Delirium superimposed on Charles Bonnet syndrome: A case study

Older adults with visual impairment may experience visual hallucinations in the setting of normal cognition and absence of psychiatric illness. This phenomenon is referred to as Charles Bonnet syndrome. Information concerning Charles Bonnet syndrome predominantly comes from case studies. Reassuring the person experiencing the hallucinations they are not suffering from psychosis constitutes the mainstay of treatment. What follows is the case of a vision impaired, older adult male with known Charles Bonnet syndrome, who, following emergency surgery and associated delirium while in the intensive care unit, experiences an aggressive change in hallucinations. Nurses need to understand the pathology and characteristics of Charles Bonnet syndrome in order to distinguish it from other pathologies underlying hallucinations. This knowledge is necessary to provide safe, patient-centered care for older adults.     

看不清的“小人”:Charles Bonnet综合征一例并文献复习

目的 分析Charles Bonnet综合征（CBS）的诊治要点,提高临床医师对该病的诊治水平。方法 报道1例CBS病例,并以 “Charles Bonnet综合征”“邦纳综合征”“Charles Bonnet syndrome”“幻视/ visual hallucination”为检索词,对以下数据库的相关论文进行检索:PubMed、中国生物医学文献服务系统（SinoMed）、CNKI、万方数据知识服务平台、维普中文科技期刊数据库、中华医学期刊全文数据库,收集并分析检索到的病例资料。结果 该例患者以幻视为首发症状,自述家中出现“小人”,但可以感知此为幻觉。患者精神评估未见异常,有自知力,无其他幻觉,明确诊断为CBS。予患者心理治疗,提高其对该病的认知水平,减轻其心理负担。检索文献收集到CBS病例14例,幻视表现多种多样,尚无明确有效的药物可以改善幻视。结论 CBS诊断困难,无明确有效的治疗药物,临床医师应注意提高对该病的诊治水平,降低误诊与误治率。     

Emergency Department Presentation of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Two Cases in Marine Corps Recruits

Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a relatively rare etiology of proximal intestinal obstruction. Obstruction results from marked narrowing of the angle between the SMA and aorta, causing compression of the third portion of the duodenum, most commonly as a result of precipitous weight loss. Intermittent non-specific symptoms at presentation often result in a delayed diagnosis, thus the importance of being aware of this condition. Objective: To familiarize emergency physicians with the presentation of SMA syndrome and discuss its diagnosis and management in the emergency department (ED). Case Report: We present two cases of SMA syndrome identified in Marine Corps recruits presenting to our ED. Conclusion: Emergency physicians should include SMA syndrome in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and vomiting in individuals with predisposing factors.     

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment in the Emergency Department

Background

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a challenging clinical disorder. CHS patients frequently present to the emergency department and may require treatment for intractable emesis, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities. Thought to be a variant of cyclic vomiting syndrome, CHS has become more prevalent with increasing cannabis potency and use, as enabled by various states having legalized the recreational use of cannabis.

Rapid Progression of Wellens Syndrome in the Emergency Department

Background: In 1982, Wellens and colleagues described characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in angina patients virtually pathognomonic for significant stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and associated with a high risk of acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. Case Report: We present the case of a 74-year-old emergency department patient with classic ECG findings of Wellens syndrome and progression to acute ST elevation within 55 min. Summary: We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians of the characteristic findings of Wellens syndrome.     

不宁腿综合征临床分析

目的讨论不宁腿综合征的临床表现、诊断与治疗。方法回顾分析不宁腿综合征10例病例,结合文献进行讨论。结果和结论不宁腿综合征以双下肢感觉异常为突出表现,静息时出现或加重,活动及被动运动症状缓解或消失,夜间症状突出而导致睡眠障碍。不宁腿综合征常常被误诊为其他疾病。其诊断主要依据特征性的临床表现,左旋多巴制剂及多巴胺受体激动剂疗效肯定。     

神经内科急诊头痛患者的流行病学研究

目的探讨神经内科急诊头痛患者的流行病学特征。方法回顾性分析神经内科急诊就诊的1735例头痛患者的临床资料。结果和结论在急诊头痛患者中,继发性头痛发生率较高,以头颈部血管病变、感染和因非血管性颅内病变最为多见。     

Evaluation and Management of Acute Compartment Syndrome in the Emergency Department

Background

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a time-sensitive surgical emergency caused by increased pressure within a closed compartment. ACS can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if it is not rapidly identified and treated.

Liability of Emergency Physicians for Studies Ordered in the Emergency Department: Court Cases and Legal Defenses

Background: Laboratory tests are frequently ordered in the Emergency Department (ED), with results returning at a later time. Emergency physicians (EPs) are frequently held liable when the test results are not followed-up. Methods: Recent legal malpractice cases are presented to provide examples of the medical-legal risks encountered when poor patient outcomes occur because the results of laboratory tests and other studies done in the ED are not followed-up and communicated to the patient. Discussion: Emergency physicians are obligated to follow-up with patients when the results of laboratory and radiographic studies ordered in the ED are returned at a later time, and EPs are liable for any poor outcome if there is no follow-up. Appropriate follow-up mechanisms must be in place to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk for the physician. Knowledge of the legal concepts of contributory negligence and comparative fault allows EPs to place themselves in an optimal position for a legal defense if a challenge is raised. Conclusion: It is imperative that abnormal results of tests done for ED evaluation and orders must be properly noted and followed-up. Optimal communication and relay of information to both the patient and the primary physician will reduce physician liability and enhance patient outcomes.     

Evaluation and Management of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Emergency Department

BackgroundAbdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially deadly condition that can be missed in the emergency department setting.ObjectiveThe purpose of this narrative review article is to provide a summary of the background, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of abdominal compartment syndrome with a focus on emergency clinicians.DiscussionAbdominal compartment syndrome is caused by excessive pressure within the abdominal compartment due to diminished abdominal wall compliance, increased intraluminal contents, increased abdominal contents, or capillary leak/fluid resuscitation. History and physical examination are insufficient in isolation, and the gold standard is intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure >20 mm Hg with evidence of end-organ injury. Management involves increasing abdominal wall compliance (e.g., analgesia, sedation, and neuromuscular blocking agents), evacuating gastrointestinal contents (e.g., nasogastric tubes, rectal tubes, and prokinetic agents), avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation, draining intraperitoneal contents (e.g., percutaneous drain), and decompressive laparotomy in select cases. Patients are critically ill and often require admission to a critical care unit.ConclusionsAbdominal compartment syndrome is an increasingly recognized condition with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.     

严重创伤患者107例的院前急救护理

目的探讨和完善严重创伤患者的院前急救护理措施。方法回顾性分析解放军第202医院急诊科2008年1月至2011年12月间107例严重创伤患者的院前急救状况和护理措施。结果经过及时有效的包扎、止血、固定、维持呼吸等院前急救处理,本组患者院前抢救成功率达到98.13%。结论强化的急救护理专业队伍建设、采取正确的急救护理措施、合理配置院前急救资源,能有效提高严重创伤患者院前急救的成功率。     

Behavioral Problems of Seniors in an Emergency Department

Background

Behavioral disorders are frequent in seniors with cognitive impairments. The ailment responsible for presentation to the Emergency Department (ED), in combination with preexisting conditions, can bring about a temporary cognitive disturbance or worsen an existing cognitive disturbance, thus increasing the frequency of behavioral disorders.

Study Objectives

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether there is any connection between pain, cognitive impairment, time in the ED, presence or absence of a supportive escort, and behavioral disorders exhibited by a senior.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 140 seniors aged 69 years and older who visited the ED. Data collected included personal data, presence or absence of an escort, length of stay in the ED, and formal reproducible evaluation of cognition, behavior, and pain.

Results

Behavioral disorders were found to be present in 18% of the total sample and in 25% of the group of seniors who suffered from cognitive impairment. The presence of cognitive impairment was found to increase by almost sevenfold the risk of a behavioral disorder. Presence of severe pain increased the risk of a behavioral disorder even more (odds ratio 63). Seniors with cognitive impairment who spent a longer-than-average time period in the ED exhibited behavioral disorders that were more severe than disorders in seniors without cognitive impairment. There was no moderating effect on behavioral disturbances by the presence of a supportive escort observed.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that the risk of behavioral disorders in seniors attending the ED may be predicted by screening them for cognitive impairment and pain, and by monitoring the time period they are in the ED.     

The Six-item Screener to Detect Cognitive Impairment in Older Emergency Department Patients

Background:  Cognitive impairment due to delirium or dementia is common in older emergency department (ED) patients. To prevent errors, emergency physicians (EPs) should use brief, sensitive tests to evaluate older patient's mental status. Prior studies have shown that the Six-Item Screener (SIS) meets these criteria.
Objectives:  The goal was to verify the performance of the SIS in a large, multicenter sample of older ED patients.
Methods:  A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in three urban academic medical center EDs. English-speaking ED patients ≥65 years old were enrolled. Patients who received medications that could affect cognition, were too ill, were unable to cooperate, were previously enrolled, or refused to participate were excluded. Patients were administered either the SIS or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), followed by the other test 30 minutes later. An MMSE of 23 or less was the criterion standard for cognitive impairment; the SIS cutoff was 4 or less for cognitive impairment. Standard operator characteristics of diagnostic tests were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted.
Results:  The authors enrolled 352 subjects; 111 were cognitively impaired by MMSE (32%, 95% CI = 27% to 37%). The SIS was 63% sensitive (95% CI = 53% to 72%) and 81% specific (95% CI = 75% to 85%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.72 to 0.83).
Conclusions:  The sensitivity of the SIS was lower than in prior studies. The reasons for this lower sensitivity are unclear. Further study is needed to clarify the ideal brief mental status test for ED use.     

Preventive Care in the Emergency Department: Screening for Domestic Violence in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES: The most effective methods for identification and management of domestic violence (DV) victims in health care settings are unknown. The objective of this study was to systematically review screening for DV in the emergency department (ED) to identify victims and decrease morbidity and mortality from DV. METHODS: Using the terms "domestic violence" or "partner violence," and "identification" or "screening," and "emergency," the authors searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, and Emergency Medical Abstracts from 1980-2002. They selected articles studying screening tools, interventions, or determining the incidence or prevalence of DV among ED patients. The studies were analyzed using evidence-based methodology. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-nine articles resulted from the literature search. Based on selection criteria, 45 were reviewed in detail and 17 pertained to the ED. From references of these 17 articles, three additional articles were added. Screening can be conducted using a brief verbal screen and existing ED personnel. A randomized, controlled trial did not demonstrate a difference in screening rates between experimental and control hospitals. No studies assessed the effect of ED screening for DV on morbidity or mortality of domestic violence. An ED-based advocacy program resulted in increased use of shelters and counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the paucity of outcomes research evaluating ED screening and interventions, there is insufficient evidence for or against DV screening in the ED. However, because of the high burden of suffering caused by DV, health care providers should strongly consider routinely inquiring about DV as part of the history, at a minimum for all female adolescent and adult patients.     

Evaluation of Ketamine for Excited Delirium Syndrome in the Adult Emergency Department

BackgroundExcited delirium syndrome (ExDS) is characterized by delirium, agitation, and hyperadrenergic autonomic dysfunction. A guideline for ExDS management, which recommends the use of ketamine as a second-line agent, was implemented in our hospital's adult emergency department (ED).ObjectiveThe primary objective was to determine whether ketamine, 1 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) or 2 mg/kg intramuscular (i.m.), is being used according to the ExDS guideline. Secondary objectives included evaluating the specific agents, routes, and dosages used to manage ExDS and the safety and efficacy of ketamine.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective chart review of patients who received ketamine for the management of ExDS in the ED. Efficacy was measured by documented Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores. Safety was assessed through evaluation of vital signs and adverse effects.ResultsThirty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Eight (25.8%) of them received ketamine for ExDS in adherence with all aspects of the guideline. Administration of ketamine led to a statistically significant decrease in median RASS score of 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3 to 4) vs. 0 (IQR 2 to –1) (p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in vital signs or RASS scores in our subgroup analyses of patients treated according to protocol and of those treated with ketamine, 2 mg/kg i.m.ConclusionsWe found discordance between current practice and our department's ExDS guideline for patients managed with ketamine. Despite the lack of adherence to departmental guidelines and allowing for limitations of this analysis due to small sample size, the use of low-dose, 1 mg/kg i.v. or 2 mg/kg i.m., ketamine was effective and appears to be a reasonable option as second-line therapy for ExDS.