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This study examined whether insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) would aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (HF) beyond N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration.IGFBP7 is associated with impaired ventricular relaxation and worse prognosis.The ICON-RELOADED (International Collaborative of NT-proBNP-Re-evaluation of Acute Diagnostic Cut-Offs in the Emergency Department) study was a prospective, multicenter clinical trial that enrolled subjects presenting with dyspnea. Six-month prognosis for death or repeat hospitalization was obtained.Among 1,449 patients, 274 (18.9%) were diagnosed with acute HF. Those with IGFBP7 concentrations in the highest quartile were older, male, had hypertension and HF, had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lowest ejection fraction (41 ± 20%; all p 0.001). Independent predictors of IGFBP7 were age, male sex, history of diabetes, history of HF, and eGFR. Median concentrations of NT-proBNP (2,844 ng/ml vs. 99 ng/ml) and IGFBP7 (146.1 ng/ml vs. 86.1 ng/ml) were higher in those with acute HF (both; p 0.001). Addition of IGFBP7 to NT-proBNP concentrations improved discrimination, therefore increasing the area under the receiver operating curve for diagnosis of acute HF (from 0.91 to 0.94; p 0.001 for differences). Addition of IGFBP7 to a complete model of independent predictors of acute HF improved model calibration. IGFBP7 significantly reclassified acute HF diagnosis beyond NT-proBNP (net reclassification index: +0.25). Higher logAmong patients with acute dyspnea, concentrations of IGFBP7 add to NT-proBNP for diagnosis of acute HF and provide added prognostic utility for short-term risk.

Purpose To review the mechanisms of action, expected efficacy and side effects of strategies to control hyperkalemia in acutely ill patients. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for relevant papers published in English between Jan 1, 1938, and July 1, 2018, in accordance with the PRISMA Statement using the following terms: “hyperkalemia,” “intensive care,” “acute kidney injury,” “acute kidney failure,” “hyperkalemia treatment,” “renal replacement therapy,” “dialysis,” “sodium bicarbonate,” “emergency,” “acute.” Reports from within the past 10 years were selected preferentially, together with highly relevant older publications. Results Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality and may cause cardiac electrophysiological disturbances in the acutely ill patient. Frequently used therapies for hyperkalemia may, however, also be associated with morbidity. Therapeutics may include the simultaneous administration of insulin and glucose (associated with frequent dysglycemic complications), β-2 agonists (associated with potential cardiac ischemia and arrhythmias), hypertonic sodium bicarbonate infusion in the acidotic patient (representing a large hypertonic sodium load) and renal replacement therapy (effective but invasive). Potassium-lowering drugs can cause rapid decrease in serum potassium level leading to cardiac hyperexcitability and rhythm disorders. Conclusions Treatment of hyperkalemia should not only focus on the ability of specific therapies to lower serum potassium level but also on their potential side effects. Tailoring treatment to the patient condition and situation may limit the risks. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13613-019-0509-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Hospitalization for low‐risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is common, expensive, and of questionable benefit. Objective The objective was to determine if low‐risk PE patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) on rivaroxaban require fewer hospital days compared to standard of care (SOC). Methods Multicenter, open‐label randomized trial in low‐risk PE defined by Hestia criteria. Adult subjects were randomized to early ED discharge on rivaroxaban or SOC. Primary outcome was total number of initial hospital hours, plus hours of hospitalization for bleeding or venous thromboembolism (VTE), 30 days after randomization. A 90‐day composite safety endpoint was defined as major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and mortality. Results Of 114 randomized subjects, 51 were early discharge and 63 were SOC. Of 112 (98.2%) receiving at least one dose of study drug, 99 (86.8%) completed the study. Initial hospital LOS was 4.8 hours versus 33.6 hours, with a mean difference of –28.8 hours (95% confidence interval [CI] = –42.55 to –15.12 hours) for early discharge versus SOC, respectively. At 90 days, mean total hospital days (for any reason) were less for early discharge than SOC, 19.2 hours versus 43.2 hours, with a mean difference of 26.4 hours (95% CI = –46.97 to –3.34 hours). At 90 days, there were no bleeding events, recurrent VTE, or deaths. The composite safety endpoint was similar in both groups, with a difference in proportions of 0.005 (95% CI = –0.18 to 0.19). Total costs were $1,496 for early discharge and $4,234 for SOC, with a median difference of $2,496 (95% CI = –$2,999 to –$2,151). Conclusions Low‐risk ED PE patients receiving early discharge on rivaroxaban have similar outcomes to SOC, but fewer total hospital days and lower costs over 30 days.

BACKGROUND: Sex‐based differences in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mortality may attenuate with age due to better symptom recognition and prompt care. HYPOTHESIS: Age is a modifier of temporal trends in sex‐based differences in ACS care. METHODS: Among 104 817 eligible patients with ACS enrolled in the AHA Get With the Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease registry between 2003 and 2008, care and in‐hospital mortality were evaluated stratified by sex and age. Temporal trends within sex and age groups were assessed for 2 care processes: percentage of STEMI patients presenting to PCI‐capable hospitals with a DTB time ≤ 90 minutes (DTB90) and proportion of eligible ACS patients receiving aspirin within 24 hours. RESULTS: After adjustment for clinical risk factors and sociodemographic and hospital characteristics, 2276 (51.7%) women and 6276 (56.9%) men with STEMI were treated with DTB90 (adjusted OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80–0.91, P

Objective Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and renal disease (RD) who receive anticoagulation therapy appear to be at greater risk of major bleeding (MB) than AF patients without RD. As observed in past studies, anticoagulants are frequently withheld from AF patients with RD due to concerns regarding bleeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and pattern of MB in those with RD, as compared to those without RD, in a population of rivaroxaban users with nonvalvular AF. Methods Electronic medical records of over 10 million patients from the Department of Defense Military Health System were queried to identify rivaroxaban users with nonvalvular AF. A validated algorithm was used to identify MB-related hospitalizations. RD was defined through diagnostic codes present within 6 months prior to the bleeding date for MB cases and end of study participation for non-MB patients. Data were collected on patient characteristics, comorbidities, MB management, and outcomes. Results Overall, 44,793 rivaroxaban users with nonvalvular AF were identified. RD was present among 6,921 patients (15.5%). Patients with RD had a higher rate of MB than those without RD, 4.52 per 100 person-years versus 2.54 per 100 person-years, respectively. The fatal bleeding outcome rate (0.09 per 100 person-years) was identical between those with and without RD. Conclusion In this post-marketing study of 44,793 rivaroxaban users with nonvalvular AF, RD patients experienced a higher MB rate than those without RD. The higher rate of MB among those with RD may be due to the confounding effects of comorbidities.

Background and Purpose— Limited real-world data exist comparing each non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who have had a previous ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods— Using MarketScan claims from January 2012 to June 2015, we identified adults newly initiated on oral anticoagulation, with ≥2 diagnosis codes for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a history of previous ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, and ≥180 days of continuous medical and prescription benefits before anticoagulation initiation. Three analyses were performed comparing 1:1 propensity score–matched cohorts of apixaban versus warfarin (n=2514), dabigatran versus warfarin (n=1962), and rivaroxaban versus warfarin (n=5208). Patients were followed until occurrence of a combined end point of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or major bleed, switch/discontinuation of index oral anticoagulation, insurance disenrollment, or end of follow-up. Mean follow-up was 0.5 to 0.6 years for all matched cohorts. Results— Using Cox regression, neither apixaban nor dabigatran reduced the combined primary end point of ischemic stroke or ICH (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–1.48 and HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.26–1.07) and had nonsignificant effect on hazards of major bleeding (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.38–1.64 and HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.26–1.27) versus warfarin. Rivaroxaban reduced the combined end point of ischemic stroke or ICH (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29–0.72) without an effect on major bleeding (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.71–1.61). ICH occurred at rates of 0.16 to 0.61 events per 100 person-years in the 3 NOAC analyses, with no significant difference for any NOAC versus warfarin. Conclusions— Results from our study of the 3 NOACs versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with a previous history of stroke/transient ischemic attack are relatively consistent with their respective phase III trials and previous stroke/transient ischemic attack subgroup analyses. All NOACs seemed no worse than warfarin in respect to ischemic stroke, ICH, or major bleeding risk.

In the EINSTEIN-Pulmonary Embolism (PE) trial, subjects randomized to rivaroxaban versus enoxaparin bridging to vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy experienced a reduced index hospital length of stay (LOS). We sought to conduct a systematic review of real-world studies comparing LOS, costs and early outcomes among patients treated with rivaroxaban or parenterally bridged VKA in routine practice.We searched Medline and Scopus from 1 January 2011 to 30 November 2016 to identify observational studies comparing acute PE patients anticoagulated with rivaroxaban or parenterally bridged VKA and reporting data on index hospital LOS, costs and/or early post-PE outcomes. Studies not using appropriate methods for minimizing confounding bias or not published in English were excluded.Five studies met inclusion criteria. Rivaroxaban use was associated with decreased index hospital LOS (range: 1.36-1.70 days) and treatment costs (range: $1818-$2688) during an index stay compared to parenterally bridged warfarin. No differences in early readmission for recurrent thrombosis were noted between anticoagulation strategies. Readmission for major bleeding was rare in both cohorts. Similar reductions in LOS (range: 0.23-4.3 days) and costs (range: $251-$7094) were observed with rivaroxaban in studies restricted to patients deemed low risk for early complications by clinical gestalt or by a clinical- or claims-based risk stratification tool.Regardless of patient predicted risk of post-PE complications, real-world studies suggest that rivaroxaban is associated with a reduced hospital LOS and costs versus parenterally bridged warfarin, without increasing readmission.

Objective Disturbances in potassium (K) levels are relatively common and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, treatments vary. Our purpose was to determine the incidence, treatments, and outcomes associated with hyperkalemia and hypokalemia in emergency department (ED) patients. Methods We performed a structured, retrospective review of electronic medical records of consecutive adult ED patients with K measured while in the ED. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as treatments, disposition, and in-hospital complications were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses, presented as adjusted odds ratios, were used to compare outcomes by K levels. Results Of 100,260 visits in 2014, an ED K level was ordered in 48,827 (49%). A total of 1,738 patients (3.6%) were excluded because of sample hemolysis. The K was low (5.0 mEq/L) in 3.6% of patients. Patients with hyperkalemia were older (64 vs. 49 years, P6 mEq/L. Conclusion Hyperkalemia or hypokalemia occur in 1 of 11 ED patients and are associated with inpatient admission and mortality. Treatment of hyperkalemia varies greatly suggesting the need for evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Acute ischemic stroke affects over 800,000 US adults annually, with hundreds of thousands more experiencing a transient ischemic attack. Emergent evaluation, prompt acute treatment, and identification of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) etiology for specific secondary prevention are critical for decreasing further morbidity and mortality of cerebrovascular disease. The Biomarkers of Acute Stroke Etiology (BASE) study is a multicenter observational study to identify serum markers defining the etiology of acute ischemic stroke. Observational trial of patients presenting to the hospital within 24h of stroke onset. Blood samples are collected at arrival, 24, and 48h later, and RNA gene expression is utilized to identify stroke etiology marker candidates. The BASE study began January 2014. At the time of writing, there are 22 recruiting sites. Enrollment is ongoing, expected to hit 1000 patients by March 2017. The BASE study could potentially aid in focusing the initial diagnostic evaluation to determine stroke etiology, with more rapidly initiated targeted evaluations and secondary prevention strategies.Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02014896 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02014896?term=biomarkers+of+acute+stroke+etiology&rank=1.

The In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) rule can accurately identify pulmonary embolism (PE) patients at low risk of early complications using claims data. We sought to externally validate the IMPACT and simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) tools for predicting all-cause mortality and readmission. We used Veteran Health Administration data (10/1/2010–9/30/2015) to identify adults with ≥1 inpatient diagnosis code for acute PE, ≥12 months continuous medical and pharmacy benefits prior to the index PE, ≥90 days of post-event follow-up (unless death occurred) and ≥1 claim for an anticoagulant during the index PE stay. Prognostic accuracies of IMPACT and sPESI for 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality and 90-day readmission were estimated. Of 6,746 PE patients, 7.5 and 12.6% died at 30 and 90 days. Within 90 days, 20.1% were readmitted for any reason. Hospitalization for recurrent VTE and major bleeding occurred in 5.6 and 1.7% of patients. IMPACT classified 15.2% as low risk, while 28.4% were low risk per sPESI. Both tools displayed sensitivity >90% and negative predictive values (NPVs) >97% for 30-day mortality, but low specificity (range 16.2–30.0) and positive predictive values (PPVs) (range 8.7–9.5); with similar results observed for 90-day mortality. IMPACT’s sensitivity for all-cause readmission was numerically higher than sPESI (88.2 vs. 79.0%), but both had comparable NPVs (85.1 vs. 84.2%). Similar trends were observed for VTE or major bleeding readmissions. IMPACT classified patients for post-PE outcomes with similar accuracy as sPESI. IMPACT appears useful for identifying PE patients at low risk for early mortality or readmission in claims-based studies.

Background: Cardiac troponins are often found to be elevated in patients with renal dysfunction, even in the absence of acute myocardial injury. The objective of this report was to characterize the scaled troponin values and proportion of adjudicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among patients with and without renal dysfunction. Methods: The data was from a multicenter prospective study including patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of AMI. Troponin measurements were standardized across various assays by calculating the observed results as multiples of the assay-specific 99th percentile upper limit of normal. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; calculated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula) 2 were considered to have renal dysfunction. Results: Of 430 included patients, 249 (58%) were male and 181 (42%) were female, with a mean age of 55.9 ± 12.3 and 57.3 ± 12.8 years, respectively. Eighty-seven (20.2%) had renal dysfunction. The proportions of patients with at least one scaled troponin value above the 99th percentile cut-off point among patients with and without renal dysfunction were 40 (45.9%) and 81 (23.6%) respectively (p < 0.001). The proportions of patients with an adjudicated diagnosis of AMI among those with and without renal dysfunction were 20.7 and 18.7%, respectively (p = 0.67). Using scaled troponins, by the second test there was >5X and by the third test >15X separation in the excursion of troponin among those with AMI compared to those without. Conclusions: One or more elevated troponin values are common in those with renal dysfunction. Scaled troponins for eGFR groups were similar, indicating that the use of this interpretative technique is applicable in discerning AMI for those with and without renal dysfunction.

Objective Patients with implanted cardiac devices may wait extended periods for interrogation in emergency departments (EDs). Our purpose was to determine if device interrogation could be done safely and faster by ED staff. Methods Prospective randomized, standard therapy controlled, trial of ED staff device interrogation vs. standard process (SP), with 30-day follow-up. Eligibility criteria: ED presentation with a self-report of a potential device related complaint, with signed informed consent. SP interrogation was by company representative or hospital employee. Results Of 60 patients, 42 (70%) were male, all were white, with a median (interquartile range) age of 71 (64 to 82) years. No patient was lost to follow up. Of all patients, 32 (53%) were enrolled during business hours. The overall median (interquartile range) ED vs. SP time to interrogation was 98.5 (40 to 260) vs. 166.5 (64 to 412) minutes (P=0.013). While ED and SP interrogation times were similar during business hours, 102 (59 to 138) vs. 105 (64 to 172) minutes (P=0.62), ED interrogation times were shorter vs. SP during non-business hours; 97 (60 to 126) vs. 225 (144 to 412) minutes, P=0.002, respectively. There was no difference in ED length of stay between the ED and SP interrogation, 249 (153 to 390) vs. 246 (143 to 333) minutes (P=0.71), regardless of time of presentation. No patient in any cohort suffered an unplanned medical contact or post-discharge adverse device related event. Conclusion ED staff cardiac device interrogations are faster, and with similar 30-day outcomes, as compared to SP.

Our purpose was to analyze evidence related to timing of cooling from studies of targeted temperature management (TTM) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest and to recommend directions for future therapy optimization. We conducted a preliminary review of studies of both animals and patients treated with post-ROSC TTM and hypothesized that a more rapid cooling strategy in the absence of volume-adding cold infusions would provide improved outcomes in comparison with slower cooling. We defined rapid cooling as the achievement of 34°C within 3.5 hours of ROSC without the use of volume-adding cold infusions, with a ≥3.0°C/hour rate of cooling. Using the PubMed database and a previously published systematic review, we identified clinical studies published from 2002 through 2014 related to TTM. Analysis included studies with time from collapse to ROSC of 20-30 minutes, reporting of time from ROSC to target temperature and rate of patients in ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and hypothermia maintained for 20-24 hours. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass as a cooling method was an exclusion criterion for this analysis. We compared all rapid cooling studies with all slower cooling studies of ≥100 patients. Eleven studies were initially identified for analysis, comprising 4091 patients. Two additional studies totaling 609 patients were added based on availability of unpublished data, bringing the total to 13 studies of 4700 patients. Outcomes for patients, dichotomized into faster and slower cooling approaches, were determined using weighted linear regression using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Rapid cooling without volume-adding cold infusions yielded a higher rate of good neurological recovery than slower cooling methods. Attainment of a temperature below 34°C within 3.5 hours of ROSC and using a cooling rate of more than 3°C/hour appear to be beneficial.

Objectives Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is a novel, highly selective potassium binder currently approved in the United States and European Union for treatment of hyperkalemia. This pilot evaluation explored the efficacy of SZC with insulin and glucose as hyperkalemia treatment in the emergency department (ED). Methods This exploratory, phase II, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (NCT03337477) enrolled adult ED patients with blood potassium ≥ 5.8 mmol/L. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive SZC 10 g or placebo, up to three times during a 10‐hour period, with insulin and glucose. The primary efficacy outcome was the mean change in serum potassium (sK+) from baseline until 4 hours after start of dosing. Results Overall, 70 patients were randomized (SZC n = 33, placebo n = 37), of whom 50.0% were male. Their mean (± standard deviation [±SD]) age was 59.0 (±13.8) years and mean initial sK+ was similar between groups (SZC 6.4 mmol/L, placebo 6.5 mmol/L). The least squares mean (±SD) sK+ change from baseline to 4 hours was –0.41 (±0.11) mmol/L and –0.27 (±0.10) mmol/L with SZC and placebo, respectively (difference = –0.13 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.44 to 0.17). A greater reduction in mean (±SD) sK+ from baseline occurred with SZC compared with placebo at 2 hours: –0.72 (±0.12) versus –0.36 (±0.11) mmol/L (LSM difference = –0.35 mmol/L, 95% CI = –0.68 to –0.02), respectively. A numerically lower proportion of patients in the SZC group required additional potassium‐lowering therapy due to hyperkalemia at 0 to 4 hours versus placebo (15.6% vs. 30.6%, respectively; odds ratio = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.09 to 1.77). Comparable proportions of patients experienced adverse events in both treatment groups at 0 to 24 hours. Conclusions This pilot study suggested that SZC with insulin and glucose may provide an incremental benefit in the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia over insulin and glucose alone.

BackgroundThe accuracy and speed by which acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is excluded are an important determinant of emergency department (ED) length of stay and resource utilization. While high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) >99th percentile (upper reference level [URL]) represents a "rule-in" cutpoint, our purpose was to evaluate the ability of the Beckman Coulter hsTnI assay, using various level-of-quantification (LoQ) cutpoints, to rule out AMI within 3hours of ED presentation in suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.MethodsThis multicenter evaluation enrolled adults with >5minutes of ACS symptoms and an electrocardiogram obtained per standard care. Exclusions were ST-segment elevation or chronic hemodialysis. After informed consent was obtained, blood samples were collected in heparin at ED admission (baseline), ≥1 to 3, ≥3 to 6, and ≥6 to 9hours postadmission. Samples were processed and stored at -20°C within 1hour and were tested at three independent clinical laboratories on an immunoassay system (DxI 800, Beckman Coulter). Analytic cutpoints were the URL of 17.9ng/L and two LoQ cutpoints, defined as the 10 and 20% coefficient of variation (5.6 and 2.3ng/L, respectively). A criterion standard MI diagnosis was adjudicated by an independent endpoint committee, blinded to hsTnI, and using the universal definition of MI.ResultsOf 1,049 patients meeting the entry criteria, and with baseline and 1- to 3-hour hsTnI results, 117 (11.2%) had an adjudicated final diagnosis of AMI. AMI patients were typically older, with more cardiovascular risk factors. Median (IQR) presentation time was 4 (1.6-16.0)hours after symptom onset, although AMI patients presented ~0.5hour earlier than non-AMI. Enrollment and first blood draw occurred at a mean of ~1hour after arrival. To evaluate the assay's rule-out performance, patients with any hsTnI>URL were considered high risk and were excluded. The remaining population (n=829) was divided into four LoQ relative categories: both hsTnILoQ (Lo-Hi cohort); first>LoQ and secondLoQ (Hi-Hi cohort). In patients with any hsTnI result 3hours after the onset of suspected ACS symptoms, with at least two Beckman Coulter Access hsTnILoQ had inadequate sensitivity and NPV.

Cardiac troponin (cTn) is the keystone for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined the analytical and diagnostic accuracy of the Atellica IM TnIH assay to determine high-sensitivity performance and appropriate diagnostic performance for clinical use.Sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) were determined for a healthy cohort of 1007 women and 1000 men using non-parametric statistics. High-sensitivity performance was assessed by examining if imprecision was ≤10% at sex-specific URLs and if ≥50% of cTnI values for each sex exceeded the assay's limit of detection (LoD) with the AACC Universal Sample Bank. Precision, high-dose hook effect, endogenous/exogenous interferences were examined with CLSI guidance. Clinical characterization was with 2494 suspected AMI subjects presenting to emergency departments across the United States. AMI was adjudicated by expert cardiologists and emergency medicine physicians. There were no comorbidity exclusions.99th percentile URLs were 34 ng/L, 53 ng/L and 45 ng/L for the female, male and overall populations, respectively. Total imprecision was5% from 12 ng/L to 16,000 ng/L; ≥55% of cTnI values for each sex exceeded the LoD. No high-dose hook or endogenous/exogenous interferences were identified. After 2.5-3.5 h post presentation the sensitivity and specificity were90%; negative and positive predictive value were ≥98% and60%, respectively. Non-AMI subjects with comorbidities and values exceeding 99th percentile URLs had absolute and percent change at 2-4 h that were lower than AMI patients with comorbidities (p = 0.001).The Atellica IM TnIH assay is a high-sensitivity method and demonstrates clinical performance appropriate for AMI diagnosis.

Aims Recent data from national registries suggest that acute heart failure (AHF) outcomes might vary in men and women, however, it is not known whether this observation is universal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of biological sex and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with AHF in various regions of the world. Methods and results We analysed several AHF cohorts including GREAT registry (22 523 patients, mostly from Europe and Asia) and OPTIMIZE-HF (26 376 patients from the USA). Clinical characteristics and medication use at discharge were collected. Hazard ratios (HRs) for 1-year mortality according to biological sex were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model with adjustment for baseline characteristics (e.g. age, comorbidities, clinical and laboratory parameters at admission, left ventricular ejection fraction). In the GREAT registry, women had a lower risk of death in the year following AHF [HR 0.86 (0.79–0.94), P Conclusion Globally women with AHF have a lower 1-year mortality and less evidenced-based treatment than men. Differences among countries need further investigation. Our findings merit consideration when designing future global clinical trials in AHF.

Objective The Safety of Oral Anticoagulants Registry (SOAR) was designed to describe the evaluation and management of patients with oral anticoagulant (OAC)-related major bleeding or bleeding concerns who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute illness or injury. Patients in the ED are increasingly taking anticoagulants, which can cause bleeding-related complications as well as impact the acute management of related or unrelated clinical issues that prompt presentation. Modifications of emergency evaluation and management due to anticoagulation have not previously been studied. Methods This was a multicenter observational in-hospital study of patients who were judged to be experiencing an active OAC effect and had (a) an obvious bleeding event or (b) were deemed at risk for serious bleeding spontaneously, after injury, or during an indicated invasive procedure. Diagnostic testing, therapies employed, and clinical outcomes were collected. Results Thirty-one US hospitals contributed data to SOAR. Of 1513 subjects, acute hemorrhage (AH) qualified 78%, while 22% had a bleeding concern (BC). Warfarin was the index OAC in 37.3%, dabigatran in 13.3%, and an anti-Factor Xa in 49.4%. The most common sites of AH were gastrointestinal (51.0%) and intracranial (26.8%). In warfarin-treated patients, the mean (IQR) presenting INR was 3.1 (2.2, 4.8) in AH patients and 3.9 (2.4, 7.2) in BC patients. Three-fifths of SOAR patients were treated with factor repletion or specific reversal agents, and those patients had a longer length of stay. In addition, seven (0.76%) of the treated patients experienced an in-hospital thrombotic complication; two of these seven died on the index admission, both of fatal pulmonary embolism. Vitamin K was used and dosed inconsistently in both warfarin and NOAC cohorts. Conclusion Care of anticoagulated patients in the acute care setting is inconsistent, reflecting the diversity of presentation. As the prevalence of OAC use increases with the aging of the US population, further study and targeted educational efforts are needed to drive more evidence-based care of these patients.

Lung ultrasound is a useful tool for the assessment of patients with both acute and chronic heart failure, but the use of different image acquisition methods, inconsistent reporting of the technique employed and variable quantification of 'B-lines,' have all made it difficult to compare published reports. We therefore need to ensure that future studies utilizing lung ultrasound in the assessment of heart failure adopt a standardized approach to reporting the quantification of pulmonary congestion. Strategies to improve patient care by use of lung ultrasound in the assessment of heart failure have been difficult to develop. In the present document, key aspects of standardization are discussed, including equipment used, number of chest zones assessed, the method of quantifying B-lines, the presence and timing of additional investigations (e.g. natriuretic peptides and echocardiography) and the impact of therapy. This consensus report includes a checklist to provide standardization in the preparation, review and analysis of manuscripts. This will serve as a guide for investigators and clinicians and enhance the quality and transparency of lung ultrasound research.

To analyze whether the use of morphine, as initial treatment in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE), has an impact in clinical outcomes and mortality. A systematic review of the literature was performed, including all the studies comparing clinical outcomes in patients with ACPE who were treated or not with morphine. Seven studies were selected, none of which were a randomized trial focused on answering the aim of this systematic review. The studies consisted of clinical trial secondary analysis assessing non-invasive ventilation in ACPE, one open non-randomized trial, two propensity score evaluations from large registries, and three clinical case reviews. Most of the studies showed unfavorable results with the use of morphine in terms of adverse events and mortality, and many of them were statistically significant. Finally, the ongoing MIdazolam versus MOrphine in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (MIMO) trial was specifically designed to compare the results of morphine use versus midazolam. The potential hemodynamic and sedative benefit of the use of morphine for vasodilatation and dyspnea amelioration may be opposed by an increase in mortality, ICU admission, and adverse events. Until there is a randomized clinical trial, the use of morphine for ACPE should be limited.

Bleeding is the most common complication of anticoagulant use. The evaluation and management of the bleeding patient is a core competency of emergency medicine. As the prevalence of patients receiving anticoagulant agents and variety of anticoagulants with different mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, indications, and corresponding reversal agents increase, physicians and other clinicians working in the emergency department require a current and nuanced understanding of how best to assess, treat, and reverse anticoagulated patients. In this project, we convened an expert panel to create a consensus decision tree and framework for assessment of the bleeding patient receiving an anticoagulant, as well as use of anticoagulant reversal or coagulation factor replacement, and to address controversies and gaps relevant to this topic. To support decision tree interpretation, the panel also reached agreement on key definitions of life-threatening bleeding, bleeding at a critical site, and emergency surgery or urgent invasive procedure. To reach consensus recommendations, we used a structured literature review and a modified Delphi technique by an expert panel of academic and community physicians with training in emergency medicine, cardiology, hematology, internal medicine/thrombology, pharmacology, toxicology, transfusion medicine and hemostasis, neurology, and surgery, and by other key stakeholder groups.

Background Hyperkalemia is common and potentially life threatening. Patiromer is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared oral potassium binder effective in the chronic treatment of hyperkalemia. Objective The objective was to investigate the potential efficacy and safety of oral patiromer in treating acute hyperkalemia in the emergency department (ED). Methods This is a single-center, randomized, open-label convenience sample pilot study in an inner-city ED. Adult patients with end-stage renal disease and a serum potassium level of ≥ 6.0 mEq/L were randomized to standard of care (SOC) or one dose of 25.2 g oral patiromer plus SOC (PAT). Blood samples and electrocardiograms were collected at enrollment and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours thereafter. The primary outcome was the difference in potassium between groups at 6 hours. Secondary outcomes were the amount and number of times insulin and albuterol were given. Results Thirty patients were included in the final analysis, 15 in each group. There were no differences in age, sex, or baseline serum potassium. There was no difference in mean serum potassium between SOC and PAT groups at 6 hours (6.32 mEq/L, confidence interval [CI] = 6.0 to 6.63 mEq/L vs. 5.81 mEq/L, CI = 5.48 to 6.14 mEq/L). However, 2 hours posttreatment the serum potassium of the PAT group was lower than SOC group (5.90 mEq/L, CI = 5.63 to 6.17 mEq/L vs. 6.51 mEq/L, CI = 6.25 to 6.78 mEq/L) and also 0.61 mEq/L lower than baseline. There were no differences in the amount or number of administrations of insulin or albuterol between groups, although the amount of albuterol used in the PAT group at 6 hours was lower but not significant (median, 0 mg vs. 12.5 mg; p = 0.097). There were no differences in adverse events between groups. Conclusion In this open-label pilot study of severe hyperkalemia, a single dose of 25.2 g of oral patiromer reduced serum potassium within 2 hours but did not show a difference at 6 hours. This is the first study showing that patiromer may have a role in the acute management of hyperkalemia; however, more rigorous studies are needed.

Various risk stratification methods exist for patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). We used the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) as a risk-stratification method to understand the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) PE population. Adult patients with ≥ 1 inpatient PE diagnosis (index date = discharge date) from October 2011–June 2015 as well as continuous enrollment for ≥ 12 months pre- and 3 months post-index date were included. We defined a sPESI score of 0 as low-risk (LRPE) and all others as high-risk (HRPE). Hospital-acquired complications (HACs) during the index hospitalization, 90-day follow-up PE-related outcomes, and health care utilization and costs were compared between HRPE and LRPE patients. Of 6746 PE patients, 95.4% were men, 67.7% were white, and 22.0% were African American; LRPE occurred in 28.4% and HRPE in 71.6%. Relative to HRPE patients, LRPE patients had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (1.0 vs. 3.4, p

Background The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients presenting with syncope to the emergency department (ED) is largely unknown. This information, however, is necessary to balance the potential medical benefit or harm of systematic PE screening in patients presenting with syncope to the ED. Objectives This study sought to determine the prevalence of PE in patients with syncope. Methods Unselected patients presenting with syncope to the ED were prospectively enrolled in a diagnostic multicenter study. Pre-test clinical probability for PE was assessed using the 2-level Wells score and the results of D-dimer testing using age-adapted cutoffs. Presence of PE was evaluated by imaging modalities, when ordered as part of the clinical assessment by the treating ED physician or by long-term follow-up data. Results Long-term follow-up was complete in 1,380 patients (99%) at 360 days and 1,156 patients (83%) at 720 days. Among 1,397 patients presenting with syncope to the ED, PE was detected at presentation in 19 patients (1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87% to 2.11%). The incidence of new PEs or cardiovascular death during 2-year follow-up was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5% to 1.5%). In the subgroup of patients hospitalized (47%), PE was detected at presentation in 15 patients (2.3%; 95% CI: 1.4% to 3.7%). The incidence of new PEs or cardiovascular death during 2-year follow-up was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.4% to 2.0%). Conclusions PE seems to be a rather uncommon cause of syncope among patients presenting to the ED. Therefore, systematic PE-screening in all patients with syncope does not seem warranted. (BAsel Syncope EvaLuation Study [BASEL IX]; NCT01548352)

Aims It is unknown whether cardiac syncope, and possibly also other syncope aetiologies exhibit circadian, weekly, seasonal, and temperature-dependent patterns. Methods and results We prospectively recorded the exact time, date, and outside temperature of syncope of patients >40 years old presenting with syncope to the emergency department in a diagnostic multicentre study. Two independent cardiologists/emergency physicians adjudicated the final diagnosis based on all information becoming available during clinical work-up including 1-year follow-up. Among 1230 patients, the adjudicated aetiology was cardiac in 14.6%, reflex in 39.2%, orthostatic in 25.7%, other non-cardiac in 9.7%, and unknown in 10.8% of patients. All syncope aetiologies occurred much more frequently during the day when compared with the night (P 40 years old display circadian, weekly, seasonal, and temperature-dependent patterns. Unfortunately, these patterns do not allow to reliably differentiate cardiac syncope from other aetiologies.

BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of urgent abdominal pain (UAP) is challenging. Most causes of UAP are associated with extensive inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that quantifying inflammation using interleukin-6 and/or procalcitonin would provide incremental value in the emergency diagnosis of UAP. METHODS This was an investigator-initiated prospective, multicenter diagnostic study enrolling patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain. Clinical judgment of the treating physician regarding the presence of UAP was quantified using a visual analog scale after initial clinical and physician-directed laboratory assessment, and again after imaging. Two independent specialists adjudicated the final diagnosis and the classification as UAP (life-threatening, needing urgent surgery and/or hospitalization for acute medical reasons) using all information including histology and follow-up. Interleukin-6 and procalcitonin were measured blinded in a central laboratory. RESULTS UAP was adjudicated in 376 of 1038 (36%) patients. Diagnostic accuracy for UAP was higher for interleukin-6 [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.80; 95% CI, 0.77–0.82] vs procalcitonin (AUC, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.62–0.68) and clinical judgment (AUC, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.65–0.72; both P < 0.001). Combined assessment of interleukin-6 and clinical judgment increased the AUC at presentation to 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80–0.85) and after imaging to 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84–0.89) and improved the correct identification of patients with and without UAP (net improvement in mean predicted probability: presentation, +19%; after imaging, +15%; P < 0.001). Decision curve analysis documented incremental value across the full range of pretest probabilities. A clinical judgment/interleukin-6 algorithm ruled out UAP with a sensitivity of 97% and ruled in UAP with a specificity of 93%. CONCLUSIONS Interleukin-6 significantly improves the early diagnosis of UAP in the ED.

Background: The utility of BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide), NT-proBNP (N-terminal proBNP), and hs-cTn (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin) concentrations for diagnosis and risk-stratification of syncope is incompletely understood. Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of BNP, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, and hs-cTnI concentrations, alone and against those of clinical assessments, in patients >45-years old presenting with syncope to the emergency department in a prospective diagnostic multicenter study. BNP, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI concentrations were measured in a blinded fashion. Cardiac syncope, as adjudicated by 2 physicians based on all information available including cardiac work-up and 1-year follow-up, was the diagnostic end point. EGSYS (Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study), a syncope-specific diagnostic score, served as the diagnostic comparator. Death and major adverse cardiac events at 30 and 720 days were the prognostic end points. Major adverse cardiac events were defined as death, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, life-threatening arrhythmia, implantation of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke/transient ischemic attack, intracranial bleeding, or valvular surgery. ROSE (Risk Stratification of Syncope in the Emergency Department), OESIL (Osservatorio Epidemiologico della Sincope nel Lazio), SFSR (San Fransisco Syncope Rule), and CSRS (Canadian Syncope Risk Score) served as the prognostic comparators. Results: Among 1538 patients eligible for diagnostic assessment, cardiac syncope was the adjudicated diagnosis in 234 patients (15.2%). BNP, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, and hs-cTnI were significantly higher in cardiac syncope versus other causes ( P P P Conclusions: BNP, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, and hs-cTnI concentrations provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information in emergency department patients with syncope. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01548352.

You are working in a small emergency department (ED) with a medical student when a 55-year-old male presents with undifferentiated chest pain that started yesterday. As the medical student presents the patient to you, the student states that she wants to order a myoglobin, creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and troponin times three. While you are educating her on the proper use of cardiac biomarkers, she wonders aloud why so many patients with chest pain are admitted to the hospital despite the fact that they have normal biomarkers and nonischemic electrocardiograms (EKGs). You suddenly realize that this teaching moment is going to take a little longer and dive into the evidence …

Importance Up to 20% of patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure (AHF) are discharged without hospitalization. Compared with rates in hospitalized patients, readmission and mortality are worse for ED patients. Objective To assess the impact of a self-care intervention on 90-day outcomes in patients with AHF who are discharged from the ED. Design, Setting, and Participants Get With the Guidelines in Emergency Department Patients With Heart Failure was an unblinded, parallel-group, multicenter randomized trial. Patients were randomized 1:1 to usual care vs a tailored self-care intervention. Patients with AHF discharged after ED-based management at 15 geographically diverse EDs were included. The trial was conducted from October 28, 2015, to September 5, 2019. Interventions Home visit within 7 days of discharge and twice-monthly telephone-based self-care coaching for 3 months. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a global rank of cardiovascular death, HF-related events (unscheduled clinic visit due to HF, ED revisit, or hospitalization), and changes in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) summary score (SS) at 90 days. Key secondary outcomes included the global rank outcome at 30 days and changes in the KCCQ-12 SS score at 30 and 90 days. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed for the primary, secondary, and safety outcomes. Per-protocol analysis was conducted including patients who completed a home visit and had scheduled outpatient follow-up in the intervention arm. Results Owing to slow enrollment, 479 of a planned 700 patients were randomized: 235 to the intervention arm and 244 to the usual care arm. The median age was 63.0 years (interquartile range, 54.7-70.2), 302 patients (63%) were African American, 305 patients (64%) were men, and 178 patients (37%) had a previous ejection fraction greater than 50%. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between patients in the intervention vs usual care arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73-1.10;P = .28). At day 30, patients in the intervention arm had significantly better global rank (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-0.99;P = .04) and a 5.5-point higher KCCQ-12 SS (95% CI, 1.3-9.7;P = .01), while at day 90, the KCCQ-12 SS was 2.7 points higher (95% CI, −1.9 to 7.2;P = .25). Conclusions and Relevance The self-care intervention did not improve the primary global rank outcome at 90 days in this trial. However, benefit was observed in the global rank and KCCQ-12 SS at 30 days, suggesting that an early benefit of a tailored self-care program initiated at an ED visit for AHF was not sustained through 90 days. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02519283

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder, especially in chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure. Hyperkalemia can lead to potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmias, and it is associated with increased mortality. Determining whether emergency therapy is warranted is largely based on subjective clinical judgment. The Investigator Network Initiative Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists (INI-CRCT) aimed to evaluate the current knowledge pertaining to the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia. The INI-CRCT developed a treatment algorithm reflecting expert opinion of best practices in the context of current evidence, identified gaps in knowledge, and set priorities for future research. We searched PubMed (to August 4, 2015) for consensus guidelines, reviews, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies, limited to English language but not by publication date. Treatment approaches are based on small studies, anecdotal experience, and traditional practice patterns. The safety and real world effectiveness of standard therapies remain unproven. Prospective research is needed and should include studies to better characterize the population, define the serum potassium thresholds where life threatening arrhythmias are imminent, assess the potassium and electrocardiogram response to standard interventions. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to test the safety and efficacy of new potassium binders for the emergency treatment of severe hyperkalemia in hemodynamically stable patients. Existing emergency treatments for severe hyperkalemia are not supported by a compelling body of evidence, and they are used inconsistently across institutions, with potentially significant associated side effects. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps, and definitive clinical trials are needed to better define optimal management strategies, and ultimately to improve outcomes in these patients. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is more common in women than in men; data characterizing sex differences in the management and outcomes of HFpEF patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) are limited. Methods and Results Using Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry Emergency Module data linked to Medicare claims, we conducted a retrospective analysis of acute HF patients in the ED, identifying HFpEF (ejection fraction [EF] ≥40%) patients and stratifying by sex to compare baseline characteristics, ED therapies, hospital length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and post-discharge outcomes. Of 4161 HFpEF patients, 2808 (67%) were women, who were more likely to be older and hypertensive, but less likely to be diabetic or smokers (all P 140 mm Hg (62.5% vs 56.4%; P = .0001) and higher EF. There were no sex differences in ED therapies, adjusted 30- and 180-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality, or 30- and 180-day readmissions. After adjustment, women had longer LOS (0.40 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.70; P = .008). Conclusions Women with HFpEF presenting to the ED were more likely to have elevated systolic blood pressure, but overall ED management strategies were similar to those in men. We observed adjusted differences in hospital LOS, but no differences in 30- and 180-day outcomes.

Numerous real-world studies estimating major bleeding rates in rivaroxaban patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation have been published. We performed a meta-analysis to better quantify the rates of different types of major bleeding seen with rivaroxaban in observational studies. The pooled rates of major bleeding with rivaroxaban were generally low and consistent with those reported in its pivotal randomized controlled trial.

Objectives The emergency department evaluation for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is common, costly, and challenging. Risk scores may help standardize clinical care and screening for research studies. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and HEART are two commonly cited risk scores. We tested the null hypothesis that the TIMI and HEART risk scores have equivalent test characteristics. Methods We analyzed data from the Internet Tracking Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (i*trACS) from 9 EDs on patients with suspected ACS, 1999-2001. We excluded patients with an emergency department diagnosis consistent with ACS, or without sufficient data to calculate TIMI and HEART scores. The primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events, including all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization. We describe test characteristics of the TIMI and HEART risk scores. Results The study cohort included 8255 patients with 508 (6.2%) 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events. Receiver operating curve and reclassification analyses favored HEART [c statistic: 0.753, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.733-0.773; continuous net reclassification improvement: 0.608, 95% CI: 0.527-0.689] over TIMI (c statistic: 0.678, 95% CI: 0.655-0.702). A HEART score 0-3 [negative predictive value (NPV) 0.982, 95% CI: 0.978-0.986; positive predictive value (PPV) 0.103, 95% CI: 0.094-0.113; likelihood ratio (LR) positive 1.76; LR negative 0.28] demonstrates similar or superior NPV/PPV/LR compared with TIMI = 0 (NPV 0.978, 95% CI: 0.971-0.983; PPV 0.077, 95% CI: 0.071-0.084; LR positive 1.28; LR negative 0.35) and TIMI = 0-1 (NPV 0.963, 95% CI: 0.958-0.968; PPV 0.102, 95% CI: 0.092-0.113; LR positive 1.73; LR negative 0.58). Conclusions The HEART score has better discrimination than TIMI and outperforms TIMI within previously published "low-risk" categories.

BackgroundOral solution N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, but its unpleasant taste and aroma can impede delivery even after the coadministration of antiemetic medications. Flavored effervescent NAC tablets dissolved in water might be a more palatable formulation than oral solution NAC diluted with soft drink.ObjectivesTo evaluate the relative bioavailability of these 2 formulations and assess subjective preferences between them.MethodsThirty healthy adult volunteers (mean [SD] = 35.2 [9.14] years) were enrolled in this open-label, randomized, single-dose, crossover study, with a 7-day washout period. Volunteers were randomized to receive 11 g effervescent test formulation or the reference product under fasting conditions, after which 19 serial blood samples were collected over 48 hours. Total plasma NAC concentrations were evaluated by LC-MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The 2 formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs of log-transformed ratios of pharmacokinetic parameters were within the predetermined bioequivalence range (80%–125%) established by the US Food and Drug Administration. Within 15 minutes of dosing, subjects were also asked to rank formulation attributes on a 5-point hedonic scale, with mean group differences analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Safety-profile assessment included treatment-emergent adverse events, physical examination, chemistry, and hematology parameters.ResultsThe concentration-versus-time profiles were similar for the 2 formulations, with mean Cmax of 26.5 μg/mL for effervescent NAC tablets and 28.4 μg/mL for oral solution NAC. The 90% CIs for the pharmacokinetic parameters met the criteria for concluding bioequivalence, and subjects preferred effervescent NAC tablets in terms of taste (P = 0.0247), flavor (P = 0.0082), texture (P = 0.009), and overall likeability (P = 0.0012), but there was no difference for smell (P = 0.0533). All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild, with no differences between the treatment groups.ConclusionsData from this study of a single dose of 11 g oral NAC demonstrated that effervescent NAC tablets and oral solution NAC met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in fasting healthy adult subjects. Effervescent NAC tablets appear to be a more palatable alternative for treatment of acetaminophen overdose. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02723669. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2016; 83C:1–7) © 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

Stroke is a leading cause of preventable death and is a major cause of productivity impairment. On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the US, and someone will die of a stroke every 4 minutes. In 2016, it is estimated that in the US alone, 795000 people will suffer a new or recurrent stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic). Of these, 610000 of these will be first events, and 185000 recurrent (1). Biomarkers are tests providing insight as to a physiologic state, either of the entire patient (e.g., cholesterol), or to a specific system (e.g., cardiac troponin). Usually monitored by blood testing, biomarkers provide rapid, noninvasive, relatively inexpensive, and objective measures of the presence of disease. Alternatively, in certain settings (e.g., the acute care environment), their greatest utility may be in confirming the absence of disease. Why would we need a stroke biomarker? We have excellent radiographic imaging-based diagnostics that can deliver fantastic, real-time, 3-dimensional images. And now, with the advent of the mobile computed tomography (CT), images can be obtained before the patient even reaches the hospital, where even more detailed images are obtainable with MRI. So the question remains, isn't this enough? The answer is no. Because, despite the current imaging-dominated climate for evaluation of suspected acute stroke, early diagnosis and treatment still require critical life-threatening decisions to be made without any objective input. Although this is the art of medicine, it is clearly not optimal. Pictures simply do not provide adequate objective data of pathologic events in the time that it is needed. We don't have a lot of treatment options to reverse the symptoms of acute stroke. One of the most effective is thrombolytics. By dissolving clots in the setting of an acute ischemic stroke, thrombolytics potentially restore blocked circulation, thus markedly reducing morbidity and …

The multicenter High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) study (HIGH-US) reported a 1 hour hs-cTnI algorithm in the Emergency Department (ED) rule-out rate of 50.4% for AMI (negative predictive value 99.7%) and 30 day incidence of AMI/death of 0.2%. We sought to determine factors associated

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the rescheduling of hydrocodone- combination products (HCPs) and associated changes in prescriber patterns in an urban county healthcare system in Texas. Methods: Pharmacy data were obtained electronically for tramadol, hydrocodone-acetaminophen, and acetaminophen-codeine from 180 days before and after the schedule change on October 6, 2014. χ2 and t tests were used to calculate the significance of changes between the medications over the studied time. Results: Hydrocodone-acetaminophen saw a decline in dispense events and pills dispensed of 80.2 and 67.9 percent, respectively, in the immediate 30-day period following the scheduling change with a total decrease of 80.8 and 67.5 percent, respectively, in the 180-day period. Acetaminophen-codeine dispense events and total pills dispensed increased by 302.3 and 288.9 percent, respectively, in the immediate 30-day period while 180-day results experienced an increase of 215.1 and 209.8 percent, respectively. There were no major changes with tramadol. Additionally, an increase of 69.5 percent in pills per dispense event of hydrocodone-acetaminophen was noted in the 180-day period following the schedule change. Conclusion: The scheduling change of HCPs is associated with an immediate decrease in hydrocodone-acetaminophen use at our institution while a simultaneous rise in acetaminophen-codeine products was observed.

Background Stethoscopes can be microorganism reservoirs. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published medical equipment disinfection guidelines to minimize infection transmission risk, but studies of guideline adherence have been predominately survey based, with little direct observation of disinfection practices. Methods We performed an observational, cross-sectional, anonymous study of patient-provider interactions, assessing practitioners’ frequency and methods of stethoscope and hand disinfection practices. Results Stethoscopes were disinfected in 18% of 400 observed interactions, with less than 4% verified as conforming to CDC guidelines. None was disinfected before patient examinations involving open chest or abdominal wounds, as recommended by the CDC. Hands were cleaned before and after encounters 27 times (6.8%) but were not cleaned at all in 231 (58%) encounters, although gloves were worn in 197 (85.3%) of these cases. Discussion Stethoscope disinfection is grossly overlooked, possibly jeopardizing patient safety, particularly in acute care interactions. Periodic stethoscope disinfection, although inconvenient, helps reduce bacterial contamination and may reduce health care–associated infections. Conclusions Stethoscopes were disinfected per CDC guidelines in less than 4% of encounters and were not disinfected at all in 82% of encounters. Although hands were rarely cleaned (6.8%) per CDC guidelines, gloves were usually worn, but no convenient stethoscope equivalent exists. Stethoscope cleanliness must be addressed.

WOS: 000432489900040, PubMed: 29525076, Background: The New Approach Rivaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global Trial vs. ASA to Prevent Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (NAVIGATE-ESUS) trial is a randomized phase-III trial comparing rivaroxaban versus aspirin in patients with recent ESUS. Aims: We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics of this large ESUS cohort to explore relationships among key subgroups. Methods: We enrolled 7213 patients at 459 sites in 31 countries. Prespecified subgroups for primary safety and efficacy analyses included age, sex, race, global region, stroke or transient ischemic attack prior to qualifying event, time to randomization, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Results: Mean age was 66.9 +/- 9.8 years; 24% were under 60 years. Older patients had more hypertension, coronary disease, and cancer. Strokes in older subjects were more frequently cortical and accompanied by radiographic evidence of prior infarction. Women comprised 38% of participants and were older than men. Patients from East Asia were oldest whereas those from Latin America were youngest. Patients in the Americas more frequently were on aspirin prior to the qualifying stroke. Acute cortical infarction was more common in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, whereas prior radiographic infarctions were most common in East Asia. Approximately forty-five percent of subjects were enrolled within 30 days of the qualifying stroke, with earliest enrollments in Asia and Eastern Europe. Conclusions: NAVIGATE-ESUS is the largest randomized trial comparing antithrombotic strategies for secondary stroke prevention in patients with ESUS. The study population encompasses a broad array of patients across multiple continents and these subgroups provide ample opportunities for future research., Bayer AGBayer AG; Janssen Research and Development; Canadian Stroke Prevention Intervention Network, Grant support: Sponsored by Bayer AG and Janssen Research and Development; partial funding for the Biomarker, Genetics, Gene Expression Substudy from the Canadian Stroke Prevention Intervention Network.