Evaluation of the Prognosis of Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome at the Emergency Department Based on the Lung Ultrasound Score.

OBJECTIVES: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a respiratory disease characterized by a high rate of mortality. Determining the prognosis of this disease is therefore important. Lung ultrasonography has found increased use, especially in the recent years. This study aimed to score patients diagnosed with ARDS at the emergency department using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-Lung and to investigate the prognosis of patients with ARDS using a scoring system. METHODS: This study was designed as a single-center prospective study. The study was performed in patients admitted to the emergency department and were diagnosed with ARDS pursuant to the Berlin criteria for ARDS and who met the inclusion criteria. The patients underwent lung ultrasonography at the emergency department and were scored (A line: 0; B1 line: 1; B2 line: 2; and C line: 3 points) accordingly. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients with ARDS. The mortality rate was 52% in the patients in the study. The lung ultrasonography score in the mortality group (25.48 ± 3.64) was higher than that in the survivors (8.46 ± 3.61). For a cut-off value of 17.5 for the lung ultrasonography score, the sensitivity and specificity with regard to mortality indicators were 92.8% and 90.9%, respectively (the area under the curve: 0.901; 95% confidence interval: 0.945-0.985: P < .001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that scoring based on POCUS-Lung at the time of initial presentation at the emergency department in patients diagnosed with ARDS according to the Berlin criteria could help determine the prognosis. As POCUS-Lung proved to be an important imaging method in investigating the affected alveolar capacity, we recommend its possible use as a prognostic indicator.

The predictive value of the inflammatory markers P-selectin and MCP1 in determining the length of stay and 30-day survival in the differentiation of sepsis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is the leading disease that is diagnosed late and still has a mortal course in emergency departments. The primary factors that will reduce both morbidity and mortality are early diagnosis and an early treatment approach. Therefore, in this study, P-selectin and MCP1 levels, which are known to be markers of inflammation, were examined in patients being followed up in intensive care. METHODS: Patients evaluated with a preliminary diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency intensive care unit between September 2015 and August 2016 were classified as having sepsis or infection according to the Q- SOFA criteria, and the P- selectin values were compared. RESULTS: In the sepsis group, GCS was determined as 13 (12-13), SBP 90 (80-110), tachypnea 24 (22-26), lactate 3.8 (0.6-16.0), MAP 70 (60-77), and LOS 16 days (9.5-20.3). In the ROC analysis, the sensitivity of P-selectin and MCP1 in the differentiation of patients with and without sepsis was 95.7%, and 73.8%, and the specificity was 97.8% and 73.8%, respectively. According to the cutoff values, the sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of patient mortality were 71.4% and 65.6% in P- selectin and 78.6% and 65.6% in MCP1. CONCLUSIONS: The P-selectin and MCP1 values in the emergency department can differentiate sepsis patients according to the Q-SOFA criteria and showed 30-day mortality at a significant level. Therefore, in patients with suspected sepsis in an emergency department, MCP1 can be of benefit to physicians in their decisions regarding LOS and transfer to intensive care.

Prognostic value of neglected biomarker in sepsis patients with the old and new criteria: predictive role of lactate dehydrogenase.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the pH, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and heart rate values on the first day of hospitalization in patients with a prediagnosis of sepsis and biomarkers that may predict mortality. METHODS: Patients hospitalized in an emergency intensive care unit with a diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome were classified as having sepsis (n = 28), septic shock (n = 8), or severe sepsis (n = 8) according to International Sepsis Guidelines (old criteria). Forty-four patients were classified as having sepsis (n = 4), septic shock (n = 30), or infection (n = 10) according to The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (new criteria). The effects of these patients' laboratory values on survival between groups were compared. Significant values were evaluated by χ2 automatic interaction detection analysis. RESULTS: When the patients were categorized according to the new classification criteria, there was an increase in the number of septic shock patients and a decrease in the number of sepsis patients. In addition, 10 patients were removed from the sepsis category. There was a significant difference between ex and discharged patients in terms of heart rate, pH, sodium bicarbonate, lactate, and LDH (P= .007, P= .002, P= .034, P= .009, and P= .002, respectively). Based on a χ2 automatic interaction detection analysis of the significant values, pH, LDH, and heart rate were prominent predictors of prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic pH, LDH, and heart rate values may be used to determine the best time to discharge patients from intensive care to other, more affordable hospital units.

Simultaneous Use of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion and Plasma Exchange Therapies in Multiple Drug Toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to highlight the use of combined intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) and plasma exchange (PE) therapies in multidrug toxicity. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 45-year-old woman who attempted suicide by ingesting large quantities of amisulpride (28 g), diazepam (250 mg), valsartan (2,240 mg), aripiprazole (45 mg) and paliperidone (21 mg) was taken to the hospital of Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine. Upon arrival, she exhibited signs of cardiotoxicity and severe depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems. She was treated successfully with ILE for 4 h and PE therapy for 36 h, consecutively. She was discharged on the fourth day of hospitalization having fully recovered. CONCLUSION: The patient was successfully treated with the combination of ILE and PE.

Mean platelet volume is increased in patients with hypertensive crises.

Platelets may be activated in hypertension (HT). Hypertensive crisis is an extreme phenotype of HT and HT-related thrombotic complications. We aimed to assess mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with hypertensive crises. This study included 215 hypertensive urgency (HU) patients (84 male, mean age = 66 ± 15 years) and 60 hypertensive emergency (HE) patients (26 male, mean age = 68 ± 13 years), who were admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of hypertensive crises. Control group was composed of age- and sex-matched 39 normotensive patients. Blood samples were withdrawn for whole blood count and routine biochemical tests. Systolic blood pressure (BP) was significantly higher in the HE group than in the HU group (p < 0.001). Median mean platelet volume (MPV) was higher in the HE group compared with HU and control groups [9.5 (Interquartile range, IQR: 8.7-10.1), 8.4 (IQR: 7.7-9.1), and 8.3 (IQR: 7.7-8.7) fl, each p < 0.001, respectively). In linear regression analysis, systolic BP (ß = 0.18, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.002-0.015, p = 0.007) and diabetes mellitus (ß = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.28-0.95, p < 0.001) were independently associated with MPV levels. Our findings show that MPV can be elevated in patients with HE and HU. It can be independently associated with systolic BP and diabetes mellitus. These findings imply that platelet activation contribute to the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in hypertensive crises.

Is caval index a sufficient parameter for determining and monitoring dehydration in intoxication patients?

BACKGROUND: Cases of intoxication are increasing day by day and these patients are presenting to emergency departments. These patients are usually individuals with poor self-care, inadequate oral intake, and unable to meet their own needs, and may have significant dehydration due to the agents they have taken. The caval index (CI) is a recently used index to determine fluid requirement and response. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the success of CI in determining and monitoring dehydration in intoxication patients. METHODS: Our study was conducted prospectively in the emergency department of a single tertiary care center. A total of ninety patients were included in the study. Caval index was calculated by measuring inspiratory and expiratory inferior vena cava diameters. Caval index measurements were repeated after 2 and 4 h. RESULTS: Patients who were hospitalized, took multiple drugs, or needed inotropic agents had significantly higher caval index levels. A further increase in caval index levels was observed on second and third caval index evaluations in patients who received inotropic agents along with fluid resuscitation. Levels of systolic blood pressure recorded at admission (0. hour) showed a significant correlation with caval index and shock index. Caval index and the shock index were highly sensitive and specific at predicting mortality. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that CI can be used as an index to assist emergency clinicians in determining and monitoring fluid requirement in cases of intoxication presenting to the emergency department.

Simulation-Based Enhancement of Patient Safety During Intrahospital Transport of Trauma Patients With COVID-19: A Helipad Scenario.

Trauma resulting from accidents, violence, or war claims over five million lives annually, with traffic accidents and falls being predominant causes. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges in trauma care. Even though the number of injuries decreased during the lockdown period, the transportation of trauma patients became even more challenging due to concerns about infection control and the need for enhanced protective measures. This simulation workshop was conducted in a controlled environment to test and refine protocols for the safe transport of trauma patients with COVID-19. Our goal was to develop comprehensive guidance on the intrahospital transportation of these patients, ensuring the highest level of patient care and safety. We detail a five-step approach from preparation to the pre-landing, initial assessment, patient transfer, and patient handover phases, emphasizing adherence to protocols, equipment readiness, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The primary issues we encountered were related to time management, the decision-making process for applying lifesaving procedures in an open environment, and the risk of cross-infection. The workshop underscored the importance of swift and coordinated care, balancing life-saving interventions with efficient transport to a definitive care facility.

Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy with negative consequences for the mother and fetus. It was aimed to investigate whether the systemic immune inflammation index is a parameter that will facilitate the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Methods: This retrospective and single-center study included patients diagnosed with preeclampsia after admission to the emergency department and those who met the inclusion criteria. Vital parameters, demographic data, medical history, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, systemic immune-inflammation index values, biochemical parameters, and gestational weeks were analyzed in each patient. Results: A total of 40 patients with preeclampsia (preeclampsia group) and 40 normal pregnant women (control group) were included. Laboratory tests revealed that the mean WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group, whereas the preeclampsia group had a significantly lower mean platelet count than the control group (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity for the cut-off value of 758.39 × 109/L systemic immune-inflammation index in pregnant patients with preeclampsia was 77.5% and 67.5%, respectively (AUC: 0.705; 95% CI: 0.587-0.823; p = 0.002). No significant difference was observed between the mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in preeclampsia diagnosis. Conclusion: The systemic immune-inflammation index may be used as a marker to help in establishing the diagnosis of preeclampsia. We believe that this index is an important prognostic indicator because it concurrently evaluates neutrophil and lymphocyte values-which indicate the inflammation process-and platelet count, i.e., an indicator of coagulopathy.

Accuracy of the Apple Watch in measuring oxygen saturation: comparison with pulse oximetry and ABG.

BACKGROUND: Smartwatches have gained tremendous attention in recent years and have become widely accepted by patients, despite not being intended for medical diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of Apple Watch oxygen saturation measurement in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD by comparing it with medical-grade pulse oximetry and ABG. METHOD: This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study involved 167 patients. Patients presenting with cardiac arrest, life-threatening symptoms, severe hypoxia, or obvious jaundice were excluded. Additionally, patients whose SpO2 measurements with the Apple Watch took more than 2 min or required eight attempts were also excluded. Vital signs were measured simultaneously using the IntelliVue MX500 monitor with the Masimo Rainbow Set pulse oximeter and the Apple Watch. Concurrently, arterial blood gas (ABG) samples were drawn. RESULTS: A strong correlation between the Apple Watch 6 and medical-grade pulse oximetry (r = 0.89, ICC = 0.940) was noted. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean error of 0.458% between the Apple Watch 6 and ABG (SD: 2.78, level of agreement: - 5.912 to 4.996). The mean error between pulse oximetry and ABG (SD: 5.086, level of agreement; - 10.983 to 8.953) was 1.015%. There was a correlation between respiratory rate and the number of attempts to measure SpO2 with the Apple Watch 6 (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Apple Watch 6 is an accurate and reliable method for measuring SpO2 levels in emergency patients who presented with acute exacerbation of COPD. However, tachypneic patients may encounter challenges due to the potential need for multiple attempts to measure their oxygen saturation.

Is optic nerve sheath diameter diagnostic in methanol intoxication?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Methyl alcohol intoxication causes severe morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Formic acid is formed as a result of methanol metabolism. Formic acid accumulation and inhibition of adenosine triphosphate synthesis result in ophthalmic issues. This study aimed to demonstrate that the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement is an accurate prognostic marker and can be helpful in the diagnosis of methanol intoxication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted with 52 patients who were admitted to the emergency department after alcohol consumption and agreed to participate in the study. Age, gender, comorbid diseases, vital signs, ONSD ultrasonography measurements, hospitalization and discharge status, in-hospital mortality status, dialysis need, presence of visual impairment, blood gas parameters, respiratory status, time since alcohol intake, ethanol levels, urea levels, and creatinine levels were analyzed. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive power of ONSD to diagnose methanol intoxication. The area under the curve was 0.857 for the cut-off value of 5.05 mm (95 % CI: 0.728-0.985; p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 80.8 % and a specificity of 100 %. In the regression analysis performed to determine the prognostic value of the parameters in estimating mortality in methanol intoxication cases, an increase in ONSD (OR: 3.619; 95 % CI: 0.057-0.199; p = 0.001), an increase in lactate levels (OR: 5.653; 95 % CI: 0.040-0.085; p < 0.001), and increased duration after alcohol intake (OR: 2558; 95 % CI: 0.004-0.034; p = 0.014) were identified as independent predictors of mortality, but pH, HCO3, and base deficit levels were not significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that ONSD can be helpful for the differential diagnosis and prognosis of patients with suspected methanol toxicity who presented with alcohol intake.

Does MDR1 Analysis Predict Medical Therapy Modifications in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) gene factor which is significant in medicinereceptor relationship, on readmission to the emergency department (ED) and medical therapy modifications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) readmitting to the emergency department. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Emergency Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey, from January 2016 to January 2017. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients who did not have AF with rapid ventricular response, and 32 controls have been included in the study. Electronic recording system of the hospital was checked regularly to detect any readmission of these patients due to palpitation; and they were asked whether they had any ED readmission and any changes in medical therapy by calling them during the one-year period. Then, MDR1 1236TC, 2677TG and 3435TC gene analyses and medical treatment regimens of the patients after 1 year were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were found neither between the study and the control group nor between the genders in the study group regarding the results of MDR1 gene analyses. Besides, there were no differences in medical treatment regimens compared to MDR1 gene analyses in the group with AF. There were no statistically significant differences in the results of MDR1 gene analysis in patients whose medical treatment regimen had been changed during the one-year period. CONCLUSION: MDR1 gene analyses did not have any significant effect on the development of AF, readmission to the ED and modification of the treatment regimenin the Turkish population.

Role of H-FABP values in determining the etiologic factors of the cardiac injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac injury resulting from blunt thoracic trauma is a frequent clinical occurrence which is difficult to diagnose. Our purpose in this study was to research whether H-FABP, which is a new marker for the diagnosis of cardiac injury, can be used in this patient group. METHODS: 50 patients with blunt thoracic injury who were admitted to our emergency service within a period of 8 months and 50 cases as controls were included in our study. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients with blunt thoracic injury in our study, 88% were male while 12% were female. The average age of the patients was 43 ± 15.15. While 27 (54%) of the 50 patients with blunt thoracic injury had cardiac injury, 23 (46%) did not have cardiac injury. The results of the statistical analyses showed a significant association between thorax trauma and cTnI, CPK, CPKMB and H-FABP (p<0.05). While there was a significant association between cardiac injury resulting from thoracic trauma and cTnI, ECG and TTE (p<0.05), there was no significant association between CPK, CPKMB and H-FABP (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In thoracic traumas, cardiac injury diagnosis can be made as a result of the assessment with Troponin-I, ECG and ECHO. For cardiac injury diagnosis, wide scale prospective studies are needed for H-FABP use.

Should Alvarado and Ohmann scores be real indicators for diagnosis of appendicitis and severity of inflammation?

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain seen in surgical clinics. Although it can be easily diagnosed, the picture may be confusing, particularly in premenopausal women and the elderly. The present study is an evaluation of 2 of the current scoring systems with respect to accurate diagnosis of the disease and indication of inflammation severity. METHODS: A total of 105 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included in the study. Subsequent to Alvarado and Ohmann scoring, ultrasonography image was obtained and appendectomy was performed. A unique intraoperative severity scoring system was used to measure severity of inflammation and to compare Alvarado and Ohmann scoring system results to assess accuracy of predictive value for acute appendicitis. RESULTS: Moderate positive correlation was found between Alvarado score and Ohmann score (r=0.508; p<0.001). Rate of Alvarado score successfully predicting diagnosis of acute appendicitis based on histopathological results was statistically significant (p=0.027), while rate of Ohmann score was not statistically significant (p=0.807). Correlation between both scores and grading of inflammation performed during the operation was weak, but statistical significance was observed between Alvarado scoring system and intraoperative severity scoring (r=0.30; p=0.002). No statistical difference was observed between Ohmann scoring and intraoperative severity scoring (r=0.09; p=0.384). CONCLUSION: Alvarado score is better able to predict acute appendicitis and provide an idea of severity of inflammation. Ohmann score is more useful to provide guidance and eliminate acute appendicitis from consideration when conditions are more uncertain and obscured.

The nutritional status of hospitalized children: Has this subject been overlooked?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the nutritional status of hospitalized children at the time of admission and to investigate the relationship between diagnosis and nutritional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Body weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-arm circumference were measured on admission and percentages of weight-for-age, weight-for-height, body mass index, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were calculated. The nutritional status was evaluated using the Waterlow, Gomez, and other anthropometric assessments. RESULTS: A total of 511 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 5.8±4.9 years. Malnutrition was determined in 52.7% of patients according to the Waterlow classification. Mild malnutrition was determined in 39%, moderate in 12%, and severe in 1.7%, with the characteristics of acute malnutrition in 23.9%, acute-chronic in 7.3%, and chronic in 21.5%. The highest rate of malnutrition was in the 0-2 years age group (62.3%). According to the Gomez classification, malnutrition rate was determined as 46.8%. The rates of malnutrition in malignant, gastrointestinal, and infectious diseases were 60%, 59.8%, and 54.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized children was noticeably high. The nutritional evaluation of all patients and an early start to nutritional support could provide a significant positive contribution.

Phenytoin intoxication with no symptoms correlated with serum drug level: a case study.

In high-dose intake of phenytoin, which is used frequently to treat epilepsy, nystagmus, diplopia, nausea-vomiting, lethargy, confusion, seizure, and coma can be observed. In recent studies on phenytoin intoxication, in which seizure and coma were observed in drug levels greater than 50 ug/mL. The serum phenytoin level of a patient, who consumed approximately 100 pcs of 100 mg phenytoin tablets in an effort to commit suicide, and who had no pathological finding in her neurologic examination, was 124 ug/mL. High drug level and the absence of toxic effect (or the absence of toxic effect correlated with the drug level) indicates that cytochrome P450 is functioning, but there can be a mutation in the MDR1 gene. In our case study, we report on phenytoin intoxication in a patient having a high level of phenytoin but no symptoms correlated with serum drug level, as supported by the findings in the literature.

Comparision of ultrasound-based methods of jugular vein and inferior vena cava for estimating central venous pressure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim in this study was to compare the ultrasound estimation of the jugular vein diameter (IJVmax, IJVmin) and area (IJVarea), the height of the right internal jugular vein (CVPusg), the vena cava diameter (IVCmax, IVCmin), and the vena cava index (IVCindex) with direct estimation of central venous pressure (CVPinv). METHODS: Ultrasonography was performed on 37 nonventilated and 36 ventilated patients while monitoring central venous pressure. The IJV and IVC were measured during the respiratory cycle and the IJVarea and IVCindex were calculated. Tapering portion of the right IJV defined and height from this point to the sternal angle was used to estimate CVPusg. RESULTS: A CVP of 10 mmHg was chosen as a clinically significant cutoff for high CVP, and 6 mmHg was chosen for low CVP estimation. The CVPusg, IJVmax and IJVmin correlated moderately with CVPinv (R² = 0.66, 0.53, and 0.54, respectively) whereas the IVCmax, IVCmin and IVCindex showed poor correlation (R² = 0.29, 0.32 and 0.27, respectively). The CVPusg cutoff value of 7 predicted CVPinv > 10 mmHg with sensitivity of 90%, specific-ity of 67.3% and predicted CVPinv < 6 mmHg with sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 68%. IJVmax, IJVmin, IJVarea and IVCmax showed high sensitivity (90.32%, 83.87%, 90.32%, and 93.10%, respectively) for low CVP levels. The IVCindex has high sensitivity (95.2%) and poor specificity (42.9%) for high CVP levels. CONCLUSION: IVCindex and CVPusg has better diagnostic performance for estimating high CVP. IJVmax, IJV area, and IVCmax showed high sensitivity and NPV for low CVP levels.