Association of serum magnesium levels with acute ischaemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a propensity score-matched case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency has been found to be associated with many clinical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases and likewise. Studies evaluating the association between serum Mg levels and ischaemic stroke in T2DM from India are limited, and this formed the aim of this study. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study among patients with T2DM where cases had a history of acute ischaemic stroke in the preceding 2 years and controls with no such history. Data regarding sociodemographic and clinical details and laboratory parameters, including serum Mg concentration, were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Furthermore, propensity score matching (PSM) was done to match the controls with the cases. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 200 participants (cases: 75 and controls: 125), but after PSM, 149 participants (cases: 75 and control:74) were analysed. The serum Mg concentrations were significantly low (p<0.001) among the cases (mean (SD)=1.74 (0.22)) when compared with the controls (mean (SD)=1.95 (0.13)). For every 0.1 mg/dL decrease in serum Mg concentration, the odds of ischaemic stroke increase by approximately 1.918 times (95% CI 1.272 to 2.890; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The mean Mg level in the ischaemic stroke group was significantly low compared with the no stroke group in patients with T2DM. We recommend further controlled studies to evaluate the role of Mg supplementation in the management of acute ischaemic stroke.

Adjuvant Lipoic acid Injection in Sepsis treatment in China (ALIS study): protocol for a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a life-threatening immune disorder resulting from an dysregulated host response to infection. Adjuvant therapy is a valuable complement to sepsis treatment. Lipoic acid has shown potential in attenuating sepsis-induced immune dysfunction and organ injury in vivo and in vitro studies. However, clinical evidence of lipoic acid injection in sepsis treatment is lacking. Hence, we devised a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lipoic acid injection in improving the prognosis of sepsis or septic shock patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total of 352 sepsis patients are planned to be recruited from intensive care units (ICUs) at eight tertiary hospitals in China for this trial. Eligible participants will undergo randomisation in a 1:1 ratio, allocating them to either the control group or the experimental group. Both groups received routine care, with the experimental group also receiving lipoic acid injection and the control group receiving placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint is 28-day all-cause mortality. The secondary efficacy endpoints are as follows: ICU and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital stay, new acute kidney injury in ICU, demand and duration of life support, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)/Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and changes from baseline (ΔSOFA/ΔApache II), arterial blood lactate (LAC) and changes from baseline (ΔLAC), blood procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and changes from baseline on day 1 (D1), D3, D5 and D7. Clinical safety will be assessed through analysis of adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Maoming People's Hospital (approval no. PJ2020MI-019-01). Informed consent will be obtained from the participants or representatives. The findings will be disseminated through academic conferences or journal publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000039023.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the management of necrotising soft-tissue infections: results from a Danish nationwide registry study.

OBJECTIVES: Application of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment in the multidisciplinary setting of necrotising soft-tissue infection (NSTI) is debated as a considerable number of studies are of low quality with marked prognostication bias due to inadequately addressing disease severity. The objective of this study was to associate HBO2 treatment with mortality in patients with NSTI including disease severity as a prognostic variable. DESIGN: Nationwide population-based register study. SETTING: Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Danish residents with NSTI patients between January 2011 and June 2016. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day mortality was compared between patients receiving and patients not receiving HBO2 treatment using inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity-score matching with predetermined variables (age, sex and weighted Charlson comorbidity score, presence of septic shock and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II)). RESULTS: A total of 671 NSTI patients were included with a median age of 63 (52-71), 61% male sex, 30% had septic shock and a median SAPS II of 46 (34-58). Patients who received HBO2 treatment (n=266) were younger and had lower SAPS II, but a larger fraction had septic shock compared with patients not receiving HBO2 treatment. Overall, all-cause 30-day mortality was 19% (95% CI 17% to 23%). The statistical models were in general acceptably balanced with covariates reaching <0.1 absolute standardised mean differences and patients receiving HBO2 treatment were associated with lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.53, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In analyses using inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score analysis, patients treated with HBO2 treatment were associated with improved 30-day survival.

Resistência antimicrobiana na infecção urinária em unidade de terapia intensiva / Antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infection in the intensive care unit / Resistencia a los antimicrobianos en la infección del tracto urinario en la unidad de cuidados intensivos

A infecção do trato urinário (ITU) nada mais é do que o acometimento das vias urinárias por microrganismo. Entre as infecções hospitalares de maior incidência está a infecção do trato urinário, acometendo mais mulheres do que homens. Uma das possíveis causas dessa infecção, em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), é o uso de cateter vesical. Seu tratamento inadequado pode ocasionar uma pielonefrite, podendo adentrar à circulação sanguínea, gerando uma infecção sistêmica e levar o paciente a óbito. A resistência antimicrobiana é uma das principais dificuldades encontrada em UTI sendo considerado um problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um breve relato, baseado na literatura, sobre a resistência antimicrobiana na infecção urinária em unidade de terapia intensiva adulta. Em ambientes hospitalares o principal microrganismo causador de ITU é Escherichia coli, sendo 55,5% das culturas positivas estão associadas a procedimentos invasivos, como as sondas vesicais de demora, como consequência este é o microrganismo que mais apresenta resistência aos antimicrobianos utilizados como a ampicilina, trimetoprima e ciprofloxacino. O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos deixa em evidência a necessidade de análise criteriosa da real necessidade de qual antimicrobianos usar, tempo de uso e forma correta de administração. Portanto é necessária a ação dos profissionais de saúde frente a atenção ao paciente, desde a higiene das mãos, uso do cateter, quando necessário observar a real necessidade do uso do antimicrobianos e que esse seja feito após cultura e antibiograma.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is nothing more than the involvement of the urinary tract by a microorganism. Among the hospital infections with the highest incidence is urinary tract infections, affecting more women than men. One of the possible causes of this infection in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is the use of a bladder catheter. Its inadequate treatment can cause pyelonephritis, which can enter the bloodstream, generating a systemic infection and leading the patient to death. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the main difficulties encountered in ICUs and is considered a public health problem. The objective of this study was to present a brief report, based on the literature, on antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in an adult intensive care unit. In hospital environments, the main microorganism that causes UTI is Escherichia coli, and 55.5% of positive cultures are associated with invasive procedures, such as indwelling urinary catheters, as a consequence, this is the microorganism that is most resistant to antimicrobials used, such as ampicillin, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics highlights the need for a careful analysis of the real need for which antimicrobials to use, time of use, and correct form of administration. Therefore, it is necessary for the action of health professionals in the care of the patient, from the hygiene of the professional to, the use of the catheter, when necessary to observe the real need for the use of antimicrobials and that this is done after culture and antibiogram.

La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) no es más que la afectación de las vías urinarias por un microorganismo. Entre las infecciones hospitalarias con mayor incidencia se encuentra la infección del tracto urinario, que afecta más a mujeres que a hombres. Una de las posibles causas de esta infección en pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) es el uso de una sonda vesical. Su tratamiento inadecuado puede causar pielonefritis, la cual puede ingresar al torrente sanguíneo, generando una infección sistémica y llevando al paciente a la muerte. La resistencia a los antimicrobianos es una de las principales dificultades encontradas en las UCI y se considera un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar un breve informe, basado en la literatura, sobre la resistencia antimicrobiana en infecciones del tracto urinario en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de adultos. En ambientes hospitalarios, el principal microorganismo causante de ITU es Escherichia coli, y el 55,5% de los cultivos positivos están asociados a procedimientos invasivos, como sondas vesicales permanentes, por lo que este es el microorganismo más resistente a los antimicrobianos utilizados, como la ampicilina. ., trimetoprima y ciprofloxacino. El uso indiscriminado de antibióticos pone de relieve la necesidad de un análisis cuidadoso de la necesidad real de qué antimicrobianos utilizar, el momento de uso y la forma correcta de administración. Por lo tanto, es necesaria la actuación de los profesionales de la salud en el cuidado del paciente, desde la higiene del profesional, uso del catéter, cuando sea necesario observar la necesidad real del uso de antimicrobianos y que este se realice previo cultivo y antibiograma.

Embedded point of care randomisation for evaluating comparative effectiveness questions: PROSPECTOR-critical care feasibility study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Many routinely administered treatments lack evidence as to their effectiveness. When treatments lack evidence, patients receive varying care based on the preferences of clinicians. Standard randomised controlled trials are unsuited to comparisons of different routine treatment strategies, and there remains little economic incentive for change.Integrating clinical trial infrastructure into electronic health record systems offers the potential for routine treatment comparisons at scale, through reduced trial costs. To date, embedded trials have automated data collection, participant identification and eligibility screening, but randomisation and consent remain manual and therefore costly tasks.This study will investigate the feasibility of using computer prompts to allow flexible randomisation at the point of clinical decision making. It will compare the effectiveness of two prompt designs through the lens of a candidate research question-comparing liberal or restrictive magnesium supplementation practices for critical care patients. It will also explore the acceptability of two consent models for conducting comparative effectiveness research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a single centre, mixed-methods feasibility study, aiming to recruit 50 patients undergoing elective surgery requiring postoperative critical care admission. Participants will be randomised to either 'Nudge' or 'Preference' designs of electronic point-of-care randomisation prompt, and liberal or restrictive magnesium supplementation.We will judge feasibility through a combination of study outcomes. The primary outcome will be the proportion of prompts displayed resulting in successful randomisation events (compliance with the allocated magnesium strategy). Secondary outcomes will evaluate the acceptability of both prompt designs to clinicians and ascertain the acceptability of pre-emptive and opt-out consent models to patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by Riverside Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 21/LO/0785) and will be published on completion. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05149820.

Clinical prediction models for multidrug-resistant organism colonisation or infection in critically ill patients: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are pathogenic bacteria that are the leading cause of hospital-acquired infection which is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in intensive care units, increasing hospitalisation duration and cost. Predicting the risk of MDRO colonisation or infection for critically ill patients supports clinical decision-making. Several models predicting MDRO colonisation or infection have been developed; however, owing to different disease scenarios, bacterial species and few externally validated cohorts in different prediction models; the stability and applicability of these models for MDRO colonisation or infection in critically ill patients are controversial. In addition, there are currently no standardised risk scoring systems to predict MDRO colonisation or infection in critically ill patients. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and assess models predicting MDRO colonisation or infection in critically ill patients and to compare their predictive performance. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will perform a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases to identify all studies describing the development and/or external validation of models predicting MDRO colonisation or infection in critically ill patients. Two reviewers will independently extract and review the data using the Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies checklist; they will also assess the risk of bias using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Quantitative data on model predictive performance will be synthesised in meta-analyses, as applicable. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical permissions will not be required because all data will be extracted from published studies. We intend to publish our results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and to present them at international conferences on critical care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022274175.

Prospective comparison of acupuncture with sham acupuncture to determine impact on sedation and analgesia in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients (PASSION study): protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sedation and analgesia are recommended to be employed in the intensive care unit (ICU) to enhance patient comfort and safety, facilitate mechanical ventilation and reduce oxygen demands. However, the increasing evidence demonstrates that excessive sedation and analgesia might prolong mechanical ventilation and increase costs and mortality. Acupuncture is known to be able to attenuate pain, anxiety and agitation symptoms while avoiding excessive sedation and analgesia caused by drugs. Therefore, we present a protocol to investigate whether acupuncture, used for sedation and analgesia, can reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, save medical resources and reduce the mortality of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Prospective, randomised controlled trial is conducted on 180 adult medical/surgical ICU patients with mechanical ventilation needing sedation at 3 ICUs between 03 November 2021 and 16 August 2023. Patients will be treated with analgesia and sedation to achieve desired target sedation levels (Richmond Agitation Sedation Score of -2 to 1). Enrolled patients will be randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1:1 to receive deep needle insertion with combined manual and alternating-mode electrical stimulation on acupoints (AC group), superficial needle insertion without manual stimulation and electrical stimulation on non-acupoints (SAC group), or no acupuncture intervention (NAC group). The primary outcome is the duration of mechanical ventilation from randomisation until patients are free of mechanical ventilation (including non-invasive) without reinstitution for the following 48 hours. Secondary endpoints include the dose of administered sedatives and analgesic at comparable sedation levels throughout the study, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay. Additional outcomes include the prevalence and days of delirium in ICU, mortality in ICU and within 28 days after randomisation, and the number of ventilator free days in 28 days. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial was approved by the ethics committee at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. We will publish the study results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100052650.

Impact of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity on mortality among older Australians aged 45 years and over: a large population-based record linkage study.

OBJECTIVES: Multimorbidity (MM, co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions) and complex multimorbidity (CMM, three or more chronic conditions affecting three or more different body systems) are used in the assessment of complex healthcare needs and their impact on health outcomes. However, little is known about the impacts of MM and CMM on mortality in Australia. DESIGN: Community-based prospective cohort study. SETTING: New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: People aged 45 years and over who completed the baseline survey of the 45 and Up Study. MEASURES: Baseline survey data from the 45 and Up Study were linked with deaths registry data. Deaths that occurred within 8 years from the baseline survey date were the study outcome. Eleven self-reported chronic conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease, depression/anxiety, asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, thrombosis and musculoskeletal conditions) from the baseline survey were included in the MM and CMM classifications. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted 8-year mortality hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Of 251 689 people (53% female and 54% aged ≥60 years) in the cohort, 111 084 (44.1%) were classified as having MM and 39 478 (15.7%) as having CMM. During the 8-year follow-up, there were 25 891 deaths. Cancer (34.7%) was the most prevalent chronic condition and the cardiovascular system (50.9%) was the body system most affected by a chronic condition. MM and CMM were associated with a 37% (adjusted HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.40) and a 22% (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.25) increased risk of death, respectively. The relative impact of MM and CMM on mortality decreased as age increased. CONCLUSION: MM and CMM were common in older Australian adults; and MM was a better predictor of all-cause mortality risk than CMM. Higher mortality risk in those aged 45-59 years indicates tailored, person-centred integrated care interventions and better access to holistic healthcare are needed for this age group.

Asymptomatic benzocaine spray-induced methaemoglobinaemia in preoperative sedation for oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Methaemoglobinaemia is defined as elevated methaemoglobin in the blood which is characterised by conversion of some of the reduced ferrous iron elements [Fe2+] to the oxidised ferric [Fe3+] form which does not have capacity to bind and transport oxygen resulting in functional anaemia. Causes can be genetic mutations or acquired by medications such as dapsone, nitrates or benzocaine. Benzocaine is currently being used as a topical anaesthetic agent before certain procedures. We report a case of benzocaine spray-induced methaemoglobinaemia in a patient who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Protocol summary and statistical analysis plan for Intensive Nutrition Therapy comparEd to usual care iN criTically ill adults (INTENT): a phase II randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: It is plausible that a longer duration of nutrition intervention may have a greater impact on clinical and patient-centred outcomes. The Intensive Nutrition care Therapy comparEd to usual care iN criTically ill adults (INTENT) trial will determine if a whole hospital nutrition intervention is feasible and will deliver more total energy compared with usual care in critically ill patients with at least one organ system failure. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a prospective, multicentre, unblinded, parallel-group, phase II randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in 23 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients with at least one organ failure who have been in intensive care unit (ICU) for 72-120 hours and meet all of the inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria will be randomised to receive either intensive or usual nutrition care. INTENT started recruitment in October 2018 and a sample size of 240 participants is anticipated to be recruited in 2022. The study period is from randomisation to hospital discharge or study day 28, whichever occurs first, and the primary outcome is daily energy delivery from nutrition therapy. Secondary outcomes include daily energy and protein delivery during ICU and in the post-ICU period, duration of ventilation, ventilator-free days, total bloodstream infection rate and length of hospital stay. All other outcomes are considered tertiary and results will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been received in Australia (Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (HREC/18/Alfred/101) and Human Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Territory Department of Health (2019-3372)) and New Zealand (Northern A Health and Disability Ethics Committee (18/NTA/222). Results will be disseminated in an international peer-reviewed journal(s), at scientific meetings and via social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03292237.

Refractory familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis leading to cardiovascular compromise.

Familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (FHPP) is a rare neuromuscular disorder that is classified under periodic paralysis (PP), which is characterised by episodes of muscle weakness. Common triggers include intense exercise, fasting or consumption of carbohydrate-rich meals. Hypokalaemic PP has an incidence of 1 in 100 000; despite the temporal association, cardiac manifestations are exceedingly rare. We present a case of FHPP, a channelopathy presenting with severe refractory hypokalaemia. The challenges with our patient were maintaining potassium levels within normal ranges and initiating a close follow-up plan. Due to the lack of clinical guidance in our case, many aspects of care, including surveillance, medications and genetic testing, remain unaddressed. Medical management includes aggressive correction with supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Severe cases of dysrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation, require electrophysiology evaluation and possible implantation of a defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Multi-organ dysfunction as a presentation of calcium channel blocker intoxication.

SummaryWe report the case of a 73-year-old woman who intentionally ingested 400 mg of amlodipine in a suicidal attempt who initially presented with hypotension which persisted despite aggressive therapy with fluid resuscitation, multiple pressor support, high-dose insulin therapy and calcium infusion. Her haemodynamic instability evolved to include bradycardia requiring atropine and transcutaneous pacing. Eventually she required salvage therapy with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy . Despite all aggressive therapy, she developed multi-organ failure resulting in death. The literature on high-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy (HIET) and ILE therapy shows mixed results with some showing significant improvement in haemodynamic status. In our case, it had no significant positive impact on the outcome.

Study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial studying the effect of a music intervention on anxiety in adult critically ill patients (The RELACS trial).

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety is common in critically ill patients and has likely become more prevalent in the recent decade due to the imperative of the recent Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients (PADIS) to use low levels of sedation and strive for wakefulness. However, management of anxiety has not been included in the PADIS guidelines, and there is lack of evidence to treat it in spite of its growing importance. Administration of sedative and analgesic medication is often chosen to reduce anxiety, especially when associated with agitation. Sedatives are associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, delirium and muscle wasting and are therefore preferably minimised. Previous studies have suggested positive effects of music interventions on anxiety in the critically ill. Therefore, we aim to study the effect of music intervention on anxiety in adult critically ill patients. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed to study the effect of a music intervention on the level of anxiety experienced by adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). One hundred and four patients will be included in three centres in the Netherlands. Patient recruitment started on 24-08-2020 and is ongoing in three hospitals. The primary outcome is self-reported anxiety measured on the visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes include anxiety measured using the six-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, sleep quality, agitation and sedation level, medication requirement, pain, delirium, complications, time spend on mechanical ventilation, physical parameters and ICU memory and experience. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Medical Ethics Review Board of Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has approved this protocol. The study is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04796389.

A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its Profile in Trauma: ADaPT.

INTRODUCTION: The improvements in short-term outcome after severe trauma achieved through early resuscitation and acute care can be offset over the following weeks by an acute systemic inflammatory response with immuneparesis leading to infection, multiorgan dysfunction/multiorgan failure (MOF) and death. Serum levels of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester DHEAS, steroids with immune-enhancing activity, are low after traumatic injury at a time when patients are catabolic and immunosuppressed. Addressing this deficit and restoring the DHEA(S) ratio to cortisol may provide a range of physiological benefits, including immune modulatory effects. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective is to establish a dose suitable for DHEA supplementation in patients after acute trauma to raise circulating DHEA levels to at least 15 nmol/L. Secondary objectives are to assess if DHEA supplementation has any effect on neutrophil function, metabolic and cytokine profiles and which route of administration (oral vs sublingual) is more effective in restoring circulating levels of DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its profile in trauma, with a planned recruitment between April 2019 and July 2021, that will investigate DHEA supplementation and its effect on serum DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens in trauma. A maximum of 270 patients will receive sublingual or oral DHEA at 50, 100 or 200 mg daily over 3 days. Females aged ≥50 years with neck of femur fracture and male and female major trauma patients, aged 16-50 years with an injury severity score ≥16, will be recruited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the West Midlands - Coventry and Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (Reference 18/WM/0102) on 8 June 2018. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the European Medicines Agency (EudraCT: 2016-004250-15) and ISRCTN (12961998). It has also been adopted on the National Institute of Health Research portfolio (CPMS ID:38158). TRIAL PROGRESSION: The study recruited its first patient on 2 April 2019 and held its first data monitoring committee on 8 November 2019. DHEA dosing has increased to 100 mg in both male cohorts and remains on 50 mg in across all female groups.

Use of music to enhance sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Music listening is used as a non-pharmacological intervention in various populations with positive results; however, evidence for its effect on sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients remains unclear. It is essential to understand the impact of music listening for critically ill patients to optimise care and minimise the risk for harm. We will assess whether music listening improves sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will systematically search scientific databases for relevant studies, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, Wan fang databases, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Databases will be searched for articles published from inception to 10 June 2020. Music therapy journals and reference lists in some articles will be hand-searched. Grey literature will also be searched. We will include randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that used music listening to improve sleep and psychological outcomes in critically ill patients. The primary outcomes will be sleep-related outcomes, and secondary outcomes will be anxiety and depression scores and physiological outcomes. Two reviewers will independently verify study eligibility and methodological quality; disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer or through discussion. The risk of bias will be independently determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist will be used to examine the quality of included papers. Data will be extracted from eligible studies by two researchers. RevMan V.5.3 will be used for meta-analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This work will review existing trial data and will not introduce new patient data or interventions; therefore, ethics committee approval is not required. We will disseminate this protocol in a related peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019147202.

Clinical practice competencies and associated factors among graduating nursing students attending at universities in Northern Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical practice competencies and associated factors among graduating nursing students attending public universities found in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study design SETTING: The study was conducted in six universities found in the Amhara Region from February to April 2018. PARTICIPANTS: 307 graduating nursing students participated. Of these, 173 were male and 134 were females from different ethnic groups; Amhara 145, Oromo 84, Tigris 44 and Gurage 17. Graduating nursing students attending regular degree programmes were included. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical instructor (good vs not good), clinical environment (conducive vs not conducive), assessment method (measurable vs not measurable), clinical staff-student interaction (good vs not good), clinical practice competency (competent vs incompetent). RESULT: The study revealed that 33.6% (95% CI 26.3% to 39.41%) of students were clinically competent. Orientation about the objective of clinical practice (adjusted OR, AOR 2.387; 95% CI 1.011 to 5.635), enough time for mentoring during clinical practice (AOR 2.247; 95% CI 1.100 to 4.593). Students followed by instructors during conducting a procedure (AOR 2.655; 95% CI 1.294 to 5.449), assessment checklist during clinical practice (AOR 2.663; 95% CI 1.324 to 5.358), students who were allowed by clinical staffs to perform tasks (AOR 5.858; 95% CI 2.657 to 12.916), clinical instructor factors (AOR 3.051; 95% CI 1.717 to 5.421) and student-staff interaction factors (AOR 2.348; 95% CI (1.337 to 4.124) were statistically significant variables with the level of competency. CONCLUSION: Around one-third of the students were clinically competent. Clinical instructor and staff-student interaction were significantly associated with clinical practice competencies among graduating nursing students. Therefore, designing an appropriate clinical practice protocol that includes improving the supervision of a clinical instructor is important to enhance the clinical practice competency of students.

Electric cigarette-related lung injury and cardiovascular insult.

The cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarette use are unknown. Here we present a case describing a young, previously healthy patient without prior cardiopulmonary comorbidities who developed severe, acute cardiac dysfunction in the setting of e-cigarette use, in addition to the more commonly encountered respiratory symptoms. While pulmonary manifestations are characteristic of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), the acute and reversible cardiomyopathy seen here has not been previously described in association with either EVALI or e-cigarette use.

Automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices versus manual chest compressions in the treatment of cardiac arrest: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing machine to human.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in industrialised countries. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines follow the principles of closed chest compression as described for the first time in 1960. Mechanical CPR devices are designed to improve chest compression quality, thus considering the improvement of resuscitation outcomes. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology to assess trials investigating the therapeutic effect of automated mechanical CPR devices at the rate of return of spontaneous circulation, neurological state and secondary endpoints (including short-term and long-term survival, injuries and surrogate parameters for CPR quality) in comparison with manual chest compressions in adults with cardiac arrest. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A sensitive search strategy will be employed in established bibliographic databases from inception until the date of search, followed by forward and backward reference searching. We will include randomised and quasi-randomised trials in qualitative analysis thus comparing mechanical to manual CPR. Studies reporting survival outcomes will be included in quantitative analysis. Two reviewers will assess independently publications using a predefined data collection form. Standardised tools will be used for data extraction, risks of bias and quality of evidence. If enough studies are identified for meta-analysis, the measures of association will be calculated by dint of bivariate random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated by I2-statistics and explored through sensitivity analysis. By comprehensive subgroup analysis we intend to identify subpopulations who may benefit from mechanical or manual CPR techniques. The reporting follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval will be needed because data from previous studies will be retrieved and analysed. Most resuscitation studies are conducted under an emergency exception for informed consent. This publication contains data deriving from a dissertation project. We will disseminate the results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017051633.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) caused by over-the-counter calcium supplement ingestion.

A 59-year-old woman was found unresponsive at home. Initial neurologic examination revealed aphasia and right-sided weakness. Laboratory results demonstrated a serum calcium level of 17.3 mg/dL (corrected serum calcium for albumin concentration was 16.8 mg/dL). Extensive workup for intrinsic aetiology of hypercalcemia was unrevealing. Further discussion with family members and investigation of the patient's home for over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements revealed chronic ingestion of calcium carbonate tablets. CT angiogram of the brain revealed multifocal intracranial vascular segmental narrowing, which resolved on a follow-up cerebral angiogram done 2 days later. These findings were consistent with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.Appropriate blood pressure control with parenteral agents, calcium channel blockade with nimodipine and supportive care therapies resulted in significant improvement in neurologic status. By discharge, patient had near-complete resolution of neurologic symptoms.

Stroke masquerading as cardiac arrest: the artery of Percheron.

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare arterial variant of the thalamic blood supply. Due to the densely packed collection of nuclei it supplies, an infarction of the AOP can be devastating. Here we highlight a patient who had an AOP stroke in the community, which was initially managed as cardiac arrest. AOP strokes most often present with vague symptoms such as reduced conscious level, cognitive changes and confusion without obvious focal neurology, and therefore are often missed at the initial clinical assessment. This case highlights the importance of recognising an AOP stroke as a cause of otherwise unexplained altered consciousness level and the use of MRI early in the diagnostic work-up.