Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Status in Northwest of Iran: First Wave of the Persian Traffic Cohort Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between Quality of Life (QOL) and independent factors, emphasizing Socio Economic Status (SES) in northwestern Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed within the Persian Traffic safety and health Cohort in 2020. Participants were chosen using stratified random sampling method. The majority of participants (69%) were aged between 30 and 65. Around half of the participants were males (54.44%). Most of the female respondents were categorized as very low and medium levels of SES Based on multiple linear regression analysis, the QOL among females was lower compared to males (ß: - 0.92, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.22). There was a negative association between SES and QOL; individuals with low and very low levels of SES had a lower QOL than those with a medium level of SES (ß: - 4.38, 95% CI - 5.9 to - 2.86) (ß: - 2.65, 95% CI - 4.08 to - 1.22). The current study highlights that higher SES and educational levels are positively associated with higher QOL. Conversely, older age, females, and widowed individuals are linked with lower QOL.

Distraction and related risk factors among professional and non-professional drivers.

Background: Distraction is one of the main driver's behavioral factors that reduces the performance of the drivers and might increase the accident risk. Distraction while driving holds significant importance, especially among professional drivers, and failure to address this matter may result in adverse implications for traffic safety. The present study was conducted to investigate distraction and related risk factors between two groups of private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in Tabriz, Iran in 2022. The total sample size in this study was 701 taxi drivers, professional drivers, and private vehicle drivers. The independent samples t-test was used to determine the statistically significant difference between groups and its sub-scales between the two studied groups. Moreover, the multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors that affect distraction score. The test's level of significance was considered at 0.05. Results: The mean distraction score among taxi drivers surpasses that of private vehicle drivers (2.82 vs. 2.32, p-value<0.05). The drivers with negative scores, over the past year, among private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers were 2.5 % and 5.2 %, respectively (p-value<0.05). A group of taxi drivers exhibits a higher level of distraction while driving and the mean distraction score for private vehicle drivers is lower than that of taxi drivers (ß = -0.11, CI 95 %: 0.17, -0.05). Also, a history of damage or injury accidents has a significant impact on distraction while driving (ß = 0.12, CI 95 %; 0.06-0.17). Conclusions: The results indicate that distraction while driving is high amongst taxi drivers rather than private vehicle drivers. To have effective driver safety promotion interventions, it is recommended to consider driver distraction based on professional and non-professional drivers.

Incidence and Outcomes of Aortic Dissection in Tabriz, Iran; a Longitudinal Study of 150 Cases.

Introduction: A comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological features of aortic dissections in Azerbaijan Province, Iran, and their influence on patient survival remains unexplored. This study aimed to determine the incidence of aortic dissection and identify the associated factors of mortality in these patients. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using hospital records of patients diagnosed with aortic dissection in Tabriz, Iran, between 2017 and 2021. The 3-month mortality was followed up via telephone calls using the contact numbers provided in the patients' records. Then, independently associated factors of mortality were identified using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 150 cases of aortic dissection identified, 74% (n = 111) were classified as type A, and 26% (n = 39) were classified as type B. The overall incidence proportion of aortic dissections was 2.35 per 100000 population. In type A dissections, 64% (71 out of 111) of patients received surgical treatment, while 21.6% (24 out of 111) received medical treatment. Among type B dissections, only 23.1% (9 out of 39) underwent surgery. The all-cause mortality rate at 3 months was 52.5% (73 out of 139 patients with complete follow-up), 47 male (54%) and 26 female (50%). Multivariate analysis showed that higher age was independently associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.06, p = 0.027). In contrast, patients with DeBakey Type III classification (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.01-0.87, p = 0.027), hypothyroidism (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01-0.99, p = 0.049), and those who received either surgical treatment (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05-0.76, p = 0.019) or medical treatment (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.80, p = 0.024) had a lower chance of mortality. Gender was not found to be associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The study revealed an annual incidence rate of aortic dissection as 2.35 per 100000 population. Aortic dissection, regardless of type, remains a highly fatal condition, with over half of patients dying within 3 months of the initial event. To reduce the high mortality rates associated with aortic dissections, it is crucial to implement specific measures for the early identification of patients and ensure prompt and appropriate care.

The Impact of Team Triage Method on Emergency Department Performance Indexes: A quasi-interventional study.

Introduction: One of the effective methods of patient triage in the emergency department (ED) is the use of team triage, including physicians and nurses. Considering that there is no conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of team triage, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the team triage method on ED performance indexes. Methods: The present study is a quasi-interventional study in which 200 patients were referred to the ED in the hospitals of Tabriz in 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (team triage and conventional triage) and were evaluated. Data were collected by a three-part questionnaire including the participants' demographic characteristics, the five-level triage form, and Press-Ganey satisfaction questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS.22 statistical software. Results: The results showed that the mean score of waiting time for the first physician visit in team triage was statistically significantly lower than the conventional triage (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the mean score of waiting time for receiving the first treatment in team triage was statistically significantly lower than the conventional triage (P = 0.001). Finally, the mean score of patients' satisfaction in team and conventional triage was statistically significantly higher in team triage (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The study findings revealed that the team triage method, in comparison to conventional triage, decrease the waiting time for receiving the first service and length of stay, but leads to more patient's satisfaction. Therefore, to improve the performance indicators of the ED, it is recommended that hospital managers use the team triage method.

Exploring the Causal Impact of Age and Nighttime Driving on Road Traffic Injuries among Elderly Drivers: A Bayesian LASSO Approach.

Objective: To determine the causal relationship between aging and nighttime driving and the odds of injury among elderly drivers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 5460 car accidents were investigated from 2015 to 2016. The data were extracted from the Iranian Integrated Road Traffic Injury Registry System. Pedestrian accidents, motorcycle crashes, and fatalities were excluded from the study. To account for major confounders, Bayesian-LASSO, and treatment-effect cutting-edge approaches were used. Results: Overall, 801 injuries (14.67%) were evaluated. The results of the univariable analysis indicated that aging and nighttime had adverse effects on the odds of road traffic injuries (RTIs), even after adjusting for the effect of other variables, these effects remained statistically significant. According to a newly developed approach, the overall effects of aging and nighttime were significantly and directly correlated with the odds of being injured for older adults (both p<0.001). Our findings indicated that drivers over 75 years old experienced 23% higher injury odds (OR=1.23, 95% CI:1.11 to 1.39; p<0.001), while driving at night increased the odds by 1.78 times (OR=1.78, 95% CI:1.51 to 1.83; p<0.001). Conclusion: Aging and nighttime driving are significant risk factors for RTIs among elderly drivers. This highlights the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance road safety for this vulnerable population. Furthermore, the use of advanced Bayesian-LASSO and treatment-effect statistical methods highlights the importance of utilizing sophisticated methodologies in epidemiological research to effectively capture and adjust for potential confounding factors.

Cosmetic Breast Implants and the Risk of Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Having cosmetic breast implants increases a woman's chance of suicide, which is now a global challenge. This systematic review evaluated the possible risk of suicide among women who undergo cosmetic breast implants. Method : This meta-analysis was done based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we systematically searched for all articles written in both English or Persian that estimated the prevalence of suicidal ideation in women who had cosmetic breast implants. We systematically searched different databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Library ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar, from inception to March 2021. There was also a search for references. Suicidal ideation, a suicide plan, or suicide attempts were the outcomes. In order to determine the total pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation, we utilized a random-effects model. To examine the risks of bias in each study, we applied the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal method. Results: We identified 218 citations in our initial search. After omitting duplicated citations and excluding irrelevant studies according to the title and abstract selection, 42 studies were chosen for the full text analysis. Finally, 11 research, examining a total of 324,332 women were incorporated into the systematic review and critical appraisal assessment. Eight of these studies were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. The frequency of suicide in women with cosmetic breast implant was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1% to 0.4%; P < 0.001) (Q-value: 168.143, I2:95.83). Most of the included studies had moderate quality. Conclusion: There might be a correlation between cosmetic breast implants and suicide risk, which could be stronger in the presence of a history of mental illnesses. The evidence about the possible effects of breast implants on the risk of suicide is still inconclusive, and there is a need for future well-designed studies on this topic.

Effect of vitamin C on adrenal suppression following etomidate for rapid sequence induction in trauma patients: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Etomidate is an imidazole derivative that is widely used in the emergency department for Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI). Although it has a safe hemodynamic profile, there are some concerns about its suppressant effects on the adreno-cortical axis. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, can play a protective role in this issue. METHOD: In a controlled clinical trial, we studied adult traumatic patients who needed RSI with etomidate. In one group underwent RSI with etomidate and cortisol levels were measured three hours later. In the other group, we administered one gram of vitamin C before etomidate administration, and the cortisol level was measured three hours later. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients have been studied. The serum cortisol level was significantly lower after RSI with etomidate in both groups. In the Vitamin C group, there was a significantly higher cortisol level after RSI in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSION: Etomidate can suppress the cortisol level in trauma patients who undergo RSI. Vitamin C can reduce this suppressant effect of etomidate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT registration number: IRCT20090923002496N11, URL of trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/34586 , Date of trial registration: 19/04/2019. Full date of the first registration: 30/05/2019.

Bell's Palsy and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review.

Background: Bell's palsy is a rare adverse event reported in COVID-19 vaccines. Given the importance of neurological manifestations, the necessity to highlight and scrutinize the incidence of them following COVID-19 vaccination is needed. This study aimed to systematically review the reported cases of Bell's palsy following vaccination against COVID-19. Methods: This systematic review is conducted based on the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook and PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) and using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews. The inclusion criteria for the included published studies were patient age ≥18 years, history of Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccination and established diagnosis in the patients with COVID-19 vaccination. The exclusion criteria were repeated cases and missing clinical information. The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies in August 2021 and updated by hand searching in May 2022 using the identified keywords and index terms in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google scholar. Finally, the reference lists of all identified reports and articles were searched for additional studies. The JBI critical appraisal tools for case reports or case series were used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: During the electronic search, hand search, and reference check, we identified 1281 citations, and in hand searching, we detected additional 15 studies. After omitting duplicated citations and assessing the title, abstract, and full text 15 case-report and two case-series studies were included for the critical appraisal process and were included in this study. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were the most common vaccines among articles that reported the cases of Bell's palsy. Left-sided paralysis was more common than right-sided paralysis. The interval between receiving the vaccine and the onset of facial weakness was between 1 and 48 days. Conclusion: Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to assess the association between Bell's palsy and the dose-response of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prediction of PTSD related to COVID-19 in emergency staff based on the components of self-compassion and perceived social support.

BACKGROUND: On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. In addition to severe health problems, the disease has had a major psychological impact on the public. The aim of this research was to examine the association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to COVID-19 in emergency staff and self-compassion and perceived social support. METHODS: Data were collected from 222 emergency staff working in two referral educational and health centers for COVID-19 affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The participants were recruited six months following the first case of hospitalization for COVID-19 in these two hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Four questionnaires were used to measure the variables, including a researcher-made demographic checklist, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) and the Self-Compassion Scale. RESULTS: The findings showed that age (r = 0.17, P = 0.034), self-judgment (r = 0. 36, P < 0.001), isolation (r = 0.44, P < 0.001) and over-identification (r = 0.15, P = 0.031) were associated with PTSD score, and there was also a statistically significant inverse relationship between the score of the self-kindness (r = - 0.19, P = 0.006) subscale and the overall score of PTSD in the emergency staff. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency staff have persistently faced potentially traumatic situations as first-line healthcare workers, suggesting the direness of this group's mental health. By identifying the predisposing factors of the psychological pathology under study, this research can be applied in clinical practice and provide useful information for designing special interventions and protocols for emergency staff.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A systematic review.

Objectives: COVID-19 patients develop Life-threatening complications like pneumomediastinum/pneumothorax and emphysema which might experience prolonged hospital stays and additional costs might be imposed on the patient and the health system. The clinical features and outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 infection who develop a pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema has not been rigorously described or compared to those who do not develop these complications. So a systematic review of studies conducted on this subject was carried out to better manage these complications by investigating the underlying factors in COVID-19 patients. Methods: The search was conducted between early January and late December 2020 in databases including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, using the following keywords and their combinations: COVID-19 Complication, Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum, Pneumopericardium, and Subcutaneous Emphysema. The extracted studies were screened separately by two researchers based on the PRISMA statement. After eliminating the duplicate studies, the title, abstract, and full text of the remaining studies were reviewed. Disagreements in the screening and selection of the studies were resolved by consensus or through a third-party opinion. Results: A total of 793 articles were retrieved through the literature search, and 99 studies conducted on a total of 139 patients were finally included The patient mortality was found to have a significant relationship with positive pressure ventilation (P=0.0001). There was no significant relationship between the patients' death and chest tube insertion (P=0.2) or between the interval of time from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis of pneumothorax (P=0.7). The mean age was higher in the deceased cases, and the mean difference observed was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: With the expansion of our clinical understanding of COVID-19, recognition of the uncommon complications of COVID-19 especially pneumothorax is crucial. Although in our review we couldn't find a causal relationship between COVID-19 and pneumothorax or association between pneumothorax and death, as it is limited by many variables such as included studies' design, or incomplete outcome data especially more information about the associated risk factors, we recommend performing more well-designed studies to describe the pneumothoraxes' incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Management of pain using magnesium sulphate: a narrative review.

Pain is one of the most complex and unpleasant sensory and emotional human experiences. Pain relief continues to be a major medical challenge. The application of systemic opioid and regional analgesia techniques has facilitated a decrease in the occurrence and gravity of pain. Magnesium has an evolving role in pain management. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), the pharmacological form of magnesium, is a physiological voltage-dependent blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-coupled channels. In terms of its antinociceptive role, magnesium blocks calcium influx, which inhibits central sensitization and decreases preexisting pain hypersensitivity. These properties have encouraged the research of magnesium as an adjuvant agent for intra- and post-operative analgesia. Moreover, the mentioned magnesium impacts are also detected in patients with neuropathic pain. Intravenous magnesium sulfate, followed by a balanced analgesia, decreases opioid consumption. This review has focussed on the existing evidence concerning the role of magnesium sulfate in pain management in situations including neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, and post-operative pain. Additional studies are required to improve the use of magnesium sulfate for pain to increase the quality of life of patients.

Psychological pathways between type D personality and COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a type D personality have worse social functioning and mental health and more affective constraints than non-type D personalities. They have a negative outlook on life and health-related issues. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of stress and anxiety in the relationship between type D personality and COVID-19 by adjustment of the effect of demographic characteristics and perceived symptoms as confounder variables. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: A total of 196 patients out of those suspected of having COVID-19 and visiting the reference hospitals were selected. They had completed the type D personality and the anxiety and stress scales along with their hospital admission form before undergoing COVID-19 testing. After their COVID-19 test, the participants were divided into two groups based on their disease, an infected group (n = 90) and a non-infected group (n = 106). RESULTS: Type D personality has no significant direct effect on infection with the disease, but taking into account the mediating variable of stress, the odds of an event in those with type D personality is 2.21 times higher than those without this personality (p = .027) and, taking into account the mediating variable of anxiety, having a type D personality increases the odds of an event by 2.62 times (p = .011), holding demographic characteristics and perceived symptoms constant. CONCLUSIONS: Given the indirect relationship between COVID-19 and type D personality, the mediating variables of stress and anxiety can be considered full mediating variables.

An Umbrella Review of Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Cardiac Events Associated with Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine with or Without Azithromycin in Patients with COVID-19.

CONTEXT: The safety and efficacy of several repurposed drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, with or without azithromycin, were presumed to be miraculous in treating patients with COVID-19. However, as it later transpired, these therapeutic agents seem to be associated with critical adverse cardiac events. OBJECTIVES: Given the skepticism around the advantages and disadvantages of the aforementioned treatment strategies, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and cardiac toxicity of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without azithromycin in the setting of COVID-19 infection. METHOD: This was an umbrella review conducted on patients with COVID-19 who received hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without azithromycin from January 2020 to November 2020. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Embase databases. RESULTS: Three studies (systematic review and meta-analysis) were analyzed to evaluate the arrhythmogenic potential of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without azithromycin in patients with COVID-19 and identify the clinical efficacy of such a combination. CONCLUSIONS: We found no benefit for patients with COVID-19 who received hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin. Moreover, it is noteworthy that these medications, particularly when considering co-administration, could result in both statistically and clinically elevated risks of notorious arrhythmias, such as TdP.

Investigating the COVID-19 related behaviors in the public transport system.

BACKGROUND: Determining people's healthy behaviors related to COVID-19 could be effective in providing preventive measures. The present study aims to investigate preventive behaviors associated with COVID-19 including wearing masks and keeping physical distance among the passengers on buses and public taxis measures to evaluate the ventilation systems in these vehicles. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 753 passengers on buses and taxis in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, from 15 February to 1 March 2021. Multistage sampling method was used to select the participants. Tabriz was socioeconomically divided into three areas, including high, moderate, and low socioeconomic status. Three researchers were observed passengers behaviors standing at the selected stations and assessed their behaviors according to study checklist. RESULTS: In total, the data were gathered from 358 (47.5%) female and 395 (52.5%) male in public transport systems. The results of this study indicated that female passengers used masks significantly more than men (P < 0.001). About 40% of men and women did not keep a physical distance of at least one meter in the public transportation system. Failing to keep social distancing was mostly observed among people with low SES (N = 103, 54%) and those who were in city center (N = 88, 48.5%). According to the multivariate regression analysis, for not wearing mask: being male [OR 4.94; 95%CI (2.62-9.28)] and using bus [(OR 3.27, 95%CI (1.73,6.19)], and for not physical distancing: having age under 25 years [OR 2.58; 95%CI (1.53,4.36)] and low socioeconomic status (SES) [OR 5.19; 95%CI (3.25,8.30)], and for no ventilation: using bus [OR 1.57; 95%CI (1.05,2.34)] were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that gender, type of vehicle, age, and SES were significant predictors of non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors in public transport during the pandemic. Given that social distancing is less observed in the public transportation system in Tabriz, Iran, it is necessary for government to consider and monitor guidelines to protect the passengers from COVID-19 infections by providing measures to maintain physical distance in public transportation systems. It may be possible to force vehicle owners who do not comply with health protocols to keep some distance by imposing fines.

Value of Canadian C-spine rule versus the NEXUS criteria in ruling out clinically important cervical spine injuries: derivation of modified Canadian C-spine rule.

PURPOSE: Although, Canadian C-spine rule and the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria in ruling out clinically important cervical spine injuries have been validated using large prospective studies, no consensus exist as to which rule should be endorsed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of the Canadian C-spine and NEXUS criteria in ruling out clinically important cervical spine injuries in trauma patients. Finally, we introduced the modified Canadian C-spine rule. METHODS: A prospective diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on trauma patients referred to four emergency departments of Iran in 2018. Emergency physicians evaluated the patients based on the Canadian C-spine rule and NEXUS criteria in two groups of low risk and high risk for clinically important cervical spine injury. Afterward, all patients underwent cervical imaging. In addition, modified Canadian C-spine rule was derived by removing dangerous mechanism and simple rear-end motor vehicle collision from the model. RESULTS: Data from 673 patients were included. The area under the curve of the NEXUS criteria, Canadian C-spine, and modified Canadian C-spine rule were 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.81)], 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.83), and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.83), respectively. The sensitivities of NEXUS criteria, Canadian C-spine, and modified Canadian C-spine rule were 93.4%, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Canadian C-spine rule has fewer variables than the original Canadian C-spine rule and is entirely based on physical examination, which seems easier to use in emergency departments.

Clinical Applications of Aspirin as a Multi-potent Drug Beyond Cardiovascular Implications: A Proof of Concept for Anesthesiologists- A Narrative Review.

To the best of our knowledge, aspirin (ASA) is known as a commonly used medication worldwide. Although the cardiovascular aspects of ASA are well-established, recently, it has been identified that ASA can yield multiple extra-cardiovascular therapeutic potencies in facing neurodegenerative disorders, various cancers, inflammatory responses, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we aimed to highlight the proven role of ASA administration in the variety of non-cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the field of anesthesiology.

Feasibility of Nasogastric Tube Insertion in Conscious Patients: Conventional Method vs. SORT Method.

BACKGROUND: Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is one of the most common procedures in the Emergency Department (EDs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the ease of NGT installation using the conventional method and the SORT method. METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial in a university hospital on 200 patients who required NGT insertion during Mar-Sep, 2019. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 100 patients each, receiving the SORT and conventional methods. Finally, the feasibility of NGT insertion was examined in the two groups using the frequency of NGT insertion attempts, pain during insertion (based on the VAS score of 1 - 10), patient satisfaction with the procedure (rating of 1 - 10), and incidence of complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, sex, and history of NGT use. However, the mean patient satisfaction score was higher (P < 0.05), whereas the mean pain score was lower (P < 0.05) in the group receiving the conventional method compared to the other group. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in complications (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that using the conventional method in comparison with the SORT method was significantly better for NGT insertion in conscious patients in terms of patient satisfaction and pain relief. Therefore, it is recommended not to use the SORT method in conscious patients.

qSOFA score for prediction of sepsis outcome in emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: The third international consensus definition for sepsis and septic shock (sepsis 3) task force recently introduced qSOFA (quick sequential organ failure assessment) as a score for detection of patients at risk of sepsis outside of intensive care units. We performed this study to evaluate the validity of qSOFA for early detection and risk stratification of septic patients in emergency department. METHODS: We conducted this study in an emergency department of the largest university affiliated hospital in northwest of Iran from Sept 2015 to Sept 2016. One hundred and forty patients who were SIRS positive with a suspected infection without alternative diagnosis and a microbiological proven infection were enrolled in this study. qSOFA was calculated for each patient and correlated with sepsis grades and mortality. RESULTS: From 140 patients 84 (60%) had positive qSOFA score and 56 (40%) patients had negative qSOFA score. Our results showed that near half of patients with positive qSOFA expired during their stay in hospital while this was about 5% for patients with negative qSOFA. ROC curve of study regarding prediction of outcome with qSOFA showed an area under curve of 0.59. (P value: 0.04). Time spent to sepsis detection was 16 minutes shorter with qSOFA score compared to SIRS criteria in this study. CONCLUSION: In patients with suspected sepsis, qSOFA has acceptable value for risk stratification of severity, multi organ failure and mortality. It seems that education of medical staff and frequent screening of patients for warning signs can help to increase the value of qSOFA in prediction of mortality in critically ill septic patients.