RESUMO

AIM: To evaluate the methodological quality of studies that analysed the relationship between accessibility to emergency services and infant mortality. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis, registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) platform under code CRD42021279854. Medline/Pubmed, Embase, SciElo, Lilacs, Scopus and web of science electronic databases were searched between November 2021 and May 2024, without language or publication time restriction. We included observational studies that compared the infant mortality outcome with the different distances travelled or travel time to health services in a paediatric emergency. Thus, we excluded studies with primary outcomes present in the pre- and perinatal periods, as well as distances or travel time to obstetric emergency units. We used the grade to assess the methodological quality of the studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the risk of bias, in addition to performing a meta-analysis. RESULTS: The evidence quality on infant mortality was moderate for four studies and low for three studies. The meta-analysis showed that children who travelled more than 5 km to the emergency service had a 28% increase in the chance of dying (P = 0.002), as well as those travelling for more than 40 min increased by 45% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a relationship between the increase in geographic accessibility distance and travel time with the increase in infant mortality. However, the studies still showed moderate to low methodological quality.

Assuntos

RESUMO

"Penumbra sign" is a characteristic finding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Brodie's abscess, a rare variant of subacute osteomyelitis. We aimed to discuss the imaging finding penumbra sign that will help in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and may be useful to clinicians in differential diagnosis. A 26-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain and limping in the right knee that did not go away. He had a history of arthroscopic debridement and percutaneous fixation surgery due to osteochondral fragment 3 years ago. There were no additional findings in the patient's vital parameters, physical examination, and medical history. X-ray imaging revealed two screws in the distal femur and a well-defined sclerotic rim surrounding a radiolucent lesion anterior to the screws. MRI revealed a lesion in the distal femoral metaphysis with low-density fluid and hyperintense granulation tissue surrounding it. After surgical abscess drainage and local debridement, bone cement was placed in the resulting cavity. Teicoplanin treatment was started. The patient was discharged and complete recovery was achieved in the second month. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often missed or confused with bone tumors in non-traumatic cases presenting with persistent bone pain. MRI imaging is frequently used in differential diagnosis, and detection of characteristic imaging signs such as the penumbra sign accelerates the diagnosis. In this context, emergency department clinicians, in particular, should be cautious and not forget that early treatment can be started by recognizing these signs.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and noninvasive diagnostic angiography among children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute ischemic stroke. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from >50 US children's hospitals. We included children 29 days through 17 years old hospitalized from the ED with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, diagnosis code for acute ischemic stroke between October 1, 2015, and November 30, 2022. We excluded children with a principal diagnosis code of trauma/external injury, without neuroimaging on day of presentation, and into-ED transfers. Our outcomes were defined as acquisition of MRI (vs computed tomography only) and angiography (vs no angiography) on day of presentation. We performed generalized linear mixed modeling with hospital as a random effect to determine the association of demographics, known comorbidities, and treatment factors with each outcome. RESULTS: We included 1601 children. In multivariable analysis, younger age, mechanical ventilation, and Black race were associated with lower odds of MRI acquisition, whereas history of moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease were associated with greater odds. Younger age, mechanical ventilation, Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, other races, history of metabolic disease, and history of seizures were associated with lower odds of angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Younger and non-White children experienced lower odds of MRI and angiography, which may be driven by health system limitations or provider implicit biases or both. Our results expose risk factors for underdiagnosis of ischemic stroke and provide opportunities to tailor institutional pathways reflective of underlying pathophysiology.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción. El currículo para la formación del cirujano general exige precisión, ajuste al contexto y factibilidad. En 2022, la World Society of Emergency Surgery formuló cinco declaraciones sobre el entrenamiento en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia que puede contribuir a estos propósitos. El objetivo del presente artículo fue examinar el alcance de estas declaraciones para la educación quirúrgica en Colombia. Métodos. Se analizó desde una posición crítica y reflexiva el alcance y limitaciones para Colombia de cada una de las declaraciones de la World Society of Emergency Surgery, con base en la evidencia empírica publicada durante las últimas dos décadas en revistas indexadas nacionales e internacionales. Resultados. La evidencia empírica producida en Colombia durante el presente siglo permite identificar que el país cuenta con fundamentos del currículo nacional en cirugía general, formulado por la División de Educación de la Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía en 2021; un sistema de acreditación de la educación superior; un modelo de aseguramiento universal en salud; infraestructura tecnológica y condiciones institucionales que pueden facilitar la adopción exitosa de dichas declaraciones para el entrenamiento de los futuros cirujanos en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia. No obstante, su implementación requiere esfuerzos mayores e inversión en materia de simulación quirúrgica, cooperación institucional y fortalecimiento del sistema de recertificación profesional. Conclusión. La educación quirúrgica colombiana está en capacidad de cumplir con las declaraciones de la World Society of Emergency Surgery en materia de entrenamiento en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia.

Introduction. The general surgeon training curriculum requires precision, contextual fit, and feasibility. In 2022, the World Society of Emergency Surgery formulated five statements on training in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery, which can contribute to these purposes. This article examines the scope of these declarations for surgical education in Colombia. Methods. The scope and limitations for Colombia of each of the statements of the World Society of Emergency Surgery were analysed from a critical and reflective position, based on empirical evidence published during the last two decades in national and international indexed journals. Results. The empirical evidence produced in Colombia during this century allows us to identify that the country has the foundations of the national curriculum in general surgery, formulated by the Education Division of the Colombian Association of Surgery in 2021; a higher education accreditation system; a universal health insurance model; technological infrastructure, and institutional conditions that can facilitate the successful adoption of said statements for the training of future surgeons in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery. However, its implementation requires greater efforts and investment in surgical simulation, institutional cooperation, and strengthening of the professional recertification system. Conclusion. Colombian surgical education is able to comply with the declarations of the World Society of Emergency Surgery regarding training in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate injury trends in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) participation by presenting to U.S. emergency departments over a 10-year period and formulate an injury profile. METHODS: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts related injuries from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. Codes and narratives were examined to compile data for patients sustaining BJJ-related injuries. RESULTS: From 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 there were 7,722 (NE = 282,315) ED-diagnosed martial arts related injuries with 911 (NE = 36,023) BJJ-related injuries identified. Regression analysis demonstrated an increasing trend in the annual incidence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu injuries presenting to the ED (R2 = 0.934; SE = 2.069: p < .0001). Average age was 25.68 years of age (range 4-83). The most common injury diagnoses were sprains/strains and other/not listed at 27.68% and 26.39%. The most commonly injured body parts were the upper trunk, and the shoulder comprising 13.66% and 12.14% of injured body parts, respectively. The most commonly fractured region was toes, at 14.15% of all fractures. The most common dislocations occurred at the shoulder and knee, at 32.49% and 28.45% of dislocations, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury specifically identified were indeterminate contact between players, fall onto ground, or fall onto another player comprising 18.62% and 17.17%, of injuries, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was an increasing trend of BJJ-related injuries presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments. The most common diagnoses and body parts injured were sprains/strains and upper trunk and shoulder, respectively. The most commonly fractured and dislocated regions were toes and shoulder, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury were indeterminate contact or falling. This study provides novel information concerning trends in injury and injury profiles for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu related injuries.

Assuntos

RESUMO

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to compare the effect of standard rapid sequence intubation protocol and the application of rocuronium priming technique on the procedure time and hemodynamic profile. METHODS: Patients who applied to the emergency department and needed rapid sequence intubation were included in our study, which we conducted with a randomized controlled design. Randomization in the study was made according to the order of arrival of the cases. Rapid sequence intubation was performed in the standard group. In the priming group, 10% of the rocuronium dose was administered approximately 3 min before the induction agent. Intubation time, amount of drug used, vital signs, and end-tidal CO2 level before and after intubation used to confirm intubation were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were included in the study, of which 26 patients were included in the standard group and 26 patients in the priming group. While intubation time was 121.2±21.9 s in the standard group, it was calculated as 68.4±11.6 s in the priming group (p<0.001). While the mean arterial pressure was 58.3±26.6 mmHg in the standard group after intubation, it was 80.6±21.1 mmHg in the priming group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: It was observed that priming with rocuronium shortened the intubation time and preserved the hemodynamic profile better. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05343702.

RESUMO

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Heart failure is a disease with cardiac dysfunction, and its morbidity and mortality are associated with the degree of dysfunction. The New York Heart Association classifies the heart failure stages based on the severity of symptoms and physical activity. End-tidal carbon dioxide refers to the level of carbon dioxide that a person exhales with each breath. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels can be used in many clinical conditions such as heart failure, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of the study was to reveal the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and the New York Heart Association classification of heart failure stages. METHODS: This study was conducted at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Faculty of Medicine Adult Emergency Department between 01/03/2019 and 01/09/2019. A total of 80 patients who presented to the emergency department with a history of heart failure or were diagnosed with heart failure during admission were grouped according to the New York Heart Association classification of heart failure stages. The laboratory parameters, ejection fraction values, and end-tidal carbon dioxide levels of the patients were measured and recorded in the study forms. RESULTS: End-tidal carbon dioxide levels and ejection fraction values were found to be significantly lower in the stage 4 group compared to the other groups. Furthermore, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) values were found to be significantly higher in stage 4 group compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that end-tidal carbon dioxide levels could be used together with pro-BNP and ejection fraction values in determining the severity of heart failure.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Introduction: sedation and analgesia are fundamental procedures for children undergoing invasive interventions, and complications must be avoided during their implementation. In situ simulation allows, in turn, training in real practice environments to improve the technical and non-technical skills of professionals for such procedures. Although it is a very useful tool, it is often not used due to lack of preparation for its planning and application. Objective: develop and validate an in situ simulation scenario in pediatric emergency care using sedation to perform an invasive procedure. Method: descriptive study of construction and content validation of an in situ simulation scenario, using the Delphi method, following the following steps: 1) definition of the problem and selection of experts; 2) development of the initial document; 3) rounds for validation with analysis of responses and feedback (until consensus is reached by the Content Validation Index); 4) final report. Results: The experts indicated suggestions that were duly used and the scenario obtained, in all items, a CVI greater than 80.0%, demonstrating its high validity and reliability. By using experts to validate the scenario, their insights guarantee greater precision and reliability in scenario construction engineering. Conclusion: It is expected that this study will allow the replication of the scenario in different training contexts, facilitating and encouraging professional training based on a scenario model based on best evidence and practices.

RESUMO Introdução: a sedação e analgesia são procedimentos fundamentais para crianças submetidas a intervenções invasivas, devendo-se evitar complicações durante sua realização. A simulação in situ permite, por sua vez, capacitações nos ambientes reais de prática para aprimorar as competências técnicas e não técnicas dos profissionais para tais procedimentos. Embora seja uma ferramenta de grande utilidade, muitas vezes não é aproveitada pelo despreparo para seu planejamento e aplicação. Objetivo: elaborar e validar um cenário de simulação in situ no atendimento de urgências pediátricas com uso de sedação para realização de procedimento invasivo. Método: estudo descritivo de construção e validação de conteúdo de um cenário de simulação in situ, por meio do método Delphi, seguindo os seguintes passos: 1) definição do problema e seleção de especialistas; 2) desenvolvimento do documento inicial; 3) rodadas para validação com análise das respostas e feedback (até obtenção do consenso pelo Índice de Validação de Conteúdo); 4) relatório final. Resultados: Os especialistas indicaram sugestões devidamente aproveitadas e o cenário obteve, em todos os itens, um IVC maior que 80,0% demonstrando sua alta validade e confiabilidade. Ao usar especialistas para validar o cenário, seus insights garatem maior precisão e confiabilidade à engenharia de construção dos cenários. Conclusão: espera-se, que este estudo permita a replicação do cenário em diferentes contextos de formação facilitando e incentivando a capacitação profissional a partir de um modelo de cenário baseado em melhores evidências e práticas.

RESUMO

RESUMO Introdução: O atendimento médico de emergência é uma situação complexa, na qual o paciente necessita de cuidado seguro e de alta qualidade. Para evitar falhas, é necessário não apenas o conhecimento técnico, mas também competências não técnicas. O Crisis Resource Management (CRM) é um método de treinamento criado na aviação que tem ganhado amplo uso em diversos cenários médicos, com o intuito de diminuir erros e falhas, garantindo um atendimento mais efetivo e aprimorando as competências de CRM. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho de estudantes de Medicina em atendimento simulado de emergência antes e depois de um debriefing estruturado com conceitos de CRM. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal, analítico e quase-experimental com abordagem quantitativa, com avaliação antes e depois de debriefing com conceitos de CRM, em um mesmo grupo de participantes. Os participantes receberam treinamento prévio sobre competências técnicas, para nivelamento. Utilizaram-se um formulário de avaliação de competências técnicas e um formulário de avaliação de competências de CRM. Os dados foram apresentados em análises descritivas e as comparações de variáveis contínuas com distribuição normal foram analisadas pelo teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Participaram 21 estudantes de Medicina. As competências técnicas, avaliadas em grupo, apresentaram melhora sem variação significativa. Na análise do desempenho individual relacionado às competências de CRM, a maioria dos itens teve aumento da pontuação média após a realização do treinamento sobre CRM, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes. Conclusão: O debriefing, como ferramenta de ensino de princípios de CRM, é capaz de aumentar o desempenho de equipes quando analisadas competências de CRM, fato que tem importante impacto na melhoria da qualidade assistencial e segurança do paciente, durante atendimento de emergência.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Emergency medical care is a complex situation in which the patient needs safe and high-quality care. To avoid errors, physicians must have both technical knowledge and nontechnical competencies. Crisis Resource Management (CRM) is a training method created in aviation that has gained wide use in several medical settings. CRM aims to reduce errors, ensure more effective care, and improve CRM competencies. Objective: This study aimed to compare the performance of medical students in simulated emergency care before and after undergoing a structured debriefing on CRM. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical, and quasi-experimental study evaluated participants before and after undergoing a debriefing on CRM. The participants received prior training on technical competencies for leveling. Technical and nontechnical competencies were assessed using two different forms. A descriptive analysis was performed, and continuous variables with normal distribution were compared using Student's t test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-one medical students were included in the study. Technical competencies were assessed as a team and showed improvement, but with no significant variation. CRM competencies were assessed individually; most items had a significantly increased mean score after CRM training, with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The debriefing as a tool for CRM training is able to improve nontechnical competencies in teams, which has an important impact on improving the quality of care and patient safety during emergency care.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Quantify the risk of mental health (MH)-related emergency department visits (EDVs) due to heat, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. DESIGN: Daily time series analysis, using quasi-Poisson combined with distributed lag non-linear model on EDV for MH disorders, from 2017 to 2021. SETTING: All nine emergency centres from the public health system, in Curitiba. PARTICIPANTS: 101 452 EDVs for MH disorders and suicide attempts over 5 years, from patients residing inside the territory of Curitiba. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Relative risk of EDV (RREDV) due to extreme mean temperature (24.5°C, 99th percentile) relative to the median (18.02°C), controlling for long-term trends, air pollution and humidity, and measuring effects delayed up to 10 days. RESULTS: Extreme heat was associated with higher single-lag EDV risk of RREDV 1.03(95% CI 1.01 to 1.05-single-lag 2), and cumulatively of RREDV 1.15 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.26-lag-cumulative 0-6). Strong risk was observed for patients with suicide attempts (RREDV 1.85, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.16) and neurotic disorders (RREDV 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.31). As to demographic subgroups, females (RREDV 1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.34) and patients aged 18-64 (RREDV 1.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30) were significantly endangered. Extreme heat resulted in lower risks of EDV for patients with organic disorders (RREDV 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89), personality disorders (RREDV 0.48, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.91) and MH in general in the elderly ≥65 (RREDV 0.77, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.98). We found no significant RREDV among males and patients aged 0-17. CONCLUSION: The risk of MH-related EDV due to heat is elevated for the entire study population, but very differentiated by subgroups. This opens avenue for adaptation policies in healthcare: such as monitoring populations at risk and establishing an early warning systems to prevent exacerbation of MH episodes and to reduce suicide attempts. Further studies are welcome, why the reported risk differences occur and what, if any, role healthcare seeking barriers might play.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción: Los intensivistas son gerentes asistenciales que toman decisiones en situaciones de estrés, por lo que su desempeño no solo depende del conocimiento técnico, sino también de las competencias gerenciales que alcancen. Objetivo: Identificar las competencias profesionales gerenciales para el desempeño de los intensivistas cubanos en la actualidad. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de desarrollo con enfoque mixto, desde junio hasta octubre del 2021. Se emplean métodos teóricos y empíricos, entre los que se encuentran sujetos clave y un cuestionario en el que se pone a consideración de expertos, por método Delphi, las dieciséis competencias gerenciales del modelo por competencias profesionales del especialista en MIE, se utilizó Alfa de Cronbach y análisis de desligamiento multidimensional. Resultados: El Alfa de Cronbach global y por ítems del cuestionario resultó ser alto. En el análisis de desligamiento multidimensional resultó que, de las 16 competencias analizadas, diez se correlacionan entre sí y seis se disgregan del resto. Conclusión: Fueron identificadas tres competencias profesionales gerenciales con diez elementos de competencias imprescindibles para el desempeño de los especialistas en MIE y se evidencia que el desarrollo de la esfera gerencial es esencial en el desempeño de los intensivistas en la actualidad(AU)

Introduction: Intensivists are care managers who make decisions in stressful situations, so their performance not only depends on technical knowledge, but also on the managerial skills they accomplish. Objective: To identify the managerial professional proficiencies for the performance of Cuban intensivists nowadays. Methods: A development research was carried out with a mixed approach, from June to October 2021. Theoretical and empirical methods are used, among which are key individuals are considered beside a questionnaire assessed by experts, by Delphi method, sixteen managerial capabilities of the model by professional capabilities of a MIE specialist. Cronbach's Alpha and multidimensional disengagement analysis were used. Results: The global Cronbach's Alpha and by items of the questionnaire turned out to be high. In the multidimensional decoupling analysis, it turned out that, out of the 16 competencies analyzed, 10 are correlated with each other and six are disaggregated from the rest. Conclusion: Three managerial professional proficiencies were identified with 10 elements of essential proficiencies for the performance of MIE specialists and it is evident that the development of the managerial sphere is essential in the performance of intensivists these days(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción: La anafilaxia es una reacción multisistémica potencialmente mortal; su reconocimiento temprano y abordaje oportuno son fundamentales. La variabilidad de presentación y gravedad requieren la utilización de criterios diagnósticos para la mejora de la atención en urgencias. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, criterios de diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con anafilaxia atendidos en un Departamento de Emergencias Pediátricas (DEP). Materiales y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva, descriptiva, de casos ingresados en el DEP de enero 2015 a diciembre 2020. Los criterios diagnósticos fueron aplicados por dos observadores emergentólogos evaluando la concordancia con el índice к de Cohen. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva: proporciones, medianas y rango intercuartílico. Resultados: Se aplicaron los criterios NIAID/FAAN a 65 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de egreso de anafilaxia encontrándose una concordancia de 0,64 (IC 95%: 0,41-0,88). De ellos, 35 (54%) cumplieron los criterios diagnósticos. El 66% (23/35) recibió adrenalina. La mediana de edad fue de 7 años (RIC: 3-11,5). Antecedente de asma en 9/35, atopia en 7/35 y anafilaxia previa en 7/35. Como factor desencadenante se constató consumo de medicamentos en 16/35, alimentos en 8/35. La estadía hospitalaria tuvo una mediana de 18 horas (RIC: 12-24). Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren una brecha entre identificación precisa de los casos de anafilaxia y el tratamiento oportuno con adrenalina cuando se utilizan criterios estandarizados.

Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal multisystem reaction; early recognition and timely approach are essential. The variability in its presentation and severity requires the use of diagnostic criteria to improve emergency care. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria and treatment of patients with anaphylaxis treated in a Pediatric Emergency Department (PED). Materials and methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive review of cases admitted to the PED from January 2015 to December 2020. The diagnostic criteria were applied by two emergentologist observers; Cohen's к index was used to evaluate their agreement. Descriptive statistics were used: proportions, medians and interquartile range. Results: The NIAID/FAAN criteria were applied to 65 medical records with a discharge diagnosis of anaphylaxis, finding an agreement of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.41-0.88). Of these, 35 (54%) met the diagnostic criteria. 66% (23/35) received adrenaline. The median age was 7 years (IQR: 3-11.5). 9/35 had a history of asthma, 7/35 had atopy and previous anaphylaxis was noted in 7/35. As a triggering factor, medication consumption was found in 16/35, and food in 8/35. The hospital stay had a median of 18 hours (IQR: 12-24). Conclusions: The results suggest a gap between accurate recognition of anaphylaxis cases and timely treatment with adrenaline when standardized criteria are used.

RESUMO

Resumen Introducción: La disección carotídea consiste en el desgarro de la pared del vaso. Es una patología infrecuente, pero es la causa más común de enfermedad vascular cerebral (EVC) isquémica en personas menores de 45 años. Las manifestaciones clínicas son muy variables. Método: Utilizamos las recomendaciones CARE para el reporte de casos clínicos. Caso clínico: Hombre de 45 años previamente sano, con debilidad aguda de la extremidad torácica derecha sin causa aparente. La tomografía simple de cráneo no evidenció alteraciones. La resonancia magnética mostró una oclusión completa de la arteria carótida interna en todos sus segmentos y disminución del flujo de la arteria cerebral media izquierda. La evolución clínica fue desfavorable. Conclusión: La disección carotídea debe sospecharse en personas con EVC sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Carotid dissection consists of a tear in the vessel wall. It is a rare pathology, but it is the most common cause of ischemic cerebral vascular disease (CVD) in people under 45 years of age. The clinical manifestations are very variable. Method: We used CARE recommendations for reporting clinical cases. Clinical case: Previously, a healthy 45-year-old man with acute weakness of the right thoracic extremity without apparent cause. The simple skull tomography did not show any alterations. MRI showed complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery in all its segments and decreased flow of the left middle cerebral artery. The clinical evolution was unfavorable. Conclusion: Carotid dissection should be suspected in people with CVD without cardiovascular risk factors.

RESUMO

Background: Limited data exist on the outcomes of patients requiring invasive ventilation or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in low-income countries. To our knowledge, no study has investigated this topic in Haiti. Objectives: We describe the clinical epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of patients requiring NIPPV or intubation in an emergency department (ED) in rural Haiti. Methods: This is an observational study utilizing a convenience sample of adult and pediatric patients requiring NIPPV or intubation in the ED at an academic hospital in central Haiti from January 2019-February 2021. Patients were prospectively identified at the time of clinical care. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, management, and ED disposition were extracted from patient charts using a standardized form and analyzed in SAS v9.4. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Findings: Of 46 patients, 27 (58.7%) were female, mean age was 31 years, and 14 (30.4%) were pediatric (age <18 years). Common diagnoses were cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pneumonia/pulmonary sepsis, and severe asthma. Twenty-three (50.0%) patients were initially treated with NIPPV, with 4 requiring intubation; a total of 27 (58.7%) patients were intubated. Among those for whom intubation success was documented, first-pass success was 57.7% and overall success was 100% (one record missing data); intubation was associated with few immediate complications. Twenty-two (47.8%) patients died in the ED. Of the 24 patients who survived, 4 were discharged, 19 (intubation: 12; NIPPV: 9) were admitted to the intensive care unit or general ward, and 1 was transferred. Survival to discharge was 34.8% (intubation: 22.2%; NIPPV: 52.2%); 1 patient left against medical advice following admission. Conclusions: Patients with acute respiratory failure in this Haitian ED were successfully treated with both NIPPV and intubation. While overall survival to discharge remains relatively low, this study supports developing capacity for advanced respiratory interventions in low-resource settings.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Serious soft tissue infections in the spectrum of rapidly progressive necrosis of the fascia and subcutaneous tissue represent a clinical challenge in emergency department clinical practice. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a presentation thereof that compromises the urogenital area. A low threshold of clinical suspicion complementary to laboratory evaluation and imaging is necessary to act rapidly and perform diagnostic and therapeutic surgical intervention for this condition. The present study reported the case of a 63-year-old woman who was admitted with buttock skin changes for 72 h. The diagnostic impression was septic shock due to FG. Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) was performed, indicating free fluid in the muscle planes, discontinuity of the muscle fascia and the presence of gas in the subcutaneous cellular tissue. The patient was taken to surgery 2 h after admission. PoCUS was indicated to have an acceptable diagnostic performance that may optimize the care of this type of patient depending on the conditions of the emergency department and the availability of other resources.

RESUMO

Introduction. Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST) can be performed with minimal training and achieve ideal results. It allows easy transport and use in austere environments such as the Colombian Caribbean, where many centers do not have 24-hour radiology services. The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the use of E-FAST in the evaluation of trauma by second-year general surgery residents in the emergency department. Methods. Retrospective observational study that evaluated the diagnostic performance of E-FAST with Butterfly IQ, in patients with thoracoabdominal trauma, who attended a referral center in the Colombian Caribbean between November 2021 and July 2022. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated, compared with intraoperative findings or conventional imaging. Results. A total of 46 patients were included, with a mean age of 31.2 ± 13.8 years, 87.4% (n=39) were male. The main mechanism of trauma was penetrating (n=32; 69.5%). It was found that 80.4% (n=37) of the patients had a positive E-FAST result, and of these, 97% (n=35) had a positive intraoperative finding. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92.1%, 75%, 94.6%, and 66.6%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 3.68, while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.10. Conclusion. General surgery residents have the competence to perform accurate E-FAST scans. The hand-held ultrasound device is an effective diagnostic tool for trauma and acute care surgery patients.

Introducción. La evaluación enfocada extendida con ecografía en trauma (E-FAST, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma) puede realizarse con entrenamiento mínimo y lograr resultados ideales. Su fácil transporte permite usarla en entornos austeros, como el Caribe colombiano, donde muchos centros no disponen de servicio radiológico las 24 horas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el rendimiento del uso de E-FAST por residentes de cirugía general de segundo año en la evaluación del paciente con trauma en urgencias. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo que evaluó el rendimiento diagnóstico de E-FAST con Butterfly IQ, en pacientes con trauma toracoabdominal que acudieron a un centro de referencia del Caribe colombiano, entre noviembre de 2021 y julio de 2022. Se evaluaron sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivo y negativo, comparando la descripción de la ecografía con los hallazgos intraoperatorios o imagenología convencional. Resultados. Se incluyeron un total de 46 pacientes, con una media de edad de 31,2 ± 13,8 años, siendo el 87,4 % (n=39) hombres. El principal mecanismo de trauma fue penetrante (n=32; 69,5 %). Se encontró que el 80,4 % (n=37) de los pacientes tuvo resultado E-FAST positivo, y que, de estos, el 97 % (n=35) tuvo un hallazgo positivo intraoperatorio. Se calculó una sensibilidad de 92,1 %, especificidad de 75 %, valor predictivo positivo de 94,6 % y negativo de 66,6 %; la razón de verosimilitud positiva fue de 3,68 y la negativa de 0,10. Conclusión. Los residentes de cirugía general están capacitados para realizar exploraciones E-FAST precisas. El ecógrafo portátil es una herramienta de diagnóstico eficaz para pacientes traumatizados.

Assuntos

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Conflicting evidence exists on the choice of surgical or non-surgical treatment of flail chest injuries. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing outcomes in patients presenting flail chest undergoing surgical or non-surgical treatment. METHODS: Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgery to no surgery in patients with acute unstable chest wall injuries. We computed weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. RESULTS: Six RCTs (544 patients) were included, and surgical treatment was used in 269 (49.4%). Compared to no surgery, surgery reduced mechanical ventilation days (WMD - 4.34, 95% CI - 6.98, - 1.69; p < 0.01; I2 = 87%; GRADE: very low; PI - 13.51, 4.84); length of intensive care unit stay (WMD - 4.62, 95% CI - 7.19, - 2.05; p < 0.01; I2 = 78%; GRADE: low; PI - 12.86, 3.61) and the incidence of pneumonia (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31, 0.81; p = 0.005; I2 = 54%; GRADE: moderate; PI 0.13, 1.91). No difference in mortality (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.19, 1.65; p = 0.27; I2 = 23%; GRADE: moderate; PI 0.04, 7.25), length of hospital stay (WMD - 5.39, 95% CI - 11.38, - 0.60; p = 0.08; I2 = 89%; GRADE: very low; PI - 11.38, 0.60), or need for tracheostomy (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.34, 1.03; p = 0.06; I2 = 54%; GRADE: moderate; PI 0.11, 3.24) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that surgical treatment is advantageous compared to non-surgical treatment for patients with flail chest secondary to rib fractures.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Penetrating arrow injuries of the head and neck are exceedingly rare in pediatric patients. This pathology has high morbidity and mortality because of the presence of vital organs, the airway, and large vessels. Therefore, the treatment and removal of an arrow is a challenge that requires multidisciplinary management. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room after an arrow injury to the frontal region. The arrowhead was lodged in the oropharynx. Imaging studies showed a lesion of the paranasal sinuses without compromising vital structures. The arrow was successfully removed by retrograde nasoendoscopy without complications, and the patient was discharged. CONCLUSION: Although rare, maxillofacial arrow injuries have high morbidity and mortality and require multidisciplinary management to preserve function and aesthetics.