scholarly journals Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency Appearing in New Regions

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Søndergaard Mørch ◽  
Johnny Dohn Holmgren Andersen ◽  
Morten Heiberg Bestle
Keyword(s):  
Heat Waves ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Systemic Complications ◽  
Central Nervous System Dysfunction ◽  
Life Threatening

Heat stroke is an acute, life-threatening emergency characterized clinically by elevated body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. Early recognition and treatment including aggressive cooling and management of life-threatening systemic complications are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. This case report describes two Danish patients diagnosed with heat stroke syndrome during a heat wave in the summer of 2014. Both patients were morbidly obese and had several predisposing illnesses. However since heat stroke is a rare condition in areas with temperate climate, they were not diagnosed until several days after admittance; hence treatment with cooling was delayed. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, where they were treated with an external cooling device and received treatment for complications. Both cases ended fatally. As global warming continues, more heat waves will occur in previously cooler regions. Therefore it is important to raise awareness of heat stroke since outcome depends on early recognition and rapid cooling.

Heat stroke: Role of the systemic inflammatory response

2010 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 1980-1988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R. Leon ◽  
Bryan G. Helwig
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systemic Inflammatory Response ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Recent Experimental Data ◽  
Clinical Markers ◽  
Central Nervous System Dysfunction ◽  
Organ System Failure

Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness that is characterized clinically by central nervous system dysfunction, including delirium, seizures, or coma and severe hyperthermia. Rapid cooling and support of multi-organ function are the most effective clinical treatments, but many patients experience permanent neurological impairments or death despite these efforts. The highest incidence of heat stroke deaths occurs in very young or elderly individuals during summer heat waves, with ∼200 deaths per year in the United States. Young, fit individuals may experience exertional heat stroke while performing strenuous physical activity in temperate or hot climates. Factors that predispose to heat stroke collapse include pre-existing illness, cardiovascular disease, drug use, and poor fitness level. For decades the magnitude of the hyperthermic response in heat stroke patients was considered the primary determinant of morbidity and mortality. However, recent clinical and experimental evidence suggests a complex interplay between heat cytotoxicity, coagulation, and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that ensues following damage to the gut and other organs. Cytokines are immune modulators that have been implicated as adverse mediators of the SIRS, but recent data suggest a protective role for these proteins in the resolution of inflammation. Multi-organ system failure is the ultimate cause of mortality, and recent experimental data indicate that current clinical markers of heat stroke recovery may not adequately reflect heat stroke recovery in all cases. Currently heat stroke is a more preventable than treatable condition, and novel therapeutics are required to improve patient outcome.

scholarly journals Urgent surgical repair is pivotal in the management of major airway injury due to blunt trauma

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hysam Abdelmohty ◽  
Mohamed A. Elanwar ◽  
Basem M. Abdelgawad
Keyword(s):  
Blunt Trauma ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Early Referral ◽  
Systemic Complications ◽  
Airway Injury ◽  
Tracheobronchial Injuries ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Repair Group

Abstract Background Blunt traumatic airway injury is a life-threatening injury in which urgent management is pivotal and this would come through improving our clinical management and diagnostic tools. Our objective was to emphasize the importance of early referral and urgent surgical repair of major airway injury. Results Records of 42 patients with major airway injury out of 17,520 registered thoracic trauma cases were reviewed over the past 15 years. Twenty-eight cases documented to have major tracheobronchial injuries due to blunt trauma underwent surgical repair either urgent (21 cases) or late (7 cases). The age ranged from 8 to 43 years old with a mean age of 22.3 ± 0.8. The most common presenting symptom was shortness of breath in 22 (78.6%) cases and the most frequent sign was subcutaneous emphysema which was seen in 22 (78.6%) cases. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were significantly higher in the delayed repair group (p value < 0.001). Conclusion The urgent surgical repair is the treatment of choice for major airway injury which is facilitated by early recognition and referral. It is pivotal to avoid respiratory and systemic complications and related mortality.

scholarly journals Hemoperitoneum Secondary to Spontaneous Rupture of a Retroperitoneal Varix

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Derrick D. Eichele
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Acute Abdominal Pain ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Hypovolemic Shock ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Unique Case ◽  
Life Threatening

Hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured retroperitoneal varix is an exceedingly rare condition and a poor prognostic sign with catastrophic and life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. We present a unique case of a 56-year-old female with cirrhosis secondary to primary sclerosing cholangitis who presented with acute abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock prior to a cardiac arrest following a ruptured retroperitoneal varix without prior esophageal varices and a newly identified intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The clinical presentation with abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock is consistently reported in the relevant literature. Early recognition affords appropriate management and urgent surgical intervention leading to survival.

In situ deteriorating patient simulation in general practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711425
Author(s):  
Joanna Lawrence ◽  
Petronelle Eastwick-Field ◽  
Anne Maloney ◽  
Helen Higham
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Patient Simulation ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Integrated Simulation ◽  
Deteriorating Patient

BackgroundGP practices have limited access to medical emergency training and basic life support is often taught out of context as a skills-based event.AimTo develop and evaluate a whole team integrated simulation-based education, to enhance learning, change behaviours and provide safer care.MethodPhase 1: 10 practices piloted a 3-hour programme delivering 40 minutes BLS and AED skills and 2-hour deteriorating patient simulation. Three scenarios where developed: adult chest pain, child anaphylaxis and baby bronchiolitis. An adult simulation patient and relative were used and a child and baby manikin. Two facilitators trained in coaching and debriefing used the 3D debriefing model. Phase 2: 12 new practices undertook identical training derived from Phase 1, with pre- and post-course questionnaires. Teams were scored on: team working, communication, early recognition and systematic approach. The team developed action plans derived from their learning to inform future response. Ten of the 12 practices from Phase 2 received an emergency drill within 6 months of the original session. Three to four members of the whole team integrated training, attended the drill, but were unaware of the nature of the scenario before. Scoring was repeated and action plans were revisited to determine behaviour changes.ResultsEvery emergency drill demonstrated improved scoring in skills and behaviour.ConclusionA combination of: in situ GP simulation, appropriately qualified facilitators in simulation and debriefing, and action plans developed by the whole team suggests safer care for patients experiencing a medical emergency.

A Review on the Use of Reversal Agents of Direct Oral Anticogulant Drugs in Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Ojetti ◽  
Angela Saviano ◽  
Mattia Brigida ◽  
Luisa Saviano ◽  
Alessio Migneco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Bleeding ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Reversal Agents ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Andexanet Alfa

Background : Major bleeding is a life-threatening condition and a medical emergency with high mortality risk. It is often the complication of anticoagulant’s intake. Anticoagulants are commonly used for the prevention and the treatment of thrombotic events. The standard therapy with vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) has been frequently replaced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The latter agents (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, betrixaban) showed a better efficacy and safety compared to standard warfarin treatment and they are recommended for the reduction of ischemic stroke. Literature data reported a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with DOACs, in particular with dabigatran and rivaroxaban. In case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, these patients could benefit from the use of reversal agents. Methods: We performed an electronic search on PUBMED of the literature concerning reversal agents for DOACs and gastrointestinal bleeding in the Emergency Department from 2004 to 2020. AIM: This review summarizes the current evidences about three reversal agents idarucizumab, andexanet alfa and ciraparantag, and the use of the first two in the emergency setting in patients with an active major bleeding or who need urgent surgery to offer physicians indications for a better management approach in order to increase patient’s safety. Conclusion: Although these agents have been marketed for five years (idarucizumab) and two years (andexanet alfa) respectively, and despite guidelines considering antidotes as first-line agents in treating life-threatening hemorrhage when available, these antidotes seem to gain access very slowly in the clinical practice. Cost, logistical aspects and need for plasma level determination of DOAC for an accurate therapeutic use probably have an impact on this phenomenon.. An expert multidisciplinary bleeding team should be established so as to implement international guidelines based on local resources and organization.

scholarly journals A Case of Exertional Heat Stroke Complicated by Hypoxic Hepatitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Bertram K. Woitok ◽  
Shawki Bahmad ◽  
Gregor Lindner
Keyword(s):  
Supportive Care ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Exertional Heat Stroke ◽  
Hypoxic Hepatitis ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Delayed Referral

Background.Exertional heat stroke is a life-threatening condition often complicated by multiorgan failure. We hereby present a case of a 25-year-old male presenting with syncope after a 10  km run in 28°C outside temperature who developed acute liver failure. Case Presentation. Initial temperature was found to be 41.1°C, and cooling measures were rapidly applied. He suffered from acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis and proceeded to acute liver failure (ASAT 6100 U/l and ALAT 6561 U/l) due to hypoxic hepatitis on day 3. He did not meet criteria for emergency liver transplantation and recovered on supportive care. Conclusions. Acute liver failure due to heat stroke is a life-threatening condition with often delayed onset, which nevertheless resolves on supportive care in the majority of cases; thus, a delayed referral to transplant seems to be reasonable.

scholarly journals The Global Registry for Hereditary Angioedema due to C1-Inhibitor Deficiency

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Zanichelli ◽  
Henriette Farkas ◽  
Laurance Bouillet ◽  
Noemi Bara ◽  
Anastasios E. Germenis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hereditary Angioedema ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
C1 Inhibitor ◽  
C1 Inhibitor Deficiency ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Enhance Patient Care ◽  
Electronic Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Registry

AbstractHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare condition, mostly due to genetic deficiency of complement C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). The rarity of HAE impedes extensive data collection and assessment of the impact of certain factors known to affect the course of this disabling and life-threatening disease. Establishing a global registry could assist to overcome such issues and provides valuable patient data from different countries. The HAE Global Registry is a disease-specific registry, with web-based electronic support, where data are provided by physicians and patients through a dedicated application. We collected data between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020. Data on 1297 patients from 29 centers in 5 European countries were collected. At least one attack was recorded for 497 patients during the study period. Overall, 1182 patients were diagnosed with HAE type 1 and 115 with type 2. At the time of database lock, 389 patients were taking long-term prophylactic medication, 217 of which were on danazol. Most recorded attacks affected the abdomen, were generally moderate in severity, and occurred in patients who were not on prophylactic treatment (70.6%, 6244/8848). The median duration of attacks was 780 min (IQR 290–1740) in patients on prophylactic medication and 780 min (IQR 300–1920) in patients not on continuous prophylactic medication. In conclusion, the establishment of a registry for C1-INH-HAE allowed collection of a large amount of data that may help to better understand the clinical characteristics of this disease. This information may enhance patient care and guide future therapeutic decisions.

scholarly journals Prevention and management of major complications in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000628
Author(s):  
Kurt Boeykens ◽  
Ivo Duysburgh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Abdominal Wall ◽  
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Endoscopic Technique ◽  
Abdominal Wound ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Endoscopic Gastrostomy ◽  
Major Complications ◽  
Life Threatening

BackgroundPercutaneousendoscopic gastrostomy is a commonly used endoscopic technique where a tube isplaced through the abdominal wall mainly to administer fluids, drugs and/orenteral nutrition. Several placement techniques are described in the literaturewith the ‘pull’ technique (Ponsky-Gardener) as the most popular one.Independent of the method used, placement includes a ‘blind’ perforation of thestomach through a small acute surgical abdominal wound. It is a generally safetechnique with only few major complications. Nevertheless these complicationscan be sometimes life-threatening or generate serious morbidity.MethodAnarrative review of the literature of major complications in percutaneousendoscopic gastrostomy.ResultsThis review was written from a clinical viewpoint focussing on prevention andmanagement of major complications and documentedscientific evidence with real cases from more than 20 years of clinical practice.ConclusionsMajorcomplications are rare but prevention, early recognition and popper management areimportant.

Intraorbital Abscess: A Rare Cause of Orbit Compression

FACE ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 273250162110050
Author(s):  
Samuel Ruiz ◽  
Rizal Lim
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
External Drainage ◽  
Direct Extension ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Introduction: Intraorbital abscess is a rare complication of rhinosinusitis that affects most commonly the pediatric population. It is thought to be caused by direct extension or venous spread of infections from contiguous sites and can lead to life-threatening complications, like permanent visual loss and cerebral abscesses. Objectives: Intraorbital abscess is a rare condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid serious complications. Our objectives are to provide an overview of this rare disease process and its management including our successful treatment experience. Case Description: We present a 2 case report of a 13-year-old pediatric male and a 66-year-old male with history of chronic sinusitis who presented with a right intraorbital abscess successfully treated with external drainage with decompression of the orbit. Conclusion: When intraorbital abscess is encountered, a high index of suspicion is needed to allow prompt and accurate diagnosis for this infrequent condition. Timely surgical drainage of the abscess is needed to prevent the development of fatal complications.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Thermal Mass of the Building Envelope on Summer Overheating of Dwellings in a Temperate Climate

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4117
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Kuczyński ◽  
Anna Staszczuk ◽  
Piotr Ziembicki ◽  
Anna Paluszak
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Thermal Mass ◽  
Occupant Behavior ◽  
Average Maximum ◽  
Night Ventilation

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of increasing the thermal capacity of a residential building by using traditional building materials to reduce the risk of its excessive overheating during intense heat waves in a temperate climate. An additional objective is to show that the use of this single passive measure significantly reduces the risk of overheating in daytime rooms, but also, though to a much lesser extent, in bedrooms. Increasing the thermal mass of the room from light to a medium heavy reduced the average maximum daily temperature by 2.2K during the first heat wave and by 2.6K during the other two heat waves. The use of very heavy construction further reduced the average maximum temperature for the heat waves analyzed by 1.4K, 1.2K and 1.7K, respectively, giving a total possible reduction in maximum daily temperatures in the range of 3.6 °C, 3.8 °C and 4.3 °C. A discussion of the influence of occupant behavior on the use of night ventilation and external blinds was carried out, finding a significant effect on the effectiveness of the use of both methods. The results of the study suggest that in temperate European countries, preserving residential construction methods with heavy envelopes and partitions could significantly reduce the risk of overheating in residential buildings over the next few decades, without the need for night ventilation or external blinds, whose effectiveness is highly dependent on individual occupant behavior.

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