Factors that affect pain management in adults diagnosed with acute appendicitis in the emergency department: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Analgesic treatment, including with opioids, can safely be given to patients who are suspected of having appendicitis. The study examined factors which may influence the treatment of pain in appendicitis in the adult emergency department (ED). A secondary objective was to determine if analgesia affected clinical outcomes. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study examined medical records of all adult patients with a discharge diagnosis of appendicitis. Patients were categorized based on the type of analgesia received in the ED. Variables included the day of week and staffing shift of presentation, gender, age, and triage pain scale, as well as time to ED discharge, imaging, operation, and hospital discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine which factors influenced treatment and affected outcomes. RESULTS: Records of 1839 patients were categorized into three groups - 883 (48%) did not receive analgesia, 571 (31%) received only non-opioid medications, and 385 (21%) received at least one opioid. Patients with a higher triage pain level were significantly more likely to receive analgesia (4-6: OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.2-2.84, 7-9: OR = 3.36; 95% CI = 2.18-5.17, 10: OR = 10.78; 95% CI = 6.38-18.23) and at least one opioid (4-6: OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.13-7.34, 7-9: OR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.73-11.01, 10: OR = 6.23; 95% CI = 2.42-16.09). Male gender was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of receiving analgesia (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.61-0.9), but a significantly greater likelihood of receiving at least one opioid given that they received any pain medication (OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.41-2.48). Patients aged 25-64 years old were significantly more likely to receive at least one opioid if they received any pain medication (25-44: OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.08-2.02, 45-64: OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.15-2.76). Presentation to the ED on Sundays was associated with lower rates of opioid treatment (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.42-0.94). Regarding clinical outcomes, patients who received analgesia waited longer for imaging (+0.58 h; 95% CI = 0.31-0.85), stayed longer in the ED (+2.2 h; 95% CI = 1.60-2.79), and had a slightly longer hospitalization (+0.62d; 95% CI = 0.34-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of patients with appendicitis didn't receive analgesia, with most of those treated receiving only non-opioid analgesia. Older age and Sunday presentations were associated with less opioid treatment. Patients who received analgesia waited longer for imaging, stayed longer in the ED, and had a longer hospitalization.

Empowering Medical Students: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Precision Point-of-Care Echocardiography Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use is now universal among nonexperts. Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently employed by nonexperts in various imaging modalities to assist in diagnosis and decision making. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS, operated by medical students with the assistance of an AI-based tool for assessing the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of patients admitted to a cardiology department. Methods: Eight students underwent a 6-hour didactic and hands-on training session. Participants used a hand-held ultrasound device (HUD) equipped with an AI-based tool for the automatic evaluation of LVEF. The clips were assessed for LVEF by three methods: visually by the students, by students + the AI-based tool, and by the cardiologists. All LVEF measurements were compared to formal echocardiography completed within 24 hours and were evaluated for LVEF using the Simpson method and eyeballing assessment by expert echocardiographers. Results: The study included 88 patients (aged 58.3 ± 16.3 years). The AI-based tool measurement was unsuccessful in 6 cases. Comparing LVEF reported by students' visual evaluation and students + AI vs. cardiologists revealed a correlation of 0.51 and 0.83, respectively. Comparing these three evaluation methods with the echocardiographers revealed a moderate/substantial agreement for the students + AI and cardiologists but only a fair agreement for the students' visual evaluation. Conclusion: Medical students' utilization of an AI-based tool with a HUD for LVEF assessment achieved a level of accuracy similar to that of cardiologists. Furthermore, the use of AI by the students achieved moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability with expert echocardiographers' evaluation.

The association between sonographic common bile duct dilatation and outcomes in emergency department patients with cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: The presentation of the patient with acute cholangitis (AC) ranges from mild illness to life-threatening shock. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical. Abdominal ultrasound (US) is the imaging of choice to locate bile duct dilatation. Other modalities include abdominal computed tomography (CT) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether sonographic common bile duct dilatation in emergency department (ED) patients with AC predicts outcomes including sepsis, hospital length of stay (LOS), admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), time to ERCP, and mortality. METHODS: Electronic medical records of all patients hospitalized in a tertiary care medical center between July 2012-February 2021 with a discharge diagnosis of cholangitis were assessed. Patients were dichotomously classified as CBD dilated or CBD non-dilated based on ultrasound. Dilation was defined as CBD larger than 6 mm in patients younger than 60 or larger than 6 mm + 1 mm per decade in patients over 60. RESULTS: The study included 271 patients- 172 with CBD dilation versus 99 without. Mean LOS was 9.92 days for those with a dilated CBD versus 13.4 days without. The mean time to ERCP was 4.26 days for those with a dilated CBD versus 6.56 days without. Sepsis, mortality, and ICU admission were scarce and there was no statistically significant difference between the cohorts. CONCLUSION: Patients with a dilated CBD per the abdominal US performed during the patient's ED stay, underwent ERCP earlier, and were hospitalized fewer days than patients without CBD dilation.

Neutrality, conflict, and structural determinants of health in a Jerusalem emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Medical neutrality is a normative arrangement that differentiates a zone of medical treatment disconnected from the field of politics. While medical neutrality aims to ensure impartial healthcare for all and to shield the healthcare personnel from political demands, it can also divert attention away from conflicts and their effects on health inequity. This article analyzes how healthcare professionals understand and negotiate the depoliticized space of the emergency department (ED) through their views on neutrality. It also examines how medical staff use depoliticized concepts of culture to account for differences in the health status of patients from disadvantaged groups. These questions are examined in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. METHODS: Twenty-four in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare personnel in a Jerusalem hospital's ED. All but one of the participants were Jewish. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The ED staff endorsed the perspective of medical neutrality as a nondiscriminatory approach to care. At the same time, some medical staff recognized the limits of medical neutrality in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and negotiated and challenged this concept. While participants identified unique health risks for Arab patients, they usually did not associate these risks with the effects of conflict and instead explained them in depoliticized terms of cultural and behavioral differences. Culture served as a non-controversial way of acknowledging and managing problems that have their roots in politics. CONCLUSIONS: The normative demand for neutrality works to exclude discussion of the conflict from clinical spaces. The normative exclusion of politics is a vital but under-appreciated aspect of how political conflict operates as a structural determinant of health. Healthcare personnel, especially in the ED, should be trained in structural competency. This training may challenge the neglect of issues that need to be solved at the political level and enhance health equity, social justice, and solidarity.

Social and structural determinants of emergency department use among Arab and Jewish patients in Jerusalem.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research demonstrates that economic conditions and racial and ethnic disparities result in excessive overuse of emergency departments (EDs) by a small group of socioeconomically marginalized residents. Knowledge and understanding of these issues on the part of the healthcare team can promote equality by providing structurally competent care. This study aims to identify the major social and structural factors related to patterns of ED visits by Arab and Jewish patients in Israel, where access to health services is covered by universal national health insurance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires of ED patients in a tertiary care medical center in Jerusalem. The hospital is the largest of the three EDs in Jerusalem with over 90,000 adult patient visits a year. The sample was stratified by ethnicity, including 257 Jewish patients and 170 Arab patients. The outcome variable was repeat visits for the same reason to the ED within 30 days. RESULTS: There were differences between Jewish and Arab patients' social and structural characteristics, including health status, socioeconomic status, feeling of safety, and social support. There were also significant differences in some of the characteristics of health service utilization patterns, including ED repeat visits, language barriers when seeking healthcare in the community, and seeking information about medical rights. The variables associated with repeat visits were different between the two groups: among the Arab patients, repeat visits to the ED were associated with concerns about personal safety, whereas among the Jewish patients, they were associated with poverty. CONCLUSION: The study illustrates the gaps that exist between the Arab and Jewish population in Israel. The findings demonstrated significant differences between populations in both health status and access to health services. In addition, an association was found in each ethnic group between different structural factors and repeat ED requests. This study supports previous theories and findings of the relationship between structural and social factors and patterns of health services utilization.

The quality, safety, feasibility, and interpretive accuracy of echocardiographic and lung ultrasound assessment of COVID-19 patients using a hand-held ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The association between COVID-19 infection and the cardiovascular system necessitates the use of an echocardiogram in this setting. Information on the utilization, safety, and quality of point-of-care cardiac and lung ultrasound using a hand-held device in these patients is scarce. AIMS: To investigate the safety, technical aspects, quality indices, and interpretive accuracy of a hand-held echocardiogram in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: From April-28 through July-27, 2020, consecutive patients with COVID-19 underwent hand-held echocardiogram and lung ultrasound evaluation (Vscan Extend™; GE Healthcare) within 48-h of admission. The operators recorded a series of technical parameters and graded individual experiences. The examinations were further analyzed by a blinded fellowship-trained echocardiographer for general quality, proper acquisition, and right ventricular (RV) demonstration. RESULTS: Among 103 patients, 66 (64.1%) were male. Twenty-nine (28.2%) patients could not turn on their left side and 23 (22.3%) could not maintain effective communication. The mean length of each echocardiogram study was 8.5 ± 2.9 min, battery usage was 14 ± 5%, and mean operator-to-patient proximity was 59 ± 11 cm. Ninety-five (92.2%) examinations were graded as fair/good quality. A fair agreement was demonstrated between the operator and the echocardiographer for general ultrasound quality (Kappa = 0.329, p < 0.001). A fair-good correlation (r = 0.679, p < 0.001) and substantial agreement (Kappa = 0.612, p < 0.001) were demonstrated between the operator and echocardiographer for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), whereas a fair agreement was demonstrated for RV systolic function (Kappa = 0.308, p = 0.002). LVEF agreement was also assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis revealing a mean bias of -0.96 (95% limits of agreement 9.43 to -11.35; p = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with COVID-19, echocardiography with a hand-held ultrasound is a safe and reasonable alternative for a complete formal study (<10% poor-quality indices). Echocardiogram assessment by the operators during the exam acquisition is reliable for LVEF, while RV systolic function should be subsequently offline reassessed.

Outcomes of transesophageal echocardiogram-guided electrical cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation greater than 48 hours treated in the emergency department versus the cardiology ward: A retrospective comparison study.

BACKGROUND: The current emergency medicine literature on cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF) describes its performance on those who are hemodynamically unstable, present within 48 hours of the onset of the arrhythmia, or are on long-term anticoagulants. For patients who are not anticoagulated and present with atrial fibrillation for more than 48 hours, one option is to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram and then synchronized cardioversion in the absence of atrial clot. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with atrial fibrillation (AF) of more than 48 hours who underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and subsequent cardioversion in the ED versus the cardiology ward. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparison study of patients who presented to the ED with AF for more than 48 hours, underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram, and then were electrically cardioverted either in the emergency department or in the cardiology ward. Outcomes include: time to cardioversion, length of hospital stay, rate of successful cardioversion, and rate of complications. RESULTS: Electrical cardioversion was performed in the ED on 94 patients (62%) and the cardiology ward on 57 (38%). Over 90% of cardioversions were successful in both groups. Time to cardioversion was significantly less in the ED group versus the cardiology group (1.04 ± 0.9 days versus 3.81 ± 1.9; P < .001). Similarly, the mean length of hospital stay was less for the ED group (1.6 ± 1.6 days versus 7.3 ± 3.5; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients who present in atrial fibrillation for more than 48 hours and then have a TEE undergo electrical cardioversion faster in the ED compared with the cardiology ward. This clinical pathway also results in a shorter length of hospital stay without having more side effects.

Sonographic assessment of inflammatory bowel disease in the emergency department: A case series and review of the literature.

The use of sonography for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported in the radiology literature but is not common practice in the hands of emergency physicians (EPs). We present a series of three cases where IBD was managed by an EP using point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), and discuss the sonographic features of IBD including bowel wall thickening, increased blood flow on color Doppler, infiltration of surrounding fatty tissue, and presence of intraperitoneal fluid. Complications such as bowel strictures and peri-colic abscess are also described. We suggest that the use of POCUS for the assessment of IBD patients in the ED may expedite both diagnosis and treatment, as well as minimize the use of additional imaging.

A Tale of Two Cities: Applying the Boston Syncope Criteria to Jerusalem.

BACKGROUND: Syncope is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits; however, the decision to admit or discharge patients after a syncopal episode remains challenging for emergency physicians. Decision rules such as the Boston Syncope Criteria have been developed in an attempt to aid clinicians in identifying high-risk patients as well as those who can be safely discharged, but applying these rules to different populations remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the Boston Syncope Criteria are valid for emergency department patients in Israel. METHODS: This retrospective cohort convenience sample included patients who visited a tertiary care hospital in Jerusalem from August 2018 to July 2019 with a primary diagnosis of syncope. Thirty-day follow-up was performed using a national health system database. The Boston Syncope Criteria were retrospectively applied to each patient to determine whether they were at high risk for an adverse outcome or critical intervention, versus low risk and could be discharged. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed follow-up. Of these, 21 patients had either an adverse outcome or critical intervention. The rule detected 20/21 with a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 66%, and a negative predictive value of 99. CONCLUSIONS: The Boston Syncope Criteria may be useful for physicians in other locations throughout the world to discharge low-risk syncope patients as well as identify those at risk of complications.

Empyema Necessitans Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of pleural empyema characterized by the dissection of pus through the soft tissues of the chest wall and eventually through the skin. The skin manifestation may appear as a superficial abscess. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a chief complaint of dyspnea, dry cough, and a cutaneous nodule on her right chest wall. Three weeks prior to her ED visit, she underwent an exploratory thoracotomy and chest tube placement. The chest tube was removed 2 weeks later. Her physical examination was significant for decreased breath sounds over her right lung fields and a painful, fluctuant, and erythematous nodule on the right chest wall where the chest tube had previously been inserted. Externally, the dermal findings appeared to be a superficial abscess. A chest X-ray study showed a large pleural effusion in her right hemithorax. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by an emergency physician showed evidence of a tract extending from the nodule toward the pleural space that led to the correct diagnosis and treatment of empyema necessitans. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: It is important to distinguish between a superficial abscess, which requires local drainage, and empyema necessitans, which requires either chest tube drainage, open drainage, or even decortication in specific cases. In such cases, POCUS can facilitate a rapid, accurate diagnosis, and lead to the correct treatment.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Colitis in the Emergency Department: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Colitis refers to an inflammatory process of the colon, composed of a variety of different etiologies including inflammatory bowel disease, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, and allergic colitis. Usually, abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard in diagnosing the various forms of colitis. However, by the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), one may occasionally be able to discern wall thickening, pericolic fluid, and adjacent hyperechoic mesenteric fat. One may also see abscesses, fistulae, or ascites. CASE SERIES: This is a series of 6 patients who had findings consistent with colitis seen on POCUS performed by an emergency physician. These were confirmed by abdominal CT with contrast. Early detection by POCUS was able to lead to a rapid diagnosis and to expedite treatment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The ability to detect findings of colitis by POCUS can be quickly learned by the emergency physician with a strong background in basic ultrasound. For many of the different subtypes of colitis, the initial treatment in the emergency department is the same: i.v. antibiotics, i.v. fluids, and "bowel rest" by maintaining the patient in nothing-by-mouth status. For the stable patient with high clinical suspicion of an infectious etiology of colitis, ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other etiologies. This may be especially important in certain populations such as children and young women, where one can avoid a significant amount of radiation being directed toward the pelvic area.

Flattening the COVID-19 Curve: The Unique Role of Emergency Medical Services in Containing a Global Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The potential excess flow of patients into emergency departments and community clinics for testing and examination during a pandemic poses a major issue. These additional patients may lead to the risk of viral transmission to other patients and medical teams. To contain the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the Israeli Ministry of Health initiated a plan spearheaded by Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical services (EMS) organization. OBJECTIVES: To describe outbreak containment actions initiated by MDA, including a COVID-19 tele-triage center and home testing by paramedics. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted of de-identified data from the call management and command and control systems during the first period of the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel (23 February 2020-15 March 2020). RESULTS: During the study period, the total number of calls to the dispatch centers was 477,321 with a daily average of 21,696, compared to 6000-6500 during routine times. The total number of COVID-19 related calls was 334,230 (daily average 15,194). There were 28,454 calls (8.51% of all COVID-19 related calls, average 1293/day) transferred to the COVID-19 call center. Of the COVID-19 call center inquiries, 8390 resulted in the dispatch of a dedicated vehicle, including a paramedic wearing personal protective equipment, to collect samples for testing (daily average 381). CONCLUSIONS: Maximizing EMS during a pandemic using phone triage, in addition to dispatching paramedics to perform home testing, may significantly distance infected patients from the public and health care system. These steps can further minimize the spread of disease.

A case of purulent pneumococcal pericarditis.

BACKGROUND: Purulent bacterial pericarditis is a rare and potentially fatal disease. The course may be fulminant, and the presentation may pose a diagnostic challenge. CASE REPORT: An otherwise healthy 75-year-old male was brought to the emergency department in a state of general deterioration, confusion, and shock. Bedside ultrasound showed a significant pericardial effusion. His condition quickly deteriorated and the resuscitation included emergent bedside pericardiocentesis. The drainage was purulent and later cultures grew out Streptococcus pneumoniae. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Purulent pericarditis is extremely rare but should be considered in the patient with a fulminant infectious process (particularly pneumonia) and signs of pericardial effusion. Treatment should include appropriate antibiotics and early drainage.

Challenges in Implementing International Standards for the Field Hospital Emergency Department in a Disaster Zone: The Israeli Experience.

BACKGROUND: Medical response to world disasters has too often been poorly coordinated and nonprofessional. To improve this, several agencies, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), have developed guidelines to provide accreditation for Foreign Medical Teams (FMTs). There are three levels, with the highest known as FMT Type-3 providing outpatient as well as inpatient surgical emergency care in addition to inpatient referral care. In November 2016, the WHO certified the Israel Defense Forces Field Hospital as the first FMT Type-3. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are to describe the challenges in implementing these international standards for the field hospital emergency department in a disaster zone. DISCUSSION: There are general standards for all levels of FMTs, as well as specific requirements for the FMT-3. These include a mechanism of appropriate triage, two operating suites, 40 regular beds, four to six intensive care unit beds, radiology facilities, and various staff specialties. Despite the sophistication of the field hospital, there are many challenges. Logistical challenges include constructing the hospital in a disaster zone and equipment issues. There are staff challenges such as becoming oriented to a new and difficult environment. Patient challenges include cultural differences, language barriers, and issues of follow-up. There are often ethical challenges unique to the disaster zone. CONCLUSION: By presenting the experience and challenges of the first FMT Type-3, we hope that more countries can join this initiative and improve disaster care throughout the world.