Improvement in intubation success during COVID-19 pandemic with a simple and low-cost intervention: A quasi-experimental study / Mejoría del éxito en la intubación durante la pandemia covid-19 con una intervención simple y de bajo costo: estudio cuasi-experimental

Objectives: primary objective: to improve the FPS rates after an educational intervention. Secondary objective: to describe variables related to FPS in an ED and determine which ones were related to the highest number of attempts.Design it was a prospective quasi-experimental study. Setting done in an ED in a public Hospital in Argentina. Patients there were patients of all ages with intubation in ED. Interventionsin the middle of the study, an educational intervention was done to improve FPS. Cognitive aids and pre- intubation Checklists were implemented. Main variables of interest the operator experience, the number of intubation attempts, intubation judgment, predictors of a difficult airway, Cormack score, assist devices, complications, blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry before and after intubation All the intubations were done by direct laryngoscopy (DL). Results data from 266 patients were included of which 123 belonged to the basal period and 143 belonged to the post-intervention period. FPS percentage of the pre-intervention group was 69.9% (IC95%: 60.89–77.68) whereas the post-intervention group was 85.3% (IC95%: 78.20–90.48). The difference between these groups was statistically significant (p=0.002). Factors related to the highest number of attempts were low operator experience, Cormack-Lehane 3 score and no training. Conclusions a low-cost and simple educational intervention in airway management was significantly associated with improvement in FPS, reaching the same rate of FPS than in high income countries. (AU)

Objetivos: objetivo principal: mejorar la tasa de éxito de intubación luego de una intervención educativa. Objetivo secundario: describir las variables asociadas con el éxito en el primer intento (EPI) y determinar cuáles se relacionaron con mayor número de intentos. Diseño estudio prospectivo cuasi-experimental. Ámbito: realizado en un SE de un Hospital público de Argentina. Pacientes se incluyeron todos aquellos pacientes intubados en el SE en el período de estudio. Intervención en la mitad del estudio, se realizó una intervención educativa, se implementaron ayudas cognitivas y listas de verificación preintubación. Todas las intubaciones se realizaron por laringoscopia directa. Variables de interés principales experiencia del operador, número de intentos de intubación, criterios de intubación, predictores de vía aérea difícil, grado de Cormack, dispositivos facilitadores utilizados, complicaciones y los signos vitales antes y después de la intubación. Resultados se incluyeron datos de 266 pacientes de los cuales 123 pertenecían al período basal y 143al período postintervención. El porcentaje de éxito del grupo preintervención fue del 69,9% (IC95%: 60,89-77,68) mientras que el grupo postintervención fue del 85,3% (IC95%: 78,20-90,48). La diferencia entre estos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0,002). Los factores relacionados con el mayor número de intentos fueron la baja experiencia del operador, el grado de Cormack-Lehane 3 y la falta de capacitación. Conclusiones una intervención educativa simple y de bajo costo en el manejo de la vía aérea se asoció significativamente con la mejora en el éxito del primer intento de intubación, alcanzando los porcentajes de los países de altos ingresos. (AU)

Improvement in intubation success during COVID-19 pandemic with a simple and low-cost intervention: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: primary objective: to improve the FPS rates after an educational intervention. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: to describe variables related to FPS in an ED and determine which ones were related to the highest number of attempts. DESIGN: it was a prospective quasi-experimental study. SETTING: done in an ED in a public Hospital in Argentina. PATIENTS: there were patients of all ages with intubation in ED. INTERVENTIONS: in the middle of the study, an educational intervention was done to improve FPS. Cognitive aids and pre- intubation Checklists were implemented. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: the operator experience, the number of intubation attempts, intubation judgment, predictors of a difficult airway, Cormack score, assist devices, complications, blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry before and after intubation All the intubations were done by direct laryngoscopy (DL). RESULTS: data from 266 patients were included of which 123 belonged to the basal period and 143 belonged to the post-intervention period. FPS percentage of the pre-intervention group was 69.9% (IC95%: 60.89-77.68) whereas the post-intervention group was 85.3% (IC95%: 78.20-90.48). The difference between these groups was statistically significant (p=0.002). Factors related to the highest number of attempts were low operator experience, Cormack-Lehane 3 score and no training. CONCLUSIONS: a low-cost and simple educational intervention in airway management was significantly associated with improvement in FPS, reaching the same rate of FPS than in high income countries.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment of older patients and associated factors of admission to Emergency Departments in pre-covid 19 Era - A Portuguese study.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying frequent users' (≥3admissions/year) associated factors in an emergency department (ED), using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), describing the characteristics of patients over 65 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed between August 2017 and June 2018 in an ED in Lisbon, Portugal. CGA was applied and completed with clinical records. Clinical, functional, mental and social scores were created based in Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine, and a statistical model was developed. RESULTS: CGA was applied to 426 patients over 64 years old in an ED. The mean age was 79.3, 84.7% had multimorbidity. 51.2%, 75.6%, and 40% had dependence on basic, instrumental, and walking activities, respectively. 52% had depressive symptoms, 65.7% had cognitive impairment, 63% were undernourished/at risk for malnutrition. 33.1% were socially at risk. Polypharmacy was present with a use on average of 6.5 drugs daily. Social, clinical, functional, and mental scores were unfavourable in 48.6%, 79.6%, 54.9% and 83.1% of the population, respectively. There were 2.7 hospital admissions/year and 39.9% were frequent ED users (≥3/year). The logistic regression model was weak, but showed that patients with polypharmacy, elevated Charlson Comorbidity index and an impairment nutritional status presented higher risk of being frequent users. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 97.1% of patients had needs that would justify an interventional care plan. This intervention should be extended to primary care and nursing homes. While not providing a robust model, our study has indicated nutritional problems, polypharmacy, and an elevated Charlson index as the features with more weight in frequent users' admissions.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment of older patients and associated factors of admission to Emergency Departments in pre-covid 19 Era – A Portuguese study / Valoración geriátrica integral de pacientes mayores y factores asociados de frecuentación en servicios de urgencias en la era pre-COVID-19 – Un estudio portugués

Objectives: Identifying frequent users’ (≥3admissions/year) associated factors in an emergency department (ED), using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), describing the characteristics of patients over 65 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between August 2017 and June 2018 in an ED in Lisbon, Portugal. CGA was applied and completed with clinical records. Clinical, functional, mental and social scores were created based in Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine, and a statistical model was developed. Results: CGA was applied to 426 patients over 64 years old in an ED. The mean age was 79.3, 84.7% had multimorbidity. 51.2%, 75.6%, and 40% had dependence on basic, instrumental, and walking activities, respectively. 52% had depressive symptoms, 65.7% had cognitive impairment, 63% were undernourished/at risk for malnutrition. 33.1% were socially at risk. Polypharmacy was present with a use on average of 6.5 drugs daily. Social, clinical, functional, and mental scores were unfavourable in 48.6%, 79.6%, 54.9% and 83.1% of the population, respectively. There were 2.7 hospital admissions/year and 39.9% were frequent ED users (≥3/year). The logistic regression model was weak, but showed that patients with polypharmacy, elevated Charlson Comorbidity index and an impairment nutritional status presented higher risk of being frequent users. (AU)

Objetivos: Identificar factores asociados con usuarios frecuentadores (≥ 3 ingresos/año) en un departamento de urgencias (DU), mediante valoración geriátrica integral (VGI) y describir las características de los pacientes mayores de 65 años que acuden a urgencias.Métodos: El estudio transversal se realizó entre agosto del 2017 y junio del 2018 en un DU de Lisboa, Portugal. Se realizó una VGI además de la historia clínica. Se crearon scores clínicos, funcionales, mentales, sociales, basándose en el protocolo de cuestionario del grupo de geriatría de la Sociedad Portuguesa de Medicina Interna y se desarrolló un modelo estadístico para identificar los factores asociados con la alta frecuentación.Resultados: Se realizó una VGI a 426 usuarios mayores de un DU. La edad media fue de 79,3 años, siendo 53,8% mujeres con un 84,7% de multimorbilidad, 51,2% de dependencia de las actividades básicas (Katz), 75,6% instrumentales (Lawton < 5 en mujeres, < 3 hombres y 40% de dependencia de la marcha (Holden). El 52% tenían síntomas depresivos (Yesavage), 65,7% tenían deterioro cognitivo (MMSE < 24), 63% estaban desnutridos/en riesgo de desnutrición (MNA < 23,5). El 33,1% estaba en riesgo social (Gijón, APGAR familiar). La polifarmacia con el uso de un promedio de 6,5 medicamentos al día. Los scores sociales, clínicos, funcionales y mentales fueron adversos en el 48,6, 79,6, 54,9 y 83,1%, respectivamente. Hubo 2,7 admisiones/año y el 39,9% eran usuarios frecuentes de DU (≥ 3/año). Un modelo de regresión logística fue débil, pero mostró que los pacientes con polifarmacia, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson elevado y un estado nutricional adverso presentaban mayor riesgo de ser usuarios frecuentes. (AU)

O pronto-atendimento em um Hospital Oftalmológico no Sul do Brasil / The urgency department at an Ophthalmological Hospital in Southern Brazil

Resumo Objetivo: Traçar um perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com emergências oftalmológicas, e a prevalência de conjuntivites em duas estações do ano. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, através de revisão de prontuários de pacientes do pronto-atendimento do Hospital de Olhos do Paraná, referente ao período de uma semana do primeiro mês do verão e do inverno. As idades, queixas principais e diagnósticos foram organizados em grupos. Resultados: Foram revisados 2086 prontuários. O sexo masculino abrangeu 51,9%. A média da idade foi de 38±21 anos. O grupo de conjuntivites se destacou, com 46,4% do total de diagnósticos. Conjuntivites infecciosas (virais e bacterianas) somam 57,1%, 46,7%, 57,6%, 59,3% e 54,7% do total de conjuntivites nos grupos etários de 0-9 anos, 10-19 anos, 20-39 anos, 40-59 anos e ≥60 anos, respectivamente. No verão, dentre as conjuntivites, as alérgicas foram as mais prevalentes (34,7%), seguido por virais (29,6%), bacterianas (27,2%) e não especificadas (8,5%). Já no inverno, tiveram maior prevalência as virais (35%), seguido pelas alérgicas (34,7%), bacterianas (21,7%) e não especificadas (8,6%). A conjuntivite foi responsável por 78,5% dos diagnósticos na 1a década de vida contra 26,4% a partir da 7a década. Os outros diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram hordéolo/calázio (9,59%), ceratite ou úlcera bacteriana (6,52%) e hiposfagma (5,51%). Conclusão: O grupo de conjuntivites, em especial as conjuntivites infecciosas, foram as doenças mais frequentes dentre todos os diagnósticos. O inverno trouxe maior prevalência de conjuntivites gerais. Em ambas as estações houveram mais casos de conjuntivites virais que bacterianas, mas as virais foram mais expressivas no inverno. A prevalência de conjuntivites alérgicas foi a mesma nas duas estações. A faixa etária mais acometida por conjuntivites gerais foi a de 0 a 9 anos de idade.

Abstract Purpose: To ascertain the main ophthalmological acute diseases and the prevalence of conjunctivitis in two seasons of the year. Methods: Retrospective study by reviewing medical records review of medical records for the one-week period of the first month of summer and winter of the emergency department of the Hospital de Olhos do Paraná, in summer and winter seasons. The ages, major complaints and diagnoses were organized into groups. Results: Of 2086 patients, conjunctivitis had 46.4% of diagnoses. Infective conjunctivitis (viral and bacterial) accounted for 57.1%, 46.7%, 57.6%, 59.3% and 54.7% of total conjunctivitis in the age groups of 0-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years, respectively. In summer, the most prevalent type of conjunctivitis was allergic (34.7%), followed by viral (29.6%), bacterial (27.2%) and unspecified (8.5%). In the winter, the prevalence sequence was viral (35%), allergic (34.7%), bacterial (21.7%) and unspecified (8.6%). Furthermore, conjunctivitis was responsible for 78.5% of the diagnoses in the first decade of life versus 26.4% from the seventh decade. The other most prevalent diagnoses were hordeolum / chalazion (9.59%), keratitis or bacterial ulcer (6.52%) and hyposphagma (5.51%). Conclusion: The group of conjunctivitis had the higher prevalence among the diagnosis. The winter season had a higher prevalence of general conjunctivitis. Both seasons have more viral than bacterial cases, but viral cases were more expressive in the winter. Allergic conjunctivitis had the same prevalence in the analyzed seasons. The age group most affected by general conjunctivitis was 0 to 9 years of age.

Confiabilidade da ultrassonografia de músculos esqueléticos em pacientes críticos de trauma / Reliability of skeletal muscle ultrasound in critically ill trauma patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e a viabilidade da avaliação por ultrassonografia do quadríceps no pronto-socorro, e avaliar a confiabilidade intra e entre avaliadores para aquisição e análise de imagens de ultrassonografia da espessura e da ecogenicidade muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma. Métodos: Estudo de precisão diagnóstica realizado por meio de exames e avaliações feitos por profissionais de saúde com diferentes níveis de especialização. Dois examinadores (um especialista e um novato) procederam à aquisição de imagens de ultrassom de dez pacientes. Um avaliador experiente, cego quanto aos examinadores, quantificou as imagens obtidas. Em um grupo à parte de dez pacientes, dois avaliadores (um especialista e um novato) quantificaram a espessura do músculo quadríceps femoral, assim como sua ecogenicidade (métodos quadrado ou tracejado) em imagens adquiridas por um examinador. Resultados: Identificou-se excelente confiabilidade quanto à aquisição da imagem e à sua análise (coeficientes de correlação intraclasses > 0,987; p < 0,001). O erro padrão dos valores de mensurações variou de 0,01 a 0,06 cm, para a espessura muscular, e de 0,75 a 2,04 unidades arbitrárias, para ecogenicidade muscular. Os valores de ecogenicidade foram mais elevados quando se utilizou o método quadrado do que quando se utilizou o método tracejado (p = 0,003). Conclusão: A ultrassonografia é um método seguro, viável e confiável para avaliação muscular em pacientes críticos de trauma, independentemente do nível de especialização do avaliador.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the ultrasound assessment of quadriceps in the emergency setting. To assess the intra- and interrater reliability for the acquisition and analysis of ultrasound images of muscle thickness and echogenicity in critically ill trauma patients between health professionals with different levels of expertise. Methods: Diagnostic accuracy study. Two examiners (expert and novice) acquired ultrasound images from ten patients; an experienced, blinded analyst quantified the images. In a separate group of ten patients, two analysts (expert and novice) quantified quadriceps muscle thickness and echogenicity (square or trace method) from images acquired by one examiner. Results: Excellent reliability was found for image acquisition and analysis (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.987; p < 0.001). The standard error of the measurement values ranged from 0.01 - 0.06cm for muscle thickness and from 0.75 - 2.04 arbitrary units for muscle echogenicity. The coefficients of variation were < 6% for thickness and echogenicity. The echogenicity values were higher when using the square technique than when using the tracing technique (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Ultrasound is safe, feasible, and reliable for muscle assessment in critically ill trauma patients, regardless of the assessor's level of expertise.

Oxigenoterapia por cánula nasal de alto flujo en pacientes con crisis asmática en un departamento de emergencia pediátrica / High flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with asthmatic crisis in the pediatric emergency department

INTRODUCCIÓN: Pocos estudios son concluyentes sobre la utilidad de la Oxigenoterapia por Cánula Nasal de Alto Flujo (CNAF) en pacientes con crisis asmática. OBJETIVO: Determinar la eficacia de la CNAF en niños mayores de 2 años con crisis asmática severa y moderada que no responde al tratamiento inicial. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico randomizado controlado abierto de pacientes con exacerbación asmática en un Departamento de Emergencia Pediátrica. Se excluyó crisis mediadas por infecciones y comorbilidad. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados: Grupo 1 CNAF (n: 32) y Grupo 2 Oxigenoterapia Convencional (n: 33). Ambos grupos recibieron el tratamiento farmacológico habitual. El primer punto de corte fue el descenso del PIS en más de 2 puntos a las 2 horas del tratamiento; los puntos secundarios: descenso del PIS a las 6 horas, tiempo de permanencia en la emergencia e ingreso a UCIP. RESULTADOS: Las características basales fueron similares en ambos grupos. La proporción de sujetos con disminución de más de dos puntos en el PIS a las 2 horas de tratamiento Grupo 1: 43,7% IC 95% (28-60) vs Grupo 2: 48,4%; IC 95% (32-64) p 0,447. La estadía media fue 24,8 ± 12,3 horas en el Grupo1 vs 24 ± 14,8 horas en el Grupo2; IC 95% (7,56-5,96) p 0,37. No encontramos diferencias del score y puntaje del esfuerzo respiratorio en mediciones cada 2 horas. Ningún paciente ingresó a cuidados intensivos. CONCLUSIONES: La incorporación de la CNAF al tratamiento de pacientes con crisis asmática no presentó beneficios clínicos ni disminuyó el tiempo de estadía en el DEP.

INTRODUCTION: There are few conclusive studies on the usefulness of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Oxygen Therapy in patients with asthmatic crises. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of HFNC in chil dren older than 2 years of age that present severe and moderate asthmatic crises that do not respond to initial treatment. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Open controlled randomized clinical trial of patients with asthma exacerbation in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Infection- and comorbidity-media ted crises were excluded. Subjects were randomized as follows: Group 1 HFNC (n:32) and Group 2 Conventional Oxygen Therapy (n:33). Both groups received the usual pharmacological treatment. The first cut-off point was the decrease of more than 2 points of the PIS after 2 hours of treatment; secondary points were PIS decrease at 6 hours, stay time in the Emergency Room, and PICU admis sion. RESULTS: The patient's baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The proportion of subjects with more than two points decrease in the PIS after two hours of treatment in Group 1 was 43.7% CI 95% (28-60) vs. Group 2 48.4%; CI 95% (32-64) p 0.447. The mean stay time was 24.8 ± 12.3 hours in Group 1 vs. 24 ± 14.8 hours in Group 2; CI 95% (7.56-5.96) p 0.37. We did not find differences in the respiratory effort score measurements every 2 hours. No patients were admitted to intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of HFNC oxygen therapy in the treatment of patients with asthmatic crises in the Pediatric Emergency Department did not show clinical benefits nor did it diminish the stay time.

Pediatric chronic patients at outpatient clinics: a study in a Latin American University Hospital / Pacientes pediátricos crônicos em clínicas ambulatoriais: estudo em um hospital universitário da América Latina

Abstract Objective: To describe the characteristics of children and adolescentes with chronic diseases of outpatient clinics at a tertiary university hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 16,237 patients with chronic diseases followed-up in one year. The data were collected through the electronic system, according to the number of physician appointments in 23 pediatric specialties. Patients were divided in two groups: children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years). Early (10-14 years) and late (15-19 years) adolescent groups were also analyzed. Results: Of the total sample, 56% were children and 46% were adolescents. The frequencies of following pediatric specialties were significantly higher in adolescents when compared with children: cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, nephrology/renal transplantation, neurology, nutrology, oncology, palliative and pain care, psychiatry, and rheumatology (p < 0.05). The frequencies of emergency service visits (30% vs. 17%, p < 0.001), hospitalizations (23% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), intensive care unit admissions (6% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and deaths (1% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.002) were significantly lower in adolescents than in children. However, the number of physician appointments (≥13) per patient was also higher in the adolescent group (5% vs. 6%, p = 0.018). Further analysis comparison between early and late adolescents revealed that the first group had significantly more physician appointments (35% vs. 32%, p = 0.025), and required more than two pediatric specialties (22% vs. 21%, p = 0.047). Likewise, the frequencies of emergency service visits (19% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and hospitalizations (12% vs. 10%, p = 0.035) were higher in early adolescents. Conclusions: This study evaluated a large population in a Latin American hospital and suggested that early adolescents with chronic diseases required many appointments, multiple specialties and hospital admissions.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever características de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas de clínicas ambulatoriais em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 16.237 pacientes com doenças crônicas acompanhados em um ano. Os dados foram coletados por meio de dados do sistema eletrônico de acordo com o número de consultas médicas em 23 especialidades pediátricas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: crianças (0-9 anos) e adolescentes (10-19 anos). Também foram analisados grupos de jovens adolescentes (10-14 anos) e adolescentes mais velhos (15-19 anos). Resultados: 54% eram crianças e 46% eram adolescentes. As frequências das seguintes especialidades pediátricas foram significativamente maiores em adolescentes em comparação a crianças: cardiologia, endocrinologia, hematologia, nefrologia/transplante renal, neurologia, nutrologia, oncologia, cuidados paliativos e cuidado da dor, psiquiatria e reumatologia (p < 0,05). As frequências de visitas a serviços de emergência (30%, em comparação a 17%, p < 0,001), internações (23%, em comparação a 11%, p < 0,001), internações em unidade de terapia intensiva (6%, em comparação a 2%, p < 0,001) e óbitos (1%, em comparação a 0,6%, p = 0,002) foram significativamente menores em adolescentes do que em crianças. Contudo, o número de consultas médicas (≥ 13) por paciente (também) foi maior em grupos de adolescentes (5%, em comparação a 6%, p = 0,018). A comparação de análises adicionais entre jovens adolescentes e adolescentes mais velhos revelou que o primeiro grupo apresentou um número significativamente maior de consultas médicas (35%, em comparação a 32%, p = 0,025) e precisou de mais de duas especialidades pediátricas (22%, em comparação a 21%, p = 0,047). Da mesma forma, as frequências de visitas a serviços de emergência (19%, em comparação a 14%, p < 0,001) e internações (12%, em comparação a 10%, p = 0,035) foram maiores em jovens adolescentes. Conclusões: Este estudo avaliou uma grande população em um hospital da América Latina e sugeriu que jovens adolescentes com doenças crônicas precisaram de muitas consultas, diversas especialidades e internações hospitalares.

Algoritmo de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda Manejo inicial:: etapa prehospitalaria, departamento de emergencias, internación en unidad coronaria

Con la finalidad de "saber qué hacer" en el ámbito de la urgencia de una insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y con el objetivo de optimizar las estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento en el primer contacto con un paciente que podría estar cursando esta patología, se presentan en este artículo, conceptos fundamentales sobre definiciones de esta patología, clasificaciones clínicas y hemodinámicas, manejos iniciales en diferentes escenarios (etapa pre hospitalaria, departamento de emergencia, ingreso a unidad coronaria) y finalmente, un algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico para la rápida toma de decisiones. Es nuestro objetivo que médicos generalistas, clínicos, internistas y/o cardiólogos, puedan en una forma organizada y eficiente optimizar el diagnóstico y manejo precoz de esta condición clínica que amenaza la calidad de vida y supervivencia.

Algorithm of acute heart failure Initial management: prehospital stage, emergency department, admission to coronary unit In order to "know what to do" in the area of acute heart failure and with the objective of optimizing diagnostic and treatment strategies in the first contact with a patient who might be attending this pathology, article, fundamental concepts on definitions of this pathology, clinical and hemodynamic classifications, initial management in different scenarios (prehospital stage, emergency department, coronary unit admission) and, finally, a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for rapid decision making. It is our goal that general practitioners, clinicians, internists and / or cardiologists, in an organized and efficient way, can optimize the diagnosis and early management of this life-threatening clinical condition.

Algoritmo de insuficiência cardíaca aguda Manejo inicial: estágio pré-hospitalar, departamento de emergências, admissão à unidade coronária Para "saber o que fazer" na área de insuficiência cardíaca aguda e com o objetivo de otimizar estratégias de diagnóstico e tratamento no primeiro contato com um paciente que possa estar atendendo a esta patologia, artigo, conceitos fundamentais sobre definições desta patologia, classificações clínicas e hemodinâmicas, gerenciamento inicial em diferentes cenários (estágio pré-hospitalar, departamento de emergência, admissão da unidade coronária) e, finalmente, um algoritmo diagnóstico e terapêutico para a tomada de decisões rápidas. Nosso objetivo é que clínicos gerais, clínicos, internistas e / ou cardiologistas, de forma organizada e eficiente, possam otimizar o diagnóstico e o gerenciamento precoce desta condição clínica que ameaça a vida.

Pediatric chronic patients at outpatient clinics: a study in a Latin American University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of children and adolescentes with chronic diseases of outpatient clinics at a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 16,237 patients with chronic diseases followed-up in one year. The data were collected through the electronic system, according to the number of physician appointments in 23 pediatric specialties. Patients were divided in two groups: children (0-9 years) and adolescents (10-19 years). Early (10-14 years) and late (15-19 years) adolescent groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 56% were children and 46% were adolescents. The frequencies of following pediatric specialties were significantly higher in adolescents when compared with children: cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, nephrology/renal transplantation, neurology, nutrology, oncology, palliative and pain care, psychiatry, and rheumatology (p<0.05). The frequencies of emergency service visits (30% vs. 17%, p<0.001), hospitalizations (23% vs. 11%, p<0.001), intensive care unit admissions (6% vs. 2%, p<0.001), and deaths (1% vs. 0.6%, p=0.002) were significantly lower in adolescents than in children. However, the number of physician appointments (≥13) per patient was also higher in the adolescent group (5% vs. 6%, p=0.018). Further analysis comparison between early and late adolescents revealed that the first group had significantly more physician appointments (35% vs. 32%, p=0.025), and required more than two pediatric specialties (22% vs. 21%, p=0.047). Likewise, the frequencies of emergency service visits (19% vs. 14%, p<0.001) and hospitalizations (12% vs. 10%, p=0.035) were higher in early adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated a large population in a Latin American hospital and suggested that early adolescents with chronic diseases required many appointments, multiple specialties and hospital admissions.

The use of high-flow nasal cannula in the pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the current literature describing high-flow nasal cannula use in children, the components and mechanisms of action of a high-flow nasal cannula system, the appropriate clinical applications, and its role in the pediatric emergency department. SOURCES: A computer-based search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar for literature on high-flow nasal cannula use in children was performed. DATA SUMMARY: High-flow nasal cannula, a non-invasive respiratory support modality, provides heated and fully humidified gas mixtures to patients via a nasal cannula interface. High-flow nasal cannula likely supports respiration though reduced inspiratory resistance, washout of the nasopharyngeal dead space, reduced metabolic work related to gas conditioning, improved airway conductance and mucociliary clearance, and provision of low levels of positive airway pressure. Most data describing high-flow nasal cannula use in children focuses on those with bronchiolitis, although high-flow nasal cannula has been used in children with other respiratory diseases. Introduction of high-flow nasal cannula into clinical practice, including in the emergency department, has been associated with decreased rates of endotracheal intubation. Limited prospective interventional data suggest that high-flow nasal cannula may be similarly efficacious as continuous positive airway pressure and more efficacious than standard oxygen therapy for some patients. Patient characteristics, such as improved tachycardia and tachypnea, have been associated with a lack of progression to endotracheal intubation. Reported adverse effects are rare. CONCLUSIONS: High-flow nasal cannula should be considered for pediatric emergency department patients with respiratory distress not requiring immediate endotracheal intubation; prospective, pediatric emergency department-specific trials are needed to better determine responsive patient populations, ideal high-flow nasal cannula settings, and comparative efficacy vs. other respiratory support modalities.

Is this child sick? Usefulness of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle in emergency settings.

OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid assessment tool that uses only visual and auditory clues, requires no equipment, and takes 30-60s to perform. It's being used internationally in different emergency settings, but few studies have assessed its performance. The aim of this narrative biomedical review is to summarize the literature available regarding the usefulness of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle in clinical practice. SOURCES: The authors carried out a non-systematic review in the PubMed®, MEDLINE®, and EMBASE® databases, searching for articles published between 1999-2016 using the keywords "pediatric assessment triangle," "pediatric triage," "pediatric assessment tools," and "pediatric emergency department." SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle has demonstrated itself to be useful to assess sick children in the prehospital setting and make transport decisions. It has been incorporated, as an essential instrument for assessing sick children, into different life support courses, although little has been written about the effectiveness of teaching it. Little has been published about the performance of this tool in the initial evaluation in the emergency department. In the emergency department, the Pediatric Assessment Triangle is useful to identify the children at triage who require more urgent care. Recent studies have assessed and proved its efficacy to also identify those patients having more serious health conditions who are eventually admitted to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is quickly spreading internationally and its clinical applicability is very promising. Nevertheless, it is imperative to promote research for clinical validation, especially for clinical use by emergency pediatricians and physicians.

The use of high-flow nasal cannula in the pediatric emergency department / Uso de cânula nasal de alto fluxo no departamento de emergência pediátrica

Abstract Objectives: To summarize the current literature describing high-flow nasal cannula use in children, the components and mechanisms of action of a high-flow nasal cannula system, the appropriate clinical applications, and its role in the pediatric emergency department. Sources: A computer-based search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar for literature on high-flow nasal cannula use in children was performed. Data summary: High-flow nasal cannula, a non-invasive respiratory support modality, provides heated and fully humidified gas mixtures to patients via a nasal cannula interface. High-flow nasal cannula likely supports respiration though reduced inspiratory resistance, washout of the nasopharyngeal dead space, reduced metabolic work related to gas conditioning, improved airway conductance and mucociliary clearance, and provision of low levels of positive airway pressure. Most data describing high-flow nasal cannula use in children focuses on those with bronchiolitis, although high-flow nasal cannula has been used in children with other respiratory diseases. Introduction of high-flow nasal cannula into clinical practice, including in the emergency department, has been associated with decreased rates of endotracheal intubation. Limited prospective interventional data suggest that high-flow nasal cannula may be similarly efficacious as continuous positive airway pressure and more efficacious than standard oxygen therapy for some patients. Patient characteristics, such as improved tachycardia and tachypnea, have been associated with a lack of progression to endotracheal intubation. Reported adverse effects are rare. Conclusions: High-flow nasal cannula should be considered for pediatric emergency department patients with respiratory distress not requiring immediate endotracheal intubation; prospective, pediatric emergency department-specific trials are needed to better determine responsive patient populations, ideal high-flow nasal cannula settings, and comparative efficacy vs. other respiratory support modalities.

Resumo Objetivos: Resumir a literatura atual que descreve o uso da cânula nasal de alto fluxo em crianças, os componentes e mecanismos de ação do sistema de cânula nasal de alto fluxo, as aplicações clínicas adequadas e o papel desse sistema no departamento de emergência pediátrico. Fontes: Fizemos uma pesquisa informatizada na PubMed/Medline e usamos o Google Acadêmico para encontrar literatura sobre o uso da cânula nasal de alto fluxo em crianças. Resumo dos dados: A cânula nasal de alto fluxo, modalidade de apoio respiratório não invasiva, fornece misturas de gases aquecidas e totalmente umidificadas para pacientes por meio de uma cânula nasal. A cânula nasal de alto fluxo provavelmente auxilia a respiração por meio da redução da resistência inspiratória, eliminação do espaço morto anatômico nasofaríngeo, redução do trabalho metabólico relacionado ao condicionamento de gás, melhoria da condutância das vias aéreas e transporte mucociliar e fornecimento de baixos níveis de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas. A maior parte dos dados que descrevem o uso da cânula nasal de alto fluxo em crianças é focada em crianças com bronquiolite, embora a cânula nasal de alto fluxo tenha sido usada em crianças com outras causas de doenças respiratórias. A introdução da cânula nasal de alto fluxo na prática clínica, inclusive o departamento de emergência, foi associada à redução dos índices de intubação endotraqueal. Dados intervencionistas prospectivos limitados sugerem que a cânula nasal de alto fluxo pode ser tão eficaz quanto a pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e mais eficaz do que a oxigenoterapia-padrão em alguns pacientes. As características dos pacientes, como melhoria da taquicardia e taquipneia, foram associadas a uma ausência de progressão para intubação endotraqueal. Foram raros os efeitos adversos relatados. Conclusões: A cânula nasal de alto fluxo deve ser considerada para pacientes do departamento de emergência pediátrico com insuficiência respiratória que não precisam de intubação endotraqueal imediata. Contudo, são necessários ensaios clínicos prospectivos específicos para o departamento de emergência pediátrico para determinar melhor as populações de pacientes que respondem ao tratamento, as configurações ideais da cânula nasal de alto fluxo e a eficácia comparada a outras modalidades de apoio respiratório.

Is this child sick? Usefulness of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle in emergency settings / Esta criança está doente? Utilidade do Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica nas configurações de emergência

Abstract Objective: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is a rapid assessment tool that uses only visual and auditory clues, requires no equipment, and takes 30-60 s to perform. It's being used internationally in different emergency settings, but few studies have assessed its performance. The aim of this narrative biomedical review is to summarize the literature available regarding the usefulness of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle in clinical practice. Sources: The authors carried out a non-systematic review in the PubMed®, MEDLINE®, and EMBASE® databases, searching for articles published between 1999-2016 using the keywords "pediatric assessment triangle," "pediatric triage," "pediatric assessment tools," and "pediatric emergency department." Summary of the findings: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle has demonstrated itself to be useful to assess sick children in the prehospital setting and make transport decisions. It has been incorporated, as an essential instrument for assessing sick children, into different life support courses, although little has been written about the effectiveness of teaching it. Little has been published about the performance of this tool in the initial evaluation in the emergency department. In the emergency department, the Pediatric Assessment Triangle is useful to identify the children at triage who require more urgent care. Recent studies have assessed and proved its efficacy to also identify those patients having more serious health conditions who are eventually admitted to the hospital. Conclusions: The Pediatric Assessment Triangle is quickly spreading internationally and its clinical applicability is very promising. Nevertheless, it is imperative to promote research for clinical validation, especially for clinical use by emergency pediatricians and physicians.

Resumo Objetivo: O Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica é uma ferramenta de avaliação rápida que usa apenas pistas visuais e auditivas, não necessita de equipamentos e leva de 30-60 segundos. Tem sido usado internacionalmente em diferentes configurações de emergência, porém poucos estudos avaliaram seu desempenho. O objetivo desta análise biomédica narrativa é resumir a literatura disponível com relação à utilidade do Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica na prática clínica. Fontes: Fizemos uma análise não sistemática nas bases de dados do PubMed®, Medline® e Embase® em busca de artigos publicados entre 1999-2016 com as palavras-chave "triângulo de avaliação pediátrica", "triângulo pediátrico", "ferramentas de avaliação pediátrica" e "departamento de emergência pediátrica". Resumo dos achados: O Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica demonstrou ser útil na avaliação de crianças doentes na configuração pré-hospitalar e na tomada de decisões de transporte. Ele foi incorporado, como um instrumento essencial na avaliação de crianças doentes, em diferentes cursos de apoio de vida, apesar de pouco ter sido escrito sobre a eficácia de ensino do Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica. Pouco foi publicado sobre o desempenho do Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica na avaliação inicial no departamento de emergência (DE). No DE, o Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica é útil para identificar, na triagem, crianças que exigem cuidado mais urgente. Estudos recentes avaliaram e provaram a eficácia do Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica também na identificação dos pacientes com doenças de saúde mais graves e, eventualmente, são internados no hospital. Conclusões: O Triângulo de Avaliação Pediátrica se difunde rapidamente de forma internacional e sua aplicabilidade clínica é muito promissora. Contudo, é essencial promover pesquisa para validação clínica, principalmente para o uso clínico por pediatras e médicos de emergência.