Optimized Benzodiazepine Treatment of Pediatric Status Epilepticus Through a Standardized Emergency Medical Services Resuscitation Tool.

BACKGROUND: Optimized benzodiazepine (BZD) dosing decreases morbidity and mortality in children with status epilepticus (SE), but previous studies have documented widespread underdosing. Prior interventions have focused on in-hospital SE treatment, although more than 75% of pediatric patients with SE are initially treated by emergency medical services (EMS). Our goal was to assess whether an EMS-focused, collaboratively developed dosing resuscitation aid (Medic One Pediatric [MOPed] cards) and training could improve BZD dosing and pediatric SE outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients aged 12 years and younger treated by EMS for SE and transferred to Seattle Children's Hospital during the 1 year before and immediately after MOPed card training. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving underdosed BZD treatment. Secondary outcomes included time to second-line antiseizure medication (ASM), intubation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: The 44 children before and 33 after MOPed implementation were similar with respect to age, gender, and pre-existing epilepsy diagnosis. The percentage of children receiving underdosed BZDs fell from 52% to 6% after MOPed implementation (P < 0.001). There was no significant decrease in requirement for intubation and ICU admission. The interval to treatment with a second-line ASM remained prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: EMS-focused training significantly increased the percentage of outpatient pediatric patients with SE who received recommended initial BZD treatment. This improvement in management of SE did not significantly alter the rate of intubation or ICU admission, suggesting the need for further optimization of out-of-hospital SE care, particularly access to and timely use of second-line ASMs.

Exogenous Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Attenuates Postresuscitation Myocardial and Neurologic Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Cardiac Arrest.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ on postresuscitation myocardial and neurologic dysfunction in a rat model of cardiac arrest. DESIGN: Thirty-eight rats were randomized into three groups: 1) Sham, 2) Control, and 3) NAD. Except for the sham group, untreated ventricular fibrillation for 6 minutes followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in the control and NAD groups. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ (20 mg/kg) was IV administered at the onset of return of spontaneous circulation. SETTING: University-affiliated research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamic and myocardial function were measured at baseline and within 4 hours following return of spontaneous circulation. Survival analysis and Neurologic Deficit Score were performed up to 72 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. Adenosine triphosphate (adenosine triphosphate) level was measured in both brain and heart tissue. Mitochondrial respiratory chain function, acetylation level, and expression of Sirtuin3 and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 9 (NDUFA9) in isolated mitochondrial protein from both brain and heart tissue were evaluated at 4 hours following return of spontaneous circulation. The results demonstrated that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ treatment improved mean arterial pressure (at 1 hr following return of spontaneous circulation, 94.69 ± 4.25 mm Hg vs 89.57 ± 7.71 mm Hg; p < 0.05), ejection fraction (at 1 hr following return of spontaneous circulation, 62.67% ± 6.71% vs 52.96% ± 9.37%; p < 0.05), Neurologic Deficit Score (at 24 hr following return of spontaneous circulation, 449.50 ± 82.58 vs 339.50 ± 90.66; p < 0.05), and survival rate compared with that of the control group. The adenosine triphosphate level and complex I respiratory were significantly restored in the NAD group compared with those of the control group. In addition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ treatment activated the Sirtuin3 pathway, down-regulating acetylated-NDUFA9 in the isolated mitochondria protein. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ treatment attenuated postresuscitation myocardial and neurologic dysfunction. The responsible mechanisms may involve the preservation of mitochondrial complex I respiratory capacity and adenosine triphosphate production, which involves the Sirtuin3-NDUFA9 deacetylation.

Topography of occult pneumothoraces: its importance for efficiency in diagnosis and avoiding sono-paralysis during POCUS.

Traumatic pneumothoraces remain a life-threatening problem that may be resolved quickly with timely diagnosis. Unfortunately, they are still not optimally managed. The most critically injured patients with hemodynamic instability require immediate diagnoses of potentially correctible conditions in the primary survey. Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) performed by the responsible physician can be a tremendous adjunct to expediting diagnoses in the primary surgery and can typically be done in seconds rather than minutes. If more detailed sonographic examination is required, the secondary survey of the hemodynamically unstable patient is more appropriate. All involved in bedside care need to be conscious to efficiently integrate POCUS into resuscitation with the right intentions and goals to avoid sono-paralysis of the resuscitation sequence. Sono-paralysis has recently been described as critical situations wherein action is delayed through unnecessary imaging after a critical diagnosis has been made or unnecessary imaging details are sought despite an urgent diagnosis being made.

Reliable and valid assessment of procedural skills in resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

BACKGROUND: Valid and reliable assessment of skills is essential for improved and evidence-based training concepts. In a recent study, we presented a novel tool to assess procedural skills in resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), REBOA-RATE, based on international expert consensus. Although expert consensus is a strong foundation, the performance of REBOA-RATE has not been explored. The study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of REBOA-RATE. METHODS: This was an experimental simulation-based study. We enrolled doctors with three levels of expertise to perform two REBOA procedures in a simulated scenario of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Procedures were video-recorded, and videos were blinded and randomized. Three clinical experts independently rated all procedures using REBOA-RATE. Data were analyzed using Messick's framework for validity evidence, including generalizability analysis of reliability and determination of a pass/fail standard. RESULTS: Forty-two doctors were enrolled: 16 novices, 13 anesthesiologists, and 13 endovascular experts. They all performed two procedures, yielding 84 procedures and 252 ratings. The REBOA-RATE assessment tool showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.97). Assessment using one rater and three procedures could ensure overall reliability suitable for high-stakes testing (G-coefficient >0.80). Mean scores (SD) for the three groups in the second procedure were as follows: novices, 32% (24%); anesthesiologists, 55% (29%); endovascular experts, 93% (4%) (p < 0.001). The pass/fail standard was set at 81%, which all experts but no novices passed. CONCLUSION: Data strongly support the reliability and validity of REBOA-RATE, which successfully discriminated between all experience levels. The REBOA-RATE assessment tool requires minimal instruction, and one rater is sufficient for reliable assessment. Together, these are strong arguments for the use of REBOA-RATE to assess REBOA skills, allowing for competency-based training and certification concepts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, no or poor gold standard, level V.

Individualized resuscitation strategy for septic shock formalized by finite mixture modeling and dynamic treatment regimen.

BACKGROUND: Septic shock comprises a heterogeneous population, and individualized resuscitation strategy is of vital importance. The study aimed to identify subclasses of septic shock with non-supervised learning algorithms, so as to tailor resuscitation strategy for each class. METHODS: Patients with septic shock in 25 tertiary care teaching hospitals in China from January 2016 to December 2017 were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected on days 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 after ICU admission. Subclasses of septic shock were identified by both finite mixture modeling and K-means clustering. Individualized fluid volume and norepinephrine dose were estimated using dynamic treatment regime (DTR) model to optimize the final mortality outcome. DTR models were validated in the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) dataset. RESULTS: A total of 1437 patients with a mortality rate of 29% were included for analysis. The finite mixture modeling and K-means clustering robustly identified five classes of septic shock. Class 1 (baseline class) accounted for the majority of patients over all days; class 2 (critical class) had the highest severity of illness; class 3 (renal dysfunction) was characterized by renal dysfunction; class 4 (respiratory failure class) was characterized by respiratory failure; and class 5 (mild class) was characterized by the lowest mortality rate (21%). The optimal fluid infusion followed the resuscitation/de-resuscitation phases with initial large volume infusion and late restricted volume infusion. While class 1 transitioned to de-resuscitation phase on day 3, class 3 transitioned on day 1. Classes 1 and 3 might benefit from early use of norepinephrine, and class 2 can benefit from delayed use of norepinephrine while waiting for adequate fluid infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Septic shock comprises a heterogeneous population that can be robustly classified into five phenotypes. These classes can be easily identified with routine clinical variables and can help to tailor resuscitation strategy in the context of precise medicine.

Association between the use of balanced fluids and outcomes in critically ill children: a before and after study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperchloremia and chloride load have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. We sought to evaluate the electrolyte profile and clinical outcomes associated with a unit-wide transition from saline to balanced fluids for resuscitation and maintenance fluids in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: A before and after analysis of all patients admitted to the PICU in a large, urban, academic hospital between August 2018 and March 2020. The transition from the use of saline to the use of balanced fluids for both resuscitation and maintenance fluid as standard care occurred in June 2019. The primary outcome was day 3 acute kidney injury (AKI). The secondary outcomes included mortality, ventilator-free days (VFDs), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), hospital length of stay (LOS), and electrolyte abnormalities. RESULTS: Overall, 2863 patients (47% female) with a day 3 AKI rate of 12.9% (n = 130) and a mortality rate of 2.8% (n = 79) were included. After adjusting for confounders (age, PRISM III, mechanical ventilation, and immunocompromised state, septic shock), there were no significant differences in the odds of day 3 AKI (pre 13%, post 12.5%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.96, 95%CI 0.65-1.42). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes. The post-intervention period had fewer patients with hyperchloremia (pre 15.5% vs. post 10.4%, p = < 0.0001) and hyperkalemia (pre 3.2% vs. post 1.4%, p = 0.02) and more patients with hypochloremia (pre 9.5% vs. post 14.4%, p = < 0.0001) and hypokalemia (pre 38.2% vs. post 47.2%, p = < 0.0001). In reference to the normochloremic cohort, the hypochloremic cohort had an increase in day 3 AKI, need for RRT, hyperchloremia, and hyperkalemia, and a decrease in hypokalemia; and the hyperchloremic cohort had an increase in VFD and a decrease in hospital LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Following a unit-wide implementation of balanced fluids as standard care, there were no differences in rates of day 3 AKI or other clinical outcomes. However, there were lower rates of hyperkalemia and hyperchloremia and higher rates of hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Further evaluation of the effect of balanced fluids and the clinical significance of electrolyte abnormalities in critically ill children is needed.

Comparison of fluid resuscitation weight-based dosing strategies in obese patients with severe sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the composite outcome of progression to septic shock between 30 mL/kg/ideal body weight (IBW) versus 30 mL/kg/non-IBW fluid resuscitation dosing strategies in obese patients with severe sepsis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated obese patients admitted to an academic tertiary care center for the management of severe sepsis. Patients were included if they had a fluid bolus order placed using the sepsis order set between Oct 2018 and Sept 2019. The primary objective was the composite of progression to septic shock, defined as either persistent hypotension within 3 h after the conclusion of the 30 mL/kg fluid bolus administration or the initiation of vasopressor(s) within 6 h of the bolus administration. RESULTS: Of 72 included patients, 49 (68%) were resuscitated using an IBW-based and 23 (32%) using a non-IBW-based dosing strategy. There were similar rates of progression to septic shock in the IBW and non-IBW groups (18% vs. 26%; p = 0.54). Median ICU and hospital LOS in the IBW group versus non-IBW group were (0 [IQR 0] vs. 0 [IQR 0 to 4] days; p = 0.13) and (6 [IQR 3 to 10] vs. 8 [IQR 5 to 12] days; p = 0.07), respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that in obese septic patients, fluid administration using an IBW-dosing strategy did not affect the progression to septic shock.

Time to desaturation in preterm infants undergoing endotracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal endotracheal intubation is often associated with physiological instability. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommends a time-based limit (30 s) for intubation attempts in the delivery room, but there are limited physiological data to support recommendations in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We aimed to determine the time to desaturation after ceasing spontaneous or assisted breathing in preterm infants undergoing elective endotracheal intubation in the NICU. METHODS: Observational study at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. A secondary analysis was performed of video recordings of neonates ≤32 weeks' postmenstrual age undergoing elective intubation. Infants received premedication including atropine, a sedative and muscle relaxant. Apnoeic oxygenation time (AOT) was defined as the time from the last positive pressure or spontaneous breath until desaturation (SpO2 <90%). RESULTS: Seventy-eight infants were included. The median (IQR) gestational age at birth was 27 (26-29) weeks and birth weight 946 (773-1216) g. All but five neonates desaturated to SpO2 <90% (73/78, 94%). The median (IQR) AOT was 22 (14-32) s. The median (IQR) time from ceasing positive pressure ventilation to desaturation <80% was 35 (24-44) s and to desaturation <60% was 56 (42-68) s. No episodes of bradycardia were seen. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report AOT in preterm infants. During intubation of preterm infants in the NICU, desaturation occurs quickly after cessation of positive pressure ventilation. These data are important for the development of clinical guidelines for neonatal intubation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12614000709640.

Basic neonatal resuscitation: retention of knowledge and skills of primary health care workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: birth attendants' retention of knowledge and skills of neonatal resuscitation post-training can prevent birth asphyxia by repeatedly applying neonatal resuscitation guidelines. This study assessed primary healthcare workers' retention of knowledge and skills of basic neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: in 28 primary health centres, 106 birth attendants had their knowledge and skills assessed following a one-day neonatal resuscitation training. The evaluation was before, immediately after training, at three months (a subset of participants) and six months. Paired t-tests were used to compare mean scores at two different evaluation times. RESULTS: the mean baseline knowledge and skills scores were 35.22% ± 12.90% and 21.40% ± 16.91% respectively. Immediately after training, it increased to 81.48% ± 7.05% and 87.40% ± 13.97% respectively (p=0.0001). At three months, it decreased to 55.37% ± 20.50% and 59.11% ± 25.55% respectively (p=0.0001), at six months it was 55.77% ± 14.28% and 60.38% ± 19.79% respectively (p=0.0001). Following immediate post-training at 6 months, knowledge and skills scores increased to 94.91 ± 7.28% and 96.02 ± 4.50% respectively (p=0.0001). No participant had adequate knowledge and one had adequate skills at baseline. The proportion of those with adequate knowledge and skills markedly increased immediate post-training but decreased remarkably at three-month and at six-month evaluations respectively. 99.1% had adequate knowledge and all had adequate skills immediate post-training at 6 months. CONCLUSION: neonatal resuscitation training led to an improvement in knowledge and skills with suboptimal retention at three to six months post-training. Re-training improved knowledge and skills. We recommend that the retention of knowledge and skills could improve by retraining and mentoring at least 3-6 monthly.

Staying on target: Maintaining a balanced resuscitation during damage-control resuscitation improves survival.

BACKGROUND: Damage-control resuscitation (DCR) improves survival in severely bleeding patients. However, deviating from balanced transfusion ratios during a resuscitation may limit this benefit. We hypothesized that maintaining a balanced resuscitation during DCR is independently associated with improved survival. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the Prospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma Transfusion (PROMMTT) study. Patients receiving >3 U of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) during any 1-hour period over the first 6 hours and surviving beyond 30 minutes were included. Linear regression assessed the effect of percent time in a high-ratio range on 24-hour survival. We identified an optimal ratio and percent of time above the target ratio threshold by Youden's index. We compared patients with a 6-hour ratio above the target and above the percent time threshold (on-target) with all others (off-target). Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed the combined effect of blood product ratio and percent time over the target ratio on 24-hour and 30-day survival. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with 24-hour and 30-day survival. RESULTS: Of 1,245 PROMMTT patients, 524 met the inclusion criteria. Optimal targets were plasma/PRBC and platelet/PRBC of 0.75 (3:4) and ≥40% time spent over this threshold. For plasma/PRBC, on-target (n = 213) versus off-target (n = 311) patients were younger (median, 31 years; interquartile range, [22-50] vs. 40 [25-54]; p = 0.002) with similar injury burdens and presenting physiology. Similar patterns were observed for platelet/PRBC on-target (n = 116) and off-target (n = 408) patients. After adjusting for differences, on-target plasma/PRBC patients had significantly improved 24-hour (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-4.23) and 30-day (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.41) survival, while on-target platelet/PRBC patients did not. CONCLUSION: Maintaining a high ratio of plasma/PRBC during DCR is independently associated with improved survival. Performance improvement efforts and prospective studies should capture time spent in a high-ratio range. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level II; Therapeutic, level IV.

Variation in acute fluid resuscitation among pediatric burn centers.

BACKGROUND: Accurate resuscitation of pediatric patients with large thermal injury is critical to achieving optimal outcomes. The goal of this project was to describe the degree of variability in resuscitation guidelines among pediatric burn centers and the impact on fluid estimates. METHODS: Five pediatric burn centers in the Pediatric Injury Quality Improvement Collaborative (PIQIC) contributed data from patients with ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) burns treated from 2014 to 2018. Each center's resuscitation guidelines and guidelines from the American Burn Association were used to calculate estimated 24-h fluid requirements and compare these values to the actual fluid received. RESULTS: Differences in the TBSA burn at which fluid resuscitation was initiated, coefficients related to the Parkland formula, criteria to initiate dextrose containing fluids, and urine output goals were observed. Three of the five centers' resuscitation guidelines produced statistically significant lower mean fluid estimates when compared with the actual mean fluid received for all patients across centers (4.53 versus 6.35ml/kg/% TBSA, p<0.001), (4.90 versus 6.35ml/kg/TBSA, p=0.002) and (3.38 versus 6.35ml/kg/TBSA, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This variation in practice patterns led to statistically significant differences in fluid estimates. One center chose to modify its resuscitation guidelines at the conclusion of this study.

Prognostic value of lactate levels and lactate clearance in sepsis and septic shock with initial hyperlactatemia: A retrospective cohort study according to the Sepsis-3 definitions.

ABSTRACT: The 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines suggest guiding resuscitation to normalize lactate levels in patients with sepsis-associated hyperlactatemia as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. This study evaluated the prognostic value of lactate levels and lactate clearance for 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock diagnosed in the emergency department.We performed a retrospective cohort study of sepsis patients with initial lactate levels of ≥2 mmol/L. All patients met the Sepsis-3 definitions. The prognostic value of 6-hour lactate levels, 6-hour lactate clearance, 6-hour lactate metrics (≥2 mmol/L), and lactate clearance metrics (<10%, <20%, and <30%) was evaluated. We compared the sensitivity and specificity between metrics.Of the 363 sepsis and septic shock patients, 148 died (30-day mortality: 40.8%). Nonsurvivors had significantly higher 6-hour lactate levels and lower 6-hour lactate clearance than those of survivors. Six-hour lactate levels and 6-hour lactate clearance were associated with 30-day mortality after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 1.191 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.097-1.294] and 0.989 [0.983-0.995], respectively). Six-hour lactate levels had better prognostic value than 6-hour lactate clearance (area under the curve, 0.720 [95% CI, 0.670-0.765] vs 0.656 [0.605-0.705]; P = .02). Six-hour lactate levels of ≥3.5 mmol/L and 6-hour lactate clearance of <24.4% were the optimal cut-off value in predicting the 30-day mortality. The prognostic value of 6-hour lactate metrics and 6-hour lactate clearance metrics did not differ. Six-hour lactate levels (≥2 mmol/L) had the highest sensitivity (89.2%).Six-hour lactate levels proved to be more accurate in predicting 30-day mortality than 6-hour lactate clearance and initial lactate levels.

Effectiveness of the sepsis six bundle in the management of acute adult sepsis in the UK.

There are up to 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide each year. Management of sepsis requires early recognition, appropriate antibiotic treatment and careful management of haemodynamic status. In 2006, the UK Sepsis Trust introduced the sepsis six care bundle to simplify the guidelines for managing sepsis and identify actions for management that were more accessible to junior clinicians. This article reports findings from a literature review that explored the effectiveness of the sepsis six bundle in the management of adult sepsis patients in the UK and assessed the level of clinician compliance in UK clinical settings. The effectiveness of sepsis six was based on patient mortality during hospital stay, rate of intensive care unit admissions and length of hospital stay, all of which were found to have improved since the introduction of the tool.

Evaluation of audio-voice guided application for neonatal resuscitation: a prospective, randomized, pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether audio-voice guidance application improves adherence to resuscitation sequence and recommended time frames during neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, pilot study examining the use of an audio-voice application for guiding resuscitation on newborn mannequins, based on the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm. Two different scenarios, with and without voice guidance, were presented to 20 medical personnel (2 midwives, 8 nurses, and 10 physicians) in random order, and their performance videotaped. RESULTS: Audio-voice guided resuscitation compared with non-guided resuscitation, resulted in significantly better compliance with NRP order sequence (p<0.01), correct use of oxygen supplementation (p<0.01) and performance of MR SOPA (Mask, reposition, suction, open mouth, pressure, airway) (p<0.01), and shortened the time to "positive pressure ventilation" (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, audio-voice guidance application for newborn resuscitation simulation on mannequins, based on the NRP algorithm, improved adherence and performance of NRP guidelines.

Is the Parkland formula still the best method for determining the fluid resuscitation volume in adults for the first 24 hours after injury? - A retrospective analysis of burn patients in Germany.

BACKGROUND: R Rapid fluid resuscitation is a crucial therapy during the treatment of patients with extensive burns. In 1968, the Parkland Formula was introduced for the calculation of the estimated volume of the resuscitation fluid. Since then, different methods for the calculation of fluid resuscitation volume have been developed. We aimed to evaluate if the Parkland formula is still the most effective method for fluid resuscitation volume calculation in burn patients. METHODS: In the period between January 2015 and January 2019, data from 569 patients over 16 years old with burns of more than 20% total body surface area (TBSA) and at least 15% TBSA full thickness burns were entered in the German burn registry. The patients were divided into 5 groups (0, +1, -1, +2, -2) according to the volume of the resuscitation fluid they received. Group 0 patients received the amount of fluid calculated according to the Parkland formula (n = 83). The 4 other groups received reduced (-1, -2) or increased (+1, +2) fluid volumes in comparison to the value obtained by the Parkland formula. RESULTS: Patients in Group 0 presented a significantly lower mortality in the first week (4.5%) compared to groups -2 (16.7%) and group +2 (19.5%) (p = 0.021). Furthermore, the mean number of operations in group +2 (5.81) was higher than in group -2 (3.81). Surviving patients from group +2 presented a longer hospital stay (68.1 days) compared to the other groups. Additionally, the logistic regression analysis showed a higher survival of patients in groups -2 and -1 (regression coefficients -0.11 and -0.086; Odds Ratio 0.896 and 0.918; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0,411-1.951 and 0.42-2.004). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, register based analysis a restrictive fluid regime was associated with a higher survival compared to the liberal Parkland guided fluid regime.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified Bilateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Resuscitative thoracotomy is a time-sensitive, lifesaving procedure that may be performed by emergency physicians. The left anterolateral thoracotomy (LAT) is the standard technique commonly used in the United States to gain rapid access to critical intrathoracic structures. However, the smaller incision and subsequent limited exposure may not be optimal for the nonsurgical specialist to complete time-sensitive interventions. The modified bilateral anterior clamshell thoracotomy (MCT) developed by Barts Health NHS Trust clinicians at London's Air Ambulance overcomes these inherent difficulties, maximizes thoracic cavity visualization, and may be the ideal technique for the nonsurgical specialist. The aim of this study is to identify the optimal technique for the nonsurgical-specialist-performed resuscitative thoracotomy. Secondary aims of the study are to identify technical difficulties, procedural concerns, and physician preferences. METHODS: Emergency medicine staff and senior resident physicians were recruited from an academic Level I trauma center. Subjects underwent novel standardized didactic and skills-specific training on both the MCT and LAT techniques. Later, subjects were randomized to the order of intervention and performed both techniques on separate fresh, nonfrozen human cadaver specimens. Success was determined by a board-certified surgeon and defined as complete delivery of the heart from the pericardial sac and subsequent 100% occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta with a vascular clamp. The primary outcome was time to successful completion of the resuscitative thoracotomy technique. Secondary outcomes included successful exposure of the heart, successful descending thoracic aortic cross clamping, successful procedural completion, time to exposure of the heart, time to descending thoracic aortic cross-clamp placement, number and type of iatrogenic injuries, correct anatomic structure identification, and poststudy participant questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixteen emergency physicians were recruited; 15 met inclusion criteria. All participants were either emergency medicine resident (47%) or emergency medicine staff (53%). The median number of previously performed training LATs was 12 (interquartile range 6 to 15) and the median number of previously performed MCTs was 1 (interquartile range 1 to 1). The success rates of our study population for the MCT and LAT techniques were not statistically different (67% versus 40%; difference 27%; 95% confidence interval -61% to 8%). However, staff emergency physicians were significantly more successful with the MCT compared with the LAT (88% versus 25%; difference 63%; 95% CI 9% to 92%). Overall, the MCT also had a significantly higher proportion of injury-free trials compared with the LAT technique (33% versus 0%; difference 33%; 95% CI 57% to 9%). Physician procedure preference favored the MCT over the LAT (87% versus 13%; difference 74%; 95% CI 23% to 97%). CONCLUSION: Resuscitative thoracotomy success rates were lower than expected in this capable subject population. Success rates and procedural time for the MCT and LAT were similar. However, the MCT had a higher success rate when performed by staff emergency physicians, resulted in less periprocedural iatrogenic injuries, and was the preferred technique by most subjects. The MCT is a potentially feasible alternative resuscitative thoracotomy technique that requires further investigation.

Systematic approach to delivering prolonged field care in a prehospital care environment.

BACKGROUND: This article describes a novel patient care algorithm which provides a Role 1 (R1) medic with a structured approach to delivering prolonged field care (PFC) in a resource-limited environment. PFC is a vital component of the operational patient care pathway providing the continuum of care from completion of a primary survey to the delivery to hospital care. Future operational environments are likely to have more fragile or extended lines of communication, potentially delaying evacuation to hospital care. This delay may lead to increases in patient morbidity and mortality. Effective PFC offers an opportunity to improve patient outcomes and help mitigate against this risk. METHODS: An initial prototype model of a PFC care process was developed using existing hospital-based guidance. A series of medical and trauma vignettes and best available evidence were used to refine the algorithm. RESULTS: The algorithm has been designed be used in conjunction with patient specific clinical guidance making the approach generalisable for all patient groups. For UK military, clinical guidance is provided by clinical guidelines for operations. The algorithm can be downloaded into a convenient format to be used on mobile devices or printed as an aide memoire.

Resuscitation of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid: post policy change impact analysis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of policy change in delivery room resuscitation from routine endotracheal (ET) suctioning of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to immediate non-invasive respiratory support. DESIGN: Single-centre cohort study. Prospective group (October 2016-September 2017)-non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF managed according to the current (2015) guidance of commencing respiratory support without prior suctioning. Retrospective group (August 2015-July 2016)-non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF who underwent routine ET suctioning. RESULTS: 1138 neonates born through MSAF were analysed. No differences in the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), requirement of mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide or surfactant therapy were found between groups. Less neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions were necessary in the prospective cohort compared with the retrospective group (19.1% vs 55.6%, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The policy change towards not routinely suctioning non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF at birth was not associated with an increase in the local incidence of MAS and was associated with fewer NICU admissions.