Seasonal Variation in the Emergency Department Prevalence Of Sepsis

The incidence and mortality of sepsis and severe sepsis in hospitalised patients is seasonal and consistently highest during the winter. The primary aim of this study was to measure the seasonal variation in the prevalence of emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis. This cross-sectional study was performed over two four-week periods in the summer and in the winter, respectively. The clinical records of all patients presenting to the ED during the study periods were retrospectively screened to determine if they met the criteria for "uncomplicated" sepsis and severe sepsis or septic shock. The prevalence of "uncomplicated" sepsis was higher in the winter (43.9 per 1000) compared to the summer (30.7 per 1000). The prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock was also higher in the winter (17.7 per 1000) compared to the summer (11.7 per 1000). This quantitatively demonstrates the increased ED burden of sepsis in the winter that can be used to inform healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The Prevalence of Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock in an Irish Emergency Department.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of death globally. Despite the central role the emergency department (ED) plays in the early identification of patients presenting to hospital with sepsis, the prevalence of severe sepsis and septic shock in the Irish ED setting has not been described. The primary aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock in an Irish adult ED setting. The clinical records of patients presenting to the ED over a four-week period were retrospectively reviewed to determine if they met the current Health Service Executive (HSE) criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 3,585 adult patients attended the ED during the study period, with 42 patients meeting the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. The ED prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock was 11.7 patients (95% CI 8.1 - 15.4%) per 1000 ED attendances.

Risk factors for nonpurulent leg cellulitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nonpurulent cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the dermal and subdermal tissues that is not associated with purulent drainage, discharge or abscess. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to identify and appraise all controlled observational studies that have examined risk factors for the development of nonpurulent cellulitis of the leg (NPLC). A systematic literature search of electronic databases and grey literature sources was performed in July 2015. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess methodological quality of included studies. Of 3059 potentially eligible studies retrieved and screened, six case-control studies were included. An increased risk of developing NPLC was associated with previous cellulitis [odds ratio (OR) 40·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 22·6-72·0], wound (OR 19·1, 95% CI 9·1-40·0), current leg ulcers (OR 13·7, 95% CI 7·9-23·6), lymphoedema/chronic leg oedema (OR 6·8, 95% CI 3·5-13·3), excoriating skin diseases (OR 4·4, 95% CI 2·7-7·1), tinea pedis (OR 3·2, 95% CI 1·9-5·3) and body mass index > 30 kg m-2 (OR 2·4, 95% CI 1·4-4·0). Diabetes, smoking and alcohol consumption were not associated with NPLC. Although diabetics may have been underrepresented in the included studies, local risk factors appear to play a more significant role in the development of NPLC than do systemic risk factors. Clinicians should consider the treatment of modifiable risk factors including leg oedema, wounds, ulcers, areas of skin breakdown and toe-web intertrigo while administering antibiotic treatment for NPLC.

What Proportion of Patients Meet the Criteria for Uncomplicated Sepsis in an Irish Emergency Department?

Emergency medicine plays a central role in the early recognition of patients presenting to hospital with sepsis. However, the epidemiology of sepsis in the Irish Emergency Department (ED) setting has not been described. The primary aim of this study was to determine the proportion of adult ED patients who meet the current criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. This cross-sectional study was performed in the ED of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. The clinical records of all patients presenting to the ED over a four-week period were retrospectively screened to determine if they met the current Health Service Executive (HSE) criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. Overall, 3,585 adult patients attended the ED during the study period, with 152 patients meeting the criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. The proportion of ED patients who met the criteria for uncomplicated sepsis was 4.24% (95% CI 3.57-4.91%).

A pilot cross-sectional study of patients presenting with cellulitis to emergency departments.

To characterise the Emergency Department (ED) prevalence of cellulitis, factors predicting oral antibiotic therapy and the utility of the Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team (CREST) guideline in predicting patient management in the ED setting, a prospective, cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients presenting to 3 Irish EDs was performed. The overall prevalence of cellulitis was 12 per 1,000 ED visits. Of 59 patients enrolled, 45.8% were discharged. Predictors of treatment with oral antibiotics were: CREST, Class 1 allocation (odds ratio (OR) 6.81, 95% Cl =1.5-30.1, p=0.012), patient self-referral (OR= 6.2, 95% Cl 1.9- 20.0, p=0.03) and symptom duration longer than 48 hours (OR 1.2, 95% Cl = 1.0-1.5,p=0.049). In conflict with guideline recommendation, 43% of patients in CREST Class 1 received IV therapy. Treatment with oral antibiotics was predicted by CREST Class 1 allocation, self-referral, symptom duration of more than 48 hours and absence of pre-EO antibiotic therapy.

Implementation of a clinical pathway for emergency department out-patient management of deep vein thrombosis.

There is good evidence demonstrating that outpatient management of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is feasible and safe. However, few emergency departments in Ireland have implemented care pathways for outpatient management of DVT. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of implementing an Emergency Department (ED)- care pathway for outpatient management of patients with DVT. A retrospective observational study of this care pathway introduced at our institution was performed. The primary outcome measure was the number of hospital admissions avoided by using the care pathway. Two hundred and eighty-four patients presenting to the ED with suspected lower limb DVT, were managed using the care pathway over a 6 month period. Forty-nine patients (17%) had a DVT diagnosed. Thirty-nine patients (81%) were suitable for outpatient DVT management. Ten patients (19%) were admitted to hospital. At 3 months there were no reported cases of the following complications: missed DVT, pulmonary embolism or death.

Mannitol for acute traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Mannitol is sometimes effective in reversing acute brain swelling, but its effectiveness in the ongoing management of severe head injury remains unclear. There is evidence that, in prolonged dosage, mannitol may pass from the blood into the brain, where it might cause increased intracranial pressure. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different mannitol therapy regimens, of mannitol compared to other intracranial pressure (ICP) lowering agents, and to quantify the effectiveness of mannitol administration given at other stages following acute traumatic brain injury. SEARCH STRATEGY: The review drew on the search strategy for the Injuries Group as a whole. We checked reference lists of trials and review articles, and contacted authors of trials. The searches were last updated in March 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of mannitol, in patients with acute traumatic brain injury of any severity. The comparison group could be placebo-controlled, no drug, different dose, or different drug. We excluded cross-over trials, and trials where the intervention was started more than eight weeks after injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently rated quality of allocation concealment and extracted the data. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each trial on an intention to treat basis. MAIN RESULTS: We identified four eligible randomised controlled trials. One trial compared ICP-directed therapy to 'standard care' (RR for death = 0.83; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.46). One trial compared mannitol to pentobarbital (RR for death = 0.85; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.38). One trial compared mannitol to hypertonic saline (RR for death = 1.25; 95% CI 0.47 to 3.33). One trial tested the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol against placebo (RR for death = 1.75; 95% CI 0.48 to 6.38). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Mannitol therapy for raised ICP may have a beneficial effect on mortality when compared to pentobarbital treatment, but may have a detrimental effect on mortality when compared to hypertonic saline. ICP-directed treatment shows a small beneficial effect compared to treatment directed by neurological signs and physiological indicators. There are insufficient data on the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol.

Simple aspiration versus intercostal tube drainage for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in adults.

BACKGROUND: In the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, simple aspiration is technically easier to perform. A systematic review may better define the clinical effectiveness and safety of simple aspiration compared to intercostal tube drainage in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinically efficacy and safety of simple aspiration and intercostal tube drainage in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2006), and EMBASE (1980 to August 2006). We searched Current Controlled Trials metaRegister of Clinical Trials (compiled by Current Science) (August 2006). We checked the reference lists of trials and contacted trial authors . We imposed no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing simple aspiration with intercostal tube drainage in adults aged 18 and over with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. No statistical methods were necessary because only one study met the inclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 1239 publications obtained from the search strategy, we examined six studies. Five studies were excluded, and one study of 60 participants was eligible for inclusion. There was no difference in immediate success rate of simple aspiration when compared with intercostal tube drainage in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (relative risk (RR) = 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.40). There was no significant difference in the early failure rate between the two interventions: RR 1.12 (95% CI 0.59 to 2.13). Simple aspiration reduced the proportion of patients hospitalized (RR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.75). There was no significant difference between the two interventions with regard to the following outcome measures: duration of hospitalization (weighted mean difference = 1.09; 95% CI 2.18 to 0.00); number of participants undergoing any procedure for lung pleurodesis within one year (RR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.41 to 2.22);and one year success rate (RR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.38). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between simple aspiration and intercostal tube drainage with regard to: immediate success rate, early failure rate, duration of hospitalisation, one year success rate and number of patients requiring pleurodesis at one year. Simple aspiration is associated with a reduction in the per cent of patients hospitalized when compared with intercostal tube drainage.

Emergency department protocolised management of acute atrial fibrillation: how many patients in a tertiary hospital are eligible?

An emergency observation department unit (EDOU) treatment protocol for the management of acute atrial fibrillation (AAF) has been demonstrated to be feasible in the United States of America. The aim of this study was to quantify the number of patients presenting with AAF eligible for EDOU protocolized management in an Irish hospital. A retrospective observational study was performed by identifying a sample of patients admitted to hospital with acute atrial fibrillation between January and December 2002. Medical records of one hundred and eleven patients presenting with AAF were identified. Nine patients were eligible for EDOU management. Fourteen patients (12.6%) reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm in the ED without medical intervention. Eight percent of patients presenting with AAF in an Irish hospital are eligible for protocolized EDOU management.

Mannitol for acute traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Mannitol is sometimes effective in reversing acute brain swelling, but its effectiveness in the ongoing management of severe head injury remains unclear. There is evidence that, in prolonged dosage, mannitol may pass from the blood into the brain, where it might cause increased intracranial pressure. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different mannitol therapy regimens, of mannitol compared to other intracranial pressure (ICP) lowering agents, and to quantify the effectiveness of mannitol administration given at other stages following acute traumatic brain injury. SEARCH STRATEGY: The review drew on the search strategy for the Injuries Group as a whole. We checked reference lists of trials and review articles, and contacted authors of trials. The searches were last updated in April 2005. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of mannitol, in patients with acute traumatic brain injury of any severity. The comparison group could be placebo-controlled, no drug, different dose, or different drug. We excluded cross-over trials, and trials where the intervention was started more than eight weeks after injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewers independently rated quality of allocation concealment and extracted the data. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each trial on an intention to treat basis. MAIN RESULTS: In the acute management of comatose patients with severe head injury, the administration of high-dose mannitol resulted in reduced mortality (RR= 0.56; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.79) and reduced death and severe disability (RR= 0.58; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.72) when compared with conventional-dose mannitol. One trial compared ICP-directed therapy to 'standard care' (RR for death= 0.83; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.46). One trial compared mannitol to pentobarbital (RR for death= 0.85; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.38). One trial compared mannitol to hypertonic saline (RR for death= 1.25; 95% CI 0.47 to 3.33). One trial tested the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol against placebo (RR for death= 1.75; 95% CI 0.48 to 6.38). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: High-dose mannitol may be preferable to conventional-dose mannitol in the acute management of comatose patients with severe head injury. Mannitol therapy for raised ICP may have a beneficial effect on mortality when compared to pentobarbital treatment, but may have a detrimental effect on mortality when compared to hypertonic saline. ICP-directed treatment shows a small beneficial effect compared to treatment directed by neurological signs and physiological indicators. There are insufficient data on the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol.

Adenosine inhibits neutrophil vascular endothelial growth factor release and transendothelial migration via A2B receptor activation.

The effects of adenosine on neutrophil (polymorphonuclear neutrophils; PMN)-directed changes in vascular permeability are poorly characterized. This study investigated whether adenosine modulates activated PMN vascular endothelial growth factor (vascular permeability factor; VEGF) release and transendothelial migration. PMN activated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 10 ng/mL) were incubated with adenosine and its receptor-specific analogues. Culture supernatants were assayed for VEGF. PMN transendothelial migration across human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers was assessed in vitro. Adhesion molecule receptor expression was assessed flow cytometrically. Adenosine and some of its receptor-specific analogues dose-dependently inhibited activated PMN VEGF release. The rank order of potency was consistent with the affinity profile of human A2B receptors. The inhibitory effect of adenosine was reversed by 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine, an A2 receptor antagonist. Adenosine (100 microM) or the A2B receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 100 microM) significantly reduced PMN transendothelial migration. However, expression of activated PMN beta2 integrins and HUVEC ICAM-1 were not significantly altered by adenosine or NECA. Adenosine attenuates human PMN VEGF release and transendothelial migration via the A2B receptor. This provides a novel target for the modulation of PMN-directed vascular hyperpermeability in conditions such as the capillary leak syndrome.

The angiogenic response to skeletal injury is preserved in the elderly.

Angiogenesis is essential for normal bone formation and repair. Avascularity characterizes aberrant fracture union in the elderly, while angiogenic mechanisms during cutaneous wound repair are attenuated in aged humans. We hypothesized that skeletal injury results in local (circulating) and systemic (fracture site) 'angiogenic' responses and that these reparative mechanisms are attenuated with advanced patient age. This prospective study examined peripheral blood and fracture hematoma from 32 patients, 16 under 40 years and 16 over the age of 75, undergoing emergent surgery for isolated fracture. The angiogenic cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were assayed. Endothelial cell cultures were supplemented with patient plasma and fracture hematoma and angiogenesis determined in vitro by measuring cell proliferation and blood vessel tube formation. Angiogenesis was determined in vivo using a murine dorsal wound pocket model and quantification of new blood vessel formation after 7 days. We found that all injured patients, irrespective of age, have elevated plasma and fracture hematoma levels of VEGF and PDGF. These elevated cytokine concentrations translate into biologically significant angiogenic effects, in vitro and in vivo. These effects are primarily VEGF mediated and are not dependent on patient age. The biological activity of these growth factors does not diminish with advanced age. Thus skeletal injury does result in local and systemic angiogenic responses whereby angiogenic cytokine availability and activity is preserved in the aged suggesting alternative mechanisms for the development of avascularity in delayed and fracture non-union in the elderly.

Mannitol for acute traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Mannitol is sometimes dramatically effective in reversing acute brain swelling, but its effectiveness in the on-going management of severe head injury remains open to question. There is evidence that, in prolonged dosage, mannitol may pass from the blood into the brain, where it might cause reverse osmotic shifts that increase intracranial pressure. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different mannitol therapy regimens, of mannitol compared to other intracranial pressure (ICP) lowering agents, and to quantify the effectiveness of mannitol administration given at other stages following acute traumatic brain injury. SEARCH STRATEGY: The review drew on the search strategy for the Injuries Group as a whole. We checked reference lists of trials and review articles, and contacted authors of trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of mannitol, in patients with acute traumatic brain injury of any severity. The comparison group could be placebo-controlled, no drug, different dose, or different drug. Trials where the intervention was started more than eight weeks after injury, and cross-over trials were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewers independently rated quality of allocation concealment and extracted the data. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each trial on an intention to treat basis. MAIN RESULTS: Overall there were few eligible trials. In the pre-operative management of patients with acute intracranial haemorrhage the administration of high-dose mannitol resulted in reduced mortality (RR=0.55; 95%CI 0.36, 0.84) and reduced death and severe disability (RR=0.58; 95%CI 0.45, 0.74) when compared with conventional-dose mannitol. One trial compared ICP-directed therapy to 'standard care' (RR for death= 0.83; 95%CI 0.47,1.46). One trial compared mannitol to pentobarbital (RR for death = 0.85; 95% CI 0.52, 1.38). No trials compared mannitol to other ICP-lowering agents. One trial tested the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol against placebo (RR for death=1.75; 95% CI 0.48, 6.38). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: High-dose mannitol appears to be preferable to conventional-dose mannitol in the pre-operative management of patients with acute intracranial haematomas. However, there is little evidence about the use of mannitol as a continuous infusion in patients with raised intracranial pressure in patients who do not have an operable intracranial haematoma. Mannitol therapy for raised ICP may have a beneficial effect on mortality when compared to pentobarbital treatment. ICP-directed treatment shows a small beneficial effect compared to treatment directed by neurological signs and physiological indicators. There are insufficient data on the effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of mannitol to preclude either a harmful or a beneficial effect on mortality.

Pneumatic tourniquets in extremity surgery.

Pneumatic tourniquets maintain a relatively bloodless field during extremity surgery, minimize blood loss, aid identification of vital structures, and expedite the procedure. However, they may induce an ischemia-reperfusion injury with potentially harmful local and systemic consequences. Modern pneumatic tourniquets are designed with mechanisms to regulate and maintain pressure. Routine maintenance helps ensure that these systems are working properly. The complications of tourniquet use include postoperative swelling, delay of recovery of muscle power, compression neurapraxia, wound hematoma with the potential for infection, vascular injury, tissue necrosis, and compartment syndrome. Systemic complications can also occur. The incidence of complications can be minimized by use of wider tourniquets, careful preoperative patient evaluation, and adherence to accepted principles of tourniquet use.

Role of fibrin D-dimer testing in emergency medicine.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic values of the fibrinolytic plasma marker fibrin D-dimer are raised in a variety of acute clinical conditions. D-dimer values can now be rapidly determined and used to aid diagnosis in emergency medicine. However, despite clinical guidelines, inappropriate and unnecessary measurement of D-dimer values is a significant clinical problem. An understanding of the pathophysiological basis and limitations of the value of D-dimer values may help reduce this problem. This review discusses the pathophysiology of the fibrinolytic system. The currently used assays, clinical indications, and limitations of D-dimer measurement are reviewed. Finally, the potential future clinical indications for measurement of D-dimer values in emergency medicine are discussed. METHODS: Literature on D-dimer was identified from Medline, along with cross referencing from the reference lists of major articles on the subject RESULTS: and conclusions: Systemic D-dimer values aids diagnosis, and is potentially a prognostic indicator, in a variety of clinical conditions in emergency medicine. However, it has limited specificity in patients with comorbid conditions. Although, currently, there is no standard D-dimer assay, immunoturbidimetric assays are the most suitable for use in emergency medicine

Unilateral diaphragmatic agenesis precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Complete absence of a hemidiaphragm or diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood is rare with only one previous report in the literature. Its significance in relation to performing laparoscopic procedures has not been documented previously. METHODS: We report a case of previously undiagnosed diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy and comprehensively review the literature for papers relevant to diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood. RESULTS: Diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood may complicate and preclude laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The principles of investigation and management of diaphragmatic agenesis complicating laparoscopic surgery are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with diaphragmatic agenesis and intrathoracic abdominal viscera precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conservative management is recommended.