Clinical Application of the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

We evaluated the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.We applied both tests to patients who were about to be hospitalized, had visited an emergency room, or had been admitted due to COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained; one was tested by RT-PCR and the other by the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test. A total of 118 pairs of tests from 98 patients were performed between January 5 and 11, 2021. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test compared to RT-PCR were 17.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8–32.0%) and 100% (95% CI, 95.3–100.0%). Analysis of the results using RT-PCR cycle thresholds of ≤ 30 or ≤ 25 increased the sensitivity to 26.9% (95% CI, 13.7–46.1%), and 41.1% (95% CI, 21.6–64.0%), respectively.

Clinical Application of the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

We evaluated the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.We applied both tests to patients who were about to be hospitalized, had visited an emergency room, or had been admitted due to COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained; one was tested by RT-PCR and the other by the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test. A total of 118 pairs of tests from 98 patients were performed between January 5 and 11, 2021. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag test compared to RT-PCR were 17.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8–32.0%) and 100% (95% CI, 95.3–100.0%). Analysis of the results using RT-PCR cycle thresholds of ≤ 30 or ≤ 25 increased the sensitivity to 26.9% (95% CI, 13.7–46.1%), and 41.1% (95% CI, 21.6–64.0%), respectively.

Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score is not sensitive enough to predict 28-day mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis: a retrospective review

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, derived from vital signs taken during triage and recommended by current sepsis guidelines for screening patients with infections for organ dysfunction, is not sensitive enough to predict the risk of mortality in emergency department (ED) sepsis patients.METHODS: Patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and septic shock using the old definition between May 2014 and April 2015 were retrospectively reviewed in three urban tertiary hospital EDs. The sensitivities of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, qSOFA, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores ≥2 were compared using McNemar’s test. Diagnostic performances were evaluated using specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.RESULTS: Among the 928 patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock using the old definition, 231 (24.9%) died within 28 days. More than half of the sepsis patients (493/928, 53.1%) and more than one-third of the mortality cases (88/231, 38.1%) had a qSOFA score <2. The sensitivity of a qSOFA score ≥2 was 61.9%, which was significantly lower than the sensitivity of SIRS ≥2 (82.7%, P<0.001) and SOFA ≥2 (99.1%, P<0.001). The specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a qSOFA score ≥2 for 28-day mortality were 58.1%, 32.9%, and 82.2%, respectively.CONCLUSION: The current clinical criteria of the qSOFA are less sensitive than the SIRS assessment and SOFA to predict 28-day mortality in ED patients with sepsis.

Association between the simultaneous decrease in the levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and S100 protein and good neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether simultaneous decreases in the serum levels of cell adhesion molecules (intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1], and E-selectin) and S100 proteins within the first 24 hours after the return of spontaneous circulation were associated with good neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was based on prospectively collected data from a single emergency intensive care unit (ICU). Twenty-nine out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who were admitted to the ICU for post-resuscitation care were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 24 hours after ICU admission. According to the 6-month cerebral performance category (CPC) scale, the patients were divided into good (CPC 1 and 2, n=12) and poor (CPC 3 to 5, n=17) outcome groups. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the serum levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and S100 at 0 and 24 hours. A simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of VCAM-1 and S100 as well as E-selectin and S100 was associated with good neurological outcomes. When other variables were adjusted, a simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of VCAM-1 and S100 was independently associated with good neurological outcomes (odds ratio, 9.285; 95% confidence interval, 1.073 to 80.318; P=0.043). CONCLUSION: A simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of soluble VCAM-1 and S100 within the first 24 hours after the return of spontaneous circulation was associated with a good neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors.

Comparison of Intubation Efficiency by Suction Device in a Hemorrhagic Airway Manikin Model: Yankauer Suction Tip vs. Polyvinyl Chloride Catheter Suction Tip

PURPOSE: Tracheal intubation in a hemorrhagic airway is a difficult procedure because the visibility can be obscured by blood or vomitus. Several devices and methods have been developed to overcome such obstacles, but they are not available at all practical sites. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the time and success rate of tracheal intubation according to the type of suction tip used in a hemorrhagic airway manikin model. METHODS: This study was a randomized crossover manikin simulation study. We recruited 18 emergency physicians to perform intubation with suction using a Yankauer suction tip and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter suction tip in a hemorrhagic airway manikin model. We then measured the time and success rate of intubation for each suction tip. RESULTS: The mean intubation time using the Yankauer suction tip was 42.3 seconds, and the mean intubation time using the PVC catheter suction tip was 91.1 seconds (p < 0.001). Two cases of esophageal intubation occurred when the PVC catheter suction tip was used (success rate, 88.9%). In contrast, there was no esophageal intubation when the Yankauer suction tip was used (success rate, 100%) (p=0.217). CONCLUSION: Intubation of a hemorrhagic airway manikin model can be performed in a shorter time when a Yankauer suction tip is used than when a PVC catheter suction tip is used.

Korean Shock Society septic shock registry: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes of patients with septic shock admitted to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This study was a preliminary, descriptive analysis of a prospective, multi-center, observational registry of the EDs of 10 hospitals participating in the Korean Shock Society. Patients aged 19 years or older who had a suspected or confirmed infection and evidence of refractory hypotension or hypoperfusion were included. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were enrolled (median age, 71.3 years; male, 55.1%; refractory hypotension, 82.9%; hyperlactatemia without hypotension, 17.1%). Respiratory infection was the most common source of infection (31.0%). The median Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score was 7.5. The sepsis bundle compliance was 91.2% for lactate measurement, 70.3% for blood culture, 68.4% for antibiotic administration, 80.3% for fluid resuscitation, 97.8% for vasopressor application, 68.0% for central venous pressure measurement, 22.0% for central venous oxygen saturation measurement, and 59.2% for repeated lactate measurement. Among patients who underwent interventions for source control (n=117, 25.1%), 43 (36.8%) received interventions within 12 hours of ED arrival. The in-hospital, 28-day, and 90-day mortality rates were 22.9%, 21.8%, and 27.1%, respectively. The median ED and hospital lengths of stay were 6.8 hours and 12 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report revealed a mortality of over 20% in patients with septic shock, which suggests that there are areas for improvement in terms of the quality of initial resuscitation and outcomes of septic shock patients in the ED.

Admission levels of high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-1 are associated with the neurologic outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), after the return of spontaneous circulation, can predict the neurologic outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a single tertiary hospital intensive care unit. All adult OHCA survivors with admission lipid profiles were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2015. Good neurologic outcome was defined as discharge cerebral performance categories 1 and 2. RESULTS: Among 59 patients enrolled, 13 (22.0%) had a good neurologic outcome. Serum levels of HDL (56.7 vs. 40 mg/dL) and ApoA1 (117 vs. 91.6 mg/dL) were significantly higher in patients with a good outcome. Areas under the HDL and ApoA1 receiver operating curves to predict good outcomes were 0.799 and 0.759, respectively. The proportion of good outcome was significantly higher in patients in higher tertiles of HDL and ApoA1 (test for trend, both P=0.003). HDL (P=0.018) was an independent predictor in the multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: Admission levels of HDL and ApoA1 are associated with neurologic outcome in patients with OHCA. Prognostic and potential therapeutic values of HDL and ApoA1 merit further evaluation in the post-cardiac arrest state, as in other systemic inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.

Diagnostic accuracy and implementation of computed tomography angiography for gastrointestinal hemorrhage according to clinical severity

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) angiography in patients with various severities of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH). METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled adult patients (n=262) with GIH who had undergone CT angiography from January 2012 to December 2013. Age, sex, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, initial vital signs, laboratory results, transfusion volume, emergency department disposition, and hospital mortality were abstracted from patient records. CT angiography findings were reviewed and compared to reference standards consisting of endoscopy, conventional angiography, bleeding scan, capsule endoscopy, and surgery, either alone or in combination. Clinical severity was stratified according to the number of packed red blood cell units transfused during the first two days: the first quartile was categorized as mild severity, while the second and third quartiles were categorized as moderate severity. The fourth quartile was categorized as severe. RESULTS: Patients were categorized into the mild (n=75, 28.6%), moderate (n=139, 53.1%), and severe (n=48, 18.3%) groups. The mean number of transfused packed red blood cell units was 0, 3, and 9.6 in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CT angiography were 73.8%, 94.0%, 97.3%, and 55.3%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the diagnostic performance of CT angiography was 0.780, 0.841, and 0.930 in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively, which significantly differed among groups (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography is better in patients with more severe GIH.

Clinical Features of Acute Epiglottitis in Adults in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: Acute epiglottitis is a potentially fatal condition that can result in airway obstruction. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical features of adult patients who visited the emergency department (ED) with acute epiglottitis. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital ED from November 2005 to October 2015. We searched our electronic medical records (EMR) system for a diagnosis of "acute epiglottitis" and selected those patients who visited the ED. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included. There was no pediatric case with acute epiglottitis during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 58.0+/-14.8 years. The peak incidences were in the sixth (n=7, 25.0%) and eighth (n=8, 28.6%) decades. The male-to-female ratio was 2.1:1. The most common symptom was sore throat (n=23, 82.1%), followed by dyspnea (n=15, 53.6%), hoarseness (n=7, 25.0%), fever (n=6, 21%), and dysphagia (n=5, 17.9%). The diagnosis of acute epiglottitis was confirmed when edema and hyperemia of the epiglottis were visualized by laryngoscopy. Twenty-six patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics and steroids without definite airway management. Two patients were intubated, but no patients required tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with acute epiglottitis, sore throat and dyspnea were the most common symptoms but fever was infrequent. Most patients improved with conservative management only. Definite airway management was required in only two patients in whom endotracheal intubations were performed successfully in the ED by emergency physicians, and surgical airway management was not required.

Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia on Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathways in the Brain Tissue of a Swine Cardiac Arrest Model

PURPOSE: To investigate the change in mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in the brain tissue after therapeutic hypothermia in the swine cardiac arrest model. METHODS: After the return of spontaneous circulation by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, following a 6 min of no-flow time induced by ventricular fibrillation, pigs (n=24) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (sham, normothermia, 24 hr of therapeutic hypothermia, 48 hr of therapeutic hypothermia). After 24 or 48 hr of therapeutic hypothermia (core temperature 32-34℃), the pigs were then rewarmed to 36℃ for a period of 8 hr. At 60 hr upon the return of spontaneous circulation, the pigs were sacrificed and brain tissues were harvested. RESULTS: We measured the tissue levels of p38, JNK, and ERK pathway expressions from the hippocampus of the swine brain in all four groups. The phosphorylated p38-to-p38 ratio and phosphorylated JNK-to-JNK ratio were significantly increased in all of the intervention groups compared with the sham group. The phosphorylated ERK-to-ERK ratio was increased only in the therapeutic hypothermia groups (p-value=0.026 in the 24 hr of therapeutic hypothermia group and p-value=0.002 in the 48 hr of therapeutic hypothermia group, compared with the sham group). CONCLUSION: The p38 and JNK pathways were also activated during therapeutic hypothermia and normothermia. However, the ERK pathway was activated only in therapeutic hypothermia. Therapeutic hypothermia activated the ERK pathway in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the brain tissue after cardiac arrest, which seemed to be dependent on the duration of therapeutic hypothermia.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Compression Rates during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with 120 compressions per minute (CPM) to CPR with 100 CPM in patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We randomly assigned patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest into two groups upon arrival to the emergency department (ED). The patients received manual CPR either with 100 CPM (CPR-100 group) or 120 CPM (CPR-120 group). The primary outcome measure was sustained restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The secondary outcome measures were survival discharge from the hospital, one-month survival, and one-month survival with good functional status. Of 470 patients with cardiac arrest, 136 patients in the CPR-100 group and 156 patients in the CPR-120 group were included in the final analysis. A total of 69 patients (50.7%) in the CPR-100 group and 67 patients (42.9%) in the CPR-120 group had ROSC (absolute difference, 7.8% points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.7 to 19.2%; P = 0.183). The rates of survival discharge from the hospital, one-month survival, and one-month survival with good functional status were not different between the two groups (16.9% vs. 12.8%, P = 0.325; 12.5% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.073; 5.9% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.154, respectively). We did not find differences in the resuscitation outcomes between those who received CPR with 100 CPM and those with 120 CPM. However, a large trial is warranted, with adequate power to confirm a statistically non-significant trend toward superiority of CPR with 100 CPM. (Clinical Trial Registration Information: www.cris.nih.go.kr, cris.nih.go.kr number, KCT0000231)

Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines during Rewarming Period of Therapeutic Hypothermia for Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients

PURPOSE: Therapeutic hypothermia is an important treatment strategy for control of the overwhelming inflammatory reactions of cardiac arrest patients. Rapid rewarming is related to poor outcome, however the kinds of inflammatory processes that occur during the rewarming period are not well understood. Our aim in the current study was to evaluate the changes in inflammatory cytokine levels during cardiac arrest patients' rewarming period. METHODS: This study was conducted in an emergency intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital. Blood samples were collected on admission (0 h) and 24, 26, 28, and 32 h after return of spontaneous circulation. Eight inflammatory cytokines (E-selectin, soluble ICAM, interleukin-10, interleukin-1ra, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and completed a protocol of 24 h hypothermia and 8h rewarming. Eight patients were of the good cerebral performance category (CPC) and 20 of the bad. The IL-1Ra level in the good CPC group was statistically changed at 26 (p=0.039) and 28 (p=0.003) but not at 32 h (p=0.632) when compared with the 24 h level. The IL-10 levels of the bad CPC group were decreased at 26 (p=0.017) and 28h (p=0.013) but not at 32 h (p=0.074) when compared with 24 h. None of the other cytokines showed meaningful differences during the rewarming period. CONCLUSION: Change in inflammatory-cytokine-level change during the rewarming period is not significant.

Toxic Shock Syndrome following Tattooing / 대한중환자의학회지

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening illness that is mainly caused by toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Although TSS is classically known to be associated with tampon use, the number of TSS cases with non-menstrual causes such as skin and soft tissue infection has been increasing. Tattooing can result in several complications such as localized and systemic infections, inflammatory skin eruptions and neoplasms. We recently experienced a 26-year-old man diagnosed with typical TSS following tattooing. He complained of fever, chills and erythematous rash at tattoo site. Subsequently, the patient developed sign of shock. The skin cultures on the tattoo site were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was successfully treated with vasopressor infusion and intravenous antibiotics and was discharged without complications. On discharge from the hospital 7 days later, desquamations on the tattoo site, fingers and toes were observed.

Toxic Shock Syndrome following Tattooing / 대한구급학회지

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening illness that is mainly caused by toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Although TSS is classically known to be associated with tampon use, the number of TSS cases with non-menstrual causes such as skin and soft tissue infection has been increasing. Tattooing can result in several complications such as localized and systemic infections, inflammatory skin eruptions and neoplasms. We recently experienced a 26-year-old man diagnosed with typical TSS following tattooing. He complained of fever, chills and erythematous rash at tattoo site. Subsequently, the patient developed sign of shock. The skin cultures on the tattoo site were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was successfully treated with vasopressor infusion and intravenous antibiotics and was discharged without complications. On discharge from the hospital 7 days later, desquamations on the tattoo site, fingers and toes were observed.

Successful Bridging Hemostasis Using a Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube in Massive Rectal Variceal Bleeding / 대한구급학회지

Life-threatening rectal variceal bleeding is a rare complication of liver cirrhosis. Various therapeutic interventions including endoscopic variceal ligation and percutaneous transvenous obliteration have been proposed to control significant rectal variceal bleeding. However, these definite hemostasis modalities are not readily available and require an experienced endoscopist or interventional radiologist. Therefore, bridging therapy to control active bleeding is necessary especially in patients with massive bleeding. We report a case of massive rectal variceal bleeding in which a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was effective at stopping the bleeding until percutaneous transvenous obliteration could be performed.

Low Serum Selenium Level is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Cardiac Arrest Victims

PURPOSE: Selenium plays a major role in the intracellular antioxidant system. The aim of this study was to determine whether a low serum selenium level is associated with poor neurological outcome for victims of cardiac arrest. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral center for post-resuscitation care after cardiac arrest from May 2008 to April 2010. Data were collected with respect to demographic information, variables of cardiac arrest and resuscitation, and application of therapeutic hypothermia. We examined neurologic findings and measured serum selenium level at admission to the ICU. In addition, we also calculated severity scores. The Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance categories (CPCs) were used for evaluation of neurological outcome. According to the six-month CPCs, patients were divided into two groups: the good prognosis (CPC 1-2) group and the poor prognosis (CPC 3-5) group. We then compared data between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 52 enrolled patients, 17 were classified as the good prognosis group and 35 as the poor prognosis group. Glasgow coma scale (odds ratio [OR]=0.343, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.124-0.947, p=0.039), intact pupilary reflex (OR=0.045, 95% CI, 0.004-0.561, p=0.016), and serum selenium level (OR=0.959, 95% CI, 0.921-0.999, p=0.045) showed an independent association with poor neurological outcome for victims of cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: Low serum selenium level showed an association with poor neurological outcome for victims of cardiac arrest.

Management of Severe Trauma Patients in the Emergency Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the trauma care system of our hospital, in which emergency physicians care for major trauma patients in the emergency intensive care unit (ICU) in consultation with intervention radiologists and surgeons. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in an emergency ICU of a tertiary referral hospital. We enrolled consecutive patients who had been admitted to our emergency ICU with major trauma from March 2007 to September 2010. We collected data with respect to demographic findings, mechanisms of injury, the trauma and injury severity score (TRISS), emergency surgery, angiographic intervention, and 6-month mortality. Then, we compared the observed and predicted survivals of the patients. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration plots by using 10 groups, one for each decile, of predicted mortality were used to evaluate the fitness of TRISS. P-values of greater than 0.05 represent a fair calibration. RESULTS: Among 116 patients, 12 (10.34%) were dead within 6 months after admission to the ICU, and 29 (25.00%) and 38 (32.80%) patients received emergency surgery and angiographic intervention, respectively. The mean injury severity score and revised trauma score were 36.97+/-17.73 and 7.84+/-6.75, respectively. The observed survival and the predicted survival of the TRISS were 89.66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.03~95.28%) and 69.85% (95% CI: 63.80~75.91%), respectively. The calibration plots showed that the observed survival of our patients was consistently higher than the predicted survival of the TRISS (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The observed survival for the trauma care system of our hospital, in which emergency physicians care for major trauma patients in the emergency ICU in consultation with intervention radiologists and surgeons, was higher than the predicted survival of the TRISS.

Decrease of Proapolipoprotein AI was Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Septic Shock

PURPOSE: Proteomics is a peptide screening approach to identify proteins related to physiological and pathological changes. Our objective was to analyze changes in serum proteome profiles in patients suffering from septic shock, during the first 24-h period of therapy and to determine whether these changes were associated with prognosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study based on prospectively collected data that was conducted in an emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral hospital. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with septic shock were enrolled. We obtained serum samples from the patients at admission (0 h) and 24 h after admission (24 h). Then, we analyzed the serum proteome profiles, performed Western blots, and measured serum lipid profiles. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients were grouped into the survivors (SURV) group and fourteen into the non-survivors group on day 30 (NON-SURV). Proteomic analyses and Western blot showed that the expression intensities of proapolipoprotein AI remained unchanged in SURV but decreased in NON-SURV during the first 24-h period of septic shock (p=0.015). Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level also remained unchanged in SURV but decreased in NON-SURV (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: The decrease in serum proapolipoprotein AI expression during the first 24-h period of therapy was associated with a consistently low serum HDL cholesterol level and a poor prognosis in patients with septic shock.

Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Model for Predicting 1-Month Mortality in Emergency Intensive Care Unit Korean Patients

PURPOSE: The performance of the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC) model for predicting 1-month mortality was evaluated and compared with performances of APACHE II, adjusted APACHE (adj-APACHE) II, and SAPS II models. METHODS: All admissions except those <16-years-of-age (n=7) and with inadequate data (n=10) in our emergency intensive care unit (ICU) during one year (n=661) were retrospectively analyzed. Performance was assessed using Area under curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. Customization was performed in randomly selected patients (n=324) and performance was evaluated in the remaining patients (n=337). RESULTS: Observed 1-month mortality was 25.6% (169/661). AUCs of ICNARC, APACHE II, adj-APACHE II, and SAPS II were .849, .845, .822, and .859, respectively. AUC of adj-APACHE II was smaller than the others (p<.05). All original models had poor calibrations (p<.05). After customization, AUCs of C-ICNARC, C-APACHE II, C-adjusted APACHE II, and C-SAPS II were .852, .849, .821, and .878, respectively. C-ICNARC and C-adj-APACHE II had fair calibrations (p=.251 and .074), but C-APACHE II and C-SAPS II had poor calibrations (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The ICNARC model demonstrates good performance for predicting 1-month mortality in patients of an emergency ICU in Korea.

Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Model for Predicting 1-Month Mortality in Emergency Intensive Care Unit Korean Patients

PURPOSE: The performance of the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC) model for predicting 1-month mortality was evaluated and compared with performances of APACHE II, adjusted APACHE (adj-APACHE) II, and SAPS II models. METHODS: All admissions except those <16-years-of-age (n=7) and with inadequate data (n=10) in our emergency intensive care unit (ICU) during one year (n=661) were retrospectively analyzed. Performance was assessed using Area under curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. Customization was performed in randomly selected patients (n=324) and performance was evaluated in the remaining patients (n=337). RESULTS: Observed 1-month mortality was 25.6% (169/661). AUCs of ICNARC, APACHE II, adj-APACHE II, and SAPS II were .849, .845, .822, and .859, respectively. AUC of adj-APACHE II was smaller than the others (p<.05). All original models had poor calibrations (p<.05). After customization, AUCs of C-ICNARC, C-APACHE II, C-adjusted APACHE II, and C-SAPS II were .852, .849, .821, and .878, respectively. C-ICNARC and C-adj-APACHE II had fair calibrations (p=.251 and .074), but C-APACHE II and C-SAPS II had poor calibrations (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The ICNARC model demonstrates good performance for predicting 1-month mortality in patients of an emergency ICU in Korea.