Emergency Medical Minute
Emergency Medical Minute is medicine's most prolific podcast. Geared towards physicians, nurses and paramedics! Tune in weekly for real, raw and relevant medical education.
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Episode 895: Indications for Exogenous Albumin
03/18/2024
Episode 895: Indications for Exogenous Albumin
Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls: There are three indications for IV albumin in the ED Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) Patients with SBP develop renal failure from volume depletion Albumin repletes volume stores and reduces renal impairment Albumin binds inflammatory cytokines and expands plasma volume Reduced all-cause mortality if IV albumin is given with antibiotics Hepatorenal syndrome Cirrhosis of the liver causes the release of endogenous vasodilators The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) fails systemically but maintains vasoconstriction at the kidneys, leading to decreased renal perfusion IV albumin expands plasma volume and prevents failure of the RAAS Large volume paracentesis Large-volume removal may lead to circulatory dysfunction IV albumin is associated with a reduced risk of paracentesis-associated circulatory dysfunction There are many other FDA-approved conditions for which to use exogenous albumin but the data are conflicted about the benefits on mortality References 1. Arroyo V, Fernandez J. Pathophysiological basis of albumin use in cirrhosis. Ann Hepatol. 2011;10(SUPPL. 1):S6-S14. doi:10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31600-x 2. Bai Z, Wang L, Wang R, et al. Use of human albumin infusion in cirrhotic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hepatol Int. 2022;16(6):1468-1483. doi:10.1007/s12072-022-10374-z 3. Batool S, Waheed MD, Vuthaluru K, et al. Efficacy of Intravenous Albumin for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Infection Among Patients With Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. Cureus. 2022;14(12). doi:10.7759/cureus.33124 4. Kwok CS, Krupa L, Mahtani A, et al. Albumin reduces paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction and reduces death and renal impairment among patients with cirrhosis and infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013. doi:10.1155/2013/295153 5. Sort P, Navasa M, Arroyo V, et al. Effect of Intravenous Albumin on Renal Impairment and Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(6):403-409. Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit
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Episode 894: DKA and HHS
03/11/2024
Episode 894: DKA and HHS
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD Educational Pearls: What are DKA and HHS? DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) and HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State) are both acute hyperglycemic states. DKA More common in type 1 diabetes. Triggered by decreased circulating insulin. The body needs energy but cannot use glucose because it can’t get it into the cells. This leads to increased metabolism of free fatty acids and the increased production of ketones. The buildup of ketones causes acidosis. The kidneys attempt to compensate for the acidosis by increasing diuresis. These patients present as dry and altered, with sweet-smelling breath and Kussmaul (fast and deep) respirations. HSS More common in type 2 diabetes. In this condition there is still enough circulating insulin to avoid the breakdown of fats for energy but not enough insulin to prevent hyperglycemia. Serum glucose levels are very high – around 600 to 1200 mg/dl. Also presents similarly to DKA with the patient being dry and altered. Important labs to monitor Serum glucose Potassium Phosphorus Magnesium Anion gap (Na - Cl - HCO3) Renal function (Creatinine and BUN) ABG/VBG for pH Urinalysis and urine ketones by dipstick Treatment Identify the cause, i.e. Has the patient stopped taking their insulin? Aggressive hydration with isotonic fluids. Normal Saline (NS) vs Lactated Ringers (LR)? LR might resolve the DKA/HHS faster with less risk of hypernatremia. Should you bolus with insulin? No, just start a drip. 0.1-0.14 units per kg of insulin. Make sure you have your potassium back before starting insulin as the insulin can shift the potassium into the cells and lead to dangerous hypokalemia. Should you treat hyponatremia? Make sure to correct for hyperglycemia before treating. This artificially depresses the sodium. Should you give bicarb? Replace if the pH < 6.9. Otherwise, it won’t do anything to help. Don’t intubate, if the patient is breathing fast it is because they are compensating for their acidosis. References Andrade-Castellanos, C. A., Colunga-Lozano, L. E., Delgado-Figueroa, N., & Gonzalez-Padilla, D. A. (2016). Subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin analogues for diabetic ketoacidosis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2016(1), CD011281. Chaithongdi, N., Subauste, J. S., Koch, C. A., & Geraci, S. A. (2011). Diagnosis and management of hyperglycemic emergencies. Hormones (Athens, Greece), 10(4), 250–260. Dhatariya, K. K., Glaser, N. S., Codner, E., & Umpierrez, G. E. (2020). Diabetic ketoacidosis. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 6(1), 40. Duhon, B., Attridge, R. L., Franco-Martinez, A. C., Maxwell, P. R., & Hughes, D. W. (2013). Intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy in severely acidotic diabetic ketoacidosis. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 47(7-8), 970–975. Modi, A., Agrawal, A., & Morgan, F. (2017). Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Review. Current diabetes reviews, 13(3), 315–321. Self, W. H., Evans, C. S., Jenkins, C. A., Brown, R. M., Casey, J. D., Collins, S. P., Coston, T. D., Felbinger, M., Flemmons, L. N., Hellervik, S. M., Lindsell, C. J., Liu, D., McCoin, N. S., Niswender, K. D., Slovis, C. M., Stollings, J. L., Wang, L., Rice, T. W., Semler, M. W., & Pragmatic Critical Care Research Group (2020). Clinical Effects of Balanced Crystalloids vs Saline in Adults With Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Subgroup Analysis of Cluster Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA network open, 3(11), e2024596. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Episode 893: Home Treatments for Button Battery Ingestion
03/04/2024
Episode 893: Home Treatments for Button Battery Ingestion
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: Button batteries cause alkaline corrosion and erosion of the esophagus when swallowed Children swallow button batteries, which create a medical emergency as they can perforate the esophagus A recent study compared various home remedies as first-aid therapy for button battery ingestion Honey, jam, normal saline, Coca-Cola, orange juice, milk, and yogurt The study used a porcine esophageal model to assess resistance to alkalinization with the different home remedies Honey and jam demonstrated a significantly lower esophageal tissue pH compared with normal saline Histologic changes in the tissue samples appeared 60 minutes later with honey and jam compared with normal saline These treatments do not preclude medical intervention and battery removal References 1. Chiew AL, Lin CS, Nguyen DT, Sinclair FAW, Chan BS, Solinas A. Home Therapies to Neutralize Button Battery Injury in a Porcine Esophageal Model. Ann Emerg Med. 2023:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.08.018 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit
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Episode 892: Tourniquets
02/27/2024
Episode 892: Tourniquets
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD Educational Pearls: What can you do to control bleeding in a penetrating wound? Apply direct pinpoint pressure on the wound as well as proximal to the wound. Build a compression dressing. How do you build a compression dressing? Think about building an upside-down pyramid with the gauze. Consider coagulation agents such as an absorbent gelatin sponge material, microporous polysaccharide hemispheres, oxidized cellulose, fibrin sealants, topical thrombin, or tranexamic acid. What are the indications to use a tourniquet? The Stop The Bleed campaign recommends looking for the following features of “life-threatening” bleeding. Pulsatile bleeding. Blood is pooling on the ground. The overlying clothes are soaked. Bandages are ineffective. Partial or full amputation. And if the patient is in shock. How do you put on a tourniquet? If using a Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) tourniquet, apply it proximal to the wound, then rotate the plastic rod until the bleeding stops. Then secure the plastic rod with a clip and make sure the Velcro is in place. Mark the time - generally, there is a spot on the tourniquet to write. Have a plan for the next steps. Does the patient need emergent surgery? Do they need to be transfered? How long can you leave a tourniquet on? Less than 90 minutes. What are the risks? Nerve injury. Ischemia. References Latina R, Iacorossi L, Fauci AJ, Biffi A, Castellini G, Coclite D, D'Angelo D, Gianola S, Mari V, Napoletano A, Porcu G, Ruggeri M, Iannone P, Chiara O, On Behalf Of Inih-Major Trauma. Effectiveness of Pre-Hospital Tourniquet in Emergency Patients with Major Trauma and Uncontrolled Haemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 6;18(23):12861. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312861. PMID: 34886586; PMCID: PMC8657739. Martinson J, Park H, Butler FK Jr, Hammesfahr R, DuBose JJ, Scalea TM. Tourniquets USA: A Review of the Current Literature for Commercially Available Alternative Tourniquets for Use in the Prehospital Civilian Environment. J Spec Oper Med. 2020 Summer;20(2):116-122. doi: 10.55460/CT9D-TMZE. PMID: 32573747. Resources poster booklet. (n.d.). Stop the Bleed. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Pharmacy Phriday #11: Riddles, Medical Jargon, NNT, and Time Travel
02/23/2024
Pharmacy Phriday #11: Riddles, Medical Jargon, NNT, and Time Travel
Contributors: Kali Olson PharmD, Travis Barlock MD, Jeffrey Olson MS2 Summary: In this episode of Pharmacy Phriday, Dr. Kali Olson joins Dr. Travis Barlock and Jeffrey Olson in studio to discuss a variety of interesting topics in the form of a segment show. Dr. Kali Olson earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and completed a PGY1 residency at Detroit Receiving Hospital and a PGY2 residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver Health. She now works as an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist at Denver Health. In segment one of the show, Kali and Travis answer the Get-To-Know-You questionnaire. In segment two, they work together to answer a series of pharmacy-based riddles. In segment three they play a “Balderdash” like game in which they guess the definitions of medical jargon. In segment four they play the Number Needed to Treat game, invented by the AFP podcast. And in segment five they work together to answer a question about a far-out scenario involving medications and time travel! References · American Family Physician Podcast, https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/multimedia/podcast.html · Gragnolati, A. (2022, May 5). The Yuzpe method of emergency contraception. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/emergency-contraceptive/yuzpe-method · Manikandan S, Vani NI. Holiday reading: Learning medicine through riddles. CMAJ. 2010 Dec 14;182(18):E863-4. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100466. PMID: 21149530; PMCID: PMC3001539. · Riddle Me This: Mixing Medicine, https://peimpact.com/riddle-me-this-mixing-medicine/ · https://thennt.com/nnt/corticosteroids-treatment-kawasaki-disease-children/ · https://thennt.com/nnt/aspirin-acute-ischemic-stroke/ · https://thennt.com/nnt/tranexamic-acid-treatment-epistaxis/ · https://thennt.com/nnt/antibiotics-culture%e2%80%90positive-asymptomatic-bacteriuria-pregnant-women/ Produced, Hosted, Edited, and Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Additional editing by Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Episode 891: Hypothermia
02/19/2024
Episode 891: Hypothermia
Contributor: Taylor Lynch MD Educational Pearls Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature less than 35 degrees Celsius or less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit Mild Hypothermia: 32-35 degrees Celsius Presentation: alert, shivering, tachycardic, and cold diuresis Management: Passive rewarming i.e. remove wet clothing and cover the patient with blankets or other insulation Moderate Hypothermia: 28-32 degrees Celsius Presentation: Drowsiness, lack of shivering, bradycardia, hypotension Management: Active external rewarming Severe Hypothermia: 24-28 degrees Celsius Presentation: Heart block, cardiogenic shock, no shivering Management: Active external and internal rewarming Less than 24 degrees Celsius Presentation: Pulseless, ventricular arrhythmia Active External Rewarming Warm fluids are insufficient for warming due to a minimal temperature difference (warmed fluids are maintained at 40 degrees vs. a patient at 30 degrees is not a large enough thermodynamic difference) External: Bear hugger, warm blankets Active Internal Rewarming Thoracic lavage (preferably on the patient’s right side) Place 2 chest tubes (anteriorly and posteriorly); infuse warm IVF anteriorly and hook up the posterior tube to a Pleur-evac Warms the patient 3-6 Celsius per hour Bladder lavage Continuous bladder irrigation with 3-way foley or 300 cc warm fluid Less effective than thoracic lavage due to less surface area Pulseless patients ACLS does not work until patients are rewarmed to 30 degrees High-quality CPR until 30 degrees (longest CPR in a hypothermic patient was 6 hours and 30 minutes) Give epinephrine once you reach 35 degrees, spaced out every 6 minutes ECMO is the best way to warm these patients up (10 degrees per hour) Pronouncing death must occur at 32 degrees or must have potassium > 12 References 1. 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care - Part 1: Introduction. Circulation. 2005;112(24 SUPPL.). doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166550 2. Brown DJA, Burgger H, Boyd J, Paal P. Accidental Hypothermia. N Engl J Med. 2012;367:1930-1938. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5543.51-c 3. Dow J, Giesbrecht GG, Danzl DF, et al. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update. Wilderness Environ Med. 2019;30(4S):S47-S69. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2019.10.002 4. Kjærgaard B, Bach P. Warming of patients with accidental hypothermia using warm water pleural lavage. Resuscitation. 2006;68(2):203-207. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2005.06.019 5. Lott C, Truhlář A, Alfonzo A, et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Resuscitation. 2021;161:152-219. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.011 6. Plaisier BR. Thoracic lavage in accidental hypothermia with cardiac arrest - Report of a case and review of the literature. Resuscitation. 2005;66(1):99-104. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2004.12.024 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 890: Outdoor Cold Air for Croup
02/14/2024
Podcast 890: Outdoor Cold Air for Croup
Contributor: Jared Scott MD Educational Pearls: Croup is a respiratory condition typically caused by a viral infection (e.g., parainfluenza). The disease is characterized by inflammation of the larynx and trachea, which often leads to a distinctive barking cough. A common treatment for croup is the powerful steroid dexamethasone, but it can take up to 30 minutes to start working. A folk remedy for croup is to take the afflicted child outside in the cold to help them breathe better, but does it really work? A 2023 study in Switzerland, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, investigated whether a 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold air could improve mild to moderate croup symptoms before the onset of steroid effects. The randomized controlled trial included children aged 3 months to 10 years with croup. After receiving a single-dose oral dexamethasone, participants were exposed to either outdoor cold air or indoor room air. The primary outcome was a decrease in the Westley Croup Score (WCS) by at least 2 points at 30 minutes. The results indicated that exposure to outdoor cold air, in addition to dexamethasone, significantly reduced symptoms in children with croup, especially in those with moderate cases. References Siebert JN, Salomon C, Taddeo I, Gervaix A, Combescure C, Lacroix L. Outdoor Cold Air Versus Room Temperature Exposure for Croup Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics. 2023 Sep 1;152(3):e2023061365. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-061365. PMID: 37525974. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 889: Blood Pressure Cuff Size
02/05/2024
Podcast 889: Blood Pressure Cuff Size
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: Does the size of a blood pressure (BP) cuff matter? A recent randomized crossover trial revealed that, indeed, cuff size can affect blood pressure readings Design 195 adults with varying mid-upper arm circumferences were randomized to the order of BP cuff application: Appropriate Too small Too large Individuals had their mid-upper arm circumference measured to determine the appropriate cuff size Participants underwent 4 sets of triplicate blood pressure measurements, the last of which was always with the appropriately sized cuff Results In individuals requiring a small cuff, the use of a regular cuff resulted in blood pressure readings 3.6 mm Hg lower than with the small cuff In individuals requiring large cuffs, the use of a regular cuff resulted in pressures 4.8 mm Hg higher than with the large cuffs In individuals requiring extra-large cuffs, the use of a regular cuff resulted in pressures 19.5 mm Hg higher than with extra-large cuffs Conclusion Miscuffing results in significantly inaccurate blood pressure measurements It is important to emphasize individualized BP cuff selection References 1. Ishigami J, Charleston J, Miller ER, Matsushita K, Appel LJ, Brady TM. Effects of Cuff Size on the Accuracy of Blood Pressure Readings: The Cuff(SZ) Randomized Crossover Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2023;183(10):1061-1068. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3264 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Jorge Chalit
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Podcast 888: Low GCS and Intubation
01/29/2024
Podcast 888: Low GCS and Intubation
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: Is the adage, “GCS of 8, you’ve got to intubate” accurate? A recent study published in the November 2023 issue of JAMA attempted to answer this question. Design Multicenter, randomized trial, in France from 2021 to 2023. 225 patients experiencing comatose in the setting of acute poisoning were randomly assigned to either a conservative airway strategy of withholding intubation or “routine practice” of much more frequent intubation. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint including in-hospital death, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included adverse events from intubation and pneumonia within 48 hours. Results Results showed that in the intervention group (with intubation withholding), only 16% of patients were intubated, compared to 58% in the control group. No in-hospital deaths occurred in either group. The intervention group demonstrated a significant clinical benefit for the primary endpoint, with a win ratio of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.33 to 2.58). The conservative airway management strategy also saw a statistically significant decrease in adverse events from intubation and pneumonia. Conclusion Among comatose patients with suspected acute poisoning, a conservative strategy of withholding intubation was associated with a greater clinical benefit. This suggests that a judicious approach to intubation is appropriate in many other settings and clinicians should rely on more than the GCS to make this decision. References Freund Y, Viglino D, Cachanado M, Cassard C, Montassier E, Douay B, Guenezan J, Le Borgne P, Yordanov Y, Severin A, Roussel M, Daniel M, Marteau A, Peschanski N, Teissandier D, Macrez R, Morere J, Chouihed T, Roux D, Adnet F, Bloom B, Chauvin A, Simon T. Effect of Noninvasive Airway Management of Comatose Patients With Acute Poisoning: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023 Dec 19;330(23):2267-2274. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.24391. PMID: 38019968; PMCID: PMC10687712. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 887: Family Presence in Cardiac Resuscitation
01/22/2024
Podcast 887: Family Presence in Cardiac Resuscitation
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: A 2013 study randomized families of those in cardiac arrest into two groups: Actively offered patients’ families the opportunity to observe CPR Follow standard practice regarding family presence (control group) Of the 266 relatives that received offers to observe CPR, 211 (79%) accepted vs. 43% in the control group observed CPR The study assessed a primary end-point of PTSD-related symptoms 90 days after the event Secondary end-points included depression, anxiety, medicolegal claims, medical efforts at resuscitation, and the well-being of the healthcare team The frequency of PTSD-related symptoms was significantly higher in the control group Lower rates of anxiety and depression for the families who witnessed CPR There were no effects on resuscitation efforts, patient survival, medicolegal claims, or stress on the healthcare team If families choose to witness CPR, it’s beneficial to have someone with the family to explain the process References 1. Jabre P, Belpomme V, Azoulay E, et al. Family Presence during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(11):1008-1018. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1203366 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Jorge Chalit
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Podcast 886: Cough in Kids
01/15/2024
Podcast 886: Cough in Kids
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD Educational Pearls: Croup Caused by: Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, RSV, Enterovirus (big right now) Age range: 6 months to 3 years Symptoms: Barky cough Inspiratory stridor (Severe = stidor at rest) Use the Westley Croup Score to gauge the severity Treatment: High flow, humidified, cool oxygen Dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg oral, max 16mg Severe: Racemic Epinephrine 0.5 mL/kg Consider heliox, a mixture of helium and oxygen Very severe: be ready to intubate Bronchiolitis Caused by: RSV, Rhinovirus Symptoms are driven by secretions Symptoms: Cough Wheezing Dehydration (often the symptom that makes them look the worst) Age range: 2 to 6 months Treatment: Suctioning Oxygen IV fluids Nebulized hypertonic saline DuoNebs? No. Asthma Caused by: Environmental factors Viral illness with a predisposition Treatment: Beta agonists Steroids Ipratropium Magnesium (relaxes smooth muscle) References Dalziel SR, Haskell L, O'Brien S, Borland ML, Plint AC, Babl FE, Oakley E. Bronchiolitis. Lancet. 2022 Jul 30;400(10349):392-406. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01016-9. Epub 2022 Jul 1. PMID: 35785792. Hoch HE, Houin PR, Stillwell PC. Asthma in Children: A Brief Review for Primary Care Providers. Pediatr Ann. 2019 Mar 1;48(3):e103-e109. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20190219-01. PMID: 30874817. Midulla F, Petrarca L, Frassanito A, Di Mattia G, Zicari AM, Nenna R. Bronchiolitis clinics and medical treatment. Minerva Pediatr. 2018 Dec;70(6):600-611. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4946.18.05334-3. Epub 2018 Oct 18. PMID: 30334624. Smith DK, McDermott AJ, Sullivan JF. Croup: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 May 1;97(9):575-580. PMID: 29763253. Westley CR, Cotton EK, Brooks JG. Nebulized racemic epinephrine by IPPB for the treatment of croup: a double-blind study. Am J Dis Child. 1978 May;132(5):484-7. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1978.02120300044008. PMID: 347921. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/677/westley-croup-score Summarized by Jeffrey Olson | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 885: Penetrating Neck Injuries
01/10/2024
Podcast 885: Penetrating Neck Injuries
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal MD Educational Pearls: Three zones of the neck with different structures and risks for injuries: Zone 1 is the most caudal region from the clavicle to the cricoid cartilage Zone 2 is from the cricoid cartilage to the angle of the mandible Zone 3 is superior to the angle of the mandible Zone 1 contains the thoracic outlet vasculature (subclavian arteries and veins, internal jugular veins), carotid arteries, vertebral artery, apices of the lungs, trachea, esophagus, spinal cord, thoracic duct, thyroid gland, jugular veins, and the vagus nerve. Zone 2 contains the common carotid arteries, internal and external branches of carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, jugular veins, trachea, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, spinal cord, and vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves Lower risk than Zone 1 or Zone 3 Zone 3 contains the distal carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, jugular veins, pharynx, spinal cord, cranial nerves IX, X, XI, XII, the sympathetic chain, and the salivary and parotid glands Hard signs that indicate direct transfer to OR: Airway compromise Active, brisk bleeding Pulsatile hematomas Hematemesis Massive subcutaneous emphysema Soft signs that may obtain imaging to determine further interventions: Hemoptysis Oropharyngeal bleeding Dysphagia Dysphonia Expanding hematomas Soft sign management includes ABCs, type & screen, and airway interventions followed by imaging of the head & neck area Patients with dysphonia or dysphagia with subsequent negative CTAs may get further work-up via swallow studies References Asensio JA, Chahwan S, Forno W, et al. Penetrating esophageal injuries: multicenter study of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. J Trauma. 2001;50(2):289-296. doi:10.1097/00005373-200102000-00015 Azuaje RE, Jacobson LE, Glover J, et al. Reliability of physical examination as a predictor of vascular injury after penetrating neck trauma. Am Surg. 2003;69(9):804-807. Ibraheem K, Wong S, Smith A, et al. Computed tomography angiography in the "no-zone" approach era for penetrating neck trauma: A systematic review. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020;89(6):1233-1238. doi:10.1097/TA.0000000000002919 Nowicki JL, Stew B, Ooi E. Penetrating neck injuries: A guide to evaluation and managementx. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2018;100(1):6-11. doi:10.1308/rcsann.2017.0191 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Laboring Under Pressure Episode 2: Postpartum Hemorrhage with Dr. Kiersten Williams
01/08/2024
Laboring Under Pressure Episode 2: Postpartum Hemorrhage with Dr. Kiersten Williams
Contributor: Kiersten Williams MD, Travis Barlock MD, Jeffrey Olson MS2 Summary: In this episode, Dr. Travis Barlock and Jeffrey Olson meet in the studio to discuss a clip from Dr. Williams’ talk at the “Laboring Under Pressure, Managing Obstetric Emergencies in a Global Setting” event from May 2023. This event was hosted at the University of Denver and was organized with the help of Joe Parker as a fundraiser for the organization Health Outreach Latin America (HOLA). Dr. Kiersten Williams completed her OBGYN residency at Bay State Medical Center and practices as an Obstetric Hospitalist at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. During her talk, Dr. Williams walks the audience through the common causes and treatments for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). Some important take-away points from this talk are: The most common causes of PPH can be remembered by the 4 T’s. Tone (atony), Trauma, Tissue (retained placenta), and Thrombin (coagulopathies). AV malformations of the uterus are probably underdiagnosed. Quantitative blood loss is much more accurate than estimated blood loss (EBL). The ideal fibrinogen for an obstetric patient about to deliver is above 400 mg/dl - under 200 is certain to cause bleeding. Do not deliver oxytocin via IV push dose, it can cause significant hypotension. Tranexamic Acid is available in both IV and PO and can be administered in the field. The dose is 1 gram and can be run over 10 minutes if administered via IV. It is best if used within 3 hours of delivery. When performing a uterine massage, place one hand inside the vagina and one hand on the lower abdomen. Then rub the lower abdomen like mad. A new option for treating PPH is called the JADA System which is slimmer than a Bakri Balloon and uses vacuum suction to help the uterus clamp down.* Another option for a small uterus is to insert a 60 cc Foley catheter. In an operating room, a B-Lynch suture can be put in place, uterine artery ligation can be performed, and as a last resort, a hysterectomy can be done. *EMM is not sponsored by JADA system or the Bakri balloon. References Andrikopoulou M, D'Alton ME. Postpartum hemorrhage: early identification challenges. Semin Perinatol. 2019 Feb;43(1):11-17. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Nov 14. PMID: 30503400. Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics. Practice Bulletin No. 183: Postpartum Hemorrhage. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Oct;130(4):e168-e186. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002351. PMID: 28937571. Federspiel JJ, Eke AC, Eppes CS. Postpartum hemorrhage protocols and benchmarks: improving care through standardization. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2023 Feb;5(2S):100740. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100740. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 36058518; PMCID: PMC9941009. Health Outreach for Latin America Foundation - HOLA Foundation. (n.d.). Kumaraswami S, Butwick A. Latest advances in postpartum hemorrhage management. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2022 May;36(1):123-134. doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.02.004. Epub 2022 Feb 24. PMID: 35659949. Pacheco LD, Saade GR, Hankins GDV. Medical management of postpartum hemorrhage: An update. Semin Perinatol. 2019 Feb;43(1):22-26. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2018.11.005. Epub 2018 Nov 14. PMID: 30503399. Produced by Jeffrey Olson, MS2 | Edited by Jeffrey Olson and Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 884: Nerve Blocks
01/01/2024
Podcast 884: Nerve Blocks
Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: What is a nerve block? A nerve block is the medical procedure of injecting anesthetic into the area around a nerve to block pain signals. They are typically done with ultrasound guidance. Are nerve blocks effective? Most of the information we have about nerve blocks is extrapolated from fascia iliaca blocks. This nerve block targets the fascia iliaca compartment, which contains the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and obturator nerves. These blocks are commonly done for hip fractures to help stabilize the patient while awaiting surgical repair. The data for these types of injections is strong. They decrease pain, they decrease total morphine equivalents needed while a patient is in the hospital, they help mobilize patients earlier and start physical therapy earlier, and they help patients leave the hospital about a day earlier. What is an example of an agent that can be used? Bupivacaine. A long acting amide-type local anesthetic. It works best when paired with epinephrine which causes local vasoconstriction and allows the bupivaciaine to bathe the nerve for longer. It gives 5-15 hours of anesthesia (complete sensation loss), and up to 30 hours of analgesia (pain loss). What’s an example of another block that can be done? An Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block is performed in the paraspinal fascial plane in the back. This can be used for pain around the ribs and before a variety of medical procedures including a Nuss procedure, thoracotomies, percutaneous nephrolithotomies, ventral hernia repairs, and even lumbar fusions. What is one potential complication of a nerve block? Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST). There are three ways this can happen: 1) Using too much total anesthetic (Maximum dose of bupivacaine is 2.5 mg/kg). 2) Too much anesthetic is injected into a confined space which then gets absorbed into the venous system. 3) Injecting directly into the vasculature by mistake. What are the signs that this complication has occurred? Perioral tingling Stupor Coma Seizures What can that cause? Cardiovascular collapse How is that treated? Intralipid AKA Soybean Oil, or “lipid emulsion” should be given as a bolus followed by a drip. These patients need to be admitted. Bolus 1.5 ml/kg (lean body mass) intravenously over 1 min (max ~100 ml). Continuous infusion at 0.25 mL/kg/min. Max dosing in the first 30 minutes is around 100 ml/kg. Fun fact: Patients being treated for LAST with intralipid cannot undergo general anesthesia because the intralipid will impact the anesthesia drugs. References Long B, Chavez S, Gottlieb M, Montrief T, Brady WJ. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity: A narrative review for emergency clinicians. Am J Emerg Med. 2022 Sep;59:42-48. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.06.017. Epub 2022 Jun 13. PMID: 35777259. Carvalho Júnior LH, Temponi EF, Paganini VO, Costa LP, Soares LF, Gonçalves MB. Reducing the length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty: influence of femoral and sciatic nerve block. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2015 Jan-Feb;61(1):40-3. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.61.01.040. Epub 2015 Jan 1. PMID: 25909207. Jain N, Kotulski C, Al-Hilli A, Yeung-Lai-Wah P, Pluta J, Heegeman D. Fascia Iliaca Block in Hip and Femur Fractures to Reduce Opioid Use. J Emerg Med. 2022 Jul;63(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.04.018. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35933265. Kot P, Rodriguez P, Granell M, Cano B, Rovira L, Morales J, Broseta A, Andrés J. The erector spinae plane block: a narrative review. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2019 Jun;72(3):209-220. doi: 10.4097/kja.d.19.00012. Epub 2019 Mar 19. PMID: 30886130; PMCID: PMC6547235. Lee SH, Sohn JT. Mechanisms underlying lipid emulsion resuscitation for drug toxicity: a narrative review. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2023 Jun;76(3):171-182. doi: 10.4097/kja.23031. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36704816; PMCID: PMC10244607. Weinberg, Guy. LipidRescue™ Resuscitation. http://www.lipidrescue.org/ Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 883: Migraine Treatment in Cardiovascular Disease
12/25/2023
Podcast 883: Migraine Treatment in Cardiovascular Disease
Contributor: Jorge Chalit, OMS II Educational Pearls: Migraine pathophysiology Primarily mediated through the trigeminovascular system Serotonin, dopamine, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) Trigeminovascular system is linked to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, which relays pain to the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex One effective treatment for acute migraines is -triptan medications 5-HT1D/1B agonists such as sumatriptan Often combined with NSAIDs and dopamine antagonists (as antiemetics) in migraine cocktails Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) was shown to be ineffective in a randomized controlled trial comparing it with placebo and a dopamine antagonist antiemetic. The -triptan medications carry significant risk for peripheral vasoconstriction and are therefore avoided in cardiovascular disease One serotonin agonist specifically approved for use in vascular disease Lasmiditan - 5-HT1F agonist Slightly different mechanism of action avoids peripheral vasoconstriction CGRP antagonists are also used in patients who are unresponsive to -triptans References 1. Friedman WB, Cabral L, Adewunmi V, et al. Diphenhydramine as adjuvant therapy for acute migraine. An ED-based randomized clinical trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2016;67(1):32-39.e3. doi:doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.07.495 2. Lasmiditan (Reyvow) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) for acute treatment of migraine. (2020). The Medical letter on drugs and therapeutics, 62(1593), 35–39. 3. Robbins MS. Diagnosis and Management of Headache: A Review. JAMA - J Am Med Assoc. 2021;325(18):1874-1885. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.1640 4. Vanderpluym JH, Halker Singh RB, Urtecho M, et al. Acute Treatments for Episodic Migraine in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA - J Am Med Assoc. 2021;325(23):2357-2369. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7939 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 882: Thrombolytics for Minor Strokes
12/20/2023
Podcast 882: Thrombolytics for Minor Strokes
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: How is the severity of a stroke assessed? Strokes are assessed by the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), this scale has different tasks, such as asking the person to repeat words, move their arms, or follow simple instructions. The maximum score is 42 but any score over 21 is considered severe. What would qualify as a minor storke? NIH<5 This could be achieved with minor symptoms such as numbness Should patients with minor strokes be given thrombolytics? A new study in JAMA published in June of 2023 sought to answer this question. This study compares the effectiveness of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with intravenous thrombolysis in patients with minor non-disabling acute ischemic stroke. The research involved 760 participants in China, and the primary measure was an excellent functional outcome at 90 days. The results showed that DAPT was non-inferior to intravenous alteplase, with 93.8% of patients in the DAPT group and 91.4% in the alteplase group achieving an excellent functional outcome. The study suggests that DAPT could be a viable alternative to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with minor non-disabling strokes within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Additionally, the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was low in both groups. References 1. Chen HS, Cui Y, Zhou ZH, Zhang H, Wang LX, Wang WZ, Shen LY, Guo LY, Wang EQ, Wang RX, Han J, Dong YL, Li J, Lin YZ, Yang QC, Zhang L, Li JY, Wang J, Xia L, Ma GB, Lu J, Jiang CH, Huang SM, Wan LS, Piao XY, Li Z, Li YS, Yang KH, Wang DL, Nguyen TN; ARAMIS Investigators. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy vs Alteplase for Patients With Minor Nondisabling Acute Ischemic Stroke: The ARAMIS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023 Jun 27;329(24):2135-2144. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.7827. PMID: 37367978; PMCID: PMC10300686. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 881: Pediatric Readmissions
12/12/2023
Podcast 881: Pediatric Readmissions
Contributor: Nick Tsipis MD Educational Pearls: The review article assessed 16.3 million patients across six states to identify those at high-risk for critical revisit Criteria for critical revisit was ICU admission or death within three days of discharge from the ED Critical revisits are extremely rare 0.1% of patients have a critical revisit after discharge 0.00001% die after revisit Of the patients that do experience critical revisits, the two major risk factors are Asthma - relative risk 2.24 Chronic medical conditions - incidence rate ratio 11.03 Of the top ten diagnoses that lead to critical revisits, 5 are respiratory Others include cellulitis, seizures, gastrointestinal disease, appendectomy, and sickle cell crisis. References 1. Cavallaro SC, Michelson KA, D’Ambrosi G, Monuteaux MC, Li J. Critical Revisits Among Children After Emergency Department Discharge. Ann Emerg Med. 2023;82(5):575-582. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.06.006 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 880: OB Delivery in the ED
12/04/2023
Podcast 880: OB Delivery in the ED
Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: Pearls about labor: Labor is split into 3 stages. Stage 1 starts when the first persistent contractions are felt and goes up until the cervix is fully dilated and the mother starts pushing. Stage 1 is split into two phases: the latent phase (cervix is dilated from 0-4 cm), and the active phase (cervix dilates from 4-10 cm). The latent phase can take between 6 and 12 hours with contractions happening every 5 to 15 minutes. The active phase usually lasts 4-8 hours with contractions occurring as close as every 3 minutes. Stage 2 is the birth itself, lasting between 20 minutes and 2 hours. Stage 3 is the delivery of the placenta and typically takes 30 minutes. 37 weeks gestational age is the cutoff for preterm. Placenta previa: Condition when the placenta overlies the cervix. Classically presents as painless vaginal bleeding in the 3rd trimester. If suspected placenta previa, avoid a speculum exam. Placenta previa can be confirmed on ultrasound. If the baby is crowning in the ER then the baby should be delivered in the ER. The ideal presentation on crowning is head first (Vertex), specifically ‘left occiput anterior’. In this position, the baby is head first and the head is facing towards the gurney at a slight angle. If the baby is coming out in a breech position then the provider should “elevate the presenting part” by maintaining pressure on the baby as the mother is wheeled to the OR for an emergency C-section. If a vertex-presenting baby is being delivered vaginally, after the head has been delivered an event called ‘restitution’ must occur to align the baby’s shoulders properly. During this event, the baby goes from facing down towards the gurney to facing sideways. After restitution, the anterior shoulder should be delivered, followed by the posterior. After complete delivery, the cord should be clamped (after a 1-3 minute delay), with something sterile. Gentle downward traction on the cord helps to deliver the placenta. You can place pressure above the pubic bone to prevent the uterus from involuting during this process. This is not the same as a fundal massage which happens after the delivery of the placenta to help the uterus clamp down and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. References Hutchison J, Mahdy H, Hutchison J. Stages of Labor. 2023 Jan 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31335010. Lavery JP. Placenta previa. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Sep;33(3):414-21. doi: 10.1097/00003081-199009000-00005. PMID: 2225572. Qian Y, Ying X, Wang P, Lu Z, Hua Y. Early versus delayed umbilical cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019 Sep;300(3):531-543. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-05215-8. Epub 2019 Jun 15. PMID: 31203386; PMCID: PMC6694086. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 879: A Case of Pediatric Anaphylactic Shock
11/27/2023
Podcast 879: A Case of Pediatric Anaphylactic Shock
Contributor: Dr. Taylor Lynch Educational Pearls: Time of arrival until intubation was 26 minutes but nobody tried anterior neck access like a cricothyrotomy until his dad arrived Traditional ACLS protocol is not enough for anaphylactic respiratory arrest Circulating O2 from compressions alone is not enough to sustain the brain Patients need a definitive airway and endotracheal tube is the best method BVM ventilation is not enough to get patients the oxygen they need Time to anoxic brain injury during a respiratory arrest is 4 minutes Definition of anaphylactic shock: Acute laryngeal involvement with bronchospasms after known exposure to an allergen Do not need to have skin symptoms like the classic wheal and flare Must also have either hypotension (from vasodilation or end-organ hypoperfusion) or severe GI symptoms (crampy abdominal pain or repetitive vomiting) Treatment of anaphylactic shock: Push-dose IV epinephrine is better than IM epinephrine because IM epinephrine takes 4 minutes to circulate and get to the lungs Ketamine has broncho-dilating properties so it can be used as an induction agent for intubation Albuterol and ipratropium as continuous bronchodilators Magnesium and IV steroids AMAX4 acronym Adrenaline, Muscle relaxant, Airway, Xtra (bronchodilators, ventilation, vasopressors, and consideration of pneumothorax), 4 minutes to anoxic brain injury References Commins SP. Outpatient Emergencies: Anaphylaxis. Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(3):521-536. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2016.12.003 Ring J, Beyer K, Biedermann T, Bircher A, Duda D FJ et al. Guideline for acute therapy and management of anaphylaxis. S2 guideline of DGAKI, AeDA, GPA, DAAU, BVKJ, ÖGAI, SGAI, DGAI, DGP, DGPM, AGATE and DAAB. Allergo J Int. 2014;23(23):96-112. McKenzie B. AMAX4: Every Second Counts. Accessed Sunday, November 26, 2023. https://www.amax4.org/ Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 878: Opioids for Low Back and Neck Pain
11/20/2023
Podcast 878: Opioids for Low Back and Neck Pain
Contributor: Jared Scott MD Educational Pearls: Should we use opioids to treat low back and neck pain? The OPAL Trial, published in The Lancet, in June 2023, attempted to answer this very question. Objective: Investigate the efficacy and safety of a short course of opioid analgesic (oxycodone-naloxone) for acute low back pain and neck pain. Trial Design: Triple-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial, conducted in Emergency and Primary Care in Sydney, Australia, involving adults with 12 weeks or less of low back or neck pain. Participants: 347 recruited adults (174 in the opioid group, 173 in the placebo group) with at least moderate pain severity. Intervention: Participants were assigned to receive either an opioid or a placebo for up to 6 weeks. Primary Outcome: Pain severity at 6 weeks measured with the pain severity subscale of the Brief Pain Inventory (10-point scale). Results: No significant difference in pain severity at 6 weeks between the opioid group (mean score 2.78) and placebo group (mean score 2.25). Adverse events were reported by 35% in the opioid group and 30% in the placebo group, with more opioid-related adverse events in the opioid group (e.g., constipation). Conclusion: Opioids should not be recommended for acute non-specific low back pain or neck pain, as there was no significant difference in pain severity compared with the placebo. The study calls for a change in the frequent use of opioids for these conditions. Pharmacy Pearl: Why was naloxone mixed with oxycodone? Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it can block the effects of opioids. When combined with oxycodone, naloxone's presence discourages certain forms of opioid misuse. Additionally, naloxone can bind to opioid receptors in the gut and improve symptoms of Opioid Induced Constipation (OIC). This is the same idea behind Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). References Jones CMP, Day RO, Koes BW, Latimer J, Maher CG, McLachlan AJ, Billot L, Shan S, Lin CC; OPAL Investigators Coordinators. Opioid analgesia for acute low back pain and neck pain (the OPAL trial): a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2023 Jul 22;402(10398):304-312. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00404-X. Epub 2023 Jun 28. Erratum in: Lancet. 2023 Aug 19;402(10402):612. PMID: 37392748. Camilleri M, Lembo A, Katzka DA. Opioids in Gastroenterology: Treating Adverse Effects and Creating Therapeutic Benefits. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Sep;15(9):1338-1349. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.05.014. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28529168; PMCID: PMC5565678. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 877: Viral Respiratory Infections in Children
11/13/2023
Podcast 877: Viral Respiratory Infections in Children
Contributor: Jared Scott MD Educational Pearls A recently published study assessed the burden of respiratory viruses in a longitudinal cohort of children from 0 to 2 years of age The children in the study received nasal swab PCR testing weekly to determine infectivity They were also monitored for symptoms via weekly text surveys The study differentiated between infection and illness by defining an acute respiratory illness (ARI) as fever ≥38°C or cough. The median infectivity rate was 9.4 viral infections per child per year The median illness rate was 3.3 ARIs per child per year The most common etiological viruses isolated from the nasal samples were rhinovirus and enterovirus Most infections were asymptomatic or mild References Teoh, Z., Conrey, S., McNeal, M., Burrell, A., Burke, R. M., Mattison, C., McMorrow, M., Payne, D. C., Morrow, A. L., & Staat, M. A. (2023). Burden of Respiratory Viruses in Children Less Than 2 Years Old in a Community-based Longitudinal US Birth Cohort. Clinical infectious diseases: an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 77(6), 901–909. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciad289 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 876: Sedation Pearls
11/06/2023
Podcast 876: Sedation Pearls
Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls: Common sedatives used in the Emergency Department and a few pearls for each. Propofol Type: Non-barbiturate sedative hypnotic agonizing GABA receptors. Benefit: Quick on and quick off (duration of action is approximately 2-7 minutes), helpful for suspected neurologic injury so the patient can wake up and be re-evaluated. Also has the benefit of reducing intracranial pressure (ICP). Downsides: Hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression. What should you do if a patient is getting hypotensive on propofol? Do not stop the propofol. Start pressors. May have to reduce the propofol dose if delay in pressors. Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Type: Alpha 2 agonist - causes central sedation Uses: Patients are more alert and responsive and therefore can be on BiPAP instead of being intubated. Does not cause respiratory depression. Downsides: Hypotension and Bradycardia. Caution in using this for head injuries, its side effects can mask the Cushing reflex and make it more difficult to spot acute elevations in ICP and uncal herniation. Ketamine Type: NMDA antagonist and dissociative anesthetic, among other mechanisms. Benefits: Quick Onset (but slower than propofol). Does not cause hypotension, but can even increase HR and BP (Thought to potentially cause hypotension if patient is catecholamine-depleted (ie. sepsis, delayed trauma)). Dosing ketamine can be challenging. Typically low doses (0.1-0.3mg/kg (max ~30mg)) can give good pain relief. Higher doses (for intubation/procedural sedation) are generally thought to have a higher risk of dissociation. Downsides: Emergence reactions which include hallucinations, vivid dreams, and agitation. Increased secretions. Benzos Type: GABA agonists. Benefits: Seizure, alcohol withdrawal, agitation due to toxic overdoses. Push doses are useful because doses can stack. Longer half-life than propofol. Downsides: Respiratory depression. Longer half-life can make neuro assessments difficult to complete. Etomidate MOA: Displaces endogenous GABA inhibitors. Useful as a one-time dose for quick procedures (cardioversion, intubation). Often drug of choice for intubation since it is thought to have no hemodynamic effects. Downsides; If used without paralytic - myoclonus. Though to have some adrenal suppression. Fentanyl Type: Opioid analgesic. Not traditional sedative. Benefits: There are many instances in emergency medicine in which sedation can be avoided by prioritizing proper analgesia. Fentanyl can even be used to maintain intubated patients without needing to keep them constantly sedated. Downsides: Respiratory depression. Patients may have tolerance. References Chawla N, Boateng A, Deshpande R. Procedural sedation in the ICU and emergency department. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2017 Aug;30(4):507-512. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000487. PMID: 28562388. Keating GM. Dexmedetomidine: A Review of Its Use for Sedation in the Intensive Care Setting. Drugs. 2015 Jul;75(10):1119-30. doi: 10.1007/s40265-015-0419-5. PMID: 26063213. Lundström S, Twycross R, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A. Propofol. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010 Sep;40(3):466-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.07.001. PMID: 20816571. Matchett G, Gasanova I, Riccio CA, Nasir D, Sunna MC, Bravenec BJ, Azizad O, Farrell B, Minhajuddin A, Stewart JW, Liang LW, Moon TS, Fox PE, Ebeling CG, Smith MN, Trousdale D, Ogunnaike BO; EvK Clinical Trial Collaborators. Etomidate versus ketamine for emergency endotracheal intubation: a randomized clinical trial. Intensive Care Med. 2022 Jan;48(1):78-91. doi: 10.1007/s00134-021-06577-x. Epub 2021 Dec 14. PMID: 34904190. Mihaljević S, Pavlović M, Reiner K, Ćaćić M. Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ketamine. Psychiatr Danub. 2020 Autumn-Winter;32(3-4):325-333. doi: 10.24869/psyd.2020.325. PMID: 33370729. Nakauchi C, Miyata M, Kamino S, Funato Y, Manabe M, Kojima A, Kawai Y, Uchida H, Fujino M, Boda H. Dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl for sedation in extremely preterm infants. Pediatr Int. 2023 Jan-Dec;65(1):e15581. doi: 10.1111/ped.15581. PMID: 37428855. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 875: A Pediatric Case of Myopericarditis
10/30/2023
Podcast 875: A Pediatric Case of Myopericarditis
Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardial sac, which can arise from infectious or non-infectious etiologies Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which may accompany pericarditis Pericarditis clinical findings include: Diffuse concave ST elevation, classic for acute pericarditis with myocardial involvement. More common in younger male patients Elevated high-sensitivity troponin - higher levels may occur in young healthy patients Ultrasound may show pericardial effusions POCUS may be helpful in assessing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) via E-point septal separation (EPSS) Elevation in EPSS correlates with decreased LVEF Treatments: Anti-inflammatories including NSAIDs and colchicine Monitor inflammation Repeat ultrasounds Risk factors in this patient’s case: mRNA COVID vaccine - the risk of myocarditis from vaccination is significantly lower than that from COVID-19 infection Preceding infection References 1. Gao J, Feng L, Li Y, et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Myocarditis or Pericarditis. Am J Prev Med. 2023;64(2):275-284. 2. Imazio M, Gaita F, LeWinter M. Evaluation and treatment of pericarditis: A systematic review. JAMA - J Am Med Assoc. 2015;314(14):1498-1506. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.12763 3. Mckaigney CJ, Krantz MJ, La Rocque CL, Hurst ND, Buchanan MS, Kendall JL. E-point septal separation: A bedside tool for emergency physician assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction. Am J Emerg Med. 2014;32(6):493-497. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2014.01.045 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Episode 874: Bradyarrhythmias
10/23/2023
Episode 874: Bradyarrhythmias
Contributor: Dylan Luyten MD Educational Pearls: What is a Bradyarrhythmia? Also known as a bradyarrhythmia, it is an irregular heart rate that is also slow (below 60 beats per minute). What can cause it? Complete heart block AKA third-degree AV block; identified on ECG by a wide QRS, and complete dissociation between the atrial and ventricular rhythms with the ventricular being much slower. Treat with a pacemaker. Medication overdose, especially beta blockers. Many other drugs can slow the heart as well including: opioids, clonidine, digitalis, amiodarone, diltiazem, and verapamil to name a few. Electrolyte abnormalities, specifically hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia can also cause bradyarrhythmias. Myocardial infarction. Either by damaging the AV node or the conduction system itself or by triggering a process called Reperfusion Bradycardia. Hypothermia. Bradycardia is generally a sign of severe or advanced hypothermia. References Jurkovicová O, Cagán S. Reperfúzne arytmie [Reperfusion arrhythmias]. Bratisl Lek Listy. 1998 Mar-Apr;99(3-4):162-71. Slovak. PMID: 9919746. Simmons T, Blazar E. Synergistic Bradycardia from Beta Blockers, Hyperkalemia, and Renal Failure. J Emerg Med. 2019 Aug;57(2):e41-e44. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.03.039. Epub 2019 May 30. PMID: 31155316. Wung SF. Bradyarrhythmias: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2016 Sep;28(3):297-308. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2016.04.003. Epub 2016 Jun 22. PMID: 27484658. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 873: Intravesical Tranexamic Acid for Gross Hematuria
10/16/2023
Podcast 873: Intravesical Tranexamic Acid for Gross Hematuria
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a common medication to achieve hemostasis in a variety of conditions Patients visiting the ED for gross hematuria (between March 2022 and September 2022) were treated with intravesical TXA 1 g tranexamic acid in 100 mL NS via Foley catheter Clamped Foley for 15 minutes Subsequent continuous bladder irrigation, as is standard in most EDs Compared with a cohort of patients visiting the ED for a similar concern between March 2021 and September 2021, the TXA patients had: A shorter median length of stay in the ED (274 min vs. 411 mins, P < 0.001). A shorter median duration of Foley catheter placement (145 min vs. 308 mins, P < 0.001) Fewer revisits after ED discharge (2.3% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.031) References 1. Choi H, Kim DW, Jung E, et al. Impact of intravesical administration of tranexamic acid on gross hematuria in the emergency department: A before-and-after study. Am J Emerg Med. 2023;68:68-72. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2023.03.020 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Podcast 872: Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis
10/09/2023
Podcast 872: Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis
Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: What is Cellulitis? A common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Caused by various types of bacteria, with Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species being the most common. What is Preseptal Cellulitis and why is it more serious than facial cellulitis? Preseptal Cellulitis, also known as Periorbital Cellulitis, is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues in the eyelid and the surrounding area. This requires prompt and aggressive treatment to avoid progression into Orbital Cellulitis. How is Preseptal Cellulitis treated? Oral antibiotics for five to seven days. In the setting of trauma (scratching bug bites) Clindamycin or TMP-SMX (for MRSA coverage) and Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or Cefpodoxime or Cefdinir. If there is no trauma, monotherapy with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is appropriate. Check immunization status against H.influenzae and adjust appropriately. What is Orbital Cellulitis, how is it diagnosed, and why is it more serious than Preseptal Cellulitis? Orbital cellulitis involves the tissues behind the eyeball and within the eye socket itself. Key features include: Eye pain. Proptosis (Bulging of the eye out of its normal position). Impaired eye movement. Blurred or double vision. This can lead to three very serious complications: Orbital Compartment Syndrome. This can push eye forward, stretch optic nerve, and threaten vision. Meningitis given that the meninges of the brain are continuous with optic nerve. Endophthalmitis, which is inflammation of the inner coats of the eye. This can also threaten vision. If suspected, get a CT of the orbits and/or an MRI to look for an abscess behind the eyes. How is Orbital Cellulitis treated? IV antibiotics. Cover for meningitis with Ceftriaxone and Vancomycin. Add Metronidazole until intracranial involvement has been ruled out. Drain the abscess surgically. Usually this is performed by an ophthalmologist or an otolaryngologist. Admit to the hospital. References Bae C, Bourget D. Periorbital Cellulitis. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29261970. Chaudhry IA, Shamsi FA, Elzaridi E, Al-Rashed W, Al-Amri A, Al-Anezi F, Arat YO, Holck DE. Outcome of treated orbital cellulitis in a tertiary eye care center in the middle East. Ophthalmology. 2007 Feb;114(2):345-54. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.07.059. PMID: 17270683. Seltz LB, Smith J, Durairaj VD, Enzenauer R, Todd J. Microbiology and antibiotic management of orbital cellulitis. Pediatrics. 2011 Mar;127(3):e566-72. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-2117. Epub 2011 Feb 14. PMID: 21321025. Wong SJ, Levi J. Management of pediatric orbital cellulitis: A systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Jul;110:123-129. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.05.006. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29859573. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Mental Health Monthly #17: Mania
10/05/2023
Mental Health Monthly #17: Mania
Contributors: Andrew White MD - Outpatient Psychiatrist; Fellowship Trained in Addiction Psychiatry; Denver Health Travis Barlock MD - Emergency Medicine Physician; Swedish Medical Center Summary In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dr. Travis Barlock hosts Dr. Andrew White to discuss the elements of mania that may be encountered in the emergency department. The discussion includes a helpful mnemonic to assess mania, work-up and treatment in the ED, underlying causes of mania, mental health holds, inpatient treatment, and the role of sleep in mania. Educational Pearls Initial assessment of suspected mania can be done via DIGFAST: Distractibility - Individual that is unable to carry a linear, goal-directed conversation Impulsivity - Executive functioning is impaired and patients are unable to control their behaviors Grandiosity - Elevated mood and sense of self to delusions of grandeur Flight of ideas - Usually described as racing thoughts Agitation - Increase in psychomotor activity; start several projects of which they have little previous knowledge Sleep decrease - Typically, manic episodes start with insomnia and can devolve into multiday sleeplessness Talkativeness - More talkative than usual with pressured speech and a tangential thought process Interviewing patients requires an understanding of mood-based mania vs. psychosis-based mania An individual with mood-based mania will more likely be restless, whereas a patient with psychosis-based mania will be more relaxed from a psychomotor standpoint Treatment of manic patients in the ED includes the use of antipsychotics to manage acute symptomatology Management can be informed and directed by the patient’s history i.e. known medications that have worked for the patient ED management of manic patients involves a work-up for a broad differential including agitated delirium, substance-induced mania, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Some individuals experience manic episodes from marijuana and other illicit substances Antidepressants used in bipolar patients for suspected depression may induce mania Important to avoid using antidepressants as first-line therapy Mental health holds can be beneficial in patients with grave disabilities from mania Oftentimes, undertreatment of manic episodes leads to re-hospitalization Inpatient treatment: Environment is important - ensure that patients get solo rooms if possible to minimize stimulation Antipsychotics, including risperidone and olanzapine, with or without a benzodiazepine, are useful for short-term agitation Long-term treatment involves coupled pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological treatments Sleep Fractured sleep is one of the earliest warning signs that someone has an imminent manic episode Poor sleep can be an inciting factor for mania, which then turns into a cycle that further propagates a patient’s manic episode Summarized and edited by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Studio production by Jeffrey Olson, MS2
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Podcast 871: Increased Intracranial Pressure and the Cushing Reflex
10/02/2023
Podcast 871: Increased Intracranial Pressure and the Cushing Reflex
Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Education Pearls: The Cushing Reflex is a physiologic response to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) Cushing’s Triad: widened pulse pressure (systolic hypertension), bradycardia, and irregular respirations Increased ICP results from systolic hypertension, which causes a parasympathetic reflex to drop heart rate, leading to Cushing’s Triad. The Cushing Reflex is a sign of herniation Treatment includes: Hypertonic saline is comparable to mannitol and preferable in patients with hypovolemia or hyponatremia Give 250-500mL of 3%NaCl 20% Mannitol - given at a dose of 0.5-1 g/kg Each additional dose of 0.1 g/kg reduces ICP by 1 mm Hg 23.4% hypertonic saline is more often given in the neuro ICU 8.4% Sodium bicarbonate lowers ICP for 6 hours without causing metabolic acidosis Non-pharmacological interventions: Raise the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees Remove the c-collar to improve blood flow to the head Hyperventilation induces hypocapnia, which will vasoconsrict the cerebral arterioles You hyperventilate on the way to the OR. Otherwise, maintain normocapnia. References Alnemari AM, Krafcik BM, Mansour TR, Gaudin D. A Comparison of Pharmacologic Therapeutic Agents Used for the Reduction of Intracranial Pressure After Traumatic Brain Injury. World Neurosurg. 2017;106:509-528. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2017.07.009 Bourdeaux C, Brown J. Sodium bicarbonate lowers intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury. Neurocrit Care. 2010;13(1):24-28. doi:10.1007/s12028-010-9368-8 Dinallo S, Waseem M. Cushing Reflex. [Updated 2023 Mar 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: Godoy DA, Seifi A, Garza D, Lubillo-Montenegro S, Murillo-Cabezas F. Hyperventilation therapy for control of posttraumatic intracranial hypertension. Front Neurol. 2017;8(JUL):1-13. doi:10.3389/fneur.2017.00250 Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMSII | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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On The Streets #15: Hydrofluoric Acid Case Review
09/29/2023
On The Streets #15: Hydrofluoric Acid Case Review
Contributors: Kalen Abbott, MD - EM Physician and Medical Director for AirLife Denver Brendan Reiss - Flight Nurse AirLife Denver Matt Spoon - Flight Paramedic AirLife Denver Jordan Ourada - EMS Coordinator at Swedish Medical Center and Paramedic Summary: In this episode, hosted by Jordan Ourada, Brendan Reiss and Matt Spoon present a first-hand experience case of hydrofluoric acid exposure in a pediatric patient. Commentary and educational pearls are provided by EM Physician, Kalen Abbott. The case: The patient was a male infant who had spilled a large amount of heavy-duty acid aluminum wheel cleaner on himself while playing in his parent's garage. Unclear if he had ingested any fluid. The cleaning fluid contained a large percentage of hydrofluoric acid. He was brought by EMS to his local hospital, who quickly decided to transport the infant by helicopter to a large Denver hospital. Initial labs were unremarkable and the EKG was normal. Heart rate was in the 140s. Blood pressure was 110/73. Respirations were around 30 and non-labored. Chest and abdominal x-rays were unremarkable. The patient had received a water-based decontamination and 1 gram of calcium gluconate IV. Complications: Immediately before leaving a nurse informed Brendan and Matt that the serum calcium was 6.8 mg/dl (normal range: 8.5 to 10.2). During the flight, the patient went into cardiac arrest. The patient achieved ROSC after CPR was administered in the helicopter. Once on the ground, an I/O line was started and calcium chloride, sodium bicarb, and normal saline were administered. Within the first 2 hours that patient received the equivalent of 310 mg/kg of calcium (the pediatric dose is 20 mg/kg) Care resolution: The patient ended up having a several-week stay in the pediatric ICU. There were some complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage. Calcium gluconate was continued via nebulization for several days. Ultimately, the child was weaned off the ventilator and spontaneous respirations resumed. They were able to wean the child off vasopressors and sedation over the course of several days. A gastric lavage with calcium gluconate was completed as well during the inpatient stay. The child was able to leave the hospital, neurologically intact after about 14 days. Pearls: Lower concentrations of acids can be more dangerous because they don’t immediately burn but rather can be absorbed systemically through the skin. Calcium is the antidote to hydrofluoric acid exposure. Calcium chloride has 3 times the elemental calcium as calcium gluconate. The maximum infusion rate of calcium chloride through a peripheral line is 1 gram every 10 minutes, calcium gluconate can be infused at 1 gram every 5 minutes. When intubating a patient with acid exposure, avoid succinylcholine because of the risk of hyperkalemia. References Caravati EM. Acute hydrofluoric acid exposure. Am J Emerg Med. 1988 Mar;6(2):143-50. doi: 10.1016/0735-6757(88)90053-8. PMID: 3281684. Pepe J, Colangelo L, Biamonte F, Sonato C, Danese VC, Cecchetti V, Occhiuto M, Piazzolla V, De Martino V, Ferrone F, Minisola S, Cipriani C. Diagnosis and management of hypocalcemia. Endocrine. 2020 Sep;69(3):485-495. doi: 10.1007/s12020-020-02324-2. Epub 2020 May 4. PMID: 32367335. Strayer RJ. Succinylcholine, rocuronium, and hyperkalemia. Am J Emerg Med. 2016 Aug;34(8):1705-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.05.039. Epub 2016 May 19. PMID: 27241569. Vallentin MF, Granfeldt A, Meilandt C, Povlsen AL, Sindberg B, Holmberg MJ, Iversen BN, Mærkedahl R, Mortensen LR, Nyboe R, Vandborg MP, Tarpgaard M, Runge C, Christiansen CF, Dissing TH, Terkelsen CJ, Christensen S, Kirkegaard H, Andersen LW. Effect of Intravenous or Intraosseous Calcium vs Saline on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Adults With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021 Dec 14;326(22):2268-2276. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.20929. PMID: 34847226; PMCID: PMC8634154. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Jeffrey Olson, Meg Joyce, & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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Episode 870: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
09/25/2023
Episode 870: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: What is ATLS? Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a systematic and comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of trauma patients It was developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) The key components include the Primary Survey ("ABCDE"), the Secondary Survey, Definitive Care, and Special Considerations What are the issues with ATLS? ATLS relies on many algorithms and rules-of-thumb, which might be helpful for individuals with basic skills and training but might actually present obstacles for those with higher levels of training. Dr. Hurley cites several examples. Example 1: ABC approach to trauma patients ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation but focusing on the airway first is not always the best decision. Immediate attention may need to be applied to massive hemorrhage. Intubating a patient that is hemodynamically unstable may cause cardiac arrest. A more helpful phrase might be “Resuscitate before you intubate.” Example 2: C-spine precautions Cervical collars may impede the likelihood of first-pass success when intubating. The risk of complications from a failed airway may often outweigh the risk of causing a spinal cord injury. Example 3:Cutting clothes off. The E of ABCDE stands for exposure which means fully undressing the patient to look for missing injuries. This often involves cutting their clothes off. This practice might be too broadly applied and leave low-risk trauma patients without any clothes to wear when discharged home. Example 4: Digital rectal exam A rectal exam can be a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with abdominal or pelvic injuries. It can help screen for rectal bleeding, pelvic fractures, and neurological function However, the rectal exam is not a sensitive test. A retrospective study from the Indian Journal of Surgery found that a rectal exam missed 100% of urethra injuries, 92% of spinal cord injuries, 93% of small bowel injuries, 100% of colon injuries, and 67% of rectal injuries in trauma patients. Example 6: Pushing on pelvis for pelvic injuries Pushing on the pelvis to check for instability can cause further damage to an unstable pelvis. Imaging the pelvis is far more important than pressing on it if a pelvic fracture is suspected. Example 7: FAST exam A FAST exam, which stands for "Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma," is a rapid ultrasound examination used to assess trauma patients for signs of internal bleeding or organ damage in the abdomen and chest. These can be very useful as an initial test to tell a trauma surgeon where to start looking for internal bleeding in an unstable blunt traumatic injury If a patient is stable and likely going to get a CT scan whether the FAST is positive or negative then the test is unnecessary References ATLS Subcommittee; American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma; International ATLS working group. Advanced trauma life support (ATLS®): the ninth edition. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2013 May;74(5):1363-6. doi: 10.1097/TA.0b013e31828b82f5. PMID: 23609291. Bloom BA, Gibbons RC. Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma. 2023 Jul 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29261902. Brown R. Oxygenate and Resuscitate Before You Intubate. Common pitfalls to avoid when managing the crashing airway. EMS World. 2016 Jan;45(1):48-50, 52, 54-5. PMID: 26852546. Chrimes N, Marshall SD. Attempt XYZ: airway management at the opposite end of the alphabet. Anaesthesia. 2018 Dec;73(12):1464-1468. doi: 10.1111/anae.14361. Epub 2018 Jul 11. PMID: 29998563. Docimo S Jr, Diggs L, Crankshaw L, Lee Y, Vinces F. No Evidence Supporting the Routine Use of Digital Rectal Examinations in Trauma Patients. Indian J Surg. 2015 Aug;77(4):265-9. doi: 10.1007/s12262-015-1283-y. Epub 2015 May 19. PMID: 26702232; PMCID: PMC4688269. Groeneveld A, McKenzie ML, Williams D. Logrolling: establishing consistent practice. Orthop Nurs. 2001 Mar-Apr;20(2):45-9. doi: 10.1097/00006416-200103000-00011. PMID: 12024634. Morgenstern, J. The FAST exam: overused and overrated?, First10EM, August 30, 2021. Rodrigues IFDC. To log-roll or not to log-roll - That is the question! A review of the use of the log-roll for patients with pelvic fractures. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2017 Nov;27:36-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2017.05.001. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28797555. Sapsford W. Should the 'C' in 'ABCDE' be altered to reflect the trend towards hypotensive resuscitation? Scand J Surg. 2008;97(1):4-11; discussion 12-3. doi: 10.1177/145749690809700102. PMID: 18450202. Sundstrøm T, Asbjørnsen H, Habiba S, Sunde GA, Wester K. Prehospital use of cervical collars in trauma patients: a critical review. J Neurotrauma. 2014 Mar 15;31(6):531-40. doi: 10.1089/neu.2013.3094. Epub 2013 Nov 6. PMID: 23962031; PMCID: PMC3949434. Summarized by Jeffrey Olson MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
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