Treatment strategies in toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome: where are we at?

Toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) is a rare, life-threatening medical emergency typically associated with recent drug exposure. Although several theories exist, recent insight has implicated the innate immune system as a significant contributor to the initiation and propagation of this devastating reaction. Standard therapies including transfer to specialized burn units, nutritional support, and protection from infection, remain the mainstay in the treatment of TENS. While alternative treatment strategies have been pursued and reported, there remains no published data that convincingly supports these further interventions. Given the rare nature of this syndrome, multi-institutional studies will be necessary and essential in improving the understanding and treatment of TENS.     

A dermatologic emergency; Sweet's syndrome

BackgroundSweet's syndrome (SS), also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare condition characterized by recurrent erythematous skin lesions. Skin lesions appear as papules, nodules and plaques located on the upper extremity, trunk, neck and face.Case reportA 72-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with a 10-day history of generalized rash, generalized muscle and joint pain and high fever. He had a history of upper respiratory tract infection. He presented with painful erythematous plaques on both lower and upper extremities and the trunk as well as serohemorrhagic bullous lesions on the feet. The laboratory results revealed WBC count of 20.6 × 10³/mm³ (76.9% neutrophils), CRP (c-reactive protein) of 33 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation of 110/h. The patient was referred to a dermatologist with prediagnosis of SS due to the presence of typical painful skin lesions, high fever and neutrophilic leukocytosis. A systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated. The diagnosis for SS was confirmed after the skin biopsy revealed the presence of dense dermal infiltrate of neutrophils and leukocytoclasis in the upper dermis. The patient responded rapidly to corticosteroids and the skin lesions improved.ConclusionWe reported this case as it was a rare life-threatening dermatosis diagnosed in the emergency department, which is generally difficult to diagnose therein, and the skin lesions appeared on the lower extremities.     

A case of Lemierre's syndrome with double vision as the first symptom

Lemierre's syndrome is a serious disease that typically causes oropharyngeal infection with internal jugular vein thrombosis, followed by distant infection focus, such as septic pulmonary embolism. The main causative organisms are anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity, namely Fusobacterium necrophorum. We encountered an extremely rare case of Lemierre's syndrome, where double vision was found to be the first symptom. The patient's blood culture results showed the presence of F. nucleatum, which spread from the sphenoid sinus to the skull base because of chronic sinusitis; the patient presented with longus colli abscess, clivus osteomyelitis, venous thrombosis, and hematogenous infection. Antibiotic treatment with sulbactam/ampicillin was continued for 14 weeks, and no recurrence has been observed so far. Lemierre's syndrome can be complicated with atypical symptoms such as double vision if the cranial nerves are involved. It might be important to consider this disease in the differential diagnosis in the presence of cranial nerve symptoms of unknown origin with fever or inflammatory findings.     

Stevens-Johnson syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management

Cutaneous drug reactions are the most common type of adverse drug reaction. These reactions, ranging from simple pruritic eruptions to potentially life-threatening events, are a significant cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction. Although progress has been made in the management of SJS through early detection, prompt hospitalization, and immediate cessation of offending agents, the prevalence of permanent disabilities associated with SJS remains unchanged. Nevertheless, despite being a problem that is global in scope, government and health care agencies worldwide have yet to find a consensus on either diagnostic criteria or therapy for this disorder. Here, we provide the internist and emergency room physician with a brief review the SJS literature and summarize the latest recommended interventions with the hope of improving early recognition of this disease and prevention of permanent sequelae and mortality that frequently complicate SJS.     

Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm: A Rare Case of Wide-Complex Dysrhythmia in a Teenager

BackgroundAccelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) is an uncommon and typically benign dysrhythmia with similarities to more malignant forms of ventricular tachycardia (VT). It is often seen in adults after myocardial infarctions, although it also arises in the newborn period, as well as in children with and without congenital heart disease.Case ReportWe describe a presentation of AIVR in an otherwise healthy 13-year-old girl, discovered on arrival to the pediatric emergency department in the setting of post-tonsillectomy bleeding. The case reviews the diagnostic criteria of AIVR, associated symptoms, the pathophysiologic origin of AIVR, and potential treatment strategies.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Given its morphologic similarities to life-threatening forms of VT, AIVR can be misdiagnosed in the emergency department or primary care settings. With an understanding of the dysrhythmia's unique features, emergency physicians can avoid unnecessary interventions and provide the correct diagnosis, workup, and management of AIVR for pediatric patients.     

Predicting a life-threatening disease and death among ambulance-transported patients with chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility to predict in the prehospital phase the occurrence of a life-threatening disease or death among ambulance transported patients with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising any suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome. All patients transported by ambulance during 3 months in the community of G?teborg because of symptoms raising any suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome were included in the study. In all, 930 transports (of 859 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 235 (25.3%) fulfilled the criteria for a life-threatening disease. The overall 30-day mortality was 8.8%, and the 1-year mortality was 18.0%. Independent predictors for a life-threatening disease were a low oxygen saturation on admission of the ambulance crew, patient being clammy on admission of the ambulance crew, a history of myocardial infarction and ST elevation and T-wave inversion on admission to the emergency department. Independent predictors for 30-day mortality were age greater than 70 years, symptoms of dyspnoea, a low oxygen saturation, hypotension and decreased consciousness on admission of the ambulance crew, and ST-depression on electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission to the emergency department. Predictors of 1 year mortality were age greater than 70 years, a history of myocardial infarction, symptoms of dyspnoea, a low oxygen saturation on admission of the ambulance crew and ST-depression, and no sinus rhythm on admission to the emergency department. Among patients with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising any suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome, factors associated with a life-threatening disease and death could be defined. Predictors for the risk of death during the first 30 days were age greater than 70 years, symptoms of dyspnoea, a low oxygen saturation, hypotension and decreased consciousness on admission of the ambulance crew, and ST-depression on ECG on admission to the emergency department.     

Hypovitaminosis D Presenting as Diffuse Myalgia in a 22-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report

Background

Caused predominantly by insufficient conversion of vitamin D precursors by sunlight, hypovitaminosis D is an issue of increasing importance worldwide. Although it has been associated with a range of diseases, musculoskeletal effects dominate the clinical picture and can lead to significant physical debility, whether acute or chronic. Although diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency typically occurs in the outpatient setting, it is an easily treatable condition, and timely intervention can dramatically improve one's quality of life. As highlighted by this case report, hypovitaminosis D may be an important but underappreciated etiology of undifferentiated myalgia that, when present, warrants initiation of vitamin D repletion therapy even from the emergency department (ED).

Case Report

A 22-year-old African-American female presented to our ED with diffuse myalgia for 4 months. She reported significant debility from these symptoms with difficulty ambulating and performing activities of daily living. There had been no upper respiratory infection symptoms. The patient had discussed all of this with her primary care physician who, despite an extensive laboratory work-up, had not identified a definitive etiology.

Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

Chronic pain has stricken the ED patient population across the board. Studies demonstrate that the myalgia caused by hypovitaminosis D can have a profound and negative impact on an individual's lifestyle. Our patient was found to have hypovitaminosis D and had substantial improvement with her myalgia and quality of life after treatment. The purpose of this report is to help the emergency physician appreciate this disease and consider it when clinically appropriate.     

Thymosin as a possible therapeutic drug for COVID-19: A case report

BACKGROUNDThere are no effective antiviral therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at present. Although most patients with COVID-19 have a mild or moderate course of disease, up to 5%-10% of patients may have a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, indicating an urgent need for effective therapeutic drugs. The therapeutic effect of thymosin on COVID-19 has not been previously studied. In this paper, for the first time we report a case of thymosin treatment of COVID-19.CASE SUMMARYA 51-year-old man with imported COVID-19 was admitted with definite symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, and fatigue. The polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were negative. The antibody test was positive, confirming the diagnosis of COVID-19. As many orally administered drugs were not well tolerated due to gastrointestinal symptoms, an emergency use of thymosin, a polypeptide consisting of 28 amino acids, was administered by injection. Finally, after the implementation of the treatment program, symptoms and lung imaging improved significantly.CONCLUSIONIn this case report, it is confirmed that thymosin may help alleviate the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome complicating hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome is a life-threatening diabetic emergency that manifests as altered mental status. An otherwise healthy 40-year-old man presented to our emergency department with headache and severe hypertension. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a usually reversible neurological syndrome characterized by subcortical vasogenic oedema. This first reported case details posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome concurrent with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. Prompt diagnosis and management were essential to avoid non-reversible consequences.     

Brugada syndrome presenting as an "acute myocardial infarction"

Brugada syndrome is believed to be the cause of up to 50% of sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases due to ventricular dysrhythmias in young healthy individuals with no structural heart disease. This syndrome was first reported in 1992 and is rarely seen in the Emergency Department (ED). Given the life-threatening nature of Brugada syndrome, we hope to increase awareness in Emergency Medicine practitioners. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who was referred to the ED with a history of intermittent palpitations, near-syncope and electrocardiogram findings of RSR' and ST elevation in V1-V2 characteristic of Brugada syndrome. It is crucial that emergency physicians search for this diagnosis, as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is the only recognized life-saving intervention, and the risk of SCD is high if the diagnosis is missed.     

Diagnosis and management of Ludwig's angina: An evidence-based review

BackgroundLudwig's angina is a potentially deadly condition that must not be missed in the emergency department (ED).ObjectiveThe purpose of this narrative review article is to provide a summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Ludwig's angina with a focus on emergency clinicians.DiscussionLudwig's angina is a rapidly spreading infection that involves the floor of the mouth. It occurs more commonly in those with poor dentition or immunosuppression. Patients may have a woody or indurated floor of the mouth with submandibular swelling. Trismus is a late finding. Computed tomography of the neck soft tissue with contrast is preferred if the patient is able to safely leave the ED and can tolerate lying supine. Point-of-care ultrasound can be a useful adjunct, particularly in those who cannot tolerate lying supine. Due to the threat of rapid airway compromise, emergent consultation to anesthesia and otolaryngology, if available, may be helpful if a definitive airway is required. The first line approach for airway intervention in the ED is flexible intubating endoscopy with preparation for a surgical airway. Broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical source control are keys in treating the infection. These patients should then be admitted to the intensive care unit for close airway observation.ConclusionLudwig's angina is a life-threatening condition that all emergency clinicians need to consider. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.     

Quality emergency care (QEC) in resource limited settings: A concept analysis

IntroductionProviding appropriate high-quality emergency care (QEC) commensurate with patients' needs is critical for continuity of care, patient safety, optimal clinical outcomes, reduced mortality, and patient satisfaction. This concept analysis aims to define and assist in understanding the concept of QEC in resource-limited settings.MethodsQuality emergency care concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant’s approach. Several literature review methods and dictionaries were used to explore the QEC concept.ResultsImmediate assessment, rapid diagnosis, and critical interventions are the attributes of QEC for life-threatening and time-sensitive conditions, leading to timely and safe care provision.DiscussionNurses serve as the backbone for most emergency care centers such as primary care, emergency department, and even prehospital care. The first few hours following a potential life- or limb-threatening condition are vital. The emergency care rendered to patients can significantly affect treatment's overall outcome; therefore, quality emergency care is critical.Conclusion.     

Postintubation Tracheal Perforation While on Long-Term Steroid Therapy: A Case Report

BackgroundEndotracheal intubation is an essential basic skill for emergency physicians. The procedure can cause complications that should be recognized. Awareness and early identification of complications are needed to allow early intervention to optimize outcomes. The risk factors for tracheal perforation during intubation are typically related to the physician skill and experience and to the patient's comorbidities, including body habitus and chronic use of certain medications.Case ReportWe report a case of a 45-year-old man with renal transplant on tacrolimus and prednisolone for 16 years. He presented with decreased level of consciousness due to an acute intracranial hemorrhage and was intubated for airway protection. Post intubation, a significant subcutaneous emphysema was noted on the patient's neck and chest, which was subsequently determined to be caused by a tracheal perforation. The management of tracheal injury depends on the size and location of the tear, as well as the patient's clinical status and comorbidities. In this case, the tracheal perforation was treated conservatively and was successful.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?This case has been reported to increase awareness about this rare and potentially life-threatening event. The prevention of this rare injury can be difficult but use of a slightly smaller endotracheal tube in a high-risk patient can be of benefit. In addition, early consideration of this complication when there is an acute change in physiologic status will allow for rapid facilitated management.     

Sickle cell anemia in the pediatric intensive care unit: novel approaches for managing life-threatening complications

Although the manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) do not typically necessitate critical care management, several life-threatening complications may require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. Children with SCD are at risk for serious complications such as vaso-occlusive pain crises, cerebral vascular accidents, acute chest syndrome, severe anemia related to aplastic and splenic sequestration crises, infection, and multiorgan failure. Despite years of study, little progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of SCD. For this reason, management has been primarily focused on treating the negative sequelae of the disease. However, exciting ongoing research has led to great improvements not only in the understanding of the disease, but also in what was once considered routine therapy for SCD. Research on the use of modalities such as inhaled nitric oxide, L-arginine therapy, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and the development of blood transfusion programs are making strides in reducing morbidity and mortality, and in improving the quality of life for children with SCD. Perhaps most exciting are the advances in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, which offer hope of an eventual cure for this debilitating and deadly disease. Advanced practice nurses play a pivotal role in coordinating care for these critically ill children. Knowledge of both current and investigational therapies allows the advanced practice nurse to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to children with life-threatening complications of SCD.     

Hypoglycemia Worsened by Glucose Administration: A Case of Hypoglycemia Years After Gastric Surgery

BackgroundNoninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS) is a rare syndrome characterized by postprandial hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenic symptoms occurring 1 to 3 h after a meal. Diagnosis can be elusive, as the vast majority of patients have normal fasting blood glucose levels, and onset of hypoglycemic episodes can be a late complication of gastric surgery.Case ReportWe report the case of a 45-year-old woman presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with new-onset seizures and hypoglycemia worsened by glucose administration. Surgical history is pertinent for a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass approximately 10 years prior to presentation.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Although rare, it is important for emergency physicians to be vigilant of this disease process as a traditional treatment approach for hypoglycemia may be detrimental. Although cases of NIPHS have been documented in literature, its presence in emergency medicine-specific literature is seemingly nonexistent. Noninvasive imaging techniques will be normal, and diagnosis is dependent on awareness of this disease entity coupled with a detailed history.     

Acute esophageal obstruction after ingestion of psyllium seed husk powder: A case report

BACKGROUNDBezoar is a mass of hardened external material found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It may form anywhere in the GI tract, but esophageal bezoar is rare because of the short esophageal transit time. Psyllium seed husk is an indigestible natural derivative that is widely used as an herbal laxative. Herein, we report a case of acute esophageal obstruction caused by a bezoar after ingestion of psyllium seed husk powder.CASE SUMMARYA 76-year-old male with Parkinson''s disease visited the emergency department with swallowing difficulty approximately 10 h after ingesting psyllium seed husk powder. Symptoms began a few hours after ingestion and progressed to severe dysphagia. There were no abnormal findings on simple radiography. However, a computed tomography scan revealed an approximately 2.0 cm × 2.5 cm mass located near the gastro-esophageal junction. After grinding, the mass was removed using an endoscopic capture net. Esophageal bezoars may cause life-threatening complications. Patients with Parkinson''s disease may have esophageal motility dysfunction, which may increase esophageal transit time. Since our patient had Parkinson''s disease, this effect may have contributed to the formation of the bezoar.CONCLUSIONAttention should be paid to using bulk-laxatives, and an appropriate specified regimen will be needed when marketed as a dietary supplement.     

Acute lung injury induced by arsenic trioxide in a patient with refractory myelodysplastic syndrome

Arsenic trioxide has been used successfully for the treatment of refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia and has shown promise in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), although it is not a labeled indication. Retinoic acid syndrome is manifested by fever, dyspnea, peripheral edema, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural and/or pericardial effusions and is typically seen in conjunction with all- trans retinoic acid therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia. We report a case of acute lung injury and a retinoic acid syndrome-like illness in a patient who received arsenic for MDS. To our knowledge, this is the first such report, and clinicians should be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication of arsenic trioxide treatment in patients with MDS.     

Acquired C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency: a rare cause of episodic acute abdominal pain and ascites.

C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency is a rare yet classic medical cause of acute abdominal pain mimicking a surgical emergency. A hereditary form and a very rare acquired form of the disease exist, and both give rise to a similar clinical syndrome despite a different pathogenic mechanism. We describe a typical case of acquired C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency in a 65-year-old woman presenting with recurrent acute abdomen and ascites who had undergone two negative surgical interventions before diagnosis was eventually established. Both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this rare condition should be known by emergency physicians for two reasons: (1) it may present as an acute abdominal emergency resulting in unnecessary surgical intervention; and (2) it may cause life-threatening upper airway obstruction as a result of laryngeal oedema.     

Ferritin,fever, and frequent visits: Hyperferritinemic syndromes in the emergency department

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is defined as persistent fevers without an identifiable cause despite extensive medical workup. Emergency physicians caring for patients reporting a persistent, nonspecific, febrile illness should carefully consider potentially serious non-infectious causes of FUO. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who presented to the emergency department (ED) three times over a 10-day period for persistent febrile illness and was ultimately diagnosed with Adult-Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) after a serum ferritin level was found to be over 42,000 μg/L. AOSD, along with macrophage activation syndrome, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, and septic shock comprise the four hyperferritinemic syndromes. These are potentially life-threatening febrile illnesses that characteristically present with elevated ferritin levels. In this article, we highlight the value of a serum ferritin level in the workup of a patient with prolonged febrile illness and its utility in facilitating early diagnosis and prompt treatment of hyperferritinemic syndromes in the ED.     

Occurrence of acute cholinergic syndrome in an infant due to donepezil ingestion

Donepezil and acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of Alzheimer''s disease. We describe a 2‐year‐old infant who was referred to the emergency department after developing cholinergic syndrome 6 hours after ingesting 10 mg of his grandmother''s donepezil tablets and was finally discharged in stable condition.