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Bang Holmes posted an update 4 days, 8 hours ago
The median trauma and medical exposure was 2 (IQR 0-3) and 3 (IQR 2-10), respectively. For 13 out of 20 diagnostic categories, at least 50% of residents did not see any critical care case in that category. Sixty-eight percent of residents saw 10 or fewer critically ill cases by the end of training. Conclusion Pediatric critical care exposure during EM training is very limited. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring trainees’ case experience to inform program-specific curricula and to develop strategies to increase exposure and resident entrustment, as well as further research in this area.Background The most recent recommendations support learning of external cardiac massage (ECM) through feedback devices. Objectives The objective was to compare the effects on immediate and 3-month retention of ECM technical skills when using feedback devices compared with training without feedback as part of a half-day training session in medical students. Methods This randomized study was performed using the Resusci Anne QCPR manikin in 64 medical students. We compared the quality of ECM with nonfeedback training in the control group (group 1) vs. 2 feedback learning methods (group 2, PocketCPR and group 3, Skill Reporter each used with visual display available to the trainee). At the end of the training session and 3 months later, students performed chest compressions blindly during a 2-min assessment session. The median compression score was the primary outcome for assessing immediate and long-term retention. Results Regarding immediate retention, the median compression score was significantly lower in group 1 (23%) than in groups 2 (81%) and 3 (72%) (p less then 0.05) with no difference between the 2 feedback methods. At 3 months, mean compression scores remained high but not significantly different between the 2 feedback groups. Conclusion The use of a feedback device used for ECM training improves the quality of immediate retention of technical ECM skills compared with traditional teaching in medical students. At 3 months, the 2 groups with feedback retained a high level of performance. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the 2 feedback methods.Background Kounis syndrome is a rare condition that is characterized by the coexistence of acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions; however, its time course remains unclear. We report a case of anaphylactic shock with subsequent development of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Case report A 47-year-old man with food allergies presented to the emergency department of our hospital with breathing difficulties after eating bread. He had a history of angina and underwent stent implantation 3 years earlier. On examination, he was lethargic, disoriented, and in shock. He had a rash on his face and anterior chest wall, as well as severe itching and sweating. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed and, 3 min after presentation, 0.5 mg epinephrine was injected intramuscularly into the right thigh. Electrocardiography, which was recorded 2 min after the administration of epinephrine, was normal; however, chest pain developed suddenly 18 min later. Repeat electrocardiography showed ST-segment elevations, and emergency coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (i.e., the previous stenting site). Recanalization of the left anterior descending coronary artery was achieved after repeated thrombus aspiration with difficulty, followed by stent implantation inside of the stent under the support of intra-aortic balloon pumping. The clinical course was uneventful. He was discharged and advised to avoid eating wheat and carry an epinephrine self-injection kit for anaphylaxis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS? The present case highlights the importance of recognizing Kounis syndrome in the management of anaphylactic shock because treatment may be difficult, particularly in patients with type III Kounis syndrome.Background Flecainide is a class Ic antidysrhythmic agent used to prevent and treat both ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias, including atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Flecainide can cause serious side effects, including cardiac arrest, dysrhythmias, and heart failure. Despite its growing use, the presenting signs and symptoms of flecainide toxicity are not familiar to most clinicians. In particular, our patient’s particular presentation of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting in flecainide accumulation is high risk for missed diagnosis in the emergency department. Case report A 58-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and hypoxia that was later found to be secondary to sepsis. Medical history was notable for atrial fibrillation, for which she was on flecainide. Laboratory results were notable for hypokalemia and an AKI. Her wide complex tachycardia on admission was ultimately attributed to flecainide toxicity in the setting of AKI. Six days after presentation, it was found that her flecainide level was in the toxic range at 2.02 μg/mL (normal range 0.20-1.00 μg/mL, toxic >1.50 μg/mL). WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS? Flecainide intoxication is rare but serious due to the potential for cardiogenic shock. Its diagnosis can be difficult, as the flecainide serum level may take days to result. This case demonstrates the necessity of keeping flecainide toxicity on the physician’s differential for patients who are taking the drug, as well as what electrocardiogram findings suggest it as the etiology. Treatment can be lifesaving if initiated promptly.Background Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is a blood coagulation product indicated for urgent reversal of warfarin. Currently there are no studies using 4F-PCC as a fixed dose to achieve hemostasis with warfarin as well as direct factor Xa inhibitors. see more Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4F-PCC administration using a fixed dose of approximately 2000 factor IX units to achieve hemostasis in anticoagulated patients, compared with weight-based therapy. Methods This single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed at a 433-bed tertiary care hospital in central Kentucky. Patients from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 were included if they were 18 years or older and received 4F-PCC for hemostasis of oral anticoagulation. Efficacy was assessed by determining if clinically effective hemostasis was achieved after receiving a fixed-dose vs. a weight-based dose of 4F-PCC. Results Seventy-two patients were included in the study. Thirty-eight received weight-based dosing, compared with 34 receiving a fixed dose.