Effects of real-time feedback on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality on outcomes in adult patients with cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the implementation of real-time audiovisual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback devices with cardiac arrest patient outcomes, such as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), short-term survival, and neurological outcome. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL from inception date until April 30, 2020, for eligible randomized and nonrandomized studies. Pooled odds ratio (OR) for each binary outcome was calculated using R system. The primary patient outcome was ROSC. The secondary outcomes were short-term survival and favorable neurological outcomes (cerebral performance category scores: 1 or 2). RESULTS: We identified 11 studies (8 nonrandomized and 3 randomized studies) including 4851 patients. Seven studies documented patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and four studies documented patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. The pooled results did not confirm the effectiveness of CPR feedback device, possibly because of the high heterogeneity in ROSC (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.94, I2: 80%, tau2: 0.1875, heterogeneity test p <  0.01) and survival-to-discharge (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.74-2.18, I2: 86%, tau2: 0.4048, heterogeneity test p <  0.01). The subgroup analysis results revealed that heterogeneity was due to the types of devices used. Patient outcomes were more favorable in studies investigating portable devices than in studies investigating automated external defibrillator (AED)-associated devices. CONCLUSIONS: Whether real-time CPR feedback devices can improve patient outcomes (ROSC and short-term survival) depend on the type of device used. Portable devices led to better outcomes than did AED-associated devices. Future studies comparing different types of devices are required to reach robust conclusion. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Prospero registration ID CRD42020155388.

Predictive model for bacteremia in adult patients with blood cultures performed at the emergency department: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Useful predictive models for identifying patients at high risk of bacteremia at the emergency department (ED) are lacking. This study attempted to provide useful predictive models for identifying patients at high risk of bacteremia at the ED. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the ED of a tertiary care hospital from October 1 to November 30, 2004. Patients aged 15 years or older, who had at least two sets of blood culture, were recruited. Data were analyzed on selected covariates, including demographic characteristics, predisposing conditions, clinical presentations, laboratory tests, and presumptive diagnosis, at the ED. An iterative procedure was used to build up a logistic model, which was then simplified into a coefficient-based scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 558 patients with 84 episodes of true bacteremia were enrolled. Predictors of bacteremia and their assigned scores were as follows: fever greater than or equal to 38.3°C [odds ratio (OR), 2.64], 1 point; tachycardia greater than or equal to 120/min (OR, 2.521), 1 point; lymphopenia less than 0.5×10(3)/µL (OR, 3.356), 2 points; aspartate transaminase greater than 40IU/L (OR, 2.355), 1 point; C-reactive protein greater than 10mg/dL (OR, 2.226), 1 point; procalcitonin greater than 0.5 ng/mL (OR, 3.147), 2 points; and presumptive diagnosis of respiratory tract infection (OR, 0.236), -2 points. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the original logistic model and the simplified scoring model using the aforementioned seven predictors and their assigned scores were 0.854 (95% confidence interval, 0.806-0.902) and 0.845 (95% confidence interval, 0.798-0.894), respectively. CONCLUSION: This simplified scoring system could rapidly identify high-risk patients of bacteremia at the ED.

Diagnostic value of procalcitonin for bacterial infection in elderly patients in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of procalcitonin (PCT) in elderly patients with bacterial infection in the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: ED of a tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) enrolled from September 2004 through August 2005. MEASUREMENTS: A serum sample for the measurement of PCT, two sets of blood cultures, and other cultures of relevant specimens from infection sites were collected in the ED. Two independent experts blinded to the PCT results classified the patients into bacterial infection and nonbacterial infection groups. RESULTS: Of the 262 patients with SIRS enrolled, 204 were classified as having bacterial infection and 48 as having bacteremia. PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with bacteremia than in those without. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for identification of bacteremia according to PCT was 0.817 for the old-old group (>or=75), significantly higher than 0.639 for the young-old group (65-74); P=.02). The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PCT for bacteremia in patients aged 75 and older were 96.0%, 68.3%, 33.8%, and 98.8%, respectively, with a PCT cutoff value of 0.38 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: PCT is sensitive for diagnosing bacteremia in elderly patients with SIRS at ED admission but is helpful in excluding bacteremia only in those aged 75 and older. PCT is not an independent predictor of local infections in these patients.

Bacteremia in previously hospitalized patients: prolonged effect from previous hospitalization and risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Patients who came from the community but were recently discharged from the hospital have a higher risk of contracting antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. Our objectives are to determine the time from previous hospital discharge that affects subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant infection in bacteremia in recently discharged patients. METHODS: Excluding patients of hospital-acquired, patients with regular health care-associated exposure, and patients whose previous hospitalization was not at our hospital, a total of 789 nonduplicated bacteremia episodes from community adult patients were enrolled in a 1-year study period. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, including multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci causing bacteremia, were logistically analyzed according to different posthospitalization periods (3 to 90 days, 91 to 180 days, 181 to 360 days, and no hospitalization in the past 360 days) to identify the independent effect from previous hospitalization on subsequent antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia. RESULTS: Of the 789 bacteremia patients, the proportion of antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia is 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8% to 19.4%) for 3 to 90 days, 9.6% (95% CI 1.6% to 17.6%) for 91 to 180 days, and 6.4% (95% CI 0% to 13.4%) for 181 to 360 days since last hospitalization and 1.0% (95% CI 0.1% to 1.9%) for no hospitalization within the last 360 days. Risk of antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia decreased monthly after discharge by an odds ratio of 0.83 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.90) (P<.01). Previous carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the past 360 days and previous stay at ICU in the past 180 days were independent risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia in previously hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: Previous hospitalization affects the antimicrobial susceptibility of subsequent bacteremia up to 360 days after hospital discharge. Presence of risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant bacteremia in previously hospitalized patients may help emergency physicians in selecting empirical antimicrobial agents and prompting infection control precautions.

Lack of compliance with basic infection control measures during cardiopulmonary resuscitation--are we ready for another epidemic?

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare workers in the emergency department are particularly vulnerable to communicable disease. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with standard precautions by analysis of the incidence and systems sources of such contaminations and by quantifying the use of personal protective equipment. METHOD: A prospective observational study from 1 November 2005 to 30 April 2006, using analysis of video segments. Videotapes were recorded in two rooms designed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, and compliance with basic infection control measures by all emergency department crews was monitored. RESULTS: A total of 44 consecutive performances of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were recorded for time-motion analysis. The percentages of staff wearing personal protective equipment were 90%, 50%, 20% and 75% for masks, eye protection, gowns and gloves, respectively. Compliance ranking scored doctors as high, trainees as moderate and nursing staff as low. Overall contamination rate was 16.9x10(-2) events/person-min. The two leading systems sources for contamination were lack of specific task assignments among rescuers (44%) and inadequate preparation for procedures (42%). CONCLUSIONS: Among healthcare workers in the emergency setting, the study disclosed suboptimal compliance with basic infection control measures, including use of personal protective equipment and avoiding contamination. By further time-motion analysis of resuscitation sessions, major systems sources and strategies for improvement could be identified.

Predictive model of antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteremia at the ED.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies identifying the risk factors related to gram-negative antimicrobial resistance, an epidemiological model to reliably predict antimicrobial gram-negative resistance in clinics, before the bacterial culture result is available, has not yet been developed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model to assist physicians in selecting appropriate antimicrobial agents before the details of the microbiology and drug susceptibility are known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between June 1, 2001, and May 31, 2002, at the emergency department (ED) of National Taiwan University Hospital. Enrollees were patients with gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) at ED. Other information collected included demographic characteristics, underlying comorbidities, hospital exposure and health care-associated factors, and details of initial presentation. Two primary outcomes were defined, including cefazolin-resistant (CZ-RES) GNB and ceftriaxone-resistant (CTX-RES) GNB. Two thirds of the data was randomly allocated to a derivation data set (for developing predictive models), and the rest, to a validation data set (for testing model validity). Simplified models, using a coefficient-based scoring method, were also developed for clinical applications. RESULTS: Based on 695 episodes of GNB, predictors of CZ-RES GNB were time since last hospitalization (increased risk for durations <1 month), prior infection with a CTX-RES strain, post-transplantation immunosuppressant use, residence in a nursing home or history of stroke with repeated choking, and poor oxygen saturation (<95%) at admission to ED. Cirrhosis showed a protective effect by reducing the odds of antimicrobial-resistant GNB. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the CZ-RES model was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.81). The CTX-RES model included all the variables that were in the CZ-RES model plus abnormal leukocyte count (<1000 or >15,000 /mm3) at entry to ED. In this case, however, previous hospitalization within the last 2 weeks was a key factor. The area under this ROC curve was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.88). There was lacking of difference in the area under the ROC curve between the 2 final (simplified) models either based on the derivation or validation data sets. CONCLUSION: We have developed 2 models for predicting risk of antimicrobial gram-negative infection by identifying and quantifying associated risk factors. These models could be used by physicians to determine the most appropriate choice of antibiotic for first-line therapy, particularly in situations where the culture result is not yet known.

Delayed fluid resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock induces proinflammatory cytokine response.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to determine the effects of delayed fluid resuscitation on the hemodynamic changes and cytokine responses in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Wistar male rats (n=40; 8/group) were subjected to a volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock for 30 minutes and received lactated Ringer's solution resuscitation as follows: (1) immediate resuscitation, (2) delayed resuscitation begun 30 minutes after hemorrhage (delayed resuscitation 30), (3) delayed resuscitation begun 45 minutes after hemorrhage (delayed resuscitation 45), (4) delayed resuscitation begun 60 minutes after hemorrhage (delayed resuscitation 60), or (5) unresuscitated group, induction of hemorrhagic shock without resuscitation. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded and blood samples were collected at 0 minutes and at 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330 minutes after hemorrhage for plasma levels of interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Repeated-measurement analysis of variance was used for within- and between-groups comparisons. RESULTS: Final mean blood pressure, serum levels of lactate, and hematocrit levels after immediate resuscitation were not different from those in the delayed resuscitation groups. Comparing with the unresuscitated group, TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher, whereas IL-10 concentrations were significantly lower in the 4 resuscitation groups. Circulating concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in the delayed resuscitation 45 (P<.001) and delayed resuscitation 60 (P<.001) groups. Circulating concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in the 4 resuscitation groups were comparable throughout the experimental period. CONCLUSION: Delayed fluid resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock induces increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, and the release of cytokine was correlated with the time delayed for resuscitation.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis: an unusual and fatal disease.

BACKGROUND: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare and fatal disease. Clinical presentations in the early stage are nonspecific, and the sensitivity of cranial axial computed tomography (CT) with thick section is low. This study analyzed the clinical manifestation and neuroimaging findings in patients with septic CST in a medical center in Taiwan. METHODS: This retrospective case series included nine patients with septic CST who had typical symptoms and clinical course, evidence of infection, and imaging studies which demonstrated cavernous sinus lesion, and who were treated between 1995 and 2003 at National Taiwan University Hospital. RESULTS: Seven (77.8 %) patients were more than 50 years old. Five (55.6%) had diabetes, and three (33.3%) had hematologic diseases. All cases were associated with paranasal sinusitis. The most frequent initial symptom was headache (66.7%), followed by ophthalmic complaints (diplopia or ophthalmoplegia, 55.6%; blurred vision or blindness, 55.6%), and ptosis (44.4%). Initial cranial images failed to identify CTS in all patients. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or coronal contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) with thin section confirmed the diagnosis. Fungi were the most common pathogens (55.6%). The inhospital case-fatality rate was high (44.4%). CONCLUSION: Due to the high case-fatality rate and low yield rate of blood cultures, fungal CST should be suspected in an immunocompromised patient with ophthalmic complaints that progress from one eye to the other. Coronal thin-section CECT may be a useful alternative to MRI as a diagnostic modality for this condition.

Community-onset Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia: influence of health care exposure on antimicrobial susceptibility.

Three hundred forty-one case patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia and 173 case patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia were enrolled in this prospective observational study to compare the clinical manifestations of infections in the 2 organisms and to delineate the change in resistance of isolates after health care exposure. Liver abscess, primary bacteremia, and respiratory tract infection were more commonly seen in patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia, whereas urinary tract infection was more common in those with E. coli bacteremia. The influence of prior hospitalization on resistance of E. coli to some antibiotics could be observed for as long as 6 months after discharge. Patients undergoing procedures in the outpatient setting and nursing home residents also had infections with more resistant E. coli strains than those without hospital exposure within the previous year. However, no difference in resistance was observed in K. pneumoniae isolates from patients in different clinical settings.

Effect of different resuscitation fluids on cytokine response in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock.

This study was designed to determine the effects of different resuscitation fluids on the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in an animal model of hemorrhagic shock. Wistar male rats (n = 24; 8/group) were subjected to a volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock for 30 minutes and resuscitated as follows: (1) sham group without resuscitation, (2) lactated Ringer solution (LR), 3:1; (3) 4% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution, 1:1; and (4) 4% modified fluid gelatin (GEL), 1:1. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and blood samples were collected at 0 min and 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330 min after hemorrhage for plasma levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNFalpha. The circulating concentrations of IL-6 at 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330 min and TNFalpha levels at 150, 210, and 270 min after hemorrhage were significantly elevated in animals resuscitated with GEL compared with HES or LR (P < 0.05). At 210, 270, and 330 min, IL-10 concentration was decreased significantly in GEL-resuscitated rats compared with rats resuscitated with LR or HES (P < 0.05). Mean blood pressure and serum levels of lactate after resuscitation were not different among three kinds of fluids. LR, HES, and GEL are comparable in volume efficacy for resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock but are associated with different postresuscitation immune responses. Resuscitation with GEL may be associated with cytokine production favoring a proinflammatory response. The marked elevation of IL-6 observed in the GEL-treated animals may play a role in the relatively high frequency of anaphylactoid reaction in clinical use of GEL.

Infections in the survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the first 7 days.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, foci, isolated organisms, and outcomes of infections in the survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) within the first 7 days after resuscitation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study in the intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 117 survivors of adult nontraumatic OHCA victims who survived more than 24 h between January 1999 and May 2004. We collected patients' demographics, the causes and initial electrocardiographic rhythm of cardiac arrest, and the process of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The incidence, clinical presentations and outcomes of infections occurring in the first 7 days after resuscitation were evaluated. Variables were compared between the infected and noninfected patients. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Among our OHCA survivors asystole was the most common initial rhythm (66%). Eighty-three patients (71%) were found to have infection. Pneumonia was the most common infection (61%) followed by bacteremia (13%). Although the Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for most infections, the most commonly isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus. The infection group had more patients with dementia and noncardiac causes of OHCA. The survival curves did not differ significantly between infection and non-infection groups. CONCLUSIONS: Infections were common in OHCA survivors during the first 7 days. The most common responsible organisms were Gram-negative bacteria, and the most commonly isolated organism was S. aureus. Infections in the early stage after return of spontaneous circulation did not change the hospital mortality and hospitalization duration.

Emergency medical services utilization during an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the incidence of SARS-associated coronavirus infection among emergency medical technicians.

OBJECTIVES: This was a study to evaluate the utilization of emergency medical services (EMS) systems during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and to assess the incidence of infection among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study conducted in the EMS system of Taipei, Taiwan. Probable/suspect cases of SARS were defined by World Health Organization criteria. SARS-related transports were categorized into 1) requests from hospitals for probable/suspect cases of SARS, 2) quarantined individuals, and 3) febrile persons. City ambulances were organized into teams A, B, and C for transports of different perceived risks. Data on the EMS volume, the transport category, the final SARS status of patients, and the EMT responsible for the transports were collected. The EMS projected volume was computed by previous years' data and compared with that collected. The SARS incidence among EMTs was assessed by investigating probable SARS (P-SARS) and by surveying the seroprevalence of SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) antibody. RESULTS: From March 18 to June 19, 2003, there were 7,961 EMS transports, similar to the volume projected from previous years (7,506) (95% CI = 6,688 to 8,324). Of these, 1,760 (22.1%) were SARS-related. When SARS-related transports were excluded, there was a 12.2% decrease (95% CI = 11.4% to 12.9%) in EMS activities. Requests from hospitals, quarantined individuals, and febrile citizens accounted for 23%, 18%, and 59% of SARS-related transports. Among the 397 P-SARS cases in the city of 2.65 million people (incidence 0.01%, 95% CI = 0.01% to 0.02%), 138 (35%) required EMS transports. Two EMTs working in team C, the team with the lowest risk, developed P-SARS. One of them died soon thereafter. The incidence of P-SARS was 0.6% (95% CI = 0.2% to 2.2%), or 0.1% (95% CI = 0.03% to 0.4%) per transport. SARS-CoV serology was available in 74.1% of EMTs who were alive. In addition to the surviving P-SARS EMT, one EMT from team A, the team with the highest risk, was seropositive. Combining P-SARS and the seropositive case, three EMTs were infected (incidence 1.3%, 95% CI = 0.4% to 3.6%). No patient transported by the infected EMTs developed SARS. The hospitals serving EMS by the infected EMTs had been involved in a clustered outbreak prior to the EMTs' infections. CONCLUSIONS: During the outbreak of SARS, the overall EMS volume did not change significantly, but the non-SARS EMS activities decreased. Compared with the general population, EMS providers are at higher risk of contracting the SARS virus regardless of different perceived levels of risk. Standard protections and procedures for infection control should be strictly followed during transport and within the hospital environment.

Detection of SARS-associated coronavirus in throat wash and saliva in early diagnosis.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is thought to be transmitted primarily through dispersal of droplets, but little is known about the load of SARS-CoV in oral droplets. We examined oral specimens, including throat wash and saliva, and found large amounts of SARS-CoV RNA in both throat wash (9.58 x 10(2) to 5.93 x 10(6) copies/mL) and saliva (7.08 x 10(3) to 6.38 x 10(8) copies/mL) from all specimens of 17 consecutive probable SARS case-patients, supporting the possibility of transmission through oral droplets. Immunofluorescence study showed replication of SARS-CoV in the cells derived from throat wash, demonstrating the possibility of developing a convenient antigen detection assay. This finding, with the high detection rate a median of 4 days after disease onset and before the development of lung lesions in four patients, suggests that throat wash and saliva should be included in sample collection guidelines for SARS diagnosis.

Mesenteric adenitis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Mesenteric adenitis is a self-limited condition characterized by fever, localized right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and frequent leukocytosis, making it difficult to differentiate from appendicitis. We report a case of mesenteric adenitis in an 8-year-old boy who presented at the emergency department with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever up to 40 degrees C. Acute appendicitis was initially suspected, but further abdominal ultrasound and contrast enhanced computed tomography studies showed a normal appendix with marked mesenteric adenopathy. Symptomatic treatment was given and pain and fever subsided 2 days later. Follow-up sonography showed resolution of adenopathy, confirming the diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis. The admission stool cultures grew Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis). Unlike previous reports in western countries where Yersinia species prevails and was thought to be self-limited, S. Enteritidis carries potential risk for serious systemic complications, such as meningitis or septic arthritis. The isolation of this unusual microbiological species thus has both therapeutic and epidemiological implications for mesenteric adenitis in Taiwan.

Changing characteristics of typhoid fever in Taiwan.

Typhoid fever, a systemic disease caused by Salmonella typhi, is classically characterized by fever and abdominal symptoms. Although now considered uncommon, it seems to have re-emerged in Taiwan in recent years. We conducted a retrospective study of the clinical characteristics and microbiologic findings in 24 confirmed cases of typhoid fever treated over a 7-year period at a medical center in northern Taiwan. There were 11 males and 13 females, including 15 adults (over 18 years in age) and 9 children. Their mean age was 24.7 years (range, 9 months to 58 years). Twelve patients had recently returned from abroad, mostly from Southeast Asia. The most common complaints were fever (24/24), diarrhea (18/24), abdominal pain (10/24), and cough (10/24). The average duration of fever before diagnosis was 14.1 days, with a maximum of 30 days. Relative bradycardia was noted in 6 patients. Leukopenia was noted in 2 patients. S. typhi was isolated from blood culture in 20 cases, from stool culture in 3 cases, and from bone marrow culture in 1 case. Widal test was only positive initially in 7/18 cases. Fever of unknown origin was the most common initial diagnosis. Typhoid or enteric fever was impressed initially in only 2 cases. Almost all isolates of S. typhi were susceptible to antibiotics currently used for typhoid fever, with only 1 isolate resistant to chloramphenicol. All patients survived after antibiotic treatment. Only 1 patient developed recurrence after a 10-day course of ceftriaxone. In conclusion, the diagnosis of typhoid fever is often challenging due to non-specific symptoms and lack of an immediate confirmatory test. It is important to include this disease in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients with abdominal symptoms.