The Use of Whole Blood in Rural Trauma Leads to Decreased Resource Utilization.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 40% of trauma deaths result from uncontrolled hemorrhage. Most of these deaths occur within 24 hours, highlighting the importance of early resuscitation. Balanced component resuscitation has been shown to improve outcomes in hemorrhagic shock. However, hemostatic properties may then be decreased, leading to inadequate coagulopathy treatment or higher transfusion requirements. Data comparing the efficacy of component vs. whole blood (WB) resuscitation in early trauma is poor, particularly in the rural population. This study investigates WB use and resource utilization at a rural Level 1 trauma center. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with historical controls (HC) was performed using patients over age 17 presenting as the highest priority trauma. Two units of WB were available to patients with signs of hemorrhagic shock, with subsequent transfusions via massive transfusion protocol or thromboelastography guidance. Component utilization, time to hemorrhage control, complications, and transfer times were examined. RESULTS: Forty patients received WB vs. 153 HC. WB patients had lower complication rates (35% vs. 55.6%; P = .02), and a significant reduction in pRBC utilization in the emergency department (0 vs. 2; P < .0001) and throughout admission (2.0 vs. 4.0; P = .0003). All patients had prolonged transport times given the rural setting (1.42 hours HC vs. 2.03 hours WB; P = .002). DISCUSSION: Unlike most urban WB studies, this study occurred in a rural area with extended transportation times, when WB is inaccessible for patients. Despite this delay, WB patients demonstrated lower component utilization and complication rates. Further research is needed to characterize the impact of early WB access.

Cepheid Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV evaluation performed by minimally trained non-laboratory operators in a CLIA-waived environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of readily available and easily performed viral testing for surveillance during future infectious pandemics. The objectives of this study were: to assess the performance of the Xpert Xpress Flu and/or RSV test, a multiplex PCR assay for detecting influenza A and B virus and respiratory syncytial virus nucleic acids in respiratory tract specimens, relative to the Quidel Lyra Influenza A+B assay and the Prodesse ProFlu+ assay, and the system's ease of use by minimally trained operators. Overall, the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV test demonstrated a high positive and negative percent agreement with the comparator assays, and was easy to use and interpret results, based on the operators' feedback. We concluded that the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV test is sensitive, specific, and easy to use for the diagnosis of influenza and RSV by minimally trained operators and can be a valuable tool in future infectious clusters or pandemics.

Using the electronic medical record to increase testing for HIV and hepatitis C virus in an Appalachian emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing Appalachian opioid epidemic has led to increasing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among people who inject drugs (PWID), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) outbreaks have been observed. The primary aim of this study was to assess the potential increase in screening for HIV and HCV in an academic central Appalachian emergency department (ED) through the use of Best Practice Alerts (BPAs) in the electronic medical record (EMR). A secondary aim was to assess for an increase in linkage to care using patient navigators. METHODS: EMR algorithms based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV and HCV testing recommendations were created that triggered Best Practice Alerts (BPAs), giving providers a one-click acceptance option to order HIV and/or HCV testing. Placards were placed in care areas, informing patients of the availability of routine screening. Patient navigators facilitated linkage to care for seropositive patients. RESULTS: The BPA appeared 58,936 times on 21,098 patients eligible for HIV screening and 24,319 times on 11,989 patients eligible for HCV screening over a one-year period. Of those, 7106 (33.7%) patients were screened for HIV and 3496 (29.2%) patients were screened for HCV, for an overall testing increase of 2269% and 1065% for HIV and HCV, respectively. Linkage to care increased by 15% for HIV to 100, and 14% for HCV to 64%. CONCLUSION: HIV and HCV screening and linkage to care were increased in an academic ED setting in central Appalachia using EMR alerts. This approach could be utilized in multiple ambulatory settings. Increased testing and earlier linkage to care may help combat the current injection drug use-related HCV epidemic and avoid additional HIV outbreaks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing: The Need to Adopt Universal Screening in an Appalachian Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening baby boomers and high-risk patients for hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the incidence of HCV is rapidly increasing among younger populations, and screening is limited by access to care and risk factor assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate characteristics of HCV antibody-positive (Ab+) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)-confirmed-positive patients identified via two screening models in an Appalachian emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who screened HCV Ab+ in the ED from January 1 to October 31, 2018. Data were extracted, and comparative analyses were conducted between the risk-based and the universal screening models. RESULTS: Overall, 444 patients screened HCV Ab+, with a median age of 39 years. From January to May 2018, the risk factor model identified 126 HCV Ab+ patients out of 3,014 screened (4%), whereas from June to October 2018, the universal model identified 318 HCV Ab+ patients out of 5,407 screened (6%; p < 0.001). A consistently large proportion of diagnoses were new (71%). There was no statistically significant decrease between the RNA-confirmed-positive patients during the risk factor model (76, 60%) and universal model (186, 58%) time periods (p = 0.72). The models had high rates of reported intravenous drug use, and the universal screening adoption was modest at 33%. CONCLUSION: This study was the first to present characteristics of HCV Ab+ and RNA-confirmed-positive patients identified during the transition to a universal screening model in an Appalachian ED. Most diagnoses were new regardless of screening model, but more patients screened HCV Ab+, and a similar proportion were RNA-confirmed-positive, under the universal model. Given that adoption of universal screening was modest, and risk factors remained similar, future research should investigate how to more effectively implement a universal screening model on a wider scale to identify early infections.

Quality Improvement Intervention for Reduction of Redundant Testing.

Laboratory data are critical to analyzing and improving clinical quality. In the setting of residual use of creatine kinase M and B isoenzyme testing for myocardial infarction, we assessed disease outcomes of discordant creatine kinase M and B isoenzyme +/troponin I (-) test pairs in order to address anticipated clinician concerns about potential loss of case-finding sensitivity following proposed discontinuation of routine creatine kinase and creatine kinase M and B isoenzyme testing. Time-sequenced interventions were introduced. The main outcome was the percentage of cardiac marker studies performed within guidelines. Nonguideline orders dominated at baseline. Creatine kinase M and B isoenzyme testing in 7496 order sets failed to detect additional myocardial infarctions but was associated with 42 potentially preventable admissions/quarter. Interruptive computerized soft stops improved guideline compliance from 32.3% to 58% (P < .001) in services not receiving peer leader intervention and to >80% (P < .001) with peer leadership that featured dashboard feedback about test order performance. This successful experience was recapitulated in interrupted time series within 2 additional services within facility 1 and then in 2 external hospitals (including a critical access facility). Improvements have been sustained postintervention. Laboratory cost savings at the academic facility were estimated to be ≥US$635 000 per year. National collaborative data indicated that facility 1 improved its order patterns from fourth to first quartile compared to peer norms and imply that nonguideline orders persist elsewhere. This example illustrates how pathologists can provide leadership in assisting clinicians in changing laboratory ordering practices. We found that clinicians respond to local laboratory data about their own test performance and that evidence suggesting harm is more compelling to clinicians than evidence of cost savings. Our experience indicates that interventions done at an academic facility can be readily instituted by private practitioners at external facilities. The intervention data also supplement existing literature that electronic order interruptions are more successful when combined with modalities that rely on peer education combined with dashboard feedback about laboratory order performance. The findings may have implications for the role of the pathology laboratory in the ongoing pivot from quantity-based to value-based health care.

Trauma patient access: the role of the emergency medical services system in North-Central West Virginia.

UNLABELLED: Trauma patients face many obstacles as they access the healthcare system in North-Central West Virginia. This study highlights some of these barriers and discusses administrative and legislative initiatives that could help mitigate the disparities that rural trauma patients face. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study utilizing information from the West Virginia University (WVU) MedCom Database. Trauma related Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls from 2002 to 2011 were reviewed to determine many of the parameters of the care provided by EMS in the WVU MedCom catchment area. These 54,952 trauma related EMS contacts were reviewed to determine estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the receiving facility, level of EMS response, trauma activation criteria, time of day, and day of week of the transport. RESULTS: The mean ETA for all transports was 11.7 minutes with mean transport ETA from the most rural county, Pendleton County, being 28.4 minutes. Emergency Medical Technician-B (BLS) providers covered 23% of the calls. Emergency Medical Technician-P (ALS) providers covered 76% of the calls. West Virginia State Trauma activation criteria were met for 30% of the transports. BLS providers transported 19% of these trauma activation criteria patients and ALS providers transported 78% of these transports. CONCLUSIONS: In north-central West Virginia, there are many barriers facing the trauma patient as they access the healthcare system. Among these are extended transport times, the capabilities of the EMS provider responding, and the limitation that approximately 50% of counties have either no hospital at all or only a hospital with limited treatment capability for the trauma patient transported by EMS.

Acute arthritis of the hip--case series describing emergency physician performed ultrasound guided hip arthrocentesis.

We report two cases of acute hip arthritis where arthrocentesis was able to be performed rapidly, at the bedside by the emergency physician using ultrasound guidance, expediting diagnosis and patient care. In the first case, the patient, who was 23 weeks pregnant, was diagnosed with septic hip arthritis, taken for operative washout of the joint and did very well postoperatively with no pregnancy or other complications. In the second case, the patient was determined to have a noninfectious etiology and also did well. Skilled ultrasound guidance allows hip arthrocentesis to be performed by the treating clinician, decreasing the time to diagnosis and definitive care.

Injury prevention and recreational all-terrain vehicle use: the impact of helmet use in West Virginia.

UNLABELLED: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular source of outdoor activity in the United States, particularly in West Virginia. During the period of time from 1999 to 2007, deaths associated with ATVs in West Virginia increased by 28%. Helmet use among bicycle and motorcycle riders has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality following trauma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study to compare injury patterns, hospital course, and resource utilization of non-helmeted and helmeted riders involved in ATV accidents using data from the West Virginia Trauma Center System. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables and comparisons were made between helmeted and non-helmeted riders. RESULTS: In 2010, there were 1,059 patients aged 18 and over with traumas resulting from ATV accidents within the System. Riders involved in ATV trauma occurring on farms and streets were significantly more likely to be non-helmeted, while those using ATVs for recreational purposes were more likely to be helmeted. Non-helmeted riders were significantly more likely to arrive to the hospital via helicopter than helmeted riders, and were less likely to be discharged home from the ED compared to helmeted riders. Non-helmeted riders sustained significantly more head, neck, soft tissue injuries, concussions, intracranial hemorrhages, facial fractures, skull fractures, and thoracic spine fractures than helmeted riders. DISCUSSION: The findings of the current study support previous studies documenting that helmet use is protective against intracranial injury and other injuries of the head and neck. ATV use continues to be a significant contribution to trauma morbidity and mortality in West Virginia. CONCLUSION: Efforts that focus on increased helmet use have the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality following ATV trauma. Enforcement of the current West Virginia ATV Law should be encouraged. Legislation expanding the mandatory use of safety equipment and rider training should be enacted in West Virginia.

Septic hip arthritis: diagnosis and arthrocentesis using bedside ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis of the hip is an infrequent disorder that is difficult to diagnose. Traditional methods of obtaining synovial fluid from the hip are not always available in most emergency departments. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of atypical septic arthritis with the diagnosis and management significantly aided by the use of bedside ultrasound. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old pregnant woman presented with right hip pain, a normal temperature, and elevated inflammatory markers. She had no risk factors for septic arthritis. The differential diagnosis was broad, but the use of bedside ultrasound assisted in rapidly narrowing the differential, as well as guiding the diagnostic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside ultrasound is a useful tool to evaluate inflammatory disorders of the hip and assists in hip arthrocentesis, a procedure that has not been traditionally performed by most emergency physicians.

Measurement of airborne influenza virus in a hospital emergency department.

Size-fractionated aerosol particles were collected in a hospital emergency department to test for airborne influenza virus. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we confirmed the presence of airborne influenza virus and found that 53% of detectable influenza virus particles were within the respirable aerosol fraction. Our results provide evidence that influenza virus may spread through the airborne route.

Duration of anticoagulation following venous thromboembolism: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are susceptible to recurrent events, but whether prolonging anticoagulation is warranted in patients with VTE remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To review the available evidence and quantify the risks and benefits of extending the duration of anticoagulation in patients with VTE. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBase Pharmacology, the Cochrane database, clinical trial Web sites, and a hand search of reference lists. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies were randomized controlled trials with results published from 1969 through 2004 and evaluating the duration of anticoagulation in patients with VTE that measured recurrent VTE. Excluded studies were those enrolling only pure populations of high-risk patients. Two independent reviewers assessed each article for inclusion and exclusion criteria, with adjudication by a third reviewer in cases of disagreement. Fifteen of 67 studies were included in the analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers performed data extraction using a standardized form, with adjudication by the remainder of the investigators in cases of disagreement. Data regarding recurrent VTE, major bleeding, person-time at risk, and study quality were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: If patients in the long-term therapy group remained receiving anticoagulation, the risk of recurrent VTE with long- vs short-term therapy was reduced (weighted incidence rate, 0.020 vs 0.126 events/person-year; rate difference, -0.106 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -0.145 to -0.067]; P<.001; pooled incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.21 [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.31]; P<.001). If anticoagulation in the long-term therapy group was discontinued, the risk reduction was less pronounced (weighted incidence rate, 0.052 vs 0.072 events/person-year; rate difference, -0.020 [95% CI, -0.039 to -0.001]; P = .04; pooled IRR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.91]; P = .009). The risk of major bleeding with long- vs short-term therapy was similar (weighted incidence rate, 0.011 vs 0.006 events/person-year; rate difference, 0.005 [95% CI, -0.002 to 0.011]; P = .14; pooled IRR, 1.80 [95% CI, 0.72 to 4.51]; P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who receive extended anticoagulation are protected from recurrent VTE while receiving long-term therapy. The clinical benefit is maintained after anticoagulation is discontinued, but the magnitude of the benefit is less pronounced.

Mandated pain scales improve frequency of ED analgesic administration.

A retrospective study design was used to determine the effect of introducing a mandated verbal numeric pain scale on the incidence and timing of analgesic administration in the ED. Consecutive patients presenting with renal colic, extremity trauma, headache, ophthalmologic trauma, and soft tissue injury were included. 521 encounters were reviewed before and 479 encounters after the introduction of the pain scale. Groups were similar in baseline characteristics. Analgesic use increased from 25% to 36% (p < 0.001), and analgesics were administered more rapidly after the scale was introduced (113 minutes vs. 152 minutes, p = 0.09). Analgesic use correlated with pain severity. Patients undergoing diagnostic testing were less likely to receive analgesics, especially when presenting with a headache (p < 0.001). We conclude that use of a pain scale at triage significantly increases use of analgesia, and shortens the time till its administration. Patients undergoing diagnostic workups were less likely to receive analgesia.