The 2019-2020 Novel Coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) Pandemic: A Joint American College of Academic International Medicine-World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine Multidisciplinary COVID-19 Working Group Consensus Paper

What started as a cluster of patients with a mysterious respiratory illness in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was later determined to be coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel Betacoronavirus, was subsequently isolated as the causative agent. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by respiratory droplets and fomites and presents clinically with fever, fatigue, myalgias, conjunctivitis, anosmia, dysgeusia, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. In most critical cases, symptoms can escalate into acute respiratory distress syndrome accompanied by a runaway inflammatory cytokine response and multiorgan failure. As of this article's publication date, COVID-19 has spread to approximately 200 countries and territories, with over 4.3 million infections and more than 290,000 deaths as it has escalated into a global pandemic. Public health concerns mount as the situation evolves with an increasing number of infection hotspots around the globe. New information about the virus is emerging just as rapidly. This has led to the prompt development of clinical patient risk stratification tools to aid in determining the need for testing, isolation, monitoring, ventilator support, and disposition. COVID-19 spread is rapid, including imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of known infected individuals, and community-acquired cases without a readily identifiable source of infection. Critical shortages of personal protective equipment and ventilators are compounding the stress on overburdened healthcare systems. The continued challenges of social distancing, containment, isolation, and surge capacity in already stressed hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments have led to a swell in technologically-assisted care delivery strategies, such as telemedicine and web-based triage. As the race to develop an effective vaccine intensifies, several clinical trials of antivirals and immune modulators are underway, though no reliable COVID-19-specific therapeutics (inclusive of some potentially effective single and multi-drug regimens) have been identified as of yet. With many nations and regions declaring a state of emergency, unprecedented quarantine, social distancing, and border closing efforts are underway. Implementation of social and physical isolation measures has caused sudden and profound economic hardship, with marked decreases in global trade and local small business activity alike, and full ramifications likely yet to be felt. Current state-of-science, mitigation strategies, possible therapies, ethical considerations for healthcare workers and policymakers, as well as lessons learned for this evolving global threat and the eventual return to a "new normal" are discussed in this article.

Comparison of men and women with acute coronary syndrome in six Middle Eastern countries

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in baseline characteristics, therapy, and outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes in 6 Middle Eastern countries. Over a 6-month period in 2007, 8,169 consecutive patients (74% men, 24% women) presenting with acute coronary syndromes were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study from 6 adjacent Middle Eastern countries. Women were 9 years older than men and more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Women were more likely to present with unstable angina and more often had atypical presentations of ST elevation myocardial infarction. Compared to men, women were significantly less treated with beta blockers and antiplatelet therapy, whereas reperfusion therapy was nonsignificantly less used in women. In all patients with acute coronary syndromes, women not only ranked higher on Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score but also had increased in-hospital mortality, 1.75 times that of men. This mortality difference persisted after adjusting for all confounders (odds ratios 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.8, p <0.01). In conclusion, in addition to presentation with higher risk factors, female gender also independently predicted poorer outcomes in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Cytokines and myocardial dysfunction: state of the art

BACKGROUND

Myocardial dysfunction has been associated with inflammation and cytokine modulation.

OBJECTIVES

The study objective was to understand the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology and management of myocardial dysfunction.

METHODS

Heart failure has been revisited with revision of the pertinent published articles in the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EBSCO Host research.

RESULTS

For the proinflammatory cytokines, illumination of this important point requires further diagnostic and therapeutic investigations. Data on chronic heart failure are not so reassuring; therefore, patients with advanced heart failure should not be treated with anticytokines at this time.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are warranted to pave the way for introducing cytokine and immunomodulation therapy at the optimal and appropriate time.

Pattern and predictors of mortality in necrotizing fasciitis patients in a single tertiary hospital

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a fatal aggressive infectious disease. We aimed to assess the major contributing factors of mortality in NF patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a single surgical intensive care unit between 2000 and 2013. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on their in-hospital outcome (survivors versus non-survivors).

Results

During a14-year period, 331 NF patients were admitted with a mean age of 50.8 ± 15.4 years and 74 % of them were males Non-survivors (26 %) were 14.5 years older (p = 0.001) and had lower frequency of pain (p = 0.01) and fever (p = 0.001) than survivors (74 %) at hospital presentation. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease were more prevalent among non-survivors (p = 0.001). The 2 groups were comparable for the site of infection; except for sacral region that was more involved in non-survivors (p = 0.005). On admission, non-survivors had lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.001), platelet count (p = 0.02), blood glucose levels (p = 0.07) and had higher serum creatinine (p = 0.001). Non-survivors had greater median LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for NECrotizing fasciitis score) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (p = 0.001). Polybacterial and monobacterial gram negative infections were more evident in non-survivors group. Monobacterial pseudomonas (p = 0.01) and proteus infections (p = 0.005) were reported more among non-survivors. The overall mortality was 26 % and the major causes of death were bacteremia, septic shock and multiorgan failure. Multivariate analysis showed that age and SOFA score were independent predictors of mortality in the entire study population.

Conclusion

The mortality rate is quite high as one quarter of NF patients died during hospitalization. The present study highlights the clinical and laboratory characteristics and predictors of mortality in NF patients.

Early surgical intervention and its impact on patients presenting with necrotizing soft tissue infections: A single academic center experience

OBJECTIVES

Early diagnosis and emergent surgical debridement of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) remains the cornerstone of care. We aimed to study the effect of early surgery on patients' outcomes and, in particular, on hospital length of stay (LOS) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) LOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over a 6-year period (January 2003 through December 2008), we analyzed the records of patients with NSTIs. We divided patients into two groups based on the time of surgery (i.e., the interval from being diagnosed and surgical intervention): Early (<6 h) and late (≥6 h) intervention groups. For these two groups, we compared baseline demographic characteristics, symptoms, and outcomes. For our statistical analysis, we used the Student's t-test and Pearson Chi-square (χ(2)) test. To evaluate the clinical predictors of early diagnosis of NSTIs, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the study population (n = 87; 62% males and 38% females), age, gender, wound locations, and comorbidities were comparable in the two groups. Except for higher proportion of crepitus, the clinical presentations showed no significant differences between the two groups. There were significantly shorter hospital LOS and ICU LOS in the early than late intervention group. The overall mortality rate in our study patients with NSTIs was 12.5%, but early intervention group had a mortality of 7.5%, but this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that early surgery, within the first 6 h after being diagnosed, improves in-hospital outcomes in patients with NSTIs.

Prevalence and impact of cardiovascular risk factors among patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome in the middle East

The authors explored the prevalence and impact of the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). During a five-month period in 2007, six adjacent Middle Eastern countries participated in the Gulf Registry of acute coronary events. CVRFs were identified on admission. Patients' characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed across the types of ACS. Among 6704 consecutive patients with ACS, 61% had non-ST elevation ACS (NSTEACS) and 39% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Female sex, old age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity were more prevalent in NSTEACS patients. STEMI patients were more likely to be smokers and less likely to be taking aspirin prior to the index admission. Chronic renal failure (CRF) and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of in-hospital heart failure in NSTEACS, while CRF and hypertension were predictors of STEMI. Female sex and CRF were independent predictors of mortality in STEMI (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.13 and odds ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 3.47-7.73, respectively). Assessment of the prevalence of CVRF in the acute coronary presentation is of important prognostic value for in-hospital morbidity and mortality. CVRF and its impact may differ according to ACS type, age, and sex. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. To achieve a significant reduction in the prevalence of CHD, it is essential to adopt effective preventive strategies with adequate awareness of the epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).1 CVRFs include traditional and nontraditional factors. However, the US Preventive Services Task Force concluded that the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of using nontraditional risk factors.2,3 The World Health Organization has recognized obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking among the top10 traditional risk factors for premature death and morbidity.4 Since these risk factors are usually evident before developing CHD, knowledge of their prevalence in a given population allows the prediction of the likely burden of CHD.3 The American Heart Association has recognized many risk factors; some can be modified, treated, or controlled and some can not.5 The more risk factors present, the greater the likelihood of developing CHD. Currently, most reports for prevention of CHD are mainly derived from European centers and suggest that risk factors for CHD are varying from country to country.6 However, data from the Arab Middle East that evaluate the prevalence and impact of these risk factors in acute coronary events are scarce.4,7,8 We explore the prevalence of CVRFs in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are living in the Arab Middle East and the impact of these factors on in-hospital heart failure (HF) and mortality. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Contrast-enhanced 64-Section Coronary Multidetector CT Angiography versus Conventional Coronary Angiography for Stent Assessment

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of 64-section computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis of stent restenosis, by using conventional coronary angiography as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethics committee granted permission for the study; patients gave written consent. Contrast material-enhanced coronary CT angiography was performed in 53 patients (45 men, eight women; mean age, 54 years +/- 9 [standard deviation]) suspected of having stent restenosis. Coronary CT angiographic findings were compared with conventional coronary angiographic findings. Two physicians analyzed coronary CT angiographic data sets with multiplanar reformatted images and three-dimensional reformations by using a volume-rendering technique and looked for stent detectability, low-attenuation in-stent filling defects, and grades of restenosis. Conventional coronary angiographic results were interpreted by one of several observers in consensus for stent restenosis; they were blinded to coronary CT angiographic data. Statistical software and general estimating equations were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred ten stents were identified in 53 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of coronary CT angiography in detection of in-stent restenosis were 96.9%, 88.0%, 77.5%, 98.5%, and 91%, respectively. Coronary CT angiography depicted in-stent low-attenuation filling defects with an accuracy of 91% and negative predictive value of 98.5% (95% confidence interval: 90.9, 99.9). Coronary CT angiography depicted the status of 97 of 107 stents. There was no significant difference between in-stent lumen visibility and stent diameter (P = .104). Coronary CT angiography helped diagnose 15 of 18 stent restenoses with less than 50% narrowing, five of five stent restenoses with 50%-74% narrowing, and nine of nine (100%) stent restenoses with 75% or greater narrowing or total occlusion of the stent lumen.

CONCLUSION

Coronary CT angiography can depict in-stent low-attenuation filling defects, which appear to be a reliable sign of stent restenosis, and 64-section CT depicts such defects with a high degree of accuracy.

The laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring: the diagnostic and potential prognostic role

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating soft tissue infection associated with potentially poor outcomes. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score has been introduced as a diagnostic tool for NF. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LRINEC scoring in NF patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who were admitted with NF between 2000 and 2013. Based on LRINEC points, patients were classified into (Group 1: LRINEC < 6 and Group 2: LRINEC ≥ 6). The 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Primary outcomes were hospital length of stay, septic shock and hospital death.

RESULTS

A total of 294 NF cases were identified with a mean age 50.9 ± 15 years. When compared to Group1, patients in Group 2 were 5 years older (p = 0.009), more likely to have diabetes mellitus (61 vs 41%, p < 0.001), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (p = 0.004), greater Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (11.5 ± 3 vs 8 ± 2, p = 0.001), and prolonged intensive care (median 7 vs 5 days) and hospital length of stay (22 vs 11 days, p = 0.001). Septic shock (37 vs. 15%, p = 0.001) and mortality (28.8 vs. 15.0%, p = 0.005) were also significantly higher in Group 2 patients. Using Receiver operating curve, cutoff LRINEC point for mortality was 8.5 with area under the curve of 0.64. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between LRINEC and SOFA scorings (r = 0.51, p < 0.002).

DISCUSSION

Early diagnosis, simplified risk stratification and on-time management are vital to achieve better outcomes in patients with NF.

CONCLUSIONS

Beside its diagnostic role, LRINEC scoring could predict worse hospital outcomes in patients with NF and simply identify the high-risk patients. However, further prospective studies are needed to support this finding.

Blunt splenic trauma: Assessment, management and outcomes

BACKGROUND

The approach for diagnosis and management of blunt splenic injury (BSI) has been considerably shifted towards non-operative management (NOM). We aimed to review the current practice for the evaluation, diagnosis and management of BSI.

METHODS

A traditional narrative literature review was carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE and Google scholar search engines. We used the keywords "Traumatic Splenic injury", "Blunt splenic trauma", "management" between December 1954 and November 2014.

RESULTS

Most of the current guidelines support the NOM or minimally approaches in hemodynamically stable patients. Improvement in the diagnostic modalities guide the surgeons to decide the timely management pathway Though, there is an increasing shift from operative management (OM) to NOM of BSI; NOM of high grade injury is associated with a greater rate of failure, prolonged hospital stay, risk of delayed hemorrhage and transfusion-associated infections. Some cases with high grade BSI could be successfully treated conservatively, if clinically feasible, while some patients with lower grade injury might end-up with delayed splenic rupture. Therefore, the selection of treatment modalities for BSI should be governed by patient clinical presentation, surgeon's experience in addition to radiographic findings.

CONCLUSION

About one-fourth of the blunt abdominal trauma accounted for BSI. A high index of clinical suspicion along with radiological diagnosis helps to identify and characterize splenic injuries with high accuracy and is useful for timely decision-making to choose between OM or NOM. Careful selection of NOM is associated with high success rate with a lower rate of morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among 8167 Middle Eastern patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence and the significance of clinically recognized chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

HYPOTHESIS

COPD in patients with ACS is associated with worse outcome.

METHODS

Data were derived from a prospective, multicenter, multinational study of 8167 consecutive patients hospitalized with ACS from February to June 2007 in 6 Middle Eastern countries. Data were analyzed according to the presence or absence of COPD. Demographic, management, and in-hospital outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The prevalence of COPD was 5.3%. When compared with non-COPD patients, COPD patients were older and more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Atypical presentations were more common in COPD patients (P = 0.001). COPD patients were less likely to be treated with thrombolytic therapy (P = 0.001), beta-blockers (P = 0.001), and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and more likely to receive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Although there was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the 2 groups, patients with COPD were more likely to have heart failure (P = 0.001). Despite the fact that COPD patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were less likely to receive thrombolytic therapy, they suffered more bleeding complications (2.8% vs 1%, P = 0.04), resulting in prolonged hospitalization. COPD was not an independent predictor of increased in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of patients with ACS, the prevalence of COPD was 5.3%. Atypical presentation is common among COPD patients, and this may result in delayed therapy. ACS in COPD patients was associated with higher risk of heart failure and major bleeding complications without increased risk of in-hospital mortality.

Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

Delirium is characterized by impaired cognition with nonspecific manifestations. In critically ill patients, it may develop secondary to multiple precipitating or predisposing causes. Although it can be a transient and reversible syndrome, its occurrence in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients may be associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction. This condition is often under-recognized by treating physicians, leading to inappropriate management. For appropriate management of delirium, early identification and risk factor assessment are key factors. Multidisciplinary collaboration and standardized care can enhance the recognition of delirium. Interdisciplinary team working, together with updated guideline implementation, demonstrates proven success in minimizing delirium in the ICU. Moreover, should the use of physical restraint be necessary to prevent harm among mechanically ventilated patients, ethical clinical practice methodology must be employed. This traditional narrative review aims to address the presentation, risk factors, management, and ethical considerations in the management of delirium in ICU settings.

Frequency, causes and pattern of abdominal trauma: A 4-year descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of abdominal trauma is still underreported from the Arab Middle-East. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, causes, clinical presentation, and outcome of the abdominal trauma patients in a newly established trauma center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted at the only level I trauma center in Qatar for the patients admitted with abdominal trauma (2008-2011). Patients demographics, mechanism of injury, pattern of organ injuries, associated extra-abdominal injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Abbreviated Injury Scale, complications, length of Intensive Care Unit, and hospital stay, and mortality were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 6888 trauma patients were admitted to the hospital, of which 1036 (15%) had abdominal trauma. The mean age was 30.6 ± 13 years and the majority was males (93%). Road traffic accidents (61%) were the most frequent mechanism of injury followed by fall from height (25%) and fall of heavy object (7%). The mean ISS was 17.9 ± 10. Liver (36%), spleen (32%) and kidney (18%) were most common injured organs. The common associated extra-abdominal injuries included chest (35%), musculoskeletal (32%), and head injury (24%). Wound infection (3.8%), pneumonia (3%), and urinary tract infection (1.4%) were the frequently observed complications. The overall mortality was 8.3% and late mortality was observed in 2.3% cases mainly due to severe head injury and sepsis. The predictors of mortality were head injury, ISS, need for blood transfusion, and serum lactate.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal trauma is a frequent diagnosis in multiple trauma and the presence of extra-abdominal injuries and sepsis has a significant impact on the outcome.

Left main coronary artery stenosis: state-of-the-art

Patients with stenosis of the left main coronary artery present difficult challenges. The risks associated with this lesion have been known since the early days of angiography when patients were found to have increased mortality during follow-up. This information led to the general guidelines that surgical revascularization should be considered the treatment of choice in patients with significant left main coronary artery stenosis. Current advances in invasive cardiology have brought important information to the field. Intravascular ultrasound is now used routinely to evaluate angiographically indeterminate lesions with criteria now set forward as to what constitutes an indication for revascularization. Stents have even further dramatically changed the landscape. There are substantial issues, however, that need to addressed. These include the following: (1) the effect of specific lesion location on outcome - it is known that patients with distal bifurcation left main disease have worse outcome; (2) the potential for subacute thrombosis of the left main coronary artery; (3) the impact of left ventricular function and patient comorbidities irrespective of the degree and location of left main coronary artery stenosis; and (4) the risk-benefit ratio of stenting versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These issues are currently being addressed in two seminally important trials including the SYNTAX trial, which randomizes patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease to either coronary artery bypass graft surgery or a TAXUS drug-eluting stent. This trial is in the final stages of patient recruitment and will have important implications for the field. The other trial is the COMBAT trial, which is focused exclusively on left main coronary artery stenosis and randomizes patients with left main coronary artery disease either to a Sirolimus-eluting stent (Cypher, Johnson and Johnson Cordis, USA) or to coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The field of left main coronary artery disease continues to expand in terms of the evidence available for optimal patient evaluation and selection of treatment modalities.

Khat use: history and heart failure

Recent reports suggest that 20 million people worldwide are regularly using khat as a stimulant, even though the habit of chewing khat is known to cause serious health issues. Historical evidence suggests khat use has existed since the 13th century in Ethiopia and the southwestern Arabian regions even before the cultivation and use of coffee. In the past three decades, its availability and use spread all over the world including the United States and Europe. Most of the consumers in the Western world are immigrant groups from Eastern Africa or the Middle East. The global transport and availability of khat has been enhanced by the development of synthetic forms of its active component. The World Health Organization considers khat a drug of abuse since it causes a range of health problems. However, it remains lawful in some countries. Khat use has long been a part of Yemeni culture and is used in virtually every social occasion. The main component of khat is cathinone, which is structurally and functionally similar to amphetamine and cocaine. Several studies have demonstrated that khat chewing has unfavorable cardiovascular effects. The effect on the myocardium could be explained by its effect on the heart rate, blood pressure, its vasomotor effect on the coronary vessels, and its amphetamine-like effects. However, its direct effect on the myocardium needs further elaboration. To date, there are few articles that contribute death among khat chewers to khat-induced heart failure. Further studies are needed to address the risk factors in khat chewers that may explain khat-induced cardiotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.

In-hospital major clinical outcomes in patients with chronic renal insufficiency presenting with acute coronary syndrome: data from a Registry of 8176 patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) on in-hospital major adverse cardiac events across the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) spectrum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 29, 2007, through July 29, 2007, 6 adjacent Middle Eastern countries participated in the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events, a prospective, observational registry of 8176 patients. Patients were categorized according to estimated glomerular filtration rate into 4 groups: normal (>or=90 mL/min), mild (60-89 mL/min), moderate (30-59 mL/min), and severe CRI (<30 mL/min). Patients' characteristics and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events in the 4 groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 6518 consecutive patients with ACS, 2828 (43%) had mild CRI, 1304 (20%) had moderate CRI, and 345 (5%) had severe CRI. In CRI groups, patients were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. On admission, these patients had a higher resting heart rate and frequently had atypical and delayed presentations. Compared with the normal estimated glomerular filtration group, CRI groups were less likely to receive antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins and were less likely to undergo coronary angiography. In-hospital heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and major bleeding episodes were significantly higher in all CRI groups. In multivariate analysis, mild, moderate, and severe CRI were associated with a higher adjusted odds ratio (OR) of death (mild: OR, 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.7; moderate: OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.9-11.5; and severe: OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 6.6-21.7).

CONCLUSION

Across the ACS spectrum, patients with CRI had a worse risk profile, had more atypical and delayed presentations, and were less likely to receive evidence-based therapy. Chronic renal insufficiency of varying stages is an independent predictor of in-hospital morbidity and mortality.

Presentations and outcomes in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic injury: a 15-year experience

BACKGROUND

Traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) is usually associated with multiple injuries. We aimed to evaluate the patterns, associated injuries, and predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients with TDI.

METHODS

The trauma registry from a Primary Adult Resource Center for Trauma was queried for patients admitted with a TDI from January 1995 to December 2009. Patient characteristics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, management, and outcomes were analyzed. We compared morbidity and mortality in left and right diaphragmatic injuries (LDI and RDI, respectively).

RESULTS

Of the 773 patients, 650 were male (84%), with a mean (SD) age of 33 (15). Mechanism of injury was penetrating in 561 (73%) and blunt in 212 (27%) patients. LDI, RDI, and bilateral injuries were 57%, 40%, and 3%, respectively. The majority of cases were managed by exploratory laparotomy and direct suture repair. LDI was associated with higher rates of splenic, gastric, and pancreatic injuries and prolonged hospital stay in comparison with RDI. In comparison with LDI, RDI was associated with higher rates of deaths (26% vs. 17%, p = 0.003). Overall, mortality in TDI was 21%. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02, p = 0.008), Injury Severity Score (ISS) (OR, 1.09, p = 0.001), associated cardiac injury (OR, 2.8, p = 0.005), left diaphragmatic injury (OR, 0.53, p = 0.005), and operative interventions (OR, 0.32, p = 0.001) were independent predictors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

This largest single institution study on TDI in the literature confirms that LDI are more commonly diagnosed than RDI. Exploratory laparotomy is the most common procedure performed for these injuries. Young age and operative interventions are associated with favorable outcome, whereas high ISS, RDI, and associated cardiac injury are independent predictors for mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiological study, level III.

Prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with post traumatic brain injury using National Trauma Registry and Machine Learning Approach

BACKGROUND

The use of machine learning techniques to predict diseases outcomes has grown significantly in the last decade. Several studies prove that the machine learning predictive techniques outperform the classical multivariate techniques. We aimed to build a machine learning predictive model to predict the in-hospital mortality for patients who sustained Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

METHODS

Adult patients with TBI who were hospitalized in the level 1 trauma center in the period from January 2014 to February 2019 were included in this study. Patients' demographics, injury characteristics and CT findings were used as predictors. The predictive performance of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) was evaluated in terms of accuracy, Area Under the Curve (AUC), sensitivity, precision, Negative Predictive Value (NPV), specificity and F-score.

RESULTS

A total of 1620 eligible patients were included in the study (1417 survival and 203 non-survivals). Both models achieved accuracy over 91% and AUC over 93%. SVM achieved the optimal performance with accuracy 95.6% and AUC 96%.

CONCLUSIONS

for prediction of mortality in patients with TBI, SVM outperformed the well-known classical models that utilized the conventional multivariate analytical techniques.

How does hemodynamics affect rupture tissue mechanics in abdominal aortic aneurysm: Focus on wall shear stress derived parameters, time-averaged wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index, endothelial cell activation potential, and relative residence time

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a critical health condition with a risk of rupture, where the diameter of the aorta enlarges more than 50% of its normal diameter. The incidence rate of AAA has increased worldwide. Currently, about three out of every 100,000 people have aortic diseases. The diameter and geometry of AAAs influence the hemodynamic forces exerted on the arterial wall. Therefore, a reliable assessment of hemodynamics is crucial for predicting the rupture risk. Wall shear stress (WSS) is an important metric to define the level of the frictional force on the AAA wall. Excessive levels of WSS deteriorate the remodeling mechanism of the arteries and lead to abnormal conditions. At this point, WSS-related hemodynamic parameters, such as time-averaged WSS (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), and relative residence time (RRT) provide important information to evaluate the shear environment on the AAA wall in detail. Calculation of these parameters is not straightforward and requires a physical understanding of what they represent. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers do not readily calculate these parameters when hemodynamics is simulated. This review aims to explain the WSS-derived parameters focusing on how these represent different characteristics of disturbed hemodynamics. A representative case is presented for spatial and temporal formulation that would be useful for interested researchers for practical calculations. Finally, recent hemodynamics investigations relating WSS-related parameters with AAA rupture risk assessment are presented. This review will be useful to understand the physical representation of WSS-related parameters in cardiovascular flows and how they can be calculated practically for AAA investigations.

Single Anastomosis Duodeno-ileostomy (SADI-S) Versus One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB-MGB) as Revisional Procedures for Patients with Weight Recidivism After Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Comparative Analysis of Efficacy and Outcomes

Purpose

Many revisional procedures are available for unsuccessful laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with complications or weight recidivism. Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB-MGB) are two revisional procedures to address the problem of weight recidivism. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the 2 revisional approaches (SADI-S vs. OAGB-MGB).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database of patients who underwent SADI-S or OAGB-MGB as a revisional procedure for weight recidivism after primary LSG with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Weight loss, comorbidities, nutritional deficiencies, complications, and outcomes were compared in the 2 procedures.

Results

Ninety-one patients were included in the study (42 SADI-S and 49 OAGB-MGB). There was a significant weight loss (total weight loss percentage, TWL%) at 1-year follow-up observed for SADI-S when compared to OAGB-MGB (23.7 ± 5.7 vs. 18.7 ± 8.5, p = 0.02). However, this difference was not statistically significant at 18 months (26.4 ± 7.3 vs. 21.2 ± 11.0, p = 0.25). Remission of comorbidities (diabetes mellitus and hypertension) was comparable. Although OAGB-MGB had higher complication rate than SADI-S, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.39). No mortality was reported in the study groups.

Conclusion

Both SADI-S and OAGB-MGB are effective and safe revisional procedures for weight regain after LSG. The short-term outcomes are comparable; however, SADI-S is associated with less upper gastrointestinal complications and could be a better option for patients suffering from GERD post-LSG. Moreover, the underlying bile reflux may get worse with OAGB-MGB. However, further prospective larger studies are needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11695-020-04933-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Brain-Heart Interactions in Traumatic Brain Injury

The cardiovascular manifestations associated with nontraumatic head disorders are commonly known. Similar manifestations have been reported in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the underlying mechanisms and impact on the patient's clinical outcomes are not well explored. The neurocardiac axis theory and neurogenic stunned myocardium phenomenon could partly explain the brain-heart link and interactions and can thus pave the way to a better understanding and management of TBI. Several observational retrospective studies have shown a promising role for beta-adrenergic blockers in patients with TBI in reducing the overall TBI-related mortality. However, several questions remain to be answered in clinical randomized-controlled trials, including population selection, beta blocker type, dosage, timing, and duration of therapy, while maintaining the optimal mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with TBI.

Utility of extended FAST in blunt chest trauma: is it the time to be used in the ATLS algorithm?

INTRODUCTION

The clinical significance of extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (EFAST) for diagnosis of pneumothorax is not well defined.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the utility of EFAST in blunt chest trauma (BCT) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A single blinded, prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients admitted with BCT (2011-2013).

SETTINGS

Level 1 trauma center in Qatar.

PROCEDURES AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were screened by EFAST and results were compared to the clinical examination (CE) and chest X-ray (CXR). Chest-computed tomography (CT) scoring system was used to confirm and measure the pneumothorax. Diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic modalities of pneumothorax was measured using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values (PVs), and likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 305 BCT patients were included with median age of 34 (18-75). Chest CT was positive for pneumothorax in 75 (24.6 %) cases; of which 11 % had bilateral pneumothorax. Chest CT confirmed the diagnosis of pneumothorax in 43, 41, and 11 % of those who were initially diagnosed by EFAST, CE, and CXR, respectively. EFAST was positive in 42 hemithoraces and its sensitivity (43 %) was higher in comparison to CXR (11 %). Positive and negative PVs of EFAST were 76 and 92 %, respectively. The frequency of missed cases by CXR was higher in comparison to EFAST and CE. The lowest median score of missed pneumothorax was observed by EFAST.

CONCLUSION

EFAST can be used as an efficient triaging tool in BCT patients to rule out pneumothorax. Based on our analysis, we would recommend EFAST as an adjunct in ATLS algorithm.