Survival benefits of interventional radiology and surgical teams collaboration during primary trauma surveys: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A team approach is essential for effective trauma management. Close collaboration between interventional radiologists and surgeons during the initial management of trauma patients is important for prompt and accurate trauma care. This study aimed to determine whether trauma patients benefit from close collaboration between interventional radiology (IR) and surgical teams during the primary trauma survey. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2014 and 2021 at a single institution. Patients were assigned to an embolization group (EG), a surgery group (SG), or a combination group (CG) according to their treatment. The primary and secondary outcomes were survival at hospital discharge compared with the probability of survival (Ps) and the time course of treatment. RESULTS: The analysis included 197 patients, consisting of 135 men and 62 women, with a median age of 56 [IQR, 38-72] years and an injury severity score of 20 [10-29]. The EG, SG, and CG included 114, 48, and 35 patients, respectively. Differences in organ injury patterns were observed between the three groups. In-hospital survival rates in all three groups were higher than the Ps. In particular, the survival rate in the CG was 15.5% higher than the Ps (95% CI: 7.5-23.6%; p < 0.001). In the CG, the median time for starting the initial procedure was 53 [37-79] min and the procedure times for IR and surgery were 48 [29-72] min and 63 [35-94] min, respectively. Those times were significantly shorter among three groups. CONCLUSION: Close collaboration between IR and surgical teams, including the primary survey, improves the survival of severe trauma patients who require both IR procedures and surgeries by improving appropriate treatment selection and reducing the time process.

Noninvasive Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Markers from Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Report of Three Cases.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected medical practice. More than 7,000,000 patients died worldwide after being infected with COVID-19; however, no specific laboratory markers have yet been established to predict death related to this disease. In contrast, electrocardiographic changes due to COVID-19 include QT prolongation and ST-T changes; however, there have not been studies on the ambulatory electrocardiographic markers of COVID-19. We encountered three patients diagnosed as having COVID-19 who did not have a prior history of significant structural heart diseases. All patients had abnormalities in ambulatory echocardiogram parameters detected by high-resolution 24 h electrocardiogram monitoring: positive late potentials (LPs) and T-wave alternans (TWA), abnormal heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate turbulence (HRT). Case 1 involved a 78-year-old woman with a history of chronic kidney disease, Case 2 involved a 76-year-old man with hypertension and diabetes, and Case 3 involved a 67-year-old man with renal cancer, lung cancer, and diabetes. None of them had a prior history of significant structural heart disease. Although no significant consistent increases in clinical markers were observed, all three patients died, mainly because of respiratory failure with mild heart failure. The LP, TWA, HRV, and HRT were positive in all three cases with no significant structural cardiac disease at the initial phase of admission. The further accumulation of data regarding ambulatory electrocardiographic markers in patients with COVID-19 is needed. Depending on the accumulation of data, the LP, TWA, HRV, and HRT could be identified as potential risk factors for COVID-19 pneumonia in the early phase of admission.

Initial inferior vena cava diameter predicts massive transfusion requirements in blunt trauma patients: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter is associated with shock and increased mortality in trauma patients. However, there are no reports examining the association between the IVC diameter and massive transfusion (MT) requirements in trauma patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between IVC diameter and MT requirements in patients with blunt trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who were consecutively hospitalized with blunt trauma (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥16) between from November 1, 2011 to March 30, 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to identify the independent predictors of MT (defined as >10units of red cell concentrate transfusions within 24h of admission). Receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were estimated. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients included in this study, MT occurred in 22.5% patients. On multiple regression analysis, IVC diameter [Odds ratio (OR), 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80-0.96; p<0.01], fibrin degradation product (FDP; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; p<0.01), and fibrinogen level (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00; p<0.01) were strong predictors of MT. IVC diameter demonstrated moderate accuracy (AUC, 0.74; cutoff level, 13.0mm; sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 73%). Combined cutoff levels of FDP <80.5µg/ml, fibrinogen ≥165mg/dl, and IVC diameter ≥13mm could also determine how unnecessary a MT was with 100% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Initial IVC diameter is a predictor of MT in blunt trauma patients.

Linezolid versus vancomycin for nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the elderly: A retrospective cohort analysis: Effectiveness of linezolid in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Several reports have compared the efficacy of linezolid (LZD) in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections with that of vancomycin (VCM); however, these two antibiotics for the treatment of nosocomial MRSA pneumonia in elderly patients has not been well evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LZD compared with VCM for the treatment of elderly patients with nosocomial MRSA pneumonia in a retrospective chart review of a cohort. METHODS: We included 28 consecutive patients aged ≥65years hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of MRSA pneumonia and treated with LZD (n=11) or VCM (n=17) between November 2010 and May 2015. We collected patient, disease, and laboratory data. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. The secondary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) total, respiratory, renal, coagulation, hepatic, cardiovascular, and central nervous system scores on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to baseline characteristics. The 30-day mortality rate was significantly lower in the LZD group than in the VCM group (0% vs. 41%, P=.02). The SOFA total score on days 3, 7, and 14 were significantly lower those at baseline in the LZD group (P<.05). The SOFA respiratory score on days 14 was also significantly lower than baseline in the LZD group (P<.05). CONCLUSION: LZD may be more efficacious than VCM for treating elderly patients with nosocomial MRSA pneumonia.

Severe acidemia on arrival not predictive of neurologic outcomes in post-cardiac arrest patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether severe acidemia (pH <7.2) on arrival at the emergency department (ED) is a predictive factor for neurologic outcomes of post-cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data in the National Disaster Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital, were used to perform a case-control study on post-cardiac arrest patients treated with TTM from January 2013 to April 2015. The case group comprised patients with good neurologic outcomes (cerebral performance categories 1 and 2), whereas the control group comprised patients with poor neurologic outcomes (cerebral performance categories 3-5). Exposure was defined as arterial pH less than 7.2 on arrival at the ED. RESULTS: We identified 32 patients matching our criteria, of which 13 had good outcomes and 19 poor outcomes. Arterial pH on arrival was not significantly associated with neurologic outcomes (P = .47; odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-2.61). In 24 patients with cardiogenic causes of cardiac arrest, pH on arrival was not significantly associated with neurologic outcomes (P = .68; odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-2.73) after matched-pair analysis by age, sex, and presence of light reflex. CONCLUSION: Severe acidemia on arrival at the ED is not a significant predictive factor for neurologic outcomes in post-cardiac arrest patients treated with TTM, particularly in patients with cardiogenic causes of cardiac arrest. These results suggest that treatment should not be withheld in post-cardiac arrest patients with severe acidemia.

Prognostic factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in adults.

OBJECTIVES: The mortality of severe sepsis has markedly decreased since the implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. The next logical step is to examine the necessity of individualized management guidelines for targeted therapy against specific bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired severe sepsis; however, little is known regarding the prognostic factors in adult patients with S pneumoniae sepsis. We aimed to identify prognostic factors in patients with S pneumoniae sepsis and to explore a subgroup of patients at high risk for death with detailed Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score analysis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with S pneumoniae infection treated between 1st January 2006 and 31st July 2012. We identified prognostic factors for 28-day mortality using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 171 patients (median age, 72 years) with S pneumoniae infection who were included in this study, the 28-day mortality was 17% (29/171). The SOFA score (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-3.18; P < .001) and bacteremia (odds ratio, 19.0; 95% confidence interval, 4.06-90.20; P < .001) were identified as prognostic factors for the 28-day mortality. In a subgroup analysis with a cutoff value of the SOFA score determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with bacteremia and a SOFA score of at least 7 had a significantly higher mortality than did patients without bacteremia and a SOFA score lower than 7 (84% vs 0%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Bacteremia and a SOFA score at least 7 were independent prognostic factors of poor outcome in S pneumoniae sepsis.

The impact of age on outcomes of elderly ED patients ventilated due to community acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus on whether mechanical ventilation should be initiated for advanced age with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study investigated the effects of age on the outcomes of mechanical ventilation in the emergency department (ED) for advanced age with CAP. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the medical records of advanced age (age, ≥65 years) with CAP who required mechanical ventilation in the ED of our hospital between January 2006 and December 2012. The patients were divided into 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 years or older age groups. The following outcomes were measured: number of patients weaned from mechanical ventilation, in-hospital mortality, ventilator-free days, and intensive care unit days. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with mortality and weaning from mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (mean age, 79.5 years) were included. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 43.7%. No significant differences were observed among the 3 groups with regard to weaning from mechanical ventilation (P=.59), in-hospital mortality (P=.90), ventilator-free days (P=.83), or intensive care unit days (P=.12). Age was not significantly associated with weaning from mechanical ventilation or in-hospital mortality among advanced age. Diabetes mellitus was an independent factor for weaning from mechanical ventilation (P=.048) and was relatively associated with mortality (P=.051). CONCLUSIONS: Age, in itself, may not be a factor limiting the initiation of mechanical ventilation in the ED in advanced age with CAP. Further studies should determine appropriate indications for mechanical ventilation in the ED for these patients.

Successful treatment of ileocolic intussusception with air enema reduction in an adult patient.

Intussusception is a rare condition in adults, representing only 1% of all bowel obstructions. In adult cases, operative explorations are recommended to treat the bowel obstruction and to diagnose underlying diseases. The objective of the current case report was to describe the successful treatment of ileocolic intussusception with air enema reduction in an adult patient. A previously healthy 21-year-old woman had a 20-hour history of colicky abdominal pain and vomiting and was diagnosed as having idiopathic ileocolic intussusception by abdominal computed tomography. We treated the patient with air enema reduction under fluoroscopic guidance instead of an operative procedure. She received oxygen and intravenous midazolam to provide some degree of pain relief. Air was carefully pumped manually into the rectum, and the air pressure was monitored with a manometer. Because of air leakage from the rectum through the void to the outside the body, we continued to provide air to maintain the air pressure between 40 and 60 mm Hg. Three minutes after initiation of the air enema, when the patient experienced increasing abdominal pain and vomiting, the pressure was temporarily increased to greater than 100 mm Hg, and the air reached the terminal ileum. We considered the reduction successful and confirmed it with an abdominal ultrasound examination. We believe that air enema reduction is effective for treating idiopathic intussusception within 24 hours of symptom onset in young, previously healthy adult patients.

Acquired absolute vitamin K deficiency in a patient undergoing warfarin therapy.

We report a case of absolute vitamin K deficiency (VKD) diagnosed by measuring serum VK levels in an elderly woman undergoing warfarin therapy. A 78-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea and sore throat diagnosed as pharyngitis 1 week before admission. On admission, the sore throat had exacerbated and dyspnea developed. She had history of atrial fibrillation, for which warfarin 1.5 mg/d was started approximately 10 years prior and her international normalized ratio (INR) had been maintained at an acceptable therapeutic level. Blood results revealed unmeasurable INR and abnormally prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). She was diagnosed with adenoiditis and warfarin-related coagulopathy and administered intravenous VK (20 mg) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP; 4 U), which improved INR and APTT. Since the coagulopathy responded to intravenous VK administration, the patient was clinically diagnosed with warfarin-related relative VKD. Approximately 1 month later, she returned with complaints of sore throat. Blood results indicated abnormal INR (7.22) and APTT (N80.0 s). She was diagnosed with recurrent adenoiditis and VK deficient coagulopathy. The patient's serum VK levels were low (VK1 level, 0.13 ng/mL; VK2 levels, 0.85 ng/mL). Initial treatment of VK (20 mg) and FFP followed by intravenous VK (20 mg/d) for 6 days, her symptoms dissipated. Warfarin was suspected to have caused absolute VKD. Severe coagulopathy in patients undergoing warfarin therapy is primarily caused by, relative VKD. However, the possibility of warfarin-related absolute VKD should be suspected when INRis not sufficiently improved by intravenous VK administration.

Anorexia Nervosa With Intermittent Fever Due to Diet-Induced Thermogenesis: A Case Report.

Diet-induced thermogenesis, influenced primarily by protein intake, generates energy from food. Herein, we present the case of anorexia nervosa in a 30-year-old woman, who developed intermittent fever while transitioning from continuous to intermittent tube feeding, with an increase in protein intake. Extensive investigations ruled out infection- or drug-related causes, indicating that intermittent fever resulted from diet-induced thermogenesis due to high protein administration. Recognizing the potential for diet-induced thermogenesis in cases of fever during tube feeding is crucial to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and prevent the discontinuation of essential medications.

Effectiveness of Body Armor Against Shock Waves: Preventing Blast Injury in a Confined Space.

Introduction Blast injuries in modern society often occur owing to terrorist attacks in confined spaces, particularly in urban settings, indoors, and in vehicles, leading to significant damage. Therefore, it is important to focus on blast injuries in confined spaces rather than in conventional open-field experiments. Materials and methods We used an air-driven shock wave generator (blast tube) established indoors in 2017 and conducted basic research to potentially save the lives of patients with blast injuries. Under general anesthesia, pigs were divided into with body armor (BA) and without BA groups. The pigs were fixed in the measurement chamber with their dorsal chest directly exposed to the shock wave. The driving pressure was set at 3.0 MPa to achieve a mortality rate of approximately 50%. A generated shock wave was directly applied to the pigs. Comparisons were made between the groups with respect to cardiac arrest and survival, as well as apnea, bradycardia, and hypotension, which are the triad of blast lung. Autopsies were performed to confirm the extent of the organ damage. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The animal experimentation was conducted according to the protocol reviewed and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the National Defense Medical College Hospital (approval number 19041). Results Eight pigs were assigned to the BA group and seven pigs to the non-BA group. In the non-BA group, apnea was observed in four of seven cases, three of which resulted in death. None of the eight pigs in the BA group had respiratory arrest; notably, all survived. Hypotension was observed in some pigs in each group; however, there were no cases of bradycardia in either group. Statistical analysis showed that wearing BA significantly reduced the occurrence of respiratory and cardiac arrest (p=0.026) but not survival (p=0.077). No significant differences were found in other vital signs. Conclusions Wearing BA with adequate neck and chest protection reduced mortality and it was effective to reduce cardiac and respiratory arrest against shock wave exposure. Mortality from shock wave injury appears to be associated with respiratory arrest, and the avoidance of respiratory arrest may lead to survival.

Fatal overwhelming postsplenectomy infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in mothers within 1 year after delivery: case report.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has a high mortality. Although preventive strategies including vaccination have been established for children, less attention has been devoted to pregnant and postnatal women and to mothers caring for their infants. As a significant number of women have either undergone splenectomy or are in a hyposplenic state and have not received adequate pneumococcal vaccinations, they can potentially develop overwhelming postsplenectomy infections. A 34-year-old woman with an 8-month-old baby, who underwent splenectomy at the age of 10 for benign pancreatic tumor, presented with fever and petechial eruption. Despite extensive treatment, she died 17 h after admission. A 40-year-old woman with a 11-month-old baby, who underwent splenectomy at 2 years of age for hemolytic anemia, was admitted for septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite extensive treatment, she died 2 h after admission. Blood cultures from both women were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae and neither of them had been vaccinated against the bacterium. IPD rapidly progressed and developed to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes in mothers caring for their infants, particularly those who had undergone splenectomy or were in a hyposplenic state. Thus, routine pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for pregnant women. In addition, we suggest a thorough medical interview and checkup for splenectomy or hyposplenism in prenatal women.

Survival after prolonged resuscitation from cardiac arrest due to diabetic ketoacidosis using extracorporeal life support.

Management of cardiac arrest due to severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) using bicarbonate therapy and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) remains controversial. We report a case of a 24-year-old man with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus who survived without any neurologic complications after prolonged ECLS (including fluid resuscitation and insulin but no aggressive bicarbonate) for cardiac arrest due to severe DKA. In post-DKA cardiac arrest, insulin and fluid resuscitation is the mainstay of treatment, but ECLS should be considered when prolonged cardiac arrest is expected.

A life-threatening case of pheochromocytoma crisis with hemodynamic instability.

Background: Pheochromocytoma crisis (PCC) is a fatal disease characterized by hyper and/or hypotension, hyperthermia, and encephalopathy, and its diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Case presentation: A 50-year-old woman presented with hypertension, and computed tomography showed an adrenal tumor. Fever, shock, and impaired consciousness were observed, and PCC was diagnosed clinically. Systolic blood pressure fluctuated from 40-220 mmHg within a few minutes, and circulatory agonists were adjusted accordingly. The blood pressure changes gradually stabilized with α-blockade. Surgery was performed on hospital day 26, and the pathological diagnosis was consistent with a pheochromocytoma. She was discharged on hospital day 37. Conclusion: Computed tomography may facilitate early diagnosis in the acute phase of PCC in case of limited patient medical information and insufficient time to wait for a definitive diagnosis using traditional hormone tests. The shock requires pharmacological therapy to maintain circulation, and paradoxically, the administration of α-blockade can be lifesaving.

Cardiac tamponade due to eosinophilia treated with intravenous corticosteroid: A case report.

RATIONALE: Cardiac tamponade, a condition in which the heart is compressed by pericardial fluid retention, is easy to diagnose; however, identifying the cause may be challenging since it can be caused by a variety of conditions, including trauma and pericardial disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 22-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure. He had previously received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia and developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) that was treated with a corticosteroid. At this time, he developed bilateral femur head necrosis and underwent surgery after discontinuation of the corticosteroid but developed respiratory failure postoperatively. The initial diagnosis was cardiac failure, which temporarily improved with treatment; however, eosinophilia and pericardial effusions became prominent. DIAGNOSES: Pericardial effusion gradually progressed, resulting in cardiac tamponade. INTERVENTIONS: Pericardiocentesis was performed. Eosinophilia could be the cause of cardiac tamponade; thus, corticosteroid was administered. OUTCOMES: Pericardial effusion improved remarkably after corticosteroid administration. The corticosteroid dose was gradually tapered, and the patient was discharged. LESSONS: This case presented with cardiac tamponade associated with eosinophilia, probably owing to graft-versus-host disease. This is an unusual condition associated with a history of hematologic neoplasms; although evaluation is challenging, appropriate assessment could help save the patient's life.

A Case of Fulminant Fusobacterium necrophorum Bacteremia Secondary to Non-severe COVID-19.

The Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is more infectious than the previous variants but less severe; more patients are being followed up without hospitalization. Identification of patients with severe disease symptoms as early as possible and prompt initiation of treatment are crucial. A case of a 19-year-old man with mild COVID-19 is described in this report. He died of a secondary infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteremia and a progressive hemorrhagic disorder. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical course and needle necropsy results. In non-severe COVID-19 patients, rapid deterioration of the disease symptoms requiring emergency treatment should lead to suspicion of additional fatal infections with similar clinical symptoms.

Case report: Severe respiratory failure caused by licorice.

Licorice, one of the most commonly used herbs, can cause hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and apparent mineralocorticoid excess, also known as pseudoaldosteronism. Herein, we present a case of diaphragmatic dysfunction caused by licorice administration. An 80-year-old woman who had been taking dietary supplements and following a restricted diet for approximately 6 months was brought to the emergency department with impaired consciousness. Chronic respiratory acidosis was observed, and hypertension and hypokalemia became more prominent during hospitalization. History revealed that she was taking herbal medicines containing licorice. Based on the results of hormone tests, the patient was diagnosed with pseudoaldosteronism. Chest radiography and pulmonary function tests confirmed the clinical diagnosis of diaphragmatic dysfunction. The metabolic alkalosis resulting from licorice administration may have contributed to the impairment of the respiratory muscles. This case suggests that caution should be exercised when using licorice in patients with preexisting health or medical issues such as advanced age, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance.

Delayed diagnosis of severe diabetic ketoacidosis associated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor: a case report.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus but may induce diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Owing to their pharmacological mechanisms, they cause a different pathogenesis to that of typical DKA and require special attention in terms of blood glucose concentrations and acidosis. We describe a case of prolonged acidosis because of failure to immediately discover the use of an SGLT2 inhibitor. Compared with typical DKA, SGLT2 inhibitor-associated DKA requires earlier and longer glucose supplementation. SGLT2 inhibitors are specific aetiological factors in DKA, and their use should be suspected when the patient presents with mild hyperglycaemia or prolonged acidosis.

Invasive candidiasis presenting bronchiectatic cavity as chest radiological findings: A case report.

Invasive candidiasis is rare but is associated with high mortality in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Here, we present a case of a 55-year-old man with untreated diabetes who was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and subsequently developed invasive candidiasis. The patient presented with fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple consolidations mainly distributed around the bronchovascular bundles with bronchiectatic cavity formation, which initially raised suspicion for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. However, subsequent testing confirmed Candida albicans infection; hence, we changed the antifungal agents effective for invasive candidiasis. This improved the patient's respiratory status, and he was then successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation. This case report highlights the importance of considering invasive candidiasis in the differential diagnosis of patients with bronchiectatic cavities on chest computed tomography, particularly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients with risk factors for invasive candidiasis.