Category: Airway Management
Keywords: HLH, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/24/2019 by Kim Boswell, MD
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Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) – Part I
A rare, but important disease that is becoming more widely recognized and more frequently diagnosed. This disease, while uncommon, is rapidly progressive and caries a high mortality rate.
Causes are not completely understood, but involve abnormal activation of the immune response due to a failure of the typical downregulation in hyperinflammatory processes.
Two types exist:
Congenital/Familial – genetic predisposition which usually requires a triggering event to occur
Acquired – occurs in adults with no known predisposition (often have underlying genetic predispositions) – triggering events include infections , immunodeficiency, rheumatologic disorders, and malignancy in addition to many others.
Diagnosis is challenging due to the wide variety of symptoms and constellation of symptoms, which often mimic more common infections/sepsis presentations. Common symptoms include the following:
Symptoms can, and do, occur in any body system – rashes, conjunctivitis, DIC, LFT abnormalities, hypotension/shock, and respiratory failure are all common concomitant findings in the presentation of HLH
More on the specific diagnosis and treatment to follow in part II...
McClain KL. Clinical features and diagnosis of hemophagoctyic lymphohistiocytosis. UpToDate.Waltham, MA:UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed on December 24, 2019.)
Category: Pediatrics
Keywords: Urinary retention, formulas (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/20/2019 by Jenny Guyther, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
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Urinary retention in pediatrics is defined as the inability to void for more than 12 hours in the presence of a palpable bladder or a urine volume greater than expected for age.
Maximum urine volume calculation for age: (age in years + 2) x 30ml.
Causes of urinary retention include mechanical obstruction, infection, fecal impaction, neurological disorders, gynecological disorders and behavioral problems.
The distribution is bimodal occurring between 3 and 5 years and 10 to 13 years.
Nevo A, Mano R, Livne P, Sivan B and Ben-Meir. Urinary Retention in Children. Urology 2014; 84(6):1475-1479.
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Cirrhosis, Varices, GI Bleeding, TIPS, Interventional Radiology (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/17/2019 by Mark Sutherland, MD
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There are few conditions that can be as dramatic or difficult to control as variceal GI bleeding in a cirrhotic patient. It is important to be familiar with all options in these cases, from Blakemore/Minnesota tube placement to massive transfusion to when and which consultants to get involved. In cases that are refractory or not amenable to endoscopic intervention, emergent interventional radiology consultation for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) may be a consideration. In high risk cases, think about getting IR on the phone at the same time as you engage GI, in case endoscopic management fails. Variceal bleed patients can decompensate rapidly, get your consultants involved early!
Generally accepted indications for emergent TIPS (both of the following should be true):
-GI bleeding not amenable or not controllable by endoscopy
-Cause is felt to be variceal. May also consider in portal hypertensive gastropathy
Contraindications:
-Right heart failure or pulmonary hypertension
-Severe liver failure (MELD > 22, T Bili > 3 or Child-Pugh C. In these cases TIPS may not confer a significant survival benefit)
-Hepatic encephalopathy (relative contradindication. HE may be worsened by TIPS).
-Polycystic liver disease (makes TIPS technically challenging)
-Chronic portal vein thrombus (makes TIPS technically challenging. Acute PV thrombus is NOT considered a contraindication)
Bottom Line: In cases of variceal GI bleeding from portal hypertension, consider getting IR on the phone early to discuss emergent TIPS.
Loffroy R, Favelier S, Pottecher P, et al. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for acute variceal gastrointestinal bleeding: Indications, techniques and outcomes. Diagn Interv Imaging. 2015;96(7-8):745-55. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211568415001989?via%3Dihub)
EMRAP Blakemore Tube Placement: https://www.emrap.org/episode/placemenofa/placemenofa
EMRAP Minnesota Tube Placement: https://www.emrap.org/episode/placementofa1/placementofa
Category: Orthopedics
Keywords: Klein's line, S sign, AVN (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/14/2019 by Brian Corwell, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
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Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
http://www.raymondliumd.com/images/SCFE%20illustrated%20and%20cropped.jpg
Early Diagnosis:
Klein’s Line on AP view
https://pedemmorsels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Slipped-Capital-Femoral-Epiphysis-3.png
Another virtual line may assist in diagnosis
S-sign
Klein's line and S-sign
Consider adding both of these virtual lines/signs to your review of the pediatric hip plain film
Rebich et al., 2018. The S Sign: A New Radiographic Tool to Aid in the Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. J Emerg Med.
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: DDAVP, desmopressin, ICH, intracranial hemorrhage, stroke, CVA, hyponatremia (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/8/2019 by Robert Brown, MD
(Updated: 12/10/2019)
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Pearl: consider desmopressin (DDAVP) for patients with an intracranial hemorrhage who are taking an antiplatelet. Caution, this is not for patients with an ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion and it was not specifically evaluated for patients on anticoagulation or going to the OR with neurosurgery.
How strong is this evidence? International guidelines already give cautious approval for this practice, and now there is a retrospective review to support it. Though there were only 124 patients in the trial, the rate of hemorrhage expansion was much lower in the DDAVP group (10.9% vs 36.2%, P = .002) and there was no increased risk of hyponatremia (no events reported).
Background: the USPSTF updated recommendations for aspirin for primary prevention of stroke, heart attack, and colon cancer to cut down on over prescription (it's no longer indicated if you're over 70 and it's a question of shared decision-making if you're over 60) but a staggering number of our patients will be on at least one anti-platelet drug when they present with an intracranial hemorrhage.
Past guidelines for treating the bleed in a patient on an anti-platelet drug have given guarded support to giving desmopressin (DDAVP), but some worried the potential for hyponatremia and worsening cerebral edema might outweigh the benefit of releasing von Willebrand Factor.
This study from Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse reviewed 124 cases of intracranial hemorrhage in patients on antiplatelets, but not on anticoagulation and not going to the OR. A total of 55 got DDAVP and 69 did not. The rate of hemorrhage expansion in the first 24 hours was much lower in the DDAVP group (10.9%) than the untreated group (36.2%), and without a significant difference in the rates of hyponatremiia (no events) or thrombotic events (though this last one trended toward more events in the DDAVP group at 7.3% compared to 1.4% in the untreated group).
Feldman E, Meola G, Zyck S, et al. Retrospective Assessment of Desmopressin Effectiveness and Safety in Patients With Antiplatelet-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage. Critical Care Medicine 2019; 47(12):1759-1765.
Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Keywords: adenosine, SVT (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/8/2019 by Ashley Martinelli
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
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Adenosine is an atrioventricular nodal blocking agent that is commonly used in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. It is dosed as 6 mg IV Push x 1, followed by dose escalation to 12 mg IV Push if the initial dose was unsuccessful. In patients with central access or prior orthotopic heart transplantation, the initial recommended dose is 3 mg.
Due to its short half-life (< 10 seconds) it is imperative to administer in the most proximal access and follow with a 20 mL bolus of saline. Traditionally this is done using a two-way stopcock.
A new study compared single syringe (adenosine 6mg + 18 mL saline) vs two syringes (adenosine 6mg in one, 20 mL saline in the other) in 53 patients with SVT. The single syringe arm converted to NSR 73.1% after one dose compared to 40.7% in the two-syringe arm (p=0.0176). After up to three doses, the single syringe arm had 100% conversion compared to 70.4% in the two-syringe arm (p=0.0043).
Single syringe adenosine has been recommended in FOAM for several years. Although small, this study is the first to compare the two methods. This method simplifies administration and may improve cardioversion rates.
McDowell M, Mokszycki R, Greenberg A, et al. Single-syringe administration of diluted adenosine. Acad Emerg Med. 2019;00:1-3.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: droperidol, agitation, sedation, QT prolongation (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/5/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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After many years of national shortage and FDA’s black box warning in 2001 (QT prolongation) droperidol is slowing becoming available.
In 2015, a prospective observational study was published involving ED patients who received droperidol for agitation (acute behavioral disturbance).
Method
Results
Four leading reason for ED presentation
Adverse events
Conclusion
Calver L et al. The safety and effectivenss of droperidol for sedation of acute behavioral disturbance in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 2015;66:230-238.
Category: Critical Care
Posted: 12/3/2019 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
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Interventions Shown to Reduce Mortality in RCTs
Santacruz CA, et al. Which multicenter randomized controlled trials in critical care medicine have shown reduced mortality? A systematic review. Crit Care Med. 2019; 47:1680-1691.
Category: Pediatrics
Posted: 11/29/2019 by Rose Chasm, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
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Antibiotic stewardship has led various organizations such as the AAP, AAFP, and IDSA to introduce two different approaches to the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM):
Immediate treatment with antibiotics should always include the following patients:
The observation approach can be considered in the following very slect patient group:
Often the issue with pediatric AOM isn't necessarily the overprescribing of antibiotics, but the inaccurate/inappropriate over diagnosis of acute otitis media. An erythematous tympanic membrane does not equal AOM. Crying and fever can result in a red TM. Fluid seen behind the TM, is often just serous otitis media, which isn't AOM.
When antibiotics are warranted, first-line treatment is with high dose amoxicillin, 90 mg/kg per day divided into two doses; unless the child has received beta-lactam antibiotics in the previous 90 days and/or also has puruent conjunctivitis mandating amoxicillin-clavulanate instead. In the later case, prescribing the Augment ES, 600 mg/5mL formlation with a lower clavulanic concentration lessening GI upset and diarrhea is prefered.
Liebeerthal AS, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics 2013; 131.
Shaikh N, et al. Development of an algorithm for the diagnosis of otitis media. Acad Pediatr 2012;12:214.
Category: Neurology
Keywords: ESETT, benzodiazepine, fosphenytoin, valproate, levetiracetam, status epilepticus (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/27/2019 by WanTsu Wendy Chang, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact WanTsu Wendy Chang, MD
Bottom Line: Fosphenytoin, valproate, and levetiracetaim have similar efficacy in treatment of benzodiazepine-resistant status epilepticus.
Kapur J, Elm J, Chamberlain JM, et al. Randomized trial of three anticonvulsant medications for status epilepticus. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:2013-13.
Follow me on Twitter @EM_NCC
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: conservative oxygenation (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/26/2019 by Quincy Tran, MD, PhD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact Quincy Tran, MD, PhD
Settings
Study Results:
Discussion:
This study’s results differed from previous single center study (Girardis JAMA 2016) or meta analysis (Chu DK, Lancer 2018), which showed mortality benefit in patients with conservative oxygen (Girardis & Chu) and more ventilator-free days (Girardis).
Conclusion: Conservative oxygen did not significantly affect the ventilator free days of mechanically ventilated patients.
Reference:
1. ICU-ROX Investigators and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group, Mackle D, Bellomo R, Bailey M, Beasley R, Deane A, Eastwood G, Finfer S, Freebairn R, King V, Linke N, Litton E, McArthur C, McGuinness S, Panwar R, Young P.
Conservative Oxygen Therapy during Mechanical Ventilation in the ICU. N Engl J Med. 2019 Oct 14. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1903297. [Epub ahead of print]
2. Chu DK, Kim LH, Young PJ, et al. Mortality and morbidity in acutely ill adults treated with liberal versus conservative oxygen therapy (IOTA): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lancet 2018; 391: 1693-705.
3. Girardis M, Busani S, Damiani E, et al. Effect of conservative vs conventional oxygen therapy on mortality among patients in an intensive care unit: the Oxygen-ICU. randomized clinical trial.
JAMA 2016; 316: 1583-9.
Category: Visual Diagnosis
Posted: 11/26/2019 by Tu Carol Nguyen, DO
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A ~55 year-old female with a history of ESRD and diabetes who presented to the ED with progressively worsening foot odor. An x-ray was performed. The picture below shows the right foot.
What is the diagnosis?
Necrotizing infection of the foot
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/necrotising-fasciitis
Yaghoubian et al. Use of admission serum lactate and sodium levels to predict mortality in necrotizing soft-tissue infections. Archives of surgery. 2007.
Anaya DA and Dellinger EP. Necrotizing soft-tissue infection: diagnosis and management. Clinical infectious diseases. 2007.
Category: Orthopedics
Keywords: back pain, muscle relaxants (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/23/2019 by Brian Corwell, MD
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The role of skeletal muscle relaxants in the management of lower back pain in the ED
Patients with lower back pain (LBP) presenting to the ED are often treated with NSAIDs plus skeletal muscle relaxants.
A recent study in Annals of Emergency Medicine compared functional outcomes and pain in ED patients with acute non radicular LBP with 4 different treatment regimens.
Conclusion: Adding a muscle relaxant to ibuprofen did not improve pain or improve function at 1 week following an ED visit for LBP.
Note: Prior studies have found no benefit to adding opioids or diazepam to NSAIDs for ED patients with acute non radicular LBP
Friedman et al., 2019. Annals of Emergency Medicine
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: EVALI, e-cigarette, vaping, lung injury (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/22/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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As of November 20, 2019:
2290 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) from 49 states (except Alaska), District of Columbia and 2 U.S. territories.
Analysis of 29 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from EVALI patients submitted to CDC from 10 states showed:
*** Vitamin E acetate appears to be associated with EVALI but the investigation is continuing.***
Some research has suggested that oral vitamin E use has potential beneficial effects (i.e. anti-inflammatory/antioxidant) in the lung (e.g. asthma and allergic lung disease), cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer (Cook-Mills JM et al. 2013; Jiang Q et al. 2001)
Common uses of vitamin E
There is limited to no data on pulmonary effect of vitamin E from inhalation in the scientific literature.
Stay tuned for additional updates from CDC.
Category: Orthopedics
Keywords: geriatrics, orthopaedic, fractur (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/16/2019 by Michael Bond, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact Michael Bond, MD
Therefore, pain medications must be dosed carefully, which runs the risk of underdosing. Pain medications can also contribute to delerium, and decreased functional status.
Recommendations:
Category: Pediatrics
Keywords: Sore throat, strep throat (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/15/2019 by Jenny Guyther, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact Jenny Guyther, MD
Streptococcal pharyngitis is common in the pediatric population however in children younger than 3 years, group A streptococcus (GAS) is a rare cause of sore throat and sequela including acute rheumatic fever are very rare. Inappropriate testing leads to increased healthcare and unnecessary exposure to antibiotics.
The national guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America do NOT recommend GAS testing in children less than the age of 3 years unless the patient meets clinical criteria and has a home contact with documented GAS.
Ahluwalia et al. Reducing streptococcal testing in patients less than 3 years old in an emergency department. Pediatrics 2019;144:4.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: meformin overdose, metformin associated lactic acidosis, observation period (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/14/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
Click here to contact Hong Kim, MD
Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents. Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of metformin overdose.
Lactic acidosis occurs due to inhibition of mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, resulting in decreased conversion of lactic acid to pyruvate.
A small retrospective study (using Illinois Poison Center data) attempted to characterize the development of MALA after an acute overdose.
MALA was defined as
Results
40 cases of MALA identified between Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2014
Time to development of MALA (n=30)
Death: 1 (2.5%)
Conclusion
Jillian Theobald, Jamie Schneider, Navneet Cheema & Carol DesLauriers (2019) "Time to development of metformin-associated lactic acidosis," Clinical Toxicology, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1686514
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: OHCA, cardiac arrest, resuscitation, PEA, pesudo-PEA, pulseless electrical activity (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/12/2019 by Kami Windsor, MD
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When managing cardiac arrest, it is important to differentiate PEA, the presence of organized electrical activity without a pulse, from "pseudo-PEA,"where there is no pulse but there IS cardiac activity visualized on ultrasound.
Why:
How:
What:
Bottom Line: Pseudo-PEA is different from PEA. Utilize POCUS during your cardiac arrests to identify it and to help diagnose reversible causes, and treat it as a profound shock state with the appropriate supportive measures, i.e. pressors or inotropy.
Rabjohns J, Quan T, Boniface K, Pourmand A. Pseudo-pulseless electrical activity in the emergency department, an evidence based approach. Am J Emerg Med. 2019. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2019.158503
Category: Orthopedics
Keywords: Hip pain, bursitis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/9/2019 by Brian Corwell, MD
(Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD
Lateral hip pain is a common presentation of hip pain.
Typically seen in runners and women over the age of 40 who start unaccustomed exercise.
Pain from OA of the hip which is typically medial (groin pain)
Lateral hip pain has traditionally been diagnosed at trochanteric bursitis.
Research suggests that lateral hip pain may be multifactorial and better termed Greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Pain from the gluteal medius and/or minimus due to non-inflammatory tendonopathy is likely causative. This may cause a secondary bursitis.
Pain is insidious, gradual worsens and is variable based on activity type.
Also, can be seen after a fall resulting in tearing.
Pain is described as a deep ache or bruise. It can stay localized or radiate down lateral thigh towards knee.
Patients report night/early morning pain and when rolling over onto the outer hip on affected side.
Fatigue from prolonged sitting, walking and single leg loading activities such as walking up stairs.
Provoking activities and postures cause compressive forces on the involved tendons.
These generally occur when the hip is adducted across midline such as with
Side sleeping,
Place pillow between legs to align pelvis and keep knee and hip in line
Crossed leg sitting
Sit w/ knees at hip distance and feet on floor
Selfie poses - Standing w a hitched hip (pushing hip to the side).
Attempt to correct biomechanical issues before progressing directly to bursal steroid injection
May only be a temporary fix if underlying issue not addressed.
A helpful clinical guide
https://bjgp.org/content/bjgp/67/663/479/F1.large.jpg?download=true
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: droperidol, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, recurrent nausea/vomiting (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/7/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
Click here to contact Hong Kim, MD
Droperidol has recently become available again in select U.S. institutions. It has been used as an antiemetic and to treat agitation prior to the FDA’s black box warning (for QT prolongation) and national shortage.
Recently, a retrospective study was conducted (Melbourne, Australia) in the use of droperidol in the management of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
Results
689 medical records were identified from January 2006 to December 2016.
76 cases met diagnostic criteria of CHS (below)
Droperidol group (DG) = 37; no droperidol group (NDG)= 39
Median length of stay:
Median time to discharge after final drug administration:
Frequency of droperidol (dose) used:
Metoclopramide and Ondansetron use in non-droperidol group was twice that of droperidol group
Conclusion