The Incidence of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Patients Presenting With Dyspnea in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic dysfunction has been reported as a cause of dyspnea, and its diagnosis can be made using ultrasound. Diaphragmatic ultrasound is mainly used to predict respiratory failure in chronic conditions. The use of diaphragmatic ultrasound has also risen in acute settings, such as emergency departments (EDs). However, the number of studies on its use still needs to be increased. The present study aimed to find the incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction in the ED. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in an ED. We enrolled patients aged greater than 18 years who presented with dyspnea. Diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickness techniques were performed. The primary outcome was the incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction. The secondary outcomes were the associations between diaphragmatic dysfunction and the composition of respiratory therapies within 24 hours, intubation within 24 hours, and 7-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were analyzed. The incidences of diaphragmatic dysfunction assessed by diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragm thickness were 22.4 and 32.1%, respectively. Patients with sepsis and cancer had the highest incidences. Diaphragmatic dysfunction assessed by both techniques was not associated with the composition of respiratory support therapies within 24 hours, intubation within 24 hours, or 7-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction in dyspneic patients in the ED ranged from 22.4 to 32.1%, depending on the ultrasound technique. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was not associated with the composition of respiratory support therapies, intubation, or mortality.

The utility of the Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) compared with three other early warning scores in predicting in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients in the emergency department: a multicenter validation study.

BACKGROUND: Many early warning scores (EWSs) have been validated to prognosticate adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in the Emergency Department (ED), including the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), and the National Early Warning Score (NEWS). However, the Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) has not been widely validated for this purpose. We aimed to assess and compare the prognostic utility of REMS with that of qSOFA, MEWS, and NEWS for predicting mortality in emergency COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center retrospective study at five EDs of various levels of care in Thailand. Adult patients visiting the ED who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to ED arrival or within the index hospital visit between January and December 2021 were included. Their EWSs at ED arrival were calculated and analysed. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 978 patients were included in the study; 254 (26%) died at hospital discharge, and 155 (15.8%) were intubated. REMS yielded the highest discrimination capacity for in-hospital mortality (the area under the receiver operator characteristics curves (AUROC) 0.771 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.738, 0.804)), which was significantly higher than qSOFA (AUROC 0.620 (95%CI 0.589, 0.651); p < 0.001), MEWS (AUROC 0.657 (95%CI 0.619, 0.694); p < 0.001), and NEWS (AUROC 0.732 (95%CI 0.697, 0.767); p = 0.037). REMS was also the best EWS in terms of calibration, overall model performance, and balanced diagnostic accuracy indices at its optimal cutoff. REMS also performed better than other EWSs for mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: REMS was the early warning score with the highest prognostic utility as it outperformed qSOFA, MEWS, and NEWS in predicting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients in the ED.

Characteristics and factors associated with mortality in palliative patients visiting the Emergency Department of a large tertiary hospital in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics and outcomes of palliative patients who visited the Emergency Department (ED) in Thailand, a country in which no standard palliative care system existed, have not been comprehensively studied. We aimed to report the characteristics of ED palliative patients and investigate factors associated with mortality. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between March 2019 and February 2021 by means of interviewing palliative patients and/or their caregivers and medical record review. Palliative patients with either incurable cancer or other end-stage chronic diseases were included. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 73 years, 61.5% were female, and 53.8% had incurable cancer. Of these, 20.3% had previously visited the palliative clinic. Approximately 60% had advanced directives, 4.9% had a living will, and 27.5% had plans on their preferred place of death. The most common chief complaint was dyspnea (43.4%), and the main reason for ED visits was 'cannot control symptoms' (80%). At the ED, 17% of the patients had been seen by the palliative care team, and 23.1% died. Although 51% were admitted, 48.9% could not survive to discharge. Cancer, having received morphine, a palliative performance scale > 30, and ED palliative consultation were independently associated with hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The recognition and utilization of palliative care were largely inadequate, especially for non-cancer patients. An improvement and promotion in the palliative care system from the ED through home care are mandatory to improve the quality of life of palliative patients.

Outcomes of Single-Dose Empirical Antibiotic Treatment in Children With Suspected Sepsis Implemented in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: Implementing a single-dose empirical antibiotic (SDEA) strategy at the emergency department (ED) in children with suspected sepsis may improve outcomes. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of the SDEA strategy for children with suspected sepsis at the ED in a tertiary care center in Bangkok. METHODS: Children who met the predefined checklist screening criteria for suspected sepsis were administered single-dose intravenous cefotaxime 100 mg/kg, or meropenem 40 mg/kg if they were immunocompromised or recently hospitalized. The medical records of children diagnosed with sepsis and septic shock caused by bacterial or organ-associated bacterial infections before and after implementation of the SDEA strategy were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 126 children with sepsis before and 127 after implementation of the SDEA strategy were included in the analysis. The time from hospital arrival to antibiotic initiation was significantly reduced after implementation of the SDEA strategy: median, 241 (110-363) minutes before versus 89 (62-132) minutes after ( P < 0.001), with an increased number of patients starting antibiotics within 3 hours of hospital arrival: 42.1% vs 85.0% ( P < 0.001). Comparing before and after SDEA implementation, children receiving SDEA had a shorter median duration of antibiotic therapy: 7 (5-13.3) versus 5 (3-7) days ( P = 0.001), shorter length of hospital stay: 10 (6-16.3) versus 7 (4-11) days ( P = 0.001), and fewer intensive care unit admissions: 30 (23.8%) versus 17 (13.4%; P = 0.036); however, mortality was not different: 3 (2.4%) in both groups. In multivariate analysis, SDEA strategy was the independent factor associated with reduced intensive care unit admission or death. Adherence to SDEA was 91.4%. Single-dose empirical antibiotic was retrospectively considered not necessary for 22 children (11.9%), mostly diagnosed with viral infections afterward. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose empirical antibiotic at the ED is an effective strategy to reduce the time from hospital arrival to antibiotic initiation and can help improve outcomes of sepsis in children.

Number of attempts required by emergency physicians to achieve competency in diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging.

PURPOSE: This research aimed to determine the number of attempts that emergency physicians need to become proficient in undertaking diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary-care university hospital. Sixteen emergency physicians were each required to obtain a set of images of the right hemidiaphragm of five dyspneic patients using both diaphragmatic excursion and thickness techniques. The images were subsequently reviewed by a specialist using American College of Emergency Physician guidelines. If the evaluations of a physician did not reach the expected standard, the physician was to be given feedback and requested to collect images from another five patients. The process was to be repeated until such time as the images obtained by the physician were deemed to be up to standard. RESULTS: Eighty patients, twelve emergency medicine residents, and four attending physicians were enrolled. Following a didactic session on diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging and its interpretation, practicing on five patients proved sufficient to achieve an adequate level of competency in conducting diaphragmatic ultrasound examinations. CONCLUSION: Practicing on five patients is sufficient for emergency physicians to achieve an adequate level of competency in conducting right-sided diaphragmatic ultrasound examinations.

The utility of the rapid emergency medicine score (REMS) compared with SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS for Predicting in-hospital Mortality among Patients with suspicion of Sepsis in an emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Many early warning scores (EWSs) have been validated to prognosticate adverse outcomes secondary to sepsis in the Emergency Department (ED). These EWSs include the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria (SIRS), the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and the National Early Warning Score (NEWS). However, the Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) has never been validated for this purpose. We aimed to assess and compare the prognostic utility of REMS with that of SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS for predicting mortality in patients with suspicion of sepsis in the ED. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the ED of Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, Thailand. Adult patients suspected of having sepsis in the ED between August 2018 and July 2019 were included. Their EWSs were calculated. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was 7-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1622 patients were included in the study; 457 (28.2%) died at hospital discharge. REMS yielded the highest discrimination capacity for in-hospital mortality (the area under the receiver operator characteristics curves (AUROC) 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59, 0.65)), which was significantly higher than qSOFA (AUROC 0.58 (95%CI 0.55, 0.60); p = 0.005) and SIRS (AUROC 0.52 (95%CI 0.49, 0.55); p < 0.001) but not significantly superior to NEWS (AUROC 0.61 (95%CI 0.58, 0.64); p = 0.27). REMS was the best EWS in terms of calibration and association with the outcome. It could also provide the highest net benefit from the decision curve analysis. Comparison of EWSs plus baseline risk model showed similar results. REMS also performed better than other EWSs for 7-day mortality. CONCLUSION: REMS was an early warning score with higher accuracy than sepsis-related scores (qSOFA and SIRS), similar to NEWS, and had the highest utility in terms of net benefit compared to SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients presenting to the ED with suspected sepsis.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Relieving Dyspnea in Emergency Palliative Patients With Do-Not-Intubate Status: A Randomized Crossover Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Palliative patients often visit the emergency department (ED) with respiratory distress during their end-of-life period. The goal of management is alleviating dyspnea and providing comfort. High-flow nasal cannula may be an alternative oxygen-delivering method for palliative patients with do-not-intubate status. We therefore aim to compare the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula with conventional oxygen therapy in improving dyspnea of palliative patients with do-not-intubate status who have hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED. METHODS: This randomized, nonblinded, crossover study was conducted with 48 palliative patients aged 18 years or older with do-not-intubate status who presented with hypoxemic respiratory failure to the ED of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The participants were randomly allocated to conventional oxygen therapy for 60 minutes, followed by high-flow nasal cannula for 60 minutes (n=24) or vice versa (n=24). The primary outcome was modified Borg scale score. The secondary outcomes were numeric rating scale score of dyspnea and vital signs. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis included 44 patients, 22 in each group. Baseline mean modified Borg scale score was 7.6 (SD 2.2) (conventional oxygen therapy first) and 8.2 (SD 1.8) (high-flow nasal cannula first). At 60 minutes, mean modified Borg scale score in patients receiving conventional oxygen therapy and high-flow nasal cannula was 4.9 (standard of mean 0.3) and 2.9 (standard of mean 0.3), respectively (mean difference 2.0; 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 2.6). Results for the numeric rating scale score of dyspnea were similar to those for the modified Borg scale score. Respiratory rates were lower with high-flow nasal cannula (mean difference 5.9; 95% confidence interval 3.5 to 8.3), and high-flow nasal cannula was associated with a significantly lower first-hour morphine dose. CONCLUSION: High-flow nasal cannula was superior to conventional oxygen therapy in reducing the severity of dyspnea in the first hour of treatment in patients with do-not-intubate status and hypoxemic respiratory failure.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Emergency Department Patients With Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: High-flow nasal cannula is a new method for delivering high-flow supplemental oxygen for victims of respiratory failure. This randomized controlled trial compares high-flow nasal cannula with conventional oxygen therapy in emergency department (ED) patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. METHODS: We conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial in the ED of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Patients aged 18 years or older with cardiogenic pulmonary edema were randomly assigned to receive either conventional oxygen therapy or high-flow nasal cannula. The primary outcome was the respiratory rate 60 minutes postintervention. RESULTS: We enrolled 128 participants (65 in the conventional oxygen therapy and 63 in the high-flow nasal cannula groups). Baseline high-flow nasal cannula and conventional oxygen therapy mean respiratory rates were 28.7 breaths/min (SD 3.2) and 28.6 breaths/min (SD 3.5). Mean respiratory rates at 60 minutes postintervention were lower in the high-flow nasal cannula group (21.8 versus 25.1 breaths/min; difference 3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 4.6). No significant differences were found in the admission rate, ED and hospital lengths of stay, noninvasive ventilation, intubation, or mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema in the ED, high-flow nasal cannula therapy may decrease the severity of dyspnea during the first hour of treatment.

Prevalence of emergency medical service utilisation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have grave outcomes. The efficacy of emergency medical services (EMS) may affect outcomes. However, no data exists in Thailand. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the prevalence of EMS utilisation in patients with OHCA transferred to Siriraj Hospital and also to elucidate the rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital admission and survival to hospital discharge. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with OHCA at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand from May 2011 to February 2013. The data was gathered by interviewing bystanders. Data about the mode of transportation, reasons for EMS usage, response time, ROSC and 30-day mortality were collected. Patients with rigour mortis or livor mortis were excluded. The factors affecting ROSC and survival rate were determined by univariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two patients were included. The prevalence of EMS usage was 14.5% (95% CI 9.3 to 21.0). The most common cause of non-usage of EMS was not knowing or forgetting an EMS number (49.2%). The proportion of bystanders having known an EMS number and using EMS was 34%. The ROSC and 30-day survival rates were 53.3% and 10.5%, respectively. Non-cardiac causes and witnessed arrests were associated with ROSC (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EMS utilisation in OHCA at Siriraj Hospital was very low. This may affect the outcomes of patients with OHCA. Improving the EMS system by publicity to increase public awareness and providing life-support education nationwide may improve outcomes of patients with OHCA in Thailand.

Sepsis resuscitation guideline implementation in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Siriraj Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis management guidelines have been implemented in the Emergency Department, Siriraj Hospital since 2005. OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact ofsepsis resuscitation guidelines on the mortality ofpatients after implementation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Emergency Department, Siriraj Hospital between January 12 and October 2, 2011. Patients aged older than 18 years old were included The baseline data and the extent of goal achievement were recorded The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate. RESULTS: One hundredfortyfour patients (34% severe sepsis, 66% septic shock) were included The overall 30-day mortality was 39.6%. Antibiotics were administered within I hour in 52.2% of the patients. At least I or at least 2 therapeutic goals were accomplished in 86.8% and 50.7% of patients, respectively, and the achievement of at least 2 goals was associated with lower mortality (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.89). Two patients (1.4%) completely achieved goals within 6 hours. Respiratory failure requiring endotracheal tube insertion was associated with higher mortality (adjusted OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.32-7.38). CONCLUSION: The 30-day mortality was 39.6%. The achievement of at least 2 goals was associated with lower mortality. Endotracheal tube insertion was associated with higher mortality.

Prevalence of hyperkalemia in adult patients taking spironolactone and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia is common when spironolactone and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEls) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are combined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of hyperkalemia in adult patients taking spironolactone and ACEls or ARBs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Adult patients taking spironolactone and ACEls or ARBs who visited the outpatient department of Siriraj Hospital between January and December 2009 were included. Exclusion criteria were chronic kidney disease patients who had undergone dialysis and patients with hyperkalemia from other causes. The authors defined hyperkalemia as serum potassium of more than 5.0 mmol/L. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty four patients were included during the study period. The prevalence of hyperkalemia was 11.2% (60 patients). The risk factors of hyperkalemia were chronic kidney disease (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.07-5. 70), initial serum potassium level > 4.0 mmol/L (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.44-4.88), and dosing of spironolactone more than 25 mg per day (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.23-4.74). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hyperkalemia in adult patients taking spironolactone and ACEIs or ARBs is 11.2%. Risk of hyperkalemia is chronic kidney disease, high serum potassium, and high spironolactone use.

ROX index versus HACOR scale in predicting success and failure of high-flow nasal cannula in the emergency department for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula has been a promising initial respiratory support measure for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) in the emergency department (ED). However, delayed detection of HFNC failure is associated with increased mortality. The ROX index is a tool that can help predict HFNC success. Nonetheless, its utility in ED patients is limited, and no studies have compared it with the HACOR scale, another tool that may be as accurate in predicting HFNC failure. Therefore, we aimed to compare the prognostic utility of the ROX index and the HACOR scale in emergency AHRF patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at the ED of Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, between August 2018 and February 2020. Adult patients with AHRF requiring HFNC in the ED were included. The ROX index and the HACOR scale were measured at 1, 2, and 6 h after HFNC initiation. The primary outcome was HFNC success, defined as no intolerance or escalation towards mechanical ventilation or non-invasive ventilation within 48 h. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were enrolled; 52 (69.3%) had a successful treatment. The ROX index was higher in the success group, while the HACOR scale was lower at all timepoints. The ROX index yielded generally higher discrimination capacity based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) than the HACOR scale [AUROC at 1, 2, and 6 h = 0.815, 0.784, 0.853 for ROX in predicting HFNC success and 0.733, 0.690, and 0.764 for HACOR in predicting HFNC failure]. The ROX index measured at 6 h at the cut-point of 4.88 had 92.98% sensitivity, 61.11% specificity, 88.33% positive predictive value, and 73.33% negative predictive value with a diagnostic accuracy of 85.33%. CONCLUSION: The ROX index had superior prognostic utility in predicting HFNC outcome (success/failure) compared to the HACOR scale in patients with AHRF in the ED setting. Moreover, it is less complex and more efficient to be employed at bedside. Therefore, the ROX index is a more appropriate tool to guide further management and potential escalation therapy for AHRF patients with HFNC therapy initiated in the ED.

Clinical factors associated with adverse clinical outcomes in elderly versus non-elderly COVID-19 emergency patients: a multi-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 6 million deaths worldwide. The elderly accounted for a large proportion of patients with their mortality rate largely higher than the non-elderly. However, limited studies have explored clinical factors associated with poor clinical outcomes in this important population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes among COVID-19 elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter observational study at five emergency departments (EDs) in Thailand. Patients over 18 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and December 2021 were included. We classified patients into elderly (age ≥ 65 years) and non-elderly (age < 65 years). The primary clinical outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were endotracheal intubation and intensive care unit admission. We identified independent factors associating with these outcomes both in the whole population and separately by age group using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 978 patients were included, 519 (53.1%) were elderly and 459 (46.9%) were non-elderly, and 254 (26%) died at hospital discharge. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the elderly group (39.1% versus 14.3%, p<0.001)). In the elderly, age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.2; p<0.001), male sex (aOR 3.64; 95%CI 1.5-8.8; p=0.004), do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status (aOR 12.46; 95%CI 3.8-40.7; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (aOR 0.96; 95%CI 0.9-1.0; p=0.002), body temperature (aOR 1.74; 95%CI 1.0-2.9; p=0.036), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (aOR 0.71; 95%CI 0.5-1.0; p=0.026) were independent baseline and physiologic factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Only DNR status and GCS score were associated with in-hospital mortality in both the elderly and non-elderly, as well as the overall population. Lower total bilirubin was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the elderly (aOR 0.34; 95%CI 0.1-0.9; p=0.035), while a higher level was associated with the outcome in the non-elderly. C-reactive protein (CRP) was the only laboratory factor independently associated with all three study outcomes in the elderly (aOR for in-hospital mortality 1.01; 95%CI 1.0-1.0; p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Important clinical factors associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly COVID-19 patients were age, sex, DNR status, diastolic blood pressure, body temperature, GCS score, total bilirubin, and CRP. These parameters may aid in triage and ED disposition decision-making in this very important patient population during times of limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ratio of Oxygen Saturation to Inspired Oxygen, ROX Index, Modified ROX Index to Predict High Flow Cannula Success in COVID-19 Patients: Multicenter Validation Study.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a respiratory support measure for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients that has been increasingly used in the emergency department (ED). Although the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) index can predict HFNC success, its utility in emergency COVID-19 patients has not been well-established. Also, no studies have compared it to its simpler component, the oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2 [SF]) ratio, or its modified version incorporating heart rate. Therefore, we aimed to compare the utility of the SF ratio, the ROX index (SF ratio/respiratory rate), and the modified ROX index (ROX index/heart rate) in predicting HFNC success in emergency COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We conducted this multicenter retrospective study at five EDs in Thailand between January-December 2021. Adult patients with COVID-19 treated with HFNC in the ED were included. The three study parameters were recorded at 0 and 2 hours. The primary outcome was HFNC success, defined as no requirement of mechanical ventilation at HFNC termination. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were recruited; 55 (31.8%) had successful treatment. The two-hour SF ratio yielded the highest discrimination capacity (AUROC 0.651, 95% CI 0.558-0.744), followed by two-hour ROX and modified ROX indices (AUROC 0.612 and 0.606, respectively). The two-hour SF ratio also had the best calibration and overall model performance. At its optimal cut-point of 128.19, it gave a balanced sensitivity (65.3%) and specificity (61.8%). The two-hour SF≥128.19 was also significantly and independently associated with HFNC failure (adjusted odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.65; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The SF ratio predicted HFNC success better than the ROX and modified ROX indices in ED patients with COVID-19. With its simplicity and efficiency, it may be the appropriate tool to guide management and ED disposition for COVID-19 patients receiving HFNC in the ED.

Parallel-group, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial of high-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation for emergency patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an innovative oxygen-delivering technique, which has been shown to effectively decrease the intubation risk in patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure of various aetiologies compared with conventional oxygen therapy. Also, it has proved to be non-inferior to non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure primarily due to pneumonia. Evidence on its benefits compared with NIPPV, which is the standard of care for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPE) with hypoxaemic respiratory distress, is limited. Therefore, we planned this study to investigate the effects of HFNC compared with NIPPV for emergency patients with ACPE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this single-centred, non-blinded, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial, we will randomly allocate 240 patients visiting the emergency department with ACPE in a 1:1 ratio to receive either HFNC or NIPPV for at least 4 hours using computer-generated mixed-block randomisation concealed by sealed opaque envelopes. The primary outcome is the intubation rate in 72 hours after randomisation. The main secondary outcomes are intolerance rate, mortality rate and treatment failure rate (a composite of intolerance, intubation and mortality). The outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to the intervention. These categorical outcomes will be analysed by calculating the risk ratio. Interim analyses evaluating the primary outcome will be performed after half of the expected sample size are recruited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol has been approved by the Siriraj Institutional Review Board (study ID: Si 271/2021). It has been granted the Siriraj Research and Development Fund. All participants or their authorised third parties will provide written informed consent prior to trial inclusion. The study results will be published in a peer-reviewed international journal and presented at national and international scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TCTR20210413001.

Nasal High-flow Oxygen Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy for Acute Severe Asthma Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasal high flow (NHF) has demonstrated efficacy in relieving dyspnea in various patients with hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure. It may also reduce dyspnea in patients with acute severe asthma in the emergency department (ED). The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of NHF with conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in improving dyspnea in acute severe asthma patients with hypoxemia in the ED. METHODS: This pilot nonblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 37 patients aged ≥ 18 years with acute severe asthma and hypoxemia in the ED of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand (TCTR20180926003). The participants were randomly allocated to receive either COT (n = 18) or NHF (n = 19) for 120 minutes. The primary outcome was comparing the intervention effects on the patients' degree of dyspnea measured using the modified Borg scale (MBS). The secondary outcomes were comparing the interventions based on the numeric rating scale (NRS) of dyspnea, the dyspnea scale assessing accessory muscle use, vital signs, and blood gas results. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis included 37 patients (COT group n = 18 and NHF group n = 19). The baseline mean MBS was 7.8 in both groups. At 120 minutes, the mean (±SD) MBSs in patients receiving COT and NHF were 3.3 (±2.5) and 1.4 (±2.5), respectively (mean difference = 1.9 [95% CI = 0.2 to 3.8], p = 0.043). The trends in NRS and dyspnea score results were similar to those of MBS. Respiratory rates were lower with NHF (mean difference = 4.7 [95% CI = 1.5 to 7.8], p = 0.001). No between- or within-group differences in blood gas results were found. CONCLUSION: Nasal high flow reduced the severity of dyspnea and respiratory rate in hypoxemic patients with acute severe asthma in the ED.

The utility of the 1-hour high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T algorithm compared with and combined with five early rule-out scores in high-acuity chest pain emergency patients.

BACKGROUND: Although the 0/1 h high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (0/1 hs-cTnT) algorithm and many risk scores have been validated for use in emergency departments (EDs), their utility in high-acuity ED patients has not been validated. We aimed to validate the 0/1 hs-cTnT algorithm and the HEART, TIMI, GRACE, T-MACS and NOTR risk scores before and after combining the 0/1 algorithm in high-acuity ED chest pain patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in the high-acuity ED of Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Adult patients with chest pain were enrolled between November 2018 and November 2019. The primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac events (30-day MACE), defined as a composite of mortality, acute myocardial infarction, significant coronary stenosis and revascularization procedures. RESULTS: Of 350 recruited patients, 59 (16.9%) developed 30-day MACE. For the 0/1 hs-cTnT algorithm, sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were 91.3% (95%CI 79.2-97.6%) and 97.2% (95%CI 93.2-98.9%), respectively. Specificity and positive predictive value were 79.6% (95%CI 72.8-85.2%) and 53.9% (95%CI 46.2-61.3%), respectively. Of the risk scores, the HEART score had the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (0.74 [95%CI 0.68-0.81]). Combining the 0/1 hs-cTnT algorithm, a TIMI score cut-off of ≤1 had the best sensitivity and NPV (both 100%) and identified the greatest proportion of patients (24.3%) suitable for safe discharge. CONCLUSION: The 0/1 hs-cTnT algorithm may be feasible in Asian high-acuity ED patients. The HEART score outperformed other scores in predicting 30-day MACE. Combining the 0/1 hs-cTnT algorithm with a TIMI cut-off score ≤ 1 had the best rule-out performance.

Diagnostic and prognostic utility of presepsin for sepsis in very elderly patients in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Presepsin, a biomarker for sepsis diagnosis, has not been studied in very elderly population. The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of Presepsin in very elderly patients compared to point-of-care Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and early warning scores (EWSs). METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 250 patients aged at least 75 years old, presenting to the Emergency Department of Siriraj Hospital with suspected sepsis during September 2019 and January 2020. They were classified into three groups: non-sepsis, sepsis, and septic shock. Biomarkers and EWS values at admission were determined. PCT was analyzed with non-BRAHM method. RESULTS: Presepsin had valuable diagnostic utility for sepsis (AUC 0.792), comparable to PCT (AUC 0.751, p = 0.22) and CRP (AUC 0.767, p = 0.47). It also showed similar prognostic accuracy (AUC 0.683) with PCT (AUC 0.691, p = 0.68) and CRP (AUC 0.688, p = 0.85). The combination of Presepsin, PCT, and an EWS yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for sepsis and septic shock and highest prognostic accuracy for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Presepsin is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis in very elderly emergency patients. The combination of Presepsin, PCT, and an EWS was the best modality for early sepsis diagnosis and prognostication.

Point-of-care ultrasound diagnosis of stump appendicitis in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Stump appendicitis (SA) is a rare entity in patients with a history of appendectomy and may result in missed or delayed diagnosis. We report a case of SA diagnosed by emergency department (ED) point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in an elderly woman, thus expediting her care. CASE PRESENTATION: An elderly female patient with a history of appendectomy 27 years ago was referred by her physician to the ED with right lower quadrant pain for 2 days. Using PoCUS the emergency physician identified SA. This was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan. The patient was then successfully managed non-operatively using antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its rarity, it is feasible to diagnose SA using PoCUS, as patients presenting with right lower quadrant pain and history of appendectomy are at risk for delayed diagnosis, perforation, and poor outcome. PoCUS may reduce time to diagnosis, time to definitive operative or non-operative management, and minimize morbidity.