Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for upper extremity fractures in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveUltrasound has an excellent diagnostic accuracy for fractures that is reportedly comparable to plain radiographs. We aim to summarize the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for upper extremity fractures in children.MethodsDatabases were searched from inception through November 2019 using pre-defined index terms, including “ultrasound,” “fractures of upper extremities” and “children”. The study is reported using Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA). Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for fractures was conducted using the random-effects bivariate model. Subgroup analysis of fracture site (elbow vs non-elbow fractures) was also performed. Meta-regression was performed to determine if the site of fracture affected the diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThirty-two studies were identified in the meta-analysis. Ultrasound for fractures of the upper extremities has a sensitivity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.97), specificity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–0.98), positive likelihood ratio: 21.1 (95% CI: 10.8–41.5) and negative likelihood ratio: 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03–0.07), with an area under ROC (AUROC) curve of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99). Subgroup analysis for elbow fracture showed ultrasound has a sensitivity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98), specificity: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–0.94), positive likelihood ratio: 7.3 (95% CI: 3.7–14.4) and negative likelihood ratio: 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02–0.16), with an AUROC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97). Meta-regression suggested the fracture sites would affect diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (elbow vs non-elbow, p < 0.01).ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests ultrasound has excellent diagnostic accuracy for non-elbow upper extremity fractures in children, serving as an alternative diagnostic modality to plain radiographs.     

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.     

Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-Of-Care Ultrasound for Intussusception Performed by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians

BackgroundIntussusception (INT) is a common cause of bowel obstruction in young children. Delay in diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. There have been several studies evaluating early point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the diagnosis of INT by nonradiologists.ObjectiveOur objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS by novice sonographer pediatric emergency medicine physicians (PEM-Ps) who received focused US training for diagnosing INT.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational study including 17 PEM-Ps (14 attendings, 3 fellows) trained to perform abdominal US for INT. Children suspected of having INT received POCUS performed and interpreted by a PEM-P, followed by a US study performed by a certified ultrasonographer and interpreted by an attending pediatric radiologist. Diagnostic concordance between PEM-P–and radiology-performed US (RPUS) results was assessed.ResultsOne hundred patients were enrolled; median patient age was 24 months. There was excellent diagnostic agreement for presence or absence of INT between PEM-Ps and RPUS (97% of cases; κ = 0.826). POCUS-diagnosed INT was present in 8 of 9 patients with RPUS-diagnosed INT (sensitivity 89%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 51–99%; specificity 98%; 95% CI 92–100%; positive predictive value 80%; 95% CI 44–96%; negative predictive value 99%; 95% CI 93–100%). Likelihood ratio for INT with a positive POCUS was 40.44 (95% CI 10.07–162.36) and with a negative POCUS was 0.11 (95% CI 0.02–0.72).ConclusionsPOCUS performed by novice sonographers to diagnose INT has high diagnostic concordance with RPUS. Emergency department–performed POCUS is a rapid and accurate method for diagnosing INT.     

Accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for determining the adequacy of pediatric forearm fracture reductions

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to the determine the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in assessing closed reduction (CR) of pediatric forearm fractures in a pediatric emergency setting.MethodsAfter determination of the need for CR using X-ray images by an orthopedic consultant, POCUS examinations were performed just before and after the reduction attempt. The transducer was positioned longitudinally over the dorsal, volar, and lateral surfaces of the radius and ulna to view the fracture site. The presence of angulation, displacement, or bayonetting of the fracture fragments was recorded. The adequacy of realignment according to the POCUS and the orthopedic consultant's final determination were recorded.ResultsSixty-two patients were enrolled in the study and 96 bones were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS for adequacy of CR were 95.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.3–99.1)] and 95.8% (95% CI: 78.8–99.8), the positive predictive value was 98.5% (95% CI: 91.0–99.7), and the negative predictive value was 88.4% (95% CI: 71.6–95.8). The corresponding positive and negative likelihood ratios were 23 (3.37–156.77) and 0.04 (0.01–0.12). There was high agreement between POCUS and X-ray images for predicting adequacy of CR [κ: 0.892 (±0.053)]. There was also a significant correlation between POCUS and X-ray measurements of angulation and displacement performed before and after CR, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur study has reported the successful use of POCUS for the management of pediatric forearm fractures in a pediatric emergency department. Point-of-care ultrasound can minimize radiation exposure and appears to be an alternative and accurate tool for reduction attempts.     

Development of a nomogram to predict small bowel obstruction using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department

ObjectiveEarly diagnostic prediction in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO) can improve time to definitive management and disposition in the emergency department. We sought to develop a nomogram to leverage point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and maximize accuracy of prediction of SBO diagnosis.MethodsUsing data from a prospective cohort of 125 patients with suspected SBO who were evaluated with POCUS in the ED, we developed a nomogram integrating age, gender, comorbidities, prior abdominal surgery, physician's pre-test probability, and POCUS findings to determine post-test risk of SBO. The primary outcome was to develop a nomogram to allow calculating output probabilities for predictive models using POCUS findings. The discriminative ability of the nomogram was tested using a C-statistics, calibration plots, and receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe derivation cohort included 125 patients with a median age of 54 years who underwent POCUS for a suspected SBO. One-fourth of the patients (25.6% [32/125]) had SBO. Using a retrospective stepwise selection of clinically important variables with the POCUS results, the final nomogram incorporated four relevant factors for the prediction of SBO: small bowel diameter (odds ratio [OR] per 1 mm increase, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.17; P = 0.001), positive free intraperitoneal fluid between bowel loops (OR, 8.19; 95% CI, 2.62–25.62; P < 0.001), clinician's moderate (OR, 5.94; 95% CI, 0.83–42.57; P = 0.08) or high pretest probability (OR, 11.26; 95% CI, 1.44–88.25; P = 0.02), and patient age (OR per 1 year increase, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to1.07; P = 0.08).The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram revealed good predictive ability as indicated by the C-statistic of 0.89 for the SBO diagnosis.ConclusionA unique nomogram incorporating patient age, physician pretest probability of SBO, and POCUS measurements of small bowel diameter and the presence of free intraperitoneal fluid between bowel loops was developed to accurately predict the diagnosis of SBO in the emergency department. The nomogram should be externally validated in a novel cohort of patients at risk for SBO to better assess predictability and generalizability.     

Pneumothorax diagnosis with lung sliding quantification by speckle tracking: A prospective multicentric observational study

IntroductionLung ultrasound is commonly used for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. However, recognition of pleural sliding is subjective and can be difficult for novice. The primary objective was to compare a novices physician's performance in diagnosing pneumothorax from ultrasound (US) scans either with visual evaluation or with maximum longitudinal pleural strain (MLPS). The secondary objective was to compare the diagnostic relevance of US with visual evaluation or MLPS to diagnose pneumothorax with an intermediately experienced and an expert physician.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study in two emergency department and two intensive care unit, between February 2019 and June 2020. We included 99 adult patients with suspected pneumothorax, who received a chest computed tomography (CT). Three physicians with different experience of interpreting US scans (a novice physician, an intermediately experienced physician, and an expert) analyzed the US scans of 99 patients with suspected pneumothorax (50 (51%) with confirmed pneumothorax), which were confirmed by CT scan.ResultsWith a threshold of 5%, the MLPS sensitivity was 94% (95% CI [83%; 98%]), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI [93%; 100%]). The novice physician had an area under the curve (AUC) with visual analysis of 0.75 (95% CI [0.67; 0.83]) vs 0.86 (95% CI [0.79; 0.94]) with MLPS (p = 0.04). The intermediate physician's AUC for diagnosing pneumothorax with visual analysis was 0.93 (95% CI [0.88; 0.99]) vs 1.00 (95% CI [1.00; 1.00]) with MLPS (p < 0.01) and for the expert physician it was 0.98 (95% CI [0.95;1.00]) vs 0.97 (95% CI [0.93; 1.00]), respectively (p = 0.69).ConclusionIn our study, speckle tracking analysis improved the accuracy of US for the novice and the intermediate but not the expert sonographer in the diagnosis of pneumothorax.     

Pediatric point-of-care ultrasound of optic disc elevation for increased intracranial pressure: A pilot study

ObjectivePapilledema is often difficult to detect in children. Ocular point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a non-invasive test for increased intracranial pressure (ICP), but no consensus exists on normal pediatric ONSD values. Detection of optic disc elevation (ODE, a component of papilledema) using POCUS has recently been qualitatively described. We sought to establish the diagnostic accuracy of different ODE cutoffs to detect increased ICP in children who underwent ocular POCUS in our pediatric emergency department (PED).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed charts of patients ages 0–18 years who received ocular POCUS in our tertiary PED between 2011 and 2016. Patients were included if their archived POCUS examinations were deemed high-quality by a POCUS expert and they underwent ICP determination within 48 h after ocular POCUS. A blinded POCUS expert measured ODE, optic disc width at mid-height (ODWAMH), and ONSD. Receiver-operator curve analysis was performed for various cutoffs for these measurements in detecting increased ICP.Results76 eyes from 40 patients met study criteria. 26 patients had increased ICP. The mean ODE of both eyes (ODE-B) generated the largest area under the curve (0.962, 95% CI 0.890–1). The optimal ODE-B cutoff was 0.66 mm, with a sensitivity of 96% (95% CI 79–100%) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI 79–100%). 1/40 (2.5%) of patients with ODE-B < 0.66 had increased ICP.ConclusionsODE-B may represent the optimal ocular POCUS measurement for detecting increased ICP in children, and future prospective studies could more accurately describe the diagnostic performance of different pediatric ODE-B cutoffs.     

Thoracic point-of-care ultrasound is an accurate diagnostic modality for clinically significant traumatic pneumothorax

Objective

There are conflicting data regarding the accuracy of thoracic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in detecting traumatic pneumothorax (PTX). The purpose of our study was to determine the accuracy of thoracic POCUS performed by emergency physicians for the detection of clinically significant PTX in blunt and penetrating trauma patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective institutional review board–approved study of trauma patients 15 years or older presenting to our urban Level I academic trauma center from December 2021 to June 2022. All study patients were imaged with single-view chest radiography (CXR) and thoracic POCUS. The presence or absence of PTX was determined by multidetector computed tomography (CT) or CXR and ultrasound (US) with tube thoracostomy placement.

Results

A total of 846 patients were included, with 803 (95%) sustaining blunt trauma. POCUS identified 13/15 clinically significant PTXs (defined as ≥35 mm of pleural separation on a blinded overread or placement of a tube thoracostomy prior to CT) with a sensitivity of 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58–97), specificity of 100% (95% CI 99–100), positive predictive value of 81% (95% CI 54%–95%), and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI 99%–100%). The positive likelihood ratio was 484 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.1. CXR identified eight (53%) clinically significant PTXs, with a sensitivity of 53% (95% CI 27%–78%) and a specificity of 100%, when correlated with the CT. The most common reason for a missed PTX identified on expert-blinded overread was failure to recognize a lung point sign that was present on US.

Conclusions

Thoracic POCUS accurately identifies the majority of clinically significant PTXs in both blunt and penetrating trauma patients. Common themes for false-negative thoracic US in the expert-blinded overread process identified key gaps in training to inspire US education and medical education research.     

Lung Ultrasound,a Better Choice for Neonatal Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Neonatal pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition. Chest X-ray is the main diagnostic method but has some defects. Lung ultrasound has emerged as a diagnostic method in recent years. The aim of this review was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound against chest X-ray in neonates with pneumothorax. We searched the Chinese journal full-text database, Wanfang database, China biomedical document service system, Weipu Chinese science and technology periodical full-text database, EMBASE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science (up to January 2020) for prospective studies on the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound in neonates with pneumothorax. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Meta-DiSc software, version 1.4 (Romany Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain). The search returned 528 studies, of which 8 full texts were assessed for eligibility against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The overall specificity and sensitivity of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumothorax was 98% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94–0.99) and 99% (95% CI: 0.98–1.00), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 920.01 (95% CI: 265.81–3184.33), and the area under the curve was 0.996 7 (Q* = 0.978 5). However, the chest X-ray was always taken as the reference standard with a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI: 0.72–0.90), a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 0.90–0.99) and a diagnostic odds ratio of 44.54 (95% CI: 4.30–460.98). Study analysis studies indicated that the sensitivity of lung ultrasound in diagnosing pneumothorax excepted chest X-ray as the single diagnosis criteria was 98% (95% CI: 0.93–1.00), the specificity was 100% (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) and the diagnostic odds ratio was 965.39 (95% CI: 161.195781.93), showing a higher accuracy than chest X-ray. In conclusion, lung ultrasound had better sensitivity and specificity than chest X-ray in the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Some ultrasonic signs (absence of lung sliding or B-lines) had a high sensitivity in the diagnosis, which could be used to diagnose pneumothorax. Lung point could help judge the severity of pneumothorax. Its presence indicates that pneumothorax is mild to moderate; otherwise, pneumothorax is severe.     

Diaphragm dysfunction detected with ultrasound to predict noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure: A prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the use of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in detecting diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) and evaluate its ability to predict noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) failure in patients presented to the emergency department with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, the diaphragm was examined using POCUS in patients with AECOPD. DD was defined as a diaphragm thickening fraction of less than 20% during spontaneous breathing. NIV failure was the primary outcome of the study, and duration of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality were the secondary outcomes. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were estimated for predicting NIV failure in DD and evaluating the diagnostic performance of POCUS.Results60 patients were enrolled the study. NIV failure was found in 11 (73.3%) of 15 patients with DD and in 2 (4.4%) of 45 patients without DD. In predicting NIV failure, DD had a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]:54.6–98.1), specificity of 91.5% (95% CI:79.6–97.6), positive predictive value of 73.3% (95% CI:51.2–87.8), and negative predictive value of 95.6% (95% CI:85.7–98.7). The duration of hospital stay was not different between groups (p = .065). No in-hospital mortality was seen in patients without DD.ConclusionsDD has high sensitivity and specificity in predicting NIV failure in patients admitted to the emergency department with AECOPD. DD can be assessed by an experienced clinician noninvasively using POCUS in emergency departments.     

Early Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment for Medical Patients Reduces Time to Appropriate Treatment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Numerous studies emphasize the diagnostic importance of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), but the level of evidence remains low as most data are gathered from observational studies. We conducted a pilot, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of POCUS exam on medical patient's management and clinical outcomes. Patients presenting with chest pain or dyspnea were enrolled and randomly allocated to an early POCUS scan group and a control group. POCUS assessment, within 24 h of internal ward admission, was conducted only for the intervention group. The primary outcome was time to correct diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included time to appropriate treatment, POCUS-related rate of primary diagnosis alteration and new clinically relevant findings and time to hospital discharge. Sixty patients were enrolled. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to each study arm. The POCUS exam revealed clinically relevant findings among 79% of patients and led to alteration of the primary diagnosis among 28% of patients. Time to appropriate treatment was significantly shorter among patients in the POCUS group compared with the control group (median time of 5 h [95% confidence interval: 0.5–9] vs. 24 h [95% CI: 19–29] p = 0.014). The time needed to achieve correct diagnosis by the primary team was shorter in the POCUS group compared with the control group, yet it did not reach statistical significance (median time of 24 h [95% CI: 18–30] vs. 48 h [95% CI: 20–76], p = 0.12). These results indicate that POCUS assessment conducted early among patients with dyspnea or chest pain improves diagnostic accuracy and shortens significantly the time to appropriate treatment.     

Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Associate Providers for Differentiating Abscess Versus Cellulitis Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in the Emergency Department

BackgroundSkin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a common complaint in the ambulatory setting and pose a significant burden on the health care system.ObjectivesWe sought to determine the accuracy of ultrasound for detecting soft tissue abscesses by emergency medicine associate providers (APs).MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of adult patients with suspected SSTI in the emergency department of a rural tertiary care academic medical center. The AP performed and interpreted point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the suspected infected area. Ultrasound images and interpretation were reviewed by the attending emergency physician with either rejection or agreement of the image interpretation, diagnosis, and management. If incision and drainage was performed, presence or absence of purulent drainage was recorded.ResultsSixty-four patients with suspected SSTI were enrolled: 29 had POCUS-proven abscesses and 33 had cellulitis; 2 were excluded. AP clinical evaluation alone for identifying abscess revealed sensitivity of 92.3 (74.9–99.1), specificity of 67.7 (49.5–82.6), positive predictive value of 68.6 (57.0–78.2), and negative predictive value of 92.0 (81.4–100). The use of POCUS by APs in addition to clinical examination demonstrated sensitivity of 96.2 (80.4–99.9), specificity of 93.9 (79.8–99.3), positive predictive value of 92.6 (76.5–98.0), and negative predictive value of 96.9 (81.9–99.5). p values were <0.05 for test characteristics. Ultrasound results changed SSTI management decisions in 10 of 62 (16.1%) patients, with the most common change being a new incision and drainage or needle aspiration. Agreement of the POCUS interpretation between APs and attending physicians was 96.8% with a κ of 0.94 (0.85–1.00).ConclusionWith modest training, APs can successfully use POCUS to identify abscesses in patients in the emergency department with SSTIs. POCUS increases the ability to rule in the diagnosis and changes management in a clinically relevant number of patients with SSTIs.     

Conventional Ultrasound and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Splenic Diseases

Accurate diagnosis of splenic diseases is important for timely and accurate treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and conventional ultrasound (US) in detecting splenic lesions. A systematic literature search was undertaken, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of the consolidated results of CEUS were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92–0.97) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90–0.99), respectively (I² = 27.4%; area under the curve [AUC] from a summary receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.97). The sensitivity and specificity of the consolidated results of conventional US were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56–0.80) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.76–0.99; I² = 83.4%; AUC = 0.84). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were higher than those of conventional US in diagnosing splenic lesions. Contrast-enhanced US is a promising method for accurately diagnosing splenic lesions.     

超声及MRI诊断妊娠期阑尾炎:Meta分析

目的采用Meta分析方法评价超声、MRI对妊娠期阑尾炎的诊断效能。方法检索Cochrane Library、Pubmed、Embase、中国知网、万方医学网和维普数据库中关于超声和/或MRI诊断妊娠期阑尾炎的文献,检索时间从建库至2019年9月。依据纳入及排除标准筛选文献,并进行质量评价。采用Stata15.0、Meta-Disc1.4软件进行统计分析。结果最终纳入19篇文献(2379例疑诊妊娠期阑尾炎患者),仅超声诊断妊娠期阑尾炎文献4篇,仅MRI诊断11篇,同时采用超声及MRI诊断4篇。超声对妊娠期阑尾炎的诊断敏感度和特异度分别为0.68[95%CI(0.60,0.75)]和0.98[95%CI(0.95,0.99)],诊断比值比及受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积(AUC)分别为12.53[95%CI(5.78,27.19)]和0.86。MRI对妊娠期阑尾炎的诊断敏感度和特异度分别为0.95[95%CI(0.91,0.98)]和0.98[95%CI(0.97,0.98)],诊断比值比及AUC分别为331.84[95%CI(161.42,682.16)]和0.99,其AUC明显高于超声(Z=7.41,P<0.001)。结论MRI对妊娠期阑尾炎的诊断效能明显高于超声。     

Lung Ultrasound for the Emergency Diagnosis of Pneumonia,Acute Heart Failure,and Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Asthma in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Lung ultrasound can accelerate the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases in adults with respiratory symptoms.

Point-of-care ultrasound versus radiology department pelvic ultrasound on emergency department length of stay

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the time to overall length of stay (LOS) for patients who underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) versus radiology department ultrasound (RDUS).METHODS: This was a prospective study on a convenience sample of patients who required pelvic ultrasound imaging as part of their emergency department (ED) assessment.RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 194 patients who were on average 32 years-old. Ninety-eight (51%) patients were pregnant (<20 weeks). Time to completion of RDUS was 66 minutes longer than POCUS (95%CI 60-73, P<0.01). Patients randomized to the RDUS arm experienced a 120 minute longer ED length of stay (LOS) (95%CI 66-173, P<0.01)CONCLUSION: In patients who require pelvic ultrasound as part of their diagnostic evaluation, POCUS resulted in a significant decrease in time to ultrasound and ED LOS.     

超声造影联合穿刺活检诊断乳腺癌前哨淋巴结的meta分析

目的 采用Meta分析方法评价超声造影检查联合穿刺活检诊断乳腺癌前哨淋巴结的临床效能。方法 系统制定文献检索方法以及筛选文献原则,中文检索主题词为超声造影、乳腺穿刺、穿刺活检、穿刺细胞学检查、乳腺癌、前哨淋巴结、转移在中文数据库中国知网（CNKI）、万方、中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、维普（VIP）、龙源期刊、医学库、国研数据库检索;英文检索主题词为Contrast Ultrasound、Breast cancer、Needle biopsy、Sentinel lymph node metastasis、Sentinel Lymph node biopsy在外文数据库PubMed、Embase、NEJM医学期刊、Cochrane图书馆检索;选出发表时间在2021年6月31日前关于穿刺活检结合超声造影诊断乳腺癌前哨淋巴结转移的有关文献,完成Meta分析。结果 按照筛选标准共检索纳入6篇中文文献,6篇英文文献,研究对象共计1645例,研究显示乳腺癌患者SLN无明显规律;合并统计量分别为合并SEN=0.685（95%CI：0.55~0.80）、合并SPE=1.000（95%CI：0.99~1.00）、合并SCC=0.903（95%CI：0.68~0.95）、合并诊断比值比=258.29（95%CI：97.82~721.58）、合并阳性预测值=1.000（95%CI：0.98~1.00）、合并阴性预测值=0.93（95%CI：0.87~0.98）。结论 超声造影引导下进行穿刺活检结果为阳性乳腺癌患者可直接行腋窝淋巴结清扫术治疗,阴性者则仍需考虑结合SLNB诊断以制定治疗方案。     

Diagnostic value of neutrophil CD64 combined with CRP for neonatal sepsis: A meta-analysis

BackgroundSepsis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. CD64 combined with c-reactive protein (CRP) could improve the sensitivity and specificity of neonatal sepsis diagnosis, but the results were still controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the importance of CD64 combined with CRP in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.MethodsThe researches published as of December 24, 2018 were comprehensively searched in PubMed, Embase (included Embase and Medline), the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Totally, 8 articles were included, involving 1114 objects. Statistical calculations were performed using Stata14.0 and Review Manager 5.3.ResultsThe diagnostic accuracy of all included studies was pooled as follows: sensitivity, 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98); specificity, 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74–0.93); positive likelihood ratio (PLR), 6.8 (95% CI: 3.50–13.20); negative likelihood ratio (NLR), 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02–0.18); diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), 118.0 (95% CI: 25.00–549.00), and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97). It was found that heterogeneity was not caused by threshold effect (P = 0.16), but the results of sensitivity (I² = 87.57%) and specificity (I² = 89.07%) analyses indicated significant heterogeneity between studies.ConclusionsThe combined application of CD64 and CRP improved the accuracy of neonatal sepsis diagnosis.     

Care and treatments related to intensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness: A cohort study

BackgroundIntensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) has an incidence of 40–46%. Early mobilisation is known to be a protective factor.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to identify the incidence of ICUAW in Spain and to evaluate variables likely to contribute to the development of ICUAW.MethodsA 4-month, prospective observational multicentre cohort study was conducted on patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h. Data were collected from ICU day 3 until ICU discharge. The primary outcome was presence of ICUAW (diagnosed using the Medical Research Council [MRC] scale). The secondary outcome was nurse–patient ratio, physiotherapist availability, analgesia, sedation and delirium management, glycaemic control, and daily level of mobility during the ICU stay as per the ICU Mobility Scale. A logistic regression model was constructed based exclusively on days 3–5 of the ICU stay.ResultsThe data of 642 patients were analysed from 80 ICUs, accounting for 35% of all ICUs in Spain. The incidence of ICUAW was 58% (275 of 474 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI] [53–62]). The predictors for ICUAW were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.03]) and more days with renal replacement therapy (OR = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.02]). The protective factors for ICUAW were male gender (OR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.38–0.89]), higher Barthel Index (showing prehospital functional independence) (OR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95–0.99]), more days of being awake and cooperative (defined by a feasible MRC assessment) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), presence of delirium (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), and more days with active mobilisation (ICU Mobility Scale ≥ 4) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]).ConclusionsThe risk factors for ICUAW were functional dependence before admission, female gender, older age, and more days on renal replacement therapy. The protective factors for ICUAW were feasibility of MRC assessment, the presence of delirium, and being actively mobilised during the first 5 days in the ICU.