The American journal of emergency medicine
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Multicenter Study
Emergency airway management in geriatric and younger patients: analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study.
There is little information on geriatric emergency airway management. We sought to describe intubation practices and outcomes for emergency department (ED) geriatric and younger patients in Japan. ⋯ In our multicenter study involving a large geriatric population, we found that geriatric patients were intubated with a higher success rate, compared to younger patients. These data provide implications for the geriatric ED airway practice that may lead to better patient-centered emergency care.
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The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score has shown use in predicting 30-day and 1-year outcomes in emergency department (ED) patients with potential acute coronary syndrome. Few studies have evaluated the TIMI score in risk stratifying patients selected for the ED observation Unit (EDOU). Risk stratification of patients in this group could identify those at risk for significant cardiac events. Our goal was to evaluate TIMI use for risk stratification in this population and compare outcomes among differing scores. ⋯ The TIMI risk score may serve as an effective risk stratification tool among chest pain patients selected for EDOU placement. Patients with intermediate-risk by TIMI may be considered for inpatient admission and/or more aggressive evaluation and therapy.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long been recognized as the leading cause of traumatic death and disability. Tremendous advances in surgical and intensive care unit management of the primary injury, including maintaining adequate oxygenation, controlling intracranial pressure, and ensuring proper cerebral perfusion pressure, have resulted in reduced mortality. However, the secondary injury phase of TBI is a prolonged pathogenic process characterized by neuroinflammation, excitatory amino acids, free radicals, and ion imbalance. ⋯ Here, we present a case that was intentionally treated with substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3FA) to provide the nutritional foundation for the brain to begin the healing process following severe TBI. Recent animal research supports the use of n-3FA, and clinical experience suggests that benefits may be possible from substantially and aggressively adding n-3FA to optimize the nutritional foundation of severe TBI patients and must be in place if the brain is to be given the opportunity to repair itself to the best possible extent. Administration early in the course of treatment, in the emergency department or sooner, has the potential to improve outcomes from this potentially devastating public health problem.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Isolated sternal fractures treated on an outpatient basis.
The aim of this study is to investigate the need for admission of patients with isolated sternal fracture (ISF) by prospectively and randomly discharging or admitting them. ⋯ Patients with ISF can be discharged safely as soon as investigations are completed. Extensive myocardial assessment is not needed on the posttraumatic period. Myocardial involvement seems unlikely in patients with ISF, who can be treated with oral analgesics.
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Comparative Study
Anterior-posterior compression pelvic fracture increases the probability of requirement of bilateral embolization.
Transarterial embolization has become an effective method in the management of pelvic fracture-related retroperitoneal hemorrhage. However, the selection of bilateral embolization or selective unilateral embolization remains controversial. The anterior-posterior compression (APC) pelvic fracture creates a complete diastasis of the anterior pelvis, which might be associated with bilateral sacroiliac joint injuries and further bilateral arterial injuries. In the current study, we evaluated the correlation between APC pelvic fracture and the need for bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization. ⋯ In the management of APC pelvic fracture, more attention should be paid to the higher probability of bilateral hemorrhage. Bilateral IIA embolization should be considered in patients with APC pelvic fracture.