Systemic Venous Air Emboli After Emergent Hyperbaric Therapy for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

BACKGROUND A venous air embolism is a rare condition but could have a disastrous effect on vital organs. It usually occurs due to iatrogenic sources, such as central venous catheter insertion, neurosurgery, and other invasive procedures. In most cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the best treatment for those conditions. However, multiple venous air emboli after hyperbaric oxygen therapy has not been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT An 82-yr-old woman came to the Emergency Department after inhalation of fumes at the scene of a house fire. She had dizziness and nausea. Her vital signs were normal at the time of presentation. She received HBOT for carbon monoxide poisoning. Soon after the HBOT, the patient started to have dizziness, abdominal pain, and leg pains. Computed tomography scans showed multiple systemic venous air emboli throughout the portal venous system and femoral veins. The air emboli totally disappeared after HBOT with a longer ascent time. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple systemic venous air bubbles after emergent HBOT. Physicians should be aware of any kind of complications when treating patients who need HBOT in the emergent setting. Although decompression sickness following HBOT is extremely rare, it should not be ignored by emergency physicians.

Changes in Emergency Department Case Severity and Length of Stay before and after COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea.

Severe patients visited regional emergency centers more frequently during the COVID-19 period, and disposition status warranting admission to the intensive care unit or resulting in death was more common during the COVID-19 period. This study was conducted to compare the characteristics and severity of patients, and emergency department length of stay before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Subjects were 75,409 patients who visited the regional emergency medical center from 1 February 2019 to 19 January 2020 and from 1 February 2020 to 19 January 2021. Data was analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. The significance level was p < 0.05. The chi-square test and t-test were used for variables, and Cramer V was used for correlation. We found that the total number of patients visiting the emergency room decreased by 37.6% after COVID-19, but emergency department length of stay among severely ill patients increased by 203.7%. Additionally, the utilization rate of 119 ambulances and relatively more severe patients increased by 9.0% and by 2.1%. More studies about emergency department designs and operational programs should be conducted for better action not only during regular periods but also during periods of pandemic.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Its Associated Factors among Emergency Medicine Residents in South Korea: A Nationwide Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in emergency medicine (EM) residents is associated with patient safety. However, studies regarding EDS in EM residents are limited. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of EDS and its associated factors among EM residents. METHODS: Epworth sleepiness scale scores, working hours per week (WHW), night working days per month, working environment, and depression were analyzed using data from the 2019 Korean Emergency Medicine Resident Survey. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 63.8% (384/601). Among 241 respondents, the prevalence rate of EDS was 32.4%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that WHW (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.06) and depression (OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.91-6.96) had increased ORs for EDS. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of EM residents had EDS. Depression and WHW were the associated factors.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and mortality of adults infected with human coronaviruses 229E and OC43.

The purpose of the study was to compare clinical characteristics and mortality among adults infected with human coronaviruses (HCoV) 229E and OC43. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥ 18 years) admitted to the ward of a university teaching hospital for suspected viral infection from October 2012 to December 2017. Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to test for respiratory viruses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare mortality among patients with HCoV 229E and HCoV OC43 infections. The main outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Of 8071 patients tested, 1689 were found to have a respiratory virus infection. Of these patients, 133 had HCoV infection, including 12 mixed infections, 44 HCoV 229E infections, and 77 HCoV OC43 infections. HCoV 229E infections peaked in January and February, while HCoV OC43 infections occurred throughout the year. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 25.0% among patients with HCoV 229E infection, and 9.1% among patients with HCoV OC43 infection (adjusted odds ratio: 3.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-10.75). Infections with HCoVs 229E and OC43 appear to have different seasonal patterns, and HCoV 229E might be more virulent than HCoV OC43.

Innovative screening tests for COVID-19 in South Korea.

Recently, the number of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases has increased remarkably in South Korea, so the triage clinics and emergency departments (ED) are expected to be overcrowded with patients with presumed infection. As of March 21st, there was a total of 8,799 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 102 related deaths in South Korea that was one of the top countries with high incidence rates [1]. This sharp increase in infection is associated with 1) outbreaks in individual provinces, 2) deployment of rapid and aggressive screening tests, 3) dedicated healthcare staffs for virus screening tests, 4) quarantine inspection data transparency and accurate data reporting, and 5) public health lessons from previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. This commentary introduces innovative screening tests that are currently used in South Korea for COVID-19, e.g., Drive-Through and Walk-Through tests, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

Incidence, risk factors and outcome associations of intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill patients.

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. We performed a prospective observational study and applied recently published consensus criteria to measure and describe the incidence of IAH and ACS, identify risk factors for their development and define their association with outcomes. We studied 100 consecutive patients admitted to our general intensive care unit. We recorded relevant demographic, clinical data and maximal (max) and mean intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). We measured and defined IAH and ACS using consensus guidelines. Of our study patients, 42% (by IAPmax) and 38% (by IAPmean) had IAH. Patients with IAH had greater mean body mass index (30.4 ± 9.6 vs 25.4 ± 5.6 kg/m(2), P=0.005), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score (78.2 ± 28.5 vs 65.5 ± 29.2, P=0.03) and central venous pressure (12.8 ± 4.8 vs 9.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, P <0.001), lower abdominal perfusion pressure (67.6±13.5 vs 79.3 ± 17.3 mmHg, P <0.001) and lower filtration gradient (51.2 ± 14.8 vs 71.6 ± 17.7 mmHg; P <0.001). Risk factors associated with IAH were body mass index =30 (P <0.001), higher central venous pressure (P <0.001), presence of abdominal infection (P=0.005) and presence of sepsis on admission (P=0.035). Abdominal compartment syndrome developed in 4% of patients. IAP was not associated with an increased risk of mortality after adjusting for other confounders. We conclude that, in a general population of critically ill patients, using consensus guidelines, IAH was common and significantly associated with obesity and sepsis on admission. In a minority of patients, IAH was associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. In this cohort IAH was not associated with an increased risk of mortality.

A pilot study of the epidemiology and associations of pulse pressure variation among non-cardiac surgery critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: A pulse pressure variation (PPV) ≥ 13% of mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an accepted marker of a fluid-responsive state. However, there is no study of its epidemiology and associations among non-cardiac critically ill patients. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a pilot study of the epidemiology and associations of a PPV ≥ 13% among non-cardiac critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Cohort of 37 sedated critically ill patients undergoing mandatory ventilation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PPV values, tidal volume and peak airway pressure, MAP, heart rate (HR) and central venous pressure (CVP) collected every 15 minutes; fluid balance collected hourly; correlation between PPV and these variables. RESULTS: 450 PPV measurements were collated. The PPV value was ≥ 13% in 86 (19%) measurements and was observed in two consecutive measurements in 68 (15%) of cases. On multivariable analysis, mean PPV was significantly correlated with CVP (P=0.04), HR (P<0.001) and peak airway pressure (P=0.001), but not fluid balance (P=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Among non-cardiac surgery mechanically ventilated patients, a PPV in the fluid-responsive range was present in one-fifth of measurements and showed logical correlations with relevant haemodynamic and mechanical ventilation-related variables. Our results provide a rationale for a more comprehensive evaluation of PPV measurement in suitable critically ill patients.

The biochemical effects of restricting chloride-rich fluids in intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the biochemical effects of restricting the use of chloride-rich intravenous fluids in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label, before-and-after study. SETTING: University-affiliated intensive care unit. PATIENTS: A cohort of 828 consecutive patients admitted over 6 months from February 2008 and cohort of 816 consecutive patients admitted over 6 months from February 2009. INTERVENTIONS: We collected biochemical and fluid use data during standard practice without clinician awareness. After a 6-month period of education and preparation, we restricted the use of chloride-rich fluids (0.9% saline [Baxter, Sydney, Australia], Gelofusine [BBraun, Melsungen, Germany], and Albumex 4 [CSL Bioplasma, Melbourne, Australia]) in the intensive care unit and made them available only on specific intensive care unit specialist prescription. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Saline prescription decreased from 2411 L in the control group to 52 L in the intervention group (p < .001), Gelofusine from 538 to 0 L (p < .001), and Albumex 4 from 269 to 80 L (p < .001). As expected, Hartmann's lactated solution prescription increased from 469 to 3205 L (p < .001), Plasma-Lyte from 65 to 160 L (p < .05), and chloride-poor Albumex 20 from 87 to 268 L (p < .001). After intervention, the incidence of severe metabolic acidosis (standard base excess <-5 mEq/L) decreased from 9.1% to 6.0% (p < .001) and severe acidemia (pH <7.3) from 6.0% to 4.9% (p < .001). However, the intervention also led to significantly greater incidence of severe metabolic alkalosis (standard base excess >5 mEq/L) and alkalemia (pH >7.5) with an increase from 25.4% to 32.8% and 10.5% to 14.7%, respectively (p < .001). The time-weighted mean chloride level decreased from 104.9 ± 4.9 to 102.5 ± 4.6 mmol/L (p < .001), whereas the time-weighted mean standard base excess increased from 0.5 ± 4.5 to 1.8 ± 4.7 mmol/L (p < .001), mean bicarbonate from 25.3 ± 4.0 to 26.4 ± 4.1 mmol/L (p < .001) and mean pH from 7.40 ± 0.06 to 7.42 ± 0.06 (p < .001). Overall fluid costs decreased from $15,077 (U.S.) to $3,915. CONCLUSIONS: In a tertiary intensive care unit in Australia, restricting the use of chloride-rich fluids significantly affected electrolyte and acid-base status. The choice of fluids significantly modulates acid-base status in critically ill patients.

A pilot study of the epidemiology and associations of pulse pressure variation in cardiac surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is an accepted measure of intravascular filling. It can now be estimated automatically. However, there is limited knowledge of the epidemiology and associations of such estimates in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted a pilot prospective observational study of the epidemiology and associations of automatically estimated PPV in 30 cardiac surgery patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. The study was conducted in June and July 2010. We collected automated monitor-estimated PPV values every 15 minutes during mandatory ventilation in patients after cardiac surgery. We simultaneously collected data on all relevant haemodynamic values, hourly fluid balance, tidal volume (V(T)) and peak airway pressure. We made a total of 205 measurements on 30 patients. A PPV value ≥ 13% was selected as defining a likely fluid responsiveness (FR) state. Clinicians were not informed of the study. RESULTS: PPV values ≥ 13% were present in 38% of measurements, and the average duration of this physiological state was 38 minutes per patient. Higher PPV values correlated with negative fluid balance (P < 0.001), lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P = 0.018), lower cardiac index (P = 0.013), higher peak airway pressure (P < 0.001) and higher V(T) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a tertiary ICU, among patients who had recently had cardiac surgery, automated PPV values in the likely FR range were present in over a third of measurements. Correlations with other haemodynamic and ventilation values were logical and expected.

Circuit start during continuous renal replacement therapy in vasopressor-dependent patients: the impact of a slow blood flow protocol.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In vasopressor-dependent patients, we evaluated the impact of a slow blood flow protocol on hypotension when starting continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: Retrospective observational study in tertiary ICU of a slow blood flow protocol at the start of CRRT circuits. RESULTS: 205 circuits in 52 patients were studied. No significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and norepinephrine dose were found. Only 16 circuit starts in 13 patients were associated with a decrease in MAP >20%. In 23 filters and 11 patients, norepinephrine dose was >50 µg/min at baseline and also did not change significantly. There were no cardiac arrests or ventricular arrhythmias and CRRT was not discontinued because of hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CRRT slow blood flow protocol in vasopressor-dependent patients enabled the initiation of CRRT circuits with limited hemodynamic consequences and no cardiac arrest or ventricular arrhythmia.

Insertion side, body position and circuit life during continuous renal replacement therapy with femoral vein access.

INTRODUCTION: Choice of insertion side and patient position during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with femoral vein vascular access may affect circuit life. We investigated if there is an association between choice of insertion side and body position and its changes and circuit life during CRRT with femoral vein access. METHODS: We studied 50 patients receiving CRRT via femoral vein access with a sequential retrospective study in a tertiary intensive care unit. We defined two groups: patients with right or left femoral vein access. We then obtained information on age, gender, circuit life, total heparin dose, hemoglobin concentration and coagulation variables (platelet count, international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time) and percentage of time each patient spent in the supine, left lying, right lying, and sitting position during treatment. RESULTS: We studied 341 circuits in 50 patients. Mean circuit life was 13.9 h. Of these circuits, 251 (73.6%) were treated with right femoral vein access. Mean circuit life in this group was significantly longer compared with left femoral vein access (15.0 ± 14.3 vs. 10.6 ± 7.4; p = 0.019). Percentage spent in a particular position during CRRT was not significantly different between two groups. On multivariable linear regression analysis, mean circuit life was significantly and positively correlated with right vascular access site (p = 0.03) and lower platelet count (p = 0.03), but not with patient position. CONCLUSIONS: Right-sided insertion but not time spent in a particular position significantly affects circuit life during CRRT with femoral vein access.

Premature circuit clotting due to likely mechanical failure during continuous renal replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Failure of extracorporeal circuit (EC) function during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) appears most likely due to progressive circuit clotting or, in some cases, most likely due to mechanical problems that affect flow. We aimed to study the incidence of such likely mechanical circuit failure (MCF). DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study in an adult ICU of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: We studied 30 patients treated with CRRT via femoral vein vascular access. We obtained information on age, gender, diagnosis, mode of CRRT, circuit life, and blood chemistry. We defined MCF as 'likely' if there was a reduction of between 60 and 80% in circuit life compared to the previous or following circuit life and 'very likely' if such a reduction was between 81 and 100%. RESULTS: We studied 166 circuits in 30 different patients. Of these 26 were electively disconnected leaving 140 circuits with unplanned cessation of function. Among these circuits, likely MCF affected 10 circuits (7.1%) and very likely MCF affected 9 circuits (6.4%) for a total of 19 (13.6%) circuits. CONCLUSION: Mechanical circuit failure appears to affect approximately 1 in 8 circuits. Prospective studies are needed to understand why MCF occurs.