Concurrent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adult ED patients: A national perspective

ObjectivesEmergency department (ED) visits for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are common. The designation of Asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) has been used to describe patients with features of both diseases. Studies show that ACO patients may be at increased risk of poor outcomes relative to patients with either disease alone. We sought to characterize ED visits and ED-related outcomes of patients with ACO compared to patients with Asthma or COPD alone.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS, 2005–2018) characterizing ED visits in patients ≥35 years of age with Asthma Only, COPD Only or ACO. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses adjusting for demographics to assess relevant ED outcome variables.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2018, there were an estimated 8.15, 17.78 and 0.56 million ED visits for Asthma Only, COPD Only and ACO, respectively. ACO patients were younger than COPD Only patients (mean age 50.18 versus 61.79; p < 0.001). ACO patients differed in terms of sex, race and ethnicity from patients with either disease alone. When triaged, Asthma Only (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 11.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20–109.38) patients were more likely to require immediate care than ACO patients. Although admission rates were comparable between groups, ACO patients had a decreased mean length of ED visit compared to both Asthma Only (p < 0.001) and COPD Only (p < 0.05) patients. COPD Only patients were less likely than ACO patients to be seen in the ED in the last 72 h (aOR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.056–0.89), receive nebulizer therapy (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31–0.97), bronchodilators (aOR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12–0.48) and systemic corticosteroids (aOR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.091–0.35). Asthma Only patients were less likely than ACO patients to undergo any imaging (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31–0.96) and receive antibiotics (aOR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23–0.93).ConclusionsACO patients appear to differ demographically from patients with either disease alone in the ED. After adjustment for these demographic differences, ACO patients appear to differ with respect to several ED variables, notably respiratory therapies; however, clinical outcomes including admission and mortality rates appear to be comparable between groups.     

Initial ED oxygen saturation ≤90% increases the risk of a complicated hospital course in pediatric asthmatics requiring admission

Emergency physicians are responsible for admitting children with asthma who do not respond to initial therapy. We examined the hypothesis that an initial room air pulse oximetry ≤90% elevates the risk of a complicated hospital course in children who require admission with acute asthma.MethodsCharts of all patients ages 2 years–17 years admitted for asthma from January 2017 to December 2017 were reviewed. An explicit chart review was performed by trained data extractors using a standardized form. Results: A total of 244 children meeting inclusion criteria were admitted for asthma from the ED during the study period. All patients had an initial room air pulse oximetry documented. Sixty-five were admitted to PICU status (27%), and 179 (73%) were admitted to floor status. The relative risk of a complicated course in those patients presenting with a saturation of ≤90% was 11.3 (95% CI 3.9–32.6). The mean initial pulse oximetry on patients with a complicated course was 85% versus 93% for those without a complicated course (p < 0.005).ConclusionOur data suggest that in pediatric asthmatics that require admission from the ED, those with pulse oximetry readings less than or equal to 90% on presentation are at higher risk of a complicated hospital course.     

Factors associated with serious bacterial infections in infants ≤60 days with hypothermia in the emergency department

BackgroundWe sought to investigate risk factors for serious bacterial infection (SBI: bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection [UTI]) among infants ≤60 days of age presenting to the emergency department (ED) with hypothermia (temperature < 36 °C).MethodsWe performed a single center study over a 12-year period including all patients ≤60 days old with hypothermia, excluding patients who did not receive a blood culture and patients who received antibiotics prior to culture acquisition. The primary outcome was SBI. Secondary outcomes were mortality and herpes simplex infection. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for primary outcomes reporting adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (aOR, 95% CI).Results360 infants were identified. 10/360 (2.8%) had an SBI. All episodes of SBI occurred in infants ≤28 days of age. Two patients had meningitis, two had meningitis with bacteremia, one had isolated bacteremia, and five had UTI. Associated diagnoses included prematurity (46.9%), hyperbilirubinemia (28.3%) and dehydration (14.7%). In multivariable analysis, presentation at 15–28 days (7.60, 1.81–31.86; p = 0.005) compared to 0–14 days, higher absolute neutrophil count (1.25, 1.04–1.50; p = 0.015) and lower platelet count (0.99, 0.99–1.00; p = 0.046) were associated with SBI. Three patients without SBI died during or soon after their hospitalization. One patient had positive testing for herpes simplex.ConclusionIn this cohort of hypothermic infants, 2.8% had a SBI. Age of presentation, ANC, and lower platelet count were associated with serious infections. Hypothermic infants presenting to the ED carry significant morbidity and require prospective study to better risk-stratify this population.     

Clinical differentiation between acute renal infarction and acute ureteral stone in the emergency department: A single-center retrospective case-control study

BackgroundFew studies have compared renal infarction (RI) and ureteral stone (US), so there is insufficient evidence for emergency clinicians (ECs) to quickly suspect RI during the first assessment. Therefore, we compared the initial clinical presentation and laboratory findings of these diseases in the emergency department (ED) to determine a factor that may indicate RI.MethodsThis single-center retrospective case-control study included 42 patients with acute RI and 210 with US who visited the ED from 2014 to 2020. Medical record data from first ED arrival were investigated, and clinical presentations, blood and urine test results obtained in the ED were compared and analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsECs never suspected the initial diagnosis of RI as RI. The most common initial diagnosis was US (40.5%). Among patients with US, 150 patients (71.4%) were suspected of having US (p < 0.001). Abdominal pain (61.9%) was the most common chief complaint in the RI group, and flank pain (73.8%) was the most common in the US group (p < 0.001). 27 factors showed significant differences between the groups. Among those, age ≥ 70 years (odds ratio [OR]: 311.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0–47,833.1), history of A-fib (OR: 149872.8, 95% CI: 289.4–7.8E+07), fever ≥37.5 °C (OR: 297.3, 95% CI: 3.3–27,117.8), Cl⁻ ≤ 103 mEq/L (OR: 9.0, 95% CI: 1.0–80.1), albumin ≤4.3 g/dL (OR: 26.6, 95% CI: 2.1–330.3), LDH ≥500 IU/L (OR: 17.9, 95% CI: 1.8–182.5), and CRP ≥0.23 mg/dL (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 1.1–52.3) showed significantly high ORs, whereas urine RBCs (OR: 0, 95% CI: 0–0.02) showed a low OR (p < 0.05). The regression model showed good calibration (chi-square: 6.531, p = 0.588) and good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.9913).ConclusionsWhen differentiating acute RI from US in the ED, age ≥ 70 years, history of A-fib, fever ≥37.5 °C, LDH ≥500 IU/L, Cl⁻ ≤ 103 mEq/L, albumin ≤4.3 g/dL, CRP ≥0.23 mg/dL and negative urine RBC result suggest the possibility of RI.     

Association between ambulance response time and neurologic outcome in patients with cardiac arrest

PurposeEmergency medical services (EMS) response time is one of prehospital factors associated with survival rate of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to determine whether short EMS response time was associated with improved neurologic outcome of patients with OHCA through prospective analysis.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational analysis of collected data from KoCARC registry between October 2015 and December 2016. OHCA patients aged 18 years or older with presumed cardiac etiology by emergency physicians in emergency department were included in this study.ResultsOf 3187 cardiac arrest patients enrolled in the KoCARC registry, 2309 patients were included in the final analysis. Response time threshold was 11.5 min for prehospital return of spontaneous circulation and 7.5 min for survival to discharge and favorable neurologic outcome. Patients in the ≤7.5 min response time group showed increased odds of survival to discharge (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.13–2.10, p = .006) and favorable neurologic recovery (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.36–2.99, p = .001). When response time was decreased by 1 min, all outcomes were improved (survival to discharge, OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.12, p < .001; favorable neurological outcome, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07–1.21, p < .001).ConclusionWe found that shorter EMS response time could lead to favorable neurologic outcome in patients with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin. EMS response time threshold associated with improved favorable outcome was ≤7.5 min.     

Post-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus after sexual assault in a Midwestern U.S. emergency department

BackgroundEmergency departments (EDs) play an essential role in the timely initiation of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for sexual assault victims.MethodsRetrospective analysis of sexual assault victims evaluated and offered HIV PEP in an urban academic ED between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2018. Data on demographics, comorbidities, nature of sexual assault, initial ED care, subsequent healthcare utilization within 28 days of initial ED visit, and evidence of seroconversion within 6 months of the initial ED visit were obtained. Predictors of subsequent ED visit and follow-up in the infectious diseases clinic were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsFour hundred twenty-three ED visits met criteria for inclusion in this study. Median age at ED presentation was 25 years (IQR 21–34 years), with the majority of victims being female (95.5%), Black (63.4%), unemployed (66.3%) and uninsured (53.9%); psychiatric comorbidities (38.8%) and substance abuse (23.6%) were common. About 87% of the patients accepted HIV PEP (368 of 423 ED visits). Age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p = 0.025) and sexual assault involving >1 assailant (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.88, p = 0.018) were associated with lower likelihood of HIV PEP acceptance. Ten patients (2.7%) followed up with the infectious disease clinic within 28 days of starting HIV PEP; 70 patients (19%) returned to the ED for care during the same time period. Psychiatric comorbidity (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.43–4.30, p = 0.001) and anal penetration (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.10–3.70, p = 0.024) were associated with greater likelihood of repeat ED visit; female gender (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.85, p = 0.023) was associated with lower likelihood of repeat visit. Completion of HIV PEP was documented for 14 (3.3%) individuals.ConclusionsWhile ED patient acceptance of HIV PEP after sexual assault was high, infectious disease clinic follow-up and documented completion of PEP remained low. Innovative care models bridging EDs to outpatient clinics and community support services are needed to optimize transitions of care for sexual assault victims, including those receiving HIV PEP.     

Association of triage hypothermia with in-hospital mortality among patients in the emergency department with suspected sepsis

PurposeTo identify if triage hypothermia (<36.0 °C) among emergency department (ED) encounters with sepsis are independently associated with mortality.MethodsWe analyzed data from a multi-stage probability sample survey of visits to United States EDs between 2007 and 2015, using two inclusion approaches: an explicit definition based on diagnosis codes for sepsis and a severe sepsis definition, combining evidence of infection with organ dysfunction. We used multivariable regression to determine an association between hypothermia and in-hospital mortality.ResultsOf 1.2 billion ED encounters (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.3 billion), 3.1 million (95% CI 2.7–3.5 million) met the explicit sepsis definition; 7.4% (95% CI 75.2–9.7%) had triage hypothermia. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for hypothermia for in-hospital mortality was 6.82 (95% CI 3.08–15.22). The severe sepsis definition identified 3.5 million (95% 3.1–4.0 million) encounters; 30.3% (95% CI 25.0–34.6%) had triage hypothermia. The aOR for hypothermia with mortality was 4.08 (95% CI 2.09–7.95). Depending on sepsis definition, 78.1–84.4% had other systemic inflammatory response syndrome vital sign abnormalities.ConclusionUp to one in three patients with sepsis have triage hypothermia, which is independently associated with mortality. 10–20% of patients with hypothermic sepsis do not have other vital sign abnormalities.     

Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization and Reliance by Insurance Coverage in the United States

Objectives

For many children, the emergency department (ED) serves as the main destination for health care, whether it be for emergent or nonurgent reasons. Through examination of repeat utilization and ED reliance (EDR), in addition to overall ED utilization, we can identify subpopulations dependent on the ED as their primary source of health care.

Methods

Nationally representative data from the 2010 to 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to examine the annual ED utilization of children age 0 to 17 years by insurance coverage. Overall utilization, repeat utilization (two or more ED visits), and EDR (percentage of all health care visits that occur in the ED) were examined using multivariate models, accounting for weighting and the complex survey design. High EDR was defined as having > 33% of outpatient visits in a year being ED visits.

Results

A total of 47,926 children were included in the study. Approximately 12% of children visited an ED within a 1‐year period. A greater number of children with public insurance (15.2%) visited an ED at least once, compared to privately insured (10.1%) and uninsured (6.4%) children. Controlling for covariates, children with public insurance were more likely to visit the ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–1.73) than children with private insurance, whereas uninsured children were less likely (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.51–0.81). Children age 3 and under were significantly more likely to visit the ED than children age 15 to 17, whereas female children and Hispanic and non‐Hispanic other race children were significantly less likely to visit the ED than male children and non‐Hispanic white children. Among children with ED visits, 21% had two or more visits to the ED in a 1‐year period. Children with public insurance were more likely to have two or more visits to the ED (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.19–1.98) than children with private insurance whereas there was no significant difference in repeat ED utilization for uninsured children. Publicly insured (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.47–1.97) and uninsured children (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.49–2.42) were more likely to be reliant on the ED than children with private insurance.

Conclusions

Health insurance coverage was associated with overall ED utilization, repeat ED utilization, and EDR. Demographic characteristics, including sex, age, income, and race/ethnicity were important predictors of ED utilization and reliance.

     

Red Cell Distribution Width Is Independently Associated with Mortality in Sepsis

BackgroundMortality in sepsis remains high. Studies on small cohorts have shown that red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality. The aim of this study was to validate these findings in a large multicenter cohort.MethodsWe conducted this retrospective analysis of the multicenter eICU Collaborative Research Database in 16,423 septic patients. We split the cohort in patients with low (≤15%; n = 7,129) and high (>15%; n = 9,294) RDW. Univariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions were used to fit regression models for the binary primary outcome of hospital mortality and the secondary outcome intensive care unit (ICU) mortality with hospital unit as random effect. Optimal cutoffs were calculated using the Youden index.ResultsPatients with high RDW were more often older than 65 years (57% vs. 50%; p < 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV scores (69 vs. 60 pts.; p < 0.001). Both hospital (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 1.18; 95% CI: 1.16–1.20; p < 0.001) and ICU mortality (aOR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.14–1.18; p < 0.001) were associated with RDW as a continuous variable. Patients with high RDW had a higher hospital mortality (20 vs. 9%; aOR 2.63; 95% CI: 2.38–2.90; p < 0.001). This finding persisted after multivariable adjustment (aOR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.93–2.37; p < 0.001) in a multilevel logistic regression analysis. The optimal RDW cutoff for the prediction of hospital mortality was 16%.ConclusionWe found an association of RDW with mortality in septic patients and propose an optimal cutoff value for risk stratification. In a combined model with lactate, RDW shows equivalent diagnostic performance to Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and APACHE IV score.     

The effect of point-of-care ultrasound on length of stay in the emergency department in children with neck swelling

BackgroundUltrasound is the imaging modality of choice in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with soft tissue neck swelling. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has good accuracy when compared to comprehensive radiology department ultrasound (RADUS). POCUS could potentially improve ED length of stay (LOS) by improving efficiency. We aimed to evaluate the LOS of pediatric patients seen in ED with soft tissue neck swelling who received POCUS compared to RADUS. We determined unscheduled 30-day return visit rates in both groups as a balancing measure.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of the electronic medical record for our cross-sectional study of discharged patients ≤21 years of age who had a neck ultrasound performed by a credentialed POCUS physician or by the radiology department between July 2014 and January 2020. We included patients who had both POCUS and RADUS in the POCUS group. We compared median ED LOS in both groups using the Mann Whitney U test and proportion of unscheduled return visits to the ED in both groups using odds ratio and 95% CI.ResultsThere were 925 patients: 76 with only POCUS, 6 with POCUS and RADUS, and 843 with only RADUS performed. Median LOS in the POCUS group was 68.5 min (IQR 38.3120.3) versus 154.0 min (IQR 111.0, 211.0) in the RADUS group (p < 0.001). Return visit overall was 7.6%: 13.2% in the POCUS group versus 7.1% in the RADUS group (p = 0.07).ConclusionPediatric patients evaluated in the ED for soft tissue neck swelling had a shorter LOS with POCUS than with RADUS without a statistically significant increase in 30-day return visits. We suggest a “POCUS First” approach to the care of these patients.     

Accidental hypothermia: Factors related to a prolonged hospital stay – A nationwide observational study in Japan

BackgroundThe incidence of accidental hypothermia (AH) is low, and the length of hospital stay in patients with AH remains poorly understood. The present study explored which factors were related to prolonged hospitalization among patients with AH using Japan's nationwide registry data.MethodsThe data from the Hypothermia STUDY 2018, which included patients ≥18 years old with a body temperature ≤ 35 °C, were obtained from a multicenter registry for AH conducted at 89 institutions throughout Japan, collected from December 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019. The patients were divided into a “short-stay patients” group (within 7 days) and “long-stay patients” group (more than 7 days). A logistic regression analysis after multiple imputation was performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for prolonged hospitalization with age, frailty, location, causes underlying the hypothermia, temperature, pH, potassium level, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score as independent variables.ResultsIn total, 656 patients were included in the study, of which 362 were eligible for the analysis. The median length of hospital stay was 17 days. Of the 362 patients, 265 (73.2%) stayed in the hospital for more than 7 days. The factors associated with prolonged hospitalization were frailty (OR, 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–4.10; p = 0.027), the occurrence of indoor (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.58–6.46; p = 0.001), alcohol intoxication (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05–0.56; p = 0.004), pH (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01–0.76; p = 0.029), potassium level (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.00–1.85; p = 0.048), and DIC score (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13–2.10; p = 0.006).ConclusionsFrailty, indoor situation, alcohol intoxication, pH value, potassium level, and DIC score were factors contributing to prolonged hospitalization in patients with AH. Preventing frailty may help reduce the length of hospital stay in patients with AH. In addition, measuring the pH value and potassium level by an arterial blood gas analysis at the ED is recommended for the early evaluation of AH.     

Comparing two doses of intramuscular ketorolac for treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain in a military emergency department

Study objectiveThe goal of the study was to assess a low-dose versus a high-dose of intramuscular (IM) ketorolac for non-inferiority in adults with acute MSK pain in an emergency department (ED).MethodsThis was a single-blinded, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial of adults presenting to an ED with a chief complaint of acute MSK pain. Patients were randomized to either a 15 mg or a 60 mg IM ketorolac dose. The primary outcome was the mean difference of change in pain from baseline to 60-min between the two groups as reported on a 100-mm (mm) visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included the mean difference of change in VAS scores at 30-min and the incidence of reported adverse effects associated with the administration of ketorolac.ResultsOne hundred ten patients were randomized with 55 in each group. The mean difference in pain between groups at 60-min (0.2 mm [95% CI -8.5–8.7]; p = .98) and 30 min (−1.7 mm [95% CI -8.5–5.1; p = .63) was less than the predetermined non-inferiority margin of 13 mm. There were no major adverse effects reported. Minor adverse effects were more frequent in the 60 mg group (n = 9; 16.4% vs. n = 1; 1.8%; p = .016) with burning at the injection site being the most commonly reported.ConclusionsA 15 mg dose of IM ketorolac was found to be non-inferior to a 60 mg dose for acute MSK pain in adults presenting to the ED. Discontinuing the practice of ordering 60 mg doses of IM ketorolac in place of a lower dose for acute MSK pain should be considered.     

Factors for return to emergency department and hospitalization in elderly urinary tract infection patients

BackgroundAppropriate decision of emergency department (ED) disposition is essential for improving the outcome of elderly urinary tract infection (UTI) patients. However, studies on early return visit (ERV) to the ED in elderly UTI patients are limited. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors for ERV and hospitalization after return visit (HRV) in this population.MethodsElderly patients discharged from the ED with International Classification of diseases 10th Revision codes of UTI were selected from the registry for evaluation of ED revisit in 6 urban teaching hospitals. Retrospective data were extracted from the electronic medical records and ERV and hospitalization to scheduled revisit (SRV) were compared.ResultAmong a total of 419 patients found in the study period, 45 were ERV patients and 24 were HRV patients. Absence of UTI-specific symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.789; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.368–5.687; P = 0.005), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels >30 mg/L (OR 2.436; 95% CI 1.017–3.9; P = 0.024), and body temperature ≥ 38 °C (OR 1.992; 95% CI 1.017–3.9; P = 0.044) were independent risk factors for ERV, and absence of UTI-specific symptoms (OR 3.832; 95% CI 1.455–10.088; P = 0.007), CRP levels >30 mg/L (OR 3.224; 95% CI 1.235–8.419; P = 0.017), and systolic blood pressure ≤ 100 mmHg (OR 3.795;95% CI 1.156–12.462; P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for HRV. However, there was no significant difference in empirical antibiotic resistance in ERV and HRV patients, compared to SRV patients.ConclusionThe independent risk factors of ERV and HRV should be considered for ED disposition in elderly UTI patients; the resistance to empirical antibiotics was not found to affect ERV or HRV within 3 days.     

Effect of rapid fluid administration on the prognosis of septic shock patients with isolated hyperlactatemia: A prospective multicenter observational study

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the association between initial fluid resuscitation in septic shock patients with isolated hyperlactatemia and outcomes.MethodsThis multicenter prospective study was conducted using the data from the Korean Shock Society registry. Patients diagnosed with isolated hyperlactatemia between October 2015 and December 2018 were included and divided into those who received 30 mL/kg of fluid within 3 or 6 h and those who did not receive. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; the secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy (RRT).ResultsA total of 608 patients were included in our analysis. The administration of 30 mL/kg crystalloid within 3 or 6 h was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in multivariable logistic regression analysis ([OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.52–1.23, p = 0.31], [OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.59–1.57, p = 0.88], respectively). The administration of 30 mL/kg crystalloid within 3-h was not significantly associated with mechanical ventilation and RRT ([OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.77–1.84, p = 0.44], [OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7–2.04, p = 0.5], respectively). However, the administration of 30 mL/kg crystalloid within 6 h was associated with higher ICU admission and RRT ([OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.07–2.28, p = 0.02], [OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.19–3.66, p = 0.01], respectively).ConclusionsInitial fluid resuscitation of 30 mL/kg within 3 or 6 h was neither associated with an increased or decreased in-hospital mortality in septic shock patients with isolated hyperlactatemia.     

Predictors of return visits to the emergency department among different age groups of older adults

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of 30-day emergency department (ED) return visits in patients age 65–79 years and age ≥ 80 years.MethodsThis was a cohort study of older adults who presented to the ED over a 1-year period. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to identify predictors for returning to the ED within 30 days. We stratified the cohort into those aged 65–79 years and aged ≥80 years. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. This study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines.ResultsA total of 21,460 ED visits representing 14,528 unique patients were included. The overall return rate was 15% (1998/13,300 visits) for age 65–79 years, and 16% (1306/8160 visits) for age ≥ 80 years. A history of congestive heart failure (CHF), dementia, or prior hospitalization within 2 years were associated with increased odds of returning in both age groups (for age 65–79: CHF aOR 1.36 [CI 1.16–1.59], dementia aOR 1.27 [CI 1.07–1.49], prior hospitalization aOR 1.36 [CI 1.19–1.56]; for age ≥ 80: CHF aOR 1.32 [CI 1.13–1.55], dementia aOR 1.22 [CI 1.04–1.42], and prior hospitalization aOR 1.27 [CI 1.09–1.47]). Being admitted from the ED was associated with decreased odds of returning to the ED within 30 days (aOR 0.72 [CI 0.64–0.80] for age 65–79 years and 0.72 [CI 0.63–0.82] for age ≥ 80).ConclusionAge alone was not an independent predictor of return visits. Prior hospitalization, dementia and CHF were predictors of 30-day ED return. The identification of predictors of return visits may help to optimize care transition in the ED.     

Prospective Evaluation of Two Clinical Scores for Acute Asthma in Children 18 Months to 7 Years of Age

Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the discriminatory ability of two clinical asthma scores, the Preschool Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) and the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS), during an asthma exacerbation. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in an academic pediatric emergency department (ED; 60,000 visits/year) conducted from March 2006 to October 2007. All patients 18 months to 7 years of age who presented for an asthma exacerbation were eligible. The primary outcome was a length of stay (LOS) of >6 hours in the ED or admission to the hospital. Clinical findings and components of the PRAM and the PASS were assessed by a respiratory therapist (RT) at the start of the ED visit and after 90 minutes of treatment. Results: During the study period, 3,845 patients were seen in the ED for an asthma exacerbation. Of these, 291 were approached to participate, and eight refused. Moderate levels of discrimination were found between a LOS of >6 hours and/or admission and PRAM (area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59 to 0.79) and PASS (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.80) as calculated at the start of the ED visit. Significant similar correlations were seen between the physician’s judgment of severity and PRAM (r = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.65) and PASS (r = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.65). Conclusions: The PRAM and PASS clinical asthma scores appear to be measures of asthma severity in children with discriminative properties. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:598–603 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine     

Association between adopting emergency department crowding interventions and emergency departments' core performance measures

ObjectivesTo estimate the association between adopting emergency department (ED) crowding interventions and emergency departments' core performance measures.MethodsWe analyzed the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) data from 2007 to 2015. The outcome variables are ED length of stay for discharged and admitted patients, boarding time, wait time and percentage of patients who left ED before being seen (LWBS). The independent variables are whether or not a hospital adopted each of the 20 crowding interventions. Controlling for patient-level, hospital level and temporal confounders we analyze and report results using multivariable logit model.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2015, NHAMCS collected data for 269,721 ED visit encounters, representing a nationwide of about 1.18 billion separate ED visits. Of 20 crowding interventions we tested, using adopting bedside registration (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.75–0.98, P < .05), electronic dashboard (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76–0.98, P < .05), kiosk check-in technology (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.41–0.83, P < .001), physician based triage (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.73–0.99, P < .05) full capacity protocol (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99, P < .05) are associated with decrease in the odds of prolonged wait time. Adopting kiosk check-in (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35–0.85, P < .05) is associated with a decrease in the odds of prolonged boarding time. Using wireless communication devices (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.57–0.97, P < .05), bedside registration (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.64–0.094, P < .05) and pooled nursing (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72–0.98, P < .05) are associated with decrease in the odds of a patient LWBS.ConclusionsMajority of interventions did not significantly associated with ED' core performance measures.     

Association between metformin and survival outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients with diabetes

IntroductionMetformin has shown cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects in cardiac arrest and ischemia-reperfusion injury animal models. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between diabetes medication and survival outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients with type 2 DM (T2DM).MethodsThis retrospective observational study included adult IHCA patients with T2DM between April 2017 and March 2022. The variable of interest was administration of diabetes medications within 24 h before cardiac arrest. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsIn the 377 included patients, administration of metformin within 24 h before IHCA was associated with a higher rate of survival to discharge and good neurologic outcome (41.5% vs 11.7%, P < 0.001 and 18.9% vs 6.2%, P = 0.004, respectively). Administration of metformin within 24 h before IHCA was independently associated with survival to discharge and good neurologic outcome (aOR: 5.37, 95% CI: 2.13–13.53, P < 0.001 and aOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.14–11.17, P = 0.029). The rate of survival to discharge was the highest in patients who were administered 500–1000 mg/day metformin (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn IHCA patients with T2DM, administration of metformin within 24 h before IHCA was independently associated with survival to discharge.     

Effect of Combination Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol or Inhaled Corticosteroids on Asthma-Related Outcomes in a Medicare-Eligible Population

BackgroundNational asthma treatment guidelines recommend either the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or ICS in combination with a long-acting bronchodilator for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. Even though asthma is common among older adults, few studies have assessed the differences in effectiveness between these two recommended therapies in patients over 65 years of age.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the association of the fluticasone-salmeterol combination (FSC) or ICS initiation on asthma-related events in Medicare-eligible asthma patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study using a large health claims database (July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2008). Subjects 65 to 79 years of age with 12-month preindex and 3- to 12-month postindex eligibility, an asthma diagnosis (ICD-493.xx), and with 1 or more FSC or ICS claims at index were included. Subjects with an FSC or ICS claim in the preindex and any claim for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. Subjects were observed until they had an event (emergency department [ED] inpatient hospitalization [IP], combined IP/ED or oral corticosteroid [OCS] use) or were no longer eligible in the database, whichever came first. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess risk of an asthma-related event (IP, ED, or IP/ED). Baseline characteristics (age, sex, region, index season, comorbidities, preindex use of short-acting β-agonists, OCS, other asthma controllers, and asthma-related ED/IP visits) were independent covariates in the model.ResultsA total of 10,837 met the criteria (4843 ICS and 5994 FSC). Age (70.4 and 70.5 years, respectively) and the percentage of female subjects (65.5% and 64.8%, respectively) were similar. Asthma-related events were also similar at baseline. Postindex unadjusted rates occurring after >30 days were ED (1.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.18), IP (2.7% vs 1.7%, P < 0.001), and ED/IP (4.1% vs 2.8%, P < 0.001) for ICS and FSC, respectively. Subjects who received FSC were associated with a 32% (adjusted HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51–0.91) lower risk of experiencing an IP visit and a 22% (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.98) lower risk of experiencing an ED/IP visit. No differences were observed for ED visits (HR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.68–1.29).ConclusionsIn Medicare-eligible asthma patients, FSC use was associated with lower rates of asthma-related serious exacerbations compared with ICS.