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Podsiadło P, Brožek T, Balik M, Nowak E, Mendrala K, Hymczak H, Dąbrowski W, Miazgowski B, Rutkiewicz A, Burysz M, Witt-Majchrzak A, Jędrzejczak T, Podsiadło R, Darocha T. Predictors of cardiac arrest in severe accidental hypothermia. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 78:145-150. [PMID: 38281374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To indicate predictors of witnessed hypothermic cardiac arrest. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 182 patients with severe accidental hypothermia (i.e., with core body temperature of ≤28 °C) who presented with preserved spontaneous circulation at first contact with medical services. We divided the study population into two groups: patients who suffered hypothermic cardiac arrest (HCA) at any time between encounter with medical service and restoration of normothermia, and those who did not sustain HCA. The analyzed outcome was the occurrence of cardiac arrest prior to achieving normothermia. Hemodynamic and biochemical parameters were analyzed with regard to their association with the outcome. RESULTS Fifty-two (29%) patients suffered HCA. In a univariable analysis, four variables were significantly associated with the outcome, namely heart rate (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.03), ventricular arrhythmia (p = 0.001), and arterial oxygen partial pressure (p = 0.002). In the multivariable logistic regression the best model predicting HCA included heart rate, PaO2, and Base Excess (AUROC = 0.78). In prehospital settings, when blood gas analysis is not available, other multivariable model including heart rate and occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (AUROC = 0.74) can be used. In this study population, threshold values of heart rate of 43/min, temperature-corrected PaO2 of 72 mmHg, and uncorrected PaO2 of 109 mmHg, presented satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for HCA prediction. CONCLUSIONS In patients with severe accidental hypothermia, the occurrence of HCA is associated with a lower heart rate, hypoxemia, ventricular arrhythmia, lower BE, and lower blood pressure. These parameters can be helpful in the early selection of high-risk patients and their allocation to extracorporeal rewarming facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Podsiadło
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Tomáš Brožek
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Balik
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ewelina Nowak
- Institute of Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Konrad Mendrala
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Hubert Hymczak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Kraków University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wojciech Dąbrowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Miazgowski
- Emergency Department, University Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Marian Burysz
- Departament of Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Władysław Biegański Regional Specialist Hospital, Grudziądz, Poland
| | - Anna Witt-Majchrzak
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Provincial Specialist Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jędrzejczak
- Department of Cardiosurgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafał Podsiadło
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz Darocha
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Van Tilburg C, Paal P, Strapazzon G, Grissom CK, Haegeli P, Hölzl N, McIntosh S, Radwin M, Smith WWR, Thomas S, Tremper B, Weber D, Wheeler AR, Zafren K, Brugger H. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents: 2024 Update. Wilderness Environ Med 2024; 35:20S-44S. [PMID: 37945433 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
To provide guidance to the general public, clinicians, and avalanche professionals about best practices, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to revise the evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, rescue, and resuscitation of avalanche and nonavalanche snow burial victims. The original panel authored the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents in 2017. A second panel was convened to update these guidelines and make recommendations based on quality of supporting evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Van Tilburg
- Occupational Medicine, Mountain Clinic, and Emergency Medicine, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Hood River, OR
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT
| | | | - Natalie Hölzl
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- German Association of Mountain and Expedition Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Scott McIntosh
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - William Will R Smith
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Health, Jackson, WY
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Stephanie Thomas
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
| | | | - David Weber
- Intermountain Life Flight, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Health, Jackson, WY
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Himalayan Rescue Association, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
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3
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Gruber E, Oberhammer R, Brugger H, Bresadola E, Avogadri M, Kompatscher J, Kaufmann M. Prolonged critical avalanche burial for nearly 23 h with severe hypothermia and severe frostbite with good recovery: a case report. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2024; 32:11. [PMID: 38347576 PMCID: PMC10863192 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-024-01184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accidental hypothermia with severe frostbite is a rare combination of injuries with a high risk for long-term sequelae. There are widely accepted recommendations for the management of avalanche victims and for frostbite treatment, but no recommendation exists for the treatment of frostbite in severe hypothermic patients, specifically for the management of hypothermic avalanche victims presenting with frostbite. CASE PRESENTATION We present a case of a previously healthy, 53-year-old male skier who was critically buried by an avalanche at 2300 m of altitude at an ambient temperature of - 8 °C for nearly 23 h. The victim was found with the right hand out of the snow and an air connection to outside. He was somnolent with Glasgow Coma Scale 11 (Eye 4, Verbal 2, Motor 5) and spontaneously breathing, in a severely hypothermic state with an initial core temperature of 23.1 °C and signs of cold injuries in all four extremities. After rescue and active external forced air rewarming in the intensive care unit, the clinical signs of first-degree frostbite on both feet and the left hand vanished, while third- to fourth-degree frostbite injuries became apparent on all fingers of the right hand. After reaching a core body temperature of approximately 36 °C, aggressive frostbite treatment was started with peripheral arterial catheter-directed thrombolysis with alteplase, intravenous iloprost, ibuprofen, dexamethasone and regional sympathicolysis with a right-sided continuous axillary block. After ten months, the patient had no tissue loss but needed neuropathic pain treatment with pregabalin. CONCLUSION The combination of severe accidental hypothermia and severe frostbite is rare and challenging, as drug metabolism is unpredictable in a hypothermic patient and no recommendations for combined treatment exist. There is general agreement to give hypothermia treatment the priority and to begin frostbite treatment as early as possible after full rewarming of the patient. More evidence is needed to identify the optimal dosage and time point to initiate treatment of frostbite in severely hypothermic patients. This should be taken into consideration by future treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Gruber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Via Lorenz Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy.
- HELI HEMS Service South Tyrol, Via Lorenz Boehler 3, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy.
| | - Rosmarie Oberhammer
- HELI HEMS Service South Tyrol, Via Lorenz Boehler 3, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, Hospital of Brunico (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Via Ospedale 11, 39031, Brunico-Bruneck, Italy
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Via Ipazia 2, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Elisa Bresadola
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Via Lorenz Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
- Aiut Alpin Dolomites Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Pontives 24, 39040, Laion- Lajen, Italy
| | - Matteo Avogadri
- Aiut Alpin Dolomites Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Pontives 24, 39040, Laion- Lajen, Italy
| | - Julia Kompatscher
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Via Lorenz Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
- HELI HEMS Service South Tyrol, Via Lorenz Boehler 3, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Marc Kaufmann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Via Lorenz Boehler 5, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
- HELI HEMS Service South Tyrol, Via Lorenz Boehler 3, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
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4
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Wang X, Lai B, Yan R, Li Y, Ning B, Wang Q. Enhancing physiological recovery and subsequent exercise performance in the heat using a phase-change material cooling blanket. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103810. [PMID: 38350267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effect of a phase-change material (PCM) cooling blanket for cooling between exercise bouts on recovery of physiological parameters and subsequent exercise performance in the heat. Eighteen male volunteers were recruited to participate in human trials involving two exhaustive treadmill running bouts (Bout1 for 3 km and Bout2 for 1.5 km) in a climate chamber (temperature = 33 °C; relative humidity = 40%). Participants were randomly subjected to one of two cooling conditions for a 10-min period between exercise bouts: CON: natural cooling; 10-min PCM: with a PCM cooling blanket for 10 min. Several physiological parameters including mean skin temperature (Tskin), oral temperature (Toral), core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), average running speed and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale score were analyzed. The results showed that compared to the CON group, participants in the 10-min PCM group had a significant lower Tskin, Tcore, HR and RR at post-cooling, as well as greater reductions in mean skin temperature (ΔTskin) and core temperature (ΔTcore) from post-Bout1 to post-cooling. Additionally, the 10-min PCM group exhibited significantly lower peak Tcore, peak HR and RPE scale score during Bout2, while the average running speed during Bout2 was significantly higher. The present study suggests that cooling with a PCM cooling blanket can enhance physiological recovery and subsequent exercise performance in the heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.8 of East Street, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Bin Lai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.69 of Yongding Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.69 of Yongding Road, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.8 of East Street, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Bo Ning
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Air Force Medical Center of China, No.30 of Fucheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.69 of Yongding Road, Beijing, 100039, China.
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Blasco Mariño R, Roy S, Martin Orejas M, Soteras Martínez I, Paal P. Ample room for cognitive bias in diagnosing accidental hypothermia. Diagnosis (Berl) 2023; 10:322-324. [PMID: 37014191 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2023-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Blasco Mariño
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Steven Roy
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Maria Martin Orejas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñigo Soteras Martínez
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Emergency, Cerdanya Hospital, Puigcerdà, Spain
- Sistema Emergencies Mèdiques (SEM), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Peter Paal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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6
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De Georgia M, Bowen T, Duncan KR, Chebl AB. Blood pressure management in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:12. [PMID: 36991520 PMCID: PMC10061853 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between presenting blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke patients and outcome is complex. Several studies have demonstrated a U-shaped curve with worse outcomes when blood pressure is high or low. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend values of blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg in patients treated with intravenous t-PA and "permissive hypertension" up to 220/120 mmHg in those not treated with intravenous t-PA. The optimal blood pressure target is less clear in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Before thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 185/110 mmHg though patients with even lower systolic blood pressures may have better outcomes. During and after thrombectomy, the guidelines recommend a blood pressure < 180/105 mmHg. However, several studies have suggested that during thrombectomy the primary goal should be to prevent significant low blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or MAP > 70 mmHg). After thrombectomy, the primary goal should be to prevent high blood pressure (e.g., target systolic blood pressure < 160 mmHg or MAP < 90 mmHg). To make more specific recommendations, large, randomized-control studies are needed that address factors such as the baseline blood pressure, timing and degree of revascularization, status of collaterals, and estimated risk of reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael De Georgia
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Theodore Bowen
- Department of Neurology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - K Rose Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alex Bou Chebl
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
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7
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Layton R, Layton D, Beggs D, Fisher A, Mansell P, Stanger KJ. The impact of stress and anesthesia on animal models of infectious disease. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1086003. [PMID: 36816193 PMCID: PMC9933909 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1086003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress and general anesthesia have an impact on the functional response of the organism due to the detrimental effects on cardiovascular, immunological, and metabolic function, which could limit the organism's response to an infectious event. Animal studies have formed an essential step in understanding and mitigating infectious diseases, as the complexities of physiology and immunity cannot yet be replicated in vivo. Using animals in research continues to come under increasing societal scrutiny, and it is therefore crucial that the welfare of animals used in disease research is optimized to meet both societal expectations and improve scientific outcomes. Everyday management and procedures in animal studies are known to cause stress, which can not only cause poorer welfare outcomes, but also introduces variables in disease studies. Whilst general anesthesia is necessary at times to reduce stress and enhance animal welfare in disease research, evidence of physiological and immunological disruption caused by general anesthesia is increasing. To better understand and quantify the effects of stress and anesthesia on disease study and welfare outcomes, utilizing the most appropriate animal monitoring strategies is imperative. This article aims to analyze recent scientific evidence about the impact of stress and anesthesia as uncontrolled variables, as well as reviewing monitoring strategies and technologies in animal models during infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Layton
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Rachel Layton ✉
| | - Daniel Layton
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - David Beggs
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Fisher
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Mansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly J. Stanger
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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8
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de Almeida e Bueno L, Milnthorpe W, Bergmann JHM. Determining the performance of a temperature sensor embedded into a mouthguard. BDJ Open 2022; 8:23. [PMID: 35915087 PMCID: PMC9343656 DOI: 10.1038/s41405-022-00114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the steady-state errors of oral-based temperature sensors, that are embedded in mouthguards, using a robust assessment process. Materials and methods Four electronic boards with temperature sensors were encapsulated in mouthguards made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The error and time to reach steady-state temperature were determined using a thermostatic water bath during three different conditions (34, 38.5 and 43 °C). Subsequently, a case study of one volunteer wearing the instrumented mouthguard is presented. Results The water bath tests showed that a mean absolute error of 0.2 °C was reached after a maximum of 690 s across all test conditions. The case study yielded an absolute error was 0.2 °C after 1110 s. Conclusion These results show that an instrumented mouthguard with temperature sensing capabilities can yield a consistent steady-state error that is close to the clinical requirements across a range of temperatures. However, the time it takes to reach steady-state temperature needs to be considered for these systems to correctly interpret the outcomes.
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9
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Avellanas Chavala ML. Accidental hypothermia: New clinical classification with the swiss revised system. Med Intensiva 2022; 46:716-717. [PMID: 36376219 DOI: 10.1016/j.medine.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Avellanas Chavala
- Médico Especialista en Medicina Intensiva; Profesor del Master en Medicina de Urgencia y Rescate en Montaña, Universidad de Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain.
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10
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Chivers K. Accidental hypothermia: pathophysiology, investigations and management. Emerg Nurse 2022; 31:e2147. [PMID: 36281752 DOI: 10.7748/en.2022.e2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Accidental hypothermia, defined as an unintentional decrease in core body temperature to below 35°C, adversely affects several body systems, including the cardiovascular, central nervous and renal systems. It is classified according to core body temperature from a maximum of 35°C in mild hypothermia to below 24°C in profound hypothermia. Patients with severe hypothermia (28°C-24°C) are at risk of cardiac arrythmias and cardiac arrest. In patients presenting with hypothermia, it is vital to prevent any further heat loss and quickly start rewarming them. Nurses working in the emergency department have a crucial role in supporting the optimal recovery of hypothermic patients. This article explains the pathophysiology of hypothermia, describes the investigations conducted in patients with accidental hypothermia and discusses management and nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chivers
- emergency department, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, England
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Avellanas Chavala M. Hipotermia accidental: nueva clasificación clínica con el sistema suizo revisado. Med Intensiva 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Genswein M, Macias D, McIntosh S, Reiweger I, Hetland A, Paal P. AvaLife-A New Multi-Disciplinary Approach Supported by Accident and Field Test Data to Optimize Survival Chances in Rescue and First Aid of Avalanche Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095257. [PMID: 35564653 PMCID: PMC9104102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Snow sports in the backcountry have seen a steep increase in popularity, and therefore preparedness for efficient companion and organized rescue is important. While technical rescue skills are widely taught, there is a lack of knowledge regarding first aid for avalanche patients. The stressful and time-critical situation for first responders requires a rule-based decision support tool. AvaLife has been designed from scratch, applying mathematical and statistical approaches including Monte Carlo simulations. New analysis of retrospective data and large prospective field test datasets were used to develop evidence-based algorithms exclusively for the avalanche rescue environment. AvaLife differs from other algorithms as it is not just a general-purpose CPR algorithm which has been slightly adapted for the avalanche patient. The sequence of actions, inclusion of the ≥150 cm burial depth triage criterion, advice to limit CPR duration for normothermic patients to 6 min in case of multiple burials and shortage of resources, criteria for using recovered subjects as a resource in the ongoing rescue, the adapted definition of "injuries incompatible with life", reasoning behind the utmost importance of rescue breaths, as well as the updated BLS-iCPR algorithm make AvaLife useful in single and multiple burial rescue. AvaLife is available as a companion rescue basic life support (BLS) version for the recreational user and an advanced companion and organized rescue BLS version for guides, ski patrols and mountain rescuers. AvaLife allows seamless interoperability with advanced life support (ALS) qualified medical personnel arriving on site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Genswein
- MountainSafety.info, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-236-36-76
| | - Darryl Macias
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, International Mountain Medicine Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Scott McIntosh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, AirMed, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Ingrid Reiweger
- Institute of Mountain Risk Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Audun Hetland
- CARE Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9010 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Peter Paal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5010 Salzburg, Austria;
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13
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Barrow S, Ives G. Accidental hypothermia: direct evidence for consciousness as a marker of cardiac arrest risk in the acute assessment of cold patients. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:13. [PMID: 35246215 PMCID: PMC8895778 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01000-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid stratification of the risk of cardiac arrest is essential in the assessment of patients with isolated accidental hypothermia. Traditional methods based on measurement of core temperature are unreliable in the field. Behavioural observations have been used as predictors of core temperature and thus indirect predictors of cardiac arrest. This study aims to quantify the direct relationship between observed conscious level and cardiac arrest. Methods Retrospective case report analysis identified 114 cases of isolated accidental hypothermia meeting inclusion criteria. Level of consciousness in the acute assessment and management phase was classified using the AVPU system with an additional category of “Alert with confusion”; statistical analysis then related level of consciousness to incidence of cardiac arrest. Results All patients who subsequently suffered cardiac arrest showed some impairment of consciousness (p < < .0001), and the risk of arrest increased directly with the level of impairment; none of the 33 fully alert patients arrested. In the lowest impairment category, Alert confused, a quarter of the 12 patients went on to arrest, while in the highest Unresponsive category, two thirds of the 43 patients arrested. Where core temperature was available (62 cases), prediction of arrest by consciousness level was at least as good as prediction from core temperature. Conclusions This study provides retrospective analytical evidence that consciousness level is a valid predictor of cardiac arrest risk in isolated accidental hypothermia; the importance of including confusion as a criterion is a new finding. This study suggests the use of consciousness alone may be at least as good as core temperature in cardiac arrest risk prediction. These results are likely to be of particular relevance to the management of accidental hypothermia in the pre-hospital and mass casualty environment, allowing for rapid and accurate triage of hypothermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Barrow
- Royal Army Medical Corps, British Army, DMS Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY, UK.
| | - Galen Ives
- Information School, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street, Sheffield, S1 4DP, UK
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14
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Fukuda M, Nozawa M, Okada Y, Morita S, Ehara N, Miyamae N, Jo T, Sumida Y, Okada N, Watanabe M, Tsuruoka A, Fujimoto Y, Okumura Y, Kitamura T, Matsuyama T. Clinical relevance of impaired consciousness in accidental hypothermia: a Japanese multicenter retrospective study. Acute Med Surg 2022; 9:e730. [PMID: 35169485 PMCID: PMC8836211 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate the association between level of impaired consciousness and severe hypothermia (<28°C) and to evaluate the association between level of impaired consciousness and inhospital mortality among accidental hypothermia patients. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study using the J‐Point registry database, which includes data regarding patients whose core body temperature was 35.0°C or less and who were treated as accidental hypothermia in emergency departments between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2016. We estimated adjusted odds ratios of the level of impaired consciousness for severe hypothermia less than 28°C and inhospital mortality using a logistic regression model. Results The study included 505 of 572 patients in the J‐Point registry. Relative to mildly impaired consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 13–15), the adjusted odds ratios for severe hypothermia less than 28°C were: moderate (GCS 9–12), 3.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69–6.25); and severe (GCS < 9), 4.68 (95% CI, 2.40–9.14). Relative to mildly impaired consciousness (GCS 13–15), the adjusted odds ratios for inhospital mortality were: moderate (GCS9–12), 1.65 (95% CI, 0.95–2.88); and severe (GCS < 9), 2.10 (95% CI, 1.17–3.78). Conclusion The level of impaired consciousness in patients with accidental hypothermia was associated with severe hypothermia and inhospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Fukuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Saiseikai Shiga Hospital Ritto Japan
- Senri Critical Care Medical Center Saiseikai Senri Hospital Suita Japan
| | - Masahiro Nozawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Saiseikai Shiga Hospital Ritto Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daini Hospital Kyoto Japan
- Department of Primary Care and Emergency Medicine Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
| | - Sachiko Morita
- Senri Critical Care Medical Center Saiseikai Senri Hospital Suita Japan
| | - Naoki Ehara
- Department of Emergency Medicine Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daiichi Red Cross Hospital Kyoto Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Miyamae
- Department of Emergency Medicine Rakuwa‐kai Otowa Hospital Kyoto Japan
| | - Takaaki Jo
- Department of Emergency Medicine Uji‐Tokushukai Medical Center Uji Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sumida
- Department of Emergency Medicine North Medical Center Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
| | - Nobunaga Okada
- Department of Emergency Medicine Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center Kyoto Japan
| | - Makoto Watanabe
- Department of Emergency Medicine Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
| | - Ayumu Tsuruoka
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Kyoto Min‐Iren Chuo Hospital Kyoto Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fujimoto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yodogawa Christian Hospital Osaka Japan
| | - Yoshiki Okumura
- Department of Emergency Medicine Fukuchiyama City Hospital Fukuchiyama Japan
| | - Tetsuhisa Kitamura
- Division of Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences Department of Social and Environmental Medicine Graduate School of Medicine Osaka University Osaka Japan
| | - Tasuku Matsuyama
- Department of Emergency Medicine Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
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15
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Paal P, Pasquier M, Darocha T, Lechner R, Kosinski S, Wallner B, Zafren K, Brugger H. Accidental Hypothermia: 2021 Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:501. [PMID: 35010760 PMCID: PMC8744717 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Accidental hypothermia is an unintentional drop of core temperature below 35 °C. Annually, thousands die of primary hypothermia and an unknown number die of secondary hypothermia worldwide. Hypothermia can be expected in emergency patients in the prehospital phase. Injured and intoxicated patients cool quickly even in subtropical regions. Preventive measures are important to avoid hypothermia or cooling in ill or injured patients. Diagnosis and assessment of the risk of cardiac arrest are based on clinical signs and core temperature measurement when available. Hypothermic patients with risk factors for imminent cardiac arrest (temperature < 30 °C in young and healthy patients and <32 °C in elderly persons, or patients with multiple comorbidities), ventricular dysrhythmias, or systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) and hypothermic patients who are already in cardiac arrest, should be transferred directly to an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) centre. If a hypothermic patient arrests, continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed. In hypothermic patients, the chances of survival and good neurological outcome are higher than for normothermic patients for witnessed, unwitnessed and asystolic cardiac arrest. Mechanical CPR devices should be used for prolonged rescue, if available. In severely hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest, if continuous or mechanical CPR is not possible, intermittent CPR should be used. Rewarming can be accomplished by passive and active techniques. Most often, passive and active external techniques are used. Only in patients with refractory hypothermia or cardiac arrest are internal rewarming techniques required. ECLS rewarming should be performed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A post-resuscitation care bundle should complement treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Paal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8302 Kloten, Switzerland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (H.B.)
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8302 Kloten, Switzerland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (H.B.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tomasz Darocha
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, 40-001 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Raimund Lechner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, Military Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Sylweriusz Kosinski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 34-500 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Bernd Wallner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8302 Kloten, Switzerland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (H.B.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8302 Kloten, Switzerland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (H.B.)
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Musi ME, Sheets A, Zafren K, Brugger H, Paal P, Hölzl N, Pasquier M. Clinical staging of accidental hypothermia: The Revised Swiss System: Recommendation of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom). Resuscitation 2021; 162:182-187. [PMID: 33675869 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Clinical staging of accidental hypothermia is used to guide out-of-hospital treatment and transport decisions. Most clinical systems utilize core temperature, by measurement or estimation, to stage hypothermia, despite the challenge of obtaining accurate field measurements. Recent studies have demonstrated that field estimation of core temperature is imprecise. We propose a revision of the original Swiss Staging system. The revised system uses the risk of cardiac arrest, instead of core temperature, to determine the staging level. Our revised system simplifies assessment by using the level of responsiveness, based on the AVPU scale, and by removing shivering as a stage-defining sign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E Musi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Alison Sheets
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Boulder Community Health, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Alaska Native Medical Center Anchorage, AK, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy; Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Natalie Hölzl
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Allgäu Hospital Group, Klinik Immenstadt, Germany.
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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