Care of the Critically Ill Pregnant Patient and Perimortem Cesarean Delivery in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Maternal resuscitation in the emergency department requires planning and special consideration of the physiologic changes of pregnancy. Perimortem cesarean delivery (PMCD) is a rare but potentially life-saving procedure for both mother and fetus. Emergency physicians should be aware of the procedure's indications and steps because it needs to be performed rapidly for the best possible outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to review the approach to the critically ill pregnant patient in light of new expert guidelines, including indications for PMCD and procedural techniques. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of maternal cardiac arrest and survival outcomes of PMCD in the emergency department setting are difficult to estimate. Advanced cardiovascular life support protocols should be followed in maternal arrest with special considerations made based on the physiologic changes of pregnancy. The latest recommendations for maternal resuscitation are reviewed, including advance planning, rapid determination of gestational age, emergent delivery, and postprocedure considerations for PMCD. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal resuscitation requires knowledge of physiologic changes and evidence-based recommendations. PMCD outcomes are best for both mother and fetus when the procedure is performed rapidly and efficiently in the appropriate setting. Emergency physicians should be familiar with this unique clinical scenario so they are adequately prepared to intervene in order to improve maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis: emergency management of orbital compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening emergency. Vision may be preserved when timely intervention is performed. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of orbital compartment syndrome caused by traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage and the procedure of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, reviewed with photographic illustration. DISCUSSION: Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis are readily performed at the bedside with simple instruments. The procedure may prevent irreversible blindness in cases of acute orbital compartment syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians should be familiar with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis in the management of orbital compartment syndrome to minimize the chance of irreversible visual loss.

Emergency department management of shoulder dystocia.

BACKGROUND: Precipitous obstetric deliveries can occur outside of the labor and delivery suite, often in the emergency department (ED). Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency with significant risk of adverse outcome. OBJECTIVE: To review multiple techniques for managing a shoulder dystocia in the ED. DISCUSSION: We review various techniques and approaches for achieving delivery in the setting of shoulder dystocia. These include common maneuvers, controversial interventions, and interventions of last resort. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians should be familiar with multiple techniques for managing a shoulder dystocia to reduce the chances of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Alternative treatments of pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax has traditionally been treated in the Emergency Department by tube thoracostomy. However, this is an invasive procedure with high risk of complication and prolonged hospitalization. DISCUSSION: In select settings, there are alternative forms of management of pneumothorax that carry lower risks and may reduce hospital stay. This article reviews the settings in which less invasive treatment, including observation alone, may be indicated. This article also reviews the techniques for simple aspiration and small-bore catheter insertion (by either Seldinger or catheter-over-wire technique) with Heimlich valve, as well as the indications, contraindications, and potential risks and benefits of each. CONCLUSIONS: The practices of observation, simple aspiration, and small-bore catheter insertion with Heimlich valve for selected patients may decrease complications, time, and costs by avoiding invasive procedures and hospital admissions.

The content expert program: A structured approach to increase emergency medicine resident scholarly activity.

Objectives: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residents to participate in scholarship and requires residency programs to provide an environment within which residents can acquire skills related to scholarly activities. However, consensus on the definition of scholarship and structure of program environments does not yet exist. We designed and implemented a content expert program (CEP) in 2015, in which each resident worked with a faculty advisor to develop a longitudinal scholarly activity linked to a core area of practice and, in doing so, became the department's "content expert." We hypothesized that the CEP would significantly increase the number of scholarly outputs per resident. Methods: The CEP was structured around an oversight committee composed of key faculty members, which guided development of CEP projects through regular meetings and formative feedback. Each resident generated one or more scholarly outputs from their content area. Outputs were categorized into educational, operational, research, and miscellaneous domains and further identified as intradepartmental, interdepartmental, or interdisciplinary collaborations. The number of outputs was compared to the baseline number of scholarly activities per resident at the study program using a Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 187 scholarly outputs were generated by 76 residents, which equated to 31.2 outputs per year, or 2.5 outputs per resident. This was a significant increase compared to the program baseline of one output per resident (p = 0.003). Eighteen distinct types of outputs spanned four major categories. Of the outputs, 37 were interdepartmental, 42 were interdisciplinary, and 32 were intradepartmental. Conclusions: The CEP proved to be a sustainable way to significantly increase scholarly activity and additionally improved collaborative efforts. With the appropriate structure and willing faculty in place, such a program can enhance the practical education provided by residency programs.

Implementation of a pilot novel objective peer comparison evaluation system in an emergency medicine residency program.

Objectives: Emergency medicine (EM) residents are currently evaluated via The Milestones, which have been shown to be imperfect and subjective. There is also a need for residents to achieve competency in patient safety and quality improvement processes, which can be accomplished through provision of peer comparison metrics. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the implementation of an objective peer comparison system for metrics that quantified aspects of quality and safety, efficiency and throughput, and utilization. Methods: This pilot study took place at an academic, tertiary care center with a 3-year residency and 14 residents per postgraduate year (PGY) class. Metrics were compared within each PGY class using Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-order analyses. Results: Significant changes were seen in the majority of the metrics for all PGY classes. PGY3s accounted for the significant change in EKG and X-ray reads, while PGY1s and PGY2s accounted for the significant change in disposition to final note share. Physician evaluation to disposition decision was the only metric that did not reach significance in any class. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that providing objective metrics is possible. Peer comparison metrics could provide an effective objective addition to the milestone evaluation system currently in use.

Ethics curriculum for emergency medicine graduate medical education.

BACKGROUND: Ethics education is an essential component of graduate medical education in emergency medicine. A sound understanding of principles of bioethics and a rational approach to ethical decision-making are imperative. OBJECTIVE: This article addresses ethics curriculum content, educational approaches, educational resources, and resident feedback and evaluation. DISCUSSION: Ethics curriculum content should include elements suggested by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and the Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine. Essential ethics content includes ethical principles, the physician-patient relationship, patient autonomy, clinical issues, end-of-life decisions, justice, education in emergency medicine, research ethics, and professionalism. CONCLUSION: The appropriate curriculum in ethics education in emergency medicine should include some of the content and educational approaches outlined in this article, although the optimal methods for meeting these educational goals may vary by institution.

Lateral-horizontal patient position and horizontal orientation of the endotracheal tube to prevent aspiration in adult surgical intensive care unit patients: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that during mechanical ventilation the lateral-horizontal patient position (in which the endotracheal tube is horizontal) decreases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, compared to the recommended semi-recumbent position (in which the endotracheal tube slopes downward into the trachea). We tested the feasibility of the lateral-horizontal patient position, measured the incidence of aspiration of gastric contents, and watched for any adverse effects related to the lateral-horizontal position. METHODS: Ten adult intensive care unit patients were ventilated for 64 hours in the standard semi-recumbent position, and ten for 12-24 hours in the lateral-horizontal position. Tracheal secretions were collected every 8 hours and every 4 hours, respectively, and tested for pepsin, which is a marker of gastric contents. We also recorded clinical, physiologic, and outcome variables. RESULTS: The patients remained stable during ventilation in the lateral-horizontal position, and no adverse events occurred. Pepsin was detected in the trachea of 7 semi-recumbent patients and in five of the lateral-horizontal patients (P = .32). The number of ventilator-free days was 8 days (range 0-21 days) in the semi-recumbent patients, versus 24 days (range 12-25 days) in the lateral-horizontal patients (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing the lateral-horizontal position for 12-24 hours in adult intubated intensive care unit patients is feasible, and our patients had no adverse events. The incidence of aspiration of gastric contents in the lateral-horizontal position seems to be similar to that in the semi-recumbent position.

Utility of routine testing for patients with asymptomatic severe blood pressure elevation in the emergency department.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Recommendations for the treatment of emergency department (ED) patients with asymptomatic severely elevated blood pressure advise assessment for occult, acute hypertensive target-organ damage. This study determines the prevalence of unanticipated, clinically meaningful test abnormalities in ED patients with asymptomatic severely elevated blood pressure. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study at 3 urban academic EDs. Consecutive patients with systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mm Hg on 2 measurements were enrolled if they denied symptoms of hypertensive emergency. A basic metabolic panel, urinalysis, ECG, CBC count, and chest radiograph were obtained. Treating physicians were interviewed about the indication for each test and whether an abnormal result was anticipated according to clinical findings. When test results were available, physicians were asked whether abnormal findings were clinically meaningful, defined as leading to unanticipated hospitalization, medication modification, or further immediate evaluation. The primary outcome was the prevalence of unanticipated clinically meaningful test abnormalities. RESULTS: One hundred nine patients with asymptomatic severely elevated blood pressure were enrolled. Unanticipated abnormal test results were noted in 57 (52%) patients. Clinically meaningful unanticipated test abnormalities were found in 7 (6%) patients: basic metabolic panel in 2 (2%), CBC count in 3 (3%), urinalysis in 3 (4%), ECG in 2 (2%), and chest radiograph in 1 (1%). Five patients (5%) had abnormalities assessed as possible manifestations of acute hypertensive target-organ injury; none had abnormalities clearly related to severely elevated blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Screening tests of urban ED patients with asymptomatic severely elevated blood pressure infrequently detect unanticipated hypertension-related abnormalities that alter ED management.

Evaluation and treatment of acute urinary retention.

Acute urinary retention is a common presentation to the Emergency Department and is often simply treated with placement of a Foley catheter. However, various cases will arise when this will not remedy the retention and more aggressive measures will be needed, particularly if emergent urological consultation is not available. This article will review the causes of urinary obstruction and systematically review emergent techniques and procedures used to treat this condition.

Temporary transvenous pacemaker placement in the Emergency Department.

Emergency Department placement of a temporary transvenous cardiac pacemaker offers potential life-saving benefits, as the device can definitively control heart rate, ensure effective myocardial contractility, and provide adequate cardiac output in select circumstances. The procedure begins with establishment of central venous access, usually by a right internal jugular or left subclavian vein approach, although the femoral vein is an acceptable alternative, especially in patients who are more likely to bleed should vascular access become complicated. The indications for the procedure, as well as the equipment needed, are reviewed. Both blind and ECG-guided techniques of insertion are described. Methods of verification of pacemaker placement and function are discussed, as are the early complications of the procedure.

Do Emergency Medicine Residency Graduates Feel Prepared to Manage Closed Fractures After Training?

OBJECTIVES: Fractures comprise 3% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Although emergency physicians are often responsible for managing most of the initial care of these patients, many report a lack of proficiency and comfort with these skills. The primary objective was to assess how prepared recent emergency medicine (EM) residency graduates felt managing closed fractures upon completion of residency. Secondary objectives included whether residency training or independent practice contributed most to the current level of comfort with these procedures and which fractures were most commonly reduced without orthopedic consultation. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was sent to graduates from seven EM residency programs over a 3-month period to evaluate closed fracture reduction training, practice, and comfort level. Each site primary investigator invited graduates from 2010 to 2014 to participate and followed a set schedule of reminders. RESULTS: The response rate was 287/384 (74.7%) and included 3-year (198/287, 69%) and 4-year (89/287, 31%) programs. Practice in community, academic, and hybrid ED settings was reported by 150/287 (52.3%), 64/287 (22.3%), and 73/287 (25.4%), respectively. It was indicated by 137/287 (47.7%) that they reduce closed fractures without a bedside orthopedic consultation greater than 75% of the time. The majority of graduates felt not at all prepared (35/287, 12.2%) or somewhat prepared (126/287, 43.9%) upon residency graduation. Postresidency independent practice contributed most to the current level of comfort for 156/287 (54.4%). The most common fractures requiring reduction were wrist/distal radius and/or ulna, next finger/hand, and finally, ankle/distal tibia and/or fibula. CONCLUSIONS: Although most recent graduates feel at least "somewhat" prepared to manage closed fractures in the ED, most felt that independent practice was a greater contributor to their current level of comfort than residency training. Recent graduates indicate that fracture reduction without orthopedic consultation is common in today's clinical practice. This survey identifies common fractures requiring reduction which EM residencies may wish to consider prioritizing in their emergency orthopedic curricula to better prepare their residents for independent clinical practice.

Evaluation and treatment of patients with severely elevated blood pressure in academic emergency departments: a multicenter study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines advise that emergency department (ED) patients with severely elevated blood pressure be evaluated for acute target organ damage, have their medical regimen adjusted, and be instructed to follow up promptly for reassessment. We examine factors associated with performance of recommended treatment of patients with severely elevated blood pressure. METHODS: Observational study performed during 1 week at 4 urban, academic EDs. Severely elevated blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mm Hg on at least 1 measurement. ED staff were blinded to the study purpose. Demographics, presenting complaints, vital signs, tests ordered, medications administered, disposition, and discharge instructions were recorded, and associations were tested in bivariate analyses. RESULTS: Severely elevated blood pressure was noted in 423 patients. Serum chemistry was obtained in 73% of patients, ECG in 53% of patients, chest radiograph in 46% of patients, urinalysis in 43% of patients, and funduscopy documented in 36% of patients. All studies were performed in 6% of patients and were associated with complaints of dyspnea (odds ratio [OR] 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 8.7) and chest pain (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 7.6). Oral antihypertensives were administered to 36% of patients and were associated with blood pressure-related complaints (OR 2.0 [1.2 to 3.3]), patient-suspected severely elevated blood pressure (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.0 to 15.3), and being uninsured (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3). Intravenous antihypertensives were given to 4% of patients, associated only with chest pain (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 9.5). Modification of antihypertensive regimen was documented in 19% of discharged patients and associated with patient-suspected severely elevated blood pressure (OR 5.5; 95% CI 2.5 to 12.2) and being uninsured (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.9). CONCLUSION: The majority of ED patients with severely elevated blood pressure do not receive the evaluation, medical regimen modification, and discharge instructions advised by current guidelines. Further study is necessary to determine whether these recommendations are appropriate in this setting.

Bradydysrhythmias and atrioventricular conduction blocks.

Bradydysrhythimas include sinus bradycardia, junctional brady-cardia, and idioventricular rhythm, which can be distinguished by examining the tracing for the presence or absence of P waves,noting the morphology of these P waves, and determining the width of the QRS complex. Sinoatrial blocks may occur in either first, second, or third degree varieties. Only second degree sinoatrial block can be detected on the 12-lead ECG. Sinus pause and sinus arrest may mimic second degree sinoatrial block, but their periodicity is irregular. The cyclic variability of sinus arrhythmia is unique; as with the other bradydysrhythmias, it may be innocent or pathologic depending upon clinical circumstances. Atrioventricular blocks may occur, and, similar to sinoatrial blocks, they are also categorized as first-, second-, or third degree. These are of greater clinical relevance than their sinoatrial counterparts.

Peripheral venous cutdown.

Timely establishment of vascular access is a critical component of the care of the acutely ill or injured patient. Peripheral venous cutdown, once a mainstay in the care of the severely traumatized patient, has progressively lost favor since the introduction of the Seldinger technique of central venous line placement. In fact, recent editions of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) text refer to saphenous venous cutdown as an optional skill to be taught at the discretion of the instructor. In certain patients, percutaneous vascular access may be impossible to achieve or result in unacceptable time delays. In these situations, the ability to rapidly and proficiently perform peripheral venous cutdown techniques may prove invaluable and potentially lifesaving. This article reviews the anatomy of the most common sites used for peripheral venous cutdown, peripheral venous cutdown techniques, and the complications associated with peripheral venous cutdown.

Successful collaborative model for trauma skills training of surgical and emergency medicine residents in a laboratory setting.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether interdepartmental educational and technical resources could be combined to successfully train surgery and emergency medicine residents in common diagnostic and therapeutic trauma skills outside the traditional hospital setting. DESIGN: Curriculum improvement survey. SETTING: Surgical Skills Laboratory, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 35 surgery residents (PGY 1 to 5) and 26 emergency medicine residents (PGY 1 to 3). METHODS: Emergency medicine attendings used human volunteers to train surgery residents in Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST). Trauma surgery attendings used a porcine model to teach emergency medicine residents tracheostomy, peripheral venous cutdown, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, tube thoracostomy, and bilateral thoracotomy. Upon completion of the courses, all residents were surveyed using a 5-point Likert scale to assess this teaching model. RESULTS: The percentage of residents reporting an improvement in knowledge levels after the course increased significantly (p < 0.003) for all skill modules (FAST, 14% vs 73%; tracheostomy, 20% vs 64%; peripheral venous cutdown, 25% vs 71%; diagnostic peritoneal lavage, 16% vs 60%; tube thoracostomy, 42% vs 92%; thoracotomy, 15% vs 42%). A significant (p < 0.05) increase in comfort levels during performance of the procedures in the clinical setting was also anticipated for all skills modules (FAST, 11% vs 60%; tracheostomy, 12% vs 50%; peripheral venous cutdown, 15% vs 31%; diagnostic peritoneal lavage, 12% vs 58%; tube thoracostomy, 35% vs 73%; thoracotomy, 0% vs 15%). PGY 1 to 4 surgery residents and PGY 1 and 2 emergency medicine residents perceived the greatest benefit (p < 0.05) from their respective courses. The overwhelming majority (89% to 100%) of surgery and emergency medicine residents felt the course was valuable and transferable to the clinical trauma setting. CONCLUSIONS: Interdepartmental collaboration between the Department of Surgery and Department of Emergency Medicine offered a unique training relationship that was a positive educational experience for all residents.

Ruptured renal artery aneurysm: an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain.

Previously thought to be extremely rare, renal artery aneurysms are now being found more commonly as incidental findings during the evaluation of refractory hypertension. Symptoms related to the aneurysm are uncommon and rupture occurs infrequently, but with devastating consequences. Factors predisposing to rupture include pregnancy, polyarteritis nodosa, and lack of aneurysmal calcification. Angiography is the study of choice for diagnosing the presence of visceral aneurysm and rupture. We report a case of ruptured renal artery aneurysm that presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain but no significant findings on physical examination. The patient's size precluded the detection of a pulsatile abdominal mass or the ability to obtain an abdominal angiogram. Computed tomography scan with contrast revealed the correct diagnosis, and successful treatment was initiated.

Anterior shoulder dislocations: beyond traction-countertraction.

The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated large joint presenting to American Emergency Departments (ED). Anterior dislocations account for the great majority of these dislocations. Most anterior shoulder dislocations can be reduced in the ED using a variety of reduction techniques. The traction-countertraction technique is quite familiar to most Emergency Physicians, however, many other effective methods of reduction have been described. No method has proven 100% successful, and occasionally multiple attempts using different techniques are required to effect reduction. This article reviews some of the other techniques used to reduce anterior shoulder dislocations, variations reported on these techniques, and their success rates, advantages, and disadvantages.

Emergency evaluation and treatment of priapism.

Priapism is a fairly uncommon presentation to the Emergency Department, but when it does present, it represents a true urologic emergency. Prompt treatment will decrease the risk of permanent sequelae including impotence. Treatment should be based on etiology and follow an organized approach. Various cases will arise when conservative management will not remedy the priapism and more aggressive measures will be needed, particularly if emergent urological consultation is not available. This article reviews the causes of priapism and systematically reviews techniques and procedures used to manage and treat priapism.