scholarly journals Impact of Delayed Admission to the Intensive Care Unit from the Emergency Department upon Sepsis Outcomes and Sepsis Protocol Compliance

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Agustin ◽  
Lori Lyn Price ◽  
Augustine Andoh-Duku ◽  
Peter LaCamera

Rationale. The impact of emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) upon sepsis outcomes needs clarification. We sought to better understand the relationship between EDLOS and both outcomes and protocol compliance in sepsis. Methods. We performed a retrospective observational study of septic patients admitted to the ICU from the ED between January 2012 and December 2015 in a single tertiary care teaching hospital. 287 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock were included. Study population was divided into patients with EDLOS < 6 hrs (early admission) versus ≥6 hours (delayed admission). We assessed the impact of EDLOS on hospital mortality, compliance with sepsis protocol, and resuscitation. Statistical significance was determined by chi-square test. Results. Of the 287 septic ED patients, 137 (47%) were admitted to the ICU in <6 hours. There was no significant in-hospital mortality difference between early and delayed admissions (p=0.68). Both groups have similar compliance with the 3-hour protocol (p=0.77). There was no significant difference in achieving optimal resuscitation within 12 hours (p=0.35). Conclusion. We found that clinical outcomes were not significantly different between early and delayed ICU admissions. Additionally, EDLOS did not impact compliance with the sepsis protocol with the exception of repeat lactate draw.

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
ghufran adnan ◽  
Osman Faheem ◽  
Maria Khan ◽  
Pirbhat Shams ◽  
Jamshed Ali

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the healthcare system of Pakistan. There has been observation regarding changes in pattern of patient presentation to emergency department (ED) for all diseases particularly cardiovascular. The aim of the study is to investigate these changes in cardiology consultations and compare pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era. Hypothesis: There is a significant difference in cardiology consultations during COVID era as compared to non-COVID era. Method: We collected data retrospectively of consecutive patients who visited emergency department (ED) during March-April 2019 (non-COVID era) and March-April 2020 (COVID era). Comparison has been made to quantify the differences in clinical characteristics, locality, admission, type, number, and reason of Cardiology consults generated. Results: We calculated the difference of 1351 patients between COVID and non-COVID era in terms of cardiology consults generated from Emergency department, using Chi-square test. Out of which 880 (59%) are male with mean age of 61(SD=15). Analysis shows pronounced augmentation in number of comorbidities [Hypertension(6%), Chronic kidney disease (6%), Diabetes (5%)] but there was 36% drop in total cardiology consultations and 43% reduction rate in patient’s ED visit from other cities during COVID era. There was 60% decrease in acute coronary syndrome presentation in COVID era, but fortuitously drastic increase (30%) in type II myocardial injury has been noted. Conclusion: There is a remarkable decline observed in patients presenting with cardiac manifestations during COVID era. Lack in timely care could have a pernicious impact on outcomes, global health care organizations should issue directions to adopt telemedicine services in underprivileged areas to provide timely care to cardiac patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. E13
Author(s):  
Caitlin Hoffman ◽  
Alyssa B. Valenti ◽  
Eseosa Odigie ◽  
Kwanza Warren ◽  
Ishani D. Premaratne ◽  
...  

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of the skull. There are two forms of treatment: open surgery and minimally invasive endoscope-assisted suturectomy. Candidates for endoscopic treatment are less than 6 months of age. The techniques are equally effective; however, endoscopic surgery is associated with less blood loss, minimal tissue disruption, shorter operative time, and shorter hospitalization. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the impact of race/ethnicity and insurance status on age of presentation/surgery in children with craniosynostosis to highlight potential disparities in healthcare access. Charts were reviewed for children with craniosynostosis at two tertiary care hospitals in New York City from January 1, 2014, to August 31, 2020. Clinical and demographic data were collected, including variables pertaining to family socioeconomic status, home address/zip code, insurance status (no insurance, Medicaid, or private), race/ethnicity, age and date of presentation for initial consultation, type of surgery performed, and details of hospitalization. Children with unknown race/ethnicity and those with syndromic craniosynostosis were excluded. The data were analyzed via t-tests and chi-square tests for statistical significance (p < 0.05). A total of 121 children were identified; 62 surgeries were performed open and 59 endoscopically. The mean age at initial presentation of the cohort was 6.68 months, and on the day of surgery it was 8.45 months. Age at presentation for the open surgery cohort compared with the endoscopic cohort achieved statistical significance at 11.33 months (SD 12.41) for the open cohort and 1.86 months (SD 1.1473) for the endoscopic cohort (p < 0.0001). Age on the day of surgery for the open cohort versus the endoscopic cohort demonstrated statistical significance at 14.19 months (SD 15.05) and 2.58 months (SD 1.030), respectively. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was noted with regard to insurance status (p = 0.0044); the open surgical group comprised more patients without insurance and with Medicaid compared with the endoscopic group. The racial composition of the two groups reached statistical significance when comparing proportions of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other (p = 0.000815), with significantly more Black and Hispanic patients treated in the open surgical group. The results demonstrate a relationship between race and lack of insurance or Medicaid status, and type of surgery received; Black and Hispanic children and children with Medicaid were more likely to present later and undergo open surgery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Samad Shams-Vahdati ◽  
Alireza Ala ◽  
Eliar Sadeghi-Hokmabad ◽  
Neda Parnianfard ◽  
Maedeh Gheybi ◽  
...  

Background: Missing to detect an ischemic stroke in the emergency department leads to miss acute interventions and treatment with secondary prevention therapy. Our study examined the diagnosis of stroke in the emergency department (ED) and neurology department of an academic teaching hospital. Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review was performed from March 2017 to March 2018. ED medical document (chart) were reviewed by a stroke neurologist to collect the clinical diagnosis and characteristics of ischemic stroke patients. For determining the cases of misdiagnosed and over diagnosed data, the administrative data codes were compared with the chart adjudicated diagnosis. The adjusted estimate of effect was estimated through testing the significant variables in a multivariable model. The comparisons were done with chi square test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Results: Of 861 patients of the study, 54% were males and 43% were females; and the mean age of them was 66.51 ± 15.70. We find no statically significant difference between patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in the emergency department (12.87±3.25) and patients GCS in the neurology department (11.77±5.15). There were 18 (2.2%) overdiagnosed of ischemic stroke, 8 (0.9%) misdiagnosed of ischemic stroke and 36 (4.1%) misdiagnosed of hemorrhagic strokes in the emergency department. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between impression of stroke in the emergency department and diagnosis at the neurology department.


CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S50-S51
Author(s):  
S. Masood ◽  
L.B. Chartier

Introduction: Head injuries are a commonly encountered presentation in emergency departments (ED) and the Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign was released in June 2015 in an attempt to decrease imaging utilization for patients with minor head injuries. The impact of the CWC campaign on imaging utilization for head injuries has not been explored in the ED setting. In our study, we describe the characteristics of patients with head injuries presenting to a tertiary care academic ED and the impact of the CWC campaign on CT head utilization. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used linked databases from the province of Ontario, Canada to assess emergency department visits with a primary diagnosis of head injury made between June 1, 2014 and Aug 31, 2016 at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. We examined the number of visits during the study period, the proportion of patients that had a CT head performed before and after the release of the CWC campaign, as well as mode of arrival, and disposition. Results: There were 4,322 qualifying visits at our site during the study period. The median presenting age was 44.12 years (IQR 27.83,67.45), the median GCS was 15 (IQR 15,15) and the majority of patients presenting had intermediate acuity (CTAS 3). Overall, 43.17% of patients arrived via ambulance, 49.24 % of patients received a CT head and 10.46% of patients were admitted. Compared to patients presenting before the CWC campaign release, there was no significant difference in the rate of CT heads after the CWC (50.41% vs 47.68%, P=0.07). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in mode of arrival (ambulance vs ambulatory) (42.94% vs 43.48%, P=0.72) or admission rates (9.85% vs 11.26%, P=0.15). However, more patients belonged to the high acuity groups (CTAS 1 or 2) in the post CWC campaign release group (12.98% vs 8.11% P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Visits for head injuries make up a significant proportion of total ED visits and approximately half of these patients receive CT imaging in the ED. The CWC campaign did not seem to impact imaging utilization for head injuries in the 14 months following its launch. Further efforts, including local quality improvement initiatives, are likely needed to increase adherence to its recommendation and reduce imaging utilization for head injuries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Birrenbach ◽  
Andrea Geissbühler ◽  
Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos ◽  
Wolf E. Hautz ◽  
Thomas C. Sauter ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients presenting with non-specific complaints (NSC), such as generalised weakness, or feeling unwell, constitute about 20% of emergency care consultations. In contrast to patients presenting with specific symptoms, these patients experience more hospitalisations, longer stays in hospital and even higher mortality. However, little is known about the actual resources spent on patients with NSC in the emergency department (ED). Methods We have conducted a retrospective analysis from January 1st, 2013 until December 31st, 2017 in a Swiss tertiary care ED to assess the impact of NSC on the utilisation of diagnostic resources in adult patients with highlyurgent or urgent medical complaints. Results We randomly selected 1500 medical consultations from our electronic health record database: The majority of patients (n = 1310, 87.3%) presented with a specific complaint; n = 190 (12.7%) with a NSC. Univariate analysis showed no significant difference in the utilisation of total diagnostic resources in the ED [specific complaints: 844 (577–1313) vs. NSC: 778 (551–1183) tax points, p = 0.092, median (interquartile range)]. A backward selection logistic regression model was adjusted for the identified covariates (age, diabetes, cerebrovascular and liver disease, malignancy, past myocardial infarction, antihypertensive, antithrombotic or antidiabetic medication, night or weekend admission and triage category). This identified a significant association of NSC with lower utilisation of ED diagnostic resources [geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.042]. Conclusions Non-specific complaints (NSC) are a frequent reason for emergency medicine consultations and are associated with lower utilisation of diagnostic resources during ED diagnostic testing than with specific complaints.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S145-S146
Author(s):  
İlknur Çağlar ◽  
Duygu Özkerim ◽  
Neryal Tahta ◽  
Mine Düzgöl ◽  
Nuri Bayram ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum galactomannan (GM) test by investigating the impact of positivity according to different threshold levels and consecutiveness in terms of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. Methods Positive GM test results between January 2015 and August 2017 were reviewed, retrospectively. The children with hematological malignancies and GM positivity were included in the study and grouped according to the presence of IA. Impact of single and consecutive (3-day interval) GM positivity on IA diagnosis were evaluated according to different galactomannan index (GMI) threshold values of >0.5, >0.7, >1.0, and >1.5. Results There were 104 positive GM results from 70 patients. Forty-one patients (58.6%) had no clinical evidence of IA and categorized as the non-IA group. Invasive aspergillosis diagnosis was identified in 29 (41.4%) of the patients; 2 of them were proven and 27 were probable. Demographic characteristics and clinical findings of the patients were reviewed in Tables 1 and 2. According to different cutoff GMI values, the number of positive results was 104 for >0.5, 76 for >0.7, 57 for >1.0 and 32 for >1.5. The PPVs were low at a single GMI of >0.5 (39.4%) and reached to 50.0% with single GMI of >1.0. There was not a statistically significant difference between IA and non-IA groups in terms of different thresholds of a single GM positivity (P > 0.05) (Table 3). The number of two consecutive positive results was 34 for GMI of >0.5, 20 for GMI of >0.7, 13 for GMI of >1.0 and 4 for GMI of >1.5. In the IA group, GM positivity of consecutive results was significantly higher than non-IA group (P < 0.05). The PPVs of two consecutive positive results for GMI >0.5, GMI >0.7, GMI >1.0, and GMI >1.5 were 58.8%, 65.0%, 84.6%, and 100.0%, respectively. The effect of the GMI increase between two consecutive GM results on IA diagnosis (GM2-GM1 >0.5) was also evaluated and the PPV was found 53.8% without a statistical significance between two groups (Table 4). Conclusion When evaluated with consecutive GM positivity, the GM assay would have higher PPVs independently from the GMI cutoff value chosen. Since it may be more effective on IA diagnosis, consecutive sampling should be performed in pediatric patients at high risk. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 165-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Takahashi ◽  
Mio Sakuma ◽  
Hiroki Murayama ◽  
Takeshi Morimoto

Abstract Background The impact of renal and hepatic dysfunction on the morbidity and mortality of inpatients with adverse drug events (ADEs) is uncertain in daily clinical practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of renal and hepatic function on ADEs and inpatients’ morbidity and mortality. Methods The Japan Adverse Drug Events (JADE) study was a prospective cohort study carried out at three tertiary-care teaching hospitals in Japan. Participants were consecutive inpatients (n=3459) aged 15 years or older. We evaluated the effect of renal and hepatic function on the occurrence of ADEs, and assessed how they affected length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality. We used the estimated glomerular filtration rate to quantify renal function and categorized patients into three groups (normal, ≥60 mL/min/1.73 mm; moderate, ≥30 and <60 mL/min/1.73 mm; severe, <30 mL/min/1.73 mm). We defined patients as having hepatic dysfunction when at least one data point (total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or gamma glutamyltransferase) was beyond a cutoff value. Results We analyzed the laboratory data of 2508 patients. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of ADEs among the three GFR categories (normal, 20%; moderate, 26%; severe, 22%; p=0.02). More ADEs occurred in patients with hepatic dysfunction (25% vs. 20%, p=0.01). LOS was significantly longer in those with ADEs stratified either by renal or by hepatic dysfunction (p<0.0001). ADEs were independently associated with in-hospital mortality, adjusting for renal and hepatic function (p<0.0001). Conclusions Inpatients’ organ dysfunction increased ADEs, and ADEs were associated with both LOS and in-hospital mortality independently, irrespective of renal and hepatic function.


CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S100-S100
Author(s):  
K. Huszarik ◽  
K. Wood ◽  
M. Columbus ◽  
A. Dukelow

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) scan utilization has increased dramatically over the past 25 years. This has sparked concern for potential overuse leading to unnecessary radiation exposure for patients and increased health care costs, without any improvement in health outcomes. In order to improve workflow through the Emergency Department (ED) at our institution, an existing pre-authorization policy during weekday business hours allows emergency physicians to order CT scans directly without the need for approval from a radiologist. This policy was recently expanded on September 28, 2015 to allow pre-authorized CT scan orders during weekday evening hours. The objective of our study is to evaluate the impact of increased availability of pre-authorized CT scan ordering on CT scan utilization and patient flow through the ED at two tertiary care hospitals in London, Ontario. Methods: This is a retrospective review comparing monthly CT scan utilization rates in the pre-implementation period from September 28, 2014 to February 28, 2015, to rates in the post-implementation period from September 28, 2015 to February 28, 2016. Length of stay parameters including time from physician initial assessment to CT scan order, completion, report and patient discharge will also be compared between the groups. Results: Results will be presented at CAEP 2016. No significant difference is expected in the monthly number of CT scans ordered per registered ED visits between the pre- and post-implementation groups. We also anticipate a significantly shorter average length of stay for patients receiving a CT scan in the post-implementation group. Conclusion: We expect there will be no significant increase in CT scan utilization with increased availability of pre-authorized CT scan ordering in our EDs. We also anticipated decreased patient length of stay leading to improved patient flow through the ED. Findings may offer support for organizations to safely implement or increase availability of pre-authorized CT scan orders to help improve patient flow and decrease costs in the ED.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Schnaubelt ◽  
Hans Domanovits ◽  
Jan Niederdoeckl ◽  
Nikola Schuetz ◽  
Filippo Cacioppo ◽  
...  

Background: National authorities have introduced measures as lockdowns against spreading of COVID-19 and documented incidences of multiple non-COVID-19 diseases have dropped. Yet, data on workload dynamics concerning atrial fibrillation and electrical cardioversion whilst a national lockdown are scarce and may assist in future planning.Methods: Documented cases of atrial fibrillation and respective electrical cardioversion episodes at the Emergency Department of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, from 01/01/2020 to 31/05/2020 were assessed. As reference groups, those incidences were calculated for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. Inter- and intra-year analyses were conducted through Chi-square test and Poisson regression.Results: A total of 2,310 atrial fibrillation-, and 511 electrical cardioversion episodes were included. We found no significant incidence differences in inter-year analyses of the time periods from January to May, or of the weeks pre- and post the national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the intra-year analysis of the year 2020 showed a trend toward decreased atrial fibrillation incidences (rate-ratio 0.982, CI 0.964–1.001, p = 0.060), and significantly increased electrical cardioversion incidences in the post-lockdown period (rate ratio 1.051, CI 1.008–10.96, p = 0.020).Conclusion: The decreased atrial fibrillation incidences are in line with international data. However, an increased demand of electrical cardioversions during the lockdown period was observed. A higher threshold to seek medical attention may produce a selected group with potentially more severe clinical courses. In addition, lifestyle modifications during isolation and a higher stress level may promote atrial fibrillation episodes to be refractory to other therapeutic approaches than electrical cardioversion.


Author(s):  
Sarwat Memon

Background: The palatal rugae are special constructions that are inalterable in their position and pattern during the lifestyles of an individual. This imparts them an exceptional role in the forensic dentistry and may play potential role in malocclusion identification. This study was aimed to see association of rugae pattern with sagittal skeletal malocclusion in orthodontic patients visiting tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional examination was completed on pretreatment records (lateral Cephalometric radiographs and maxillary dental casts) of 384 subjects at the orthodontic department of Ziauddin Dental Hospital, Karachi. The study duration was from January to July 2019. The samples were sub-divided into three sagittal skeletal groups based on ANB angle proposed by Steiner’s on lateral Cephalometric radiographs (Class I with ANB angle between 0° to 4°; Class II: ANB angle greater than 5°; Class III: ANB angle less than 0°). The shapes of three most-anterior primary rugae were then evaluated bilaterally using Kapali et al., Classification. Chi Square test was applied to find association of rugae pattern among sagittal skeletal malocclusions groups. Results: Circular and curved rugae shapes were the most prevalent in all skeletal malocclusions. The primary palatal rugae pattern was seen to be significantly different among three skeletal malocclusion groups (p<0.05). The right and left sided palatal rugae pattern showed significant difference in all three skeletal malocclusion groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed no specific palatal rugae pattern associated with sagittal skeletal malocclusion. Further studies on larger sample and use of modern 3D technologies to scan the maxillary casts are required for results that are more precise.


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