ARDS after double extrinsic exposure hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a lung disease due to T cell and macrophage activation with IgA, IgG or IgE immunocomplex tissue lesions following extrinsic exposure to organic or inorganic agents. We report a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (pigeon protein sensitized) with a second nosocomial exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus proteins from a contaminated oxygen water humidifier: the second extrinsic exposure induced significant acute respiratory failure with ARDS. A pre-existing COPD syndrome requiring prolonged oxygen therapy (7 days) involved lung disease with delayed clinical diagnosis and therapy. Microbiological and mycological analysis of oxygen water humidifiers should be considered, especially for hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients, when a new inexplicable clinical impairment occurs. Received: 17 November 1998 Final revision received: 23 March 1999 Accepted: 30 April 1999     

Hydrocarbon pneumonitis following fuel siphonage: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: People sometimes siphon fuel to fill their tanks. However, this is a potentially dangerous procedure and may cause hydrocarbon pneumonitis. We present the case of a patient with severe hydrocarbon pneumonitis after siphoning fuel. The patient underwent artificial ventilation and was admitted to hospital for 97 days. METHODS: We review the relevant literature for a better understanding of clinical features and management strategies for hydrocarbon pneumonitis following fuel siphonage.RESULTS: We reviewed 15 articles, which included 3 original articles and 12 case reports that reported the clinical features of fuel siphonage. In addition, we added our presented case for data analysis. A total of 40 cases were included in this review. The literature review found that hydrocarbon pneumonitis caused by fuel siphonage occurs worldwide and that most patients (80%) became symptomatic within 1 day of aspiration. Cough (70%), chest pain (62.5%), dyspnoea (55%), and fever (52.5%) presented in more than half of all patients. The right middle lobe (80%) was the predominantly involved lung field; more than one-third of patients (36.7%) showed the involvement of two lobes. CONCLUSION: Patient history, computed tomographic scans of the chest, and bronchoalveolar lavage are the commonly used diagnostic tools. Supportive care remains the foundation of treatment, whereas antibiotics, steroids, and bronchoalveolar lavage are practical therapies. Patients’ clinical improvement precedes the resolution of lesions on chest X-ray. Most complications arise from pulmonary lesions. The prognosis of patients suffering from hydrocarbon pneumonitis following fuel siphonage might be improved by accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.     

Nurse staffing and adverse events in residential aged care: Retrospective multi-site analysis

BackgroundPeople living in residential aged care homes are entitled to a safe environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unfortunately, past evidence tells us this is not always the case and that our most vulnerable population experience high rates of adverse events.AimTo determine whether after-hours shifts are associated with number of adverse events, independent of registered nurse staffing levels and residential aged care home size.MethodsRetrospective cohort design with multilevel modelling. Adverse events, registered nurse staffing and facility size were collected via routine reporting from ten homes (1020 beds) in one Australian state for three months in 2017.FindingsResidents records (n = 1560) of adverse events were collected from ten Residential Aged Care Homes with 1020 beds. An adverse event was reported, on average, every second shift per home. During afterhours shifts, there was an inverse association between nurse staffing and adverse events, such that lower nurse staffing was associated with higher rates of adverse events, specifically for falls and pressure injuries/skin tears. During day shifts, this effect was not seen.DiscussionThe findings support statements made at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety regarding the lack of adequacy of nurse staffing supervision during and after hours and may contribute to considerations of upcoming mandated registered nursing contact hours for 16 of the 24 hours in a day.ConclusionDuring after-hour shifts, but not day shifts, having fewer nurses is associated with more likelihood of adverse event occurrences in Australian residential aged care homes. More research, in more sites and across more organisations, with better granulation across day, evening, night and weekend/public holiday shifts will improve understanding and responsiveness to the phenomena. Future research examining falls should include staffing levels.     

High-Dose Insulin for Toxin Induced Cardiogenic Shock: Experience at a New High and Overview of the Evidence

BackgroundHigh-dose insulin therapy is an effective treatment for cardiogenic shock caused by the overdose of particular medications. Other treatment options are usually of limited benefit. Consensus suggests that early initiation improves efficacy. No ceiling effect has been established at doses in the general range of 0.5–10 units/kg/hour.Case ReportA 79-year-old man presented in cardiogenic shock after an intentional overdose of numerous cardioactive medications 10 days after experiencing myocardial infarction. A high-dose insulin infusion was commenced. This was titrated up to a maximum of 20 units/kg/hour (1600 units/hour) and sustained for 32 h (61,334 units total). Minimal adverse events were seen despite this exceptional infusion rate (3 episodes of hypoglycemia and 2 episodes of hypokalemia). Concurrent catecholamine support was used, and cardiovascular function was maintained until all support was withdrawn 5 days after admission.Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?Emergency physicians are pivotal to the successful initiation/up-titration of high-dose insulin therapy. They must balance the potential for treatment failure with other treatment options, mitigate against adverse events in the initial phase of therapy, and coordinate care between other hospital specialties. This case shows that the relative safety and efficacy was extended to an infusion rate of 20 units/kg/hour, the highest recorded in the published literature. This information may help guide treatment of similar cases in the future.     

Spinal epidural hematoma after spinal manipulation therapy: Report of three cases and a literature review

BACKGROUNDSpinal manipulation therapy (SMT) has been widely used worldwide to treat musculoskeletal diseases, but it can cause serious adverse events. Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) caused by SMT is a rare emergency that can cause neurological dysfunction. We herein report three cases of SEH after SMT.CASE SUMMARYThe first case was a 30-year-old woman who experienced neck pain and numbness in both upper limbs immediately after SMT. Her symptoms persisted after 3 d of conservative treatment, and she was admitted to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an SEH, extending from C6 to C7. The second case was a 55-year-old man with sudden back pain 1 d after SMT, numbness in both lower limbs, an inability to stand or walk, and difficulty urinating. MRI revealed an SEH, extending from T1 to T3. The third case was a 28-year-old man who suddenly developed symptoms of numbness in both lower limbs 4 h after SMT. He was unable to stand or walk and experienced mild back pain. MRI revealed an SEH, extending from T1 to T2. All three patients underwent surgery after failed conservative treatment. The three cases recovered to ASIA grade E on day 5, 1 wk, and day 10 after surgery, respectively. All patients returned to normal after 3 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSIONSEH caused by SMT is very rare, and the condition of each patient should be evaluated in full detail before operation. SEH should be diagnosed immediately and actively treated by surgery.     

肿瘤免疫检查点抑制剂相关肺炎的管理

以免疫检查点程序性死亡因子-1（programmed death 1，PD-1）抑制剂、程序性死亡因子配体-1（programmed death ligand 1，PD-L1）抑制剂及细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关蛋白4（cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4，CTLA-4）抑制剂为代表的肿瘤免疫治疗，近年来在肿瘤治疗中广泛开展，有效延长了肿瘤患者的生存期，但也可能导致免疫治疗相关不良事件（immune-related adverse events，irAEs）。免疫检查点抑制剂（immune checkpoint inhibitor，ICIs）相关肺炎是常见的irAEs之一，可导致部分肿瘤患者治疗暂停、治疗失败、甚至威胁生命。正确了解ICIs相关肺炎的临床特点，早期诊断并恰当治疗，对影响肿瘤患者的预后、延长生命有重要意义。     

Adverse events associated with pediatric exposures to dextromethorphan

Study objective: Dextromethorphan is the most common over-the-counter (OTC) antitussive medication. We sought to characterize adverse events associated with dextromethorphan in children <12 years old from a surveillance program of OTC cough/cold medication exposures.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of oral exposures to dextromethorphan with ≥1 adverse event from multiple U.S. sources (National Poison Data System, FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, manufacturer safety reports, news/media, medical literature) reported between 2008 and 2014. An expert panel determined the relationship between exposure and adverse events, estimated dose ingested, intent of exposure, and identified contributing factors to exposure.

Results: 1716 cases contained ≥1 adverse event deemed at least potentially related to dextromethorphan; 1417 were single product exposures. 773/1417 (55%) involved only one single-ingredient dextromethorphan product (dextromethorphan-only). Among dextromethorphan-only cases, 3% followed ingestion of a therapeutic dose; 78% followed an overdose. 69% involved unsupervised self-administration and 60% occurred in children <4 years old. No deaths or pathologic dysrhythmias occurred. Central nervous system [e.g., ataxia (N?=?420)] and autonomic symptoms [e.g., tachycardia (N?=?224)] were the most common adverse events. Flushing and/or urticarial rash occurred in 18.1% of patients. Dystonia occurred in 5.4%.

Conclusions: No fatalities were identified in this multifaceted surveillance program following a dextromethorphan-only ingestion. Adverse events were predominantly associated with overdose, most commonly affecting the central nervous and autonomic systems.     

Severe interstitial pneumonitis associated with the administration of taxanes

Interstitial pneumonitis has sporadically been reported as a toxic effect of taxanes such as docetaxel and paclitaxel. This report describes 2 patients who developed interstitial pneumonitis after receiving chemotherapy including taxanes, and both cases grew serious enough to require respiratory support. The first case was a 57-year-old man with gastric cancer treated with docetaxel biweekly and S-1 for 2 weeks as adjuvant chemotherapy. After 4 courses of docetaxel, he presented acute dyspnea. The second case was a 66-year-old woman with breast cancer and postoperative pleural recurrence treated with weekly paclitaxel as fourth-line chemotherapy. She developed a dry cough, high fever, and dyspnea after 1 course of paclitaxel. In both cases, computed tomography (CT) showed extensive bilateral areas of ground-glass attenuation. They developed progressive interstitial infiltrates and respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. Taxane-induced interstitial pneumonitis was diagnosed to exclude other causes. From previous reports, intubation is associated with the survival of patients with taxane-induced interstitial pneumonitis. However, corticosteroid therapy was dramatically effective and resolved the interstitial pneumonitis in both our patients. Clinicians should be aware of this occasional complication during the course of chemotherapy with taxanes and initiate treatment, including respiratory support, as soon as possible.     

Effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions to prevent adverse events in the intensive care unit: A review of systematic reviews

BackgroundDifferent types of interventions have been assessed for the prevention of adverse events. However, determining which patient-safety practice is most effective can be challenging when there is no systematised evidence synthesis. An overview following the best methodological standards can provide the best reliable integrative evidence.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to provide an overview of effectiveness nonpharmacological interventions aimed at preventing adverse events in the intensive care unit.MethodsA review of systematic reviews (SRs) was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA recommendations. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched for SRs published until March 2022. Two reviewers independently assessed the study’s quality, using AMSTAR-2, and extracted data on intervention characteristics and effect on prevention of adverse events.ResultsThirty-seven SRs were included, and 27 nonpharmacological interventions were identified to prevent 11 adverse events. Most of the reviews had critically low methodological quality. Among all the identified interventions, subglottic secretion drainage, semirecumbent position, and kinetic bed therapy were effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia; the use of earplugs, early mobilisation, family participation, and music in reducing delirium; physical rehabilitation in improving muscle strength; use of respiratory support in preventing reintubation; the use of a computerised physician order entry system in reducing risk of medication errors; and the use of heated water humidifier was effective in reducing artificial airway occlusion.ConclusionsSome nonpharmacological interventions reduced adverse events in the intensive care setting. These findings should be interpreted carefully due to the low methodological quality. SRs on preventing adverse events in the intensive care unit should adhere to quality assessment tools so that best evidence can be used in decision-making.     

Hemodynamics in experimental gastric juice induced aspiration pneumonitis

Objective To characterize hemodynamic changes during experimental aspiration pneumonitis, paying special attention to echocardiographic assessment. Design and setting Animal study in a university-based research laboratory. Subjects Fourteen mechanically ventilated New Zealand white rabbits Interventions We instilled 1 ml/kg human gastric juice (mean pH: 4.1 + 0.2) intratracheally. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were measured every hour for 4 h, associated with a transthoracic echocardiography. Measurements and results Lung injury occurred within 1 hour with a marked decrease in PaO₂/FIO₂ and an increase in plateau pressure; after this initial drop the ratio remained stable throughout the experiment. Seven rabbits experienced only a mild to moderate alteration in lung oxygenation function as defined by a PaO₂/FIO₂ ratio above 200 (group A), while the other seven developed a severe alteration with a ratio below 200 (group B). At the end of the experiment pH and cardiac output were lower in group B than in group A. Using a PaO₂/FIO₂ threshold value of 150, pH, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac output were lower in the animals with the more severe hypoxemia. Neither left nor right ventricular dysfunction occurred during the experiment, and no animal experienced circulatory failure Conclusion Experimental aspiration pneumonitis after intratracheal infusion of human gastric juice is characterized by a stable fall in PaO₂/FIO₂. Animals with the most severe lung injury experienced a lower systemic arterial pressure, cardiac output, and metabolic acidosis without circulatory failure or cardiac dysfunction.     

Hypoglycemia Induced by Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate in a Patient Treated for Connective Tissue Disease Without Diabetes Mellitus

PurposeSeveral case reports have highlighted symptomatic hypoglycemia as a serious but uncommon adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in nondiabetic subjects.MethodsThis study describes a nondiabetic patient who experienced serious hypoglycemia related to HCQ.FindingsIn the course of treatment, the patient experienced multiple episodes of hypoglycemia at night and in the early morning. The hypoglycemia was usually accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The lowest value of blood glucose in the fingertip was 2.6 mmol/L.ImplicationsThis rare case will prompt clinicians to pay attention to unexplained hypoglycemia when using HCQ in nondiabetic patients.     

Treatment of cocaine cardiovascular toxicity: a systematic review

Introduction: Cocaine abuse is a major worldwide health problem. Patients with acute cocaine toxicity presenting to the emergency department may require urgent treatment for tachycardia, dysrhythmia, hypertension, and coronary vasospasm, leading to pathological sequelae such as acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and death. Objective: The objective of this study is to review the current evidence for pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular toxicity resulting from cocaine abuse. Methods: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), OpenGrey, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to November 2015. Articles on pharmacological treatment involving human subjects and cocaine were selected and reviewed. Evidence was graded using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. Treatment recommendations were compared to current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Special attention was given to adverse drug events or treatment failure. The search resulted in 2376 articles with 120 eligible involving 2358 human subjects. Benzodiazepines and other GABA-active agents: There were five high-quality (CEBM Level I/II) studies, three retrospective (Level III), and 25 case series/reports (Level IV/V) supporting the use of benzodiazepines and other GABA-active agents in 234 subjects with eight treatment failures. Benzodiazepines may not always effectively mitigate tachycardia, hypertension, and vasospasm from cocaine toxicity. Calcium channel blockers: There were seven Level I/II, one Level III, and seven Level IV/V studies involving 107 subjects and one treatment failure. Calcium channel blockers may decrease hypertension and coronary vasospasm, but not necessarily tachycardia. Nitric oxide-mediated vasodilators: There were six Level I/II, one Level III, and 25 Level IV/V studies conducted in 246 subjects with 11 treatment failures and two adverse drug events. Nitroglycerin may lead to severe hypotension and reflex tachycardia. Alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drugs: There were two Level I studies and three case reports. Alpha-1 blockers may improve hypertension and vasospasm, but not tachycardia, although evidence is limited. Alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonists: There were two high-quality studies and one case report detailing the successful use of dexmedetomidine. Beta-blockers and β/α-blockers: There were nine Level I/II, seven Level III, and 34 Level IV/V studies of β-blockers, with 1744 subjects, seven adverse drug events, and three treatment failures. No adverse events were reported for use of combined β/α-blockers such as labetalol and carvedilol, which were effective in attenuating both hypertension and tachycardia. Antipsychotics: Seven Level I/II studies, three Level III studies, and seven Level IV/V case series and reports involving 168 subjects have been published. Antipsychotics may improve agitation and psychosis, but with inconsistent reduction in tachycardia and hypertension and risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects. Other agents: There was only one high level study of morphine, which reversed cocaine-induced coronary vasoconstriction but increased heart rate. Other agents reviewed included lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, amiodarone, procainamide, propofol, intravenous lipid emulsion, propofol, and ketamine. Conclusions: High-quality evidence for pharmacological treatment of cocaine cardiovascular toxicity is limited but can guide acute management of associated tachycardia, dysrhythmia, hypertension, and coronary vasospasm. Future randomized prospective trials are needed to evaluate new agents and further define optimal treatment of cocaine-toxic patients.     

Utilizing procalcitonin in a clinical setting to help differentiate between aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis

ObjectiveAspiration can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia (ASPNA) or aspiration pneumonitis. Use of procalcitonin (PCT) assays has been supported to help differentiate between bacterial and nonbacterial etiologies for infection. We hypothesize PCT levels will differ significantly in patients with ASPNA versus aspiration pneumonitis.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of ASPNA or aspiration pneumonitis from September 2017 to September 2019. 228 patients met criteria and were divided into two cohorts: aspiration pneumonitis (45 patients) or ASPNA (183 patients). Initial and 48-hour PCTs were assessed.ResultsThe aspiration pneumonitis cohort had a higher percentage of patients with normal initial PCT levels than the ASPNA cohort (86.7% vs 38.8%; P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study suggests PCT could be a useful tool to help differentiate between ASPNA and aspiration pneumonitis. We postulate utilizing PCT levels alongside current diagnostic criteria would allow for more appropriate treatment and improved antibiotic stewardship.     

Transient Monocular Visual Loss: When Is It an Emergency?

BackgroundPatients who experienced transient monocular vision loss (TMVL) commonly present to the emergency department for evaluation. Although multiple etiologies can cause TMVL, it is most important to identify patients with retinal ischemia and those with vasculitis (giant cell arteritis) as the cause of TMVL. Patients with transient retinal ischemia have the same risk of cardiovascular events and death as patients who experienced transient brain ischemia. Patients with giant cell arteritis are at imminent risk of visual loss.Case ReportA 65-year-old man noticed three separate episodes of sudden onset of blurry vision in one eye. Ophthalmologic examination was normal but, as his symptoms were compatible with transient retinal ischemic attack, urgent investigations were initiated. He had normal inflammatory markers but computed tomography angiogram of the brain and neck demonstrated a large plaque in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. Double anti-platelet therapy was started and stenting of the involved carotid artery was performed. The patient was symptom-free at the last follow-up.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Patients with retinal ischemia as the etiology of TMVL are at high risk of cardiovascular events and death. Their risk of cerebrovascular accidents is highest within 48 h from the episode of TMVL, thus they should have an urgent ophthalmologic examination and, if it is unrevealing, inflammatory markers should be checked and an urgent stroke prevention protocol should be initiated. Appropriate management with medical or surgical interventions significantly reduces morbidity and mortality in these patients.     

Preferred and actual involvement of advanced lung cancer patients and their families in end-of-life decision making: a multicenter study in 13 hospitals in Flanders, Belgium

ContextDeath is often preceded by medical decisions that potentially shorten life (end-of-life decisions [ELDs]), for example, the decision to withhold or withdraw treatment. Respect for patient autonomy requires physicians to involve their patients in this decision making.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine the involvement of advanced lung cancer patients and their families in ELD making and compare their actual involvement with their previously stated preferences for involvement.MethodsPatients with Stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer were recruited by physicians in 13 hospitals and regularly interviewed between diagnosis and death. When the patient died, the specialist and general practitioner were asked to fill in a questionnaire.ResultsEighty-five patients who died within 18 months of diagnosis were studied. An ELD was made in 52 cases (61%). According to the treating physician, half of the competent patients were not involved in the ELD making, one-quarter shared the decision with the physician, and one-quarter made the decision themselves. In the incompetent patients, family was involved in half of cases. Half of the competent patients were involved less than they had previously preferred, and 7% were more involved. Almost all of the incompetent patients had previously stated that they wanted their family involved in case of incompetence, but half did not achieve this.ConclusionIn half of the cases, advanced lung cancer patients—or their families in cases of incompetence—were not involved in ELD making, despite the wishes of most of them. Physicians should openly discuss ELDs and involvement preferences with their advanced lung cancer patients.     

Comparison of open and closed suction on safety,efficacy and nursing time in a paediatric intensive care unit

BackgroundEndotracheal suctioning (ETS) is one of the most common procedures performed in the paediatric intensive care. The two methods of endotracheal suctioning used are known as open and closed suction, but neither method has been shown to be the superior suction method in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).PurposeThe primary purpose was to compare open and closed suction methods from a physiological, safety and staff resource perspective.MethodsAll paediatric intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube were included. Between June and September 2011 alternative months were nominated as open or closed suction months. Data were prospectively collected including suction events, staff involved, time taken, use of saline, and change from pre-suction baseline in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Blocked or dislodged ETTs were recorded as adverse events.FindingsClosed suction was performed more often per day (7.2 vs 6.0, p < 0.01), used significantly less nursing time (23 vs 38 min, p < 0.01) and had equivalent rates of adverse events compared to open suction (5 vs 3, p < 0.23). Saline lavage usage was significantly higher in the open suction group (18% vs 40%). Open suction demonstrated a greater reduction in SpO₂ and nearly three times the incidence of increases in HR and MAP compared to closed suction. Reductions in MAP or HR were comparable across the two methods.ConclusionsIn conclusion, CS could be performed with less staffing time and number of nurses, less physiological disturbances to our patients and no significant increases in adverse events.     

Venlafaxine‐induced interstitial lung disease with COVID‐19 pandemic‐related depression

Venlafaxine‐associated pulmonary toxicity is rare, with only a few reports of pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and asthma. We report a case of venlafaxine‐induced interstitial lung disease in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic‐related depression. Chest imaging findings improved after discontinuation of venlafaxine and treatment with corticosteroids.     

Cerebral air embolism complicating transbronchial lung biopsy: A case report

BACKGROUNDIn this case report we describe an extremely rare case of cerebral air embolism following transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Only a few cases of this rare complication were described previously. Every bronchologist should recognize this severe adverse event. Prompt recognition of this complication is mandatory in order to initiate supportive measures and consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CASE SUMMARYIn this case report we describe an extremely rare case of cerebral air embolism following TBLB. Only a few cases of this rare complication were described previously. Our patient had an incidental finding of lung tumour and pulmonary emphysema. Cerebral air embolism developed during bronchoscopy procedure, immediately after the third trans-bronchial lung biopsy sample and caused cerebral ischaemia of the right hemisphere and severe left-sided hemiplegia. Despite timely initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy hemiplegia didn´t resolve and the patient died several weeks later. Cerebral air embolism is an extremely rare complication of TBLB. This condition should be considered in case the patient remains unresponsive or presents with acute neurological symptoms in the post-intervention period since early recognition, diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy initiation are key factors determining the patient´s outcome.CONCLUSIONWithin this report, we conclude that air/gas embolism is an extremely rare complication after TBLB, which should be considered in case the patient remains unresponsive or presents with acute neurological symptoms in the post-intervention period after bronchoscopy. The current gold standard for diagnosis is computed tomography scan of the head. After recognition of this complication we suggest immediate hyperbaric oxygen therapy, if available.