Reliability and Accuracy of the Pediatric Swiss Emergency Triage Scale-the SETSped Study.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The Swiss Emergency Triage Scale (SETS) is an adult triage tool used in several emergency departments. It has been recently adapted to the pediatric population but, before advocating for its use, performance assessment of this tool is needed. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and the accuracy of the pediatric version of the SETS for the triage of pediatric patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was a cross-sectional study among a sample of emergency triage nurses (ETNs) exposed to 17 clinical scenarios using a computerized simulator. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the reliability of the triage level performed by the ETNs. It was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient.Secondary outcomes included accuracy of triage compared with expert-based triage levels and factors associated with accurate triage. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen ETNs participated in the study and completed the evaluation of all scenarios, for a total of 306 triage decisions. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.91), with an agreement by scenario ranging from 61.1% to 100%. The overall accuracy was 85.8%, and nurses were more likely to undertriage (16.0%) than to overtriage (4.3%). No factor for accurate triage was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This simulator-based study showed that the SETS is reliable and accurate among a pediatric population. Future research is needed to confirm these results, compare this triage scale head-to-head with other recognized international tools, and study the SETSped in real-life setting.

[Management of new onset atrial fibrillation during acute medical illness]. / Fibrillation auriculaire lors d'une pathologie aiguë : quelle prise en charge ?

New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring during acute medical illness or post-operatively has long been considered a benign phenomenon, and its recurrence risk was deemed low. However, recent data suggest a high risk of AF recurrence, and a thromboembolic risk similar to the risk associated with AF occurring without a provoking factor. As we lack interventional data, there are currently no guidelines on the long-term management of new-onset AF occurring during an acute medical condition. This paper aims to review current knowledge on epidemiology, recurrence risk, thromboembolic risk and anticoagulation strategies in the setting of new-onset AF occurring transiently with acute stress.

La survenue d'une fibrillation auriculaire (FA) inaugurale dans un contexte de pathologie médicale ou chirurgicale aiguë a longtemps été considérée comme un phénomène bénin, à faible risque de récidive. Toutefois, un nombre croissant de données suggère un risque élevé de récidive, ainsi qu'un risque thromboembolique similaire à celui de la FA non liée à un facteur réversible. En l'absence d'études interventionnelles, il n'y a actuellement pas de recommandations sur la prise en charge au long cours. Cet article synthétise l'état des connaissances concernant l'épidémiologie, le risque de récidive, le risque thromboembolique et la question de l'anticoagulation en cas de survenue de FA inaugurale en lien avec un facteur de stress aigu.

[Selected novelties for hospital based internal medicine]. / Nouveautés en médecine interne hospitalière.

In this selective overview of articles, we describe new concepts, therapeutic measures and pharmacological agents that may modify current practice in clinical internal medicine. Novelties for the management of cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, hypoxemic respiratory failure, nosocomial pneumonia and certain allergies are discussed.

À travers quelques articles et études choisis, cet article décrit de nouveaux concepts, mesures thérapeutiques et agents pharmacologiques pouvant modifier les pratiques courantes en médecine interne. Des notions concernant la gestion de maladies cardiovasculaires telles que l'insuffisance cardiaque, les décompensations respiratoires hypoxémiques, les pneumonies nosocomiales et la gestion d'allergies y figurent au premier plan.

[Duration of antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenia]. / Durée du traitement antibiotique lors de neutropénie fébrile.

Febrile neutropenia is a frequent complication of cancer treatment and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, standardization in the management of neutropenic fever has led to a reduction in its complications. The duration and type of antibiotic therapy differ according to guidelines, particularly in cases of febrile neutropenia of unknown origin. Continuation of antibiotic treatment until resolution of neutropenia has historically been recommended but exposes patients to prolonged periods of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. In a context of growing resistance to antibiotics, optimization of antibiotic use is necessary, particularly in this frail patient population, faced with the consequences of repeated exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

La neutropénie fébrile est une complication fréquente du traitement des maladies hémato-oncologiques et est associée à un risque accru de morbidité et de mortalité. La standardisation de sa prise en charge a toutefois permis une diminution de ses complications. La durée et le type d'antibiothérapie diffèrent selon les recommandations en particulier lors de neutropénie fébrile d'origine indéterminée. La poursuite du traitement antibiotique jusqu'à la résolution de la neutropénie a été historiquement préconisée mais expose les patients à des durées d'antibiothérapie prolongées. Dans un contexte de résistance croissante aux antibiotiques, une optimisation de leur utilisation est nécessaire, en particulier pour cette population fragile confrontée aux conséquences d'une exposition répétée à une antibiothérapie à large spectre.

[POCUS : diagnosis of pneumonia by lung ultrasonography]. / POCUS : diagnostiquer la pneumonie par l'échographie pleuropulmonaire.

Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged to support the diagnosis process and management strategies. Its use for the diagnosis of pneumonia has been shown to be reliable and effective over the past decade. Various ultrasonography patterns exist, none of which are pathognomonic for pneumonia. Therefore, POCUS findings must be interpreted in association with the clinical setting. POCUS enables early identification of complications such as parapneumonic effusion and pulmonary abscess. It also provides guidance for invasive procedure such as thoracocentesis and pleural drainage. The forthcoming results of the Swiss OCTOPLUS study will provide data on the clinical and economic impact of a diagnostic strategy based on targeted lung ultrasonography.

L'échographie ciblée, aussi connue sous le terme de Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography (POCUS), a émergé comme outil essentiel dans la démarche diagnostique et la stratégie de prise en charge des patients. Son utilisation pour le diagnostic de la pneumonie a été démontrée comme fiable et performante depuis plus d'une décennie. Plusieurs profils échographiques existent mais aucun n'est pathognomonique de la pneumonie. L'examen échographique est ainsi indissociable du contexte clinique. Le POCUS permet en outre la recherche précoce de complications (épanchement parapneumonique et abcès pulmonaire) et le guidage des gestes invasifs (thoracocentèse et drainage thoracique). Les résultats à venir de l'étude suisse OCTOPLUS permettront d'en savoir plus sur l'impact clinique et économique d'une stratégie diagnostique basée sur l'échographie pleuropulmonaire.

[Advances in hospital based internal medicine]. / Nouveautés en médecine interne hospitalière.

Hospital based internal medicine has been strongly solicited for over two years with the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. This epidemic continues to evolve and represents a strain for public health. Numerous studies have addressed issues concerning this epidemic, and multiple novelties concerning other frequent pathologies have also been published. Management strategies of cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastro-intestinal and metabolic diseases are discussed.

La médecine interne hospitalière a été fortement sollicitée depuis 2 ans avec l'épidémie de SARS-CoV-2. Celle-ci continue d'évoluer et reste une épreuve pour la santé publique. Une pléthore d'études a tenté de résoudre les multiples défis que représente cette épidémie, mais de multiples nouveautés concernant d'autres pathologies fréquentes sont également apparues. La prise en charge des maladies cardiovasculaires, pulmonaires, gastro-intestinales et métaboliques est évoquée.

Three-Minute Diagnostic Assessment for Delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM): French translation and cultural adaptation.

PURPOSE: The routine use of validated diagnostic instruments is key to identifying delirious patients early and expediting care. The 3-Minute Diagnostic Assessment for Delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM) instrument is a brief, easy to use, sensitive, and specific delirium assessment tool for hospitalized patients. We aimed to translate the original English version into French, and then adapt it to older high-risk patients. METHODS: Translation and adaptation of the questionnaire were guided by an expert committee and the 3D-CAM instrument developer. During the translation phase, we achieved semantic and conceptual equivalence of the instrument by conducting forward and backward translations. During the adaptation phase, we assessed the face validity, clarity of wording, and ease of use of the translated questionnaire by administering it to 30 patients and their caregivers in peri-interventional and medical intermediate care units. During both phases, we used qualitative (goal and adequacy of the questionnaire) and quantitative (Sperber score, clarity score) criteria. RESULTS: Translation: four items were judged inadequate and were revised until all reached a Sperber score of < 3/7. Face validity: 91% of patients thought the questionnaire was designed to assess memory, thoughts, or reasoning. Clarity: eight items required adjustments until all scored ≥ 9/10 for clarity. Ease of use: all bedside caregivers reported that the questionnaire was easy to complete after receiving brief instructions. CONCLUSIONS: We produced a culturally adapted French version of the 3D-CAM instrument that is well understood and well-received by older high-risk patients and their caregivers.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: L'administration systématique d'instruments diagnostiques validés est essentielle pour identifier précocement les patients confus. Le questionnaire 3D-CAM (3 Minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method) est un outil d'évaluation bref, facile à administrer en milieu hospitalier, sensible et spécifique pour l'état confusionnel. Notre objectif était de le traduire en français, puis de l'adapter à une population de patients âgés à haut risque. MéTHODE: La traduction et l'adaptation ont été guidées par un comité d'experts et le développeur de l'instrument. Nous avons atteint une équivalence sémantique et conceptuelle en menant des traductions antérogrades, puis rétrogrades. Nous avons évalué la validité de contenu, la clarté lexicale, et la facilité d'administration du questionnaire en le soumettant à 30 patients et 30 soignants dans des unités de soins intermédiaires médicaux et péri-interventionnels. Durant les phases de traduction et d'adaptation, nous avons utilisé des critères qualitatifs et quantitatifs. RéSULTATS: Traduction : quatre questions ont été jugées inadéquates et ont été révisées pour atteindre un score de Sperber < 3/7. Validité de contenu : 91% des patients pensaient que le questionnaire était conçu pour évaluer la mémoire, les pensées, ou le raisonnement. Clarté : huit questions ont dû être modifiées pour atteindre un score de clarté ≥ 9/10. Facilité d'administration : tous les soignants pensaient que le questionnaire était facile à utiliser après une brève formation. CONCLUSIONS: Nous avons produit une version française du questionnaire 3D-CAM qui est adaptée aux patients âgés à haut risque et aux soignants en milieu de soins aigus.

[Osmotic demyelination syndrome and overly rapid correction of hyponatremia]. / Syndrome de démyélinisation osmotique : quelle vitesse de correction de la natrémie ?

Hyponatremia is a frequent condition in hospitalized patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An association between rapid correction of hyponatremia and the occurrence of osmotic demyelination syndrome has been reported. Osmotic demyelination syndrome may present with severe neurologic symptoms, including in rare cases locked-in. Therefore, rapid correction of hyponatremia is recommended only in the presence of severe symptoms. In those cases, hypertonic saline (NaCl 3% 2 ml/Kg over 20 minutes) is recommended with close plasma sodium monitoring. After symptoms improvement, increases in sodium concentration should not exceed 8 mmol/l/24h. In cases without severe neurologic symptoms, the use of 3% NaCl solution should be avoided, and management should target the underlying causes of hyponatremia.

L'hyponatrémie est fréquente à l'hôpital avec une morbimortalité significative. Une association entre la vitesse de correction d'une hyponatrémie et la survenue d'un syndrome de démyélinisation osmotique (SDO) a été mise en évidence dans des études observationnelles. Dès lors, une correction rapide d'une hyponatrémie doit être réservée aux patients avec des symptômes sévères d'hyponatrémie. Dans ces situations, l'utilisation de NaCl 3 % (2 ml/kg) en bolus est recommandée avec des contrôles rapprochés de la natrémie. Après l'amélioration des symptômes, une vitesse de correction inférieure à 8 mmol/24 heures est indiquée. En l'absence de symptômes sévères, il est préférable d'éviter l'utilisation du NaCl 3 % et de traiter selon le mécanisme sous-jacent.

[Latest progress in internal medicine]. / Avancées récentes en médecine interne.

Internal medicine continues de evolve as a result of further insight and evidence for the efficacy of given interventions. Although numerous studies have addressed issues concerning the SARS-COV-2 epidemic, multiple novelties concerning other frequent pathologies have also been presented. Management strategies of cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and venous thromboembolism are particularly concerned.

La médecine interne continue d'évoluer au fur et à mesure de nouvelles évidences d'efficacité par rapport aux diverses interventions. Une pléthore d'études a tenté de résoudre les multiples défis que représente l'épidémie au SARS-CoV-2, mais de multiples nouveautés concernant d'autres pathologies fréquentes sont également apparues. La prise en charge des maladies cardiovasculaires, de maladies infectieuses et la maladie thromboembolique sont particulièrement concernées.

[Interprofessional simulation in emergency medicine]. / Simulation interprofessionnelle en médecine d'urgence.

Teamwork is essential in emergency medicine, but in practice it can be polluted by communication difficulties, a lack of understanding of everyone's roles and responsibilities, and a discordant definition of operating methods and objectives. Today, there is a strong awareness of the need to train medical and healthcare teams in interprofessional collaborative practice to learn how to work as a team, reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. Simulation is a recognized and effective pedagogical modality for achieving these objectives. It is now permanently established in pre- and postgraduate medical-nursing training courses in emergency medicine.

Le travail en équipe est indispensable en médecine d'urgence mais, dans la pratique, il peut être pollué par des difficultés de communication, une méconnaissance des rôles et responsabilités de chacun, et une définition discordante des modes de fonctionnement et des objectifs. Aujourd'hui, il y a une forte prise de conscience de la nécessité de former les équipes médico­soignantes à la pratique collaborative interprofessionnelle pour apprendre à travailler en équipe, réduire les erreurs médicales et améliorer la sécurité des patient-e-s. La simulation est une modalité pédagogique reconnue et efficace pour atteindre ces objectifs. Elle est désormais implantée de façon pérenne dans les cursus de formation médico-soignante pré et postgraduée en médecine d'urgence.

Role of Intermediate Care Unit Admission and Noninvasive Respiratory Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. We developed a triage strategy including noninvasive respiratory support and admission to the intermediate care unit (IMCU). ICU admission was restricted to patients requiring invasive ventilation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to the IMCU. METHOD: Retrospective cohort including consecutive patients admitted between March 28 and April 27, 2020. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure avoiding ICU admission. Secondary outcomes included the rate of emergency intubation, 28-day mortality, and predictors of ICU admission. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia were admitted to the IMCU. Among the 85 patients admitted for worsening respiratory failure, 52/85 (61%) avoided ICU admission. In multivariate analysis, PaO2/FiO2 (OR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and BMI (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78-0.98) were significantly associated with ICU admission. No death or emergency intubation occurred in the IMCU. CONCLUSIONS: IMCU admission including standardized triage criteria, self-proning, and noninvasive respiratory support prevents ICU admission for a large proportion of patients with COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, IMCUs may play an important role in preserving ICU capacity by avoiding ICU admission for patients with worsening respiratory failure and allowing early discharge of ICU patients.

Association between Prehospital Hypoxemia and Admission to Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between prehospital peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study on patients requiring prehospital intervention between 11 March 2020 and 4 May 2020. All adult patients in whom a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia was suspected by the prehospital physician were included. Patients who presented a prehospital confounding respiratory diagnosis and those who were not eligible for ICU admission were excluded. The main exposure was "Low SpO2" defined as a value < 90%. The primary outcome was 48-h ICU admission. Secondary outcomes were 48-h mortality and 30-day mortality. We analyzed the association between low SpO2 and ICU admission or mortality with univariable and multivariable regression models. Results: A total of 145 patients were included. A total of 41 (28.3%) patients had a low prehospital SpO2 and 21 (14.5%) patients were admitted to the ICU during the first 48 h. Low SpO2 was associated with an increase in ICU admission (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2-10.0), which remained significant after adjusting for sex and age (aOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 1.8-15.4). Mortality was higher in low SpO2 patients at 48 h (OR = 7.1 95% CI 1.3-38.3) and at 30 days (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.4-10.7). Conclusions: In our physician-staffed prehospital system, first low prehospital SpO2 values were associated with a higher risk of ICU admission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasonography) in internal general medicine: applications scope and training]. / POCUS (Point-of-care ultrasonography) en médecine interne générale†: champ d'application et formation.

POCUS is a valuable tool for the internist. Its field of application in internal medicine is multisystemic and requires rigorous training. This training includes an initiation phase, followed by a practical training phase for the acquisition of images from patients or simulators. Supervision by experts is vital for mastering the necessary skills for the safe use of POCUS. Although, supervisors are available in French speaking Switzerland, there are too few to meet training needs. Several associations provide training courses to obtain POCUS certification, the content of which has been established since 2018 in Switzerland. In order to maintain a high level of proficiency and to identify tomorrow's supervisors, it is essential to provide the necessary means to allow more internists to obtain POCUS certification.

Le POCUS (Point-of-care ultrasonography) est précieux dans la pratique de l'interniste. Son champ d'application en médecine interne est multisystémique et requiert une formation rigoureuse qui comporte une phase d'initiation et une phase de formation pratique pour l'acquisition des images sur patients ou simulateurs. La supervision par des experts est primordiale pour l'acquisition des compétences nécessaires à l'emploi sûr du POCUS. Les superviseurs existent en Romandie, mais sont trop peu nombreux pour répondre à la demande. Plusieurs associations offrent des formations pour l'obtention du certificat POCUS dont le contenu est établi depuis 2018 en Suisse. Il est essentiel d'engager les moyens nécessaires pour permettre à plus d'internistes d'obtenir cette certification POCUS, pour maintenir un niveau élevé de compétences et identifier les superviseurs de demain.

[Novelties in internal medicine]. / Médecine interne en revue.

This selective overview of articles describes new concepts, therapeutic measures and pharmacological agents that may modify current practice in internal medicine. Implications for management of cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, diabetes and infectious diseases figure prominently.

À travers quelques articles et études choisis, cette revue sélective décrit de nouveaux concepts, mesures thérapeutiques et agents pharmacologiques qui peuvent modifier les pratiques courantes en médecine interne. Des notions concernant la gestion de maladies cardiovasculaires, telles que l'insuffisance cardiaque, le diabète et les maladies infectieuses, y figurent au premier plan.

Computed tomography scan contribution to the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pneumonia is a frequent disease mainly affecting older and multimorbid patients. Symptoms and signs lack sensitivity and specificity, and chest X-ray has poor accuracy. Hence, an initial diagnosis of pneumonia has limited predictive value for the presence of pneumonia. Overdiagnosis of pneumonia leads to inappropriate antibiotic use and may delay the appropriate management of mimicking diseases. Alternative imaging strategies including computed tomography (CT)-scan or lung ultrasonography may improve the diagnosis of pneumonia. We review the recent evidence and perspectives regarding their contribution to the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected pneumonia. RECENT FINDINGS: Two studies assessed the diagnostic accuracy of CT-scan in emergency department or hospitalized patients suspected of pneumonia. CT-scan led to a net reclassification improvement of 8 and 18% of patients, and was particularly helpful to rule out the diagnosis, allowing a lowering of the number of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. SUMMARY: CT-scan reduces overdiagnosis of pneumonia and allows a better identification of alternative diagnoses. The impact on clinical outcomes of a strategy incorporating CT-scan for patients suspected of pneumonia should be evaluated, along with its cost-effectiveness.

[First line eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori in 2019]. / Traitement d'éradication d'Helicobacter pylori en 2019.

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastric inflammation, peptic ulcer and an increased risk of gastric cancer. Helicobacter eradication traditionally consists of an empirical therapy combining clarithromycine, amoxicillin and proton pump inhibitors. However, this classic therapy needs to be reassessed because of the raising prevalence of clarithromycine resistance. Various alternative eradication treatments have been studied. This article aims to review the recommended alternatives and the different factors to guide the most appropriate first line eradication therapy.

L'infection à Helicobacter pylori est associée à un risque augmenté de gastrite chronique, d'ulcère gastro-duodénal et de cancer gastrique. Le traitement d'éradication classique consiste en une association de clarithromycine, d'amoxicilline et d'inhibiteurs de la pompe à protons. Toutefois, cette association est remise en question en raison de la prévalence croissante de souches résistantes à la clarithromycine. Cet article a pour objectif de présenter les alternatives faisant l'objet de recommandations et les différents facteurs à prendre en compte afin de proposer le traitement d'éradication de première ligne adéquat.

[Volemic resuscitation in acute care setting†: which intravenous fluid†?] / Réanimation volémique en médecine aiguë†: quelle solution de remplissage choisir†?

Crystalloid-type solutions are currently recommended for volume resuscitation. Although historically considered as «â€…physiological saline ¼, NaCl 0.9 % has a high concentration of sodium and chloride that can lead to metabolic acidosis and impaired renal function when large volumes are used. Recent evidence confirms that use of low-chloride crystalloids (so-called balanced solutions) could reduce the occurrence of renal failure and should be preferred during high volume resuscitation.

Les solutions de type cristalloïdes sont actuellement recommandées lors de réanimation volémique. Bien qu'historiquement considéré comme un «â€…sérum physiologique ¼, le NaCl 0,9 % présente une concentration élevée en sodium et en chlore pouvant entraîner des acidoses métaboliques et une altération de la fonction rénale lorsqu'il est administré en grande quantité. Des évidences récentes confirment que l'utilisation de solutions de remplissage à moindre concentration en chlore (solutions dites balancées) permettrait de réduire la survenue d'une insuffisance rénale et devrait être préférée lors de réanimation nécessitant d'importants volumes de cristalloïdes.

[Direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis]. / Anticoagulants oraux directs dans le traitement des événements thrombo­emboliques veineux liés au cancer.

The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has been largely -implemented in the management of venous thromboembolic disease in non-cancer patients. In cancer-associated thrombosis, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and especially dalteparin have long been the reference standard therapy. Following the publication of two randomised trials comparing edoxaban and rivaroxaban to -dalteparin, DOACs now represent an alternative with an interesting efficacy and safety profile. Moreover, they offer the comfort of an oral administration and a lower cost. In patients with gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers however, a higher bleeding risk has been shown with DOACs. LMWHs thus remain the treatment of choice in this group of patients.

L'utilisation des anticoagulants oraux directs (ACOD) pour le traitement de la maladie thromboembolique veineuse (MTEV) chez les patients sans cancer est déjà largement implémentée. En cas de MTEV liée au cancer, les héparines de bas poids moléculaire (HBPM) et en particulier la daltéparine, ont longtemps ­représenté le traitement de référence. Suite à la publication de deux études randomisées récentes comparant l'édoxaban et le rivaroxaban à la daltéparine, les ACOD se sont révélés être une alternative efficace, avec un profil de sécurité satisfaisant, ­offrant par ailleurs le confort d'une administration orale et un coût moindre. Toutefois, en raison d'un risque hémorragique ­accru sous ACOD chez les patients avec un cancer de localisation digestive ou urogénitale, les HBPM restent le traitement de choix dans ce groupe de patients.

[Contemporary novelties in internal medicine]. / Médecine interne hospitalière en revue.

Confronted with increasingly complex and interdependent medical situations, targeted clinical answers and recommendations are -increasingly the result of a comprehensive appraisal of existing -evidence. In addition, public health and economic stakes have to be considered and integrated into the decision process, diagnosis and management of numerous clinical entities. This selective overview covers some of these entities and demonstrate the expanding overlap between inpatient and outpatient practice.

Face à des problématiques médicales de plus en plus complexes et interdépendantes, des réponses et recommandations ciblées sont aujourd'hui proposées, basées sur une revue compréhensive de la littérature. Des enjeux de santé publique et d'économie de la santé viennent s'ajouter au processus décisionnel, diagnostique, et de prise en charge dans de nombreuses pathologies. Cette revue sélective traite de certains de ces sujets et démontre l'accroissement du chevauchement entre médecines hospitalière et ambulatoire.

Low-dose computed tomography for the diagnosis of pneumonia in elderly patients: a prospective, interventional cohort study.

The diagnosis of pneumonia is challenging. Our objective was to assess whether low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) modified the probability of diagnosing pneumonia in elderly patients.We prospectively included patients aged over 65 years with a suspicion of pneumonia treated with antimicrobial therapy (AT). All patients had a chest radiograph and LDCT within 72 h of inclusion. The treating clinician assessed the probability of pneumonia before and after the LDCT scan using a Likert scale. An adjudication committee retrospectively rated the probability of pneumonia and was considered as the reference for diagnosis. The main outcome was the difference in the clinician's pneumonia probability estimates before and after LDCT and the proportion of modified diagnoses which matched the reference diagnosis (the net reclassification improvement (NRI)).A total of 200 patients with a median age of 84 years were included. After LDCT, the estimated probability of pneumonia changed in 90 patients (45%), of which 60 (30%) were downgraded and 30 (15%) were upgraded. The NRI was 8% (NRI event (-6%) + NRI non-event (14%)).LDCT modified the estimated probability of pneumonia in a substantial proportion of patients. It mostly helped to exclude a diagnosis of pneumonia and hence to reduce unnecessary AT.