Anxiety and depression are unrecognised in emergency patients admitted to the observation care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of emergency physicians in detecting anxiety and depression in patients requiring admission to the emergency department (ED) observation care unit for complementary investigations/treatment. METHODS: 339 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency observation care unit of 14 EDs were interviewed with standardised questionnaires. The characteristics of the patients, EDs and attending ED physicians were collected. Patients' anxiety and depression were identified using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a self-administered questionnaire. ED physicians were blind to the HADS score and were asked to declare whether they perceived anxiety and depression in each patient. The judgement of ED physicians and the HADS score were compared using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios. RESULTS: The HADS questionnaire was correctly completed by 310 patients who comprised the study population. HADS detected symptoms of anxiety in 148 patients (47%) and symptoms of depression in 70 patients (23%). ED physicians determined the presence or absence of anxiety with a sensitivity of 48% (95% CI 40% to 56%) and a specificity of 69% (95% CI 61% to 75%). Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.54 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.06) and 0.75 (95% CI 1.28 to 3.28) for anxiety. They detected the presence or absence of depression with a sensitivity of 39% (95% CI 28% to 51%) and a specificity of 78% (95% CI 72% to 83%). Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.75 (95% CI 1.20 to 2.56) and 0.78 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.87) for depression. CONCLUSION: Although patients presenting to the ED often experience anxiety and depression, these symptoms are poorly detected by ED physicians.

A communication strategy and brochure for relatives of patients dying in the ICU.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for close communication with relatives of patients dying in the intensive care unit (ICU). We evaluated a format that included a proactive end-of-life conference and a brochure to see whether it could lessen the effects of bereavement. METHODS: Family members of 126 patients dying in 22 ICUs in France were randomly assigned to the intervention format or to the customary end-of-life conference. Participants were interviewed by telephone 90 days after the death with the use of the Impact of Event Scale (IES; scores range from 0, indicating no symptoms, to 75, indicating severe symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; subscale scores range from 0, indicating no distress, to 21, indicating maximum distress). RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group had longer conferences than those in the control group (median, 30 minutes [interquartile range, 19 to 45] vs. 20 minutes [interquartile range, 15 to 30]; P<0.001) and spent more of the time talking (median, 14 minutes [interquartile range, 8 to 20] vs. 5 minutes [interquartile range, 5 to 10]). On day 90, the 56 participants in the intervention group who responded to the telephone interview had a significantly lower median IES score than the 52 participants in the control group (27 vs. 39, P=0.02) and a lower prevalence of PTSD-related symptoms (45% vs. 69%, P=0.01). The median HADS score was also lower in the intervention group (11, vs. 17 in the control group; P=0.004), and symptoms of both anxiety and depression were less prevalent (anxiety, 45% vs. 67%; P=0.02; depression, 29% vs. 56%; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Providing relatives of patients who are dying in the ICU with a brochure on bereavement and using a proactive communication strategy that includes longer conferences and more time for family members to talk may lessen the burden of bereavement. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00331877.)

Effects of high doses of selenium, as sodium selenite, in septic shock: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, phase II study.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is associated with the generation of oxygen free radicals and (lacking) decreased selenium plasma concentrations. High doses of sodium selenite might reduce inflammation by a direct pro-oxidative effect and may increase antioxidant cell capacities by selenium incorporation into selenoenzymes. We investigated the effects of a continuous administration of high doses of selenium in septic shock patients. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was performed with an intention-to-treat analysis in severe septic shock patients with documented infection. Patients received, for 10 days, selenium as sodium selenite (4,000 microg on the first day, 1,000 microg/day on the nine following days) or matching placebo using continuous intravenous infusion. The primary endpoint was the time to vasopressor therapy withdrawal. The duration of mechanical ventilation, the mortality rates in the intensive care unit, at hospital discharge, and at 7, 14, 28 and 180 days and 1 year after randomization, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included (placebo, n = 29; selenium, n = 31). The median time to vasopressor therapy withdrawal was 7 days in both groups (95% confidence interval = 5-8 and 6-9 in the placebo and selenium groups, respectively; log-rank, P = 0.713). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 14 days and 19 days in the placebo and selenium groups, respectively (P = 0.762). Mortality rates did not significantly differ between groups at any time point. Rates of adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of selenium as sodium selenite (4,000 microg on the first day, 1,000 microg/day on the nine following days) had no obvious toxicity but did not improve the clinical outcome in septic shock patients. Trial Registration = NCT00207844.

Evaluation of the Binax NOW Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen assay in intensive care patients hospitalized for pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Binax Now S. pneumoniae urinary antigen rapid immunochromatographic membrane test (ICT) for patients with suspicion of community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized in intensive care and to assess the impact of prior antibiotics on its diagnostic performance. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in a medicosurgical ICU in a 700-bed general hospital. PATIENTS: Charts of patients with ICT performed (result blinded) were reviewed between May 2002 and July 2004. ICT has been performed in 140 of the 1,006 patients hospitalized in the unit; two-thirds had received antibiotics prior to admission. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Diagnosis of pneumonia was made according to usual criteria. All patients had at least one microbiological test. Pneumonia diagnosis confirmed in 108 patients including 32 pneumococcal. ICT was positive in 23 of 32 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, in 11 of 108 without, and in none of the 32 patients without pneumonia, resulting in sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of, respectively: 72%, 90%, 68% and 92%. Positive likelihood ratios were comparable among patients with or without prior antibiotics (respectively 6 and 12 for 7 in the overall population). CONCLUSIONS: This first clinical evaluation of ICT in intensive care patients hospitalized for suspicion of community-acquired pneumonia, demonstrated performance in accordance with published data even in the case of prior antibiotics. Its clinical interest and impact on antibiotics policy remain to be refined.

Low molecular weight heparin self-injection training: assessment of feasibility, tolerance and economic analysis in emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess low molecular weight heparin auto-injection skills of self-supporting patients, taught by a nurse through a rapid demonstration in an emergency department. METHODS: The study was a prospective, multicentre study, carried out in emergency departments. It included all ambulatory attending patients over 18 years of age, who were given a lower limb cast in an emergency ward and provided with limited orthopaedic treatment. Eligible patients who accepted self-injection training were given a quick demonstration by the nurse in the emergency ward. A questionnaire about the perception of the patient was completed at the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the treatment. A surveillance chart for recording injections and side effects was also given to the patient, and platelet counts were performed twice weekly. FINDINGS: Two hundred and fourteen patients have been assessed. Forty-four patients (20.5%) were judged inappropriate for training (n=19) or refused it (n=25). Primary perception of the self-injection method showed absence of fear of injections among patients in 43.7% of cases. Training was successful in 88% of cases. Twenty-one patients out of 170 (12%) gave up after completing the training. Questionnaires given at the end of the treatment found a generally favourable opinion on self-injections among 73.26% of patients (n=86). Compliance was good - 95.5% of patients completed all their injections. Platelet counts were considered appropriate only in 52.5% of cases. INTERPRETATION: It seems possible to extend the practice of self-injection to other types of injections prescribed after discharge from the emergency department, such as preventive low molecular weight heparin for surgical or medical purposes and curative ambulatory low molecular weight heparin treatment for deep vein thrombosis.

[From the call to the advanced life support: management of emergency care units in France]. / De l'appel à la réanimation: l'organisation des secours d'urgence en France.

The French major emergency management system has created a consistent structure for the management of patients in emergency situations. French emergency call centers (dial 15) are staffed by people trained to identify distress situations. Medical management at the accident or failure site ensures early implementation of medical check-up, resuscitation treatment and rapid transportation to an adapted department. At the hospital, the organization of the emergency care unit is based on the same principles: identification of distress, precise assessment of the situation and optimization of the referral process.

Blind and bronchoscopic sampling methods in suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. A multicentre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare four sampling methods: blind tracheal aspirate (blind TA), blind protected telescoping catheter (blind PTC), bronchoscopic PTC and bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (bronchoscopic BAL), for diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). DESIGN: Prospective multicentre study. SETTING: Five intensive care units in France. PATIENTS: Sixty-three patients with mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h, no recent antibiotic change (<72 h) and suspected nosocomial pneumonia. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent the four sampling methods. Direct examination and quantitative cultures of the four specimens were performed. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Visible secretions expelled from the catheter were present 40 times (63%) for blind PTC and 45 times (71%) for bronchoscopic PTC. After exclusion of 11 uncertain cases, 34 VAP were diagnosed. Direct examination of PTC (either blind or bronchoscopic) did not differ from direct examination of bronchoscopic BAL in predicting VAP diagnosis and in guiding initial antibiotic treatment correctly. Compared to that of bronchoscopic BAL (0.98), the area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was smaller for blind TA (0.78, p=0.002), blind PTC (0.83, p=0.009) and bronchoscopic PTC (0.85, p=0.01). When samples with visible secretions expelled from the catheter were considered, blind and bronchoscopic PTC had areas under ROC curve close to that of bronchoscopic BAL (0.90, p=0.22 and 0.91, p=0.27, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Blind PTC appears to be a good alternative to bronchoscopic sampling for VAP diagnosis, provided that the sample contains visible secretions expelled from the catheter.

Quality control programme for acute pain management in emergency medicine: a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: This national survey was carried out to evaluate the quality programme for acute pain management in the emergency department (ED) and in pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS). METHODS: Two types of questionnaires were sent to the chief consultant and the chief nurse of all ED and EMS. Data collected were: the type of structure, quality programme organization, acute pain management, and the training needs to initiate a pain quality programme. RESULTS: A total of 363 questionnaires were recorded (198 from chief consultants) with 98% of questionnaires being usable. A pain management committee existed in 71% of cases, a quality committee in 83%. A complete quality control procedure existed in 53% of units. An audit on pain management was carried out in only 23% of cases. Training in quality was performed for 64% of physicians and 68% of nurses. Training specifically for pain management was carried out for physicians in 56% of cases and for nurses in 68% of cases. Pain therapeutics protocols existed in 69% of cases. Pain intensity was evaluated 'systematically or often' in 64% at the beginning of patient management, and in 56% at the end of patient management. The staff was 'not very motivated' for a pain management quality programme in less than 3% of responses. A total of 61% of chief consultants and 58% of chief nurses requested advice. CONCLUSION: Most ED and EMS units seem to master the quality control programme methodology. Units are highly motivated to initiate a quality control programme on pain. Nevertheless, its implementation could benefit from some external support.

L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide-supplemented total parenteral nutrition reduces infectious complications and glucose intolerance in critically ill patients: the French controlled, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Glutamine (Gln)-supplemented total parenteral nutrition (TPN) improves clinical outcome after planned surgery, but the benefits of Gln-TPN for critically ill (intensive care unit; ICU) patients are still debated. DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, controlled, randomized trial. SETTING: ICUs in 16 hospitals in France. PATIENTS: One-hundred fourteen ICU patients admitted for multiple trauma (38), complicated surgery (65), or pancreatitis (11). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive isocaloric isonitrogenous TPN via a central venous catheter providing 37.5 kcal and 1.5 g amino acids.kg-1.day-1 supplemented with either L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide (0.5 g.kg-1.day-1; Ala-Gln group, n=58) or L-alanine+L-proline (control group, n=56) over at least 5 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Complicated clinical outcome was defined a priori by the occurrence of infectious complications (according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), wound complication, or death. The two groups were compared by chi-square test on an intention-to-treat basis. The two groups did not differ at inclusion for type and severity of injury (mean simplified acute physiology score II, 30 vs. 30.5; mean injury severity score, 44.9 vs. 42.3). Similar volumes of TPN were administered in both groups. Ala-Gln-supplemented TPN was associated with a lower incidence of complicated outcome (41% vs. 61%; p<.05), which was mainly due to a reduced infection rate per patient (mean, 0.45 vs. 0.71; p<.05) and incidence of pneumonia (10 vs. 19; p<.05). Early death rate during treatment and 6-month survival were not different. Hyperglycemia was less frequent (20 vs. 30 patients; p<.05) and there were fewer insulin-requiring patients (14 vs. 22; p<.05) in the Ala-Gln group. CONCLUSIONS: TPN supplemented with Ala-Gln dipeptide in ICU patients is associated with a reduced rate of infectious complications and better metabolic tolerance.

Risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms in family members of intensive care unit patients.

RATIONALE: Intensive care unit (ICU) admission of a relative is a stressful event that may cause symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVES: Factors associated with these symptoms need to be identified. METHODS: For patients admitted to 21 ICUs between March and November 2003, we studied the family member with the main potential decision-making role. MEASUREMENTS: Ninety days after ICU discharge or death, family members completed the Impact of Event Scale (which evaluates the severity of post-traumatic stress reactions), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey during a telephone interview. Linear regression was used to identify factors associated with the risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. MAIN RESULTS: Interviews were obtained for family members of 284 (62%) of the 459 eligible patients. Post-traumatic stress symptoms consistent with a moderate to major risk of PTSD were found in 94 (33.1%) family members. Higher rates were noted among family members who felt information was incomplete in the ICU (48.4%), who shared in decision making (47.8%), whose relative died in the ICU (50%), whose relative died after end-of-life decisions (60%), and who shared in end-of-life decisions (81.8%). Severe post-traumatic stress reaction was associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression and decreased quality of life. CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic stress reaction consistent with a high risk of PTSD is common in family members of ICU patients and is the rule among those who share in end-of-life decisions. Research is needed to investigate PTSD rates and to devise preventive and early-detection strategies.

Half the family members of intensive care unit patients do not want to share in the decision-making process: a study in 78 French intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the opinions of intensive care unit staff and family members about family participation in decisions about patients in intensive care units in France, a country where the approach of physicians to patients and families has been described as paternalistic. DESIGN: Prospective multiple-center survey of intensive care unit staff and family members. SETTING: Seventy-eight intensive care units in university-affiliated hospitals in France. PATIENTS: We studied 357 consecutive patients hospitalized in the 78 intensive care units and included in the study starting on May 1, 2001, with five patients included per intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: We recorded opinions and experience about family participation in medical decision making. Comprehension, satisfaction, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were determined in family members. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Poor comprehension was noted in 35% of family members. Satisfaction was good but anxiety was noted in 73% and depression in 35% of family members. Among intensive care unit staff members, 91% of physicians and 83% of nonphysicians believed that participation in decision making should be offered to families; however, only 39% had actually involved family members in decisions. A desire to share in decision making was expressed by only 47% of family members. Only 15% of family members actually shared in decision making. Effectiveness of information influenced this desire. CONCLUSION: Intensive care unit staff should seek to determine how much autonomy families want. Staff members must strive to identify practical and psychological obstacles that may limit their ability to promote autonomy. Finally, they must develop interventions and attitudes capable of empowering families.