The Association Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Readmissions for Patients Hospitalized With Sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations between a readily availvable composite measurement of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (the area deprivation index) and 30-day readmissions for patients who were previously hospitalized with sepsis. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: An urban, academic medical institution. PATIENTS: The authors conducted a manual audit for adult patients (18 yr old or older) discharged with an International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition code of sepsis during the 2017 fiscal year to confirm that they met SEP-3 criteria. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The area deprivation index is a publicly available composite score constructed from socioeconomic components (e.g., income, poverty, education, housing characteristics) based on census block level, where higher scores are associated with more disadvantaged areas (range, 1-100). Using discharge data from the hospital population health database, residential addresses were geocoded and linked to their respective area deprivation index. Patient characteristics, contextual-level variables, and readmissions were compared by t tests for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. The associations between readmissions and area deprivation index were explored using logistic regression models. A total of 647 patients had an International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition diagnosis code of sepsis. Of these 647, 116 (17.9%) either died in hospital or were discharged to hospice and were excluded from our analysis. Of the remaining 531 patients, the mean age was 61.0 years (± 17.6 yr), 281 were females (52.9%), and 164 (30.9%) were active smokers. The mean length of stay was 6.9 days (± 5.6 d) with the mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 4.9 (± 2.5). The mean area deprivation index was 54.2 (± 23.8). The mean area deprivation index of patients who were readmitted was 62.5 (± 27.4), which was significantly larger than the area deprivation index of patients not readmitted (51.8 [± 22.2]) (p < 0.001). In adjusted logistic regression models, a greater area deprivation index was significantly associated with readmissions (ß, 0.03; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who reside in more disadvantaged neighborhoods have a significantly higher risk for 30-day readmission following a hospitalization for sepsis. The insight provided by neighborhood disadvantage scores, such as the area deprivation index, may help to better understand how contextual-level socioeconomic status affects the burden of sepsis-related morbidity.

Relative Temperature Maximum in Wound Infection and Inflammation as Compared with a Control Subject Using Long-Wave Infrared Thermography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective case series was to determine whether a long-wave infrared thermography (LWIT, or thermal imaging) camera can detect specific temperature changes that are associated with wound infection and inflammation as compared with normal control subjects with similar anatomical wound locations. DESIGN: A retrospective, observational, collective, multiple case series of patients who underwent digital and thermal imaging of wounds in various states. SETTING: The subjects were selected from multiple sites including an outpatient wound care clinic, a wound care physician's office, a rehabilitation hospital, and a home healthcare organization. PATIENTS: Six subjects were selected for inclusion, including 2 each for the infection, inflammation, and normal control groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The study collected relative temperature maximums as obtained and recorded by LWIT and digital imaging. MAIN RESULTS: In this case series, the authors demonstrate the use of an FDA-approved Scout (WoundVision, Indianapolis, Indiana) dual-imaging long-wave infrared and digital cameras to analyze images of wounds. In the 2 cases with clinically diagnosed wound infection, LWIT showed an elevation of temperature as evidenced by a maximum temperature differential between the wound and healthy skin of +4° C to 5° C. Also, LWIT was able to identify relative thermal changes of +1.5° C to 2.2° C in subjects presenting with clinical signs of inflammation. In addition, LWIT was able to show that the normal control subjects without diagnosis of infection or signs of inflammation had relative temperature differentials of +1.1° C to 1.2° C. Finally, LWIT could detect adequate treatment of infected wounds with antibiotics as evidenced by a return to normal temperature differences gradient of +0.8° C to 1.1° C, as compared with normal control subjects with wounds in the same anatomical location. CONCLUSIONS: Long-wave infrared thermography can collect and record objective data, including relative temperature maximums associated with infection, inflammation, and normal healing wounds.

Recurrent acute pancreatitis: a harbinger for irreversible chronic pancreatitis.

Recurrent acute pancreatitis is beginning to be recognized as an intermediary stage in the continuous spectrum between acute and chronic pancreatitis. It is crucial to identify this disease stage and intervene with diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to prevent the painful and irreversible condition of chronic pancreatitis. We review the recent advances in diagnosing and managing this important 'call for action' condition.

Is older age an appropriate criterion alone for ordering cervical spine computed tomography after trauma.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine computed tomography (CSCT) scans are frequently performed in older emergency department (ED) trauma patients based on the 65-year-old high-risk criterion of the Canadian Cervical Spine Rule (CCR). We sought to determine the positivity rate of CSCT scans in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to assess the current applicability of age in the CCR. METHODS: We reviewed CSCT ED reports from two institutional hospitals from 2018 to 2023. The primary variable was age; however, we also recorded fracture types and sites and type of treatments. Patients were separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. We used a Fisher's exact test to compare variables between the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups and chi-square tests for comparison between age groups. RESULTS: Of 9455 CSCTs performed in patients ≥ 65 years, 192 (2.0%) fractures were identified (113 females); 28 (0.30%) were in asymptomatic patients. The rates of fractures (1.6%) and asymptomatic fractures (0.18%) were lowest in the 65- to 70-year age group. There were no distinguishing features as to the level or part of the vertebra fractured or surgical treatment rate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical spine fractures in posttrauma patients ≥ 65 years are uncommon, with the lowest incidence in those 65 to 70 years old. Excluding asymptomatic individuals aged 65-70 from routine CSCT presents a minimal risk of missed fractures (0.18%). This prompts consideration for refining age-based screening and integrating shared decision making into the clinical protocol for this demographic, reflecting the low incidence of fractures and the changing health profile of the aging population.

The effect of gynecologic algorithm pathways on emergency department visit times.

BACKGROUND: The use of multidisciplinary algorithmic pathways is one strategy to improve efficiency and quality of care in Emergency Departments (EDs). To this end, in the fall of 2005, we implemented algorithmic pathways for evaluation of ED patients with common gynecologic complaints. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this initiative were to improve length of stay as a marker for operational efficiency and to reduce health care disparities by ensuring consistent management regimens for all patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational comparison study was performed through a review of consults in the year preceding and the year after implementation of the pathways. The length of stay was calculated based on time of initial triage until discharge. The length of stay from both groups was compared using an unpaired Student's t-test analysis. RESULTS: There was an 85-min decrease in the mean visit time between the pre-intervention group (108 patients, 610 min, SD 345.4) and the post-intervention group (105 patients, 525 min, SD 251.5), p=0.04. CONCLUSIONS: Algorithmic pathways had a positive impact on patient care as measured by the average amount of time our patients spent in the ED. Gynecologic care in the ED was standardized, and length of stay for patients with gynecologic complaints decreased. The implementation of algorithms resulted in more consistent care with earlier initiation of pertinent studies, while facilitating more rapid critical decision-making by providers from both departments. Further analysis is required to examine cost-effectiveness as well as patient safety and provider satisfaction issues.

Acute Pancreatitis: The Increasing Role of Medical Management of a Traditionally Surgically Managed Disease.

Management of acute pancreatitis and its complications has rapidly evolved in recent years. The earlier pillars of management that included prolonged bowel rest, empiric intravenous antibiotics, and early surgical intervention for complications such as pancreatic necrosis have become much less common. The latest evidence-based approaches to acute pancreatitis are taking almost a diametrically different path to previous management. The current strategy focuses on early feeding, judicious use of antibiotics, and delayed use of invasive interventions. Even in complex cases, when surgical interventions may be indicated, there is an expressed preference for minimally invasive techniques. We review the changes that have evolved rapidly over the past decade in this common clinical problem.

Risk Factor-Guided Early Discharge and Potential Resource Allocation Benefits in Patients with Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop screening criteria predicting the lack of poor neurologic outcomes in patients presenting with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) and to evaluate their potential to improve resource allocation in these cases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients presenting with tSAH to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary-care institution from 2016 to 2018. We defined good neurologic outcomes as patients with stable/improving neurologic status, who did not require neurosurgical intervention, had no expanding bleed, and needed no hospital readmission. Univariate and multivariate models were generated to predict risk factors inversely associated with good neurologic outcome. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients presented with tSAH from 2016 to 2018. The presence of depressed skull fracture, concomitant spinal fracture, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, cranial nerve palsies, disorientation, concomitant hemorrhages, midline shift, increased international normalized ratio (INR), and emergent medical intervention were inversely correlated with likelihood of good neurologic outcome on univariate analysis. Multivariate regression showed that midline shift (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.89; P = 0.04), GCS score <13 (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.99; P = 0.05), increased INR (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.03-0.85; P = 0.04), and emergent medical intervention (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.63; P = 0.01) were independently associated with lower likelihood of good neurologic outcome. Forty-six patients without any factors had good outcomes but were held in the ED or admitted to the hospital. These patients (if instead discharged directly) meant a potential cost savings of $179,172. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found multiple risk factors inversely associated with good neurologic outcome, namely low GCS score, midline shift, emergent medical intervention, and INR ≥1.4. Our findings may aid clinicians in determining which tSAH patients are candidates for safe early discharge.

Computed tomography scan utilization in emergency departments: a multi-state analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increased utilization of computed tomography (CT) in emergency departments (EDs) has become a concern due to its expense and the potential risks associated with radiation exposure. OBJECTIVE: To describe the predictors of CT utilization based on patient, provider, and ED characteristics. METHODS: There were 3,217,396 ED patient visits during a 12-month period that were included in this retrospective analysis of a database from a single billing company that included 227 EDs in 41 states. Data were collected between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006 and included patient visit information, CT use for each patient visit, patient demographics, ED provider information, and ED volume. RESULTS: The CT utilization rate was 16.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.7-16.8%) for adults, whereas in pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) it was 5.3% (95% CI 5.3-5.4%). The adult CT utilization rate ranged from 11.3% (95% CI 11.2-11.4%) at age 20-29 years to 24.6% (95% CI 24.5-24.8%) for those>65 years of age. For the admitted patients, the CT utilization rate was 27.8% (95% CI 27.6-27.9%); for the patients transferred out of the hospital, the CT utilization rate was 23.2% (95% CI 22.9-23.6%). Discharged patients had a rate of 11.3% (95% CI 11.2-11.3%) and patients who left against medical advice had a scan rate of 20.2% (95% CI 19.6-20.7%). The CT utilization rate was 9.3% (95% CI 9.2-9.4%) in EDs with<20,000 annual visits and increased to 17.8% (95% CI 17.7-17.9%) in EDs with volumes of>40,000. The CT utilization rate was 16.1% (95% CI 16.1-16.2%) for emergency medicine boarded physicians vs. 11.3% (95% CI 11.3-11.4%) for non-emergency-medicine boarded physicians. CONCLUSIONS: CT utilization by EDs seems to vary by a number of parameters, including patient age, ED volume, training background of the provider, and disposition status of the patient.

The use of face masks during vaccine roll-out in New YorkCity and impact on epidemic control.

Face masks were mandated in New York during the first wave in 2020, and in 2021 the first vaccine programs have commenced. We aimed to examine the impact of face mask and other NPIs use with a gradual roll out of vaccines in NYC on the epidemic trajectory. A SEIR mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was developed for New York City (NYC), which accounted for decreased mobility for lockdown, testing and tracing. Varied mask's usage and efficacy were tested, along with a gradual increase in vaccine uptake over five months. The model has been calibrated using notification data in NYC from March first to June 29. Masks and other NPIs result in immediate impact on the epidemic, while vaccination has a delayed impact, especially when implemented over a long period of time. A pre-emptive, early mandate for masks is more effective than late mask use, but even late mask mandates will reduce cases and deaths by over 20%. The epidemic curve is suppressed by at least 50% of people wearing a mask from the start of the outbreak but surges when mask wearing drops to 30% or less. With a slow roll out of vaccines over five months at uptake levels of 20-70%, NPIs use will still be needed and has a greater impact on epidemic control. When vaccine roll out is slow or partial in cities experiencing local transmission of COVID-19, masks and other NPIs will be necessary to mitigate transmission until vaccine coverage is high and complete. Vaccine alone cannot rapidly control an epidemic because of the time lag to two-dose immunity. Even after high coverage, the ongoing need for NPIs is unknown and will depend on long-term duration of vaccine efficacy, the use of boosters and optimized dosage scheduling and variants of concern.

Case report: acute forearm compartment syndrome due to sudden, forceful supination of the hand.

Acute compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening condition if not recognized and treated promptly. Appropriate management includes early fasciotomy, which often results in better functional outcomes. Although there are many causes of compartment syndrome, the common findings are significant pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diagnosis is usually based on physical findings in the setting of a compelling history. Before surgical intervention, the diagnosis is usually confirmed by measuring elevated compartment pressures. The patient described in this case report developed acute compartment syndrome of the forearm after his hand became trapped in machinery that applied sudden supination to the hand, and avulsed the distal portion of the left index finger. There was no direct trauma to the forearm. In this case, acute compartment syndrome was likely due to a combination of contained hemorrhage into the muscle sheath, closed muscle strain causing edema, and possibly axial traction applied to the tendons of the index finger. Acute compartment syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis for any patient complaining of severe pain in an extremity, even in the absence of commonly recognized mechanisms of injury.

Air-medical transport experience in emergency medicine residencies: then and now.

OBJECTIVE: The appropriate activation and effective utilization of air-medical transport (AMT) services is an important skill for emergency medicine physicians in the United States. Previous studies have demonstrated variability with regards to emergency medical services (EMS) experience during residency training. This study was designed to evaluate the nature and extent of AMT training of the emergency medicine residency programs in the United States. METHODS: An identity-unlinked survey of the program directors of all Accreditation Committee for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved emergency medicine residency programs was conducted. The survey focused on EMS and AMT resident training opportunities and was conducted in two phases (1999 and 2006) using near-identical methodologies. RESULTS: Response rates of 82% and 84% were achieved in 1999 and 2006, respectively. Percentages of programs offering AMT experiences were similar between the two study phases (76% in 1999 and 65% in 2006). The roles of residents during AMT experiences ranged widely between observer-only, active team member, and medical director/team leader in both 1999 and 2006. Compared to those in 1999, programs in 2006 demonstrated a greater frequency of EMS rotations being provided earlier, by year of training during emergency medicine residency. Residencies located in non-metropolitan centers only were slightly more likely to offer AMT training than were those in metropolitan locations. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of emergency medicine residency programs offer AMT experience that includes both scene responses and inter-facility transports. The role of residents during AMT training varies widely, as does the timing of their experiences during residency. The geographical locations of programs do not appear to impact the availability of AMT training.

Air Ambulances With Sky-High Charges.

Charges for air ambulance services were 4.1-9.5 times higher than what Medicare paid for the same services in 2016. The median charge ratios (the charge divided by the Medicare rate) for the services increased by 46-61 percent in 2012-16. Air ambulance charges varied substantially across the US, and some of the largest providers had among the highest charges.

Overreliance on symptom quality in diagnosing dizziness: results of a multicenter survey of emergency physicians.

OBJECTIVE: To assess emergency physicians' diagnostic approach to the patient with dizziness, using a multicenter quantitative survey. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We anonymously surveyed attending and resident emergency physicians at 17 academic-affiliated emergency departments with an Internet-based survey (September 1, 2006, to November 3, 2006). The survey respondents ranked the relative importance of symptom quality, timing, triggers, and associated symptoms and indicated their agreement with 20 statements about diagnostic assessment of dizziness (Likert scale). We used logistic regression to assess the impact of "symptom quality ranked first" on odds of agreement with diagnostic statements; we then stratified responses by academic rank. RESULTS: Of the 505 individuals surveyed, 415 responded for an overall response rate of 82%. A total of 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90%-95%) agreed that determining type of dizziness is very important, and 64% (95% CI, 60%-69%) ranked symptom quality as the most important diagnostic feature. In a multivariate model, those ranking quality first (particularly resident physicians) more often reported high-risk reasoning that might predispose patients to misdiagnosis (eg, in a patient with persistent, continuous dizziness, who could have a cerebellar stroke, resident physicians reported feeling reassured that a normal head computed tomogram indicates that the patient can safely go home) (odds ratio, 6.74; 95% CI, 2.05-22.19). CONCLUSION: Physicians report taking a quality-of-symptoms approach to the diagnosis of dizziness in patients in the emergency department. Those relying heavily on this approach may be predisposed to high-risk downstream diagnostic reasoning. Other clinical features (eg, timing, triggers, associated symptoms) appear relatively undervalued. Educational initiatives merit consideration.

Occlusive wound dressings in emergency medicine and acute care.

One of the great misconceptions in wound care is that a wound heals best when permitted to form a dry scab. By contrast, moisture has repeatedly been shown to significantly accelerate wound healing. Emergency physicians and other acute care providers are encouraged to incorporate occlusive moisture-retentive dressings into their regular practice to expedite healing, reduce pain and scarring, improve wound care convenience and patient compliance, and minimize wound contamination and infection.

Twelve Years Since Importance of Cross-Cultural Competency Recognized: Where Are We Now?

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyze the content and volume of literature that has been written on cultural competency in emergency medicine (EM) since its educational imperative was first described by the Institute of Medicine in 2002. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search through the PubMed portal in January 2015 to identify all articles and reviews that addressed cultural competency in EM. Articles were included in the review if cultural competency was described or if its impact on healthcare disparities or curriculum development was described. Two reviewers independently investigated all relevant articles. These articles were then summarized. RESULTS: Of the 73 abstracts identified in the initial search, only 10 met criteria for inclusion. A common theme found among these 10 articles is that cultural competency in EM is essential to reducing healthcare disparities and improving patient care. These articles were consistent in their support for cross-cultural educational advancements in the EM curriculum. CONCLUSION: Despite the documented importance of cultural competency education in medicine, there appears to be only 10 articles over the past 12 years regarding its development and implementation in EM. This comprehensive literature review underscores the relative dearth of publications related to cultural competency in EM. The limited number of articles found is striking when compared to the growth of EM research over the same time period and can serve as a stimulus for further research in this significant area of EM education.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Skin cancer has become the most common neoplasm in the United States. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, most skin cancers have an overall 5-year survival rate of 95%. Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), however, has a significantly higher morbidity and mortality, resulting in 65% of all skin cancer deaths. Although the long-term survival rate for patients with metastatic melanoma is only 5%, early detection of CMM carries an excellent prognosis, with surgical excision often being curative. Primary care physicians can play a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality from CMM by recognizing patients at risk, encouraging the adoption of risk-reducing behaviors, and becoming adept at identifying suspicious lesions.

Examining the role of cranial CT in the evaluation of patients with minor head injury: a systematic review.

This systematic review demonstrates that, in patients sustaining minor head injury with a history of loss of consciousness or amnesia, the proportion who subsequently have positive CT scans is not negligible. Published clinical prediction rules for selecting patients for subsequent CT examination are associated with a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity; therefore, a prediction rule with high sensitivity is expected to have relatively low specificity. Separate evaluation of the literature is required to determine the significance of positive and negative CT scans with respect to patient outcome.

Stroke in children.

Childhood stroke is an infrequent occurrence. Children with sickle cell disease and congenital heart disease are particularly vulnerable. The recognition of stroke in children, unlike adults, is typically delayed by healthcare providers and family members. Large, multicentered pediatric stroke trials are absent in the literature. These studies are difficult to perform because the event is rare and the causes are numberous. Adverse outcomes such as death and reoccurrence could be reduced with defined treatment options. Pediatric stroke protocols are largely extrapolated from the adult literature. The use of treatment strategies such as thrombolytic therapy, aspirin, and anticoagulation are controversial at present.

Heat transfer model for deep tissue injury: a step towards an early thermographic diagnostic capability.

BACKGROUND: Deep tissue injury (DTI) is a class of serious lesions which develop in the deep tissue layers as a result of sustained tissue loading or pressure-induced ischemic injury. DTI lesions often do not become visible on the skin surface until the injury reaches an advanced stage, making their early detection a challenging task. THEORY: Early diagnosis leading to early treatment mitigates the progression of the lesion and remains one of the priorities in clinical care. The aim of the study is to relate changes in tissue temperature with key physiological changes occurring at the tissue level to develop criteria for the detection of incipient DTIs. METHOD: Skin surface temperature distributions of the damaged tissue were analyzed using a multilayer tissue model. Thermal response of the skin surface to a cooling stress, was computed for deep tissue inflammation and deep tissue ischemia, and then compared with computed skin temperature of healthy tissue. RESULTS: For a deep lesion situated in muscle and fat layers, measurable skin temperature differences were observed within the first five minutes of thermal recovery period including temperature increases between 0.25 °C to 0.9 °C during inflammation and temperature decreases between -0.2 °C to -0.5 °C during ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: The computational thermal models can explain previously published thermographic findings related to DTIs and pressure ulcers. It is concluded that infrared thermography can be used as an objective, non-invasive and quantitative means of early DTI diagnosis. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1461254346108378.