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The burden of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) continue to plague the healthcare system. One approach to managing moderate-to-severe ABSSSI in low-risk patients involves use of a single dose lipoglycopeptide (LGP), dalbavancin or oritavancin, in the emergency department (ED) and discharge to home with follow-up care. Limited ED studies indicate decreased hospital stays, ED revisits, readmissions, and healthcare costs, as well as improved patient satisfaction with use of these antibiotics. However, existing literature has limitations and gaps, such as insufficient quantifiable data on patient selection criteria, outcome predictors, and risk factors leading to treatment failure. Moreover, there is lack of research on the impact of LGPs on organizational productivity, patient quality of life, and utility in indications beyond ABSSSI. This review focuses on the role of long-acting LGPs in the ED setting for select patients presenting with ABSSSI, aiming to avoid hospitalizations, expedite patient discharge, and prevent readmissions while acknowledging potential limitations of therapy. Additionally, it provides insights into strategies and considerations specifically relevant to implementing this therapeutic approach in the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preferred vasopressor in post-cardiac arrest shock has not been established with robust clinical outcomes data. Our goal was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing rates of in-hospital mortality, refractory shock, and hemodynamic parameters in post-cardiac arrest patients who received either norepinephrine or epinephrine as primary vasopressor support. We conducted a search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from 2000 to 2022. Included studies were prospective, retrospective, or published abstracts comparing norepinephrine and epinephrine in adults with post-cardiac arrest shock or with cardiogenic shock and extractable post-cardiac arrest data. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes included incidence of arrhythmias or refractory shock. The database search returned 2646 studies. Two studies involving 853 participants were included in the systematic review. The proposed meta-analysis was deferred due to low yield. Crude incidence of in-hospital mortality was numerically higher in the epinephrine group compared with norepinephrine in both studies, but only statistically significant in one. Risk of bias was moderate to severe for in-hospital mortality. Additional outcomes were reported differently between studies, minimizing direct comparison. The vasopressor with the best mortality and hemodynamic outcomes in post-cardiac arrest shock remains unclear. Randomized studies are crucial to remedy this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended-release formulations of buprenorphine offer less frequent dosing, provide consistent medication delivery, and improve adherence for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Although buprenorphine is a partial agonist with seemingly less precipitated withdrawal and easier initiation than full opioid agonists used for OUD, its use is not benign and understanding of the different extended-release formulations is necessary. We report a case of a patient that received a long-acting buprenorphine formulation (Sublocade®) administered subcutaneously that presented to the emergency department with tachycardia, hyperglycemia, elevated anion gap, and sustained nausea and vomiting refractory to pharmacotherapy requiring surgical removal of the buprenorphine depot for resolution of nausea and vomiting symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Describe a dose rounding strategy for rabies immune globulin (RIG) administration.Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, observational review of patients that received RIG following an exposure from an animal with potential to transmit rabies infection in one health-system from March 2011 through December 2021. The primary outcome was to describe the RIG dose rounding strategy and population of patients that received RIG rounded to the nearest vial size compared to those that did not. Secondary outcomes evaluated additional costs and RIG international units (IU) wasted that could have occurred (rounded group) or did occur (not rounded group), re-presentation to the ED or primary care provider (PCP) within 7 days due to RIG related complaint, and occurrence of rabies infection. Data collection included patient demographics, exposure information, and RIG dose administered. Descriptive data and univariate analyses are reported. Cost and RIG IU wasted were calculated for the dosing strategies.Results: 426 patients were included; 373 (88%) had RIG rounded to the nearest vial size and 53 (12%) did not (mean age 36.1 years ±20.5, 51.6% male, most common exposures were bats [50%], type was bite [58%], and category III exposures [92%]). Those that had RIG rounded were younger and had lower total RIG doses, but similar IU/kg doses to those not rounded. A cost savings of $144,815 and prevention of 40,572 RIG IU wasted was calculated from those patients that had RIG rounded. There was no difference in the rate of re-presentation within 7 days and no cases of human rabies infection in the region during the study period.Conclusions: RIG dose rounding to the nearest vial size is associated with cost savings and prevention of wasting RIG IU. There was no association with re-presentation to the ED or PCP with RIG related issues within 7 days from administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluate the appropriateness of the timing of serum samples collected in the emergency department (ED) for tacrolimus (TAC) measurement.Methods: Single-center, retrospective review of TAC samples collected in the ED from September 1 to October 31, 2017. The primary evaluation was incidence of inappropriate sample collection for TAC measurement, defined as samples not collected 12 h (±2 h; 10-14 h) after the last dose, or within 2 h of the next dose if last known dose time was not documented. Incidence of repeat TAC measurements obtained within 24 h of ED presentation (if initial sample collection inappropriate), inappropriate TAC regimen adjustments, and healthcare costs of inappropriate TAC measurements was evaluated. Data collection included patient demographics, ED visit information, TAC measurement and timing related to last or next dose, changes to TAC regimen, and ED disposition. Descriptive data are reported.Results: Sixty-two patients were included. Forty-one (66%) initial TAC measurements were collected inappropriately in the ED. No patients had a regimen adjustment as a result of inappropriate concentration collection, but 32 patients (78%) did require a repeat measurement within 24 h of ED presentation due to initial inappropriate collection. Costs associated with incorrectly collected TAC measurements were $2,647.78 for the two-month time period and this is extrapolated to an estimated $15,886.68 annual expense for patients.Conclusions: Inappropriate sample collection for TAC measurements was common in the ED, resulting in frequent repeat laboratory draws and increased healthcare costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluate opioid prescribing before and after emergency department (ED) renal colic guideline implementation focused on multi-modal pain management.Methods: Retrospective study of ED patients who received analgesia for urolithiasis before and after guideline implementation. The guideline recommends oral acetaminophen, intravenous (IV) ketorolac, and a fluid bolus as first line, IV lidocaine as second line, and opioids as refractory therapy to control pain. Opioid exposure, adverse effects, length of stay (LOS), and ED representation were evaluated. Comparisons were made with univariate analyses. Backwards stepwise binomial multivariate logistic regression to identify factors related to opioid use was performed.Results: Overall, 962 patients were included (451 pre- and 511 post-implementation). ED and discharge opioid use decreased; 65% vs. 58% and 71% vs. 63% in pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. More post-implementation patients received non-opioid analgesia (65% vs. 56%) and non-opioid analgesia prior to opioids (50% vs. 38%). A longer ED LOS and higher initial pain score were associated with ED opioid administration. Guideline implementation, receiving non-opioid therapy first, and first renal colic episode were associated with decreased ED opioid administration. Seventeen adverse events (1.8%) were reported. There was no difference in change in ED pain score between groups, but patients in the post-implementation group were admitted more and had a higher 7-day ED representation (11% vs. 7%).Conclusions: A multimodal analgesia protocol for renal colic was associated with decreased opioid prescribing, higher rates of admission to the hospital, and a higher 7-day ED representation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluate push dose vasopressor (PDP) practice patterns, efficacy, and safety in critically ill patients.Methods: Critically ill patients receiving phenylephrine or ephedrine PDP from November 2015-March 2017 were included. Patient demographics, medication administration details, vital signs pre- and post-administration, adverse effects, and medications errors were collected. Descriptive data are presented and comparisons were made with paired samples t-test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Chi-squared analysis or Fisher's Exact Test as appropriate.Results: A total of 146 patients (155 PDP events) were included; mean age 64.5 ± 13.3 years and 66.4% males, respiratory failure (39.8%) or sepsis (24.9%) admission diagnosis. The surgical intensive care unit (ICU) (44.5%) and medical ICU (33.6%) used PDPs most often, and during the peri-intubation period (57.3%) or for other transient hypotension (38.2%). Following PDP, mean systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and heart rate (HR) increased 32.5% (80 to 106 mmHg), 27.2% (48 to 61 mmHg), and 6.4% (93 to 99 bpm), respectively. There were 17 (11.6%) adverse events; most often related to excessive increases in BP or HR and one incidence of dysrhythmia. Thirteen patients (11.2%) had a dose related medication error (phenylephrine dose >200 μg or ephedrine dose >25 mg), nine (6.2%) received PDP with normal/elevated hemodynamics (systolic BP > 100 mmHg or HR > 160 bpm) and 15% while on a continuous infusion vasopressor.Conclusion: PDPs were used in a variety of patient diagnoses and for select indications. Overall, they were efficacious but associated with adverse drug events and medication errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergency department (ED) is a fast-paced, high-risk, and often overburdened work environment. Formal policy statements from several notable organizations, including the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), have recognized the importance of clinical pharmacists in the emergency medicine (EM) setting. EM clinical pharmacists work alongside emergency physicians and nurses at the bedside to optimize pharmacotherapy, improve patient safety, increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness of care, facilitate antibiotic stewardship, educate patients and clinicians, and contribute to scholarly efforts. This paper examines the history of EM clinical pharmacists and associated training programs, the diverse responsibilities and roles of EM clinical pharmacists, their impact on clinical and financial outcomes, and proposes a conceptual model for EM clinical pharmacist integration into ED patient care. Finally, barriers to implementing EM clinical pharmacy programs and limitations are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize hypoglycemia management and identify characteristics associated with refractory (need for additional treatment following initial management) and recurrent (adequate initial treatment followed by blood glucose [BG] ≤50 mg/dL) hypoglycemia.Methods: Retrospective review of adult emergency department (ED) patients who presented to a large academic medical center with hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 50 mg/dL) between January 2011 and July 2015. Data collection focused on BG measurements and treatment practices. Data are reported using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ2 analysis as appropriate.Results: Two hundred forty-four patients were included (mean age, 59 ± 18.7 years; weight, 85 ± 24.3 kg). Patients arriving via prehospital care (n = 124) were assessed faster in the ED (median, 25 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 10-40 minutes) compared with ambulatory arrival (median, 43 minutes; IQR, 17-95 minutes; P = .0018). There were 174 patients with a BG ≤ 50 mg/dL in the ED. Of those, 108 (62.1%) were treated with intravascular bolus dextrose/intramuscular glucagon and 21 patients (12%) did not receive any treatment or food. The overall median time to treatment after identification of hypoglycemia was 12 minutes (IQR, 6-27.8 minutes); treatment was administered faster after bedside point-of-care testing assessment compared with when serum samples resulted (11 [IQR, 6-23.5] minutes vs 25 [IQR, 10.75-42.5] minutes, respectively; P = .015). The overall time to repeat BG was obtained 22 (IQR, 8-44) minutes after bolus treatment, but this interval increased with subsequent measurements. Refractory or recurrent hypoglycemia occurred in 30.3% of patients. Mean initial BG was lower in the subset of patients who developed refractory hypoglycemia compared with those who did not (35.1 ± 9.8 vs 37.6 ± 10.2 mg/dL, P = .079), although not statistically significant. Patients with recurrent hypoglycemia were also less likely to receive dextrose containing intravenous fluids compared with those without recurrent hypoglycemia (P = .028). Infection was the only associated characteristic with refractory or recurrent hypoglycemia (P = .021).Conclusions: Overall, 12% of patients did not receive treatment for hypoglycemia in the ED with a BG ≤ 50 mg/dL. Time to treatment after identification was faster when identified by care testing vs serum sample result. Time to repeat BG in the ED was relatively quick, but did increase over time. About one-third of patients had refractory or recurrent hypoglycemia and infection was associated with this occurrence. Lack of dextrose containing intravenous fluid was associated with the incidence of recurrent hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Glucagon is thought to decrease lower esophageal sphincter tone and is used as an alternative to invasive endoscopy for esophageal foreign body impaction (EFBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of glucagon and identify characteristics associated with success.Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study of patients receiving glucagon for EFBI at 2 academic emergency departments was conducted between 2006 and 2010. A control group of patients that did not receive glucagon was evaluated. Data collection included demographics, type of foreign body, glucagon dose, resolution of impaction, incidence of vomiting, additional medication, and endoscopy required. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed as appropriate.Results: A total of 133 doses of glucagon were administered in 127 patients. Glucagon-related resolution of EFBI occurred in 18 patients (14.2%) and vomiting in 16 patients (12.6%). No statistical differences between successful and unsuccessful groups were seen with the exception of concomitant medication administration (benzodiazepine or nitroglycerin) being associated with less glucagon success, 33.3% vs 59.6%, respectively (P = .04). Eighty-four percent of patients in the unsuccessful group underwent endoscopy. Comparing those that received glucagon (n = 127) and the control group (n = 29), there was no significant difference in resolution of EFBI, 14.2% vs 10.3%, respectively (P = .586).Conclusions: Glucagon-related resolution occurred in 14.2% of patients and was not significantly different compared with those that did not receive glucagon (10.3%). Concomitant medication administration was associated with lower success. Overall, glucagon had a low success rate, was related to adverse effects, and does not offer advantages for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Previous studies have suggested the used of off-label recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) increases the risk of thromboembolic events, but the effect of the dose of rFVIIa is not well described in the literature. Materials and Methods: All adult patients that received off-label rFVIIa from 2005-2012 were included in this single-center, retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a thromboembolic event in the low dose (<50mcg/kg) compared to the high dose (≥50mcg/kg) cohort. Secondary endpoints compared time to thromboembolic event, incidence of arterial compared to venous events, and mortality. Results: There were 152 patients that received rFVIIa during the study period with 66 in the low dose cohort and 86 in the high dose cohort. Mean total dose of rFVIIa was 30.2mcg/kg (SD±9.5mcg/kg) in the low dose and 99.8mcg/kg (SD±64.7mcg/kg) in the high dose cohort (p=0.0001). The overall incidence of thromboembolic events was 12.5%. There were 12 (14%) events in the low dose cohort and seven (10.6%) in the high dose cohort, RR=0.76 (95% CI 0.31-1.82). There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes. A higher incidence of thromboembolic events in cardiothoracic surgery (20.8%) and penetrating trauma patients (21.4%) was seen compared to the remaining cohort (6.7%). Conclusions: No significant difference in the incidence of thromboembolic events was seen between low dose versus high dose rFVIIa over a seven year period at our institution. However, due to the relatively low overall incidence and a small sample size, type II error may be present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine the activities of pharmacists that lead to medication error interception in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study conducted in 4 geographically diverse academic and community EDs in the United States. Each site had clinical pharmacy services. Pharmacists at each site recorded their medication error interceptions for 250 hours of cumulative time when present in the ED (1,000 hours total for all 4 sites). Items recorded included the activities of the pharmacist that led to medication error interception, type of orders, phase of medication use process, and type of error. Independent evaluators reviewed all medication errors. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables. Results: A total of 16,446 patients presented to the EDs during the study, resulting in 364 confirmed medication error interceptions by pharmacists. The pharmacists'' activities that led to medication error interception were as follows: involvement in consultative activities (n=187; 51.4%), review of medication orders (n=127; 34.9%), and other (n=50; 13.7%). The types of orders resulting in medication error interceptions were written or computerized orders (n=198; 54.4%), verbal orders (n=119; 32.7%), and other (n=47; 12.9%). Most medication error interceptions occurred during the prescribing phase of the medication use process (n=300; 82.4%) and the most common type of error was wrong dose (n=161; 44.2%). Conclusion: Pharmacists'' review of written or computerized medication orders accounts for only a third of medication error interceptions. Most medication error interceptions occur during consultative activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Current guidelines recommend door-to-balloon times of 90min or less for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objectives: To determine if a clinical pharmacist for the ED (EPh) is associated with decreased door/diagnosis-to-cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) time and decreased door-to-balloon time. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study of ED patients with STEMI requiring urgent cardiac catheterization was conducted. Blinded data collection included timing of ED and CCL arrival, diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG), and balloon angioplasty. For cases diagnosed after ED arrival, diagnosis time was substituted for door time. Diagnosis was the time ST elevations were evident on serial ECG. EPh present and not-present groups were compared. During the study period there were two EPhs and presence was determined by their scheduled time in the ED. Univariate and multivariate analyses was used to detect differences. Results: Multivariate analysis of 120 patients, controlled for CCL staff presence and arrival by pre-hospital services, determined that EPh presence is associated with a mean 13.1-min (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5–21.9) and 11.5-min (95% CI 3.9–21.5) decrease in door/diagnosis-to-CCL and door-to-balloon times, respectively. Patients were more likely to achieve a door/diagnosis-to-CCL time≤30min (odds ratio [OR] 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.8) and≤45min (OR 2.9, 95% CI–1.0, 8.5) and a door-to-balloon time≤90min (OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.7–5.5) more likely when the EPh was present. Conclusions: EPh presence during STEMI presentation to the ED is independently associated with a decrease in door/diagnosis-to-CCL and door-to-balloon times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a case of superior mesenteric artery thrombosis after the abrupt discontinuation of rivaroxaban in a 59-year-old male patient. The initial presentation was of sudden onset abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hematochezia in the setting of recently holding rivaroxaban anticoagulation for an atrial flutter ablative procedure. Imaging revealed thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery and acute mesenteric ischemia requiring emergent surgical intervention for embolectomy. Upon exploratory laparotomy, the bowel was found to be viable, and an embolectomy with patch angioplasty was successful without complication. This case illustrates the need for emergency medicine clinician familiarity with this possible medication adverse event with rivaroxaban. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Detection of accurate temperature in the emergency department (ED) is integral for assessment, treatment, and disposition. The primary objective was to compare temperature measurements from noninvasive temperature devices in the adult ED. The secondary objective was to evaluate the discrepancy between febrile and afebrile patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of adult patients presenting to the ED. Patients who required a temperature measurement based on standard of care were included. Data collection included oral and temporal artery (TA) temperature measurement taken consecutively. Data were evaluated using the paired Student's t test. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were identified. Mean oral temperature was 37.51°C (SD ±1.25), and mean TA temperature was 37.03°C (SD ±0.94). The mean difference was 0.48°C (SD ±0.8), P < .0001. Overall, 49% of patients had a difference in temperature measurements greater than or equal to 0.5°C. There were 47 febrile patients, determined by a measurement greater than 38°C on oral or TA thermometer. The mean temperature difference in these patients was 0.87°C (SD ±0.85) compared with a mean temperature difference of 0.12°C (SD ±0.55) in the afebrile patients, P < .0001. A total of 57% of fevers recorded by the oral thermometer were not recorded by the TA thermometer. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference in measured temperatures between oral and TA thermometers and a clinically significant difference in 49% of patients. Febrile patients had a greater discrepancy and variability between noninvasive temperature measurements. Caution should be taken when evaluating temperature measurements with these noninvasive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxocobalamin is used for cyanide toxicity after smoke inhalation, but diagnosis is challenging. Retrospective studies have associated hydroxocobalamin with acute kidney injury (AKI). This is a retrospective analysis of patients receiving hydroxocobalamin for suspected cyanide toxicity. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients meeting predefined appropriate use criteria defined as ≥1 of the following: serum lactate ≥8 mmol/L, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg, new-onset seizure, cardiac arrest, or respiratory arrest. Secondary outcomes included incidence of AKI, pneumonia, resolution of initial neurologic symptoms, and in-hospital mortality. Forty-six patients were included; 35 (76%) met the primary outcome. All met appropriate use criteria due to respiratory arrest, 15 (43%) for lactate, 14 (40%) for SBP, 12 (34%) for cardiac arrest. AKI, pneumonia, and resolution of neurologic symptoms occurred in 30%, 21%, and 49% of patients, respectively. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients meeting criteria, 49% vs. 9% (95% CI 0.16, 0.64). When appropriate use criteria were modified to exclude respiratory arrest in a post-hoc analysis, differences were maintained, suggesting respiratory arrest alone is not a critical component to determine hydroxocobalamin administration. Predefined appropriate use criteria identify severely ill smoke inhalation victims and provides hydroxocobalamin treatment guidance. • Clinical use criteria may identify appropriate candidates for hydroxocobalamin treatment. • Criteria applied: hypotension, cardiac or respiratory arrest, seizure, or elevated lactate. • Respiratory arrest alone may not be an indicator for hydroxocobalamin treatment. • Time to treatment should be optimized at institutions using hydroxocobalamin. • Emerging associations of hydroxocobalamin with kidney injury require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani and most commonly presents as trismus or other muscle spasms. Despite the development of the tetanus toxoid vaccine, tetanus infection has not been eradicated. Additionally, while there are hypothesized protective levels of tetanus antibody, tetanus infection may still occur in properly vaccinated individuals. We report the case of a 31-year-old male that presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 2-day history of neck and jaw pain. He reports puncturing his hand with a rusty nail 10 days prior. His reported vaccination history was that he received his last booster vaccination 13 years prior to presentation. In the ED, tetanus vaccine, tetanus immune globulin, and metronidazole were administered. His symptoms improved over the next 2 days and resolved at day 6. Despite his presentation of tetanus infection and rule out of other causes for his symptoms, his tetanus antibody level was reported at 8.4 U/mL, which is considered to be protective. A tetanus antibody level that is adequate for protective immunity should not preclude a patient from treatment of tetanus infection. This case demonstrates that a thorough history, physical exam, and rule out of other causes should guide treatment when there is concern for a tetanus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to compare hemostatic efficacy rates for fixed- and variable-dose four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) for warfarin reversal. Retrospective study of patients with non-intracranial major bleeding or undergoing emergent surgery/procedure who received 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal from September 2013 through August 2020. Hemostatic efficacy at 48 h following fixed- or variable-dose 4F-PCC was evaluated using modified International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) criteria for major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of post-4F-PCC INR ≤ 1.5, in-hospital mortality, time to 4F-PCC administration, and 4F-PCC cost. Univariate analyses were completed and logistic regression used to identify patient-specific factors associated with hemostatic efficacy. A total of 265 patients, 90 (34%) fixed- and 175 (66%) variable-dose 4F-PCC, were included. Hemostatic efficacy was achieved in 34 (37.8%) and 38 (21.7%) in fixed- and variable-dose groups, respectively, p = 0.005. Achievement of INR ≤ 1.5 occurred in 55 (62.5%) in the fixed- and 120 (69.4%) in the variable-dose groups, p = 0.26, and there was no in-hospital mortality difference. Time to administration was a mean 20 min faster and cost was reduced by a mean $1881/dose in the fixed-dose group. The unadjusted odds of achieving hemostatic efficacy was 2.27 among those receiving fixed-dose compared to variable-dose 4F-PCC (95% CI 1.30, 3.98); this was not confounded by initial INR or patient weight. Fixed-dose 4F-PCC is associated with a higher likelihood of achieving hemostatic efficacy, quicker time to administration, and reduced cost compared to variable-dose 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Flunexin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for veterinary use in horses and cattle. Acepromazine is a phenothiazine derivative used in horses, dogs, and cats. Human exposure to these substances is rare. Case Report: We report a case of a human injection of two equine medications, flunixin and acepromazine, which resulted in altered mental status, respiratory alkalosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and elevation of liver transaminases in a 43-year-old woman who worked as a horse trainer. The patient intentionally self-injected these medications and subsequently presented to the Emergency Department with altered mental status and lethargy. The patient required hospitalization for metabolic abnormalities, including respiratory alkalosis, and suffered a gastrointestinal bleed requiring blood transfusion. The patient ultimately recovered with supportive measures. We believe this to be the first case of concomitant injection of flunixin and acepromazine in a human. Conclusions: This report explains a case of parenteral administration of two equine medications and the subsequent complications in a patient that presented to the Emergency Department. Human exposure to veterinary medications cannot be predicted by their effect in animals due to variations in absorption, distribution, and metabolism. Physicians should be aware that individuals who work with animals may have access to large quantities of veterinary medicine. This case also exemplifies the challenges that Emergency Physicians face on a daily basis, and generates additional consideration for overdoses and intoxications from medications that are not considered commonplace in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prothrombin complex concentrates (4F-PCC) for anticoagulation reversal pose a risk of thromboembolism although data are limited. This study aims to quantify thromboembolic events (TE) and describe associations. Retrospective, two-center, study of patients receiving 4F-PCC between September 2013 and December 2017 for warfarin or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) reversal. Primary outcome was in-hospital TE incidence and secondary outcomes were to describe characteristics associated with TE. Data are reported descriptively and analyzed with bivariate and multivariate analyses. 542 patients were included (mean age 73 ± 14 years, 58% male, 76.6% warfarin/23.4% DOAC reversal). Most had intracranial hemorrhage (68.5%) or were undergoing an emergent procedure (13.4%). Fifty patients (9.2%) experienced in-hospital TE and most (62%) occurred within 7 days of 4F-PCC. Younger age (66 vs. 74 years, p < 0.01), presence of a hypercoagulable risk factor (46% vs. 26%, p < 0.01), indication for anticoagulation (p = 0.008), higher 4F-PCC dose (2148 vs. 2000 units, p < 0.01), and longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (21.5 vs. 7 days, p < 0.01) were associated with TE following bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified anticoagulation indication of venous thromboembolism or "other" (e.g., antiphospholipid syndrome, Factor V Leiden) were independently associated with higher incidence of TE compared to receiving anticoagulation for atrial arrhythmia (p = 0.05). Hospital LOS ≥ 7 days was associated with threefold greater odds of TE compared to <7 days (p = 0.003). In-hospital TE following 4F-PCC was 9.2%, most events occurred within 7 days, and younger age, indication for anticoagulation, and LOS were independently associated with TE which may influence treatment selection. • Thromboembolic complications occur with 4F-PCC for oral anticoagulation reversal. • This is the largest cohort and highest rate reported; 50/542 (9.2%) of patients. • Most events occurred within 7 days (62%) and 42% occurred within 72 h. • Age, anticoagulation indication, and length of stay were associated with events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) may be an option for patients with bleeding unrelated to therapeutic anticoagulation to help with bleeding cessation and reduce blood component requirements. Retrospective, observational study of adult patients who received 4F-PCC for bleeding not associated with therapeutic anticoagulation between June 2019 and July 2021. Primary outcome was to describe off-label 4F-PCC use in patients not on therapeutic anticoagulation for bleeding management in surgical and non-surgical patients. Additional outcomes evaluated were blood product use, chest tube and drainage output, and coagulation studies before and after 4F-PCC administration as well as other hemostatic agent use and thromboembolic events. Seventy-six patients were included; median age 64 years (IQR 50–69), 66% of bleeding events were associated with surgery, and the majority of 4F-PCC doses ordered by cardiac surgery (68.4%). A total of 110 4F-PCC doses were administered; median 1 dose/patient (IQR 1–2), median total dose 1000 units (IQR 500–1484). Other hemostatic agents commonly administered were protamine (59%), desmopressin (43%), and tranexamic acid (42%). Packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelet, and cell saver blood administration and prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were significantly reduced following 4F-PCC administration. Eight patients (11%) experienced thromboembolic complications. Relatively low doses of 4F-PCC (median total dose 1000 units) were associated with decreased blood component requirements and improved PT, INR, and aPTT values in patients with bleeding unrelated to therapeutic anticoagulation. Other hemostatic agent use was common and thromboembolic complications occurred. • Evaluation of 4F-PCC use in bleeding patients not on therapeutic anticoagulation. • The median initial and total dose of 4F-PCC administered was 500 and 1000 units. • 4F-PCC use was associated with reduced blood product administration. • 72% of patients received other hemostatic agents in addition to 4F-PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]