration of 84.2 mug/m(3). Although these figures show a notable reduction in the percentage of the global population exposed in 1990 (56.7%, 56.4-57.1), in absolute terms, there has been only a decline of 0.35 billion (10%) from the 3.02 billion people exposed to HAP in 1990. In 2021, 111 million (95% UI 75.1-164) global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were attributable to HAP, accounting for 3.9% (95% UI 2.6-5.7) of all DALYs. The rate of global, HAP-attributable DALYs in 2021 was 1500.3 (95% UI 1028.4-2195.6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, a decline of 63.8% since 1990, when HAP-attributable DALYs comprised 4147.7 (3101.4-5104.6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population. HAP-attributable burden remained highest in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, with 4044.1 (3103.4-5219.7) and 3213.5 (2165.4-4409.4) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, respectively. The rate of HAP-attributable DALYs was higher for males (1530.5, 1023.4-2263.6) than for females (1318.5, 866.1-1977.2). Approximately one-third of the HAP-attributable burden (518.1, 410.1-641.7) was mediated via short gestation and low birthweight. Decomposition of trends and drivers behind changes in the HAP-attributable burden highlighted that declines in exposures were counteracted by population growth in most regions of the world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. INTERPRETATION: Although the burden attributable to HAP has decreased considerably, HAP remains a substantial risk factor, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Our comprehensive estimates of HAP exposure and attributable burden offer a robust and reliable resource for health policy makers and practitioners to precisely target and tailor health interventions. Given the persistent and substantial impact of HAP in many regions and countries, it is imperative to accelerate efforts to transition under-resourced communities to cleaner household energy sources. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating health risks and promoting sustainable development, ultimately improving the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of people. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
    Tags: *Air Pollution, Indoor/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data/analysis, *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects, *Global Burden of Disease/trends, Cooking, Female, Global Health, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Particulate Matter/analysis/adverse effects, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Risk Factors.
  • Bennitt, F. B., Wozniak, S., Causey, K., Spearman, S., Okereke, C., Garcia, V., Hashmeh, N., et al. “Global, Regional, And National Burden Of Household Air Pollution, 1990–2021: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021”. The Lancet 405, no. 10485: 1167-1181. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02840-X.
    Abstract: Background: Despite a substantial reduction in the use of solid fuels for cooking worldwide, exposure to household air pollution (HAP) remains a leading global risk factor, contributing considerably to the burden of disease. We present a comprehensive analysis of spatial patterns and temporal trends in exposure and attributable disease from 1990 to 2021, featuring substantial methodological updates compared with previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, including improved exposure estimations accounting for specific fuel types. Methods: We estimated HAP exposure and trends and attributable burden for cataract, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, tracheal cancer, bronchus cancer, lung cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and causes mediated via adverse reproductive outcomes for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We first estimated the mean fuel type-specific concentrations (in μg/m3) of fine particulate matter (PM<inf>2·5</inf>) pollution to which individuals using solid fuels for cooking were exposed, categorised by fuel type, location, year, age, and sex. Using a systematic review of the epidemiological literature and a newly developed meta-regression tool (meta-regression: Bayesian, regularised, trimmed), we derived disease-specific, non-parametric exposure–response curves to estimate relative risk as a function of PM<inf>2·5</inf> concentration. We combined our exposure estimates and relative risks to estimate population attributable fractions and attributable burden for each cause by sex, age, location, and year. Findings: In 2021, 2·67 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·63–2·71) people, 33·8% (95% UI 33·2–34·3) of the global population, were exposed to HAP from all sources at a mean concentration of 84·2 μg/m3. Although these figures show a notable reduction in the percentage of the global population exposed in 1990 (56·7%, 56·4–57·1), in absolute terms, there has been only a decline of 0·35 billion (10%) from the 3·02 billion people exposed to HAP in 1990. In 2021, 111 million (95% UI 75·1–164) global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were attributable to HAP, accounting for 3·9% (95% UI 2·6–5·7) of all DALYs. The rate of global, HAP-attributable DALYs in 2021 was 1500·3 (95% UI 1028·4–2195·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, a decline of 63·8% since 1990, when HAP-attributable DALYs comprised 4147·7 (3101·4–5104·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population. HAP-attributable burden remained highest in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, with 4044·1 (3103·4–5219·7) and 3213·5 (2165·4–4409·4) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, respectively. The rate of HAP-attributable DALYs was higher for males (1530·5, 1023·4–2263·6) than for females (1318·5, 866·1–1977·2). Approximately one-third of the HAP-attributable burden (518·1, 410·1–641·7) was mediated via short gestation and low birthweight. Decomposition of trends and drivers behind changes in the HAP-attributable burden highlighted that declines in exposures were counteracted by population growth in most regions of the world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Interpretation: Although the burden attributable to HAP has decreased considerably, HAP remains a substantial risk factor, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Our comprehensive estimates of HAP exposure and attributable burden offer a robust and reliable resource for health policy makers and practitioners to precisely target and tailor health interventions. Given the persistent and substantial impact of HAP in many regions and countries, it is imperative to accelerate efforts to transition under-resourced communities to cleaner household energy sources. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating health risks and promoting sustainable development, ultimately improving the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of people. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2025 T e Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY license
    Tags: adverse event, air pollution, Air Pollution, Indoor, Article, bronchus cancer, cerebrovascular accident, chronic obstructive lung disease, concentration (parameter), cooking, environmental exposure, female, gestational age, Global Burden of Disease, global disease burden, global health, household air pollution, human, Humans, indoor air pollution, ischemic heart disease, low birth weight, lung cancer, male, middle aged, non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, outcome assessment, particulate matter, particulate matter 2.5, PM2.5 exposure, pollution exposure, quality adjusted life year, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, respiratory tract infection, risk factor, Risk Factors, sociodemographics, trachea cancer.
  • Perera Molligoda Arachchige, A. S., and Stomeo, N. “The Diagnostic Performance Of Automatic B-Lines Detection For Evaluating Pulmonary Edema In The Er Among Novice Pocus Practitioners”. Emerg Radiol 32, no. 3: 483-484. doi:10.1007/s10140-025-02335-4.
  • Berger-von Orelli, F. G., Hertzog, R. A., Sauter, T. C., Seiler, M., Spigariol, F., Tomaske, M., Gualco, G., et al. “How Are Fast Tracks Organized In Adult And Pediatric Emergency Departments In Switzerland? A Cross-Sectional Survey”. Bmc Health Serv Res 25, no. 1: 395. doi:10.1186/s12913-025-12570-7.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: In response to the challenges faced by emergency departments (ED), including overcrowding and high patient volumes, Fast Track (FT) systems are designed to optimize patient flow, yet their implementation and impact in Switzerland remain understudied. Our study provides a comprehensive description of Fast Track (FT) processes across both pediatric and adult settings in Switzerland and compares challenges. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of ED leadership in Switzerland from May to September 2023, using the WHO SARA framework to explore FT processes. The survey included 28 pediatric EDs and their corresponding adult EDs, with questions addressing FT availability, staffing, infrastructure, and operational challenges. Results were analyzed descriptively, providing insights into FT organization and highlighting barriers to implementation and expansion. RESULTS: The survey achieved a response rate of 93% (52/56 EDs). Overall, 68% of surveyed hospitals have implemented a FT system, with a higher prevalence in adult EDs (88%) than in pediatric EDs (59%). The absence of FTs in certain pediatric departments was primarily due to structural and personnel constraints. Most FTs are managed internally by hospitals, employing emergency team members, and occasionally general practitioners, reflecting a tailored approach to staffing based on departmental needs. Despite the strategic organization of FTs, operational challenges persist; 45% of respondents identified staff shortages as a major challenge, particularly in pediatric FTs (63%) compared to adult FTs (32%). Financial barriers, including disparities in external physician compensation, remain significant obstacles to FT expansion. Satisfaction levels among EDs with their FT systems were generally high, with improvements in personnel resource allocation and patient flow frequently reported. CONCLUSION: While FT systems in Swiss EDs have enhanced patient care and operational efficiency, their expansion and effectiveness are hampered by staffing and financial limitations. Addressing these barriers requires a collaborative effort to reform health system policies and financial frameworks, ensuring the sustainable implementation of FTs to meet the growing demands of emergency care.
    Tags: *Efficiency, Organizational, *Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration, Adult, approval from the Bern cantonal ethics committee ("Ethikkommission fur die, authors declare no competing interests., Child, consent was waived according to national regulations (Swiss Federal Human, Cross-Sectional Studies, Cross-sectional survey, Emergency department, Fast track, Forschung am Menschen Bern", REF Req-2022-01237). The need for participant, Helsinki. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The, Humans, Low triage, Non-urgent visits, Overcrowding, Pediatric, Research Act). Furthermore, our study is in compliance with the Declaration of, Self-referred patients, Staff organization, Surveys and Questionnaires, Switzerland.
  • Truong, P., and Ageron, F. X. “Trip(Cast) Score And Thrombosis Risk For Lower Limb Immobilisation”. Lancet 405, no. 10482: 894-895. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00058-3.
  • Pluta, M. P., Darocha, T., Pasternak, M., Pasquier, M., Mendrala, K., Gocol, R., and Kosinski, S. “Eligibility For Ecpr Warming In Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest: Lack Of Guidelines And The Current Constraints Of Artificial Intelligence In Clinical Decision-Making”. Artif Organs 49, no. 7: 1192-1196. doi:10.1111/aor.14993.
    Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY: Artificial intelligence (AI) such as large language models (LLMs) tools are potential sources of information on hypothermic cardiac arrest (HCA). The aim of our study was to determine whether, for patients with HCA, LLMs provide information consistent with expert consensus on criteria that would usually contraindicate extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCRP) in patients with normothermic cardiac arrest (NCA), but not HCA. METHODS: Based on Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines, selected factors were identified that may be contraindications to eCPR in NCA but not in HCA. Four questions were created and entered into AI software (GPT-3.5 turbo, GPT-4o, GPT-4o-mini, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Haiku, Mistral Large, Mistral Small, Gemini Pro and Gemini Flash). The responses obtained and citations returned were assessed by an international panel of experts for consistency with current knowledge. RESULTS: Complete agreement of responses with expert consensus was obtained for 5/10 AI tools. In total, all AI tools presented 101 items in the literature. No reference was rated as "correct"; 45 citations (45%) "existed but did not answer the question"; and 56 citations (55%) were considered "hallucinatory". CONCLUSION: Use of artificial intelligence in decision-making for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with hypothermic cardiac arrest risks unjustifiably withdrawing treatment from patients who have a chance of survival with a good neurological outcome. Large language models should not be used as the only tool for decision-making.
    Tags: *Artificial Intelligence, *Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods/standards, *Clinical Decision-Making/methods, *Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/methods, *Heart Arrest/therapy, artificial intelligence, cardiac arrest, Consensus, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Humans, hypothermia, Hypothermia, Induced, Practice Guidelines as Topic.
  • Pfundstein, I., Mauthner, O., Gschwind, C. O., Muser, O., Nickel, C. H., Trutschel, D., and Brunkert, T. “A Multi-Method Study To Develop And Pilot Test An Interprofessional Transitional Care Model For Frail Older Adults - Advantage”. J Adv Nurs. doi:10.1111/jan.16822.
    Abstract: AIM(S): To develop and pilot test the AdvantAGE transitional care model at a Swiss geriatric hospital. DESIGN: Multi-method design. METHODS: The study progressed in three stages from January 2021 to December 2023: (1) contextual analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, incorporating qualitative interviews, (2) development and pilot testing of transitional care interventions on three acute geriatric wards using a descriptive explorative study design and (3) development and validation of a logic model using an iterative approach involving project interest groups and researchers. RESULTS: We identified central challenges and needs related to transitions from hospital to home, including insufficient information flow, patient and caregiver insecurities and lacking adherence to recommended treatment. The newly developed transitional care model comprised five core elements: continuous support for patients and caregivers, care coordination with primary care providers, comprehensive health management at home, medication- and self-management with patients and caregivers and advance care planning. Of 137 eligible patients, 62 participated in the 10-month pilot test of the preliminary transitional care intervention, with an average participation duration of 69 days. Findings from the pilot informed the refinement of the intervention elements and the development of a preliminary logic model. CONCLUSION: Employing an implementation science approach facilitated the development and refinement of the AdvantAGE model, ensuring alignment with the needs of project interest groups and the specific implementation context. IMPACT: This study demonstrates the development of a transitional care model tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the local healthcare context. Findings provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, researchers and policymakers, offering implications for developing transitional care practices and policies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on the interpretation of the findings of the first step of this study. Further contributions included providing feedback on the development of the elements of the AdvantAGE transitional care model, ensuring the research addressed priorities relevant to patients and primary health care providers in Basel-Stadt.
    Tags: advanced practice nurses, implementation science, intervention development, logic model, transitional care.
  • Koechlin, L., Boeddinghaus, J., Lopez-Ayala, P., Bianchi, C. L., Nestelberger, T., Wildi, K., Miro, O., et al. “Impact Of Food And Drug Administration Regulations On The Performance Of Guideline-Recommended Pathways With An Approved Point-Of-Care High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assay”. J Am Heart Assoc 14, no. 6: e039164. doi:10.1161/JAHA.124.039164.
    Tags: Abbott, Polymedco, Dr Risch, and Siemens, all outside of the submitted work and, Akademische Gesellschaft Basel" and speaker honoraria from Roche Diagnostics,, and a PhD scholarship from the University of Queensland, Brisbane,, and FF21103) and speaker's honoraria from Quidel, paid to the institution,, Australia. Dr Mahfoud is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Kardiologie,, Basel, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Inari, Medtronic, Merck, ReCor Medical, Servier, and, biomarker, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Idorsia, Novartis, Osler, Roche, Sanofi, Singulex, and, Coulter, Bayer, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and Orion Pharma, outside the, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB TRR219, Project-ID 322900939), and Deutsche, disclosures to report., Foundation, the Margarete und Walter Lichtenstein-Stiftung (3MS1038), and the, Foundation, the Swiss Heart Foundation, the University Hospital Basel, the, Foundation, the University of Basel, the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences, and, Herzstiftung. Saarland University has received scientific support from Ablative, honoraria/consulting honoraria from Abbott, Amgen, Astra Zeneca, Bayer,, Hospital Foundation, Lopez-Ayala has received research grants from the Swiss Heart Foundation (FF20079, Medical Sciences, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation, and, myocardial infarction, Novartis, LSI Medience Corporation, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Quidel, Roche,, outside the submitted work. Dr Nestelberger has received research support from, paid to the institution. Dr Boeddinghaus received research grants from the, Siemens, Singulex, Sphingotec, and SpinChip Diagnostics, as well as speaker, Solutions, Medtronic, and ReCor Medical. Until May 2024, Dr Mahfoud has received, speaker honoraria/consulting fees from Ablative Solutions, Amgen, AstraZeneca,, speaker honoraria/consulting honoraria from Siemens and Roche Diagnostics. Dr, SpinChip Diagnostics, all paid to the institution. The remaining authors have no, submitted work. Dr Wildi received a research funding from the Prince Charles, support from Edwards Lifesciences, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Beckman, Terumo. Dr Mueller has received research support from the Swiss National Science, the Gottfried and Julia Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation, as well as the "Freiwillige, the Swiss National Science Foundation (P400PM_191037/1), the Prof. Dr Max Cloetta, the University of, the Wesley Medical Research Foundation, triage, troponin, University Hospital Basel, as well as speaker/consulting honoraria or research, University of Basel and the Division of Internal Medicine, the Swiss Academy of, University of Basel, Abbott, Astra Zeneca, Beckman Coulter, Brahms, Idorsia,.
  • Mohajer-Bastami, A., Moin, S., Sweetman, B., Ahmed, A. R., Head, M., Gelber, E., Ahmad, S. J. S., and Exadaktylos, A. K. “A Comparison Of The United Kingdom's And Switzerland's Healthcare Financing Systems For Achieving Equity And Efficiency Goals”. Swiss Med Wkly 155, no. 3: 4101. doi:10.57187/s.4101.
    Abstract: Healthcare financing systems in the United Kingdom and Switzerland were compared with a focus on efficiency and equity. The United Kingdom's National Health Service employs the Beveridge model. It is predominantly funded through taxation and aims to provide free healthcare at the point of use. Switzerland's healthcare financing system is based on the Bismarck model. This social health insurance model is structured around compulsory health plans for all residents. METHODS: Healthcare financing systems were compared using World Health Organization reports, national health statistics and peer-reviewed literature. Efficiency was evaluated using metrics including cost-effectiveness ratios and healthcare outcomes. Equity was assessed by examining disparities in access to healthcare and socioeconomic health outcomes. RESULTS: The National Health Service excels at administrative efficiency and providing equitable access to care. It faces challenges such as geographical disparities in service availability and perceptions of underfunding. Switzerland spends comparatively more on healthcare but delivers superior health outcomes. Issues arise with providing equitable care to all citizens, particularly affecting low-income and undocumented populations. CONCLUSION: The National Health Service is a leader in providing equitable healthcare but must address falling health outcomes while working within financial constraints. Switzerland demonstrates excellent healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction but requires measures to ensure equitable service delivery. Ongoing policy adjustments are necessary to balance equity and efficiency while meeting meet new healthcare demands.
    Tags: *Delivery of Health Care/economics, *Efficiency, Organizational, *Health Equity/economics, *Healthcare Financing, *National Health Programs/economics, *State Medicine/economics, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Health Services Accessibility/economics, Healthcare Disparities/economics, Humans, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
  • Mohajer-Bastami, A., Moin, S., Sweetman, B., Ahmed, A. R., Head, M., Gelber, E., Ahmad, S. J. S., and Exadaktylos, A. K. “A Comparison Of The United Kingdom's And Switzerland's Healthcare Financing Systems For Achieving Equity And Efficiency Goals”. Swiss Med Wkly 155, no. 3: 4101. doi:10.57187/s.4101.
    Abstract: Healthcare financing systems in the United Kingdom and Switzerland were compared with a focus on efficiency and equity. The United Kingdom's National Health Service employs the Beveridge model. It is predominantly funded through taxation and aims to provide free healthcare at the point of use. Switzerland's healthcare financing system is based on the Bismarck model. This social health insurance model is structured around compulsory health plans for all residents. METHODS: Healthcare financing systems were compared using World Health Organization reports, national health statistics and peer-reviewed literature. Efficiency was evaluated using metrics including cost-effectiveness ratios and healthcare outcomes. Equity was assessed by examining disparities in access to healthcare and socioeconomic health outcomes. RESULTS: The National Health Service excels at administrative efficiency and providing equitable access to care. It faces challenges such as geographical disparities in service availability and perceptions of underfunding. Switzerland spends comparatively more on healthcare but delivers superior health outcomes. Issues arise with providing equitable care to all citizens, particularly affecting low-income and undocumented populations. CONCLUSION: The National Health Service is a leader in providing equitable healthcare but must address falling health outcomes while working within financial constraints. Switzerland demonstrates excellent healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction but requires measures to ensure equitable service delivery. Ongoing policy adjustments are necessary to balance equity and efficiency while meeting meet new healthcare demands.
    Tags: *Delivery of Health Care/economics, *Efficiency, Organizational, *Health Equity/economics, *Healthcare Financing, *National Health Programs/economics, *State Medicine/economics, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Health Services Accessibility/economics, Healthcare Disparities/economics, Humans, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
  • Oussalah, A., Haghnejad, V., Silva Rodriguez, M., Lagneaux, A. S., Alix, T., Filhine-Tresarrieu, P., Ferrand, J., et al. “Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin: A Rapid Sepsis Biomarker For Diagnosing Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis In Cirrhosis”. Eur J Clin Invest 55, no. 6: e70021. doi:10.1111/eci.70021.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and life-threatening complication of cirrhosis, contributing to considerable morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A cross-sectional derivation study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of two sepsis-related calcitonin peptide family biomarkers, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-pro-ADM) and procalcitonin, in ascitic fluid for identifying bacteriologically confirmed SBP (BC-SBP). In a subsequent validation study, the diagnostic performance of the 'SBP score' was evaluated in an independent patient cohort using an absolute polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte count threshold of >/=250 cells/mm(3) as the diagnostic benchmark for diagnosing SBP. RESULTS: In the derivation study, the concentration of MR-pro-ADM in ascitic fluid was significantly higher in patients with BC-SBP compared to those without BC-SBP (3.14 nmol/L [IQR, 2.39-6.74] vs. 1.91 nmol/L [IQR, 1.33-2.80]; p = .0002). Bayesian ANOVA indicated that MR-pro-ADM was highly discriminative for diagnosing BC-SBP, with a substantial Bayes factor (BFM = 2505), whereas procalcitonin exhibited poor discriminatory performance. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified an optimal MR-pro-ADM cut-off of >/=2.50 nmol/L for diagnosing BC-SBP, with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.746 (95% CI, 0.685-0.801; p < .0001). Multivariable logistic regression identified three independent predictors of BC-SBP, which were subsequently incorporated into the 'SBP score' (MR-pro-ADM >/=2.5 nmol/L, absolute PMN count >/=250 cells/mm(3) and Child-Pugh score). In the validation study, the 'SBP score' demonstrated an AUROC of 0.993 (95% CI, 0.929-1.000; p < .0001) for diagnosing SBP. CONCLUSION: MR-pro-ADM in ascitic fluid emerges as a promising biomarker for SBP diagnosis. Combining MR-pro-ADM with absolute PMN count and Child-Pugh score in the 'SBP score' greatly improves the diagnostic accuracy of SBP.
    Tags: *Adrenomedullin/metabolism, *Ascitic Fluid/metabolism, *Bacterial Infections/diagnosis/metabolism, *Liver Cirrhosis/complications, *Peritonitis/diagnosis/microbiology/metabolism, *Procalcitonin/metabolism, *Protein Precursors/metabolism, *Sepsis/diagnosis/metabolism, Aged, Bayes Theorem, Biomarkers/metabolism, cirrhosis, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Leukocyte Count, Male, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, Middle Aged, of interest concerning this manuscript to disclose., Peptide Fragments, rapid assay biomarker, ROC Curve, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
  • Simma, L., Kammerl, A., and Ramantani, G. “Point-Of-Care Eeg In The Pediatric Emergency Department: A Systematic Review”. Eur J Pediatr 184, no. 3: 231. doi:10.1007/s00431-025-06059-y.
    Abstract: Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including seizures, status epilepticus (SE), and altered mental status, constitute a significant proportion of cases presenting in the pediatric emergency department. EEG is essential for diagnosing nonconvulsive SE, but standard EEG is often unavailable due to resource constraints. Point-of-care EEG (pocEEG) has emerged as a viable alternative, offering rapid bedside assessment. This systematic review synthesizes existing data on the use of pocEEG in pediatric emergencies and highlights research gaps. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE identified six studies on pediatric populations using simplified EEG montages, with cohort sizes ranging from 20 to 242 patients. The findings indicate that pocEEG is feasible in acute pediatric care, effectively aiding in the detection of nonconvulsive SE and other critical neurological conditions. The studies varied in electrode placement strategies, ranging from neonatal to subhairline montages. CONCLUSION: Despite some implementation challenges, pocEEG has shown sufficient accuracy for clinical use. Further research should focus on optimizing EEG montages, refining interpretation, and assessing its impact on patient outcomes. This review underscores the potential of pocEEG to address critical care needs in pediatric emergency departments and calls for larger, standardized studies. WHAT IS KNOWN: * Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as seizures and altered mental status, are common and critical conditions encountered in pediatric emergency resuscitation bays. * EEG is essential for diagnosing nonconvulsive status epilepticus, but standard EEG is often unavailable in emergency departments due to logistical challenges, limited resources, and the need for specialized interpretation. WHAT IS NEW: * Reduced-lead, point-of-care EEG (pocEEG) is a feasible alternative for real-time bedside CNS monitoring in pediatric emergency settings, aiding in the diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus and guiding the management of convulsive status epilepticus. * This systematic review highlights the feasibility and clinical potential of pocEEG in pediatric emergency departments and identifies key areas for further research, including the development of standardized pocEEG protocols and the integration of automated EEG analysis.
    Tags: *Central Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis, *Electroencephalography/methods, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Point-of-Care Systems, *Status Epilepticus/diagnosis, approval as it involved only the analysis of publicly available data from, Child, competing interests., Electroencephalography, Emergency service, Hospital, Humans, Pediatric emergency medicine, Point-of-care systems, previously published studies. Competing interests: The authors declare no, Rapid response EEG, Reduced lead EEG, Seizures, Seizures/diagnosis, Status epilepticus.
  • Oussalah, A., Haghnejad, V., Silva Rodriguez, M., Lagneaux, A. S., Alix, T., Filhine-Tresarrieu, P., Ferrand, J., et al. “Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin: A Rapid Sepsis Biomarker For Diagnosing Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis In Cirrhosis”. Eur J Clin Invest 55, no. 6: e70021. doi:10.1111/eci.70021.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and life-threatening complication of cirrhosis, contributing to considerable morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A cross-sectional derivation study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of two sepsis-related calcitonin peptide family biomarkers, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-pro-ADM) and procalcitonin, in ascitic fluid for identifying bacteriologically confirmed SBP (BC-SBP). In a subsequent validation study, the diagnostic performance of the 'SBP score' was evaluated in an independent patient cohort using an absolute polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte count threshold of >/=250 cells/mm(3) as the diagnostic benchmark for diagnosing SBP. RESULTS: In the derivation study, the concentration of MR-pro-ADM in ascitic fluid was significantly higher in patients with BC-SBP compared to those without BC-SBP (3.14 nmol/L [IQR, 2.39-6.74] vs. 1.91 nmol/L [IQR, 1.33-2.80]; p = .0002). Bayesian ANOVA indicated that MR-pro-ADM was highly discriminative for diagnosing BC-SBP, with a substantial Bayes factor (BFM = 2505), whereas procalcitonin exhibited poor discriminatory performance. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified an optimal MR-pro-ADM cut-off of >/=2.50 nmol/L for diagnosing BC-SBP, with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.746 (95% CI, 0.685-0.801; p < .0001). Multivariable logistic regression identified three independent predictors of BC-SBP, which were subsequently incorporated into the 'SBP score' (MR-pro-ADM >/=2.5 nmol/L, absolute PMN count >/=250 cells/mm(3) and Child-Pugh score). In the validation study, the 'SBP score' demonstrated an AUROC of 0.993 (95% CI, 0.929-1.000; p < .0001) for diagnosing SBP. CONCLUSION: MR-pro-ADM in ascitic fluid emerges as a promising biomarker for SBP diagnosis. Combining MR-pro-ADM with absolute PMN count and Child-Pugh score in the 'SBP score' greatly improves the diagnostic accuracy of SBP.
    Tags: *Adrenomedullin/metabolism, *Ascitic Fluid/metabolism, *Bacterial Infections/diagnosis/metabolism, *Liver Cirrhosis/complications, *Peritonitis/diagnosis/microbiology/metabolism, *Procalcitonin/metabolism, *Protein Precursors/metabolism, *Sepsis/diagnosis/metabolism, Aged, Bayes Theorem, Biomarkers/metabolism, cirrhosis, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Leukocyte Count, Male, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, Middle Aged, of interest concerning this manuscript to disclose., Peptide Fragments, rapid assay biomarker, ROC Curve, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
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