Simple bedside check for nasogastric tube positioning is cost effective and prevents deaths

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bascom ◽  
John Dziodzio ◽  
Samip Vasaiwala ◽  
Michael Mooney ◽  
Nainesh Patel ◽  
...  

Introduction: Post-resuscitation cardiac arrest (CA) triage to urgent angiography, percutaneous intervention, and mechanical circulatory support is hampered by inconclusive risk stratification, especially among patients without ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We analyzed registry data to develop a prediction tool to determine the risk of circulatory-etiology (CV) death in patients without STEMI, and validated it in a separate cohort. Methods: Using the International Cardiac Arrest Registry (INTCAR)-Cardiology data set and stepwise linear regression with an inclusion rule of P≤0.1, we determined demographic and clinical factors independently associated with CV death, and created a weighted prediction model for patients presenting after CA without STEMI. The model was then validated in a separate, larger cohort from INTCAR. This project was approved by the Maine Medical Center IRB. Results: Of 468 patients in the derivation cohort, 90 met criteria for the endpoint. In the multivariable model, age greater than 65 (OR=2.4, p=0.0001), preexisting coronary disease (OR=1.9, P=0.0065), diabetes (OR=1.8, P=0.01), in-hospital arrest (OR=1.5, P=0.1), time from collapse to return of circulation (TTROSC) greater than 25 minutes (OR=1.7, p=0.02), shock at presentation (OR=3.9, P<0.0001), and EF<30% on first echo (OR=1.6, P=0.05) were independently associated with CV death. Using weighted predictors (age>65 =1, prior CAD =1, diabetes =1, in-hospital arrest =1, TTROSC>25 =1, admission LVEF<30% =1, shock =2,), an additive score of 0-2 predicted CV death in 8.5% and ≥3 in 34% in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, which comprised 1197 patients, of whom 263 met criteria for CV death, a score of 0-2 was associated with 13.1% and ≥3 with 35.1% CV death, respectively. Conclusions: A simple bedside prediction tool can predict high (34-35.1%) vs. low (8.5-13.1%) risk of circulatory-etiology death in cardiac arrest survivors without STEMI. This model could be used to risk-stratify cardiac arrest survivors, and aid in the triage of patients to appropriate and cost-effective post-resuscitation treatments.


2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kalava ◽  
Kirpal Clark ◽  
John McIntyre ◽  
Joel M. Yarmush ◽  
Teresita Lizardo

Abstract A 64-year-old male had an awake right nasal fiber-optic intubation with an endotracheal tube for open reduction and internal fixation of bilateral displaced mandibular fractures. After induction of anesthesia, an 18 Fr nasogastric tube (NGT) was inserted through the left nostril and was secured. The patient required high flow rates to deliver adequate tidal volumes with the ventilator. A chest x-ray done in the postanesthesia care unit revealed a malpositioned NGT in the left lower lobe bronchus, which was immediately removed. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 2. Various traditional methods, such as aspiration of gastric contents, auscultation of gastric insufflations, and chest x-ray are in use to detect or prevent the misplacement of an NGT. These methods can be unreliable or impractical. Use of capnography to detect an improperly placed NGT should be considered in the operating room as a simple, cost-effective method with high sensitivity to prevent possibly serious sequelae of an NGT placed within the bronchial tree.


2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 806-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Cheatham ◽  
Jessica Fowler

Intra-abdominal pressure measurement is essential to the diagnosis of patients with intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome. The most common method for measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is the intravesicular or “bladder” technique, which requires electronic monitoring technology not available on the typical surgical ward. Herein we describe and validate a simple, rapid screening method for bedside IAP measurement using the patient's indwelling urinary catheter and a readily available intravenous tubing extension. Validation of this technique across the clinically important IAP diagnostic spectrum demonstrated acceptable bias (1.6 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval 1.4–1.8) with limits of agreement of 0.36 to 2.8. This demonstrates good agreement between the two IAP methods and validates the bedside technique as a simple, cost-effective, and reproducible method for screening IAP measurements outside of the critical care setting.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S334-S334
Author(s):  
Ramesh V Nathan ◽  
Amy Lenz ◽  
Genevieve Davis

Abstract Background Molecular assays have improved C. difficile detection in hospitalized patients. However, asymptomatic carriers have been misclassified as hospital onset C. difficile infection (HO-CDI), which has implications for management and infection prevention programs. At our facility, we implemented robust antibiotic stewardship policies in 2016 and had an SIR for HO-CDI of 0.73 for the year. In Q1 2017, this increased to 1.88. These cases revealed that nearly all tests, found positive for C. difficile, did not meet the standard definition of clinically significant diarrhea (CSD). Moreover, many patients did not have a clinical change in condition that supported a diagnosis of C. difficile. We reasoned that an algorithm for appropriate testing for C. difficile would significantly reduce our perceived rates of HO-CDI. We also reasoned that this tool could efficiently be used at the bedside during a clinical assessment. Methods To determine which patients had CSD, we designed, educated on and implemented an algorithm to screen for appropriate testing. It required three major elements: three or more loose stools in 24 hours, no gastric motility agents 48 hours prior, and a clinical change in condition (e.g., leukocytosis, fever, abdominal cramping). The completed algorithm accompanied the stool specimen and was required for testing. We evaluated each submitted algorithm for method validation. From this, we determined testing appropriateness and algorithm tool selectivity. Results One year pre- and post-algorithm periods (PR-A and PO-A, respectively) were defined. Following its introduction, we noted a 57% decline in rates of HO-CDI (23 cases PR-A vs. 10 cases PO-A), and a 44% reduction in tests sent for C. difficile (average of 41 tests/month PR-A vs. 23 tests/month PO-A). We only used NAAT testing. We also noted a marked rise in adherence to the algorithm as time elapsed. The PDSA tool was used to refine the algorithm, with improved utilization by providers. Conclusion A simple bedside algorithm leads to more appropriate testing of patients for HO-CDI. A significant decline in reported rates of HO-CDI was noted. There is an additional benefit of diagnostic stewardship, as fewer tests are sent. This tool can be used immediately and independent of an electronic health record, is very cost effective, and is applicable to hospitals with low rates of HO-CDI. Disclosures R. V. Nathan, Merck, Allergan, The Medicines Co.: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 1-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinidh Paleri ◽  
Joanne Patterson ◽  
Nikki Rousseau ◽  
Eoin Moloney ◽  
Dawn Craig ◽  
...  

Background Approximately 9000 new cases of head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs) are treated by the NHS each year. Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is a commonly used treatment for advanced HNSCC. Approximately 90% of patients undergoing CRT require nutritional support via gastrostomy or nasogastric tube feeding. Long-term dysphagia following CRT is a primary concern for patients. The effect of enteral feeding routes on swallowing function is not well understood, and the two feeding methods have, to date (at the time of writing), not been compared. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to compare these two options. Methods This was a mixed-methods multicentre study to establish the feasibility of a RCT comparing oral feeding plus pre-treatment gastrostomy with oral feeding plus as-required nasogastric tube feeding in patients with HNSCC. Patients were recruited from four tertiary centres treating cancer and randomised to the two arms of the study (using a 1 : 1 ratio). The eligibility criteria were patients with advanced-staged HNSCC who were suitable for primary CRT with curative intent and who presented with no swallowing problems. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the willingness to be randomised. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted alongside an economic modelling exercise. The criteria for progression to a Phase III trial were based on a hypothesised recruitment rate of at least 50%, collection of outcome measures in at least 80% of those recruited and an economic value-of-information analysis for cost-effectiveness. Results Of the 75 patients approached about the trial, only 17 consented to be randomised [0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.32]. Among those who were randomised, the compliance rate was high (0.94, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.05). Retention rates were high at completion of treatment (0.94, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.05), at the 3-month follow-up (0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.04) and at the 6-month follow-up (0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.04). No serious adverse events were recorded in relation to the trial. The qualitative substudy identified several factors that had an impact on recruitment, many of which are amenable to change. These included organisational factors, changing cancer treatments and patient and clinician preferences. A key reason for the differential recruitment between sites was the degree to which the multidisciplinary team gave a consistent demonstration of equipoise at all patient interactions at which supplementary feeding was discussed. An exploratory economic model generated from published evidence and expert opinion suggests that, over the 6-month model time horizon, pre-treatment gastrostomy tube feeding is not a cost-effective option, although this should be interpreted with caution and we recommend that this should not form the basis for policy. The economic value-of-information analysis indicates that additional research to eliminate uncertainty around model parameters is highly likely to be cost-effective. Study limitations The recruitment issues identified for this cohort may not be applicable to other populations undergoing CRT. There remains substantial uncertainty in the economic evaluation. Conclusions The trial did not meet one of the three criteria for progression, as the recruitment rate was lower than hypothesised. Once patients were recruited to the trial, compliance and retention in the trial were both high. The implementation of organisational and operational measures can increase the numbers recruited. The economic analysis suggests that further research in this area is likely to be cost-effective. Future work The implementation of organisational and operational measures can increase recruitment. The appropriate research question and design of a future study needs to be identified. More work is needed to understand the experiences of nasogastric tube feeding in patients undergoing CRT. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN48569216. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 16. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.


2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1367
Author(s):  
Soumya Madhusudhan ◽  
Bharath Srinivasaiah ◽  
RaghavendraK Pai ◽  
VenkateshKumar Gopalaiah

Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Roth

The female reproductive tract may be the site of a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic tumor-like conditions, most of which can be diagnosed by light microscopic examination including special stains and more recently immunoperoxidase techniques. Nevertheless there are situations where ultrastructural examination can contribute substantially to an accurate and specific diagnosis. It is my opinion that electron microscopy can be of greatest benefit and is most cost effective when applied in conjunction with other methodologies. Thus, I have developed an approach which has proved useful for me and may have benefit for others. In cases where it is deemed of potential value, glutaraldehyde-fixed material is obtained at the time of frozen section or otherwise at operation. Coordination with the gynecologic oncologist is required in the latter situation. This material is processed and blocked and is available if a future need arises.


Author(s):  
James F. Mancuso

IBM PC compatible computers are widely used in microscopy for applications ranging from control to image acquisition and analysis. The choice of IBM-PC based systems over competing computer platforms can be based on technical merit alone or on a number of factors relating to economics, availability of peripherals, management dictum, or simple personal preference.IBM-PC got a strong “head start” by first dominating clerical, document processing and financial applications. The use of these computers spilled into the laboratory where the DOS based IBM-PC replaced mini-computers. Compared to minicomputer, the PC provided a more for cost-effective platform for applications in numerical analysis, engineering and design, instrument control, image acquisition and image processing. In addition, the sitewide use of a common PC platform could reduce the cost of training and support services relative to cases where many different computer platforms were used. This could be especially true for the microscopists who must use computers in both the laboratory and the office.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Alliano ◽  
Kimberly Herriger ◽  
Anthony D. Koutsoftas ◽  
Theresa E. Bartolotta

Abstract Using the iPad tablet for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) purposes can facilitate many communicative needs, is cost-effective, and is socially acceptable. Many individuals with communication difficulties can use iPad applications (apps) to augment communication, provide an alternative form of communication, or target receptive and expressive language goals. In this paper, we will review a collection of iPad apps that can be used to address a variety of receptive and expressive communication needs. Based on recommendations from Gosnell, Costello, and Shane (2011), we describe the features of 21 apps that can serve as a reference guide for speech-language pathologists. We systematically identified 21 apps that use symbols only, symbols and text-to-speech, and text-to-speech only. We provide descriptions of the purpose of each app, along with the following feature descriptions: speech settings, representation, display, feedback features, rate enhancement, access, motor competencies, and cost. In this review, we describe these apps and how individuals with complex communication needs can use them for a variety of communication purposes and to target a variety of treatment goals. We present information in a user-friendly table format that clinicians can use as a reference guide.


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