Emergency Medicine International

How Does Rescuer's Position Setting Impact Quality of Chest Compression: A Randomized Crossover Simulation Study on Unexperienced Clinicians
Zhang N, Wang J, Li Y, Liu J and Zhu H
High-quality chest compression (CC) is the crux of survival for cardiac arrest patients. While, rescuers' position setting relative to patients during CC was unrecommended in the present guidelines. We aimed to assess the impact of position settings on CC quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to test the heterogeneity related to rescuers' characteristics.
Notch Signaling Is Associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Pigeon Breeder's Lung by Regulating Oxidative Stress
Lian Z, Kuerban R, Niu Z, Aisaiti P, Wu C and Yang X
This study explored the molecular mechanism underlying the association of Notch signaling and oxidative stress with the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with pigeon breeder's lung (PBL). Rat models of fibrotic PBL were constructed with freeze-dried protein powder, and the animals were divided into the control (intratracheal instillation of normal saline;  = 9), M (PBL model; intratracheal instillation of freeze-dried protein powder;  = 9), and M + D (PBL+ the Notch inhibitor DAPT;  = 9) groups. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the protein levels of pathway factors and -SMA, and the levels of ROS, GSH-PX, SOD, and MDA were observed using ELISA. To verify the results of the animal experiment, cytological models were constructed. The M group and the M + D group had significantly increased -SMA levels ( < 0.05). Although both groups had significantly higher key protein levels in the Notch channel, the M + D group had significantly lower levels relative to the M group ( < 0.05). Oxidative stress products were examined, and the levels of MDA and ROS were significantly increased, while those of GSH-PX and SOD were significantly decreased in the M and M + D groups as compared to the control, but the M group and the M + D group significantly differed ( <  0.05). These findings were further validated by the cytological experiment. Notch signaling is associated with pulmonary fibrosis in PBL by regulating cellular oxidative stress, and inhibiting this pathway can slow down pulmonary fibrosis progression.
Comparison of Injury Severity Score (ISS) and New Injury Severity Score (NISS) in the Evaluation of Thoracic Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Jin H, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Ouyang L, Li X, Zhang Y, Yang B, Sun J, Wei C, Yang G, Guan L, Luo S, Zhu J and Liang H
To explore the value of the injury severity score (ISS) and the new injury severity score (NISS) for evaluating injuries and predicting complications (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and poor prognoses (in-hospital tracheal intubation, extended length of hospital stay, ICU admission, prolonged ICU stay, and death) in patients with thoracic trauma.
Impact of Hepatic Portal Venous Gas on the Prognosis of Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Reason to Consider Terminating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Yeom SR, Min MK, Lee DS, Lee MJ, Chun MS, Park SW and Yang WT
We evaluated the prognosis of traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) by assessing the presence of hepatic portal vein gas (HPVG) observed in ultrasound (US) or point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) performed during CPR. Furthermore, we aimed to understand the role of HPVG in decision-making regarding CPR discontinuation or withholding in traumatic OHCA.
Does Point-of-Care Ultrasound Affect Fluid Resuscitation Volume in Patients with Septic Shock: A Retrospective Review
Ablordeppey EA, Zhao A, Ruggeri J, Hassan A, Wallace L, Agarwal M, Stickles SP, Holthaus C and Theodoro D
Fixed, large volume resuscitation with intravenous fluids (IVFs) in septic shock can cause inadvertent hypervolemia, increased medical interventions, and death when unguided by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). The primary study objective was to evaluate whether total IVF volume differs for emergency department (ED) septic shock patients receiving POCUS versus no POCUS.
Risk Factors for Refractory Anaphylaxis in the Emergency Department
Yazıcı R, Mutlu H, Sert ET, Kokulu K and Turan ÖF
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and can result in death. Identifying the factors that trigger anaphylaxis and increase its severity is important for preventing refractory anaphylaxis (RA). In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with an increased risk of developing RA. Preventive measures to reduce the frequency and intensity of anaphylactic events are essential to provide the best care for allergic patients. Aggravating factors can trigger or increase the severity of anaphylaxis and therefore need to be recognized and avoided. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1378 patients over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with anaphylaxis in our clinic between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. We divided the patients into two groups: anaphylaxis and RA. We evaluated the patients' clinical characteristics in the ED, demographic information, and elicitors that caused anaphylaxis. Of the 1384 anaphylaxis patients included in the study, 46 (3.3%) were diagnosed as RA. We determined that having a history of anaphylaxis is the most important determinant of the increased risk of RA. Having a history of anaphylaxis (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.71-5.72), beta-blockers/ACEI use (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.71-5.42), IV contrast agent (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.64-5.39), and low blood pressure or related symptoms (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.67-5.43) were more frequently associated with severe reactions. We found that having low blood pressure or related symptoms, a known history of anaphylaxis, beta-blockers/ACEI, and IV contrast agent are risk factors for RA. To prevent mortality and morbidity in patients with this risk factor, early interventions such as rapidly repeating epinephrine doses and rapid fluid resuscitation should not be avoided.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Detecting Traumatic Pneumothorax by Novice Physicians in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nepal
Malla M, Purna Shrestha A, Prasad Shrestha S and Shrestha R
Traumatic pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition requiring vigilant clinical assessment and urgent management. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is considered to be a safer, rapid, and accurate modality for the early diagnosis of traumatic pneumothorax. The principle objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of bedside LUS performed by trained novice physicians in the diagnosis of traumatic pneumothorax as compared to supine chest X-rays (CXRs) and/or computed tomography (CT) scans and/or air leak during needle/tube thoracostomy as composite standard.
Exploration of the Challenges of COVID-19 from the Perspective of Emergency Medicine Specialists
Rakhshani T, Ghalehgolab F, Bahrami MA, Karimi S, Hamrah H, Jafari F and Khani Jeihooni A
Emergency physicians are at the forefront of the medical system in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Identifying the challenges, along with the strategies and effective measures implemented by them in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, can be a roadmap for future crisis management planning. This study aims to explain the challenges faced by emergency physicians regarding COVID-19.
Multiomics Analysis Identifies Prognostic Signatures for Sepsis-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Emergency Medicine
Chu X, Wu Q, Kong L, Peng Q and Shen J
Sepsis, caused by the body's response to infection, poses a life-threatening condition and represents a significant global health challenge. Characterized by dysregulated immune response to infection, sepsis may lead to organ dysfunction and failure, ultimately resulting in high mortality rates. The liver plays a crucial role in sepsis, yet the role of differentially expressed genes in septic patients remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aim to investigate the significance of differentially expressed genes related to sepsis in the occurrence and prognosis of tumors in HCC.
CPR-Induced Consciousness during Ventricular Fibrillation: Case Report and Literature Review
Zhou X and Sun B
Over the years, numerous studies have suggested the occurrence of a peculiar phenomenon known as "CPRIC" during the revival process. The revelation of this phenomenon has ignited widespread discussion and investigation, yet many enigmas remain unsolved. This study describes the case of a 52-year-old man diagnosed with acute anterior myocardial infarction, who experienced ventricular fibrillation while awaiting further treatment. Despite ultimately not regaining spontaneous circulation, he remained conscious for a period during chest compressions and showed signs of resistance.
Comparison Between the Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Adult Advanced Life Support Protocols: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study
Altuwaijri F, Alrabiah A, Alqarni A, Habash AK, Alghofili M, Alotaibi O and Altuwaijri M
Cardiac arrest is a public health concern associated with unfavorable disease outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of optimal quality is widely acknowledged as an indispensable technique in restoring spontaneous circulation. In order to perform advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), chest compression must be paused twice: once to assess the rhythm and again to administer the shock. Australian advanced life support (ALS) recommends that the defibrillator needs to be precharged in order to administer the shock during a solitary interval in chest compressions. While performing chest compressions, precharging defibrillators can decrease hands-off time without posing a risk of injury. To compare chest compression fraction (CCF)-which is the cumulative time spent providing chest compressions divided by the total time taken for the entire resuscitation-by calculating the hands-off time duration in cardiac arrest between the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and American Heart Association (AHA) protocols for CPR. A simulation-based pilot study was designed using a Laerdal Resusci Anne mannequin and a LIFEPACK 20 defibrillator. The study included six participants recruited from King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where three participants were certified ACLS providers and there were certified ALS providers. Participants were divided into two groups, ALS and ACLS, each following one protocol. For each scenario, a random job was assigned to each participant, regardless of their role as assistant, team leader, or performer of CPR. Each case's shockable and nonshockable rhythms were hidden from the team leader and the chest compressor. Ten trials of CPR were performed, each for four cycles with a total time of 8 min. The simulation was video recorded for hands-off time counting. Comparison between CCF (seconds) per cycle between the two protocols was performed using an independent sample -test. A value of 0.05 was used to measure statistical significance. Comparing CCF in shockable rhythms between ARC and AHA protocols, it was observed that the CCF of ALS-ARC was significantly higher than ACLS-AHA in all cycles; the first cycle:  = 3.782, =0.004; the second cycle:  = 3.380, =0.007; the third cycle:  = 3.803, =0.003; and the fourth cycle:  = 4.341, =0.001. Precharging a defibrillator before a rhythm check during chest compression, in anticipation of a potentially shockable rhythm, reduces the time required for defibrillation and limits interruptions in chest compression during CPR. This practice effectively enhances the CCF. Enhancing the continuity of chest compressions can potentially improve survival rates in ARC.
YouTube as a Source of Information in Trauma Management for ATLS (10th Edition) Guidelines: Evaluation of Trauma Management Videos on YouTube
Yazla M, Akyon SH, Aybayar EA, Gedikaslan S, Szarpak L, Turan OF, Smereka J, Ekici M, Kocak AO and Katipoglu B
Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and online platforms have become essential sources of information for trauma management. YouTube can play a significant role in helping people access medical information. YouTube was searched using the keywords management of trauma and assessment of trauma to identify relevant videos. Two authors independently evaluated the videos according to the ATLS (10th edition) guidelines, the modified DISCERN (m-DISCERN) scale, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) criteria. The videos that met the study criteria were evaluated based on the provider, video length, and view count. Out of 939 videos, 667 were excluded resulting in 272 videos included in the study. According to the ATLS (10th edition) guidelines, the median score for videos was 8 (IQR 7-8). Videos uploaded by official institutions and healthcare professionals received higher scores than from uncertain sources ( = 0.003). According to the GQS, 86% of the videos were low or moderate quality; uncertain sources uploaded 78% of low-quality videos. YouTube is an information source about trauma management that contains videos of varying quality and has a broad audience. Official institutions and healthcare professionals should be aware of this evolving technology and publish up-to-date, accurate content to increase awareness about trauma management and help patients distinguish helpful information from misleading content.
Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge Among Physicians in the Pediatrics Department of an Urban Tertiary Referral Hospital in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dinberu MT and Yemane DH
Early recognition of cardiac arrest and prompt start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) boost survival rates and reduce postarrest consequences. Little information is available about the fundamental CPR knowledge of healthcare workers who work with children in Ethiopia. All physicians, regardless of seniority, participated in this cross-sectional survey from June to August 2022. They received a structured survey that was modified from the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) test which was made up of 10 questions about participants' job experience and 25 multiple-choice CPR knowledge questions. Data analysis was done using a multinomial logistic regression test with a value of 0.05. One hundred sixty-eight doctors with various levels of seniority participated in this study. The participants included a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1, a median age of 28 years, 92 (57.9%) male participants, and 124 (78%) participants with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Ninety-seven participants, or 61%, had scored less than 75% whereas 13 (8.2%), participants, had good knowledge that is scoring above 75%. Participants who had training in CPR within the previous year showed significantly higher levels of knowledge than those who hadn't. Even though 90% of the participants claimed to have CPR knowledge, the majority of participants were found not to have below 75%. The study concludes that while many doctors believe they have adequate CPR knowledge, actual knowledge levels are insufficient. Staff should undergo regular certification and assessments to ensure they retain their resuscitation knowledge. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for maintaining high standards of care and preparedness in emergencies.
Early Enteral Nutrition Could Be Associated with Improved Survival Outcome in Cardiac Arrest
Duan J, Ren J, Li X, Du L, Duan B and Ma Q
Although the latest European and US guidelines recommend that early enteral nutrition (EN) be attempted in critically ill patients, there is still a lack of research on feeding strategies for patients after cardiac arrest (CA). Due to the unique pathophysiology following CA, it remains unknown whether evidence from other diseases can be applied in this condition.
Evaluation of CD4 T Lymphocyte Counts to Predict Survival of ICU Patients with Sepsis Using Sepsis-3 Criteria: A Prospective Cohort Study
Huang G, Li X, Zhang C, Li H, Jian M, Huang C, Zhang Y, Xian L, Zeng H, Xia Y and Jiang W
Sepsis remains a major health condition with a high mortality rate that may be related to immunosuppression. T lymphocyte subsets may reflect the immune function of sepsis patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of CD4 T lymphocyte counts of ICU patients for their short-term prognosis.
Review of the Predictive Value of Biomarkers in Sepsis Mortality
Zhang N, Liu Y, Yang C and Li X
Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality among severely ill individuals, primarily due to its potential to induce fatal organ dysfunction. For clinicians, it is vital to have appropriate indicators, including the physiological status and personal experiences of patients with sepsis, to monitor the condition and assess prognosis. This approach aids in preventing the worsening of the illness and reduces mortality. Recent guidelines for sepsis focus on improving patient outcomes through early detection and timely treatment. Nonetheless, identifying severe cases and predicting their prognoses remain challenging. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in utilising the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR) to evaluate the condition and forecast the prognosis of patients with sepsis. This research concentrates on the significance of CAR in the pathological process of sepsis, its association with prognosis, and the latest developments in employing procalcitonin, lactic acid, CRP, and other potential biomarkers. The CAR, with its predictive value for sepsis prognosis and mortality, is increasingly used as a clinical biochemical marker in diagnosing and monitoring patients with sepsis.
Validation of Difficult Airway Physiological Score (DAPS) in Critically Ill Adults Undergoing Endotracheal Intubation in the Emergency Department
Waheed S, Razzak JA, Khan NU, Raheem A and Mian AI
Critically ill patients have increased risk of cardiovascular collapse following endotracheal intubation due to physiological instability. This study aims to validate the Difficult Airway Physiological Score (DAPS) in adults to predict the risk of serious outcomes in the emergency department of a tertiary care private hospital.
ICD-10 Classification in the Practice of Emergency Medical Teams: New Insights
Mitura KM, Snarska J, Celiński D, Maślach D, Leszczyński PK, Binkowska A, Szpakowski L and Szajda SD
The role of the emergency medical system is to provide assistance to every person in a state in the event of a sudden threat to health and life. Emergency medical teams (EMTs) are an important element of this system, making diagnoses based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The study was aimed at analysing the causes of EMT intervention based on groups of diagnoses codified according to the ICD-10. The analysis was based on data from 116,278 EMT interventions in central-eastern Poland in 2017-2019. The research showed that EMT most often made diagnoses based on groups of ICD-10 codes: R00-R99-Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (39.11%); S00-T98-Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes (18.23%); and I00-I99-Diseases of the circulatory system (15.57%). The analysis of the obtained results showed statistically significant differences ( < 0.0001) regarding the area of intervention (urban, rural), sex, age of the patient, and the method of completion of the activities by EMTs in relation to the group of ICD-10 diagnoses for the diagnosis. The conducted study showed the actual reasons for EMT calls. The use of the ICD-10 classification has practical application in EMTs, as it enables the identification of a disease or health problem.
Hemostatic Interventions and All-Cause Mortality in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Zheng X, Chen M, Zhuang Y, Xu J, Zhao L, Qian Y, Shen W and Chu Y
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the all-cause mortality associated with the most commonly used hemostatic treatments in patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.
Healthcare Decision-Making in a Crisis: A Qualitative Systemic Review Protocol
Al Qaf'an E, Alford S, Porteous K and Lim D
. Throughout history, communities have faced outbreaks of infectious diseases and other natural and man-made disasters that pose significant threats to lives, public health, and business continuity. Many of these disasters are crises that require critical decisions to be made in a short, crucial time with limited information and unforeseen circumstances amidst panic, fear, and shock. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example, with public leaders responding to and formulating strategies to attenuate the relentless waves of transmission and surges in resource demands. The pandemic underscored the importance of understanding how healthcare leaders make decisions in-crisis and what factors healthcare leaders prioritize in their decision-making process. . PubMed(NLM), Embase(Ovid), Scopus(Elsevier), Business Source(EBSCOhost), and ProQuest will be searched for primary qualitative studies published in English to explore the multi-faceted decision-making processes of healthcare leaders during a public health crisis. A meta-ethnographic approach will synthesize insights into healthcare leaders' experiences and perspectives and generate a conceptual theory of decision-making in crisis. . Understanding how healthcare leaders make critical decisions during public health crises takes advantage of the lessons learned to inform how future health crises are managed. (This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO: CRD42023475382).
Risk Factors of In-Hospital Venous Thromboembolism and Prognosis After Emergent Ventral Hernia Repair
Yang W, Ling J, Zhou Y, Yang P and Chen J
The risk factors and association of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following emergent ventral hernia repair (EVHR) remains uncertain. This aim of the study aims was to establish the predictors of VTE after EVHR and its influence on the long-term outcomes. A total of 2093 patients from the MIMIC-IV database who underwent EVHR were recruited. Multivariate logistic regression and nomogram models were developed to predict in-hospital VTE and mortality. Calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to assess the model's effectiveness and reliability. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net clinical benefits of the model. The rate of in-hospital VTE was 1.6% (33/2093) after EVHR. Four independent potential factors were established after multivariate analysis, and the abovementioned risk factors fit into the nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C-index: 0.857), the calibration and ROC curves demonstrated the accurate prediction power, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were 0.8% (17/2093) and 4.1% (86/2076) after EVHR. The potential factors were included in the mortality prediction nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C-index of 0.957 and 0.828, respectively), the calibration and ROC curves were consistent with the actual results, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model. The nomogram, derived from the logistic regression model, demonstrated excellent predictive performance for VTE occurrence and prognosis in patients following EVHR. This model could serve as a valuable reference for clinical decision-making regarding VTE prevention and for enhancing post-EVHR prognosis.