Comparison of modified quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment models as triage tools for febrile patients.

OBJECTIVE: Effective triage of febrile patients in the emergency department is crucial during times of overcrowding to prioritize care and allocate resources, especially during pandemics. However, available triage tools often require laboratory data and lack accuracy. We aimed to develop a simple and accurate triage tool for febrile patients by modifying the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 7,303 febrile patients and created modified versions of qSOFA using factors identified through multivariable analysis. The performance of these modified qSOFAs in predicting in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Through multivariable analysis, the identified factors were age ("A" factor), male sex ("M" factor), oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2; "S" factor), and lactate level ("L" factor). The AUROCs of ASqSOFA (in-hospital mortality: 0.812 [95% confidence interval, 0.789-0.835]; ICU admission: 0.794 [95% confidence interval, 0.771-0.817]) were simple and not inferior to those of other more complex models (e.g., ASMqSOFA, ASLqSOFA, and ASMLqSOFA). ASqSOFA also displayed significantly higher AUROC than other triage scales, such as the Modified Early Warning Score and Korean Triage and Acuity Scale. The optimal cutoff score of ASqSOFA for the outcome was 2, and the score for redistribution to a lower level emergency department was 0. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that ASqSOFA can be employed as a simple and efficient triage tool for emergency febrile patients to aid in resource distribution during overcrowding. It also may be applicable in prehospital settings for febrile patient triage.

Tailored versus conventional surgical debridement in complex facial lacerations in emergency department: A retrospective study.

Surgical debridement is an essential step in treating complex facial lacerations (CFL). As the CFL severity increases, conventional surgical debridement (CSD) of wound edges becomes difficult and may be insufficient. Because the severity and shape of each CFL vary, it is necessary to tailor the customized pre-excisional design, that is, tailored surgical debridement (TSD), for each case before performing surgical debridement. The use of TSD can enable effective debridement of CFL with higher severity. This study aimed to compare the cosmetic outcomes and complication incidence of CSD versus TSD according to CFL severity. In this retrospective observational study, eligible patients with CFL who visited the emergency department between August 2020 and December 2021 were examined. CFL severity was graded as Grades I and II. The outcomes of CSD and TSD were compared using the scar cosmesis assessment and rating (SCAR) scale, wherein a good cosmetic outcome was defined as a SCAR score of ≤ 2. The percentage of good cosmetic outcomes between the 2 groups was compared. The SCAR score and percentage of good cosmetic outcomes between the 2 groups were compared overall and by severity. For analyzing complication incidence, asymmetry, infection, and dehiscence incidence were compared. In total, 252 patients were enrolled [121 (48.0%) CSD and 131 (52.0%) TSD]. The median SCAR scores were 3 (1-5) and 1 (0-2) in all enrolled patients (P < .001), 2 (0-4), and 1 (0-1) in Grade I patients (P < .01), and 5 (4-6) and 1 (1-2) in Grade II patients (P < .001) in the CSD and TSD groups, respectively. The percentage of good cosmetic outcomes was 46.3% and 84.0% overall (P < .001), 59.6% and 85.0% in Grade I patients (P < .01), and 9.4% and 83.5% in Grade II patients (P < .001) in the CSD and TSD groups, respectively. The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the CSD group than in the TSD group, but this was limited to asymmetry. No significant difference was noted in infection or dehiscence. Compared with CSD, TSD can lead to an objectively good cosmetic prognosis at higher CFL severity and can reduce facial asymmetry occurrence.

Lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio as a prognostic factor in lower respiratory tract infection patients.

PURPOSE: To verify the role of lactate dehydrogenase to albumin (LDH/ALB) ratio as an independent prognostic factor for mortality due to the lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who were admitted to the ED for the management of LRTI between January 2018 and December 2020. Initial vital signs, laboratory data, and patient severity scores in the ED were collected. The LDH/ALB ratio was compared to other albumin-based ratios (blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, and lactate to albumin ratio) and severity scales (pneumonia severity index, modified early warning score, CURB-65 scores), which are being used as prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: The LDH/ALB ratio was higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (median [interquartile range]: 217.6 [160.3;312.0] vs. 126.4 [100.3;165.1], p < 0.001). In the comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting in-hospital mortality, the AUC of the LDH/ALB ratio (0.808, 95% confidence interval: 0.757-0.842, p < 0.001) was wider than other albumin-based ratios and severity scales, except the blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the LDH/ALB ratio independently affected in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The LDH/ALB ratio may serve as an independent prognostic factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with LRTI.

Lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio as a prognostic factor for patients with severe infection requiring intensive care.

ABSTRACT: This study was performed to verify whether lactate dehydrogenase to albumin (LDH/ALB) ratio could be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients with severe infection requiring intensive care.We reviewed electronic medical records of patients hospitalized to the intensive care unit via the emergency department with a diagnosis of infection between January 2014 and December 2019. From the collected data, ALB-based ratios (LDH/ALB, blood urea nitrogen to albumin, C-reactive protein to albumin, and lactate to albumin ratios) and some severity scores (modified early warning score, mortality in emergency department sepsis score [MEDS], and Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II] score) were calculated. LDH/ALB ratio for predicting the in-hospital mortality was compared with other ALB-based ratios and severity scales by univariable and receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. Modified severity scores by LDH/ALB ratio and multivariable logistic regression were used to verify the independence and usefulness of the LDH/ALB ratio.The median LDH/ALB ratio was higher in non-survivors than survivors (166.9 [interquartile range: 127.2-233.1] vs 214.7 [interquartile range: 160.2-309.7], P < .001). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve of the LDH/ALB ratio (0.642, 95% confidence interval: 0.602-0.681, P < .001) was not lower than that of other ALB-based ratios and severity scores. From multivariable logistic regression, LDH/ALB ratio was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.000-1.002, P = .047). Area under the receiver-operating characteristics curves of MEDS and APACHE II scores were improved by modification with LDH/ALB ratio (MEDS: 0.643 vs 0.680, P < .001; APACHE II score: 0.675 vs 0.700, P = .003).LDH/ALB ratio may be useful as the prognostic factor in patients with severe infection requiring intensive care.

Relationships between serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and neurological outcomes of patients who underwent targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate times for measuring serum lactate dehydrogenase levels (SLLs) to predict neurological prognosis among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors.This retrospective study examined patients who experienced OHCA treated with targeted temperature management (TTM). The SLLs were evaluated at the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and at 24, 48, and 72 hours later. Neurological outcomes after 3 months were evaluated for relationships with the SLL measurement times.A total of 95 comatose patients with OHCA were treated using TTM. Seventy three patients were considered eligible, including 31 patients (42%) who experienced good neurological outcomes. There were significant differences between the good and poor outcome groups at most time points (P < .001), except for ROSC (P = .06). The ROSC measurement had a lower area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC: 0.631, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.502-0.761) than at 48 hours (AUC: 0.830, 95% CI: 0.736-0.924), at 24 hours (AUC: 0.786, 95% CI: 0.681-0.892), and at 72 hours (AUC: 0.821, 95% CI: 0.724-0.919).A higher SLL seemingly predicted poor neurological outcomes, with good prognostic values at 48 hours and 72 hours. Prospective studies should be conducted to confirm these results.

Negative pressure wound therapy for skin necrosis prevention after snakebite in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the effectiveness of conventional treatment and ultra-early application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients with snakebites.Patients who visited the emergency department within 24 hours after a snakebite were assigned to the non- NPWT or NPWT group. Swelling resolution time and rates of necrosis, infection, and operations were compared between the 2 groups. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale was used to measure short- and long-term wound healing results.Among the included 61 patients, the swelling resolution time was significantly shorter in the NPWT group than in non- NPWT group (P = .010). The NPWT group showed lower necrosis (4.3% versus 36.8%; P = .003) and infection (13.2% and 4.3%; P = .258) rates than the non- NPWT group. The median Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale scores were higher in the NPWT group than in the non- NPWT group (P< .001).These findings suggest that ultra-early application of NPWT reduces edema, promotes wound healing, and prevents necrosis in patients with snakebites.

Interleukin-6 as a Potential Predictor of Neurologic Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Survivors Who Underwent Target Temperature Management.

BACKGROUND: Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine released in response to an inflammatory stimulus or tissue injury. IL-6 levels are known to increase in patients with brain injury. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the neurologic outcomes associated with serum IL-6 levels in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who underwent target temperature management (TTM). METHODS: This was a prospective single-center observational study from October 2018 to November 2019 in a cohort of 45 patients. Serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, C-reactive protein, white blood cells) were determined in samples obtained immediately and at 24, 48, and 72 h after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Poor neurologic outcome, defined as Cerebral Performance Category 3-5 at 3 months after cardiac arrest, was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Among 45 patients enrolled in this study, 25 (55.6%) patients showed a poor neurologic outcome. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the poor neurologic outcome group immediately (IL-60) after ROSC. The area under the curve (AUC) value of IL-60 was the highest among those of serum IL-6, CRP, and WBC at each time point. The IL-6 levels for predicting poor neurologic outcome had a sensitivity of 75.0%, with 80% specificity at IL-60. The AUC of IL-60 was 0.810 (95% confidence interval 0.664-0.913), with a cutoff value of 346.7 pg mL-1. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 level immediately after ROSC was a highly specific and sensitive marker for the 3-month poor neurologic outcome, and may be a useful early predictive marker of neurologic outcome in OHCA survivors treated with TTM.

Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase as a potential predictor of neurologic outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors who underwent target temperature management.

PURPOSE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels increase in patients with brain injury. We investigated neurologic outcomes associated with CSF LDH levels in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who underwent target temperature management (TTM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective single-centre observational study from April 2018 to May 2019 on a cohort of 41 patients. CSF and serum LDH samples were obtained immediately (LDH0) and at 24 (LDH24), 48 (LDH48), and 72 h (LDH72) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Neurologic outcomes were assessed at 3 months after ROSC using the Cerebral Performance Category scale. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had a poor neurologic outcome. CSF LDH levels were significantly higher in the poor neurologic outcome group at each time point. The area under the curve (AUC) of CSF LDH48 was 0.941 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.806-0.992). With a cut off value of 250 U/L, CSF LDH48 had a high sensitivity (94.1%; 95% CI, 71.3-99.9) at 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: CSF LDH level at 48 h was a highly specific and sensitive marker for 3-month poor neurologic outcome. This may constitute a useful predictive marker for neurologic outcome in OHCA survivors treated with TTM.

Ultra-early neurologic outcome prediction of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors using combined diffusion-weighted imaging findings and quantitative analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient.

AIM: This study examined whether the presence of cortical necrosis (CN) on ultra-early diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the severity of cytotoxic oedema (CytE) with cerebral oedema (CbrE), measured using quantitative analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), could predict neurological outcomes before targeted temperature management in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors (OHCAs). METHODS: In this retrospective study, the first DWI with ADC scans was performed within 6 h; the second was obtained between 72 and 96 h after return of spontaneous circulation. The primary outcome was neurological outcomes at 6 months after OHCA. The % voxels of ADC value (PV) was calculated; CbrE and CytE values were > or < than 650-6 mm2/s, respectively. The best performance PV was obtained from CytE (thld-CytE) and CbrE values (thld-CbrE). Prognostic performances of CN, thld-CytE, thld-CbrE, and converted scores were calculated in combination. The changes in DWI findings and the difference between the PV (ΔPV) from the first and second DWI were analysed. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included. CN (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.800), thld-CytE (PV420; AUC = 0.730), and thld-CbrE (PV1090; AUC = 0.775) showed meaningful performance, and the combined score showed best performance for poor outcome prediction (AUC = 0.956). DWI findings of CN patients was worse at the second DWI. ΔPV significantly increased in the poor outcome group, CN patients, and the group including both, thld-CytE and thld-CbrE. CONCLUSIONS: In OHCAs, ultra-early DWI with ADC could successfully predict poor neurological outcomes by combining scores of CN, thld-CytE, and thld-CbrE.