Effectiveness of the Introduction to Critical Care in Emergency Medicine Curriculum's Implementation Among Trainees Interested in Intensive Care.

BACKGROUND: Emergency physicians and trainees provide the initial care for critically ill patients. In times of emergency department boarding, this care may extend beyond the first few hours. To meet the needs of this population, a standardized novel critical care curriculum targeting third- and fourth-year medical students was developed. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the institution of such a curriculum is feasible and will provide an increased understanding of the underlying critical care principles within this learner population. METHODS: We developed a 2-month-long critical care curriculum (February-April) and carried out the course twice from 2022-2023. Our pilot study deployed this curriculum to medical students interested in critical care through the American Academy of Emergency Medicine/Resident and Student Association. The primary outcome included was the overall composite score comparison of the pre- and post-course evaluations, with a higher score indicating that the student improved their comprehension. Secondary outcomes included the individual factors of the pre- and post-course surveys. RESULTS: Fifty-one trainees completed the pilot course, including 11/51 (21.6%) third-year medical students and 40/51 (78.4%) fourth-year medical students. Overall, 39 had "no experience" in critical care and 12 indicated that they had "previous experience." The students' baseline pre-course from the pooled 2022 and 2023 Introduction to Critical Care in Emergency Medicine (ICCEM) curriculum data was 3 (interquartile range 4-3) and their post-course score was 9 (interquartile range 9-9), p-value 0.015 for the 51/54 students who completed the course. CONCLUSIONS: The novel curriculum was found to be effective during its implementation in third- and fourth-year medical students. As such, it indicated that a critical care fundamentals course improves confidence in these topics for students with and without prior experience. Further work is necessary to understand the generalizability and knowledge retention of the proposed pilot curriculum.

Emergency Department Management of Uncomplicated Hyperglycemia in Patients without History of Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is a common finding in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Recommendations addressing uncomplicated hyperglycemia in the ED are limited, and the management of those without a prior diagnosis of diabetes presents a challenge. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review will discuss the ED evaluation and management of hyperglycemic adult patients without a history of diabetes who do not have evidence of a hyperglycemic crisis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. DISCUSSION: Many adults who present to the ED have risk factors for diabetes and meet American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for diabetes screening. A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be established in the ED by the ADA criteria in patients with a random plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) and symptoms of hyperglycemia. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with an elevation in random blood glucose > 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). Treatment may begin in the ED and varies depending on the presenting severity of hyperglycemia. Treatment options include metformin, long-acting insulin, or deferring for close outpatient management. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency clinician knowledge of the evaluation and management of new-onset hyperglycemia and diabetes is important to prevent long-term complications.

Diagnosis and Management of Adrenal Insufficiency and Adrenal Crisis in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal insufficiency can result in significant patient morbidity and mortality, but due to the range of symptoms and variable clinical course and etiologies, it can be a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review will discuss the evaluation of an adult patient at risk for a new diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and the management of a patient with known or suspected adrenal insufficiency. DISCUSSION: A new presentation of adrenal insufficiency can range from nonspecific, minor symptoms including fatigue, to a life-threatening adrenal crisis with hemodynamic instability. Due to the variety of signs and symptoms, the diagnosis is often missed. Those with known adrenal insufficiency are at risk for adrenal crisis, which may occur due to a variety of triggers. Initial evaluation includes assessment for the underlying etiology or concomitant condition, laboratory analysis, and imaging, when clinically indicated. Although not necessary for evaluation in the emergency department setting, the diagnosis is confirmed by specific testing such as the cosyntropin stimulation test. The mainstay of treatment in adrenal crisis is hydrocortisone, intravenous fluid, glucose repletion, and treatment of the underlying acute trigger. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency clinicians must be prepared to recognize, evaluate, and manage those with known or suspected adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis.

Transthoracic Right Heart Echocardiography for the Intensivist.

BACKGROUND: The impact of critical illness on the right ventricle (RV) can be profound and RV dysfunction is associated with mortality. Intensivists are becoming more facile with bedside echocardiography, however, pedagogy has largely focused on left ventricular function. Here we review measurements of right heart function by way of echocardiographic modalities and list clinical scenarios where the RV dysfunction is a salient feature. MAIN: RV dysfunction is heterogeneously defined across many domains and its diagnosis is not always clinically apparent. The RV is affected by conditions commonly seen in the ICU such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, RV ischemia, and pulmonary hypertension. Basic ultrasonographic modalities such as 2D imaging, M-mode, tissue Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, and continuous Doppler provide clinicians with metrics to assess RV function and response to therapy. CONCLUSION: The right ventricle is impacted by various critical illnesses with substantial mortality and mortality. Focused bedside echocardiographic exams with attention to the right heart may provide intensivists insight into RV function and provide guidance for patient management.

Evaluation and management of the critically ill adult asthmatic in the emergency department setting.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a common reason for presentation to the Emergency Department and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While patients may have a relatively benign course, there is a subset of patients who present in a critical state and require emergent management. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with severe asthma. DISCUSSION: It is important to consider a broad differential diagnosis for the cause and potential mimics of asthma exacerbation. Once the diagnosis is determined, the majority of the assessment is based upon the clinical examination. First line therapies for severe exacerbations include inhaled short-acting beta agonists, inhaled anticholinergics, intravenous steroids, and magnesium. Additional therapies for refractory cases include parenteral epinephrine or terbutaline, helium­oxygen mixture, and consideration of ketamine. Intravenous fluids should be administered, as many of these patients are dehydrated and at risk for hypotension if they receive positive pressure ventilatory support. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation may prevent the need for endotracheal intubation. If mechanical ventilation is required, it is important to avoid breath stacking by setting a low respiratory rate and allowing permissive hypercapnia. Patients with severe asthma exacerbations will require intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and management of severe asthma with a focus on the emergency clinician.

High flow nasal cannula for adult acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED setting.

INTRODUCTION: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a noninvasive ventilation (NIV) system that has demonstrated promise in the emergency department (ED) setting. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the utility of HFNC in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED setting. DISCUSSION: HFNC provides warm (37 °C), humidified (100% relative humidity) oxygen at high flows with a reliable fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). HFNC can improve oxygenation, reduce airway resistance, provide humidified flow that can flush anatomical dead space, and provide a low amount of positive end expiratory pressure. Recent literature has demonstrated efficacy in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), interstitial lung disease, immunocompromised states, the peri-intubation state, and palliative care, with reduced need for intubation, length of stay, and mortality in some of these conditions. Individual patient factors play an important role in infection control risks with respect to the use of HFNC in patients with COVID-19. Appropriate personal protective equipment, adherence to hand hygiene, surgical mask placement over the HFNC device, and environmental controls promoting adequate room ventilation are the foundation for protecting healthcare personnel. Frequent reassessment of the patient placed on HFNC is necessary; those with severe end organ dysfunction, thoracoabdominal asynchrony, significantly increased respiratory rate, poor oxygenation despite HFNC, and tachycardia are at increased risk of HFNC failure and need for further intervention. CONCLUSIONS: HFNC demonstrates promise in several conditions requiring respiratory support. Further randomized trials are needed in the ED setting.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis: Etiologies, evaluation, and management.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis is an endocrine emergency. A subset of diabetic patients may present with relative euglycemia with acidosis, known as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA), which is often misdiagnosed due to a serum glucose <250 mg/dL. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of EDKA for emergency clinicians. DISCUSSION: EDKA is comprised of serum glucose <250 mg/dL with an anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketosis. It most commonly occurs in patients with a history of low glucose states such as starvation, chronic liver disease, pregnancy, infection, and alcohol use. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which result in increased urinary glucose excretion, are also associated with EDKA. The underlying pathophysiology involves insulin deficiency or resistance with glucagon release, poor glucose availability, ketone body production, and urinary glucose excretion. Patients typically present with nausea, vomiting, malaise, or fatigue. The physician must determine and treat the underlying etiology of EDKA. Laboratory assessment includes venous blood gas for serum pH, bicarbonate, and ketones. Management includes resuscitation with intravenous fluids, insulin, and glucose, with treatment of the underlying etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Clinician knowledge of this condition can improve the evaluation and management of patients with EDKA.

Emergency management of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer: A review.

INTRODUCTION: Care of pediatric cancer patients is increasingly being provided by physicians in community settings, including general emergency departments. Guidelines based on current evidence have standardized the care of children undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) presenting with fever and neutropenia (FN). OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the management of pediatric patients with cancer and neutropenic fever and provides comparison with the care of the adult with neutropenic fever in the emergency department. DISCUSSION: When children with cancer and FN first present for care, stratification of risk is based on a thorough history and physical examination, baseline laboratory and radiologic studies and the clinical condition of the patient, much like that for the adult patient. Prompt evaluation and initiation of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics after cultures are drawn but before other studies are resulted is critically important and may represent a practice difference for some emergency physicians when compared with standardized adult care. Unlike adults, all high-risk and most low-risk children with FN undergoing chemotherapy require admission for parenteral antibiotics and monitoring. Oral antibiotic therapy with close, structured outpatient monitoring may be considered only for certain low-risk patients at pediatric centers equipped to pursue this treatment strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are many similarities between the emergency approach to FN in children and adults with cancer, there are differences that every emergency physician should know. This review provides strategies to optimize the care of FN in children with cancer in all emergency practice settings.

The emergency department evaluation and management of massive hemoptysis.

INTRODUCTION: Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening emergency that requires rapid evaluation and management. Recognition of this deadly condition, knowledge of the initial resuscitation and diagnostic evaluation, and communication with consultants capable of definitive management are key to successful treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative review is to provide an evidence-based review on the management of massive hemoptysis for the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION: Rapid diagnosis and management of life-threatening hemoptysis is key to patient survival. The majority of cases arise from the bronchial arterial system, which is under systemic blood pressure. Initial management includes patient and airway stabilization, reversal of coagulopathy, and identification of the source of bleeding using computed tomography angiogram. Bronchial artery embolization with interventional radiology has become the mainstay of treatment; however, unstable patients may require advanced bronchoscopic procedures to treat or temporize while additional information and treatment can be directed at the underlying pathology. CONCLUSION: Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening condition that emergency clinicians must be prepared to manage. Emergency clinicians should focus their management on immediate resuscitation, airway preservation often including intubation and isolation of the non-bleeding lung, and coordination of definitive management with available consultants including interventional radiology, interventional pulmonology, and thoracic surgery.

Alcoholic Ketoacidosis: Etiologies, Evaluation, and Management.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) is defined by metabolic acidosis and ketosis in a patient with alcohol use. This is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED) and requires targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of AKA for emergency clinicians. DISCUSSION: AKA is frequently evaluated and managed in the ED. The underlying pathophysiology is related to poor glycogen stores and elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and hydrogen. This results in metabolic acidosis with elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate levels. Patients with AKA most commonly present with a history of alcohol use (acute or chronic), poor oral intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and ketoacidosis on laboratory assessment. Patients are generally dehydrated, and serum glucose can be low, normal, or mildly elevated. An anion gap metabolic acidosis with ketosis and electrolyte abnormalities are usually present on laboratory evaluation. Management includes fluid resuscitation, glucose and vitamin supplementation, electrolyte repletion, and evaluation for other conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency clinician knowledge of the evaluation and management of AKA is essential in caring for these patients.

Diagnosis and Management of the Critically Ill Adult Patient with Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is important for emergency physicians to be aware of this unique diagnosis and treatment considerations. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript reviews the emergency department evaluation and management of the adult patient with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. DISCUSSION: Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is diagnosed by an elevated glucose, elevated serum osmolality, minimal or absent ketones, and a neurologic abnormality, most commonly altered mental status. Treatment involves fluid resuscitation and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. It is important to monitor these patients closely to avoid overcorrection of osmolality, sodium, and other electrolytes. These patients are critically ill and generally require admission to an intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.

What is the Role of Sugammadex in the Emergency Department?

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex is a medication newly available to many emergency physicians. It effectively, and within minutes, reverses neuromuscular blockade in patients who have received rocuronium or vecuronium. The role of sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade after rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department (ED) is evolving, and limited emergency medicine-specific literature exists. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the role of sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade in the ED. DISCUSSION: The basic pharmacology, duration of action, adverse effects, and important medication and disease interactions specific to sugammadex are well described. Case reports suggest sugammadex can reverse neuromuscular blockade to facilitate an urgent, neurologic examination by an emergency physician or consultant. Multiple case reports of failure to improve airway patency with the use of sugammadex, even when neuromuscular blockade is completely reversed, and concern for added difficulty of definitive airway management in a patient with spontaneous movement suggest that sugammadex should largely be omitted from failed or difficult airway management strategies. Instead, it is important to focus on the ability to oxygenate and ventilate, including progression to surgical airway or jet ventilation if needed. CONCLUSION: Sugammadex is an effective, rapid reversal agent for rocuronium and has the potential use to facilitate an urgent neurologic examination shortly after administration of rocuronium. Its routine inclusion in a failed or difficult emergency airway is not supported by available literature.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Emergency Department: Recognizing and Evaluating a Hidden Threat.

BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hematologic disorder resulting from an ineffective and pathologic activation of the immune response system that may mimic common emergency department presentations, including sepsis, acute liver failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and flu-like illnesses such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides a summary of the disease and recommendations for the recognition and diagnostic evaluation of HLH with a focus on the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION: Though the condition is rare, mortality rates are high, ranging from 20% to 80% and increasing with delays in treatment. Importantly, HLH has been recognized as a severe variation of the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19. Common features include a history of infection or malignancy, fever, splenomegaly or hepatomegaly, hyperferritinemia, cytopenias, coagulopathies, abnormal liver enzymes, and hypertriglyceridemia. Using specific features of the history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and tools such as the HScore, HLH-2004/2009, and hyperferritinemia thresholds, the emergency clinician can risk-stratify patients and admit for definitive testing. Once diagnosed, disease specific treatment can be initiated. CONCLUSION: This review describes the relevant pathophysiology, common presentation findings, and a framework for risk stratification in the emergency department.

Identifying cardiogenic shock in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiogenic shock is difficult to diagnose due to diverse presentations, overlap with other shock states (i.e. sepsis), poorly understood pathophysiology, complex and multifactorial causes, and varied hemodynamic parameters. Despite advances in interventions, mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock remains high. Emergency clinicians must be ready to recognize and start appropriate therapy for cardiogenic shock early. OBJECTIVE: This review will discuss the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of cardiogenic shock in the emergency department with a focus on the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION: The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is a myocardial infarction, though many causes exist. It is classically diagnosed by invasive hemodynamic measures, but the diagnosis can be made in the emergency department by clinical evaluation, diagnostic studies, and ultrasound. Early recognition and stabilization improve morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on identification of cardiogenic shock through clinical examination, laboratory studies, and point-of-care ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: The emergency clinician should use the clinical examination, laboratory studies, electrocardiogram, and point-of-care ultrasound to aid in the identification of cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized early.

Initial emergency department mechanical ventilation strategies for COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure and ARDS.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging viral pathogen that causes the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and may result in hypoxemic respiratory failure necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation in the most severe cases. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. DISCUSSION: In severe cases, COVID-19 leads to hypoxemic respiratory failure that may meet criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mainstay of treatment for ARDS includes a lung protective ventilation strategy with low tidal volumes (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight), adequate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and maintaining a plateau pressure of < 30 cm H2O. While further COVID-19 specific studies are needed, current management should focus on supportive care, preventing further lung injury from mechanical ventilation, and treating the underlying cause. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Evaluation and Management of the Critically Ill Adult With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a hyperglycemic emergency that presents commonly to the emergency department. Severe DKA has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized early and treated appropriately. It is incumbent on the emergency clinician to be vigilant in the management of these critically ill patients. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review evaluates the emergency medicine management of the adult patient with severe DKA. DISCUSSION: DKA is a condition found most commonly in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, often due to nonadherence with diabetic medications or an inciting event, such as infection or ischemia. The severity of DKA is classified based on the level of acidosis present rather than absolute glucose level. The management of severe DKA involves assessing and treating the inciting event, fluid hydration, insulin, and potassium repletion. Close monitoring is necessary to prevent the complications that can occur. CONCLUSIONS: DKA is a medical condition that has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized and managed appropriately.

High-Risk Airway Management in the Emergency Department: Diseases and Approaches, Part II.

BACKGROUND: Successful airway management is critical to the practice of emergency medicine. Thus, emergency physicians must be ready to optimize and prepare for airway management in critically ill patients with a wide range of physiologic challenges. Challenges in airway management commonly encountered in the emergency department are discussed using a pearl and pitfall discussion in this second part of a 2-part series. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review presents an evidence-based approach to airway and patient management during endotracheal intubation in challenging cases commonly encountered in the emergency department. DISCUSSION: Adverse events during emergent airway management are common with postintubation cardiac arrest, reported in as many as 1 in 25 intubations. Many of these adverse events can be avoided by proper identification and understanding the underlying physiology, preparation, and postintubation management. Those with high-risk features including trauma, elevated intracranial pressure, upper gastrointestinal bleed, cardiac tamponade, aortic stenosis, morbid obesity, and pregnancy must be managed with airway expertise. CONCLUSIONS: This narrative review discusses the pearls and pitfalls of commonly encountered physiologic high-risk intubations with a focus on the emergency clinician.

High-Risk Airway Management in the Emergency Department. Part I: Diseases and Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Successful airway management is critical to the practice of emergency medicine. Emergency physicians must be ready to optimize and prepare for airway management in critically ill patients with a wide range of physiologic challenges. Challenges in airway management commonly encountered in the emergency department are discussed using a pearl and pitfall discussion in this first part of a 2-part series. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review presents an evidence-based approach to airway and patient management during endotracheal intubation in challenging cases that are commonly encountered in the emergency department. DISCUSSION: Adverse events during emergent airway management are common, with postintubation cardiac arrest reported in as many as 1 in 25 intubations. Many of these adverse events can be avoided with the proper identification and understanding of the underlying physiology, preparation, and postintubation management. Patients with high-risk features including severe metabolic acidosis; shock and hypotension; obstructive lung disease; pulmonary hypertension, right ventricle failure, and pulmonary embolism; and severe hypoxemia must be managed with airway expertise. CONCLUSIONS: This narrative review discusses the pearls and pitfalls of commonly encountered physiologic high-risk intubations with a focus on the emergency clinician.