Physical restraint within the prehospital Emergency Medical Care Environment: A scoping review.

Background: Psychomotor agitation and aggressive behaviour (AAB) have the potential to occur in any healthcare setting, including those in which Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operate. This scoping review aimed to examine the available literature on physical restraint of patients within the prehospital setting and to identify guidelines and their effectiveness, safety to patients and health care practitioners and strategies relating to physical restraint when used by EMS. Methods: We performed our scoping review using the methodological framework described by Arksey and O'Malley augmented by that of Sucharew and Macaluso. Several steps guided the review process: identification of the research question, eligibility criteria, information sources (CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane and Scopus), search, selection and data collection, ethical approval, collation, summarizing and reporting on the results. Results: The population of interest, in this scoping review was prehospital physically restrained patients, however, there was a reduced research focus on this population in comparison to the larger emergency department. Conclusion: The limitation of informed consent from incapacitated patients may relate to the lack of prospective real-world research from previous and future studies. Future research should focus on patient management, adverse events, practitioner risk, policy, and education within the prehospital setting.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and priapism: An unexplored association.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has an established impact on multiple organ systems, including the vascular and urogenital systems. Vascular effects may include venous thromboembolic disease, which could theoretically be a precursor to priapism-a urological emergency defined as an abnormal condition of prolonged penile erection lasting >4 hours. To better explore this association, we critically appraised all the published COVID-19 cases associated with priapism. Materials and methods: After PROSPERO registration (CRD42021245257), a systematic search of Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed using specific search terms. The following study metadata were extracted: age, requirement for respiratory support, cavernous blood gas findings, management of priapism, and patient outcomes. Results: Fifteen single-patient case reports were included in this review. Of these, all of the patients presented with ischemic priapism, 9 patients (60.0%) were >60 years of age, 4 (26.7%) reported more than a single episode of priapism, 11 (73.3%) presented with pneumonia, 8 (53.3%) required mechanical ventilation, D-dimer was elevated in 5 of the 6 (83.3%) patients in whom this was reported, and among the 13 patients in whom mortality was reported, 4 (30.8%) died. Conclusions: Early reports suggest a prognostic relationship between COVID-19 and coexisting priapism. However, owing to commonalities in their pathophysiology and the small dataset reported in the literature, the probable association between COVID-19 and priapism is still theoretical. Further research is needed to confirm this association.

Is the History of Erectile Dysfunction a Reliable Risk Factor for New Onset Acute Myocardial Infarction? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs as a manifestation of coronary atherosclerotic disease. The occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED) following AMI is well documented and this association and pathophysiology is often interrelated. Few studies have objectively assessed the diagnostic value of ED as a risk factor for AMI, in general. In this review, we aimed to better outline the diagnostic predictability of ED as a precursor for 'first/new onset' AMI. This review was performed using selective search terms, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched (September 2018). Selected studies were further assessed for relevance and quality (Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool-Oxford). Four studies [573 participants; mean 143 (SD ± 76.3604) and median 141 participants] were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis of the studies resulted in a pooled sensitivity of 51.36% (95% CI: 47.37-55.33%). For the single study which reported true negative and false positive cases, a specificity of 76.53% (95% CI: 68.57-83.00%) was calculated. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that a history of ED should be used as a risk factor for new onset AMI.

A Systematic Review of the World of Validated Suprapubic Catheter Insertion Simulation Trainers: From 'Head-Blocks' to 'Lunch Boxes'.

PURPOSE: Various suprapubic catheter insertion simulators have been described to aid in the training of this fundamental skill. The purpose of this review was to evaluate and critically appraise all validated simulators. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, British Medical Journal and the Embase databases were searched (March 2018), by using key search terms "suprapubic trainer", "suprapubic model", "suprapubic simulation" and "suprapubic simulator". RESULTS: A total of 196 articles were identified; 117 unrelated, 53 animal studies and 20 duplications. Only 6 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. The median number of participants per study was 30.5. Material costs ranged from 1.71 to 60 dollars per model. Only 2 studies incorporated the use of ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Despite validated suprapubic catheter insertion models being a specially needed learning resource, only few have been described-mostly for not resourceful environments. There exists a general lack of guidelines on model validation processes. There is a need to develop, appropriately validate and integrate models into training curriculum.

The ultrasound 'twinkling artefact' in the diagnosis of urolithiasis: hocus or valuable point-of-care-ultrasound? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Presentation to the emergency department with renal colic has been reported as between 6.7 and 27.9 per 1000 emergency department visits. Clinicians rely on various radiological investigations for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of urolithiasis. This review assesses the validity of the colour Doppler ultrasonographic twinkling artefact (TA) sign as a diagnostic tool for the presence of urolithiasis. A systematic search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed (October 2018) using specific search terms. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines and the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2) tool were applied to rank and evaluate selected studies. Twenty-two articles that included 4389 participants were assessed. The median sample size was 102.5 (interquartile range: 47-292.5) and the age range of participants was 4-91 years. Meta-analysis of the studies that provided sufficient data resulted in a pooled sensitivity and specificity for the ultrasonographic TA sign of 88.16 [95% confidence interval (CI): 87.07-89.19%] and 79.22% (95% CI: 73.41-84.26%) respectively, with an estimated summary effect of 3.84 (95% CI: 1.08-6.60, P 0.006) in log odds ratio terms. There was significant interstudy heterogeneity as suggested by an I-statistic of 94.51% (95% CI: 94.51-99.58) and an estimated τ parameter of 7.21 (SE: 7.44). Despite the suboptimal pooled sensitivity and specificity of the TA sign and the large heterogeneity between published studies, the current body of evidence suggests that the colour Doppler ultrasonographic TA sign may be useful as a complementary tool in the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected urolithiasis.

The 'John Thomas' sign and pelvic fractures-Fact or humorous myth?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: An incidental and sometimes humorous finding on an Antero-Posterior (AP) pelvis X-ray view is that of the John Thomas Sign (JTS), which is defined as positive, when the penile shadow points towards the side of a hip or pelvic fracture in male patients. Despite previous research reports and studies performed on the JTS sign, uncertainty with regards to its clinical relevance still remains. The objective of this review was to assess the clinical validity and accuracy of this sign by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was performed (May 2017), using the following databases: BMJ best practice, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, PubMed and Scopus. Studies comparing the predictability of the JTS were critically appraised. The summary effect (and 95% CI) was estimated using a random effect model and the Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method. The pooled sensitivity as well as the summary effect log odds ratio was determined. Selected studies were further ranked for quality and relevance using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) (Oxford 2013) tool. RESULTS: In total, nine articles were isolated and assessed. A total of 1942 participants were included. The mean sample size amongst these included studies was 243 participants with a median of 198 participants. Since the necessary data needed for the Meta-analysis was only present in the 6/9 studies assessed, these 6 were analyzed further. The JTS was positive in 1089 out of 1439 patients with a pooled sensitivity of 75.7% (95%CI, 73.4%-77.9%). There was a large variation in the sensitivity and specificity amongst studies, accounting for a non-significant summary Odds Ratio effect of -0.03. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this review, there is insufficient statistical evidence to support the reliability of the JTS to predict the laterality in the case of a hip fracture on the standard AP pelvis x-ray.

Cross-sectional survey on occupational needle stick injuries amongst prehospital emergency medical service personnel in Johannesburg.

INTRODUCTION: Prehospital personnel are exposed to challenging situations that place them at increased risk of sustaining a needle stick injury (NSI). Blood borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B or C may be transmitted from a NSI. Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV globally. There is no data pertaining to NSI among Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the cumulative incidence, knowledge, attitudes and practices pertaining to NSIs amongst a select group of prehospital personnel in Johannesburg. METHODS: This was a prospective, questionnaire based, cross-sectional survey of personnel employed at three EMS service providers in Johannesburg. RESULTS: Of the 240 subjects that participated in the study, there was a total of 93 NSIs amongst 63 (26.3%) subjects. Of these, 41 (65.1%) had sustained one previous NSI, 16 (25.4%) had two NSIs, 5 (7.9%) had three NSIs and one (1.6%) had five NSIs. Almost two-thirds (n = 60; 64.5%) of NSIs were sustained during intravenous line insertion. Most of the study subjects were male (n = 145, 60.4%), between the age of 25-29 years (n = 67, 27.9%), had a BLS qualification as the highest level of training (n = 89, 37.1%), had >10 years of EMS experience (n = 69; 28.8%) and were up to date with their Hepatitis B vaccination at the time of the study. HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was initiated in 82 (88.2%) out of the 93 NSI incidents. However, the recommended 28-day course of therapy was only completed in 68 (82.9%) out of the 82 cases where PEP was initiated. CONCLUSION: Prehospital personnel are at risk of sustaining a NSI. There is a need to promote awareness with regards to the risks, preventive measures, awareness of PEP protocols and the timely initiation and completion of HIV PEP amongst EMS personnel in Johannesburg.

Role of the ultrasonographic 'whirlpool sign' in intestinal volvulus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal volvulus is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when loops of bowel twist around its supporting mesentery and associated vasculature. Clinicians often rely on various radiological investigations for prompt diagnosis to avoid complications such as bowel infarction. This review assesses the clinical reliability of the ultrasonographic whirlpool sign (WS) in the diagnosis of intestinal volvulus. METHODS: In adherence with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) statement, a systematic search of BMJ Best Practice, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed (August 2017), using relevant search terms. Selected studies were ranked for quality and relevance using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) tool. RESULTS: Sixteen articles (1640 participants) were assessed. The mean and median sample size was 102.5 (SD ± 192.23) and 28 (range 7-770), respectively. The WS was positive in 212 of 255 (83.1%) patients with intestinal volvulus. Meta-analysis of the studies that provided sufficient data resulted in a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 87.42% (95% confidence interval (CI): 81.05-92.25) and 98.63% (95% CI: 97.88-99.18), respectively, with an estimated summary effect of 5.28 (95% CI: 4.47-6.08, P < 0.001). There was negligible inter-study heterogeneity, which was suggested by an I2 statistic of 0% (95% CI: 0.00-76.34) and a τ2 parameter of 0 (95% CI: 0.00-5.35). CONCLUSION: Though the pooled sensitivity was less than ideal (87.42%), this review and meta-analysis nevertheless supports the reliability of the ultrasonographic WS as an acceptable indicator of intestinal volvulus.

The ultrasonographic "whirlpool sign" in testicular torsion: valuable tool or waste of valuable time? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: A positive whirlpool sign (WS) is defined as the presence of a spiral-like pattern when the spermatic cord is assessed during ultrasonography (US), using standard, high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and/or color Doppler sonography (CDS), in the presence of testicular torsion. The objective of this review was to assess the validity and accuracy of this sign by performing a comprehensive systematic literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was performed (August, 2017), using the following databases: BMJ Best Practice, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Selected studies were further assessed for relevance and quality using the Oxford 2010 Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). RESULTS: Of the studies assessed, a total of 723 participants were included, with a mean of 72.3 (SD 71.9) participants. Of the participants, 226 (31.3%) were diagnosed with testicular torsion (TT). Meta-analysis of the studies that provided sufficient data resulted in a pooled sensitivity and specificity of the WS of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65-0.79) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99), respectively. Removal of all neonates increased the pooled sensitivity to 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70-0.98) while the pooled specificity remained almost unchanged at 0.99 (95% CI, 0.95-1.00). The estimated summary effect of all studies with sufficient data was 4.34 (95% CI, 1.01-7.67; n = 394; p = 0.001). A large degree of heterogeneity was suggested by an I2 statistic of 88.27% (95% CI, 68.60-98.68%). Removal of neonatal subjects increased the estimated summary effect to 5.32 (95% CI, 1.59-9.05; n = 375; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The WS, when correctly diagnosed, may be viewed as a very definitive sign for TT in the pediatric and adult populations. However, its role in neonates is limited.