Although the FAST exam can be helpful in expediting care of patients with intraabdominal injuries, there are a few pitfalls.
Pitfalls:
1. The FAST exam has a wide sensitivity which depends on sonographer skill and the patient's body habitus. It is best used as a “Rule In NOT Rule Out” exam.
2. The FAST exam is not good for identifying bowel injury or retroperitoneal bleeding and may not be able to pick up low volume hemoperitoneum.
3. The FAST exam is not able to identify the type of fluid e.g. ascites vs blood.
Some Tips for Performing the FAST exam:
1.Go slow, fan through the view completely. In the RUQ view make sure you are evaluating the liver tip.
2. Place the patient in slight Trendelenburg.
3. If you have clinical concern for injury, don't stop at a negative FAST.
Appropriately, a great deal of time and energy is being expended to educate on the use of tourniquets to prevent mass hemorrhage. Are the current generation of tourniquets the best that we can have? These authors performed a Delphi study to assess needs with tourniquet design.
They concluded the next generation of tourniquets should have the following: “Capable of being used longer than 2 hours, applied and monitored by anyone, data displays, semiautomated capabilities with inherent overrides, automated monitoring with notifications and alerts, and provide recommended actions.”
This article shows us that even things we think of as objective measures in medicine may actually perpetuate systemic biases.
The study evaluated controlled hypoxemia in a group of volunteers. Traditional pulse ox devices measured falsely elevated pulse ox readings in participants with dark skin pigmentation and low tissue perfusion. It suggested different types of devices that may have improved accuracy in patients with darker skin pigmentation, but the underlying problem still exists.
Bottom line, this goes to prove what we have taught, never rely on a single value to reassure yourself of the patient's status, always take into account the bigger picture.
A panel comprised of 21 participants selected by four clinical toxicology societies (America’s Poison Centers, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American College of Medical Toxicology, and Canadian Association of Poison Control Centers) sought to develop consensus guidelines for management of acetaminophen poisoning in the US and Canada. Highlights from this framework include:
Acetylcysteine Stopping Criteria
A common misconception is that acetylcysteine is administered for 21 hours then discontinued. The consensus statement codifies the practice of reassessing the patient at the end of the acetylcysteine infusion and only stopping acetylcysteine if all of the following criteria are met:
Ingestion of Extended-Release Acetaminophen Products
Extended release acetaminophen products are available on the US market. Management is largely the same as for instant release acetaminophen except for several exceptions:
Management of Repeated Supratherapeutic Acetaminophen Ingestion
When a patient presents following repeated acetaminophen ingestions over a period of greater than 24 hours the Matthew-Romack nomogram is no longer applicable for guiding decisions regarding treatment with acetylcysteine. The consensus statement recommends initiating treatment in this scenario if the patient’s acetaminophen concentration is > 20 mcg/mL or if patient’s AST/ALT are abnormal.
Final Thoughts:
These guidelines will function as a useful reference and officially codify a general framework with evidence-based recommendations for the management of acetaminophen poisoning. As always, a poison center or clinical toxicologist should be consulted for any complicated or serious acetaminophen poisoning.
By now, most of us are aware that there's evidence supporting the use of an antibiotics-only approach for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. One of the major trials evaluating this is the Appendicitis Acuta II Trial. Our paper today continued longitudinal follow up of the original cohort enrolled in this study.
Patients were randomized to receive either oral antibiotic monotherapy (moxifloxacin 400 mg/d x 7 days) or IV and oral antibiotics (IV ertapenem 1 g/d x 2 days plus oral levofloxacin 500 mg/d + metronidazole500 mg q8h x 5 d).
Primary endpoint: resolution of acute appendicitis and hospital discharge without surgery and no reoccurence at time of follow up (3 years later).
There were 582 patients in the three year follow up cohort; Success was 63.4% (1-sided 95% CI, 58.8% to ?) in the oral antibiotics only group and 65.2% in the IV + oral antibiotics(1-sided 95% CI, 60.5% to ?). The difference in success rate was -1.8% (1-sided 95% CI, ?8.3 percentage points to ?; P?=?.14 for noninferiority).
No significant difference in secondary endpoints, including treatment-related adverse events, quality of life, length of hospital stay, and length of sick leave.
In this secondary analysis of the three year cohort from the APPAC II trial, there was a slightly higher appendectomy rate in patients who received oral antibiotic therapy; noninferiority of this regimen (as composed to combined) could not be demonstrated.
Many patients present to the ED with hypercarbic respiratory failure (i.e. COPD exacerbation, obesity hypoventilation syndrome etc.). Typically, our first line of treatment is the use of BiPAP, where we set an inspiratory pressure (IPAP) and an expiratory pressure (EPAP). The difference between these two pressures (as well as patient effort) determines the tidal volumes (and consequently minute ventilation) a patient receives in our attempts to help the patient “blow off CO2.”
If you are having trouble with continued hypercarbia despite the use of BiPAP, another NIPPV mode that can be trialed is Average Volume-Assured Pressure Support (AVAPS). With BiPAP the patient receives the same fixed IPAP no matter what, even if their tidal volumes are lower than what is needed. With AVAPS, the ventilator will self-titrate the IPAP and increase (or decrease) the IPAP to reach the tidal volumes that you set, increasing the odds the patient will achieve the minute ventilation you are trying to achieve.
(AVAPS is essentially a non-invasive version of PRVC)
Initial settings (ask your RTs for help!):
The supracondylar fracture is one of the most common pediatric fractures. It typically occurs due to a FOOSH injury and is a result of fracture through an area of high growth (and therefore weaker bone structure) in the pediatric distal humerus. Appearance on x-ray depends on the degree of displacement, however in cases without obvious displacement, providers must look for more subtle signs on x-ray. For example, a “sail sign” of the anterior fat pad and appearance of a posterior fat pad indicate a joint effusion and are suggestive of a fracture. However, there are often still equivocal x-rays in children with notable tenderness on exam, and failure to appropriately immobilize these fractures can result in pain and higher risk of injury resulting in displacement.
In 2021, Varga et al, looked into the ability to assess for supracondylar fractures with ultrasound. This prospective study evaluated 5 locations in the pediatric elbow for signs of fracture. Ultimately, this was able to identify more fractures than x-ray alone, and was a useful tool for equivocal cases. This is not an isolated study, but one of the most comprehensive, looking into ultrasound as a tool for supracondylar fracture identification.
It may be time to grab that ultrasound probe to look for fractures in pediatric patients with pain but an unclear elbow x-ray.
This study used the modified Brain injury Guidelines retrospectively to assess whether the guidelines would have saved transfers to their level one facility safely. They concluded the guidelines would have effectively prevented unnecessary mBIG 1 and mBIG2 transfers with no patient harm.
TABLE 1 - Modified Brain Injury Guidelines Radiologic Stratification, as per Kahn et al.
| mBIG 1 | mBIG 2 | mBIG 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skull fracture | No | Non-displaced | Displaced |
| SDH | ?4 mm | 4–7.9 mm | ?8 mm |
| EDH | No | No | Yes |
| SAH | ?3 sulci and <1 mm | Single hemisphere or 1–3 mm | Bihemisphere or >3 mm |
| IVH | No | No | Yes |
| IPH | ?4 mm | 4–7.9 mm | ?8 mm or multiple |
EDH, epidural hematoma; IPH, intraparenchymal hemorrhage; IVH, intraventricular hemorrhage; SAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A recent study attempted to investigate the relationship between a history of strength training with symptomatic and structural findings of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
For comparison, previous studies have shown that duration of football participation increases risk of radiographic knee OA.
Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional multicenter study
2,607 participants without OA. Community population. 44% male. Mean age 64.3 years. Mean BMI 28.5.
Strength training (via self-administered questionnaire) defined as those exposed (n=1789 ) and not exposed (n=818). If exposed, groups were divided into low, medium and high.
Outcomes were 1) Radiographic OA. 2) Symptomatic radiographic OA. 3) Frequent knee pain
Results: Strength training at any point in life vs no strength training was associated with lower incidence of all outcome measures:
Odds ratio1) 0.82, 2) 0.83 and 3) 0.77.
Conclusions: Strength training is beneficial for future knee health
However, when separated by groups (low, medium and high), only the high-exposure group had significantly reduced odds of less frequent radiographic OA, symptomatic radiographic OA, and frequent knee pain.
Findings were similar for different age ranges
The association between strength training and less frequent radiographic OA, symptomatic radiographic OA, and frequent knee pain was strongest in the older age groups.
This really interesting study suggests that the classic site of CPR “in the middle of the chest” may actually not be the ideal place to perform CPR. Previous imaging studies demonstrate that the ventricles are primarily beneath the lower third of the sternum and that standard placement of CPR compressions may deform the aortic valve, blocking the LVOT, and theoretically limiting perfusion of the coronaries and brain.
This study compared a standard CPR group with those undergoing TEE-guided chest compressions to avoid aortic valve compression. Those in the non-AV compression group had significantly increased likelihood of ROSC, survival to ICU, and higher femoral arterial diastolic pressures. However, there was no difference in long-term outcomes or end-tidal CO2.
Summary: Avoiding AV compression during CPR significantly improved the chance at ROSC in adult OHCA, but this small observational study did not show any difference in long term outcomes when compared to standard practice. Lowering the point of chest compressions in CPR to the lower third of the sternum may be beneficial.
Do you have a patient with a finger injury or infection, or possibly a retained foreign body?
Try placing the hand in a water bath and use a linear ultrasound probe for evaluation. If there is an open wound, use a sterile ultrasound probe cover.
With ultrasound guidance, you can observe dynamic finger movements and identify areas that may require abscess drainage.
In this Scandinavian study looking at 2,362 head injury patients on oral anticoagulants, the authors found only 5 cases of delayed hemorrhage and none of the five underwent neurosurgery. The authors concluded:
“In patients with head trauma, on oral anticoagulation, the incidence of clinically relevant delayed intracranial hemorrhage was found to be less than one in a thousand, with detection occurring four days or later after initial presentation.”
It would appear based on this study and others that it is safe to discharge these patients with a normal head CT and giving strict return precautions for headache, nausea, vomiting or other changes.
Histamine is present in mosquito saliva contributing to itch with bites, however, certain populations – including children – can experience an exaggerated reaction. Skeeter syndrome is a large, localized inflammatory reaction secondary to a mosquito bite that presents with warmth, swelling, and itching. There can occasionally be associated lymphadenopathy and fever as well. The rapid onset is what best differentiates it from cellulitis. Treatment is primarily symptomatic in nature, focused on relieving itch, with antihistamines and topical therapy. There may also be a role for prophylactic antihistamine usage at times when mosquito bites will be unavoidable in a patient known to have developed Skeeter syndrome previously. Other patients who may be affected include those with immunologic and autoimmune phenomena, those with underlying atopy, outdoor workers with frequent exposure, and those with new exposure to indigenous mosquitos.
Take Home: Consider insect (mosquito bite) when evaluating for cellulitis/infection in pediatric patients, with impressive skin findings but otherwise unremarkable exams. They present with rapid onset and itching instead of pain. This can be especially prominent in periorbital and auricular presentations.
Title: Basics of Sleep Physiology and Architecture
By: Youssef Annous, MD
Sleep is integral for physical and mental health and performance. Sleep is extremely well conserved among species. All mammals need sleep to survive.1 A single sleep cycle typically lasts anywhere between 90 and 120 minutes and is broken down into two phases2:
Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep
Stage 1 (Light Sleep)
This is the lightest form of sleep and the easiest to wake up from. During this stage, it is normal to experience muscle twitching and the sensation of drifting in and out of consciousness. This stage lasts approximately 5 minutes in the beginning of sleep and comprises around 5% of total sleep duration.2
Stage 2 (Light Sleep)
During this stage, you are likely to begin experiencing decrease in body temperature, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate (RR). Electroencephalography (EEG) during this phase of sleep would show sleep spindles and K complexes.2 These findings have been linked to memory consolidation.3
Stage 3 (Deep Sleep)
This is the deepest stage of sleep. During this phase, body temperature, HR, BP, and RR are at their lowest. This is the most restorative stage of sleep. It is essential for immune health, cardiovascular health, tissue repair, bone growth, and muscle recovery.2 It is also when growth hormone (GH) is at its highest. Physiological (e.g. illness) or psychological (e.g. anxiety) stressors can negatively impact this stage. We experience less deep sleep as we age.4
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep
This stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movement, abundance of dreaming and heightened brain activity. During REM, there is total body paralysis with exception of ocular and respiratory muscles. It is theorized that your body is paralyzed during this stage to protect you from dream enactment. You experience more REM the longer you sleep. REM has been shown to be essential for memory consolidation, cognitive function, mood regulation and for coping with stress. This stage is particularly compromised by sedatives including but not limited to alcohol, benzodiazepines, and tetrahydro-cannabinoid (THC). Several studies in animals and humans showed that even modest REM sleep deprivation can result in increased mortality. 2,5,6
All sleep stages are extremely essential. Be careful of self-medicating with sleep aids such benzodiazepines or alcohol as this can be detrimental for your health. In later UMEM pearls, we will discuss protocols, supplements and behavioral ways to improve each stage of sleep for better mental and physical health.
This Delphi study and companion editorial highlight current thought on frailty screen in emergency department patients. Key takeaways are:
Emergency departments should be instituting procedures that incorporate screening older patients for frailty. These references are a good starting point.
On exam, assess for facial instability and airway patency. CT scan is the imaging of choice. The higher the number, the more complex the fracture, the more unstable and the more difficult the airway managment will be. Look for open lacerations or blood in the sinuses and treat with antibiotics if these are found. Consult ENT or plastics urgently for further management.
The reference is a nice review of these fractures
A recent study in Annals of EM investigated the use of topical Diclofenac in the treatment of lower back pain.
Small studies have shown topical NSAIDs to be effective for single joint OA and tendinopathies.
Currently, NSAIDs are first-line treatment for ED patients with acute low back pain.
Theoretically, topical NSAIDs deliver medications directly to the injured tissue while minimizing systemic side effects.
-Topical NSAIDs provide similar concentrations of the drugs in muscle tissue but much lower plasma concentrations than oral formulations
Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
ED patients aged 18 to 69 years with non-radicular, non-traumatic acute lower back pain.
Screened 3,281 and enrolled 198.
Study groups:
Patients received 2 days of meds. Follow up by phone at 2 and 7 days.
Investigators used the RMDQ score to measures pain and functional impairment.
Results: At the 2 day follow-up, all 3 groups showed an improvement in the mean RMDQ score compared to baseline as expected.
Participants had a mean RMDQ improvement of 10.1 in the ibuprofen group, 6.4 in the diclofenac gel group, and 8.7 in the ibuprofen + diclofenac gel group.
At the 7-day follow-up, participants had a mean RMDQ change compared to baseline of 12.2 in the ibuprofen group, 9.5 in the diclofenac group, and 10.7 in the ibuprofen + diclofenac gel group.
Conclusion: This study does not support the use of topical diclofenac among patients who can otherwise tolerate oral ibuprofen.
Because the study did not compare placebo gel to topical Diclofenac, we cannot infer whether topical medication is helpful for treatment in acute lower back pain in those patients who may not be able to take NSAIDs.
This very small study looked at the utility of using IV contrast media to enhance abdominal sonography in identifying injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients. The comparison was CT scanning of the abdomen to identify injuries. The study concluded:
“With the addition of contrast and careful inspection of solid organs, abdominal sonography with contrast performed by the emergency physician improves the ability to rule out traumatic findings on abdominal CT. CEUS performed by emergency physicians may miss injuries, especially in the absence of free fluid, in cases of low-grade injuries, simultaneous injuries, or poor-quality examinations.”
To me, this is a limited study and the technique is not ready for wide spread use but further study is warranted.
There is a growing trend toward the development of specialty-specific emergency services, such as Geriatric or Oncologic EDs.
Will this trend continue? Is the segmentation of emergency care in our future? The author of this article opines that the answer depends on future outcomes research in this area.
