Low ectonucleotidase activity and increased neutrophil-platelet aggregates in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Many patients with antiphospholipid syndrome had decreased ectonucleotidase activity on neutrophils and platelets, which enabled extracellular nucleotides to trigger neutrophil-platelet aggregates. This phenotype was replicated by treating healthy neutrophils and platelets with patient-derived antiphospholipid antibodies or ectonucleotidase inhibitors.

Comparing the Visual Perception According to the Performance Using the Eye-Tracking Technology in High-Fidelity Simulation Settings.

INTRODUCTION: We used eye-tracking technology to explore the visual perception of clinicians during a high-fidelity simulation scenario. We hypothesized that physicians who were able to successfully manage a critical situation would have a different visual focus compared to those who failed. METHODS: A convenience sample of 18 first-year emergency medicine residents were enrolled voluntarily to participate in a high-fidelity scenario involving a patient in shock with a 3rd degree atrioventricular block. Their performance was rated as pass or fail and depended on the proper use of the pacing unit. Participants were wearing pre-calibrated eye-tracking glasses throughout the 9-min scenario and infrared (IR) markers installed in the simulator were used to define various Areas of Interest (AOI). Total View Duration (TVD) and Time to First Fixation (TFF) by the participants were recorded for each AOI and the results were used to produce heat maps. RESULTS: Twelve residents succeeded while six failed the scenario. The TVD for the AOI containing the pacing unit was significantly shorter (median [quartile]) for those who succeeded compared to the ones who failed (42 [31-52] sec vs. 70 [61-90] sec, p = 0.0097). The TFF for the AOI containing the ECG and vital signs monitor was also shorter for the participants who succeeded than for those who failed (22 [6-28] sec vs. 30 [27-77] sec, p = 0.0182). DISCUSSION: There seemed to be a connection between the gaze pattern of residents in a high-fidelity bradycardia simulation and their performance. The participants who succeeded looked at the monitor earlier (diagnosis). They also spent less time fixating the pacing unit, using it promptly to address the bradycardia. This study suggests that eye-tracking technology could be used to explore how visual perception, a key information-gathering element, is tied to decision-making and clinical performance.

Transcutaneous cardiac pacing competency among junior residents undergoing an ACLS course: impact of a modified high fidelity manikin.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is recommended to treat unstable bradycardia. Simulation might improve familiarity with this low-frequency procedure. Current mannequins fail to reproduce key features of TCP, limiting their usefulness. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of a modified high-fidelity mannequin on the ability of junior residents to achieve six critical tasks for successful TCP. METHODS: First-year residents from various postgraduate programs taking an advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) course were enrolled two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). Both cohorts received the same standardized course content. An ALS simulator® mannequin was used to demonstrate and practice TCP during the bradycardia workshop of the first cohort (control cohort, 2015) and a modified high-fidelity mannequin that reproduces key features of TCP was used for the second cohort (intervention cohort, 2016). Participants were tested after training with a simulation scenario requiring TCP. Performances were graded based on six critical tasks. The primary outcome was the successful use of TCP, defined as having completed all tasks. RESULTS: Eighteen participants in the intervention cohort completed all tasks during the simulation scenario compared to none in the control cohort (36 vs 0%, p < 0.001). Participants in the intervention cohort were more likely to recognize when pacing was inefficient (86 vs 12%), obtain ventricular capture (48 vs 2%), and check for a pulse rate to confirm capture (48 vs 0%). CONCLUSIONS: TCP is a difficult skill to master for junior residents. Training using a modified high-fidelity mannequin significantly improved their ability to establish TCP during a simulation scenario.