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Swiss Emergency Research collection

2024

  • Hennings, J. M., and Slankamenac, K. “Editorial: Medical Emergencies In Psychiatry”. Front Psychiatry 15: 1458328. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1458328.
    Tags: adverse (side) effects, commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential, conflict of interest., emergency department, medical emergency, psychiatry, somatic symptom and related disorders.
  • Galletta, G., Foong, L. H., Judkins, S., Robertson, A., Davies, F., Bajaj, G., LeBlanc, C., et al. “Ifem Executive Summary White Paper Of Climate And Ecological Crisis”. Cjem 26, no. 10: 691-694. doi:10.1007/s43678-024-00757-6.
  • Lengen, G., Hugli, O., De Ridder, D., Guessous, I., Ladoy, A., Joost, S., and Carron, P. N. “Spatial Dependence Of Non-Traumatic Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest In A Swiss Region: A Retrospective Analysis”. Resusc Plus 19: 100713. doi:10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100713.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) incidence and survival often vary within regions according to patient-related and contextual factors. This study aims to establish the overall spatial dependence of incidence, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) and 48-h survival of OHCA with their associated demographic and socioeconomic characteristics in a Swiss region. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using data of all OHCAs recorded between 2007 and 2019 in the canton of Vaud and, more specifically, in the Lausanne area. Provision of BCPR and 48-h survival were analysed using Getis-Ord Gi statistics and OHCA incidence by local Moran's I with empirical Bayes standardised rates. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were compared between incidence clusters generated by local Moran's I method. RESULTS: Significant spatial variations of OHCA incidence, BCPR and 48-h mortality were observed. Although BCPR was statistically more likely in rural areas, 48-h survival was improved in a few main cities. At the cantonal level, postcode areas with a higher incidence of OHCAs were less densely inhabited with lower salary levels, more Swiss citizens, and an older population. At city level, small area variations were detected within urban neighbourhoods. The more affected hectares with more OHCAs were less inhabited, with a better median salary, more Swiss citizens, and off-centre. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial variations associated with demographic and socioeconomic factors were observed for OHCA incidence and survival, with sparsely populated areas particularly at risk. These data suggest an unmet need for targeted prevention interventions and structural modifications of the existing prehospital system at the cantonal level.
    Tags: Bcpr, Geographic Information Systems, Incidence, Ohca, personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in, Spatial dependence, Survival, this paper..
  • Romano, F., Brandle, G., Abplanalp-Marti, O., Gualtieri, R., and Sahyoun, C. “Procedural Sedation And Analgesia In Swiss Pediatric Emergency Departments: A National Subgroup Analysis Of A European Cross-Sectional Survey”. Eur J Pediatr 183, no. 10: 4579-4583. doi:10.1007/s00431-024-05701-5.
    Abstract: This study aims to provide a national overview of procedural sedation and analgesia practices within Pediatric Emergency Departments in Switzerland, focusing on the availability of pharmacologic agents, the presence of safety protocols, the utilization of non-pharmacological interventions, and to identify specific local limitations. We conducted a detailed subgroup analysis of Swiss data from a European cross-sectional survey on emergency department pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA) practice, isolating data from Swiss sites. The survey, conducted between November 2019 and March 2020, covered various aspects of procedural sedation and analgesia practices. The survey included nine Swiss sites, treating a total of 252,786 patients in 2019. Topical analgesia, inhaled equimolar nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture, and ketamine were largely available. All sites had nurse-directed triage protocols in place; however, opioid administration was included in the protocols in only 66% of sites. Only 33% of hospitals reported common use of intravenous sedation. Barriers to procedural sedation and analgesia implementation included staffing shortages (89% of sites) and lack of dedicated spaces (78%).Conclusions: Despite a broad array of pharmacological and options available in Swiss Pediatric Emergency Departments, challenges remain in standardizing practices across the country. Limited space and staffing and enhancing training on non-pharmacological interventions were identified as potential areas for improving pain and anxiety management in pediatric emergency care. This study underscores the need for national guidelines to harmonize emergency department PSA practices across Switzerland, ensuring all children have access to effective and evidence-based procedural comfort. What is Known: * Recent research, conducted in European emergency departments, suggests that in pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA) resources are limited, and practice is heterogeneous What is New: * Swiss pediatric hospitals offer a wide range of pharmacological options for pain and anxiety management. However, significant barriers to PSA were identified. These include external control of intravenous sedation and insufficient integration of non-pharmacological interventions, such as child life specialists and procedural hypnosis. National guidelines are needed to harmonize PSA practices.
    Tags: *Analgesia/methods/statistics & numerical data, *Conscious Sedation/statistics & numerical data/methods, *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data, *Pain Management/methods/statistics & numerical data, Analgesia, Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Health Care Surveys, Humans, Hypnotics and Sedatives/therapeutic use/administration & dosage, Pain, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data, Procedural sedation, Switzerland.
  • Simon, S. S. A., van Vliet, A. M. C., Vogt, L., Oppelaar, J. J., Lindner, G., and Olde Engberink, R. H. G. “Prediction Of Plasma Sodium Changes In The Acutely Ill Patients: The Potential Role Of Tissue Sodium Content”. Eur J Intern Med 129: 121-124. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.032.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rapid correction of dysnatremias can result in neurological complications. Therefore, various formulas are available to predict changes in plasma sodium concentration ([Na(+)]) after treatment, but these have been shown to be inaccurate. This could be explained by sodium acumulation in skin and muscle tissue, which is not explicitly considered in these formulas. We assessed the association between clinical and biochemical factors related to tissue sodium accumulation and the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na(+)]. METHODS: We used data from an intensive care unit (ICU) cohort with complete data on sodium, potassium, and water balance. The predicted plasma [Na(+)] was calculated using the Barsoum-Levine (BL) and the Nguyen-Kurtz (NK) formula. We calculated the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma sodium and fitted a linear mixed-effect model to investigate its association with factors related to tissue sodium accumulation. RESULTS: We included 594 ICU days of sixty-three patients in our analysis. The mean plasma [Na(+)] at baseline was 147+/-6 mmol/L. The median (IQR) discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na(+)] was 3.14 mmol/L (1.48, 5.55) and 3.53 mmol/L (1.81, 6.44) for the BL and NK formulas, respectively. For both formulas, estimated total body water (p=0.027), initial plasma [Na(+)] (p<0.001) and plasma [Na(+)] change (p<0.001) were associated with the discrepancy between predicted and measured plasma [Na(+)]. CONCLUSION: In this ICU cohort, initial plasma [Na(+)], total body water, and plasma [Na(+)] changes, all factors that are related to tissue sodium accumulation, were associated with the inaccurateness of plasma [Na(+)] prediction.
    Tags: *Critical Illness, *Intensive Care Units, *Sodium/blood/analysis/metabolism, Aged, Female, Humans, Hypernatremia, Hypernatremia/blood/metabolism, Hyponatremia, Hyponatremia/blood, Linear Models, Male, Middle Aged, Potassium/blood/analysis, Salt, Skin, Sodium, Water-Electrolyte Balance.
  • Jakob, D. A., Muller, M., Kolitsas, A., Exadaktylos, A. K., and Demetriades, D. “Surgical Repair Vs Splenectomy In Patients With Severe Traumatic Spleen Injuries”. Jama Netw Open 7, no. 8: e2425300. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25300.
    Abstract: IMPORTANCE: The spleen is often removed in laparotomy after traumatic abdominal injury, with little effort made to preserve the spleen. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of surgical management (splenic repair vs splenectomy) with outcomes in patients with traumatic splenic injuries undergoing laparotomy and to determine whether splenic repair is associated with lower mortality compared with splenectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a trauma registry-based cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from January 2013 to December 2019. Participants included adult patients with severe splenic injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] grades 3-5) undergoing laparotomy after traumatic injury within 6 hours of admission. Data analysis was performed from April to August 2023. EXPOSURES: Splenic repair vs splenectomy in patients with severe traumatic splenic injury. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Outcomes were compared using different statistical approaches, including 1:1 exact matching with consecutive conditional logistic regression analysis as the primary analysis and multivariable logistic regression, propensity score matching, and inverse-probability weighting as sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: A total of 11 247 patients (median [IQR] age, 35 [24-52] years; 8179 men [72.7%]) with a severe traumatic splenic injury undergoing laparotomy were identified. Of these, 10 820 patients (96.2%) underwent splenectomy, and 427 (3.8%) underwent splenic repair. Among patients who underwent an initial splenic salvage procedure, 23 (5.3%) required a splenectomy during the subsequent hospital stay; 400 patients with splenic preservation were matched with 400 patients who underwent splenectomy (matched for age, sex, hypotension, trauma mechanism, AIS spleen grade, and AIS groups [0-2, 3, and 4-5] for head, face, neck, thorax, spine, and lower and upper extremity). Mortality was significantly lower in the splenic repair group vs the splenectomy group (26 patients [6.5%] vs 51 patients [12.8%]). The association of splenic repair with lower mortality was subsequently verified by conditional regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .03). Multivariable logistic regression, propensity score matching, and inverse-probability weighting confirmed this association. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this retrospective cohort study, splenic repair was independently associated with lower mortality compared with splenectomy during laparotomy after traumatic splenic injury. These findings suggest that efforts to preserve the spleen might be indicated in selected cases of severe splenic injuries.
    Tags: *Spleen/injuries/surgery, *Splenectomy/methods/statistics & numerical data/mortality, Abdominal Injuries/surgery/mortality, Adult, Female, Hospital Mortality, Humans, Injury Severity Score, Laparotomy/methods/statistics & numerical data, Male, Middle Aged, Propensity Score, Registries, Retrospective Studies, Young Adult.
  • Klug, J., Martins, J., De Trizio, I., Carrera, E., Filipovic, M., Hostettler, I. C., and Pietsch, U. “Dynamically Normalized Pupillometry For Detecting Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage”. Crit Care Explor 6, no. 8: e1135. doi:10.1097/CCE.0000000000001135.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major driver of morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Quantitative pupillometry has been shown to be of prognostic value after acute neurological injury. However, the evidence for the use of pupillometric features for the detection of DCI has been conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of frequent pupillometric monitoring for DCI detection. DESIGN: Observational cohort study from a prospective aSAH registry. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients with confirmed aSAH admitted to the ICU between March 2019 and December 2023. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients were included, of which 31 (27.2%) suffered from DCI. All patients underwent frequent pupillometry (every 3 hr). We determined the absolute value of the neurological pupil index (NPi) and constriction velocity (CV), and their value normalized to the maximal recorded value between the admission and the pupillometry measure to account for personalized baselines. The association between pupillometry values and the occurrence of DCI within 6-24 hours was investigated. Normalized CV had the best discriminative performance to identify DCI within 8 hours, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69-0.91). NPi, as well as non-normalized metrics, were not significantly associated with DCI. CONCLUSIONS: Normalized CV has a clinically and statistically significant association with the occurrence of DCI after aSAH. Frequent quantitative pupillometry could improve the multimodal monitoring of patients after aSAH with the goal of improving the identification of patients likely to benefit from therapeutic interventions.
    Tags: *Brain Ischemia/etiology/diagnosis/physiopathology, *Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications/physiopathology/diagnosis, Adult, Aged, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prognosis, Prospective Studies, Pupil/physiology, Reflex, Pupillary/physiology.
  • Fehlmann, C. A., Mc Loughlin, K., Cosgriff, E. J., Ferrick, J. F., van Oppen, J. D., and European Taskforce for Geriatric Emergency, Medicine. “Service Provision For Frailty In European Emergency Departments (Feed): A Survey Of Operational Characteristics”. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 32, no. 1: 64. doi:10.1186/s13049-024-01234-w.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: The observational Frailty in European Emergency Departments (FEED) study found 40% of older people attending for care to be living with frailty. Older people with frailty have poorer outcomes from emergency care. Current best practice calls for early identification of frailty and holistic multidisciplinary assessment. This survey of FEED sites explores variations in frailty-attuned service definitions and provision. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included study sites across Europe identified through snowball recruitment. Site co-ordinators (healthcare professionals in emergency and geriatric care) were surveyed online using Microsoft Forms. Items covered department and hospital capacity, frailty and delirium identification methods, staffing, and frailty-focused healthcare services in the ED. Descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS: A total of 68 sites from 17 countries participated. Emergency departments had median 30 (IQR 21-53) trolley spaces. Most defined "older people" by age 65+ (64%) or 75+ (25%). Frailty screening was used at 69% of sites and mandated at 38%. Night-time staffing was lower compared to day-time for nursing (10 [IQR 8-14] vs. 14 [IQR 10-18]) and physicians (5 [IQR 3-8] vs. 10 [IQR 7-15]). Most sites had provision for ED frailty specialist services by day, but these services were rarely available at night. Sites mostly had accessible facilities; however, hot meals were rarely available at night (18%). CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated variability in case definitions, screening practices, and frailty-attuned service provision. There is no unanimous definition for older age, and while the Clinical Frailty Scale was commonly used, this was rarely mandated or captured in electronic records. Frailty services were often unavailable overnight. Appreciation of the variation in frailty service models could inform operational configuration and workforce development.
    Tags: *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data/organization &, *Geriatric Assessment/methods, administration, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Cross-Sectional Studies, Delirium, Emergency care, Europe, Female, Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data, Frailty, Frailty/diagnosis, Health services, Humans, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires.
  • Chiollaz, A. C., Pouillard, V., Spigariol, F., Romano, F., Seiler, M., Ritter Schenk, C., Korff, C., et al. “Management Of Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: S100B, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, And Heart Fatty-Acid-Binding Protein Promising Biomarkers”. Neurotrauma Rep 5, no. 1: 529-539. doi:10.1089/neur.2024.0027.
    Abstract: Children are highly vulnerable to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Blood biomarkers can help in their management. This study evaluated the performances of biomarkers, in discriminating between children with mTBI who had intracranial injuries (ICIs) on computed tomography (CT+) and (1) patients without ICI (CT-) or (2) both CT- and in-hospital-observation without CT patients. The aim was to rule out the need of unnecessary CT scans and decrease the length of stay in observation in the emergency department (ED). Newborns to teenagers (</=16 years old) with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale > 13) were included. S100b, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and heart fatty-acid-binding protein (HFABP) performances to identify patients without ICI were evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curves, where sensitivity was set at 100%. A total of 222 mTBI children sampled within 6 h since their trauma were reported. Nineteen percent (n = 43/222) underwent CT scan examination, whereas the others (n = 179/222) were kept in observation at the ED. Sixteen percent (n = 7/43) of the children who underwent a CT scan had ICI, corresponding to 3% of all mTBI-included patients. When sensibility (SE) was set at 100% to exclude all patients with ICI, GFAP yielded 39% specificity (SP), HFABP 37%, and S100b 34% to rule out the need of CT scans. These biomarkers were even more performant: 52% SP for GFAP, 41% for HFABP, and 39% for S100b, when discriminating CT+ versus both in-hospital-observation and CT- patients. These markers can significantly help in the management of patients in the ED, avoiding unnecessary CT scans, and reducing length of stay for children and their families.
    Tags: biomarkers, diagnostics, emergency, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), pediatric, triage.
  • Bountouvis, N., Koumpa, E., Skoutarioti, N., Kladitis, D., Exadaktylos, A. K., and Anitsakis, C. “Burden Of Disease In Refugee Patients With Diabetes On The Island Of Lesvos-The Experience Of A Frontline General Hospital”. Int J Environ Res Public Health 21, no. 7. doi:10.3390/ijerph21070828.
    Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease which poses a great burden on refugee populations, who are confronted with limited access to healthcare services and disruption of pre-existing pharmacological treatment. AIMS: We sought to evaluate the degree of hyperglycaemia in refugees with known or recently diagnosed diabetes, to assess cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes complications, to review and provide available therapeutic options, and to compare, if possible, the situation in Lesvos with other locations hosting refugee populations, thus raising our awareness towards barriers to accessing healthcare and managing diabetes in these vulnerable populations and to propose follow-up strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 69 refugee patients (68% of Afghan origin, 64% female) with diabetes mellitus (81% with type 2 diabetes), who were referred to the diabetes outpatient clinics of the General Hospital of Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece, between June 2019 and December 2020. Age, Body Mass Index, diabetes duration, glycaemic control (HbA1c and random glucose), blood pressure, estimated renal function, lipid profile, diabetes complications and current medication were documented at presentation and during subsequent visits. RESULTS: For all patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, age at presentation was 17.7 and 48.1 years, BMI 19.6 kg/m(2) and 28.9 kg/m(2) and HbA1c 9.6% and 8.7%, respectively (all medians). One-third (29%) of patients with type 2 diabetes presented either with interrupted or with no previous pharmacological treatment. Insulin was administered to only 21% of refugees with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Only half of the patients (48%) with hypertension were taking antihypertensive medication and one-sixth (17%) were taking lipid-lowering medication. Forty-two per cent (42%) of patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that a significant portion of refugees with diabetes have either no treatment at all or have had their treatment discontinued, that insulin is still underutilised and that a significant portion of patients are lost to follow-up. It is essential to enhance our ability to identify refugees who may be at risk of developing diabetes or experiencing complications related to the disease. Additionally, it is important to expand access to crucial treatment and monitoring services. By improving our policies for managing non-communicable diseases, we can better support the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, it is vital to recognize that Greece cannot bear the burden of the refugee crisis alone; international support and collaboration are necessary to address these challenges effectively.
    Tags: *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy/complications, *Refugees/statistics & numerical data, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, barriers to accessing healthcare, Cost of Illness, diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy/complications, Female, Hospitals, General, Humans, Lesvos refugee camps, Male, Middle Aged, refugees, Retrospective Studies, Young Adult.
  • Chiollaz, A. C., Pouillard, V., Habre, C., Seiler, M., Romano, F., Spigariol, F., Ritter Schenk, C., et al. “Diagnostic Potential Of Il6 And Other Blood-Based Inflammatory Biomarkers In Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children”. Front Neurol 15: 1432217. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1432217.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory biomarkers, as indicators of biological states, provide a valuable approach for accurate and reproducible measurements, crucial for the effective management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in pediatric patients. This study aims to assess the diagnostic utility of blood-based inflammatory markers IL6, IL8, and IL10 in children with mTBI, including those who did not undergo computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: A prospective multicentric cohort study involving 285 pediatric mTBI patients was conducted, stratified into CT-scanned and non-CT-scanned groups within 24 h post-trauma, alongside 74 control subjects. Biomarker levels were quantitatively analyzed using ELISA. Sensitivity and specificity metrics were calculated to determine the diagnostic efficacy of each biomarker. RESULTS: A total of 223 mTBI patients (78%) did not undergo CT scan examination but were kept in observation for symptoms monitoring at the emergency department (ED) for more than 6 h (in-hospital-observation patients). Among CT-scanned patients (n = 62), 14 (23%) were positive (CT+). Elevated levels of IL6 and IL10 were found in mTBI children compared to controls. Within mTBI patients, IL6 was significantly increased in CT+ patients compared to both CT- and in-hospital-observation patients. No significant differences were observed for IL8 among the compared groups. IL6 yielded a specificity of 48% in identifying CT- and in-hospital-observation patients, with 100% sensitivity in excluding all CT+ cases. These performances were maintained whether IL6 was measured within 6 h or within 24 h after the trauma. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory marker IL6 emerges as a robust biomarker, showing promising stratification value for pediatric mTBI patients undergoing CT scans or staying in observation in a pediatric ED.
    Tags: biomarkers, commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential, conflict of interest., cytokines, diagnosis, emergency, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), pediatric.
  • Rutsch, N., Schmaranzer, F., Amrein, P., Muller, M., Albers, C. E., and Bigdon, S. F. “The Hidden Value Of Mri: Modifying Treatment Decisions In C-Spine Injuries”. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 32, no. 1: 63. doi:10.1186/s13049-024-01235-9.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND DATA: Computed Tomography (CT) is the gold standard for cervical spine (c-spine) evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) emerges due to its increasing availability and the lack of radiation exposure. However, MRI is costly and time-consuming, questioning its role in the emergency department (ED). This study investigates the added the value of an additional MRI for patients presenting with a c-spine injury in the ED. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocenter cohort study that included all patients with neck trauma presenting in the ED, who received imaging based on the NEXUS criteria. Spine surgeons performed a full-case review to classify each case into "c-spine injured" and "c-spine uninjured". Injuries were classified according to the AO Spine classification. We assessed patients with a c-spine injury detected by CT, who received a subsequent MRI. In this subset, injuries were classified separately in both imaging modalities. We monitored the treatment changes after the additional MRI to evaluate characteristics of this cohort and the impact of the AO Spine Neurology/Modifier modifiers. RESULTS: We identified 4496 subjects, 2321 were eligible for inclusion and 186 were diagnosed with c-spine injuries in the retrospective case review. Fifty-six patients with a c-spine injury initially identified through CT received an additional MRI. The additional MRI significantly extended (geometric mean ratio 1.32, p < 0.001) the duration of the patients' stay in the ED. Of this cohort, 25% had a change in treatment strategy and among the patients with neurological symptoms (AON >/= 1), 45.8% experienced a change in treatment. Patients that were N-positive, had a 12.4 (95% CI 2.7-90.7, p < 0.01) times higher odds of a treatment change after an additional MRI than neurologically intact patients. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Our study suggests that patients with a c-spine injury and neurological symptoms benefit from an additional MRI. In neurologically intact patients, an additional MRI retains value only when carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
    Tags: *Cervical Vertebrae/injuries/diagnostic imaging, *Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods, *Spinal Injuries/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis/therapy, *Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods, Adult, AG. MM receives the Swiss Heart Foundation Research Grant (2022), International, Cervical vertebrae, Clinical Decision-Making/methods, Computed tomography, Emergency Care Foundation Grant (2022), and Summer-School on Refugee and Migrant, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation unrelated to the underlying, Health-research grant from Burgergemeinde (2022)., Humans, Magnetic resonance imaging, Male, manuscript. FS has received honoraria and travel expenses from Geistlich Pharma, Middle Aged, Neck injuries, Neck Injuries/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis, Patient care management, Retrospective Studies, Spinal injuries.
  • Gysin-Maillart, A., Bettschen, D., Annaheim, P. Md, Brogna, S., Walther, S., Waern, M., Muller, M., Exadaktylos, A. K., and Klukowska-Rotzler, J. “Sociodemographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Older Adults With Suicide-Related Emergency Department Presentations”. J Aging Health: 8982643241261094. doi:10.1177/08982643241261094.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To identify characteristics of older adult emergency department (ED) patients aged >/=65 with suicidal ideation and/or behavior. METHODS: A single center retrospective chart review analyzed 392 patients (>/=65) with suicidal ideation and/or behavior (2013-2019). Comprehensive full-text searches were used. Subgroup analyses for age and gender were conducted. RESULTS: Depressive disorder was documented in 50% of cases. Notably, 54% of all women were prescribed antidepressants, compared to only 31% of men. Most patients had general medical conditions (74.5%) and chronic multimorbidity (71.2%). Social stress affected 40.1%; 35.7% were intoxicated upon presentation. Alcohol abuse was more common in the 65-74 age group, while dementia impacted 20% of those >/=75. Men had a six-fold higher 30-day post-discharge mortality. DISCUSSION: Older ED patients with suicidal ideation and/or behavior exhibit typical characteristics. The dementia prevalence suggests tailored care for those >/=75, and the heightened post-discharge mortality rate in older men requires further research.
    Tags: article., characteristics, emergency department, of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this, older adults, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation.
  • Kammer, J. E., Hautz, W. E., Krummrey, G., Sauter, T. C., Penders, D., Birrenbach, T., and Bienefeld, N. “Effects Of Interacting With A Large Language Model Compared With A Human Coach On The Clinical Diagnostic Process And Outcomes Among Fourth-Year Medical Students: Study Protocol For A Prospective, Randomised Experiment Using Patient Vignettes”. Bmj Open 14, no. 7: e087469. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087469.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Versatile large language models (LLMs) have the potential to augment diagnostic decision-making by assisting diagnosticians, thanks to their ability to engage in open-ended, natural conversations and their comprehensive knowledge access. Yet the novelty of LLMs in diagnostic decision-making introduces uncertainties regarding their impact. Clinicians unfamiliar with the use of LLMs in their professional context may rely on general attitudes towards LLMs more broadly, potentially hindering thoughtful use and critical evaluation of their input, leading to either over-reliance and lack of critical thinking or an unwillingness to use LLMs as diagnostic aids. To address these concerns, this study examines the influence on the diagnostic process and outcomes of interacting with an LLM compared with a human coach, and of prior training vs no training for interacting with either of these 'coaches'. Our findings aim to illuminate the potential benefits and risks of employing artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic decision-making. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are conducting a prospective, randomised experiment with N=158 fourth-year medical students from Charite Medical School, Berlin, Germany. Participants are asked to diagnose patient vignettes after being assigned to either a human coach or ChatGPT and after either training or no training (both between-subject factors). We are specifically collecting data on the effects of using either of these 'coaches' and of additional training on information search, number of hypotheses entertained, diagnostic accuracy and confidence. Statistical methods will include linear mixed effects models. Exploratory analyses of the interaction patterns and attitudes towards AI will also generate more generalisable knowledge about the role of AI in medicine. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Bern Cantonal Ethics Committee considered the study exempt from full ethical review (BASEC No: Req-2023-01396). All methods will be conducted in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Participation is voluntary and informed consent will be obtained. Results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals. Authorship will be determined according to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines.
    Tags: *Students, Medical/psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Competence, Clinical Decision-Making, Clinical Reasoning, Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods, Germany, Humans, Language, Medical education & training, Prospective Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic.
  • Matbouli, R., Pantet, O., Castioni, J., Vakilzadeh, N., Alberio, L., and Hugli, O. “Dabigatran Accumulation In Acute Kidney Injury: Is More Better Than Less To Prevent Bleeding? A Case Report”. Int J Emerg Med 17, no. 1: 91. doi:10.1186/s12245-024-00677-3.
    Abstract: Dabigatran is an oral anticoagulant that is mainly renally excreted. Despite its efficacy in preventing thromboembolic events, concerns arise regarding bleeding complications in patients with acute kidney injury. Idarucizumab is its specific antidote and reverses quickly and effectively dabigatran anticoagulation effects in situations of severe bleeding or pending surgical procedures, but its benefit beyond these two indications remains uncertain. We present a case of a woman with atrial fibrillation anticoagulated by dabigatran and admitted with Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis, acute kidney injury and dabigatran accumulation. Idarucizumab was not administered initially as she did not meet its current strict indications. However, subsequently, significant bleeding necessitated its use. A rebound increase in dabigatran concentration was associated with an intracranial hemorrhage, but the combination of additional doses of idarucizumab with hemodialysis lowered the dabigatran concentration and prevented significant rebound increases. Further investigation into the optimal management of dabigatran accumulation and acute kidney injury-associated bleeding is needed to enhance patient outcomes and safety. Early initiation of hemodialysis together with idarucizumab administration may be crucial in preventing life-threatening bleeding events in these patients.
  • Maqungo, S., Nicol, A., Yimam, H., Dey, R., Exadaktylos, A., and Laubscher, M. “Ct Scan-Based 3D Fracture Mapping In Civilian Gunshot Intracapsular Fractures Of The Femur Neck”. Injury 55, no. 10: 111723. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2024.111723.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Displaced intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures secondary to civilian gunshots are rare injuries with universally poor outcomes following surgical fixation. No studies have been published on fracture mapping in NOF fractures secondary to civilian gunshots. OBJECTIVES: We performed CT scan-based fracture mapping to identify the most common fracture patterns in these injuries. METHODS: Design: Retrospective search of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Single Level 1 Trauma hospital. Patient selection criteria: All patients presenting with gunshot fractures to the femur neck between 01 January 2009 and 31 December 2022 were identified. Once identified from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), computed tomography (CT) scans in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) format were imported into Mimics 16 software and fracture fragments were segmented and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction was generated. The reduced fractures were exported to 3-Matic software to merge the fragments and adjust the orientation in three planes. An uninjured femur model was used as a template for reduction. Fracture lines and heat maps were then generated. Our outcome measures were successful mapping of the identified fracture lines. RESULTS: A total of 25 intracapsular femur neck fractures were identified and suitable for CT scan mapping. All patients were male with an average age of 22 (range 18-32). Once generated, fracture maps were used to show the location, distribution and frequency of the fracture lines. In all but two cases the fracture line propagation remained within the confines of the hip joint capsule. In three cases there was fracture extension into the superior aspect of the femur head, and in one case extension into the inferior aspect. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to perform 3D fracture mapping for intracapsular femur neck fractures secondary to civilian gunshot injuries. The exercise has helped us better understand the commonest fracture patterns and assisted us with surgical planning and execution.
    Tags: *Femoral Neck Fractures/diagnostic imaging/surgery, *Imaging, Three-Dimensional, *Tomography, X-Ray Computed, *Wounds, Gunshot/diagnostic imaging, Adolescent, Adult, Civilian gunshot, competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared, Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods, fracture mapping, Humans, Male, neck of femur fractures, Retrospective Studies, to influence the work reported in this paper., Trauma Centers, Young Adult.
  • Bettschen, D., Tsichlaki, D., Chatzimichail, E., Klukowska-Rotzler, J., Muller, M., Sauter, T. C., Exadaktylos, A. K., Ziaka, M., Doulberis, M., and Burkhard, J. P. “Epidemiology Of Maxillofacial Trauma In Elderly Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulant Or Antithrombotic Medication; A Swiss Retrospective Study”. Bmc Emerg Med 24, no. 1: 121. doi:10.1186/s12873-024-01039-1.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: The percentage of elderly trauma patients under anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents has been rising lately. As newer agents are introduced, each comes with its own advantages and precautions. Our study covered elderly patients admitted to the ED with maxillofacial trauma while on anticoagulation (AC) or antiplatelet therapy (APT). We aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, causes, and types of maxillofacial trauma, along with concomitant injuries, duration of hospitalisation, haemorrhagic complications, and the overall costs of care in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Data were gathered from the ED of Bern University Hospital. In this retrospective analysis, patients over 65 of age were included, who presented at our ED with maxillofacial trauma between 2013 and 2019 while undergoing treatment with therapeutic AC/APT. RESULTS: The study involved 188 patients with a median age of 81 years (IQR: 81 [74; 87]), of whom 55.3% (n=104) were male. More than half (54.8%, n=103) were aged 80 years or older. Cardiovascular diseases were present in 69.7% (n=131) of the patients, with the most common indications for AC/APT use being previous thromboembolic events (41.5%, n=78) and atrial fibrillation (25.5%, n=48). The predominant cause of facial injury was falls, accounting for 83.5% (n=157) of cases, followed by bicycle accidents (6.9%, n=13) and road-traffic accidents (5.3%, n=10). The most common primary injuries were fractures of the orbital floor and/or medial/lateral wall (60.1%, n=113), zygomatic bone (30.3%, n=57), followed by isolated orbital floor fractures (23.4%, n=44) and nasal bone fractures (19.1%, n=36). Fractures of the mandible occurred in 14.9% (n=28). Facial hematomas occurred in 68.6% of patients (129 cases), primarily in the midface area. Relevant facial bleeding complications were intracerebral haemorrhage being the most frequent (28.2%, n=53), followed by epistaxis (12.2%, n=23) and retrobulbar/intraorbital hematoma (9%, n=17). Sixteen patients (8.5%) experienced heavy bleeding that required emergency treatment. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.1% (4 cases). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that falls are the leading cause of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly, with the most common diagnoses being orbital, zygomatic, and nasal fractures. Haemorrhagic complications primarily involve facial hematomas, especially in the middle third of the face, with intracerebral haemorrhage being the second most frequent. Surgical intervention for bleeding was required in 8.5% of cases. Given the aging population, it is essential to improve prevention strategies and update safety protocols, particularly for patients on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy (AC/APT). This can ensure rapid diagnostic imaging and prompt treatment in emergencies.
    Tags: *Anticoagulants/adverse effects/administration & dosage, *Maxillofacial Injuries/epidemiology, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anticoagulation, Antiplatelet therapy, Bleeding complications, Elderly falls, Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data, Female, Fibrinolytic Agents/administration & dosage/adverse effects, Fractures, Geriatric patients, Humans, Male, Maxillofacial injury, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/administration & dosage/adverse effects, Retrospective Studies, Switzerland/epidemiology.
  • Espejo, T., Chrobok, L., Nickel, C. H., and Bingisser, R. “Evaluating Cognitive Impairment In Emergency Department: Challenges With Screening Tools. Authors' Reply”. Eur J Intern Med 127: 139. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2024.06.024.
    Tags: *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis, *Emergency Service, Hospital, Humans, Mass Screening/methods/standards, Neuropsychological Tests.
  • Luijten, D., Douillet, D., Luijken, K., Tromeur, C., Penaloza, A., Hugli, O., Aujesky, D., et al. “Safety Of Treating Acute Pulmonary Embolism At Home: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis”. Eur Heart J 45, no. 32: 2933-2950. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehae378.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Home treatment is considered safe in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients selected by a validated triage tool (e.g. simplified PE severity index score or Hestia rule), but there is uncertainty regarding the applicability in underrepresented subgroups. The aim was to evaluate the safety of home treatment by performing an individual patient-level data meta-analysis. METHODS: Ten prospective cohort studies or randomized controlled trials were identified in a systematic search, totalling 2694 PE patients treated at home (discharged within 24 h) and identified by a predefined triage tool. The 14- and 30-day incidences of all-cause mortality and adverse events (combined endpoint of recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and/or all-cause mortality) were evaluated. The relative risk (RR) for 14- and 30-day mortalities and adverse events is calculated in subgroups using a random effects model. RESULTS: The 14- and 30-day mortalities were 0.11% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0-0.24, I2 = 0) and 0.30% (95% CI 0.09-0.51, I2 = 0). The 14- and 30-day incidences of adverse events were 0.56% (95% CI 0.28-0.84, I2 = 0) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.79-1.6, I2 = 0). Cancer was associated with increased 30-day mortality [RR 4.9; 95% prediction interval (PI) 2.7-9.1; I2 = 0]. Pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease, abnormal troponin, and abnormal (N-terminal pro-)B-type natriuretic peptide [(NT-pro)BNP] at presentation were associated with an increased incidence of 14-day adverse events [RR 3.5 (95% PI 1.5-7.9, I2 = 0), 2.5 (95% PI 1.3-4.9, I2 = 0), and 3.9 (95% PI 1.6-9.8, I2 = 0), respectively], but not mortality. At 30 days, cancer, abnormal troponin, and abnormal (NT-pro)BNP were associated with an increased incidence of adverse events [RR 2.7 (95% PI 1.4-5.2, I2 = 0), 2.9 (95% PI 1.5-5.7, I2 = 0), and 3.3 (95% PI 1.6-7.1, I2 = 0), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse events in home-treated PE patients, selected by a validated triage tool, was very low. Patients with cancer had a three- to five-fold higher incidence of adverse events and death. Patients with increased troponin or (NT-pro)BNP had a three-fold higher risk of adverse events, driven by recurrent venous thromboembolism and bleeding.
    Tags: *Pulmonary Embolism/mortality, Acute Disease, Aged, Anticoagulants/therapeutic use/adverse effects, Clinical decision-making, Early discharge, Emergency care, Female, Hemorrhage/epidemiology, Home Care Services, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood, Outpatient care, Prospective Studies, Pulmonary embolism, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic.
  • Edjinedja, K., Barakat, O., Desmettre, T., Marx, T., Elfahim, O., and Bredy-Maux, C. “Cross Approach Between Modern Artificial Intelligence And Emergency Medicine: A Review”. In, 1018 LNNS:278-297, 2024. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-62269-4_20.
    Abstract: The emergency department (ED) is an intricate facet of the healthcare system, including hospital and prehospital entities that interact closely to make quick and accurate decisions. Therefore, it is the initial point of interaction between medical professionals and individuals presenting an array of symptoms. Emergency physicians face several challenges, such as long hospital stays, diagnostic complexities, waiting times, and appropriate resource allocation dilemmas that arise from traditional medical practices. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the limitation of traditional healthcare methods and symbolic Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing the imperative need for solutions rooted in contemporary AI. The integration of modern AI into the sphere of Emergency Medicine (EM) provides promising insight into the future of emergency care, but few articles highlight these advances. The main objective of this scoping review is to provide the community with the importance of the cross-approach between modern AI and EM by highlighting all the hidden advances, limitations, and progress that can be made to improve ED. We also scrutinize modern AI systems, algorithms, and their complexity, as well as the ethics associated with using this cutting-edge technology in EM. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
  • Endner, N., Merz, H., Wallace, E., Lehmann, V., Nett, P., Penner, I. K., and Stettler, C. “Correlation Of Body Metrics, Assessed With A Portable Scanning Device, With Established Anthropometrics In People With Obesity”. Diabetes Obes Metab 26, no. 10: 4799-4802. doi:10.1111/dom.15776.
    Tags: *Anthropometry/methods, *Obesity, Adult, antiobesity drug, bariatric surgery, body composition, Body Mass Index, Female, Glp-1, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, obesity therapy, weight control.
  • Betti, C., Lavagno, C., Bianchetti, M. G., Kottanattu, L., Lava, S. A. G., Schera, F., Lacalamita, M. C., and Milani, G. P. “Transient Secondary Pseudo-Hypoaldosteronism In Infants With Urinary Tract Infections: Systematic Literature Review”. Eur J Pediatr 183, no. 10: 4205-4214. doi:10.1007/s00431-024-05676-3.
    Abstract: Infants with a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract sometimes present with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis due to under-responsiveness to aldosterone, hereafter referred to as secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism. The purpose of this report is to investigate pseudo-hypoaldosteronism in infant urinary tract infection. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines after PROSPERO (CRD42022364210) registration. The National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without limitations were used. Inclusion criteria involved pediatric cases with documented overt pseudo-hypoaldosteronism linked to urinary tract infection. Data extraction included demographics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, management, and course. Fifty-seven reports were selected, detailing 124 cases: 95 boys and 29 girls, 10 months or less of age (80% of cases were 4 months or less of age). The cases exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and activated renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system. An impaired kidney function was found in approximately every third case. Management included antibiotics, fluids, and, occasionally, emergency treatment of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or acidosis. The recovery time averaged 1 week for electrolyte, acid-base imbalance, and kidney function. Notably, anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were identified in 105 (85%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: This review expands the understanding of overt transient pseudo-hypoaldosteronism complicating urinary tract infection. Management involves antimicrobials, fluid replacement, and consideration of electrolyte imbalances. Raising awareness of this condition within pediatric hospitalists is desirable. WHAT IS KNOWN: * Infants affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract may present with clinical and laboratory features resembling primary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism. * Identical features occasionally occur in infant urinary tract infection. WHAT IS NEW: * Most cases of secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism associated with a urinary tract infection are concurrently affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract. * Treatment with antibiotics and parenteral fluids typically results in the normalization of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and creatinine within approximately 1 week.
    Tags: *Hypoaldosteronism/complications/diagnosis, *Urinary Tract Infections/complications/diagnosis, Acidosis, Acidosis/etiology/diagnosis, authors declare no conflicts of interest., Female, Humans, Hyperkalemia, Hyperkalemia/etiology/diagnosis, Hyponatremia, Hyponatremia/etiology/diagnosis, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Under-responsiveness to aldosterone, Urinary tract infection.
  • Volkert, D., Delzenne, N., Demirkan, K., Schneider, S., Abbasoglu, O., Bahat, G., Barazzoni, R., et al. “Nutrition For The Older Adult - Current Concepts. Report From An Espen Symposium”. Clin Nutr 43, no. 8: 1815-1824. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2024.06.020.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND & AIMS: In view of the global demographic shift, a scientific symposium was organised by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) to address nutrition-related challenges of the older population and provide an overview of the current state of knowledge. METHODS: Eighteen nutrition-related issues of the ageing global society were presented by international experts during the symposium and summarised in this report. RESULTS: Anorexia of ageing, dysphagia, malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and the metabolic syndrome were highlighted as major nutrition-related geriatric syndromes. Great progress has been made in recent years through standardised definitions of some but not all syndromes. Regarding malnutrition, the GLIM approach has shown to be suitable also in older adults, justifying its continuous implementation. For anorexia of ageing, a consensus definition is still required. Intervention approaches should be integrated and person-centered with the aim of optimizing intrinsic capacity and maintaining functional capacity. Landmark studies like EFFORT and FINGER have impressively documented the potential of individualised and multifactorial interventions for functional and health benefits. Combining nutritional intervention with physical training seems particularly important whereas restrictive diets and drug treatment should generally be used with caution because of undesirable risks. Obesity management in older adults should take into account the risk of promoting sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: In the future, even more individualised approaches like precision nutrition may enable better nutritional care. Meanwhile all stakeholders should focus on a better implementation of currently available strategies and work closely together to improve nutritional care for older adults.
    Tags: *Malnutrition/prevention & control/therapy, *Sarcopenia/therapy, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Ageing, Aging/physiology, Editors (ICMJE). None of the expert panel had to be excluded from the symposium, faculty or from coauthorship because of serious conflicts. The conflict of, Frailty, Geriatric Assessment/methods, Humans, interest according to the rules of the International Committee of Medical Journal, interest forms are stored at the ESPEN office and can be reviewed with legitimate, interest upon request to the ESPEN executive., Nutritional intervention, Nutritional Status, Obesity, Older adults, Report.
  • Ziaka, M., and Exadaktylos, A. “Gut-Derived Immune Cells And The Gut-Lung Axis In Ards”. Crit Care 28, no. 1: 220. doi:10.1186/s13054-024-05006-x.
    Abstract: The gut serves as a vital immunological organ orchestrating immune responses and influencing distant mucosal sites, notably the respiratory mucosa. It is increasingly recognized as a central driver of critical illnesses, with intestinal hyperpermeability facilitating bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation, and organ damage. The "gut-lung" axis emerges as a pivotal pathway, where gut-derived injurious factors trigger acute lung injury (ALI) through the systemic circulation. Direct and indirect effects of gut microbiota significantly impact immune responses. Dysbiosis, particularly intestinal dysbiosis, termed as an imbalance of microbial species and a reduction in microbial diversity within certain bodily microbiomes, influences adaptive immune responses, including differentiating T regulatory cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which are critical in various lung inflammatory conditions. Additionally, gut and bone marrow immune cells impact pulmonary immune activity, underscoring the complex gut-lung interplay. Moreover, lung microbiota alterations are implicated in diverse gut pathologies, affecting local and systemic immune landscapes. Notably, lung dysbiosis can reciprocally influence gut microbiota composition, indicating bidirectional gut-lung communication. In this review, we investigate the pathophysiology of ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), elucidating the role of immune cells in the gut-lung axis based on recent experimental and clinical research. This exploration aims to enhance understanding of ALI/ARDS pathogenesis and to underscore the significance of gut-lung interactions in respiratory diseases.
    Tags: *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology/immunology, *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/immunology/physiopathology/microbiology, Animals, Dysbiosis/physiopathology/immunology/complications, Humans, Lung/immunology/physiopathology/microbiology.
  • Magyar, U., Stalder, O., Baumgartner, C., Mean, M., Righini, M., Schuetz, P., Bassetti, S., Rodondi, N., Tritschler, T., and Aujesky, D. “Association Between Severity Of Pulmonary Embolism And Health-Related Quality Of Life”. J Thromb Haemost 22, no. 2: 516-525. doi:10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.016.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (QoL) impairment is common after pulmonary embolism (PE). Whether the severity of the initial PE has an impact on QoL is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between severity of PE and QoL over time. METHODS: We prospectively assessed PE-specific QoL using the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (lower scores indicate better QoL) questionnaire and generic QoL using the Short Form 36 (higher scores indicate better QoL) questionnaire at baseline and 3 and 12 months in older patients with acute PE. We examined whether QoL differed by PE severity based on hemodynamic status, simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI), right ventricular function, and high-sensitivity troponin T in mixed-effects models, adjusting for known QoL predictors after PE. RESULTS: Among 546 patients with PE (median age, 74 years), severe vs nonsevere PE based on the sPESI was associated with a worse PE-specific (adjusted mean Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life score difference of 6.1 [95% CI, 2.4-9.8] at baseline, 7.6 [95% CI, 4.0-11.3] at 3 months, and 6.7 [95% CI, 2.9-10.4] at 12 months) and physical generic QoL (adjusted mean Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary score difference of -3.8 [95% CI, -5.5 to -2.1] at baseline, -4.8 [95% CI, -6.4 to -3.1] at 3 months, and -4.1 [95% CI, -5.8 to -2.3] at 12 months). Elevated troponin levels were also associated with lower PE-specific QoL at 3 months and lower physical generic QoL at 3 and 12 months. QoL did not differ by hemodynamic status or right ventricular function. CONCLUSION: Severe PE based on the sPESI was consistently associated with worse PE-specific and physical generic QoL over time as compared to nonsevere PE.
    Tags: *Pulmonary Embolism/blood, *Quality of Life, *Severity of Illness Index, *Troponin T/blood, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Biomarkers/blood, disease severity, dyspnea, elderly, Female, Hemodynamics, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, pulmonary embolism, quality of life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Time Factors, Ventricular Function, Right.
  • Terhalle, L., Arntz, L., Hoffmann, F., Arnold, I., Hafner, L., Picking-Pitasch, L., Zuppinger, J., et al. “Nonspecific Stress Biomarkers For Mortality Prediction In Older Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Falls: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study”. Intern Emerg Med 20, no. 2: 585-595. doi:10.1007/s11739-024-03693-6.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Older patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after falling are increasingly prevalent. Falls are associated with functional decline and death. Biomarkers predicting short-term mortality might facilitate decisions regarding resource allocation and disposition. D-dimer levels are used to rule out thromboembolic disease, while copeptin and adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) may be used as measures of the patient;s stress level. These nonspecific biomarkers were selected as potential predictors for mortality. METHODS: Prospective, international, multicenter, cross-sectional observation was performed in two tertiary and two regional hospitals in Germany and Switzerland. Patients aged 65 years or older presenting to the ED after a fall were enrolled. Demographic data, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and D-dimers were collected upon presentation. Copeptin and MR-proADM levels were determined from frozen samples. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality; and secondary outcomes were mortality at 90, 180, and 365 days. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-two patients were included. Median age was 83 [IQR 78, 89] years, 236 (67.7%) were female. Mortality overall was 3.1% (30 d), 5.4% (90 d), 7.5% (180 d), and 13.8% (365 d), respectively. Non-survivors were older, had a lower ADL index and higher levels of all three biomarkers. Elevated levels of MR-proADM and D-dimer were associated with higher risk of mortality. MR-proADM and D-dimer showed high sensitivity and low negative likelihood ratio regarding short-term mortality, whereas copeptin did not. CONCLUSION: D-dimer and MR-proADM levels might be useful as prognostic markers in older patients presenting to the ED after a fall, by identifying patients at low risk of short-term mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02244983.
    Tags: *Accidental Falls/mortality/statistics & numerical data, *Biomarkers/blood/analysis, *Mortality/trends, according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent:, Adrenomedullin, Adrenomedullin/blood/analysis, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Biomarkers, Copeptin, Cross-Sectional Studies, D-dimer, data, disclose. Ethical approval, Human and animal rights: This study was approved by, Emergency department, Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration/statistics & numerical, fall and provided informed consent, were enrolled in the study, Female, Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis, Germany, Glycopeptides/blood/analysis, Humans, Male, Mortality prediction, Patients, aged 65 years and older, who presented to the ED within 24 h after a, Peptide Fragments/blood/analysis, Prospective Studies, Switzerland, the local ethics committee (identifier 2014-184, ww.eknz.ch) and conducted.
  • Donner, V., Beuret, H., Savoy, S., Ribordy, V., and Sadeghi, C. D. “The Wolf In Sheep's Clothing: Vasovagal Syncope In Acute Aortic Dissection”. Int J Emerg Med 17, no. 1: 80. doi:10.1186/s12245-024-00664-8.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: The presentation of acute aortic dissection can pose a challenge for emergency physicians, as it may occur without pain. Atypical presentations can lead to significant delays in diagnosis and increased mortality rates. CASE DESCRIPTION: Our case illustrates that isolated painless syncope can be a rare presenting symptom of acute aortic dissection type A. What is unique about our case is the limited extension of the dissection tear and the availability of Holter monitoring during the syncopal episode. CONCLUSION: This constellation provides insight into the pathophysiological mechanism of the syncope in this patient. Mechanisms of syncope related to acute aortic dissection are diverse. We show that vasovagal activation not related to pain can be the underlying mechanism of syncope in acute aortic dissection type A. Although excessive vasovagal tone in the setting of aortic dissection has been hypothesized in the past, it has never been as clearly illustrated as in the present case. This also highlights the challenge in risk stratification of syncope in the emergency department.
    Tags: Acute aortic dissection, Aortic arch baroreflex, Aortic depressor nerve, Painless aortic dissection, Risk stratification, Vasovagal syncope.
  • Cazzaniga, S., Heidemeyer, K., Zahn, C. A., Seyed Jafari, S. M., Sauter, T. C., Naldi, L., and Borradori, L. “Dermatological Emergencies And Determinants Of Hospitalization In Switzerland: A Retrospective Study”. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 39, no. 5: 1001-1010. doi:10.1111/jdv.20176.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dermatologic conditions are estimated to account worldwide for approximately 8% of all visits at emergency departments (EDs). Although rarely life-threatening, several dermatologic emergencies may have a high morbidity. Little is known about ED consultations of patients with dermatological emergencies and their subsequent hospital disposal. OBJECTIVE: We explore determinants and clinical variables affecting patients' disposal and hospitalization of people attending the ED at a Swiss University Hospital, over a 56-month observational period, for a dermatological problem. METHODS: De-identified patients' information was extracted from the hospital electronic medical record system. Generalized estimating equations were used to explore determinants of patient's disposition. RESULTS: Out of 5096 consecutive patients with a dermatological main problem evaluated at the ED, 79% of patients were hospitalized after initial assessment. In multivariable analyses, factors which were significantly associated with an increased admission rate included length of ED stay, age >/= 45 years, male sex, distinct vital signs, high body mass index, low oxygen saturation, admission time in the ED and number and type of dermatological diagnoses. Only 2.2% of the hospitalized patients were admitted to a dermatology ward, despite the fact that they had dermatological diagnoses critically determining the diagnostic related group (DRG) payment. The number of patients managed by dermatologists during in-patient treatment significantly decreased over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies a number of independent predictors affecting the risk of hospital admission for patients with dermatological conditions, which may be useful to improve patients' disposal in EDs. The results indicate that the dermatological specialty is becoming increasingly marginalized in the management of patients in the Swiss hospital setting. This trend may have significant implications for the delivery of adequate medical care, outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Dermatologists should be more engaged to better position their specialty and to effectively collaborate with nondermatologists to enhance patient care.
    Tags: *Emergencies, *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data, *Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data, *Skin Diseases/therapy/epidemiology/diagnosis, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Length of Stay, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Switzerland, Young Adult.
  • Kammer, J. E., Boos, M., and Seelandt, J. C. “Editorial: Promoting Teamwork In Healthcare”. Front Psychol 15: 1422543. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1422543.
    Tags: commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential, conflict of interest., healthcare (MeSH), interprofessional collaboration, Interprofessional communication, Interprofessional education (IPE), patient safety, team performance analysis, teamwork.
  • Germann, S., Wimmer, R., Laager, R., Mueller, B., Schuetz, P., Kaegi-Braun, N., and Kutz, A. “Long-Term Outcomes In Patients With Cushing's Disease Vs Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma After Pituitary Surgery: An Active-Comparator Cohort Study”. Eur J Endocrinol 191, no. 1: 97-105. doi:10.1093/ejendo/lvae069.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence that multisystem morbidity in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) is only partially reversible following treatment. We investigated complications from multiple organs in hospitalized patients with CD compared to patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) after pituitary surgery. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office between January 2012 and December 2021. METHODS: Through 1:5 propensity score matching, we compared hospitalized patients undergoing pituitary surgery for CD or NFPA, addressing demographic differences. The primary composite endpoint included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events (ie, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and ischemic stroke), hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, sepsis, severe thromboembolic events, and fractures in need of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints comprised individual components of the primary endpoint and surgical reintervention due to disease persistence or recurrence. RESULTS: After matching, 116 patients with CD (mean age 45.4 years [SD, 14.4], 75.0% female) and 396 with NFPA (47.3 years [14.3], 69.7% female) were included and followed for a median time of 50.0 months (IQR 23.5, 82.0) after pituitary surgery. Cushing's disease presence was associated with a higher incidence rate of the primary endpoint (40.6 vs 15.7 events per 1000 person-years, hazard ratio [HR] 2.75; 95% CI, 1.54-4.90). Cushing's disease patients also showed increased hospitalization rates for psychiatric disorders (HR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.59-6.71) and a trend for sepsis (HR 3.15; 95% CI, .95-10.40). CONCLUSIONS: Even after pituitary surgery, CD patients faced a higher hazard of complications, especially psychiatric hospitalizations and sepsis.
    Tags: *Adenoma/surgery/complications, *Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/surgery/epidemiology, *Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery/complications, Adult, Aged, Cohort Studies, Cushing's disease, Female, Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data, Humans, long-term-outcome, Male, Middle Aged, Pituitary Gland/surgery, pituitary surgery, Postoperative Complications/epidemiology/etiology, psychiatric disorders, Retrospective Studies, sepsis, Switzerland/epidemiology, Treatment Outcome.
  • Waters, M. L., Dargan, P. I., Yates, C., Dines, A. M., Eyer, F., Giraudon, I., Heyerdahl, F., et al. “Clinical Effects Of Cannabis Compared To Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (Scras): A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Presentations With Acute Toxicity To European Hospitals Between 2013 And 2020”. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 62, no. 6: 378-384. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2346125.
    Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Cannabis is the most common recreational drug worldwide and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are currently the largest group of new psychoactive substances. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features and outcomes of lone acute cannabis toxicity with lone acute synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist toxicity in a large series of presentations to European emergency departments between 2013-2020. METHODS: Self-reported drug exposure, clinical, and outcome data were extracted from the European Drug Emergencies Network Plus which is a surveillance network that records data on drug-related emergency department presentations to 36 centres in 24 European countries. Cannabis exposure was considered the control in all analyses. To compare the lone cannabis and lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist groups, univariate analysis using chi squared testing was used for categorical variables and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U- testing for continuous variables. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of <0.05. RESULTS: Between 2013-2020 there were 54,314 drug related presentations of which 2,657 were lone cannabis exposures and 503 lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist exposures. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist presentations had statistically significantly higher rates of drowsiness, coma, agitation, seizures and bradycardia at the time of presentation. Cannabis presentations were significantly more likely to have palpitations, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, vomiting and headache. DISCUSSION: Emergency department presentations involving lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist exposures were more likely to have neuropsychiatric features and be admitted to a psychiatric ward, and lone cannabis exposures were more likely to have cardiovascular features. Previous studies have shown variability in the acute toxicity of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists compared with cannabis but there is little comparative data available on lone exposures. There is limited direct comparison in the current literature between lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist and lone cannabis exposure, with only two previous poison centre series and two clinical series. Whilst this study is limited by self-report being used to identify the drug(s) involved in the presentations, previous studies have demonstrated that self-report is reliable in emergency department presentations with acute drug toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study directly compares presentations with acute drug toxicity related to the lone use of cannabis or synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. It supports previous findings of increased neuropsychiatric toxicity from synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists compared to cannabis and provides further data on cardiovascular toxicity in lone cannabis use.
    Tags: *Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/toxicity, *Emergency Service, Hospital, acute toxicity, Adolescent, Adult, Cannabinoids/toxicity, cannabis, Cannabis/toxicity, cardiotoxicity, Euro-DEN, Europe/epidemiology, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, neurotoxicity, new psychoactive substances, Nps, overdose, Retrospective Studies, Scra, Synthetic cannabinoid receptor antagonist, Young Adult.
  • Taheri, O., Mauny, F., Ray, P., and Desmettre, T. “Authors' Response To Comment On 'Acute Heart Failure In Elderly Patients Admitted To The Emergency Department With Acute Dyspnea: A Multimarker Approach Diagnostic Study'”. Eur J Emerg Med 31, no. 4: 297-298. doi:10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001125.
    Tags: *Biomarkers/blood, *Dyspnea/etiology/diagnosis, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Heart Failure/diagnosis, Acute Disease, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Male, Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood.
  • Pfister, J., Shazwani, F. N., Muller, M., and Burkhard, J. P. “Clinical Results Of Two Different Three-Dimensional Plate Types For The Treatment Of Mandibular Angle Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis”. Oral Maxillofac Surg 28, no. 4: 1501-1507. doi:10.1007/s10006-024-01275-6.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare two different designs of three-dimensional osteosynthesis plates for their suitability in the treatment of mandibular angle fractures in terms of sufficient fracture healing and concomitant complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively a total of 54 patients with 56 mandibular angle fractures were evaluated. Two different types of three-dimensional plates from the Medartis Trilock system were analyzed: (A) Square design plate (☐-plate) with a thickness of 1.0 mm, and (B) triangular-shaped 3D-plate ( big up tri, open-plate) with a thickness of 1.3 mm. Patient demographics, fracture mechanism and intraoperative details were recorded during an average follow-up period of 1 year. RESULTS: The utilization of big up tri, open-plates was observed to entail a considerably lengthier surgical time in contrast to ☐-plate systems (P = 0.037). The application of big up tri, open-plate showed a tendency of higher incidence of major complications than ☐-plate (P = 0.06), as evidenced by the occurrence of non-union in 2 out of 22 cases, resulting in higher surgical revision rate for big up tri, open-plate (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Sufficient treatment of mandibular angle fractures is feasible by using 1.0 mm thick, square shaped three-dimensional plate systems. The use of thicker three-dimensional osteosynthesis plates seems to significantly increase the operating time and complication rates, whereby the geometry of the plate seems to have an influence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The plate design could have an impact on treatment outcomes of mandibular angle fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
    Tags: *Bone Plates, *Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation/methods, *Mandibular Fractures/surgery/diagnostic imaging, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Female, Fracture Healing/physiology, Humans, interests., Male, Mandibular angle fracture, Middle Aged, Operative Time, Plate design, Postoperative Complications/etiology, Retrospective Studies, Stress shielding, Three-dimensional plate types, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult.
  • Lopez-Ayala, P., Boeddinghaus, J., Nestelberger, T., Koechlin, L., Zimmermann, T., Bima, P., Glaeser, J., et al. “External Validation Of The Myocardial-Ischaemic-Injury-Index Machine Learning Algorithm For The Early Diagnosis Of Myocardial Infarction: A Multicentre Cohort Study”. Lancet Digit Health 6, no. 7: e480-e488. doi:10.1016/S2589-7500(24)00088-8.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: The myocardial-ischaemic-injury-index (MI(3)) is a novel machine learning algorithm for the early diagnosis of type 1 non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The performance of MI(3), both when using early serial blood draws (eg, at 1 h or 2 h) and in direct comparison with guideline-recommended algorithms, remains unknown. Our aim was to externally validate MI(3) and compare its performance with that of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1h-algorithm. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of a multicentre international diagnostic cohort study, adult patients (age >18 years) presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled from April 21, 2006, to Feb 27, 2019 in 12 centres from five European countries (Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Czech Republic). Patients were excluded if they presented with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, did not have at least two serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) measurements, or if the final diagnosis remained unclear. The final diagnosis was centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available medical records, including serial hs-cTnI measurements and cardiac imaging. The primary outcome was type 1 NSTEMI. The performance of MI(3) was directly compared with that of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm. FINDINGS: Among 6487 patients, (median age 61.0 years [IQR 49.0-73.0]; 2122 [33%] female and 4365 [67%] male), 882 (13.6%) patients had type 1 NSTEMI. The median time difference between the first and second hs-cTnI measurement was 60.0 mins (IQR 57.0-70.0). MI(3) performance was very good, with an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.961 (95% CI 0.957 to 0.965) and a good overall calibration (intercept -0.09 [-0.2 to 0.02]; slope 1.02 [0.97 to 1.08]). The originally defined MI(3) score of less than 1.6 identified 4186 (64.5%) patients as low probability of having a type 1 NSTEMI (sensitivity 99.1% [95% CI 98.2 to 99.5]; negative predictive value [NPV] 99.8% [95% CI 99.6 to 99.9]) and an MI(3) score of 49.7 or more identified 915 (14.1%) patients as high probability of having a type 1 NSTEMI (specificity 95.0% [94.3 to 95.5]; positive predictive value [PPV] 69.1% [66.0-72.0]). The sensitivity and NPV of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm were higher than that of MI(3) (difference for sensitivity 0.88% [0.19 to 1.60], p=0.0082; difference for NPV 0.18% [0.05 to 0.32], p=0.016), and the rule-out efficacy was higher for MI(3) (11% difference, p<0.0001). Specificity and PPV for MI(3) were superior (difference for specificity 3.80% [3.24 to 4.36], p<0.0001; difference for PPV 7.84% [5.86 to 9.97], p<0.0001), and the rule-in efficacy was higher for the ESC 0/1h-algorithm (5.4% difference, p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: MI(3) performs very well in diagnosing type 1 NSTEMI, demonstrating comparability to the ESC 0/1h-algorithm in an emergency department setting when using early serial blood draws. FUNDING: Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation, the EU, the University Hospital Basel, the University of Basel, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Roche, Idorsia, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Quidel, Siemens, and Singulex.
    Tags: *Algorithms, *Early Diagnosis, *Machine Learning, *Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis, Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Gottfried and Julia, Aged, and speaker honoraria from Roche Diagnostics, Abbott, and Siemens, paid to their, and speaker honoraria from Siemens, outside the, and speaker honoraria or consulting honoraria, and speaker or consulting honoraria or research support from Edwards, Bangerter-Rhyner-Foundation, Bangerter-Rhyner-Foundation, and the Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft Basel, Biomarkers/blood, Clinical Diagnostics, and Orion Pharma, outside the submitted work. LK has, Cohort Studies, Emergency Service, Hospital, Europe, Female, Foundation (FF20079 and FF21103) and speaker's honoraria from Quidel, paid to, Foundation (P400PM_191037/1), the Prof Dr Max Cloetta Foundation, the Margarete, from Abbott, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers, from the University of Basel and the Division of Internal Medicine, the Swiss, Humans, Idorsia, LSI Medience Corporation, Novartis, Ortho Diagnostics, Quidel, Roche,, institution and outside the submitted work. PB has received a research grant from, institution. All other authors declare no competing interests., Lifesciences, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Bayer, Ortho, Male, Middle Aged, Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis, of Basel, the University Hospital Basel, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Brahms,, Prospective Studies, received a research grant from the Swiss Heart Foundation, University of Basel,, Siemens, Singulex, and Sphingotec, Squibb, Idorsia, Novartis, Osler, Roche, and Sanofi, all paid to their, submitted work. TN has received research support from the Swiss National Science, the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences, the Gottfried and Julia, the Swiss Heart Foundation (FF23062). CM reports receiving research support from, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Heart Foundation, the University, their institution and outside the submitted work. JB has received research grants, Troponin I/blood, und Walter Lichtenstein-Stiftung (3MS1038), and the University Hospital Basel.
  • Chrobok, L., Espejo, T., Riedel, H. B., Kirchberger, J., Overberg, J. A., Felber, F., Perrot, G., Nickel, C. H., and Bingisser, R. “On-Site Physiotherapy In Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. J Clin Med 13, no. 11. doi:10.3390/jcm13113149.
    Abstract: Background: There is a high incidence of nonspecific Low Back Pain (LBP) in patients visiting Emergency Departments (EDs), but there is a lack of knowledge regarding emergency physiotherapy for LBP. The effect of on-site physiotherapy in these patients was therefore never demonstrated. We assessed short-term outcomes, feasibility and patient satisfaction with physiotherapy in ED patients presenting with nonspecific LBP. Methods: A block-randomized, controlled, open-label trial with a follow-up of 42 days. Patients aged 18 years or older presenting to an ED with nonspecific LBP were prospectively enrolled. Both groups received the same booklet with written information on LBP management and exercises. Patients in the intervention group were given additional instructions by a certified physiotherapist. Results: We included 86 patients in the primary analysis. The median age was 40, and 40.7% were female. At day 7, the median Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 2 points lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, which was not statistically significant. There was no between-group difference in pain at day 7. Patients who received physiotherapy felt significantly more confident with the exercises they were taught (p = 0.004, effect size = 0.3 [95% CI 0.1 to 0.5]). Conclusions: On-site physiotherapy in ED patients presenting with nonspecific low back pain is associated with higher patient satisfaction, compared to standard of care. The effect of physiotherapy was small, with only minimal improvement in disability, but without a reduction in pain. Despite the very small effect size, physiotherapeutic interventions should be investigated in larger cohorts with an extended intervention including patient education, exercises, and other physiotherapeutic modalities.
    Tags: disability, emergency department, feasibility, nonspecific low back pain, physiotherapy, randomized controlled trial, satisfaction.
  • Xourgia, E., Exadaktylos, A. K., Chalkias, A., and Ziaka, M. “Angiotensin Ii In The Treatment Of Distributive Shock: A Systematic-Review And Meta-Analysis”. Shock 62, no. 2: 155-164. doi:10.1097/SHK.0000000000002384.
    Abstract: Objective: While nonnorepinephrine vasopressors are increasingly used as a rescue therapy in cases of norepinephrine-refractory shock, data on their efficacy are limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing literature on the efficacy of angiotensin II (ATII) in distributive shock. Methods: We preregistered our meta-analysis with PROSPERO (CRD42023456136). We searched PubMed, Scopus, and gray literature for studies presenting outcomes on ATII use in distributive shock. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was all-cause mortality. We used a random effects model to calculate pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: By incorporating data from 1,555 patients included in 10 studies, we found that however, all-cause mortality was similar among patients receiving ATII and controls (RR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.16, P = 0.81), the reduction in norepinephrine or norepinephrine-equivalent dose at 3 h after treatment initiation was greater among patients receiving ATII (MD = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.02, P = 0.008), while there were no higher rates of adverse events reported among ATII patients. Conclusions: While ATII did not reduce mortality among distributive shock patients, it allowed for significant adjunctive vasopressor reduction at 3 h without an increase in reported adverse events, deeming it a viable alternative for the increasingly adopted multimodal vasopressor for minimizing catecholamine exposure and its adverse events.
    Tags: *Angiotensin II/therapeutic use, *Shock/drug therapy, *Vasoconstrictor Agents/therapeutic use, Humans, Norepinephrine/therapeutic use.
  • Lidzba, K., Afridi, Z., Romano, F., Wingeier, K., Bigi, S., and Studer, M. “Impaired Episodic Verbal Memory Recall After 1 Week And Elevated Forgetting In Children After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Results From A Short-Term Longitudinal Study”. Front Psychol 15: 1359566. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1359566.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: There is preliminary evidence that children after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF), i.e., an adequate learning and memory performance in standardized memory tests, but an excessive rate of forgetting over delays of days or weeks. The main aim of this study was to investigate episodic memory performance, including delayed retrieval 1 week after learning, in children after mild TBI (mTBI). METHODS: This prospective study with two time-points (T1: 1 week after injury and T2: 3-6 months after injury), included data of 64 children after mTBI and 57 healthy control children aged between 8 and 16 years. We assessed episodic learning and memory using an auditory word learning test and compared executive functions (interference control, working memory, semantic fluency and flexibility) and divided attention between groups. We explored correlations between memory performance and executive functions. Furthermore, we examined predictive factors for delayed memory retrieval 1 week after learning as well as for forgetting over time. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, patients showed an impaired delayed recall and recognition performance 3-6 months after injury. Executive functions, but not divided attention, were reduced in children after mTBI. Furthermore, parents rated episodic memory as impaired 3-6 months after injury. Additionally, verbal learning and group, but not executive functions, were predictive for delayed recall performance at both time-points, whereas forgetting was predicted by group. DISCUSSION: Delayed recall and forgetting over time were significantly different between groups, both post-acutely and in the chronic phase after pediatric mTBI, even in a very mildly injured patient sample. Delayed memory performance should be included in clinical evaluations of episodic memory and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of ALF.
    Tags: accelerated long-term forgetting, commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential, conflict of interest., delayed episodic memory recall, executive functions, memory consolidation, mild traumatic brain injury.
  • Birrenbach, T., Stuber, R., Muller, C. E., Sutter, P. M., Hautz, W. E., Exadaktylos, A. K., Muller, M., Wespi, R., and Sauter, T. C. “Virtual Reality Simulation To Enhance Advanced Trauma Life Support Trainings - A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Bmc Med Educ 24, no. 1: 666. doi:10.1186/s12909-024-05645-2.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is the gold standard of initial assessment of trauma patients and therefore a widely used training program for medical professionals. Practical application of the knowledge taught can be challenging for medical students and inexperienced clinicians. Simulation-based training, including virtual reality (VR), has proven to be a valuable adjunct to real-world experiences in trauma education. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR simulations for surgical and technical skills training. However, there is limited evidence on VR simulation training specifically for trauma education, particularly within the ATLS curriculum. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptance of using a fully immersive VR trauma simulation to prepare medical students for the ATLS course. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised controlled pilot study on a convenience sample of advanced medical students (n = 56; intervention group with adjunct training using a commercially available semi-automated trauma VR simulation, n = 28, vs control group, n = 28) taking part in the ATLS course of the Military Physician Officer School. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating factors related to technical factors of the VR training (e.g. rate of interruptions and premature termination). Objective and subjective effectiveness was assessed using confidence ratings at four pre-specified points in the curriculum, validated surveys, clinical scenario scores, multiple choice knowledge tests, and ATLS final clinical scenario and course pass rates. Acceptance was measured using validated instruments to assess variables of media use (Technology acceptance, usability, presence and immersion, workload, and user satisfaction). RESULTS: The feasibility assessment demonstrated that only one premature termination occurred and that all remaining participants in the intervention group correctly stabilised the patient. No significant differences between the two groups in terms of objective effectiveness were observed (p = 0.832 and p = 0.237 for the pretest and final knowledge test, respectively; p = 0.485 for the pass rates for the final clinical scenario on the first attempt; all participants passed the ATLS course). In terms of subjective effectiveness, the authors found significantly improved confidence post-VR intervention (p < .001) in providing emergency care using the ATLS principles. Perceived usefulness in the TEI was stated with a mean of 4 (SD 0.8; range 0-5). Overall acceptance and usability of the VR simulation was rated as positive (System Usability Scale total score mean 79.4 (SD 11.3, range 0-100). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this prospective pilot study indicate the potential of using VR trauma simulations as a feasible and acceptable supplementary tool for the ATLS training course. Where objective effectiveness regarding test and scenario scores remained unchanged, subjective effectiveness demonstrated improvement. Future research should focus on identifying specific scenarios and domains where VR can outperform or enhance traditional learning methods in trauma simulation.
    Tags: (grant TCR 14/17) as well with an in-house grant of the Clinical Trial Unit and, *Advanced Trauma Life Support Care, *Simulation Training, *Virtual Reality, Academy of Medical Sciences through the "Young Talents in Clinical Research", Adult, Atls, Clinical Competence, Curriculum, decision to publish. The other authors declare that they have no competing, Educational Measurement, Feasibility Studies, Female, Healthcare UK, Mundipharma Medical Switzerland, VisualDx USA, all outside the, Humans, interests., Male, MDI International Australia, and SIWF, all outside the submitted work.WEH has, Medical education, Pilot Projects, professorship of emergency telemedicine at the University of Bern sponsored by, Prospective Studies, received financial support for a congress he chaired from EBSCO Germany, Isabel, research grants from the Swiss heart foundation.TCS holds the endowed, Science foundation, Zoll foundation, Drager Medical Germany, Mundipharma Research, Simulation, Students, Medical, submitted work. WEH has provided paid consultancies to AO foundation Switzerland,, submitted work.MM has been funded by the Bangerter Foundation and the Swiss, the Touring Club Switzerland. The sponsor has no influence on the research or, Trauma management, UK, MDI International Australia, Roche Diagnostics Germany, all outside the, Virtual reality, Young Adult.
  • Girardello, C., Carron, P. N., Dami, F., Darioli, V., Pasquier, M., and Ageron, F. X. “Evaluation Of The Prehospital Administration Of Tranexamic Acid For Injured Patients: A State-Wide Observational Study With Sex And Age-Disaggregated Analysis”. Emerg Med J 41, no. 8: 452-458. doi:10.1136/emermed-2023-213806.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) decreases mortality in injured patients and should be administered as soon as possible. Despite international guidelines recommending TXA in the prehospital setting, its use remains low. The aim of this study was to assess the prehospital administration of TXA for injured patients in a Swiss region. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in Switzerland between 2018 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were injured patients >/=18 years for whom an ambulance or helicopter was dispatched. The exclusion criterion was minor injury defined by a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics score <3. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients treated with TXA according to guidelines. The European guidelines were represented by the risk of death from bleeding (calculated retrospectively using the Bleeding Audit for Trauma and Triage (BATT) score). Factors impacting the likelihood of receiving TXA were assessed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 13 944 patients included in the study, 2401 (17.2%) were considered at risk of death from bleeding. Among these, 257 (11%) received prehospital TXA. This represented 38% of those meeting US guidelines. For European guidelines, the treatment rate increased with the risk of death from bleeding: 6% (95% CI 4.4% to 7.0%) for low risk (BATT score 3-4); 13% (95% CI 11.1% to 15.9%) for intermediate risk (BATT score 5-7); and 21% (95% CI 17.6% to 25.6%) for high risk (BATT score >/=8) (p<0.01). Women and the elderly were treated less often than men and younger patients, irrespective of the risk of death from bleeding and the mechanism of injury. CONCLUSION: The proportion of injured patients receiving TXA in the prehospital setting of the State of Vaud in Switzerland was low, with even lower rates for women and older patients. The reasons for this undertreatment are probably multifactorial and would require specific studies to clarify and correct them.
    Tags: *Antifibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage, *Emergency Medical Services/methods/standards/statistics & numerical data, *Tranexamic Acid/administration & dosage/therapeutic use, *Wounds and Injuries/drug therapy/complications, Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Hemorrhage/drug therapy, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Observational Study, pre-hospital, Retrospective Studies, Sex Factors, Switzerland, trauma.
  • Riedel, H. B., Espejo, T., Dreher-Hummel, T., Bingisser, R., and Nickel, C. H. “Screening For Elder Mistreatment In A Swiss Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study”. Swiss Med Wkly 154, no. 6: 3775. doi:10.57187/s.3775.
    Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY: The mistreatment of older adults is a global and complex problem with varying prevalence. As there are no data on the prevalence of elder mistreatment in European emergency department populations, we aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Emergency Department Senior Abuse Identification (ED Senior AID) tool for German use, assess the positive screen rate for elder mistreatment with the German version, and compare characteristics of patients who screened positive and negative. METHODS: To assess the prevalence of elder mistreatment, we created a German version of the ED Senior AID tool. This tool identifies intentional or negligent actions by a caregiver or trusted person that cause harm or risk to an older adult. Then, the German ED Senior AID tool was applied to all consecutively presenting patients aged >/=65 years at our academic emergency department in the Northwest of Switzerland from 25 April to 30 May 2022. Usability was defined as the percentage of patients with completed assessments using the German ED Senior AID tool. RESULTS: We included 1010 patients aged >/=65 years, of whom 29 (2.9%) screened positive with the ED Senior AID tool. The patients who screened positive were older, more severely cognitively impaired, hospitalised more frequently, and presented with higher frailty scores than those who screened negative. Mortality up to 100 days after presentation was comparable in all patients (p = 0.861), regardless of their screening result. The tool showed good usability, with 73% of assessments completed. CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective investigation on the prevalence of elder mistreatment in a European emergency department setting. Overall, 2.9% of patients screened positive using a validated screening tool translated into German. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the National Institute of Health on ClinicalTrials.gov with the registration number NCT05400707.
    Tags: *Elder Abuse/diagnosis/statistics & numerical data, *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data, *Mass Screening/methods, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Geriatric Assessment/methods, Humans, Male, Prevalence, Prospective Studies, Switzerland/epidemiology.
  • Klug, J., and Pietsch, U. “Can Artificial Intelligence Help For Scientific Illustration? Details Matter”. Crit Care 28, no. 1: 196. doi:10.1186/s13054-024-04970-8.
    Tags: *Artificial Intelligence/trends/standards.
  • Schuetz, P. “More Effort Is Needed To Understand How To Individualize Optimal Protein Targets To The Needs Of Patients Who Are Critically Ill”. Chest 165, no. 6: 1280-1281. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2024.02.021.
    Tags: *Critical Illness/therapy, Abbott Nutrition., Critical Care/methods, following: P. S. has received research support from Nestle Health Science and, Humans, Precision Medicine/methods.
  • Ahmad, S. J., Degiannis, J. R., Borucki, J., Pouwels, S., Rawaf, D. L., Lala, A., Whiteley, G. S., et al. “Fatality Rates After Infection With The Omicron Variant (B.1.1.529): How Deadly Has It Been? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis”. J Acute Med 14, no. 2: 51-60. doi:10.6705/j.jacme.202406_14(2).0001.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Since late 2019, the global community has been gripped by the uncertainty surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In November 2021, the emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa added a new dimension. This study aims to assess the disease's severity and determine the extent to which vaccinations contribute to reducing mortality rates. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological implications of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 were performed, incorporating an analysis of articles from November 2021that address mortality rates. RESULTS: The analysis incorporated data from 3,214,869 patients infected with omicron, as presented in 270 articles. A total of 6,782 deaths from the virus were recorded (0.21%). In the analysed articles, the pooled mortality rate was 0.003 and the pooled in-house mortality rate was 0.036. Vaccination is an effective step in preventing death (odds ratio: 0.391, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The mortality rates for the omicron variant are lower than for the preceding delta variant. mRNA vaccination affords secure and effective protection against severe disease and death from omicron.
    Tags: B.1.1.529, Covid-19, ICU care, intensive care, Omicron, SARS-CoV-2.
  • Ahmad, S. J., Head, M., and Ahmed, A. R. “Understanding Early Predictors And Inflammatory Markers For Mid-Term Outcomes In Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy”. Obes Surg 34, no. 7: 2329-2330. doi:10.1007/s11695-024-07347-6.
    Tags: *Biomarkers/blood, *Laparoscopy, *Obesity, Morbid/surgery, Adult, Female, Gastrectomy/methods, Humans, Male, Treatment Outcome, Weight Loss.
  • Camporesi, S., Xin, L., Golay, P., Eap, C. B., Cleusix, M., Cuenod, M., Fournier, M., et al. “Neurocognition And Nmdar Co-Agonists Pathways In Individuals With Treatment Resistant First-Episode Psychosis: A 3-Year Follow-Up Longitudinal Study”. Mol Psychiatry 29, no. 11: 3669-3679. doi:10.1038/s41380-024-02631-4.
    Abstract: This study aims to determine whether 1) individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia display early cognitive impairment compared to treatment-responders and healthy controls and 2) N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor hypofunction is an underlying mechanism of cognitive deficits in treatment-resistance. In this case‒control 3-year-follow-up longitudinal study, n = 697 patients with first-episode psychosis, aged 18 to 35, were screened for Treatment Response and Resistance in Psychosis criteria through an algorithm that assigns patients to responder, limited-response or treatment-resistant category (respectively resistant to 0, 1 or 2 antipsychotics). Assessments at baseline: MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery; N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor co-agonists biomarkers in brain by MRS (prefrontal glutamate levels) and plasma (D-serine and glutamate pathways key markers). Patients were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 114). Results: patient mean age 23, 27% female. Treatment-resistant (n = 51) showed lower scores than responders (n = 183) in processing speed, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning and visual learning. Limited responders (n = 59) displayed an intermediary phenotype. Treatment-resistant and limited responders were merged in one group for the subsequent D-serine and glutamate pathway analyses. This group showed D-serine pathway dysregulation, with lower levels of the enzymes serine racemase and serine-hydroxymethyltransferase 1, and higher levels of the glutamate-cysteine transporter 3 than in responders. Better cognition was associated with higher D-serine and lower glutamate-cysteine transporter 3 levels only in responders; this association was disrupted in the treatment resistant group. Treatment resistant patients and limited responders displayed early cognitive and persistent functioning impairment. The dysregulation of NMDAR co-agonist pathways provides underlying molecular mechanisms for cognitive deficits in treatment-resistant first-episode psychosis. If replicated, our findings would open ways to mechanistic biomarkers guiding response-based patient stratification and targeting cognitive improvement in clinical trials.
    Tags: *Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology, *Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy/metabolism, *Psychotic Disorders/drug therapy/metabolism, *Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism, Adolescent, Adult, Brain/metabolism, Case-Control Studies, Cognition/physiology/drug effects, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Glutamic Acid/metabolism, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Neuropsychological Tests, Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant/drug therapy/metabolism, Schizophrenia/drug therapy/metabolism, Young Adult.
  • Seidenfeld, J., Lee, S., Ragsdale, L., Nickel, C. H., Liu, S. W., and Kennedy, M. “Risk Factors And Risk Stratification Approaches For Delirium Screening: A Geriatric Emergency Department Guidelines 2.0 Systematic Review”. Acad Emerg Med 31, no. 10: 969-984. doi:10.1111/acem.14939.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: As part of the Geriatric Emergency Department (ED) Guidelines 2.0 project, we conducted a systematic review to find risk factors or risk stratification approaches that can be used to identify subsets of older adults who may benefit from targeted ED delirium screening. METHODS: An electronic search strategy was developed with a medical librarian, conducted in April 2021 and November 2022. Full-text studies of patients >/=65 years assessed for prevalent delirium in the ED were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the McMaster University Clarity Group tool. Outcomes measures pertained to the risk stratification method used. Due to heterogeneity of patient populations, risk stratification methods, and outcomes, a meta-analysis was not conducted. RESULTS: Our search yielded 1878 unique citations, of which 13 were included. Six studies developed a novel delirium risk score with or without evaluation of specific risk factors, six studies evaluated specific risk factors only, and one study evaluated an existing nondelirium risk score for association with delirium. The most common risk factor was history of dementia, with odds ratios ranging from 3.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-8.9) to 18.33 (95% CI 8.08-43.64). Other risk factors that were consistently associated with increased risk of delirium included older age, use of certain medications (such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and opioids, among others), and functional impairments. Of the studies that developed novel risk scores, the reported area under the curve ranged from 0.77 to 0.90. Only two studies reported potential impact of the risk stratification tool on screening burden. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity, but results suggest that factors such as dementia, age over 75, and functional impairments should be used to identify older adults who are at highest risk for ED delirium. No studies evaluated implementation of a risk stratification method for delirium screening or evaluated patient-oriented outcomes.
    Tags: *Delirium/diagnosis/epidemiology, *Emergency Service, Hospital, *Mass Screening/methods, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Geriatric Assessment/methods, Humans, Risk Assessment/methods, Risk Factors.
  • Haidinger, M., Putallaz, E., Ravioli, S., Exadaktylos, A., and Lindner, G. “Severe Hypocalcemia In The Emergency Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Prevalence, Etiology, Treatment And Outcome”. Intern Emerg Med 20, no. 1: 273-279. doi:10.1007/s11739-024-03659-8.
    Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of severe hypocalcemia in patients attending the emergency department. Symptoms, causes, treatment, and outcome of severe hypocalcemia as well as course of calcium concentrations were assessed. This retrospective case series included all adult patients with measurements of serum calcium concentrations presenting to the emergency department of the Burgerspital Solothurn between January 01 in 2017 and December 31 in 2020. Medical record reviews were performed of all patients with severe hypocalcemia, defined by a serum calcium concentration < 1.9 mmol/L, to assess clinical presentation and management. 1265 (3.95%) patients had a serum calcium concentration of < 2.1 mmol/L of which 139 (11%) had severe hypocalcemia of < 1.9 mmol/L. 113 patients had at least one measurement of albumin. Of these, 43 (3.4%) had an albumin-corrected serum calcium < 1.9 mmol/L defining true, severe hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia was identified and documented in 35% of all cases. The mean serum calcium concentration was 1.74 +/- 0.14 mmol/L. Calcium concentrations in malignancy-related hypocalcemia were similar to non-malignancy-related hypocalcemia. The main symptoms attributed to hypocalcemia were cardiac and neurologic. 12% of patients with severe hypocalcemia received intravenous and 23% oral calcium replacement. Active malignancy was the main cause of severe hypocalcemia in 28%, while in most cases, the main cause remained unclear. 41.9% of severely hypocalcemic patients reattended the emergency department for another episode of hypocalcemia within 1 year. Hypocalcemia is common in patients attending the emergency department, however, appears to be neglected frequently. The disorder is often a manifestation of severe disease, triggered by multiple causes. Calcium replacement was administered in less than half of the patients with severe hypocalcemia in this study. Due to frequent readmissions to the emergency department and a high mortality, increased awareness of the disorder and careful follow-up are desirable.
    Tags: *Hypocalcemia/epidemiology/etiology/therapy, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Calcium, Calcium/blood/analysis, Cohort Studies, committee Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz and the need for, data, Electrolytes, Emergency, Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration/statistics & numerical, Female, Humans, Hypocalcemia, individual patients' consent was waived (EKNZ 201-02186) and according to the, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, principles established by the Declaration of Helsinki., Retrospective Studies, rights statement and Informed consent: The study was approved by the local ethics.
  • Singer Harel, D., Lin, Y., Lo, C. Y., Cheng, A., Davidson, J., Chang, T. P., Matava, C., et al. “Aerosol Box Use In Reducing Health Care Worker Contamination During Airway Procedures (Airway) Study: Secondary Workload And Provider Outcomes In A Simulation-Based Trial”. Pediatr Crit Care Med 25, no. 10: 918-927. doi:10.1097/PCC.0000000000003535.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVES: An aerosol box aims to reduce the risk of healthcare provider (HCP) exposure to infections during aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs), but little is known about its impact on workload of team members. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of aerosol box use on patterns of HCP contamination during AGMPs. The objectives of this study are to: 1) evaluate the effect of aerosol box use on HCP workload, 2) identify factors associated with HCP workload when using an aerosol box, and 3) describe the challenges perceived by HCPs of aerosol box use. DESIGN: Simulation-based randomized trial, conducted from May to December 2021. SETTING: Four pediatric simulation centers. SUBJECTS: Teams of two HCPs were randomly assigned to control (no aerosol box) or intervention groups (aerosol box). INTERVENTIONS: Each team performed three scenarios requiring different pediatric airway management (bag-valve-mask [BVM] ventilation, laryngeal mask airway [LMA] insertion, and endotracheal intubation [ETI] with video laryngoscopy) on a simulated COVID-19 patient. National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is a standard tool that measures subjective workload with six subscales. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 64 teams (128 participants) were recruited. The use of aerosol box was associated with significantly higher frustration during LMA insertion (28.71 vs. 17.42; mean difference, 11.29; 95% CI, 0.92-21.66; p = 0.033). For ETI, there was a significant increase in most subscales in the intervention group, but there was no significant difference for BMV. Average NASA-TLX scores were all in the "low" range for both groups (range: control BVM 23.06, sd 13.91 to intervention ETI 38.15; sd 20.45). The effect of provider role on workloads was statistically significant only for physical demand ( p = 0.001). As the complexity of procedure increased (BVM --> LMA --> ETI), the workload increased in all six subscales ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of aerosol box increased workload during ETI but not with BVM and LMA insertion. Overall workload scores remained in the "low" range, and there was no significant difference between airway provider and assistant.
    Tags: *Aerosols, *Airway Management/methods, *Workload/statistics & numerical data, COVID-19/prevention & control, disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest., Female, from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Dr. Cheng's institution, Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data, Humans, Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control, Innovation, Research, and Education (INSPIRE). The remaining authors have, Intubation, Intratracheal/methods, Male, Prospective Studies, received funding from the International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric.
  • Ehrhard, S., Eyb, V., Gautschi, D., Schauber, S. K., Ricklin, M. E., Klukowska-Rotzler, J., Exadaktylos, A. K., and Helbling, A. “Anaphylaxis In A Swiss University Emergency Department: Clinical Characteristics And Supposed Triggers”. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 20, no. 1: 35. doi:10.1186/s13223-024-00901-y.
    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of acute systemic and potentially life-threatening reactions triggered by mast and basophilic cells. Recent studies show a worldwide incidence between 50 and 112 occurrences per 100,000 person-years. The most identified triggers are food, medications, and insect venoms. We aimed to analyze triggers and clinical symptoms of patients presenting to a Swiss university emergency department for adults. METHODS: Six-year retrospective analysis (01/2013 to 12/2018) of all patients (> 16 years of age) admitted with moderate or severe anaphylaxis (classification of Ring and Messmer >/= 2) to the emergency department. Patient and clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical database of the emergency department. RESULTS: Of the 531 includes patients, 53.3% were female, the median age was 38 [IQR 26-51] years. The most common suspected triggers were medications (31.8%), food (25.6%), and insect stings (17.1%). Organ manifestations varied among the different suspected triggers: for medications, 90.5% of the patients had skin symptoms, followed by respiratory (62.7%), cardiovascular (44.4%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (33.7%); for food, gastrointestinal symptoms (39.7%) were more frequent than cardiovascular symptoms (36.8%) and for insect stings cardiovascular symptoms were apparent in 63.8% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Average annual incidence of moderate to severe anaphylaxis during the 6-year period in subjects > 16 years of age was 10.67 per 100,000 inhabitants. Medications (antibiotics, NSAID and radiocontrast agents) were the most frequently suspected triggers. Anaphylaxis due to insect stings was more frequently than in other studies. Regarding clinical symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms need to be better considered, especially that initial treatment with epinephrine is not delayed.
    Tags: Allergic reaction, Anaphylaxis, Emergency medicine, Symptoms, Triggers.
  • Studer, M., Heussler, M., Romano, F., Lidzba, K., and Bigi, S. “Processing Speed And Its Association With Working Memory And Episodic Memory 3-6 Months After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury”. Brain Inj 38, no. 11: 928-937. doi:10.1080/02699052.2024.2361626.
    Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), children show reduced processing speed (PS). Evidence suggests that slowed PS after TBI is associated with working memory deficits. Our aim was to investigate several forms of PS and to examine its impact on working and episodic memory performance in children after mTBI. METHOD: We included data of 64 children after mTBI and 57 healthy control children aged 8-16 years. PS (Color Naming, Coding, Symbol Search, Alertness) was compared between groups 1 week (T1) and 3-6 months (T2) after the injury; working and episodic memory outcome was compared between groups at T2. RESULTS: Alertness at T1 and Color Naming at T1 and T2 were significantly reduced following mTBI compared to controls, although most group differences in PS disappeared when patients with previous impairments and mTBI were excluded. PS was predictive for episodic and working memory performance 3-6 months after injury, whereas group was a significant predictor of working memory. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to healthy controls, children after mTBI showed reduced performance in verbal PS, which was associated with working memory. In children who are symptomatic after mTBI, diagnostic screening of PS could be helpful in identifying patients that could profit from speed-improving strategies.
    Tags: *Brain Concussion/psychology/complications/physiopathology, *Memory, Episodic, *Memory, Short-Term/physiology, *Neuropsychological Tests, Adolescent, Child, color naming, episodic memory, Female, Humans, Male, Memory Disorders/etiology, Pediatric mild traumatic brain injury, Processing Speed, working memory.
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