Administration of Comfort Medication at End of Life in Neonates: Effects of Weight

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Lee Matthews ◽  
Susan O’Conner-Von

Purpose: To examine whether a relationship exists between a neonate’s weight and the neonate’s receipt of comfort medication between four hours prior to elective ventilator withdrawal and death. It was hypothesized that the greater the neonate’s weight, the more likely the neonate was to receive comfort medication at end of life.Design: A retrospective chart review.Sample: One hundred seventy-one neonates in a midwestern Level III NICU who died after withdrawal of ventilatory support.Results: Of the 171 neonates in the sample, 27.5 percent (n = 47) did not receive comfort medication within the designated time frame; neonates who weighed <800 g were significantly less likely to receive comfort medication than were their heavier cohorts.Conclusion: In this sample, smaller neonates were given comfort medication less often while they were dying than were their larger counterparts.

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110039
Author(s):  
Christine Barrett ◽  
Seon Jo Park ◽  
Lindsay Edmondson ◽  
Dulabh Monga

Objective This study determined the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy while on H1-receptor antagonists (H1RAs). Prophylaxis for patients receiving oxaliplatin is not currently recommended. H1RAs are used for the treatment of reactions; however, prophylactic H1RAs have not been well-studied. Methods This retrospective chart review included patients with solid tumor malignancies who received H1RAs while on oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy between August 1, 2016 and October 31, 2019. Results Of fifty-one patients, there were four hypersensitivity reactions (8%), most of which were mild, occurred within 60 minutes of the start of the infusion, and did not result in an interruption in treatment. One severe reaction occurred, which required discontinuation of therapy. Forty-two patients (82%) were able to receive at least 9 cycles of oxaliplatin without a reported reaction. Conclusion In this observational study, the incidence rate of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving oxaliplatin while on H1RAs was lower than reported in previous literature. Most reactions were mild, and patients were able to continue oxaliplatin-based therapy. With future, randomized controlled trials, H1RAs may prove to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of hypersensitivity reactions related to oxaliplatin.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amyna Husain ◽  
M. Douglas Baker ◽  
Mark C. Bisanzo ◽  
Martha W. Stevens

False tooth extraction (FTE), a cultural practice in East Africa used to treat fever and diarrhea in infants, has been thought to increase infant mortality. The mortality of clinically similar infants with and without false tooth extraction has not previously been examined. The objective of our retrospective cohort study was to examine the mortality, clinical presentation, and treatment of infants with and without false tooth extraction. We conducted a retrospective chart review of records of infants with diarrhea, sepsis, dehydration, and fever in a rural Ugandan emergency department. Univariate analysis was used to test statistical significance. We found the mortality of infants with false tooth extraction (FTE+) was 18% and without false tooth extraction (FTE−) was 14% (P=0.22). The FTE+ study group, and FTE− comparison group, had similar proportions of infants with abnormal heart rate and with hypoxia. There was a significant difference in the portion of infants that received antibiotics (P=0.001), and fluid bolus (P=0.002). Although FTE+ infants had clinically similar ED presentations to FTE− infants, the FTE+ infants were significantly more likely to receive emergency department interventions, and had a higher mortality than FTE− infants.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Gie N Yu ◽  
Stephen D Helmer ◽  
Anjay K Khandelwal

Background. Although uncommon, snakebites can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to review the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with a suspected or known snakebite who were treated at a regional verified burn center. Methods. A retrospective chart review of all snakebite victims was conducted for the time frame between January 1991 and June 2009. Results. During the study period, 12 patients were identified. One of the twelve patients was excluded because he had been admitted as an outpatient for wound debridement after being initially treated at another facility. Ten of the remaining 11 patients were male (90.9%). Rattlesnakes were responsible for the majority of bites. One of the eleven patients needed a fasciotomy. The majority of patients received antivenin (ACP/fabAV). No anaphylactoid reactions to either antivenin were recorded. There were no deaths. Conclusion. With burn centers evolving into centers for the care of complex wounds, patients with snakebite injuries can be managed safely in a burn center.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (07) ◽  
pp. 765-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith L. Dorr ◽  
Rebecca C. Pierson ◽  
Joanne Daggy ◽  
Sara K. Quinney ◽  
David M. Haas

Objective To compare the efficacy of similar buccal and vaginal misoprostol doses for induction of labor. Study Design Retrospective chart review of 207 consecutive women undergoing term induction of labor with misoprostol. Misoprostol route and dosing were collected. Time to delivery and other labor outcomes (e.g., vaginal delivery less than 24 hours) were compared between women receiving buccal and vaginal misoprostol. Results There was no significant difference in time to delivery for women receiving buccal (median 18.2 hour, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [14.9, 21.5]) versus vaginal (median 18.3 hour, 95% CI = [15.0, 20.4]) misoprostol (p = 0.428); even after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.381). Women who presented with premature rupture of membranes were more likely to receive buccal misoprostol (92.7% received buccal vs. 7.3% received vaginal, p < 0.001). A similar number of women delivered vaginally in the buccal group (88.2%) and vaginal misoprostol group (86.8%, p = 0.835). The proportion of women who experienced uterine tachysystole or chorioamnionitis did not significantly differ by route of administration. Conclusion We found no significant differences in time to delivery or other labor outcomes between buccal or vaginal dosing of misoprostol in women undergoing labor induction at term.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 46-46
Author(s):  
Ros Taylor

46 Background: How people die lives on in the memory of those who survive. It is therefore pivotal for palliative teams to help craft an ending in line with patient and family goals. It has been observed in a tertiary cancer centre that there is often a spiritual imperative for patients to return to their nation of birth, once treatment is stopped and mortality accepted. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 3 patients repatriated for end of life care to their nation of birth (Romania, Portugal, Ireland), focusing on: the conversations about the goal of repatriation and its meaning to the patient; the practical barriers and enablers of repatriation of patients with advanced cancer. Follow-up interview with bereaved families to establish impact of repatriation. Results: Chart review revealed multi-layered hesitant conversations, often facilitated by the palliative care team, to establish that getting ‘home’ meant returning to the country of birth. This became an overarching pre-occupation for the patient, family and team. Patients were not concerned whether they were transferred to a hospital, hospice or family home – it was the country that mattered. There was huge anxiety and little objectivity about fitness to travel. Nurses were more anxious than doctors. Patient and family expressed least anxiety. There was a knowledge deficit regarding fitness to fly, whether an escort was needed, the respiratory and metabolic effects of flight, and how to maximize wellbeing on the journey. Reassurance was gained if the transfer was to a hospital, with greater concern if the transfer was to a community setting. Follow-up interviews with bereaved families are still in progress. Initial findings suggest no regrets in terms of the decision to fly home, and that self-esteem improved with familiarity and social connection. Conclusions: The practical anxieties of health professionals often act as delays to repatriation at the end of life. Checklists to facilitate these journeys would ensure that the process does not need to be learnt each time, and that windows of opportunity are not missed. Achievement of spiritual goals for a loved one is hugely important to those who live on.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Somers ◽  
Ed Peterson ◽  
Saurabh Sharma ◽  
Kathleen Yaremchuk

Objective. To determine predictors of patient adherence to CPAP. Design. A retrospective chart review identified patients with AHI values greater than 15 who were recommended to receive CPAP. Compliance was measured at a 1-to 4-month interval and at 1 year. Results. There were 106 of 368 (29%) patients who received CPAP therapy that were compliant with CPAP use at 1 to 4 months. Forty-six patients (12%) were using CPAP at one year. For the male group at one year, the model demonstrated the AHI value (P  value=.026) as a predictor of compliance if greater than 27.3 and a significant two-way interaction between age and AHI (P=.023). Increased length of time from the initial visit and receiving the CPAP machine was associated with poorer compliance (P=.002). Those living in areas with higher incomes and with a higher percentage of non-high-school graduates were more likely to be compliant (P=.01 and P=.044). Conclusion. Older male patients with higher AHI values were noted to be more adherent to CPAP. Efforts should be made to try to minimize the length of time between the initial visit and the time to receive CPAP to improve compliance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihad G. Youssef ◽  
Faisal Zahiruddin ◽  
George Youssef ◽  
Sriram Padmanabhan ◽  
Joe Ensor ◽  
...  

Abstract The severe pneumonia caused by human coronavirus (hCoV)-SARS-CoV-2 has inflicted heavy causalities, especially among the elderly and those with comorbid illnesses irrespective of age. The high mortality in African Americans and males, in general, raises concern for a possible X-linked mediated process that could affect viral pathogenesis and the immune system. We hypothesized that G6PD, the most common X-linked enzyme deficiency associated with redox status, may have a role in the severity of pneumonia. A retrospective chart review was performed in hospitalized patients with COVID19 pneumonia needing supplemental oxygen. A total of 17 patients were evaluated: six with G6PD deficiency and 11 with normal levels. The two groups (normal and G6PD def) were comparable in terms of age, sex and comorbidities and laboratory parameters LDH, IL-6, CRP, and ferritin. Thirteen patients needed ventilatory support, with 6 in the G6PD group (83% vs. 72%). The main differences indicating increasing severity in the G6PD def group included G6PD levels (12.2 vs. 5.6, P=0.0002), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (159 vs. 108, P=0.05), days before intubation (2.5 vs. 4.8 P= 0.03), days on mechanical ventilation (10.25 vs. 21 days P=0.04), hemoglobin level (10 vs. 8.1 P=0.03) and hematocrit (32 vs. 26 P=0.015). Only one patient with G6PD deficiency died; 16 were discharged home. Our clinical series ascribes a possible biological role for G6PD deficiency in SARS-CoV2 viral proliferation. It is imperative that further studies be performed to understand the interplay between the viral and host factors in G6PD deficiency that may lead to disparity in outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Spettigue ◽  
Nicole Obeid ◽  
Madison Erbach ◽  
Stephen Feder ◽  
Natalie Finner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There is a noticeable lack of evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown on young people with eating disorders. The goals of this study were 1) to examine characteristics of adolescents presenting for eating disorder (ED) assessment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) to compare adolescents presenting for ED assessment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to those that presented for assessment one year previously; 3) to examine implications of the pandemic on the system of care. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed on all patients assessed at a pediatric tertiary care ED program during the pandemic between April 1 and October 31, 2020, and on youth assessed during the same time frame one year previously. Data including body measurements and results of psychological measures was extracted from patients’ charts. Clinician reports were utilized for accounts of ED symptoms. Referrals to our program were also compared for the two time periods.Results: Of the 48 youth assessed between April and October 2020, average age was 14.6 years and average percentage of treatment goal weight was 77.7%. 40% cited the pandemic as a trigger for their ED; of these youth, 78.9% were medically unstable compared to 55.2% of those whose ED was not triggered by the pandemic. When comparing the 2020 cohort to those assessed in 2019, youth who presented for assessment during the pandemic trended towards having lower percentage of goal weights and higher rates of self-reported impairment, and were significantly more likely to be medically unstable and to require hospitalization. Higher rates of inpatient admissions, emergency room consultation requests and outpatient referrals deemed “urgent” were likewise associated with the pandemic period.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 345-350
Author(s):  
Charlotte A Ferrier ◽  
Rachel Schembri ◽  
Sandy M Hopper

ObjectiveTo compare the treatment practices (immobilisation vs non-immobilisation) of toddler fractures and other minor tibial fractures (both proven and suspected) in preschoolers, aged 9 months–4 years, and examine rates of ED re-presentations and complications.MethodsRetrospective chart review of presentations of minor tibial fractures, both proven (radiologically confirmed) or suspected (negative X-ray but clinical evidence of bony injury), in children aged 9 months–4 years presenting to a single tertiary level paediatric ED from May 2016 to April 2018. Data collected included treatment practices, subsequent unscheduled re-presentations (including reasons) and complications (defined as problems relating to the injury that required further active care).ResultsA search of medical records yielded 240 cases: 102 had proven fractures (spiral, buckle or Salter-Harris II) and 138 were diagnosed with a suspected fracture. 73.5% of proven fractures were immobilised, predominantly with backslabs. 79% of suspected fractures were treated with expectant observation without immobilisation. Patients treated with immobilisation were more likely to re-present to ED compared with non-immobilised patients (18/104, 17.3% vs 9/136, 6.6% RR 2.62, 95% CI 1.23 to 5.58). 21 complications were seen in 19/104 (18.3%) immobilised patients. There were eight skin complications (complication rate of 7.7%) and 11 cast issues (complication rate of 10.6%). Two (1.5%) of the 136 patients had complications related to pain or limp. Pain was uncommonly found, although follow-up was not universal.ConclusionIn our centre, proven minor tibial fractures were more likely to receive a backslab, whereas for suspected fractures, expectant observation without immobilisation was performed. Although there is potential bias in the identification of complications with immobilisation, the study suggests that non-immobilisation approach should be investigated.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 302-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Tam ◽  
Mary Salib ◽  
Alison Fox-Robichaud

BACKGROUND: A subset of critically ill patients have end-of-life (EOL) goals that are unclear. Rapid response teams (RRTs) may aid in the identification of these patients and the delivery of their EOL care.OBJECTIVES: To characterize the impact of RRT discussion on EOL care, and to examine how a preprinted order (PPO) set for EOL care influenced EOL discussions and outcomes.METHODS: A single-centre retrospective chart review of all RRT calls (January 2009 to December 2010) was performed. The effect of RRT EOL discussions and the effect of a hospital-wide PPO set on EOL care was examined. Charts were from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Critical Care Information Systemic database, and were interrogated by two reviewers.RESULTS: In patients whose EOL status changed following RRT EOL discussion, there were fewer intensive care unit (ICU) transfers (8.4% versus 17%; P<0.001), decreased ICU length of stay (5.8 days versus 20 days; P=0.08), increased palliative care consultations (34% versus 5.3%; P<0.001) and an increased proportion who died within 24 h of consultation (25% versus 8.3%; P<0.001). More patients experienced a change in EOL status following the introduction of an EOL PPO, from 20% (before) to 31% (after) (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: A change in EOL status following RRT-led EOL discussion was associated with reduced ICU transfers and enhanced access to palliative care services. Further study is required to identify and deconstruct barriers impairing timely and appropriate EOL discussions.


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