Search

Massive pulmonary embolism (hemodynamically unstable, defined as systolic BP90 mmHg) has significant morbidity and mortality. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has allowed clinicians to detect evidence of massive pulmonary embolism much earlier in the patient's clinical course, especially when patient instability precludes computerized tomography confirmation. POCUS detection of massive pulmonary embolism has traditionally been performed by physicians. This case series demonstrates four cases of massive pulmonary embolism diagnosed with POCUS performed by non-physician prehospital personnel.

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a standard procedure for emergency physicians (EPs). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is known to have great utility in patients who are critically ill or in cardiac arrest and has been used by some EPs with specialized ultrasound (US) training, but it is generally considered outside the reach of the majority of EPs. We surmised that all of our EPs could learn to perform focused TEE (F-TEE), so we trained and credentialed all of the physicians in our group.We trained 52 EPs to perform and interpret F-TEEs using a 4-h simulator-based course. We kept a database of all F-TEE examinations for quality assurance and continuous quality feedback. Data are reported using descriptive statistics.Emergency physicians attempted 557 total F-TEE examinations (median = 10, interquartile range = 5-15) during the 42-month period following training. Clinically relevant images were obtained in 99% of patients. EPs without fellowship or other advanced US training performed the majority of F-TEEs (417, 74.9%) and 94.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 91.4%-96.3%) had interpretable images recorded. When TTE and TEE were both performed (n = 410), image quality of TEE was superior in 378 (93.3%, 95% CI = 89.7%-95%). Indications for F-TEE included periarrest states (55.7%), cardiac arrest (32.1%), and shock (12.2%). There was one case of endotracheal tube dislodgement during TEE placement, but this was immediately identified and replaced without complication.After initiating a mandatory group F-TEE training and credentialing program, we report the largest series to date of EP-performed resuscitative F-TEE. The majority of F-TEE examinations (75%) were performed by EPs without advanced US training beyond residency.

Aim The optimal head and thorax position after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following cardiac arrest (CA) is unknown. This study examined whether head and thorax elevation post-ROSC is beneficial, in a porcine model. Methods Protocol A: 40 kg anesthetized pigs were positioned flat, after 7.75 min of untreated CA the heart and head were elevated 8 and 12 cm, respectively, above the horizontal plane, automated active compression decompression (ACD) plus impedance threshold device (ITD) CPR was started, and 2 min later the heart and head were elevated 10 and 22 cm, respectively, over 2 min to the highest head up position (HUP). After 30 min of CPR pigs were defibrillated and randomized 10 min later to four 5-min epochs of HUP or flat position. Multiple physiological parameters were measured. In Protocol B, after 6 min of untreated VF, pigs received 6 min of conventional CPR flat, and after ROSC were randomized HUP versus Flat as in Protocol A. The primary endpoint was cerebral perfusion pressure (CerPP). Multivariate analysis-of-variance (MANOVA) for repeated measures was used. Data were reported as mean ± SD. Results In Protocol A, intracranial pressure (ICP) (mmHg) was significantly lower post-ROSC with HUP (9.1 ± 5.5) versus Flat (18.5 ± 5.1) (p Conclusion Post-ROSC head and thorax elevation in a porcine model of cardiac arrest resulted in higher CerPP and lower ICP values, regardless of VF duration or CPR method. IACUC Protocol Number 19-09.

Study objective Enterobacteriaceae resistant to ceftriaxone, mediated through extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), commonly cause urinary tract infections worldwide, but have been less prevalent in North America. Current US rates are unknown. We determine Enterobacteriaceae antimicrobial resistance rates among US emergency department (ED) patients hospitalized for urinary tract infection. Methods We prospectively enrolled adults hospitalized for urinary tract infection from 11 geographically diverse university-affiliated hospital EDs during 2018 to 2019. Among participants with culture-confirmed infection, we evaluated prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, including that caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, resistance risk factors, and time to in vitro–active antibiotics. Results Of 527 total participants, 444 (84%) had cultures that grew Enterobacteriaceae; 89 of 435 participants (20.5%; 95% confidence interval 16.9% to 24.5%; 4.6% to 45.4% by site) whose isolates had confirmatory testing had bacteria that were ESBL producing. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection among all participants with urinary tract infection was 17.2% (95% confidence interval 14.0% to 20.7%). ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection risk factors were hospital, long-term care, antibiotic exposure within 90 days, and a fluoroquinolone- or ceftriaxone-resistant isolate within 1 year. Enterobacteriaceae resistance rates for other antimicrobials were fluoroquinolone 32.3%, gentamicin 13.7%, amikacin 1.3%, and meropenem 0.3%. Ceftriaxone was the most common empirical antibiotic. In vitro–active antibiotics were not administered within 12 hours of presentation to 48 participants (53.9%) with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection, including 17 (58.6%) with sepsis. Compared with other Enterobacteriaceae infections, ESBL infections were associated with longer time to in vitro–active treatment (17.3 versus 3.5 hours). Conclusion Among adults hospitalized for urinary tract infection in many US locations, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as a common cause of infection that is often not initially treated with an in vitro–active antibiotic.

Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains poor. A physiologically distinct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) strategy consisting of (1) active compression-decompression CPR and/or automated CPR, (2) an impedance threshold device, and (3) automated controlled elevation of the head and thorax (ACE) has been shown to improve neurological survival significantly versus conventional (C) CPR in animal models. This resuscitation device combination, termed ACE-CPR, is now used clinically.To assess the probability of OHCA survival to hospital discharge after ACE-CPR versus C-CPR.As part of a prospective registry study, 227 ACE-CPR OHCA patients were enrolled 04/2019-07/2020 from 6 pre-hospital systems in the United States. Individual C-CPR patient data (n = 5196) were obtained from three large published OHCA randomized controlled trials from high-performing pre-hospital systems. The primary study outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and favorable neurological survival. Propensity-score matching with a 1:4 ratio was performed to account for imbalances in baseline characteristics.Irrespective of initial rhythm, ACE-CPR (n = 222) was associated with higher adjusted odds ratios (OR) of survival to hospital discharge relative to C-CPR (n = 860), when initiated in11 min (3.28, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.55-6.92) and 18 min (1.88, 95 % CI, 1.03-3.44) after the emergency call, respectively. Rapid use of ACE-CPR was also associated with higher probabilities of ROSC and favorable neurological survival.Compared with C-CPR controls, rapid initiation of ACE-CPR was associated with a higher likelihood of survival to hospital discharge after OHCA.

Aim Controlled sequential elevation of the head and thorax (CSE) during active compression–decompression (ACD) CPR with an impedance threshold device (ITD) augments cerebral (CerPP) and coronary (CorPP) perfusion pressures. The optimal CSE is unknown. Methods After 8 minutes of untreated VF, 40 kg anesthetized female pigs were positioned on a customized head and thorax elevation device (CED). After 2 min of automated ACD + ITD-16 CPR to ‘prime the system’, 12 pigs were randomized to CSE to the highest CED position over 4-min or 10-min. The primary outcome was CerPP after 7 minutes of CPR. Secondarily, 24-sec (without a priming step) and 2-min CSE times were similarly tested (n = 6 group) in a non-randomized order. Values expressed as mean ± SD. Results After 7 min of CPR, CerPPs were significantly higher in the 4-min vs 10-min CSE groups (53 ± 14.4 vs 38.5 ± 3.6 mmHg respectively, p = 0.03) whereas CorPP trended higher. The 4-min CSE group achieved 50% of baseline (50% BL) CerPP faster than the 10-min group (2.5 ± 1.2 vs 6 ± 3.1 minutes, p = 0.03). CerPP values in the 2-min and 4-min CSE groups were significantly higher than in the 24-sec group. With CSE, CerPPs and CorPPs increased over time in all groups. Conclusions By optimizing controlled sequential elevation timing, CerPP values achieved 50% of baseline within less than 2.5 minutes and >80% of baseline after 7 minutes of CPR. This novel CPR approach rapidly restored CerPPs to near normal values non-invasively and without vasopressors.

Introduction: Survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remain poor with widespread use of conventional (C) CPR. Based on pre-clinical studies showing improved cerebral flow and neurologically-intact survival, a FDA approved automated Head Up Positioning (AHUP) device for CPR was developed for use with an impedance threshold device (ITD), and manual and/or automated suction cup-based CPR. A prospective observational IRB approved registry was created to track use and clinical outcomes with this AHUP device based bundle. Hypothesis: Faster time to use of an AHUP CPR bundle improves survival to hospital discharge after OHCA versus historical controls treated with C-CPR. Methods: Registry patients from sites routinely recording time from 911 call to AHUP device placement (T 911 ) were included. C-CPR controls were from 3 prior randomized prospective CPR trials: 1) Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Prehospital Resuscitation using an IMpedance valve and Early versus Delayed (ROC PRIMED) Study, 2) Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Amiodarone, Lidocaine, or Placebo Study (ROC-ALPS), 3) The ResQTrial. Propensity score analysis was performed using logistic regression for baseline characteristics including age, sex, witnessed arrest, bystander CPR, shockable rhythm, and time to first responder CPR. Each AHUP patient was matched with up to 4 C-CPR patients. Results: Of 11 U.S. sites reporting AHUP CPR outcomes, 6 had time from 911 call to AHUP device placement recorded (n = 227). The model yielded a c-statistic of 0.76. Stratified by T 911 , the odds of survival with AHUP CPR were significantly higher than with C-CPR between T 911 < 7 minutes (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.3-16.0) and T 911 < 15 minutes (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.1-3.8). There was a time dependent effect of AHUP device placement on survival (See Figure). Conclusions: More rapid initiation of an AHUP CPR bundle resulted in improved survival to hospital discharge versus historical controls treated with C-CPR in OHCA.

Objectives Resuscitation in the Head Up position improves outcomes in animals treated with active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an impedance threshold device (ACD + ITD CPR). We assessed impact of time to deployment of an automated Head Up position (AHUP) based bundle of care after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Methods Observational data were analyzed from a patient registry. Patients received treatment with 1) ACD + and/or automated CPR 2) an ITD and 3) an AHUP device. Probability of ROSC (ROSCprob) from the 9-1-1 call to AHUP device placement was assessed with a restricted cubic spline model and linear regression. Results Of 11 sites, 6 recorded the interval from 9-1-1 to AHUP device (n = 227). ROSCprob for all rhythms was 34%(77/227). Median age (range) was 66 years (19-101) and 68% men. The ROSCprob for shockable rhythms was 47%(18/38). Minutes from 9-1-1 to AHUP device (median, range) varied between sites: 1) 6.4(4,15), 2) 8.0(5,19), 3) 9.9(4, 12), 4) 14.1(6, 36), 5) 15.9(6, 34), 6) 19.0(8, 38),(p = 0.0001). ROSCprob also varied; 1) 55.1%(16/29), 2) 60%(3/5), 3) 50%(3/6), 4) 22.7%(17/75), 5) 26.4%(9/34), and 6) 37.1%(29/78), (p = 0.019). For all rhythms between 4-12 minutes (n = 85), ROSCprob declined 5.6% for every minute elapsed (p = 0.024). For shockable rhythms, between 6-15 minutes (n = 23), ROSCprob declined 9.0% for every minute elapsed (p = 0.006). Conclusions Faster time to deployment of an AHUP based bundle of care is associated with higher incidence of ROSC. This must be considered when evaluating and implementing this bundle.

Our objective was to examine the appropriateness of cardiac troponin (cTn) testing among patients with cTn increases.This is a planned secondary analysis of the Use of TROPonin In Acute coronary syndromes (UTROPIA, NCT02060760) observational cohort study. Appropriateness of cTn testing was adjudicated for emergency department patients with cTn increases99Appropriateness was determined from 1272 and 1078 adjudication forms completed for 497 and 422 patients with contemporary and hs-cTnI increases, respectively. Appropriateness of cTnI testing across adjudication forms was 71.5% and 72.0% for cTnI and hs-cTnI, respectively. Compared with emergency physicians, cardiologists were less likely to classify cTnI orders as appropriate (cTnI: 79% vs 56%, P.0001; hs-cTnI: 82% vs 51%, P.0001). For contemporary cTnI, appropriateness of 95%, 70%, and 39% was observed among adjudication forms completed by cardiologists for type 1 myocardial infarction, type 2 myocardial infarction, and myocardial injury, respectively; compared with 90%, 86%, and 71%, respectively, among emergency physicians. Similar findings were observed using hs-cTnI. Discordance in appropriateness adjudication forms occurred most frequently in cases of myocardial injury (62% both assays) or type 2 myocardial infarction (cTnI 31%; hs-cTnI 23%).Marked differences exist in the perception of what constitutes appropriate clinical use of cTn testing between cardiologists and emergency physicians, with emergency physicians more likely to see testing as appropriate across a range of clinical scenarios. Discordance derives most often from cases classified as myocardial injury or type 2 myocardial infarction.

Objectives: Combined with devices that enhance venous return out of the brain and into the thorax, preclinical outcomes are improved significantly using a synergistic bundled approach involving mild elevation of the head and chest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The objective here was to confirm clinical safety/feasibility of this bundled approach including use of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation provided at a head-up angle. Design: Quarterly tracking of the frequency of successful resuscitation before, during, and after the clinical introduction of a bundled head-up/torso-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation strategy. Setting: 9-1-1 response system for a culturally diverse, geographically expansive, populous jurisdiction. Patients: All 2,322 consecutive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases (all presenting cardiac rhythms) were followed over 3.5 years (January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017). Interventions: In 2014, 9-1-1 crews used LUCAS (Physio-Control Corporation, Redmond, WA) mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and impedance threshold devices for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. After April 2015, they also 1) applied oxygen but deferred positive pressure ventilation several minutes, 2) solidified a pit-crew approach for rapid LUCAS placement, and 3) subsequently placed the patient in a reverse Trendelenburg position (~20°). Measurements and Main Results: No problems were observed with head-up/torso-up positioning (n = 1,489), but resuscitation rates rose significantly during the transition period (April to June 2015) with an ensuing sustained doubling of those rates over the next 2 years (mean, 34.22%; range, 29.76–39.42%; n = 1,356 vs 17.87%; range, 14.81–20.13%, for 806 patients treated prior to the transition; p < 0.0001). Outcomes improved across all subgroups. Response intervals, clinical presentations and indications for attempting resuscitation remained unchanged. Resuscitation rates in 2015–2017 remained proportional to neurologically intact survival (~35–40%) wherever tracked. Conclusions: The head-up/torso-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation bundle was feasible and associated with an immediate, steady rise in resuscitation rates during implementation followed by a sustained doubling of the number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients being resuscitated. These findings make a compelling case that this bundled technique will improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes significantly in other clinical evaluations.

Introduction The treatment of severe frostbite injury has been undergoing evolution and experimentation. In the last 30 years, there has been a rapid expansion in the understanding and available treatments for frostbite. There is no consensus on the best methods for diagnosis or treatment worldwide. At our institution, we have designed a treatment algorithm and this study assesses the efficacy of our treatment algorithm. Methods All patients with severe frostbite injury were included in our prospective observational trial on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. We developed a standard algorithm which includes diagnosis, medical treatment, wound care, therapy, and surgery for frostbitten patients. Results 80.7% of frostbitten tissue with no blood flow present at the time of admission became viable and did not require amputation or debridement for patients on our protocol. Our centers time to delivery of thrombolytics has reduced significantly over the course of this study to an average of just under 6 hours. Conclusions This protocol for severe frostbite injury results in significant tissue salvage at 80.7%. Having a standardized protocol allows for expediting frostbite patients care that results in dramatically improved outcomes.

Introduction: Spontaneous gasping (SG) during cardiac arrest is associated with favorable neurological outcomes. SG lowers intrathoracic pressure (ITP), enhancing flow of respiratory gases to the lungs and venous blood to the heart, while simultaneously lowering intracranial pressure (ICP). The impact of SG on regional cerebral oximetry (rSO2) is unknown. Hypothesis: During untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), SG will increase rSO2 until the gasping effort declines. Methods: Swine (~40 kg) were intubated and anesthetized with isoflurane. After 8 min of untreated VF, conventional mechanical CPR at 100 compressions/min was performed. Intrathoracic pressure (ITP), mean aortic pressure (MAP), ICP, right atrial pressure (RAP) and calculated cerebral perfusion pressure (CerPP) were measured continuously. rSO2 was measured continuously with near-infrared spectroscopy (Equanox 7600, Nonin Medical). These parameters were assessed before and during SG, and during CPR. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. A paired Student’s t- test was used. Results: SG occurred in 19/22 pigs during untreated VF, with 9.2 ± 4.3 gasps/pig. For pigs that gasped, the individual gasp duration was 1.74 ± 0.52 sec and the maximum negative ITP (mmHg) was -3.24 ± 1.93 mmHg. rSO2 increased in 9/19 (47%) pigs from 54.7% ± 4.1 to 57.8% ± 4.8 during SG (p Conclusions: rSO2 values increased in nearly half of animals with SG. This increase in rSO2 with SG was equal to the level of rSO2 achieved after 1 minute of CPR. Further study is warranted to determine potential prognostic and therapeutic implications of SG-induced increases rSO2 during cardiac arrest.

Aim of the study Controlled sequential elevation of the head and thorax (CSE) during active compression decompression (ACD) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an impedance threshold device (ITD) has been shown to increase cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral blood flow in previous animal studies as compared to the traditional supine position. The potential for this novel bundled treatment strategy to improve survival with intact neurological function is unknown. Methods Female farm pigs were sedated, intubated, and anesthetized. Central arterial and venous access were continuously monitored. Regional brain tissue perfusion (CerO2) was also measured transcutaneous. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and untreated for 10 min. Pigs were randomized to (1) Conventional CPR (C-CPR) flat or (2) ACD + ITD CSE CPR that included 2 min of ACD + ITD with the head and heart first elevated 10 and 8 cm, and then gradual elevation over 2 min to 22 and 9 cm, respectively. After 19 min of CPR, pigs were defibrillated and recovered. A veterinarian blinded to the intervention assessed cerebral performance category (CPC) at 24 h. A neurologically intact outcome was defined as a CPC score of 1 or 2. Categorical outcomes were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and continuous outcomes with an unpaired student's t-test. Results In 16 animals, return of spontaneous circulation rate was 8/8 (100%) with ACD + ITD CSE and 3/8 (25%) for C-CPR (p = 0.026). For the primary outcome of neurologically intact survival, 6/8 (75%) pigs had a CPC score 1 or 2 with ACD + ITD CSE versus 1/8 (12.5%) with C-CPR (p = 0.04). Coronary perfusion pressure (mmHg, mean ± SD) was higher with CSE at 18 min (41 ± 24 versus 10 ± 5, p = 0.004). rSO2 (%, mean ± SD) and ETCO2 (mmHg, mean ± SD) values were higher at 18 min with CSE (32 ± 9 versus 17 ± 2, p = 0.01, and 55 mmHg ± 10 versus 21 mmHg ± 4, p Conclusions The novel bundled resuscitation approach of CSE with ACD + ITD CPR increased favorable neurological survival versus C-CPR in a swine model of cardiac arrest.

Introduction Cerebral blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a major neuroprognostic factor although not clinically feasible for routine assessment and monitoring. In this context, a surrogate marker for cerebral perfusion during CPR is highly desirable. Yet, cerebral blood flow hemodynamic determinants remain poorly understood and their significance might be altered by changes in head positioning such as flat, head up, and head down during CPR. Hypothesis We hypothesized that routinely measured hemodynamic parameters would correlate with cerebral brain flow during CPR, independently of the head position. Methods Associations between cerebral blood flow, measured using microsphere techniques, and hemodynamic parameters were studied from two prior publications. Eight pigs receiving CPR with an automated device and an impedance threshold device in the flat or supine, whole body head down and whole body head up tilt positions were analysed for the derivation sample. Relevant associations were examined for consistency in an external validation sample consisting of 18 pigs randomized to supine position versus head and torso elevation. Results After adjusting for position, arterial blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure during decompression were significantly associated with cerebral blood flow, in the derivation and the external validation samples. No significant associations were found between cerebral blood flow during CPR and right atrial pressure, intracranial pressure, end tidal CO2, carotid blood flow, and coronary perfusion pressure in the derivation sample. Conclusion Decompression arterial blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure are relevant candidate surrogate markers for cerebral blood flow during CPR, independently of head position.

Study objective We seek to determine the characteristics and prevalence of agitation among patients in an urban county emergency department (ED). Methods This was a prospective observational study of ED patients at an urban Level I trauma center. All ED patients were screened during daily randomized 8-hour enrollment periods. Adult agitated patients, defined as having an altered mental status score greater than 1, were included. Trained research volunteers collected demographics and baseline data, including the presenting altered mental status score, use and type of restraints, and whether any initial sedative was given. The altered mental status score, vital signs, and any medications or treatments given were recorded every 5 minutes thereafter until the patient had an altered mental status score less than 1. Providers were asked to describe clinical events resulting in an intervention occurring during the patient course, including hypotension, vomiting, increased monitoring, use of supplemental oxygen or airway adjunct, or intubation. The provider also completed a checklist to determine the presence of delirium symptoms. Results A total of 43,838 patients were screened (45.1% women; median age 33 years; range 0 to 102 years). The prevalence of agitation was 2.6% (1,146/43,838; median altered mental status score 2). Of these patients, 84% (969/1,146) required physical restraint and 72% (829/1,146) required sedation with an intramuscular injection. Sedative agents were olanzapine in 39% of patients (442/1,146), droperidol in 20% (224/1,146), haloperidol in 20% (226/1,146), a benzodiazepine in 6% (68/1,146), and ketamine in 5% (52/1,146). Delirium characteristics were observed in 0.6% of patients (260/43,838), representing 23% of agitated patients in the ED. Clinical events were observed in 13% of agitated patients (114/866) without delirium symptoms and 26% (68/260) with delirium symptoms. Characteristics associated with a clinical event included delirium symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 2.4), a cause related to a drug other than alcohol (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.9), or a nondrug-induced cause of agitation (OR 3.5; 95% CI 2.3 to 5.6). Conclusion The prevalence of agitation in the ED was 2.6%. Agitated patients frequently required restraint and sedation, with significant rates of clinical events requiring intervention.

Background Due to the acuity and time-sensitive needs of their clinical condition, patients presenting with certain emergent pathologies may lack capacity to provide meaningful prospective informed consent to participate in clinical research. For these reasons, these populations have often been excluded from research investigations. To mitigate this, regulations allowing exception from informed consent (EFIC; 21 CFR 50.24) or waiver of informed consent (WIC; 45 CFR 46.101) were developed in 1996. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in the utilization of EFIC and WIC in emergency research. We also sought to describe the disclosure of necessary prestudy regulatory requirements and justification for the use of EFIC/WIC as reported in completed EFIC/WIC clinical trials. Methods This study is a review of 20 years of published trials using EFIC or WIC as the primary method of patient consent. Studies were identified using a MEDLINE search; ClinicalTrials.gov; queries to emergency and resuscitation researchers, research directors, department chairs, and principal investigators of acute care research networks; clinical review papers; and a query of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) docket. All eligible studies were reviewed by three investigators and study data of interest were abstracted. Data are presented descriptively. Results We identified 45 potentially eligible studies; 11 were ongoing (with no data yet available), four were completed (with no publications or data available), and two did not use EFIC or WIC. Of the remaining 28 studies, 24 (86%) used EFIC and four used WIC. The most common pathologies under study were cardiac arrest (10), hemorrhagic shock (six), and traumatic brain injury (five). Completion of the prestudy regulatory requirements was reported as follows: FDA investigational new drug/investigational device exemption application (for FDA regulated studies; 14, 50%), community consultation (13, 46%), public disclosure (10, 36%), and opt-out procedures if requested by the institutional review board (seven, 25%). The justification of the need for the use of EFIC or WIC in the reported clinical trial, as defined as mention of at least one of the eight established criteria, was described in the text of 13 (46%) publications. Conclusions Since their implementation in 1996, the EFIC/WIC regulations have allowed progress in research aimed at determining optimal care for devastating life-threatening conditions. However, consistent and rigorous report of regulatory prestudy requirements and justification of the use of EFIC/WIC is lacking in clinical trial publications or on websites such as ClinicalTrials.gov. Since research without consent is an ethically sensitive issue and not widely understood, better justification of its needs within the presentation of the research itself may educate the general medical community and also reduce concerns about whether or not the regulations are being properly applied.

Highlights • The influence of an influenza diagnosis on patient managed during ED visits is examined. • An influenza diagnosis in the ED is actionable, impacting empiric management in 61% of cases. • The clinical diagnosis of influenza, based on presenting symptoms, lacks sensitivity at 36%. • A 30 min result from collection to report could be achieved in the ED for 91.7%, of cases tested. • ED testing resulted in savings of $200.40/ED visit but is dependent on avoiding planned admissions., Background Emergency Departments (ED) are challenged during influenza season by patients who present acutely during sporadic ED visits. ED management is largely empiric, often occurring without reliable diagnostics needed for targeted therapies, safe outpatient discharge, or hospital admissions. Objective To evaluate the impact of the influenza diagnosis on physician decision making during ED visits using the Cobas Liat® influenza A + B assay. Study design Prospective study assessing the impact of rapid ( $578,000 due to deferred admissions, and reduction in antiviral prescribing. Sensitivity of ED-based influenza testing using the Cobas Liat® assay was equivalent to centralized lab testing at 98.8% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity respectively. Conclusion Providing rapid, RT-PCR influenza testing to ED settings is actionable and used to guide patient care decisions. Understanding the cascade of events linked to the influenza diagnosis in the ED provides overall cost savings which offset the cost of providing ED-based testing.

We read with interest the recent editorial, “The Hennepin Ketamine Study,” by Dr. Samuel Stratton commenting on the research ethics, methodology, and the current public controversy surrounding this study.1 As researchers and investigators of this study, we strongly agree that prospective clinical research in the prehospital environment is necessary to advance the science of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and emergency medicine. We also agree that accomplishing this is challenging as the prehospital environment often encounters patient populations who cannot provide meaningful informed consent due to their emergent conditions. To ensure that fellow emergency medicine researchers understand the facts of our work so they may plan future studies, and to address some of the questions and concerns in Dr. Stratton’s editorial, the lay press, and in social media,2 we would like to call attention to some inaccuracies in Dr. Stratton’s editorial, and to the lay media stories on which it appears to be based.Ho JD, Cole JB, Klein LR, Olives TD, Driver BE, Moore JC, Nystrom PC, Arens AM, Simpson NS, Hick JL, Chavez RA, Lynch WL, Miner JR. The Hennepin Ketamine Study investigators’ reply. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):111–113

Study objective To compare the frequency of airway and respiratory adverse events leading to an intervention between moderate sedation using alfentanil or propofol. Methods We performed a randomized clinical trial in which adults undergoing moderate sedation in the ED received either alfentanil or propofol. Our primary outcome was the frequency of airway and respiratory adverse events leading to an intervention. Other outcomes included sedation depth, efficacy, sedation time, patient satisfaction, pain, and satisfaction. Results 108 subjects completed the trial: 52 receiving alfentanil and 56 receiving propofol. Airway or respiratory adverse events leading to an intervention were similar between the two groups: 23% for alfentanil and 20% for propofol (p = 0.657). There were no serious adverse events in any group. Secondary outcomes were notably different in the rate of reported pain (48% for alfentanil, 13% for propofol) and recall (75% for alfentanil, 23% for propofol) and similar in the rate of satisfaction with the procedure (87% for alfentanil, 84% for propofol). Conclusion We found a similar frequency of airway and respiratory adverse events leading to intervention between alfentanil and propofol used for moderate procedural sedation. Both agents appear safe for moderate procedural sedation.

Background Shoulder dystocia (SD) requires emergent intervention to prevent maternal and fetal harm, and simulation models for training can be expensive. We developed a novel, cheap and easily transportable low-fidelity simulation (LFS) model to compare to a commercially available high-fidelity simulation (HFS) model. Methods Emergency medicine residents were randomized to training on the HFS or novel LFS model. Subjects completed a pretest and a 1-week and 6-month posttest including a self-assessment and a simulated SD delivery. Results Twenty-seven of the 43 residents completed the study (63%). The number of individuals performing dangerous maneuvers at baseline was similar, 1 week after training was five in HFS and 11 in LFS (p = 0.08) groups and at 6 months was again similar between groups. Mean checklist scores for appropriate actions increased 1 week after training but returned to baseline by 6 months and were similar between groups. The rate of successful delivery, median time to successful delivery, and maximum force applied improved at 1 week and was sustained at 6 months in both groups. Conclusion Within our limited study population, we did not find a large difference in the occurrence of dangerous actions during simulated SD delivery following HFS and LFS training. Our novel and easily transportable LFS trainer, assembled for less than US$10 each, may be a useful tool to train inexperienced providers on the steps of this procedure. However, this requires further study, as does whether HFS models with force monitoring capabilities may be helpful to train providers to minimize dangerous maneuvers such as the application of excessive force.

Chest compliance plays a fundamental role in the generation of circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To study potential changes in chest compliance over time, anterior posterior (AP) chest height measurements were performed on newly deceased (never frozen) human cadavers during CPR before and after 5min of automated CPR. We tested the hypothesis that after 5min of CPR chest compliance would be significantly increased.Static compression (30, 40, and 50kg) and decompression forces (-10, -15kg) were applied with a manual ACD-CPR device (ResQPUMP, ZOLL) before and after 5min of automated CPR. Lateral chest x-rays were obtained with multiple reference markers to assess changes in AP distance.In 9 cadavers, changes (mean±SD) in the AP distance (cm) during the applied forces were 2.1±1.2 for a compression force of 30kg, 2.9±1.3 for 40kg, 4.3±1.0 for 50kg, 1.0±0.8 for a decompression force of -10kg and 1.8±0.6 for -15kg. After 5min of automated CPR, AP excursion distances were significantly greater (p0.05). AP distance increased to 3.7±1.4 for a compression force of 30kg, 4.9±1.6 for 40kg, 6.3±1.9 for 50kg, 2.3±0.9 for -10kg of lift and 2.7±1.1 for -15kg of lift.These data demonstrate chest compliance increases significantly over time as demonstrated by the significant increase in the measured AP distance after 5min of CPR. These findings suggest that adjustments in compression and decompression forces may be needed to optimize CPR over time.

Introduction: Controlled sequential elevation of the head and thorax (CSE) during active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR with an impedance threshold device (ITD) has previously resulted in sustained nearly normal cerebral perfusion pressures (CerPP) of 75 mmHg. However, the optimal speed of CSE remains unknown. It is also unknown if some CPR is needed to ‘prime the system’ prior to maximal CSE. Hypothesis: An optimized CSE will achieve 50% of baseline (50% BL) CerPP in Methods: Female farm pigs were intubated and anesthetized. Central vascular and intracranial access were obtained. After 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, pigs were placed in a customized elevation device (CED). After 2 min of ACD+ITD CPR at the lowest CED level to prime the circulation, pigs were randomized to CSE over 1) 4-min or 2) 10-min until the CED reached its highest level. ACD ITD CPR was performed for a total of 19 minutes. Based upon initial results, two additional groups of pigs were studied: one with a CSE over 2-min after the 2 min ‘priming’ step, and the other with CSE over 24-sec without priming. The primary outcome was time in minutes to achieve 50% BL of CerPP values. Results: There were six pigs per study group (4-min, 10-min, 2-min and 24-sec). The 4-min CSE group achieved 50% BL CerPP faster (min ± SD) than the 10-min CSE group (2.53 ± 1.26 vs 5.98 ± 3.16 , p=0.04, Figure 1). The 2-min CSE group CerPP was similar to the 4-min group (2.36 ± 2.18, p=0.92). The time to 50% BL CerPP trended 4 min faster in the 2-min CSE group versus the 24-sec CSE group (6.6 ± 6.73, p=0.16), as shown in the figure. With CSE, CerPPs increased over time in all groups. All pigs were resuscitated. Conclusions: A 50% BL CerPP value was achieved in

Introduction: Survival rates after cardiac arrest with intact brain function remain poor and are not uniformly improved with a single intervention. A bundle of care approach to CPR that enhances cerebral and coronary circulation while simultaneously lowering intracranial pressure (ICP) provides new opportunity to improve neurological survival. Hypothesis: Active compression decompression (ACD) CPR and an impedance threshold device (ITD) to regulate intrathoracic pressure with controlled sequential elevation of the head and thorax (CSE) to lower ICP and increase cerebral and coronary (CoPP) perfusion pressures, will increase neurologically intact survival when compared to a conventional (C) CPR in the flat position in pigs. Methods: Female farm pigs were sedated, intubated, and anesthetized. Central arterial and venous access were continuously monitored. Regional brain tissue perfusion (CerO2) was also measured transcutaneously. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and untreated for 10 minutes. Pigs were randomized to 1) C-CPR flat or 2) CSE ACD+ITD CPR that included 2 min of ACD+ITD with the head and heart first elevated 10 and 8 cm, respectively, and then further elevation over 2 min to 22 and 9 cm, respectively. After 19 min of CPR, pigs were defibrillated and recovered. A veterinarian blinded to the intervention assessed cerebral performance category (CPC) at 24 hours. A neurologically intact outcome was defined as a CPC score of 1 or 2. Categorical outcomes were analyzed by Chi-Square and continuous outcomes with an unpaired student’s t-test. All p-values are unadjusted. Results: Return of spontaneous circulation rate was 8/8 (100%) with CSE and 2/8 (25%) for C-CPR (p = 0.002). For the primary outcome of neurologically intact survival, 6/8 (75%) pigs survived with CPC 1 or 2 with CSE versus 1/8 (12.5%) with C-CPR (p = 0.012). CoPP (mmHg, mean ± SD) was higher with CSE at 18 minutes (41 ± 24 vs 10 ± 5, p = 0.004). CerO2 (%, mean ± SD) and ETCO 2 (mmHg, mean ± SD) values were higher at 18 minutes with CSE (32.2 ± 8.5 vs 16.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.003, and 54.9 ± 8.6 vs 19.1 ± 7.0, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The novel bundled resuscitation approach of CSE with ACD+ITD CPR increased neurologically intact survival 6-fold versus C-CPR in a swine model of cardiac arrest.

Aim of the study Negative intrathoracic pressure (ITP) during the decompression phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to refill the heart, increase cardiac output, maintain cerebral and coronary perfusion pressures, and improve survival. In order to generate negative ITP, an airway seal is necessary. We tested the hypothesis that some supraglottic airway (SGA) devices do not seal the airway as well the standard endotracheal tube (ETT). Methods Airway pressures (AP) were measured as a surrogate for ITP in seven recently deceased human cadavers of varying body habitus. Conventional manual, automated, and active compression-decompression CPR were performed with and without an impedance threshold device (ITD) in supine and Head Up positions. Positive pressure ventilation was delivered by an ETT and 5 SGA devices tested in a randomized order in this prospective cross-over designed study. The primary outcome was comparisons of decompression AP between all groups. Results An ITD was required to generate significantly lower negative ITP during the decompression phase of all methods of CPR. SGAs varied in their ability to support negative ITP. Conclusion In a human cadaver model, the ability to generate negative intrathoracic pressures varied with different SGAs and an ITD regardless of the body position or CPR method. Differences in SGAs devices should be strongly considered when trying to optimize cardiac arrest outcomes, as some SGAs do not consistently develop a seal or negative intrathoracic pressure with multiple different CPR methods and devices.

Aim of the Study Elevation of the head and thorax (HUP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to double brain blood flow with increased cerebral perfusion pressures (CerPP) after active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR with an impedance threshold device (ITD). However, the optimal angle for HUP CPR is unknown. Methods In Study A, different angles were assessed (20°, 30°, 40°), each randomized over 5-min periods of ACD + ITD CPR, after 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation in an anesthetized swine model. Based upon Study A, Study B was performed, where animals were randomized to 1 of 2 sequences: 20°, 30°, 40° or 40°, 30°, 20° with a similar protocol. The primary endpoint was CerPP for both studies. Results In Study A, no optimal HUP angle was observed in 18 pigs. CerPPs for 30° and 40° (mmHg, mean ± SD) were equivalent (44 ± 22 and 47 ± 26, p = 0.18). However, CerPP appeared higher when 40° HUP was performed during the last 5-min of CPR, suggestive of a sequence effect. For Study B, after 17 min of CPR, CerPP (mmHg) were higher with the 20°, 30°, 40° sequence: 60 ± 17 versus 33 ± 18 (p = 0.035). Conclusions No optimal HUP CPR angle was observed. However, controlled progressive elevation of the head and thorax during CPR is more beneficial than an absolute angle or height to maximize CerPP. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal rate of rise during HUP ACD + ITD CPR. Institutional Protocol Number 17-06.

Ketamine is an emerging drug for the treatment of acute undifferentiated agitation in the prehospital environment, however no prospective comparative studies have evaluated its effectiveness or safety in this clinical setting.We hypothesized 5 mg/kg of intramuscular ketamine would be superior to 10 mg of intramuscular haloperidol for severe prehospital agitation, with time to adequate sedation as the primary outcome measure.This was a prospective open label study of all patients in an urban EMS system requiring chemical sedation for severe acute undifferentiated agitation that were subsequently transported to the EMS system's primary Emergency Department. All paramedics were trained in the Altered Mental Status Scale and prospectively recorded agitation scores on all patients. Two 6-month periods where either ketamine or haloperidol was the first-line therapy for severe agitation were prospectively compared primarily for time to adequate sedation. Secondary outcomes included laboratory data and adverse medication events.146 subjects were enrolled; 64 received ketamine, 82 received haloperidol. Median time to adequate sedation for the ketamine group was 5 minutes (range 0.4-23) vs. 17 minutes (range 2-84) in the haloperidol group (difference 12 minutes, 95% CI 9-15). Complications occurred in 49% (27/55) of patients receiving ketamine vs. 5% (4/82) in the haloperidol group. Complications specific to the ketamine group included hypersalivation (21/56, 38%), emergence reaction (5/52, 10%), vomiting (5/57, 9%), and laryngospasm (3/55, 5%). Intubation was also significantly higher in the ketamine group; 39% of patients receiving ketamine were intubated vs. 4% of patients receiving haloperidol.Ketamine is superior to haloperidol in terms of time to adequate sedation for severe prehospital acute undifferentiated agitation, but is associated with more complications and a higher intubation rate.

Background Direct laryngoscopy (DL) has long been the most common approach for emergency endotracheal intubation, although the use of video laryngoscopy (VL) is becoming more widespread. Current observational data suggest that VL has higher first-pass success, although randomized trials are lacking. Objectives The objective was to compare first-pass success in patients undergoing emergency intubation with DL or VL using a C-MAC device. Methods This was an open-label, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in an academic emergency department of patients undergoing emergency intubation with a plan of DL for the first attempt. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either DL or VL using a C-MAC device for the first intubation attempt. The primary outcome was first-pass success. Secondary outcomes included time to intubation, development of aspiration pneumonia, and hospital length of stay (LOS). The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01710891. Results A total of 198 patients were enrolled and intubated with either DL (n = 95) or VL (n = 103). First-attempt success was 86 and 92% for the DL and VL groups, respectively (difference = −5.9%, 95% confidence interval = −14.5% to 2.7%, p = 0.18). Time to intubation, rates of aspiration pneumonia, and hospital LOS were not different between the two groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing emergency intubation in whom DL was planned for the first attempt, we did not detect a difference between VL or DL using the C-MAC device in first-pass success, duration of intubation attempt, aspiration pneumonia, or hospital LOS.

Background: Rates of neurologically intact survival after cardiac arrest remain abysmal. Neuro-prognostication intra-arrest is challenging, with few real-time factors that can be used to determine patient prognosis. During the implementation of a new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocol in a large urban pre-hospital system, first responders prospectively recorded the presence of signs of perfusion during CPR. Hypothesis: Positive signs of perfusion would be a predictor of a good neurologic outcome in this observational study, as defined by Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) Score of 1 or 2. Methods: Basic life support first responders (n = 420) and paramedics (n = 207) underwent training including didactic and hands-on sessions to learn the new protocol, which included active compression-decompression CPR with an impedance threshold device. In addition to patient demographics and circumstances of cardiac arrest, signs of perfusion during CPR were prospectively recorded and included improved color, pulse during CPR, gasping, and movement during CPR. Chart review was performed to determine CPC score at discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and calculation of unadjusted odds ratios. Results: The new protocol began May 1, 2017. Cases from May 2017-November 2017 (n= 102) were reviewed, with complete data available for 96 patients (94%). The median age was 56 (range 25-97), 54/91 (59%) male, 43/102 (42%) witnessed, 31/90 (34%) shockable rhythm, and 51/102 (50%) receiving bystander CPR. Improved color during CPR was seen in 23/102 (23%), pulse during CPR in 17/102 (17%), gasping in 18/102 (18%), and movement during CPR in 5/102 (5%). Any sign of perfusion during CPR was seen in 47/102 (46%), and 13/96 (13.5%) had a CPC score of 1 or 2 at discharge. The unadjusted OR for any sign of perfusion during CPR for a CPC score of 1 or 2 was 26 (95% CI 3 - 213) and for any sign of perfusion during CPR for ROSC was 9 (95% CI 3 - 24). Conclusions: Positive signs of perfusion during CPR noted by first responders strongly predicted ROSC and neurologically intact survival in this small sample. This suggests the importance of prospectively recording signs of perfusion during resuscitation, and communicating these observations during transfer of care.

Background: Elevation of the head and thorax (HUP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to result in a doubling of brain blood flow with higher Cerebral Perfusion Pressures (CerPP) after prolonged active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR with an impedance threshold device (ITD). However, the optimal angle and speed of elevation are unknown. Methods: In study A, in an anesthetized female 40 kg pig model of untreated ventricular fibrillation for 8 min, different HUP angles were assessed (20°, 30°, 40°) in a randomized manner each over a 5-minute periods of ACD+ITD CPR. Based upon study A results, study B was performed, wherein animals were randomized to the two following sequences: 20°, 30°, 40° or 40°, 30°, 20° using the same protocol. The primary endpoint was mean ± SD CerPP (mmHg) for both studies. Results: In study A, 18 pigs were studied. Overall, there was no optimal HUP angle: CerPP was 36 ± 19 for 20°, 42 ± 21 for 30°, and 44 ± 27 for 40° (p = 0.57). However, CerPPs were higher if 40 o HUP was performed during the last 5 minutes of the resuscitation (77 ± 17), versus 20 o HUP and 30 o HUP (44± 18, p = 0.003), suggestive of a sequence effect. To test this hypothesis, study B then enrolled additional animals to compare two elevation sequences 20°, 30°, 40° (n = 6) or 40°, 30°, 20° (n = 5). At 15 min of CPR, the CerPP for 20°, 30°, 40° group was 60 ± 17 and for 40°, 30°, 20° the CerPP was 23 ± 19 (p = 0.01). CerPPs were higher for the 20°, 30°, 40° group throughout the resuscitation (Figure 1). Coronary perfusion pressure was also significantly higher in the 20°, 30°, 40° group (50 ± 17 mmHg versus 22 ± 16 mmHg, p = 0.036) Conclusions: There did not appear to be an optimal HUP angle during ACD+ITD CPR. By contrast, there was an optimal HUP sequence (20,30,40) that resulted in significantly higher CerPP, suggesting controlled progressive elevation is important when performing HUP CPR as compared to an absolute immediate elevation of the head and thorax.

Introduction: Active Compression Decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation with an impedance threshold device (ACD+ITD CPR) is available for use in the United States. However, little is known regarding integration of this CPR system into a large urban prehospital system with short response times, routine use of mechanical CPR and ITD, and transport of patients to cardiac arrest centers. This is an ongoing before and after study of the implementation of ACD+ITD CPR in non-traumatic cardiac arrest cases 6 months pre and post protocol change. Hypothesis: Neurologically intact rates of survival, defined by Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of 1 or 2, would be higher post protocol. Methods: Basic life support first responders (n = 420) and paramedics (n = 207) underwent training including didactic and hands-on sessions to learn ACD+ITD CPR. The protocol included ACD+ITD CPR initially, with the option to transition to mechanical CPR at 15 minutes. Demographics, response time, CPR duration, initial rhythm, signs of perfusion during CPR, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were recorded prospectively by first responders. Chart review was performed to determine survival to hospital admission and CPC score at discharge. Results: Training occurred October 2016 to March 2017, with protocol change on May 1, 2017. Cases from November 2016-April 2017 (n = 136) and May 2017-November 2017 (n= 103) were reviewed. Complete data were available for 128 subjects pre-protocol change (94%) and 96 subjects (94%) post. Age, gender, response time, rhythm, total CPR time, and rates of bystander CPR and witnessed arrest were similar between groups. Post protocol change, 87% (89/102) received ACD+ITD CPR with median ACD+ITD CPR time of 15 minutes (range 2-300). Pre-protocol, 6/128 (4.7%) subjects survived with CPC score 1 or 2, versus 8/96 (13.5%) subjects post (difference 8.8%, 95% CI 1%-17%). ROSC rates were similar (pre: 54/127, 42.5% post: 44/93, 47%, difference 4.8%, 95% CI -8% - 18%) Conclusions: The change in protocol was straightforward with a high rate of adherence of the system for the recommended duration of therapy. Results are suggestive of a higher rate of neurological survival with the routine use of ACD+ITD CPR in a small cardiac arrest patient population.

Aim The objectives were: 1) replicate key elements of Head Up (HUP) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) physiology in a traditional swine model of ventricular fibrillation (VF), 2) compare HUP CPR physiology in pig cadavers (PC) to the VF model 3) develop a new human cadaver (HC) CPR model, and 4) assess HUP CPR in HC. Methods Nine female pigs were intubated, and anesthetized. Venous, arterial, and intracranial access were obtained. After 6 min of VF, CPR was performed for 2 min epochs as follows: Standard (S)-CPR supine (SUP), Active compression decompression (ACD) CPR + impedance threshold device (ITD-16) CPR SUP, then ACD + ITD HUP CPR. The same sequence was performed in PC 3 h later. In 9 HC, similar vascular and intracranial access were obtained and CPR performed for 1 min epochs using the same sequence as above. Results The mean cerebral perfusion pressure (CerPP, mmHg) was 14.5 ± 6 for ACD + ITD SUP and 28.7 ± 10 for ACD + ITD HUP (p = .007) in VF, −3.6 ± 5 for ACD + ITD SUP and 7.8 ± 9 for ACD + ITD HUP (p = .007) in PC, and 1.3 ± 4 for ACD + ITD SUP and 11.3 ± 5 for ACD + ITD HUP (p = .007) in HC. Mean systolic and diastolic intracranial pressures (ICP) (mmHg) were significantly lower in the ACD + ITD HUP group versus the ACD + ITD SUP group in all three CPR models. Conclusion HUP CPR decreased ICP while increasing CerPP in pigs in VF as well as in PC and HC CPR models. This first-time demonstration of HUP CPR physiology in humans provides important implications for future resuscitation research and treatment.

International audience

Objectives The objective was to determine if there is a difference in procedural amnesia and adverse respiratory events (AREs) between the target sedation levels of moderate (MS) and deep (DS) procedural sedation. Methods This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial of consenting adult patients planning to undergo DS with propofol between March 5, 2015, and May 24, 2017. Patients were randomized to a target sedation level of MS or DS using the American Society of Anesthesiologist's definitions. Drug doses, vital signs, observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAAS) score, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2 ), and the need for supportive airway maneuvers (SAMs; bag-valve mask use, repositioning, and stimulation to induce respirations) were monitored continuously. A standardized image was shown every 30 seconds starting 3 minutes before the procedure continuing until the patient had returned to baseline after the procedure. Recall and recognition of images were assessed 10 minutes after the sedation. Subclinical respiratory depression (RD) was defined as SaO2 ≤ 91%, change in ETCO2 ≥ 10 mm Hg, or absent ETCO2 at any time. The occurrence of RD with a SAM was defined as an ARE. Patient satisfaction, pain, and perceived recollection and physician assessment of procedure difficulty were collected using visual analog scales (VASs). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled: 54 randomized to target MS and 53 to DS. Of the patients randomized to target MS, 50% achieved MS and 50% achieved DS. In the target DS group, 77% achieved DS and 23% achieved MS. The median total propofol dose (mg/kg) was lower in the MS group: MS 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-1.6, IQR = 1) versus DS 1.8 (95% CI = 1.6-2.0, IQR = 0.9). There were no differences in median OAAS during the procedure (MS 2.4 and DS 2.8), lowest OAAS (MS 2 and DS 2), percentage of images recalled (MS 4.7% vs. DS 3.8%, p = 0.73), or percentage of images recognized (MS 61.1% vs. DS 55%, p = 0.52). In the MS group, 41% patients had any AREs compared to 42% in the DS group (p = 0.77, 95% CI difference = -0.12 to 0.24). The total number of AREs was 23% lower in the MS group (p = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.41 to -0.04). There was no difference in patient-reported pain, satisfaction, or recollection VAS scores. Provider's rating of procedural difficulty and procedural success were similar in both groups. Conclusions Targeting MS or DS did not reliably result in the intended sedation level. Targeting MS, however, resulted in a lower rate of total AREs and fewer patients had multiple AREs with no difference in procedural recall. As seen in previous reports, patients who achieved MS had less AREs than those who achieved DS. Our study suggests that a target of MS provides adequate amnesia with less need for supportive airway interventions than a target level of DS, despite the fact that it often does not result in intended sedation level.

Objectives The objective was to assess whether respiratory depression and supportive airway measures occurring during procedural sedation are associated with changes in peripheral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). Methods This was a prospective observational study of adult patients undergoing procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED). Patients undergoing sedation with propofol, 1:1 propofol and ketamine, and 4:1 propofol and ketamine were included. Clinical interventions, sedative medication doses, vital signs, end-tidal capnography (ETCO2), pulse oximetry (SpO2), and peripheral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) were recorded. Respiratory depression was defined as the occurrence of a recorded SpO2 10 mm Hg from baseline, or loss of capnography waveform. Supportive airway measures documented during the procedure included bag-valve mask ventilation, airway repositioning maneuvers, increase in supplemental oxygen, and stimulation to induce respiration. Relative changes in StO2 between baseline and nadir were compared among patients who met respiratory depression criteria or required a supportive airway measure and those who did not. Results Ninety-three patients were enrolled. Thirty-two patients (34.4%) met criteria for respiratory depression, and 31 (33.3%) required intervention in the form of a supportive airway measure. The median percent change in StO2 from procedure baseline to nadir in patients meeting criteria for respiratory depression was 13.6%, compared to 4.2% in those who did not. The change in StO2 in patients who required a supportive airway measure was 12.5% versus 5.4% in those who did not. Conclusions Patients with respiratory depression and the use of supportive airway measures had greater changes in StO2 during procedural sedation than in patients who did not. Peripheral tissue oxygen saturation monitoring may be a useful tool for assessing respiratory adverse events in patients undergoing procedural sedation in the ED.

As most cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts last longer than 15min, the aim of this study was to compare brain blood flow between the Head Up (HUP) and supine (SUP) body positions during a prolonged CPR effort of 15min, using active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR and impedance threshold device (ITD) in a swine model of cardiac arrest.Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in anesthetized pigs. After 8min of untreated VF followed by 2min of ACD-CPR+ITD in the SUP position, pigs were randomized to 18min of continuous ACD-CPR+ITD in either a 30° HUP or SUP position. Microspheres were injected before VF and then 5 and 15min after start of CPR.The mean blood flow (ml/min/g, mean±SD) to the brain after 15min of CPR was 0.42±0.05 in the HUP group (n=8) and 0.21±0.04 SUP (n=10), respectively, (p0.01). The HUP group also had statistically significantly lower intracranial pressures and higher calculated cerebral perfusion pressures after 5, 15, 19 (before adrenaline) and 20 (after adrenaline) minutes of HUT versus SUP CPR.After prolonged ACD-CPR+ITD in the HUP position, brain blood flow was 2-fold higher versus the SUP position. These positive findings provide strong pre-clinical support to proceed with a clinical evaluation of elevation of the head and thorax during ACD-CPR+ITD in humans in cardiac arrest.

International audience

Amplitude Spectrum Area (AMSA) values during ventricular fibrillation (VF) correlate with myocardial energy stores and predict defibrillation success. By contrast, end tidal CO2 (ETCO2) values provide a noninvasive assessment of coronary perfusion pressure and myocardial perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Given the importance of the timing of defibrillation shock delivery on clinical outcome, we tested the hypothesis that AMSA and ETCO2 correlate with each other and can be used interchangably to correlate with myocardial perfusion in an animal laboratory preclinical, randomized, prospective investigation. After 6 min of untreated VF, 12 female pigs (32 ± 1 Kg), isoflurane anesthetized pigs received sequentially 3 min periods of standard (S) CPR, S‐CPR+ an impedance threshold device (ITD), and then active compression decompression (ACD) + ITD CPR. Hemodynamic, AMSA, and ETCO2 measurements were made with each method of CPR. The Spearman correlation and Friedman tests were used to compare hemodynamic parameters. ETCO2, AMSA, coronary perfusion pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure were lowest with STD CPR, increased with STD CPR + ITD and highest with ACD CPR + ITD. Further analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between AMSA and ETCO2 (r = 0.37, P = 0.025) and between AMSA and key hemodynamic parameters (P

Purpose of review Survival with favorable neurological function after cardiac arrest remains low. The purpose of this review is to identify recent advances that focus on neuroprotection during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent findings Multiple strategies have been shown to enhance neuroprotection during CPR. Brain perfusion during CPR is increased with therapies such as active compression decompression CPR and intrathoracic pressure regulation that improve cardiac preload and decrease intracranial pressure. Head Up CPR has been shown to decrease intracranial pressure thereby increasing cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral blood flow. Sodium nitroprusside enhanced CPR increases cerebral perfusion, facilitates heat exchange, and improves neurologic survival in swine after cardiac arrest. Postconditioning has been administered during CPR in laboratory settings. Poloxamer 188, a membrane stabilizer, and ischemic postconditioning have been shown to improve cardiac and neural function after cardiac arrest in animal models. Postconditioning with inhaled gases protects the myocardium, with more evidence mounting for the potential for neural protection. Summary Multiple promising neuroprotective therapies are being developed in animal models of cardiac arrest, and are in early stages of human trials. These therapies have the potential to be bundled together to improve rates of favorable neurological survival after cardiac arrest.

The purpose of this study was to examine continuous oxygen insufflation (COI) in a swine model of cardiac arrest. The primary hypothesis was COI during standard CPR (S-CPR) should result in higher intrathoracic pressure (ITP) during chest compression and lower ITP during decompression versus S-CPR alone. These changes with COI were hypothesized to improve hemodynamics. The second hypothesis was that changes in ITP with S-CPR+COI would result in superior hemodynamics compared with active compression decompression (ACD) + impedance threshold device (ITD) CPR, as this method primarily lowers ITP during chest decompression.After 6min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, S-CPR was initiated in 8 female swine for 4min, then 3min of S-CPR+COI, then 3min of ACD+ITD CPR, then 3min of S-CPR+COI. ITP and hemodynamics were continuously monitored.During S-CPR+COI, ITP was always positive during the CPR compression and decompression phases. ITP compression values with S-CPR+COI versus S-CPR alone were 5.5±3 versus 0.2±2 (p0.001) and decompression values were 2.8±2 versus -1.3±2 (p0.001), respectively. With S-CPR+COI versus ACD+ITD the ITP compression values were 5.5±3 versus 1.5±2 (p0.01) and decompression values were 2.8±2 versus -4.7±3 (p0.001), respectively.COI during S-CPR created a continuous positive pressure in the airway during both the compression and decompression phase of CPR. At no point in time did COI generate a negative intrathoracic pressures during CPR in this swine model of cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND We examined the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) vs contemporary cTnI with use of the 99th percentile alone and with a normal electrocardiogram (ECG) to rule out acute myocardial infarction (MI) and serial changes (deltas) to rule in MI. METHODS We included consecutive patients presenting to a US emergency department with serial cTnI onclinical indication. Diagnostic performance for acute MI, including MI subtypes, and 30-day outcomes were examined. RESULTS Among 1631 patients, MI was diagnosed in 12.9% using the contemporary cTnI assay and in 10.4% using the hs-cTnI assay. For ruling out MI, contemporary cTnI ≤99th percentile at 0, 3, and 6 h and a normal ECG had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.5% (95% CI, 98.6–100) and a sensitivity of 99.1% (95% CI, 97.4–100) for diagnostic and safety outcomes. Serial hs-cTnI measurements ≤99th percentile at 0 and 3 h and a normal ECG had an NPV and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 100–100) for diagnostic and safety outcomes. For ruling in MI, contemporary cTnI measurements had specificities of 84.4% (95% CI, 82.5–86.3) at presentation and 78.7% (95% CI, 75.4–82.0) with serial testing at 0, 3, and 6 h, improving to 89.2% (95% CI, 87.1–91.3) by using serial cTnI changes (delta, 0 and 6 h) >150%. hs-cTnI had specificities of 86.9% (95% CI, 85.1–88.6) at presentation and 85.7% (95% CI, 83.5–87.9) with serial testing at 0 and 3 h, improving to 89.3% (95% CI, 87.3–91.2) using a delta hs-cTnI (0 and 3 h) >5 ng/L. CONCLUSIONS hs-cTnI and contemporary cTnI assays are excellent in ruling out MI following recommendations predicated on serial testing and the 99th percentile with a normal ECG. For ruling in MI, deltas improve the specificity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02060760

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine whether patient-described pain correlates with patient-described stress, anxiety, and satisfaction with ongoing treatment and if that correlation differs by gender. Methods This was a prospective observational study at an urban, Level I trauma center conducted between June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2013. Patients reporting pain rated greater than 3 of 10 were eligible. Patients who qualified and consented for participation completed demographic and pain, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction scales at baseline, every 30 minutes, and at discharge. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, chi-square tests, t-tests, multiple regression, and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank test. Results A total of 7,124 patients were screened for enrollment. Of those, 3,495 (49%) did not qualify at screening for various reasons, including insufficient pain levels (17.5%), elected not to participate (37.7%), did not qualify for other reasons (12.4%), and reason not captured (32.4%). A total of 3,629 (51%) screened patients were eligible and consented. Of those, 620 (16.8%) did not have any data collected past baseline, leaving 3,009 as the final sample size. The patients completing data collection had a median age of 39 years (range = 18 to 90 years), and 50% were male. The mean presenting pain visual analog scale (VAS) score was 71.5 mm. Presenting stress and anxiety VAS scores were significantly higher in females (0.61 and 0.53, respectively) than males (0.56 and 0.50, respectively), whereas presenting pain VAS (0.71 male and 0.72 female) and satisfaction VAS (0.34 male and 0.35 female) did not differ by sex. Ethnicity, education, and income were all statistically different when compared with baseline pain, stress, anxiety, and satisfaction. Male gender was associated with a significant change in pain over time from baseline (coefficient = 0.040, p = 0.037); however, when adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, and income, and for changes in stress, anxiety, and satisfaction VAS scores, changes in pain related to male gender was no longer significant (coefficient = 0.034, p = 0.11). When asked about their satisfaction with the results of the pain treatment that had been provided, patients reported a median of 2 (out of 6, 1 = satisfied, 6 = dissatisfied; interquartile range = 1 to 2). There was no significant difference between sexes (p > 0.90). Conclusions Patient-reported stress and anxiety were higher among female patients than male patients, but there was no significant difference in reported pain and satisfaction between sexes. Sex alone was not a significant predictor of change in pain for patients presenting to the emergency department with pain-related complaints. Anxiety and stress may potentially influence the pain–gender relationship. Resumen Objetivos el objetivo principal de este estudio fue determinar si el dolor descrito por el paciente se correlaciona con el estres, la ansiedad y la satisfaccion descrita por el paciente con el tratamiento en curso y si esa correlacion difiere en funcion del genero. Metodologia estudio observacional prospectivo de un centro de traumatologia de nivel I urbano llevado a cabo entre el 1 de junio de 2010 y el 1 de enero de 2013. Se eligieron los pacientes que documentaron un dolor clasificado como mayor de 3 sobre 10. Los pacientes que cumplieron los requisitos y consintieron para la participacion completaron datos demograficos y de dolor, ansiedad, estres y escalas de satisfaccion basales cada 30 minutos y al alta. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el analisis de la varianza, los test de la ji al cuadrado y de la t de Student, la regresion multiple y el test de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney. Resultados Se cribo a 7.124 pacientes para la inclusion. De estos, 3.495 (49%) no cumplieron los requisitos en el despistaje por varias razones, incluyendo niveles de dolor insuficiente (17,5%), la eleccion de no participar (37,7%) o que no cumplieron los requisitos por otros motivos (12,4%) y por razones no capturadas (32,4%). Tres mil seiscientos veintinueve pacientes (51%) cribados se eligieron y consintieron. De aquellos, 620 (16,8%) no tuvieron ningun dato recogido en la visita basal, por lo que el tamano de la muestra final fue de 3.009. Los pacientes que completaron la coleccion de datos tenia una mediana de edad de 39 anos (rango de 18 a 90 anos), y un 50% fueron varones. La puntuacion media de dolor a la llegada segun la escala visual analogica (EVA) fue de 71,5 mm. Las puntuaciones de EVA de ansiedad y estres a la llegada fueron mayores en las mujeres (0,61 y 0,53, respectivamente) que en los varones (0,56 y 0,50, respectivamente), mientras que la EVA de dolor a la llegada (0,71 hombre y 0,72 mujer) y la EVA de satisfaccion (0,34 hombre y 0,35 mujer) no difirio por el genero. La raza, el nivel educativo y los ingresos fueron diferentes de forma significativa cuando se comparo en la visita inicial el dolor, el estres, la ansiedad y la satisfaccion. El sexo masculino se asocio con un cambio significativo en el dolor a lo largo del tiempo desde la visita inicial (coeficiente: 0,040, valor de p: 0,037); sin embargo cuando se ajusto por la edad, la raza, el nivel educativo, los ingresos y por los cambios en las puntuaciones de EVA en el estres, la ansiedad y la satisfaccion, los cambios en el dolor en relacion al sexo masculino ya no fueron significativos (coeficiente: 0,034, valor de p: 0,11). Cuando se pregunto sobre su satisfaccion con el resultado del tratamiento del dolor administrado, los pacientes documentaron una mediana de 2 sobre un maximo de 6 (1 = satisfecho, 6 = no satisfecho) (rango intercuartilico: 1 a 2). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los generos (valor de p > 0,90). Conclusiones El estres y la ansiedad documentada por el paciente fue mayor entre las pacientes mujeres que en los varones, pero no hubo diferencias significativas en el dolor y la satisfaccion documentada entre generos. Unicamente el genero no fue un factor predictivo significativo de cambio en el dolor para los pacientes atendidos en el SU con un motivo de consulta relacionado con el dolor. La ansiedad y el estres pueden potencialmente influir en la relacion entre dolor y genero.