Liver injury in paraquat poisoning: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver injury is one of the common complications of paraquat (PQ) poisoning, but whether the degree of liver injury is related to patient prognosis is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether liver injury was a risk factor for death in PQ-poisoned patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PQ-poisoned patients from the past 10 years (2011-2020) from a large tertiary academic medical centre in China. PQ-poisoned patients were divided into a normal liver function group (n = 580) and a liver injury group (n = 60). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was then performed. RESULTS: A total of 640 patients with PQ poisoning were included in this study. To reduce the impact of bias, dose of PQ, urinary PQ concentration and time from poisoning to hospital admission were matched between the two groups. A 3:1 PSM analysis was performed, ultimately including 240 patients. Compared with the normal liver function group, patients in the liver injury group were older, had a higher R value ([ALT/ULN]/[ALP/ULN]) (p < .001) and had a higher mortality rate. Cox regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin levels and hazard of death, but age, PQ dose, creatine kinase isoenzyme, creatine kinase, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage and lymphocyte percentage were associated with mortality in patients with PQ poisoning. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of liver injury within 48 h after PQ poisoning was a risk factor for mortality, and such liver injury was likely of a hepatocellular nature. Age, PQ dose, creatine kinase isoenzyme and white blood cell count were positively correlated with mortality, while creatine kinase, percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes were inversely correlated.

High flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus non-invasive ventilation for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute-moderate hypercapnic respiratory failure: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Although cumulative studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, randomized trials to compare HFNC with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) as initial treatment in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients with acute-moderate hypercapnic respiratory failure are limited. The aim of this randomized, open label, non-inferiority trial was to compare treatment failure rates between HFNC and NIV in such patients. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with AECOPD with a baseline arterial blood gas pH between 7.25 and 7.35 and PaCO2 ≥ 50 mmHg admitted to two intensive care units (ICUs) at a large tertiary academic teaching hospital between March 2018 and December 2022 were randomly assigned to HFNC or NIV. The primary endpoint was the rate of treatment failure, defined as endotracheal intubation or a switch to the other study treatment modality. Secondary endpoints were rates of intubation or treatment change, blood gas values, vital signs at one, 12, and 48 h, 28-day mortality, as well as ICU and hospital lengths of stay. RESULTS: 225 total patients (113 in the HFNC group and 112 in the NIV group) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The failure rate of the HFNC group was 25.7%, while the NIV group was 14.3%. The failure rate risk difference between the two groups was 11.38% (95% CI 0.25-21.20, P = 0.033), which was higher than the non-inferiority cut-off of 9%. In the per-protocol analysis, treatment failure occurred in 28 of 110 patients (25.5%) in the HFNC group and 15 of 109 patients (13.8%) in the NIV group (risk difference, 11.69%; 95% CI 0.48-22.60). The intubation rate in the HFNC group was higher than in the NIV group (14.2% vs 5.4%, P = 0.026). The treatment switch rate, ICU and hospital length of stay or 28-day mortality in the HFNC group were not statistically different from the NIV group (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: HFNC was not shown to be non-inferior to NIV and resulted in a higher incidence of treatment failure than NIV when used as the initial respiratory support for AECOPD patients with acute-moderate hypercapnic respiratory failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: chictr.org (ChiCTR1800014553). Registered 21 January 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Risk for newly diagnosed diabetes after COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that patients recovering after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may have a variety of acute sequelae including newly diagnosed diabetes. However, the risk of diabetes in the post-acute phase is unclear. To solve this question, we aimed to determine if there was any association between status post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection and a new diagnosis of diabetes. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies assessing new-onset diabetes after COVID-19. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were all searched from inception to June 10, 2022. Three evaluators independently extracted individual study data and assessed the risk of bias. Random-effects models estimated the pooled incidence and relative risk (RR) of diabetes compared to non-COVID-19 after COVID-19. RESULTS: Nine studies with nearly 40 million participants were included. Overall, the incidence of diabetes after COVID-19 was 15.53 (7.91-25.64) per 1000 person-years, and the relative risk of diabetes after COVID-19 infection was elevated (RR 1.62 [1.45-1.80]). The relative risk of type 1 diabetes was RR=1.48 (1.26-1.75) and type 2 diabetes was RR=1.70 (1.32-2.19), compared to non-COVID-19 patients. At all ages, there was a statistically significant positive association between infection with COVID-19 and the risk of diabetes: <18 years: RR=1.72 (1.19-2.49), ≥18 years: RR=1.63 (1.26-2.11), and >65 years: RR=1.68 (1.22-2.30). The relative risk of diabetes in different gender groups was about 2 (males: RR=2.08 [1.27-3.40]; females: RR=1.99 [1.47-2.80]). The risk of diabetes increased 1.17-fold (1.02-1.34) after COVID-19 infection compared to patients with general upper respiratory tract infections. Patients with severe COVID-19 were at higher risk (RR=1.67 [1.25-2.23]) of diabetes after COVID-19. The risk (RR=1.95 [1.85-2.06]) of diabetes was highest in the first 3 months after COVID-19. These results remained after taking confounding factors into account. CONCLUSIONS: After COVID-19, patients of all ages and genders had an elevated incidence and relative risk for a new diagnosis of diabetes. Particular attention should be paid during the first 3 months of follow-up after COVID-19 for new-onset diabetes.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: characteristics and rapid diagnostic approach in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a common type of autoimmune encephalitis. Patients with this condition are frequently very ill but are often misdiagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED). The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-NMDAR patients in the ED and to identify any associations with a diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively obtained cohort of ED patients from May 2011 to December 2017. We identified patients diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in this cohort and extracted key patient characteristics and clinical data, including patient gender, age, presentation, modified Rank Score (m-RS), laboratory test results, significant treatments, and mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were identified. 54 (62.1%) were female, 23 (26.4%) were < 18 years old, 14 (16.1%) had teratoma, and 45 (51.7%) had an m-RS ≥ 4. Fever, altered mental status, and seizures were the most common symptoms, with a > 50% incidence of each symptom in the cohort. The sensitivity of CSF oligoclonal band (OB) testing was 78.9%. 22 (25.3%) were admitted to the ICU, 20 (23.0%) patients were intubated, but only one patient died (1.1%). 47 (54.0%) were misdiagnosed prior to ED arrival. All patients underwent immunotherapy as first-line treatment for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients presenting to the ED were female and were likely to be misdiagnosed prior to arrival. Patients with symptoms of fever, altered mental status, and seizures need a lumbar puncture, including CSF OB testing, for definitive diagnosis.

Role of anti-allergic agents on attenuating transfusion reactions in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-allergic agents (e.g. dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine or promethazine) are commonly administered to patients prior to blood product transfusions. However, the use of these agents is largely experience-based instead of evidence-based. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the evidence behind using anti-allergic agents to attenuate transfusion reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Biomedical literature (CMB) databases were all queried for related articles. Data from groups treated with and without anti-allergic agents were collected for meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3. Baseline characteristics and univariate statistics between groups were compared using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: Eight eligible articles (six case control studies and two randomized controlled trials, all with high risks of bias) were identified (22060 total cases). Administered anti-allergic agents in these studies only included dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine or promethazine. Baseline characteristics showed no significant age or gender differences between treatment or control groups. There were no significant differences between the pooled experimental or control groups (for each of the three medications) in terms of fever, pruritis, rash, airway spasm or overall transfusion reaction rates. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine or promethazine can prevent transfusion reactions. Avoiding the arbitrary use of such anti-allergic agents before blood transfusions may potentially avoid needless adverse drug reactions.

The impact of SARS and COVID-19 on major trauma in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been enormously disruptive and harmful to people around the world, but its impact on other illnesses and injuries has been more variable. To evaluate the ramification of infectious disease outbreaks on major traumatic injuries, we compared changes in the incidence of major trauma cases during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) period with COVID-19 in 2020. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the trauma registry of a major, tertiary-care teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Patients presenting with major traumatic injuries during the first six months of 2001-03 and 2018-20 were retrieved for analysis. Patient characteristics, injury mechanism, admitting service, and emergency department (ED)/hospital lengths of stay (LOS) were recorded. Raw and adjusted survival rates (using the modified Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS)) were recorded. RESULTS: The number of trauma cases fell dramatically during 2003 and 2020 compared with previous years. In both 2003 and 2020, the number of trauma registry patients fell by 49% in April (compared to the preceding reference years of 2001/02 and 2018/19, respectively). Patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were also different during the outbreak years. Comparing 2003 to 2020 relative to their respective reference baselines, the percentages of injuries that happened at home, patients without co-morbidities, and patients' mean age all increased in 2003 but decreased in 2020. Work-place injuries drastically dropped in 2003, but not in 2020. Average ED LOS dropped in 2003 by 36.4 min (95% CI 12.5, 60.3) but declined by only 14.5 min (95% CI -2.9, 32.1) in 2020. Both observed and expected 30-day mortality declined in 2020 vs. 2003 (observed 4.5% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.001, OR 0.352, 95% CI 0.187, 0.661) (expected 4.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.002, OR 0.358, 95% CI 0.188, 0.684). CONCLUSION: Major trauma cases dropped by half during both the peak of the 2003 SARS and 2020 COVID-19 pandemics in Hong Kong, suggesting a trend for future pandemic planning. If similar findings are seen at other trauma centers, proactive personnel and resource allocations away from trauma towards medical emergency systems may be more appropriate for future pandemics.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus non-invasive ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients after extubation: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is being increasingly used to prevent post-extubation hypoxemic respiratory failure and reintubation. However, evidence to support the use of HFNC in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure after extubation is limited. This study was conducted to test if HFNC is non-inferior to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in preventing post-extubation treatment failure in COPD patients previously intubated for hypercapnic respiratory failure. METHODS: COPD patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure who were already receiving invasive ventilation were randomized to HFNC or NIV at extubation at two large tertiary academic teaching hospitals. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as either resumption of invasive ventilation or switching to the other study treatment modality (NIV for patients in the NFNC group or vice versa). RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were randomly assigned to the HFNC group or NIV group. After secondary exclusion, 44 patients in the HFNC group and 42 patients in the NIV group were included in the analysis. The treatment failure rate in the HFNC group was 22.7% and 28.6% in the NIV group-risk difference of - 5.8% (95% CI, - 23.8-12.4%, p = 0.535), which was significantly lower than the non-inferior margin of 9%. Analysis of the causes of treatment failure showed that treatment intolerance in the HFNC group was significantly lower than that in the NIV group, with a risk difference of - 50.0% (95% CI, - 74.6 to - 12.9%, p = 0.015). One hour after extubation, the mean respiratory rates of both groups were faster than their baseline levels before extubation (p < 0.050). Twenty-four hours after extubation, the respiratory rate of the HFNC group had returned to baseline, but the NIV group was still higher than the baseline. Forty-eight hours after extubation, the respiratory rates of both groups were not significantly different from the baseline. The average number of daily airway care interventions in the NIV group was 7 (5-9.3), which was significantly higher than 6 (4-7) times in the HFNC group (p = 0.006). The comfort score and incidence of nasal and facial skin breakdown of the HFNC group was also significantly better than that of the NIV group [7 (6-8) vs 5 (4-7), P < 0.001] and [0 vs 9.6%, p = 0.027], respectively. CONCLUSION: Among COPD patients with severe hypercapnic respiratory failure who received invasive ventilation, the use of HFNC after extubation did not result in increased rates of treatment failure compared with NIV. HFNC also had better tolerance and comfort than NIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: chictr.org ( ChiCTR1800018530 ). Registered on 22 September 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/usercenter.aspx.

Duration of cardiac arrest requires different ventilation volumes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a pig model.

There are few studies examining the ventilation strategies recommended by current CPR guidelines. We investigated the influence of different minute volume applying to untreated cardiac arrest with different duration, on resuscitation effects in a pig model. 32 Landrace pigs with 4 or 8 min (16 pigs each) ventricular fibrillation (VF) randomly received two ventilation strategies during CPR. "Guideline" groups received mechanical ventilation with a tidal volume of 7 ml/kg and a frequency of 10/min, while "Baseline" groups received a tidal volume (10 ml/kg) and a frequency used at baseline to maintain an end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) between 35 and 40 mmHg before VF. Mean airway pressures and intrathoracic pressures (PIT) in the Baseline-4 min group were significantly higher than those in the Guideline-4 min group (all P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in the 8 min pigs, except for no significant difference in minimal PIT and PETCO2 during 10 min of CPR. Venous pH and venous oxygen saturation were significantly higher in the Baseline-8 min group compared to the Guideline-8 min group (all P < 0.05). Aortic pressure in the Baseline-8 min group was higher than in the Guideline-8 min group. Seven pigs in each subgroup of 4 min VF models achieved the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Higher ROSC was observed in the Baseline-8 min group than in the Guideline-8 min group (87.5% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.039). For 4 min VF but not 8 min VF, a guideline-recommended ventilation strategy had satisfactory results during CPR. A higher minute ventilation resulted in better outcomes for subjects with 8 min of untreated VF through thoracic pump.

Efficacy and outcomes of lipid resuscitation on organophosphate poisoning patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are still widely available in developing countries, leading to numerous accidental or suicidal poisonings every year. Lipid emulsion treatments are commonly used in resuscitating OP poisoning patients but few studies regarding their use have been reported. Our meta-analysis aimed to analyze the efficacy and outcomes of lipid resuscitation on OP poisoning patients. METHODS: A systematic search for associated studies was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Collected data was pooled using Revman v5.3. Outcomes included prognosis (cured vs. mortality rates), hepatic function (serum ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin (TBIL) level), serum acetylcholinesterase (AchE) level and respiratory function (rate of respiratory muscular paralysis). RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled studies consisting of 630 patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Lipid emulsion helped to improve the cure rate [OR = 2.54, 95% CI (1.33, 4.86), p = 0.005] and lower the mortality rate [OR = 0.31, 95% CI (0.13, 0.74), p = 0.009]. Serum ALT, AST and TBIL in patients undergoing lipid resuscitation were lower than those in the control groups [ALT, SMD = -1.52, 95% CI (-2.64, 0.40), p = 0.008; AST, SMD = -1.66, 95% CI (-3.15, 0.16), p = 0.03; TBIL, SMD = -1.26, 95% CI (-2.32, 0.20), p = 0.02]. Serum AchE level were increased in patients treated with lipid emulsion [SMD = 2.15, 95% CI (1.60, 2.71), p < 0.00001]. Rate of respiratory muscular paralysis was lower in patients undergoing lipid resuscitation than those in the control groups [OR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.05, 0.71), p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Based on our meta-analysis of included RCT reports, lipid resuscitation seems likely to help improve prognosis and liver function of OP poisoning patients. However, larger multi-center RCTs are still recommended.

An Exploratory Study of Sectra Table Visualization Improves the Effectiveness of Emergency Bedside Echocardiography Training.

OBJECTIVES: Echocardiography is an essential tool in emergency medicine, and its training is the most challenging of all types of bedside ultrasound (US) training. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Sectra Table (Sectra AB, Linköping, Sweden), an anatomy visualization and collaboration tool, in improving the quality of echocardiography training for emergency medicine physicians. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory prospective observational study from 2015 to 2017 and enrolled 66 trainees who participated in a 2.5-day bedside US course organized by the emergency department (ED) of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The study participants underwent 2 different training programs: the first group received standard training, and the second group was trained with Sectra Table experiences integrated into the echocardiography training curriculum. After the training sessions, both groups were evaluated for their hands-on echocardiography performance. RESULTS: The new training program with the Sectra Table significantly increased trainees' self-confidence in performing bedside echocardiography. The Sectra Table trainees had a higher performance rating than the trainees in the traditional program, with a mean total assessment score of 40.5 versus 26.5 for traditional training (P < .01). The improved performance was evident for all subcategories of echocardiography. The higher performance rating of the Sectra Table trainees was also statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, including prior training experiences, baseline confidence in independently performing ED US examinations, the number of ED US examinations performed, years in ED practice, and physician seniority. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that integrating the Sectra Table into echocardiography training may improve the effectiveness of training programs.

Identification of return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation via pulse oximetry in a porcine animal cardiac arrest model.

In this prospective study we investigated whether the pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform (POP) could be used to identify return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Tweleve pigs (28 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (non-arrested with compressions) (n = 6); Group II (arrested with CPR and defibrillation) (n = 6). Hemodynamic parameters and POP were collected and analyzed. POP was analyzed using both a time domain method and a frequency domain method. In Group I, when compressions were carried out on subjects with a spontaneous circulation, a hybrid fluctuation or "envelope" phenomenon appeared in the time domain method and a "double" or "fusion" peak appeared in the frequency domain method. In Group II, after the period of ventricular fibrillation was induced, the POP waveform disappeared. With compressions, POP showed a regular compression wave. After defibrillation, ROSC, and continued compressions, a hybrid fluctuation or "envelope" phenomenon appeared in the time domain method and a "double" or "fusion" peak appeared in the frequency domain method, similar to Group I. Analysis of POP using the time and frequency domain methods could be used to identify ROSC during CPR.

Seasonal association between ambient ozone and mortality in Zhengzhou, China.

Different seasonal health effects of ambient ozone (O3) have been reported in previous studies. This might be due to inappropriate adjustment of temperature in different seasons. We used daily data on non-accidental mortality and ambient air pollution in Zhengzhou from January 19, 2013 to June 30, 2015. Season-stratified analyses using generalized additive models were conducted to evaluate the seasonal associations with adjustment of temperature with different lagged days (lag0-1 for warm season, lag0-14 for cold season). We recorded a total of 70,443 non-accidental deaths in Zhengzhou during the study period. Significant associations were observed between ambient O3 and mortality in cold season. Every 10-µg/m3 increment of 24-h O3 of 1-day lagged time was associated with a 1.38% (95% CI 0.60, 2.16%) increase in all cause mortality, 1.35% (95% CI 0.41, 2.30%) increase in cardiovascular mortality, and 1.78% (95% CI 0.43, 3.14%) increase in respiratory mortality. Similar associations were observed when using daily 1- and 8-h maximum concentrations of O3. No significant association was found during warm season. This study suggests a more pronounced ozone-mortality association in cold season in Zhengzhou, and we suggest that different lagged temperatures should be considered when examining the seasonal health effects of ambient ozone.

Acute High-Output Heart Failure with Pulmonary Hypertension and Severe Liver Injury Caused by Amlodipine Poisoning: A Case Report.

Acute high-output heart failure (HOHF) with pulmonary hypertension and liver injury caused by amlodipine poisoning is very rare. We report a 52-year-old woman who suffered from severe shock after an overdose of amlodipine. Hemodynamic monitoring showed that while her left ventricular systolic function and cardiac output were elevated, her systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly. At the same time, the size of her right heart, her central venous pressure, and the oxygen saturation of her central venous circulation all increased abnormally. The patient's circulatory function and right ventricular dysfunction gradually improved after large doses of vasopressors and detoxification measures. However, her bilirubin and transaminase levels increased significantly on hospital day 6, with a CT scan showing patchy, low-density areas in her liver along with ascites. After liver protective treatment and plasma exchange, the patient's liver function gradually recovered. A CT scan 4 months later showed all her liver abnormalities, including ascites, had resolved. The common etiologies of HOHF were excluded in this case, and significantly reduced systemic vascular resistance caused by amlodipine overdose was thought to be the primary pathophysiological basis of HOHF. The significant increase in venous return and pulmonary blood flow is considered to be the main mechanism of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Hypoxic hepatitis caused by a combination of hepatic congestion and distributive shock may be the most important factors causing liver injury in this patient. Whether amlodipine has other mechanisms leading to HOHF and pulmonary hypertension needs to be further studied. Considering the significant increase of right heart preload, aggressive fluid resuscitation should be done very cautiously in patients with HOHF and shock secondary to amlodipine overdose.

The association between levosimendan and mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is increasingly being used in patients with sepsis or septic shock because of its potential to improve organ function and reduce mortality. We aimed to determine if levosimendan can reduce mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock via meta-analysis. EVIDENCE SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through 1 October 2022. Literature evaluating the efficacy of levosimendan in patients with sepsis or septic shock was included. DATA EXTRACTION AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Two reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate an odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and P -values for 28-day mortality (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included changes in indexes reflecting cardiac function before and after treatment, changes in serum lactate levels in the first 24 h of treatment, and the mean SOFA score during the study period. Safety outcomes included rates of tachyarrhythmias and total adverse reactions encountered with levosimendan. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were identified, encompassing a total of 1044 patients. After using levosimendan, there was no statistical difference between groups for 28-day mortality (34.9% and 36.2%; OR: 0.93; 95% CI [0.72-1.2]; P  = 0.57; I 2  = 0%; trial sequential analysis-adjusted CI [0.6-1.42]) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and more adverse reactions seemed to occur in the levosimendan group, although the septic shock patient's heart function and serum lactate level improved. CONCLUSION: There was no association between the use of levosimendan and 28-day mortality and SOFA scores in patients with septic shock, though there was statistically significant improvement in cardiac function and serum lactate.

Door-to-antibiotic time and mortality in patients with sepsis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the timing of initial antibiotic administration in patients with sepsis in hospital affects mortality. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies from inception up to 19 May 2022. Interventional and observational studies including adult human patients with suspected or confirmed sepsis and reported time of antibiotic administration with mortality were included. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Summary estimates were calculated by using random-effects model. The primary outcome was mortality. RESULTS: We included 42 studies comprising 190,896 patients with sepsis. Pooled data showed that the OR for patient mortality who received antibiotics ≤1 hr was 0.83 (95 %CI: 0.67 to 1.04) when compared with patients who received antibiotics >1hr. Significant reductions in the risk of death in patients with earlier antibiotic administration were observed in patients ≤3 hrs versus >3 hrs (OR: 0.80, 95 %CI: 0.68 to 0.94) and ≤6 hrs vs 6 hrs (OR: 0.57, 95 %CI: 0.39 to 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show an improvement in mortality in sepsis patients with early administration of antibiotics at <3 and <6 hrs. Thus, these results suggest that antibiotics should be administered within 3 hrs of sepsis recognition or ED arrival regardless of the presence or absence of shock.

A novel predictor of unsustained return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients through a combination of capnography and pulse oximetry: a multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Unsustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is a critical barrier to survival in cardiac arrest patients. This study examined whether end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and pulse oximetry photoplethysmogram (POP) parameters can be used to identify unsustained ROSC. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter observational prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with cardiac arrest from 2013 to 2014. Patients' general information, ETCO2, and POP parameters were collected and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The included 105 ROSC episodes (from 80 cardiac arrest patients) comprised 51 sustained ROSC episodes and 54 unsustained ROSC episodes. The 24-hour survival rate was significantly higher in the sustained ROSC group than in the unsustained ROSC group (29.2% vs. 9.4%, P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that the difference between after and before ROSC in ETCO2 (ΔETCO2) and the difference between after and before ROCS in area under the curve of POP (ΔAUCp) were independently associated with sustained ROSC (odds ratio [OR]=0.931, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.881-0.984, P=0.011 and OR=0.998, 95% CI 0.997-0.999, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ΔETCO2, ΔAUCp, and the combination of both to predict unsustained ROSC were 0.752 (95% CI 0.660-0.844), 0.883 (95% CI 0.818-0.948), and 0.902 (95% CI 0.842-0.962), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with unsustained ROSC have a poor prognosis. The combination of ΔETCO2 and ΔAUCp showed significant predictive value for unsustained ROSC.

Emergency department characteristics and capabilities in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Departments (EDs) are a critical, yet heterogeneous, part of international emergency care. OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the characteristics, resources, capabilities, and capacity of EDs in Beijing, China. METHODS: Beijing EDs accessible to the general public 24 h per day/7 days per week were surveyed using the National ED Inventories survey instrument (www.emnet-nedi.org). ED staff were asked about ED characteristics during the calendar year 2008. RESULTS: Thirty-six EDs participated (88% response rate). All were located in hospitals and were independent hospital departments. Participating EDs saw a median of 80,000 patients (interquartile range 40,000-118,508). The vast majority (91%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 78-98%) had a contiguous layout, with medical and surgical care provided in one area. Most EDs (55%) saw only adults; 39% saw both adults and children, and 6% saw only children. Availability of technological and consultant resource in EDs was high. The typical ED length of stay was between 1 and 6 h in 49% of EDs (95% CI 32-67%), whereas in the other half, patients reportedly remained for over 6 h; 36% (95% CI 21-54%) of respondents considered their ED over capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Beijing EDs have high volume, long length of stay, and frequent reports of EDs being over capacity. To meet its rapidly growing health needs in urban areas, China should consider improving urban ED capacity and training more Emergency Medicine specialists capable of efficiently staffing its crowded EDs.