UMEM Educational Pearls

Peri-Intubation Cardiac Arrest

  • Emergency intubation is a common critical care procedure that carries the risk of life-threatening complications.
  • Although cardiac arrest (CA) is an established complication, there is scant literature on the actual incidence ad factors associated with CA in the peri-intubation period.
  • In a recent retrospective analysis from Carolinas Medical Center, investigators found:
    • Peri-intubation CA occurred in 4.2% of patients and was associated with a 14-fold increase in hospital mortality.
    • A pre-RSI shock index > 0.9 was indepedently associated with CA.
    • Obese patients had a higher incidence of CA; odds of CA increased 1.37 times for every 10 kg increase in weight.
  • Take Home Point: Peri-intubation CA may be more common than previously thought and, not suprisingly, is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death.

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Question

8 year-old girl presents with dysphagia and drooling, Xray is shown. What’s the diagnosis (and where is it located)?

 

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Category: Cardiology

Title: Colchicine for treatment of acute pericarditis

Keywords: Acute Pericarditis, Colchicine (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/15/2013 by Ali Farzad, MD (Updated: 3/10/2014)
Click here to contact Ali Farzad, MD

Colchicine is known to be effective in treatment of recurrent pericarditis, but until recently its efficacy during the first attack of acute pericarditis has been uncertain.

A recent multicenter, double-blinded, RCT of patients with acute pericarditis found colchicine to be effective in reducing the rate of incessant or recurrent pericarditis (primary outcome), as well as the rate of hospitalization. Here are some highlights:

  •  240 patients with acute pericarditis received conventional therapy (aspirin or ibuprofen), half of them were randomized to also get colchicine, the other half to placebo for 3 months
  • Incessant or recurrent pericarditis: 16%  in the colchicine group versus 37% in the control group (relative risk reduction=0.56; CI 0.30-0.72; NNT =4; p < 0.001)
  • Symptom persistence at 72 hours, recurrences per patient, and hospitalization rate were all significantly reduced in the colchicine group
  • There were no significant differences in adverse effects or discontinuation of the study drugs

Bottom-line:

Colchicine is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of acute pericarditis. Consider adding colchicine to conventional therapies to reduce duration of symptoms, recurrences, and rate of hospitalization.

 
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Attachments

1309151219_NEJM-Colchicine_RCT.pdf (527 Kb)



Category: Orthopedics

Title: Thumb MCP joint arthritis

Keywords: Basilar joint, thumb, arthritis, Basal joint grind test (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/14/2013 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

The thumb MCP joint is subject to arthritric changes.

Sx's of arthritis will frequently present with pain in a similar region to deQuervain's disease.

The basal joint grind test

          Perform by stabilizing the triquetrum with your thumb and index finger and then dorsally subluxing the thumb metacarpal on the trapezium while providing compressive force with the opposite hand.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEJH7KFGx_Y



  • occurs during neonatal period
  • sterile pustules which then change to hyperpigmented macules, often with a rim of scale
  • may persist up to 3 months
  • histology is characterized by leukocytes
  • benign condition with no sequelae
  • requires no treatment

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Category: Toxicology

Title: Which Antidiabetics are Likely to Cause Hypoglycemia in Overdose?

Keywords: hypoglycemia, overdose, diabetes, antidiabetic (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/10/2013 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Emailed: 9/12/2013) (Updated: 9/12/2013)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

With several new diabetes medications available, it is important to know which ones are likely to cause hypoglycemia after overdose. Based on mechanism of action and reported cases, the likelihood of hypoglycemia after overdose is listed below by drug class.

Keep in mind that other drugs can interact with antidiabetics resulting in hypoglycemia. This table applies only to single agent ingestion/administration.

Drug Class Examples Hypoglycemic Potential
Insulins Glargine, Aspart, Detemir High
Sulfonylureas Glyburide, Glipizide High
Meglitinides Nateglinide, Repaglinide High
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists Exenatide Low-Moderate
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Acarbose, Miglitol Low
Thiazolidinediones Rosiglitazone, Piaglitazone Low
Biguanides Metformin Low
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors Sitagliptin, Saxagliptin Low

 

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Category: International EM

Title: Its gettin' hot in here...

Keywords: climate, infectious, globalization, population, disease (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/11/2013 by Andrea Tenner, MD
Click here to contact Andrea Tenner, MD

 

Background Information:

A recent review article in NEJM evaluated what effects globalization and climate change can be expected to have on human health.  If global population increases and temperatures continue to rise, diseases that were once limited by either remoteness or climatologic regions may have new geographical spread.

Pertinent Conclusions:

There are three primary ways which climate change may be expected to affect health:

- Primary: Direct biologic consequences (i.e. heat waves, extreme weather events, air pollution)

- Secondary: Risks caused by process changes (i.e. decreased crop yields, tropical vectors with increased spread)

-Tertiary: More diffuse effects (mental health issues in failed farmers, conflict due to scarce water)

Bottom Line:

No matter what your views are on the causes, the current trend is that the overall climate is getting warmer and human population is increasing. Anticipation of possible consequences is key to planning for the future.

University of Maryland Section of Global Emergency Health

Author: Andi Tenner, MD, MPH

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Category: Critical Care

Title: Necrotizing Pneumonia

Keywords: critical care, necrotizing pneumonia, infectious disease, pulmonary (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/5/2013 by John Greenwood, MD (Emailed: 9/10/2013) (Updated: 9/10/2013)
Click here to contact John Greenwood, MD

 

Necrotizing Pneumonia
 

Necrotizing pneumonia is a rare, but potentially deadly complication of bacterial pneumonia.

It is characterized by the finding of pneumonic consolidation with multiple areas of necrosis within the lung parenchyma. Necrotic foci may coalesce, resulting in a localized lung abscess, or pulmonary gangrene if involving an entire lobe.

Most common pathogens: S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumonia.  
Others include S. epidermidis, E. coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, H. influenzae and Pseudomonas.

Contrast-enhanced chest CT is the diagnostic test of choice and is also helpful in evaluating  for parenchymal complications. 

Empiric antibiotic therapy should include:

  • Broad spectrum coverage for commonly implicated pathogens (vancomycin, pseudomonal-dose piperacillin/tazobactam)
  • PLUS either clindamycin or metronidazole to cover possibly involved anaerobes

Consider an early surgical evaluation for the patient with necrotizing pneumonia complicated by septic shock, empyema, bronchopleural fistula, or hemoptysis. 

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Question

This week's case is challenging, but very interesting...

An elderly patient presents with a history of significant weight loss and chronic constipation; abdominal Xray is below. What's the diagnosis? (Hint: why is the right kidney and psoas muscle so well defined?)

 

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  • In 1936 early repolarization (ER) was 1st described as ST-segment elevation in the absence of coronary artery disease, typically viewed as a benign ECG finding (BER) not association with increased cardiovascular mortality
  • Classically the prevalence of BER tends to be associated with young athletes, male sex, and black race
  • Recent data from Haissaguerre et al. and Tikkanen et al. suggest that certain subtypes of ER may be associated with a predisposition for malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD)
  • Although ER has various definitions contingent on the author, it consists of two components:
    • 1.) Prominent J wave
    • 2.) ST-segment elevation
  • This article (9/13 JACC) focuses on the analysis and importance of the ST-segment contour and its possible relation to “malignant” repolarization
  • Several studies (subgroup analysis) have found that a rapidly ascending ST-segment blending with the T-wave (Figures: A & C) confers BER, whereas a flat, horizontal, or even descending ST-segment (Figures: B & D) prior to the T-wave has potential to be malignant

 

*Please see the attachment below for Figures A-D

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Attachments

1309081121_gr1.jpg (74 Kb)



Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Title: How to Dose Antibiotics in the Critically Ill Obese Patient

Keywords: antibiotic, obese, obesity, critically ill, antimicrobial (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/31/2013 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Emailed: 9/7/2013) (Updated: 9/7/2013)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Although there is a paucity of data to guide dosing of antimicrobials in the critically ill obese patient, we can draw some conclusions from existing kinetic studies. Assuming normal renal and hepatic function, here's what to do:

Penicillins: Use the high end of dosing range. For example, if the plan is to use piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 gm IV every 6 hours for a complicated intra-abdominal infection, use 4.5 gm instead.

Cephalosporins: Use the high end of the dosing range.

Carbapenems: Use the high end of the dosing range.

Quinolones: Use the high end of the dosing range.

Aminoglycosides: Dose using adjusted body weight. ABW (kg) = IBW + 0.4 X (actual body weight - IBW)

Vancomycin: 15-20 mg/kg actual body weight every 8 to 12 hours. Adjust based on trough level.

When dosing most antibiotics in critically ill obese patients, use the high end of the dosing range (if not more).

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Category: Airway Management

Title: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Keywords: NMS, haldol, haloperidol, fluphenazine, dantrolene, bromocriptine, diazepam (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/5/2013 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

NMS is most often seen with the typical high potency neuroleptic agents (e.g haldol, fluphenazine)

All classes of antipsychotics can cause NMS, including low potency and newer atypical agents; antiemetics can cause this as well.

Symptoms usually occur after the first 2 weeks of therapy, but may occur after years of use

Signs and symptoms include:

mental status changes

muscular rigidity (“lead pipe”)

hyperthermia (>38 - 40 degrees).

Autonomic instability (tachycardia, tachycardia and diaphoresis)

Treatment includes discontinuation of the offending agent and providing supportive care.

While no clinical trials have ever been undertaken, dantrolene (muscle relaxant) is commonly used.

Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) may also be used, and amantadine (dopaminergic and anticholinergic agent) is used as an alternative to bromocriptone

Recently, several case reports have documented the successful use of diazepam as a sole pharmacologic agent. This may be an alternative or a supplement to the above agents



UEDVT comprise 10% of all DVTs (majority are lower extremity), but incidence of UEDVT is rising; UEDVTs are categorized into distal (veins distal to axillary vein) or proximal (from superior vena cava to axillary vein)

Compared to lower extremity DVT, UEDVTs have lower:

  • mortality
  • risk of pulmonary embolism
  • rates of recurrence

75% of UEDVT are secondary (indwelling catheters, pacemakers, malignancy, etc.) and 25% are primary in nature; #1 primary cause of UEDVT is Paget – Schroetter disease

Up to 25% of patients with primary UEDVTs are eventually found to have an underlying malignancy; patients with idiopathic UEDVT should be referred for cancer workup

Treatment includes removal of the catheter (if no longer needed) and:

  • anticoagulation (minimum of 3 months)
  • consideration of thrombolytics, including catheter-directed administration
  • mechanical thrombolysis (clot aspiration, fragmentation, etc.)
  • surgical thrombectomy / venous bypass

 

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Question

Elderly male presents with headache, confusion, and trouble with gait. What's in your differential diagnosis?

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Category: Cardiology

Title: Asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure in the ED

Keywords: Hypertension (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/1/2013 by Ali Farzad, MD (Updated: 3/10/2014)
Click here to contact Ali Farzad, MD

Adult ED patients are commonly found to have markedly elevated blood pressures (>160/100) without any signs or symptoms of acute organ injury (ie, cardiovascular, renal, or neurological).  

A recently revised ACEP clinical policy aims to guide emergency physicians in the evaluation and management of such patients.

They make the following recommendations (Level C):

  • Routine screening tests (ie, CXR, ECG, UA, BMP) do not reduce adverse outcomes and are not required from the ED.
  • Initiation of medical treatment does not reduce adverse outcomes and is not required in the ED.
  • Patients with persistently elevated blood pressure should be referred for primary care follow-up.
  • In select patient populations (eg. poor access to care), a screening creatinine level may identify renal injury that may alter disposition.
  • If medication is started in the ED, the goal should be to facilitate gradual long-term control. Rapidly lowering blood pressure may be harmful.

Bottom-line:

There's little evidence to guide the decision of which patients with markedly elevated blood pressures to test or treat in the ED. This new clinical policy suggests that routine screening and treatment is not required. Asymptomatic patients should be referred for close follow-up, but consider a BMP in patients with poor follow up. 

 

Want more emergency cardiology pearls? Follow me @alifarzadmd

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Attachments

1309011328_Ann_Emerg_Med_2013_Wolf.pdf (186 Kb)



Category: Toxicology

Title: Flecainide Toxicity

Keywords: flecainide, overdose, sodium channel (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/29/2013 by Fermin Barrueto
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto

There are Type 1C Anti-Dysrhythmics, like propafenone and flecainide, that are utilized to suppress atrial fibrillation. They are called Type 1C due to their sodium channel blocking effects. Flecainide has a potent effect on the ECG and has caused significant and resistant widening of the QRS complex. 

Typically, a sodium channel blocker like a TCA can be treated with hypertonic sodium bicarbonate but flecainide has been resistant to this at times and there is a reported overdose utilizing magnesium sulfate. (1) Keep that in mind if you were to see a widened QRS complex in the face of a flecainide ingestion.

There has been a Brugada ECG pattern also reported (I know Amal is smiling)  (2) ontop of the widened QRS, PR intervals though minimal effect on the QT.

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Category: International EM

Title: Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) Update

Keywords: MERS-CoV, Coronavirus, Arabian Peninsula, Infection (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/28/2013 by Andrea Tenner, MD
Click here to contact Andrea Tenner, MD

 

General Information:

-MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) is a novel coronavirus that produces a SARS-like syndrome. (You might have seen a pearl about this from us in March...)

-Since that time there have been a total of 102 laboratory-confirmed cases with 42 deaths (almost half!)

-All known cases had links to the Arabian Peninsula, although there has been some local non-sustained transmission

Relevance to the EM Physician: Consider MERS-CoV in patients with SARS-like syndrome who have traveled or had contact with someone who has traveled to the Arabian Peninsula within the past 14 days.

Bottom Line:  Ask about recent travel in patients with severe acute respiratory illness.  If you suspect MERS-CoV, contact your local health department.

University of Maryland Section of Global Emergency Health

Author: Andi Tenner, MD, MPH

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Category: Critical Care

Title: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute TIA and Minor Stroke: CHANCE Trial

Keywords: TIA, Minor Stroke, Antiplatelet therapy (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/27/2013 by Feras Khan, MD (Updated: 11/10/2024)
Click here to contact Feras Khan, MD

 

 

Background

  • Stroke is common in the first few weeks after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor ischemic stroke.
  • Aspirin reduces the risk of recurrent stroke by 12% or so.
  • Thus far there is a trend toward no benefit from dual anti-platelet treatment.

Trial

  • Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in China.
  • 5170 patients were randomized to either combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin (clopidogrel at an initial dose of 300 mg, followed by 75mg per day for 90 days, plus aspirin 75 mg per day for 21 days) or to placebo plus aspirin.
  • Primary outcome was stroke during 90 days of follow-up using intention to treat analysis

Results

  • Stroke occurred in 8.2% of patients in the aspirin-clopidogrel group as compared with 11.7% in the aspirin group (Hazard ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.81; p<0.001). Rates of hemorrhage were similar in both groups (0.3%).
  • Relative risk reduction of stroke at 90 days by 32%.

Conclusions

  • Patients with acute TIA or minor stroke may benefit from combination therapy with no increased risk of hemorrhage

Bottom Line:

  • 41,561 patients were screened in order to find 5170 appropriate patients! 
  • Patients with major stroke, who are risk for hemorrhage, and have isolated sensory TIAs, were excluded.
  • The trial was conducted in China, so the results may not apply in other countries (A similar trial, the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) study is being done in North America).
  • Decision to treat should be made with neurology assistance.  

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Category: Visual Diagnosis

Title: What's the Diagnosis? Case by Dr. Yemi Adebayo

Posted: 8/25/2013 by Haney Mallemat, MD (Emailed: 8/26/2013) (Updated: 8/26/2013)
Click here to contact Haney Mallemat, MD

Question

23 year-old patient presents with a rash on his palms and soles. He also states that he had a something strange on his genitals several weeks before. What's the diagnosis and what’s the treatment (including dosing) for this disease?

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  • 1st generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have been shown to reduce restenosis and target vessel revascularizations (TVR) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) in patients with STEMI
  • 1st generation DES have also been associated with increased rates of very late stent thrombosis (ST), raising concerns over the safety of these devices in patients with STEMI, who compared to patients with stable coronary artery disease, have greater rates of ST due to heightened platelet activation and the presence of thrombus
  • The most important finding in this study is the significantly reduced risk of 1-year cardiac death, MI, and ST with CoCr-EES (cobalt-chromium everolimus eluting stent) compared to BMS
  • The observed reduction in MI, ST, and composite cardiac death rates with CoCr-EES compared to BMS is consistent with experimental data suggesting that stents covered by fluorinated polymers are less thrombogenic than even BMS

 

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