Category: Critical Care
Posted: 1/21/2020 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD
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Mechanical Ventilation Pearls for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Robba C, et al. Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute ischemic stroke: from pathophysiology to clinical practice. Crit Care. 2019;23:388.
Category: Pediatrics
Keywords: ENT, post tonsillectomy bleeding, T and A (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/17/2020 by Jenny Guyther, MD
(Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) is the second most common ambulatory surgery performed in the US. Children younger than 3 years, children with craniofacial disorders or sleep apnea are typically admitted overnight as studies have shown an increase rate of airway or respiratory complications in this population.
The most common late complications include bleeding and dehydration. Other complications include nausea, respiratory issues and pain.
Post-operatively, the overall 30-day emergency department return rate is up to 13.3%. Children ages 2 and younger were more likely to present to the ED. There is significantly higher risk of dehydration for children under 4 years. Children over the age of 6 had significantly higher bleeding risk and need for reoperation for hemorrhage control.
Lindquist NR, Feng Z and Mukerji SS. Age-related causes of emergency department visits after pediatric adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary pediatric referral center. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 2019; 127: 109668.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: non-fatal opioid overdose, risk of fatality (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/16/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Many patients are treated in the emergency room for non-fatal opioid overdose. However, it is unknown what proportion of these patient population experience subsequent fatality after their ED visit.
A recent study investigated the 1-year mortality rate among Massachusetts ED patients who were treated and discharged from ED for non-fatal opioid overdose.
Results
Of those who died,
Manner of death
Place of death
Conclusion
Weiner SG et al. One-year mortality of patients after emergency department treatment for nonfatal opioid overdose. Ann Emerg Med 2020 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.020
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Vitamin D, critically ill (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/14/2020 by Quincy Tran, MD, PhD
(Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Settings: multicenter, double-blind, phase 3 trial (apparently vitamin D worked in phase 2 trials).
Study Results:
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Early administration of high dose vitamin D did not improve 90-day all cause mortality.
Early High-Dose Vitamin D3 for Critically Ill, Vitamin D-Deficient Patients.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute PETAL Clinical Trials Network, Ginde AA, Brower RG, Caterino JM, Finck L, Banner-Goodspeed VM, Grissom CK, Hayden D, Hough CL, Hyzy RC, Khan A, Levitt JE, Park PK, Ringwood N, Rivers EP, Self WH, Shapiro NI, Thompson BT, Yealy DM, Talmor D. N Engl J Med. 2019 Dec 26;381(26):2529-2540.
Category: Airway Management
Keywords: back pain, urinary retention, CES (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/11/2020 by Brian Corwell, MD
(Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Known effects and side effects of prescribed medicines may masquerade as cauda equina syndrome (CES) .
Analgesic medicines used by patients with chronic back pain may also cloud the diagnosis of CES.
Cholinergic medications (glaucoma/myasthenia) may lead to voiding issues.
Anticholinergic medications (COPD/urinary incontinence) may lead to urinary retention.
Opioids – Constipation, reduced bladder sensation
Anticonvulsants (Gabapentin/Pregabalin)- Urinary incontinence
Antidepressants (Amitriptyline) – Urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, reduced awareness of need to pass urine
NSAIDs – Urinary retention.
Verhamme KM, et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and increased risk of acute urinary retention. Arch Intern Med. 2005:165;1547-1551.
Category: Airway Management
Keywords: Adrenal Crisis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/7/2020 by Caleb Chan, MD
(Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Adequate treatment of adrenal crisis (AC) is often delayed, even when a h/o adrenal insufficiency is known.
Besides refractory hypotension, also consider in pts with:
Beware of triggers:
Treatment:
Amrein K, Martucci G, Hahner S. Understanding adrenal crisis. Intensive Care Med. 2018;44(5):652-655.
Rushworth RL, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H. Adrenal Crisis. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(9):852-861.
Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Keywords: Influenza, Pneumonia, MRSA, Antibiotics (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/4/2020 by Wesley Oliver
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Influenza is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and invasive bacterial coinfection may occur. In addition, secondary bacterial pneumonia due to MRSA is becoming more prevalent. Due to the higher incidence of MRSA, it is recommended that antibiotics with activity against MRSA (vancomycin or linezolid) be included in the empiric treatment regimen, especially if the patient is critically ill.
Take Home Point: Don’t forget to add MRSA coverage to your empiric treatment regimen in those influenza patients with severe disease or secondary bacterial pneumonia.
1. Uyeki, Timothy M et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America: 2018 Update on Diagnosis, Treatment, Chemoprophylaxis, and Institutional Outbreak Management of Seasonal Influenzaa. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68: e1-e47.
2. Metlay JP, Waterer GW, Long AC, Anzueto A, Brozek J, Crothers K, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia. An official clinical practice guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;200:e45–e67.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: acetaminophen, pharmcobezoar (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/2/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Pharmacobezoars (clumps of medication/pills) formation has been demonstrated in few medications such as aspirin, and ferrous sulfate tablets. Their presence can alter management due to prolonged absorption and may cause GI obstruction.
Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly available over-the-counter medication that is often implicated in an acute overdose event. A recently published in-vitro study (using pig stomach) investigated whether APAP can form a pharmacobezoar.
APAP group/dosage
Positive control group
Negative control group
Results
Conclusion
Li YK et al. In vitro study of pharmacobezoar formation in simulated acetaminophen overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1705971
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: pregnancy, peripartum, antepartum, fetal (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/31/2019 by Kami Windsor, MD
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The arrival of a critically ill pregnant patient to the ED can be anxiety-provoking for emergency physicians as two lives and outcomes must be considered.
Some basic tenets of care, regardless of underlying issue, include:
Finally, once critical illness is identified the OB and NICU teams should be consulted immediately. Fetal distress in a viable pregnancy may be an indication for delivery, and initiation of the transfer process should occur if the supportive specialties are not in-house.
Gaffney A. Critical care in pregnancy: Is it different? Semin Perinatol 2014;38(6):329-40.
Pacheco LD, Saade GR, Hankins GDV. Mechanical ventilation during pregnancy: Sedation, analgesia, and paralysis. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2014;57(4):844-50.
Practice Guidelines of Obstetric Anesthesia: An updated report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Obstetric Anesthesia and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. Anesthesiology 2016;124(2):270-300.
Guntupalli KK, Hall N, Karnad D, et al. Critical illness in pregnancy. Chest 2015;148(4):1093-1104.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: gabapentin, misuse (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/26/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Non-opioid medications such as gabapentin are frequently prescribed for the management of pain.
A retrospective study of the National Poison Data System (data collected by the U.S. Poison Centers) from 2013 – 2017 showed increasing trend of gabapentin exposure.
Gabapentin exposure increased between 2013 and 2017 by:
5 most commonly co-ingested substances with gabapentin
16.7% of the isolated gabapentin exposure required hospitalization.
Conclusion:
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: 11/26/2024)
Click here to contact Jenny Guyther, MD
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: 11/26/2024)
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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: 11/26/2024)
Click here to contact Ashley Martinelli
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: 11/26/2024)
Click here to contact Mike Winters, MBA, MD
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: 11/26/2024)
Click here to contact Rose Chasm, MD
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: 11/26/2024)
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.
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