Admission cardiotocography: Its role in predicting foetal outcome in high-risk obstetric patients

Background

Routine and continuous electronic monitoring of foetal heart rate (FHR) in labour has become an established obstetric practice in high-risk pregnancies in industrialised countries. However, the same may not be possible in non-industrialised countries where antenatal care is inadequate with a large number of high-risk pregnancies being delivered in crowded settings and inadequate health care provider to patient ratios.

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the admission cardiotocogram (CTG) in detecting foetal hypoxia at the time of admission in labour and to correlate the results of the admission CTG with the perinatal outcome in high-risk obstetric cases.

Method

This was a prospective observational study conducted in the labour and maternity ward of a hospital in Gangtok, India, during the period 2008 to 2010. The study included high-risk pregnant women, admitted via the emergency or outpatient department with a period of gestation ≥36 weeks, in first stage of labour with foetus in the cephalic presentation. All women were subjected to an admission CTG, which included a 20 minute recording of FHR and uterine contractions.

Results

One hundred and sixty patients were recruited. The majority of women were primigravida in the 21-30 years age group. About 42% patients were postdated pregnancy followed by pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (15.6%) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (11.3%) as the major risk factors. The admission CTG were ‘reactive’ in 77%, ‘equivocal’ in 14.4% and ‘ominous’ in 8.7% women. Incidence of foetal distress, moderate-thick meconium stained liquor and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was significantly more frequent among patients with ominous test results compared with equivocal or reactive test results on admission. Incidence of vaginal delivery was more common when the test was reactive.

Conclusion

The admission CTG appears to be a simple non-invasive test that can serve as a screening tool in ‘triaging’ foetuses of high-risk obstetric patients in non-industrialised countries with a heavy workload and limited resources.     

Reliability of admission cardiotocography for intrapartum monitoring in low resource setting

Background

To evaluate the role of admission cardiotocography in intrapartum patients in detecting fetal hypoxia already present and to correlate the results of admission cardiotocography with perinatal outcome.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Labor and Maternity ward during the period 2007-2009. The study included 176 pregnant women (both high risk and low risk), admitted to the emergency department or through the outpatient department with period of gestation ≥36 weeks, in first stage of labor with fetus in cephalic presentation. All of them were subjected to an admission test, a 20 min recording of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions on cardiotocograph machine at the time of admission.

Results:

The results of the admission test were ‘reactive’ in 82.38%, ‘equivocal’ in 10.22%, and ‘ominous’ in 7.38% women. Women with the reactive admission test had low risk of intrapartum fetal distress (6.9%) as compared to 39.9% in the equivocal and 84.6% in the ominous group (P<0.001). Incidence of moderate to thick meconium stained liqor were more in ominous (61.5%) and equivocal group (33.3%) in compared to reactive group (4.8%) (P<0.001). Incidence of NICU admission was also significantly high (62%) in babies delivered from mother with ominous test group compared to those with equivocal (28%) and reactive test (3.45%) group babies. Neonatal mortality was also seen in babies born to mothers with equivocal (5.5%) and ominous (7.6%) admission test groups. Operative delivery for fetal distress was required in only 5.5% (8 of 145) woman of the reactive group, in 27.8% (5 of 18) woman of the equivocal group and in 84.6% (11 of 13) women of the ominous group.

Conclusion:

The admission cardiotocography is a simple non-invasive test that can serve as screening tool to detect fetal distress already present or likely to develop and prevent unnecessary delay in intervention. The test has high specificity and can help in ‘triaging’ fetuses in obstetric wards of developing countries with a heavy workload and limited resources.     

Why do obstetric patients go to the ICU? A 3-year-study

Background

Pregnant women are at risk to develop complications due to illness related to pregnancy or due to aggravation of pre-existing disease. These patients also require critical care and ICU admissions in some cases. To determine the current spectrum of diseases in an obstetric population resulting in admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A retrospective case series study and analysis of data from obstetric patients admitted for critical care management.

Results

0.26% of the total obstetric patients admitted to the hospital required ICU admissions. 46% of patients were admitted to ICU for ventilator support. Pre-eclampsia and obstetrical hemorrhage were the common diagnosis for these patients.

Conclusion

Critically ill obstetric patients require a team approach of the obstetrician, anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist for the optimal care of these patients.     

Butorphanol-bupivacaine versus Fentanyl-bupivacaine for Extradural Analgesia during Labour

Background

Epidural injection of a combination of local anaesthetic drugs and opioids, is known to provide good analgesia for the first and second stages of labour, with minimal risk to the mother and the foetus.

Method

64 pregnant women were allocated to one of two groups in a double blind, randomised, prospective study design. The first group (n=32) received 15ml of 0.1% bupivacaine with 0.1 nignil ^-1 butorphanol (1.5mg) and the second group (n=32) received 15ml of 0.1% bupivacaine with 2μgml^-1 of fentanyl.

Results

The times of onset and offset of analgesia were comparable. More patients of the butorphanol group were sedated but arousable. The patient satisfaction levels were good in both groups and APGAR scores were comparable.

Conclusion

Butorphanol and fentanyl when used in combination with 0.1% bupivacaine are effective, offer good patient satisfaction and are comparable in labour analgesia. Though more patients were sedated in the butorphanol group there was no maternal, foetal or neonatal adverse outcome and the drug appears to be a safe alternative to fentanyl in labour epidural analgesia.Key Words: Epidural analgesia, Bupivacaine, Butorphanol, Fentanyl     

Management of Rh-isoimmunised Pregnancies : Our Experience

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the role of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV), as measured by doppler ultrasound, in detecting foetal anaemia in Rh- isoimmunised pregnancies. Intra-uterine foetal blood transfusion was performed in such anaemic foetuses to tide over the crisis of foetal immaturity till considered fit for extra-uterine survival.

Methods

Rh-isoimmunised pregnancies reporting to a tertiary institute from 2003 to 2005, were screened by doppler ultrasound to estimate MCA-PSV to detect foetal anaemia. If the foetus developed MCA-PSV of more than 1.5 multiple of median (MoM) for the gestational age, foetal blood sampling through cordocentesis was performed to confirm foetal anaemia, followed by intrauterine foetal blood transfusion to all anaemic foetuses at the same sitting. Neonatal outcome was evaluated by recording gestational age at the time of delivery, duration of gestational time gained and need for blood transfusion in the neonatal period.

Results

A total of thirteen isoimmunised pregnancies were evaluated. Three pregnancies did not require in-utero foetal blood transfusion. Twenty-one intrauterine foetal blood transfusions were performed in the remaining ten patients. Five received blood transfusion in the neonatal period. Intra uterine foetal death occurred in one grossly hydropic foetus and favourable neonatal outcome was recorded in the rest.

Conclusion

The clinical outcome of these pregnancies justifies the use of doppler studies of MCA-PSV in detecting foetal anaemia and intra uterine foetal blood transfusion is the only hope of prolonging pregnancy and salvaging such foetuses.Key Words: Rh-isoimmunisation, Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, Foetal anaemia, Foetal blood transfusion     

Maternal Factors for Low Birth Weight Babies

Background

Low birth weight is defined as the live births with less than 2.5 kg weight. It is a key determinant of infant survival, health and development. Low birth weight infants are at a greater risk of having a disability and for diseases such as cerebral palsy, visual problems, learning disabilities and respiratory problems. To reduce the low birth weight deliveries, we studied the maternal factors which adversely affect the fetus in utero and their impact on fetus.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out on 40 low birth weight pregnancies out of 650 deliveries from July 2005 to Jun 2006. Maternal factors like age, parity, pre pregnancy body mass index, hemoglobin levels, bad obstetric history (history of stillbirth/neonatal death in previous pregnancies, three or more spontaneous consecutive abortions), pre eclampsia, fetal distress, mode of deliveries were studied. These results were compared with a random sample of 300 pregnant ladies taken from rest of the deliveries. Cases of multiple pregnancies and stillbirths were excluded.

Result

We found that prepregnancy maternal body mass index (p<0.01 for BMI <20), unbooked status (p<0.01), pre eclampsia (p <0.01) and bad obstetric history (p<0.01) were the maternal factors which resulted in low birth weight babies in most of the cases. However in 10 (25%) cases, no contributory maternal factor was found.

Conclusion

Prepregnancy maternal body mass index, unbooked status, pre eclampsia and bad obstetric history are significant maternal factors resulting in low birth weight babies.Key Words: Prepregnancy maternal body mass index, Unbooked status, Pre eclampsia, Bad obstetric history     

Bad Obstetric History: A Prospective Study

Background

Death of an infant in utero or at birth has always been a devastating experience for the mother and of concern in clinical practice. Perinatal mortality remains a challenge in the care of pregnant women worldwide, particularly for those who had history of adverse outcome in previous pregnancies. To assess the risk factors and outcome of pregnancies in cases of bad obstetric history (BOH) and compare the results with control group, this study was undertaken.

Methods

A prospective study from 2003 to 2007 was carried out in 79 pregnancies having BOH (history of unexplained stillbirth/neonatal death, three or more consecutive abortions etc). Test group was analyzed in terms of age, gravida, parity, risk factors and outcome in terms of preterm delivery, stillbirth, mode of delivery, birth weight, pregnancy complications and fetal distress. These parameters were compared with a systematic, randomly selected sample from rest of the deliveries. Necessary advice and treatment was given in cases of hypothyroidism, hypertension, antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) syndrome, gestational diabetes and other risk factors.

Result

There was significantly higher incidence of malpresentations, hypertension, APLA, cervical incompetence, preterm deliveries and caesarean section in test group (p< 0.05). In this study, only 47 (59.49%) women out of 79 in BOH group were identified to have possible factor responsible for pregnancy losses. In 32 (40.51%), no probable causes could be identified. Nine (11.39%) patients were identified with more than one risk factor.

Conclusion

APLA, hypertension, malpresentation, cervical incompetence, preterm deliveries and caesarean section were found significantly more in BOH group. In a large percentage of pregnancies with BOH, the risk factors for adverse outcome were not identified but pregnancy outcome was generally good in subsequent pregnancies with optimal antenatal care and advice.Key Words: Bad obstetric history, Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, Gestational diabetes, Stillbirth     

Walking Epidural : An Effective Method of Labour Pain Relief

Background

Labour pain can be deleterious for mother and baby. Epidural analgesia relieves labour pains effectively with minimal maternal and foetal side effects. A prospective open label study was undertaken to ascertain effective dosing regime for walking epidural in labour.

Methods

Fifty women with singleton foetus in vertex position were included. Epidural catheter was inserted in L2-3 / L3-4 interspinous space. Initial bolus of 10 ml (0.1% bupivacaine and 0.0002% fentanyl) solution was injected and after the efficacy of block was established, an epidural infusion of the same drug solution was started at the rate of 5 ml/hour.

Results

In first stage of labour 80% of the parturient had excellent to good pain relief (visual analogue scale 1 to 3) with standard protocol while 20% parturient required one or more additional boluses. For the second stage, pain relief was good to fair (VAS 4-6) for most of the parturient. The incidence of caesarian section was 4% and 6% needed assisted delivery. No major side effects were observed.

Conclusion

0.1% bupivacaine with 0.0002% fentanyl maximizes labour pain relief and minimizes side effects.Key Words: Labour analgesia, Walking epidural     

Impact of maternal body mass index on neonatal outcome

Introduction

Maternal body mass index has an impact on maternal and fetal pregnancy outcome. An increased maternal BMI is known to be associated with admission of the newborn to a neonatal care unit. The reasons and impact of this admission on fetal outcome, however, are unknown so far.

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of maternal BMI on maternal and fetal pregnancy outcome with special focus on the children admitted to a neonatal care unit.

Methods

A cohort of 2049 non-diabetic mothers giving birth in the Charite university hospital was prospectively studied. The impact of maternal BMI on maternal and fetal outcome parameters was tested using multivariate regression analysis. Outcome of children admitted to a neonatal ward (n = 505) was analysed.

Results

Increased maternal BMI was associated with an increased risk for hypertensive complications, peripheral edema, caesarean section, fetal macrosomia and admission of the newborn to a neonatal care unit, whereas decreased BMI was associated with preterm birth and lower birthweight. In the neonatal ward children from obese mothers are characterized by hypoglycaemia. They need less oxygen, and exhibit a shorter stay on the neonatal ward compared to children from normal weight mothers, whereas children from underweight mothers are characterized by lower umbilical blood pH and increased incidence of death corresponding to increased prevalence of preterm birth.

Conclusion

Pregnancy outcome is worst in babies from mothers with low body mass index as compared to healthy weight mothers with respect to increased incidence of preterm birth, lower birth weight and increased neonate mortality on the neonatal ward. We demonstrate that the increased risk for neonatal admission in children from obese mothers does not necessarily indicate severe fetal impairment.     

Knowledge and perceptions of quality of obstetric and newborn care of local health providers: a cross-sectional study in three districts in Malawi

Aim

Quality of service delivery for maternal and newborn health in Malawi is influenced by human resource shortages and knowledge and care practices of the existing service providers. We assessed Malawian healthcare providers'' knowledge of management of routine labour, emergency obstetric care and emergency newborn care; correlated knowledge with reported confidence and previous study or training; and measured perception of the care they provided.

Methods

This study formed part of a large-scale quality of care assessment in three districts (Kasungu, Lilongwe and Salima) of Malawi. Subjects were selected purposively by their role as providers of obstetric and newborn care during routine visits to health facilities by a research assistant. Research assistants introduced and supervised the self-completed questionnaire by the service providers. Respondents included 42 nurse midwives, 1 clinical officer, 4 medical assistants and 5 other staff. Of these, 37 were staff working in facilities providing Basic Emergency Obstetric Care (BEMoC) and 15 were from staff working in facilities providing Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEMoC).

Results

Knowledge regarding management of routine labour was good (80% correct responses), but knowledge of correct monitoring during routine labour (35% correct) was not in keeping with internationally recognized good practice. Questions regarding emergency obstetric care were answered correctly by 70% of respondents with significant variation depending on clinicians'' place of work. Knowledge of emergency newborn care was poor across all groups surveyed with 58% correct responses and high rates of potentially life-threatening responses from BEmOC facilities. Reported confidence and training had little impact on levels of knowledge. Staff in general reported perception of poor quality of care.

Conclusion

Serious deficiencies in providers'' knowledge regarding monitoring during routine labour and management of emergency newborn care were documented. These may contribute to maternal and neonatal deaths in Malawi. The knowledge gap cannot be overcome by simply providing more training.     

Predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients

Aim

Evaluation of the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A case control study to evaluate the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2013. Participants were critically ill obstetric patients who were admitted and managed at the ICU during the study period. Subjects were those who died while controls were age and parity matched survivors. Statistical analysis was with SPSS-20 to determine chi square, Cox-regression and odds ratio; p value < 0.05 was significant.

Results

The mean age of subjects and controls were 28.92 ± 5.09 versus 29.44 ± 5.74 (p = 0.736), the level of education was higher among controls (p = 0.048) while more subjects were of low social class (p = 0.321), did not have antenatal care (p = 0.131) and had partners with lower level of education (p = 0.156) compared to controls. The two leading indications for admission among subjects and controls were massive postpartum haemorrhage and severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The mean duration of admission was higher among controls (3.32 ± 2.46 versus 3.00 ± 2.58; p = 0.656) while the mean cost of ICU care was higher among the subjects (p = 0.472). The statistical significant predictors of maternal deaths were the patient''s level of education, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, oxygen saturation, multiple organ failure at ICU admission and the need for mechanical ventilation or inotrophic drugs after admission.

Conclusion

The clinical state at ICU admission of the critically ill obstetric patients is the major outcome determinant. Therefore, early recognition of the need for ICU care, adequate pre-ICU admission supportive care and prompt transfer will improve the outcome.     

Perinatal mortality audit at Tikure Anbessa Teaching Hospital,Addis Ababa,Ethiopia: 1995 to 1996

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and causes of perinatal mortality rates at Tikure Anbessa hospital, Ethiopia, 1995–96

Design

A cross-sectional review of hospital records of all women who delivered at Tikure Anbessa Hospital. Data were collected prospectively.

Setting

Teaching Hospital of Tikure Anbessa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Subjects

Women and neonates from 8986 deliveries. Deliveries exceeding 28 weeks of gestation or birth weight of 1000 grams were considered.

Materials and Methods

All deliveries were included for infants whose gestational age exceeded 28 completed weeks. When the gestational age was unknown, the birth weight of 1000 grams or more was considered. All perinatal deaths and obstetric complications were identified. Labour chart, mode of delivery and summary of delivery had been recorded by the responsible resident at a monthly combined obstetric and paediatric perinatal mortality meeting. Age of the mother, parity, booking status for antenatal care, obstetric complications, labour, mode of delivery, birth weight, gestational age, one and five minutes Apgar scores were collected.

Results

A total of 8986 deliveries were conducted during the study period. Of these 6933 (77.2%) were booked for antenatal care while the remaining 2053 (22.8%) were not booked in any health institution. The perinatal mortality rate of the hospital was 71.6 per 1000 live births. The risk of perinatal mortality was more than doubled among mothers who failed to book for antenatal care follow-up and no laboratory investigations was done were birth asphyxia followed by premature birth 15.4% and 12% respectively.

Conclusions

Perinatal mortality rates are high at Tikure Anbessa Hospital, Ethiopia. There is need to ensure that pregnant women are booked for antenatal care so as to provide adequate antenatal and perinatal health care.     

Admission cardiotocography screening of high risk obstetric patients

Background: To predict the neonatal outcome in high risk obstetric cases by admission cardiotocography (CTG) testing.     

Reappraisal of twinning: epidemiology and outcome in the early neonatal period

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology, maternal complications and adverse neonatal outcomes associated with twin births at a tertiary care hospital in India.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on all successively born twin pairs (≥ 23 weeks of gestation) and their mothers from January to September 2005. Main outcome measures included maternal medical/obstetric complications, labour characteristics and the morbidities/mortality observed during the early neonatal period.

RESULTS

The twinning rate was 1 in 54 deliveries. Around 10% of mothers had a predisposition for twinning in the form of familial tendency or consumption of clomiphene. Anaemia (85%) was the most common maternal complication, followed by gestational hypertension (17%). Nearly one-third of births were delivered via Caesarean section. Prematurity (61%) was the most common neonatal complication followed by early-onset neonatal sepsis (21%). The risk of early neonatal death was 27%. Shorter gestation and low birth weight were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcome (p < 0.05). Factors such as chorionicity, mode of delivery, birth order, inter-twin delivery time interval, gender and intra-pair birth weight discordance did not affect neonatal morbidity or mortality (p ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The rates of maternal complications and early neonatal morbidities/mortality were quite high in twin gestations. Except for the prematurity and low birth weight, none of the other factors, including inter-twin delivery time interval of more than 15 mins, were found to affect neonatal outcome.     

No further incidence of sepsis after splenectomy for severe trauma: a multi-institutional experience of the trauma registry of the DGU with 1,630 patients

Objective

Non-operative management of blunt splenic injury in adults has been applied increasingly at the end of the last century. Therefore, the lifelong risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection has been the major impetus for preservation of the spleen. However, the prevalence of posttraumatic infection after splenectomy in contrast to a conservative management is still unknown. Objective was to determine if splenectomy is an independent risk factor for the development of posttraumatic sepsis and multi-organ failure.

Methods

13,433 patients from 113 hospitals were prospective collected from 1993 to 2005. Patients with an injury severity score > 16, no isolated head injury, primary admission to a trauma center and splenic injury were included. Data were allocated according to the operative management into 2 groups (splenectomy (I) and conservative managed patients (II)).

Results

From 1,630 patients with splenic injury 758 patients undergoing splenectomy compared with 872 non-splenectomized patients. 96 (18.3%) of the patients with splenectomy and 102 (18.5%) without splenectomy had apparent infection after operation. Additionally, there was no difference in mortality (24.8% versus 22.2%) in both groups. After massive transfusion of red blood cells (> 10) non-splenectomy patients showed a significant increase of multi-organ failure (46% vs. 40%) and sepsis (38% vs. 25%).

Conclusions

Non-operative management leads to lower systemic infection rates and mortality in adult patients with moderate blunt splenic injury (grade 1-3) and should therefore be advocated. Patients with grade 4 and 5 injury, patients with massive transfusion of red blood cells and unstable patients should be managed operatively.     

The effectiveness of a new generation of computerized drug alerts in reducing the risk of injury from drug side effects: a cluster randomized trial

Context

Computerized drug alerts for psychotropic drugs are expected to reduce fall-related injuries in older adults. However, physicians over-ride most alerts because they believe the benefit of the drugs exceeds the risk.

Objective

To determine whether computerized prescribing decision support with patient-specific risk estimates would increase physician response to psychotropic drug alerts and reduce injury risk in older people.

Design

Cluster randomized controlled trial of 81 family physicians and 5628 of their patients aged 65 and older who were prescribed psychotropic medication.

Intervention

Intervention physicians received information about patient-specific risk of injury computed at the time of each visit using statistical models of non-modifiable risk factors and psychotropic drug doses. Risk thermometers presented changes in absolute and relative risk with each change in drug treatment. Control physicians received commercial drug alerts.

Main outcome measures

Injury risk at the end of follow-up based on psychotropic drug doses and non-modifiable risk factors. Electronic health records and provincial insurance administrative data were used to measure outcomes.

Results

Mean patient age was 75.2 years. Baseline risk of injury was 3.94 per 100 patients per year. Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines (56.2%) were the most common psychotropic drug. Intervention physicians reviewed therapy in 83.3% of visits and modified therapy in 24.6%. The intervention reduced the risk of injury by 1.7 injuries per 1000 patients (95% CI 0.2/1000 to 3.2/1000; p=0.02). The effect of the intervention was greater for patients with higher baseline risks of injury (p<0.03).

Conclusion

Patient-specific risk estimates provide an effective method of reducing the risk of injury for high-risk older people.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00818285.     

Profile of Live-born Infants of In-vitro Fertilisation

Introduction

The Army Hospital (R&R) is the only service hospital providing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) facility. Neonatal characteristics of live-born infants at this centre over a two-year period are analyzed in this study.

Methods

Data on 504 consecutive live-born IVF infants over a two-year period (01 Feb 2007 to 31 Jan 2009) were analysed.

Result

Of the 504 neonates, 190 (37.7%) were born by vaginal delivery, 156 (30.9%) by elective lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) and 127 (25.19%) following emergency LSCS. Maternal illness posing specific risk to the neonate was present in 165 out of 504 (32.7%). There were 239 (47.4%) preterm neonates. Males formed 51.8% of the cohort. Singletons accounted for 51.2%, while the rest (48.8%) were products of twin pregnancies. Small for gestational age neonates formed 22.6% (n = 114). A total of 20 (3.9%) infants had congenital malformations. There were 242 (48.1%) low birth weight neonates. A total of 128 (25.4%) neonates needed neonatal intensive care. Of the 504, there were 474 (94.1%) survivors while 30 (5.9%) did not survive. Twenty-nine (6.1%) neonates required readmission during the neonatal period.

Conclusion

In our setting, neonates born following IVF appeared to be at increased risk of prematurity, multiple births and low birth weight. Proper obstetric and neonatal management can result in good neonatal outcomes.Key Words: In-vitro fertilisation, Live-births, Low birth weight     

Comparison of a basic and an advanced pharmacotherapy-related clinical decision support system in a hospital care setting in the Netherlands

Objective

To compare the clinical relevance of medication alerts in a basic and in an advanced clinical decision support system (CDSS).

Design

A prospective observational study.

Materials and methods

We collected 4023 medication orders in a hospital for independent evaluation in two pharmacotherapy-related decision support systems. Only the more advanced system considered patient characteristics and laboratory test results in its algorithms. Two pharmacists assessed the clinical relevance of the medication alerts produced. The alert was considered relevant if the pharmacist would undertake action (eg, contact the physician or the nurse). The primary analysis concerned the positive predictive value (PPV) for clinically relevant medication alerts in both systems.

Results

The PPV was significantly higher in the advanced system (5.8% vs 17.0%; p<0.05). Significant differences were found in the alert categories: drug–(drug) interaction (9.9% vs 14.8%; p<0.05), drug–age interaction (2.9% vs 73.3%; p<0.05), and dosing guidance (5.6% vs 16.9%; p<0.05). Including laboratory values and other patient characteristics resulted in a significantly higher PPV for the advanced CDSS compared to the basic medication alerts (12.2% vs 23.3%; p<0.05).

Conclusion

The advanced CDSS produced a higher proportion of clinically relevant medication alerts, but the number of irrelevant alerts remained high. To improve the PPV of the advanced CDSS, the algorithms should be optimized by identifying additional risk modifiers and more data should be made electronically available to improve the performance of the algorithms. Our study illustrates and corroborates the need for cyclic testing of technical improvements in information technology in circumstances representative of daily clinical practice.     

Duration and predictors of emergency surgical operations - basis for medical management of mass casualty incidents

Background

Hospitals have a critically important role in the management of mass causality incidents (MCI), yet there is little information to assist emergency planners. A significantly limiting factor of a hospital''s capability to treat those affected is its surgical capacity. We therefore intended to provide data about the duration and predictors of life saving operations.

Methods

The data of 20,815 predominantly blunt trauma patients recorded in the Trauma Registry of the German-Trauma-Society was retrospectively analyzed to calculate the duration of life-saving operations as well as their predictors. Inclusion criteria were an ISS ≥ 16 and the performance of relevant ICPM-coded procedures within 6 h of admission.

Results

From 1,228 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria 1,793 operations could be identified as life-saving operations. Acute injuries to the abdomen accounted for 54.1% followed by head injuries (26.3%), pelvic injuries (11.5%), thoracic injuries (5.0%) and major amputations (3.1%). The mean cut to suture time was 130 min (IQR 65-165 min). Logistic regression revealed 8 variables associated with an emergency operation: AIS of abdomen ≥ 3 (OR 4,00), ISS ≥ 35 (OR 2,94), hemoglobin level ≤ 8 mg/dL (OR 1,40), pulse rate on hospital admission < 40 or > 120/min (OR 1,39), blood pressure on hospital admission < 90 mmHg (OR 1,35), prehospital infusion volume ≥ 2000 ml (OR 1,34), GCS ≤ 8 (OR 1,32) and anisocoria (OR 1,28) on-scene.

Conclusions

The mean operation time of 130 min calculated for emergency life-saving surgical operations provides a realistic guideline for the prospective treatment capacity which can be estimated and projected into an actual incident admission capacity. Knowledge of predictive factors for life-saving emergency operations helps to identify those patients that need most urgent operative treatment in case of blunt MCI.