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Membrilla JA, Alpuente A, Gómez-Dabo L, Raúl GY, Mariño E, Díaz-de-Terán J, Pozo-Rosich P. "Code Headache": Development of a protocol for optimizing headache management in the emergency room. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16484. [PMID: 39287050 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients presenting at the emergency room (ER) with headache often encounter a hostile atmosphere and experience delays in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to design a protocol for the ER with the goal of optimizing the care of patients with urgent headache to facilitate diagnosis and expedite treatment. METHODS A narrative literature review was conducted via a MEDLINE search in October 2021. The "Code Headache" protocol was then developed considering the available characteristics and resources of the ER at a tertiary care center within the Spanish National Public Health system. RESULTS The Code Headache protocol comprises three assessments: two scales and one checklist. The assessments identify known red flags and stratify patients based on suspected primary/secondary headaches and the need for pain treatment. Initial assessments, performed by the triage nurse, aim to first exclude potentially high morbidity and mortality etiologies (HEAD1 scale) and then expedite appropriate pain management (HEAD2 scale) based on scoring criteria. HEAD1 evaluates vital signs and symptoms of secondary serious headache disorders that can most benefit from earlier identification and treatment, while HEAD2 assesses symptoms indicative of status migrainosus, pain intensity, and vital signs. Subsequently, ER physicians employ a third assessment that reviews red flags for secondary headaches (grouped under the acronym 'PEACE') to guide the selection of complementary tests and aid diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The Code Headache protocol is a much needed tool to facilitate quick clinical assessment and improve patient care in the ER. Further validation through comparison with standard clinical practice is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Membrilla
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Francesc de Borja, Gandía, Spain
| | - Alicia Alpuente
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Headache and Neurological Pain Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Headache Clinic, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Gómez-Dabo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - García-Yu Raúl
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Mariño
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Díaz-de-Terán
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research - IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid - Getafe Universitary Hospital - Universidad Europea de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Pozo-Rosich
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Headache and Neurological Pain Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Headache Clinic, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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El-Hajj VG, Pettersson I, Gharios M, Ghaith AK, Bydon M, Edström E, Elmi-Terander A. Detection and Management of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in the Treatment of Acute Community-Acquired Bacterial Meningitis: A Systematic Review. Neurocrit Care 2024; 41:228-243. [PMID: 38356077 PMCID: PMC11335864 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The most prevalent pathogens in community-acquired ABM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens may affect specific patient groups, such as newborns, older patients, or immunocompromised patients. It is well established that ABM is associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the role of ICP monitoring and management in the treatment of ABM has been poorly described.An electronic search was performed in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy chosen for this review used the following terms: Intracranial Pressure AND (management OR monitoring) AND bacterial meningitis. The search yielded a total of 403 studies, of which 18 were selected for inclusion. Eighteen studies were finally included in this review. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial. All studies employed invasive ICP monitoring techniques, whereas some also relied on assessment of ICP-based on clinical and/or radiological observations. The most commonly used invasive tools were external ventricular drains, which were used both to monitor and treat elevated ICP. Results from the included studies revealed a clear association between elevated ICP and mortality, and possibly improved outcomes when invasive ICP monitoring and management were used. Finally, the review highlights the absence of clear standardized protocols for the monitoring and management of ICP in patients with ABM. This review provides an insight into the role of invasive ICP monitoring and ICP-based management in the treatment of ABM. Despite weak evidence certainty, the present literature points toward enhanced patient outcomes in ABM with the use of treatment strategies aiming to normalize ICP using continuous invasive monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid diversion techniques. Continued research is needed to define when and how to employ these strategies to best improve outcomes in ABM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Gharios
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abdul Karim Ghaith
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erik Edström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Spine Center Stockholm, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands-Väsby, Sweden
| | - Adrian Elmi-Terander
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Spine Center Stockholm, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands-Väsby, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Fisch U, Kliem P, Grzonka P, Sutter R. Performance of large language models on advocating the management of meningitis: a comparative qualitative study. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e100978. [PMID: 38307617 PMCID: PMC10840049 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100978] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the adherence of large language models (LLMs) to bacterial meningitis guidelines using a hypothetical medical case, highlighting their utility and limitations in healthcare. METHODS A simulated clinical scenario of a patient with bacterial meningitis secondary to mastoiditis was presented in three independent sessions to seven publicly accessible LLMs (Bard, Bing, Claude-2, GTP-3.5, GTP-4, Llama, PaLM). Responses were evaluated for adherence to good clinical practice and two international meningitis guidelines. RESULTS A central nervous system infection was identified in 90% of LLM sessions. All recommended imaging, while 81% suggested lumbar puncture. Blood cultures and specific mastoiditis work-up were proposed in only 62% and 38% sessions, respectively. Only 38% of sessions provided the correct empirical antibiotic treatment, while antiviral treatment and dexamethasone were advised in 33% and 24%, respectively. Misleading statements were generated in 52%. No significant correlation was found between LLMs' text length and performance (r=0.29, p=0.20). Among all LLMs, GTP-4 demonstrated the best performance. DISCUSSION Latest LLMs provide valuable advice on differential diagnosis and diagnostic procedures but significantly vary in treatment-specific information for bacterial meningitis when introduced to a realistic clinical scenario. Misleading statements were common, with performance differences attributed to each LLM's unique algorithm rather than output length. CONCLUSIONS Users must be aware of such limitations and performance variability when considering LLMs as a support tool for medical decision-making. Further research is needed to refine these models' comprehension of complex medical scenarios and their ability to provide reliable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Fisch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Kliem
- Clinic for Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Grzonka
- Clinic for Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Sutter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinic for Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Donovan J, Glover A, Gregson J, Hitchings AW, Wall EC, Heyderman RS. A retrospective analysis of 20,178 adult neurological infection admissions to United Kingdom critical care units from 2001 to 2020. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:132. [PMID: 38273223 PMCID: PMC10809450 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08976-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological infection is an important cause of critical illness, yet little is known on the epidemiology of neurological infections requiring critical care. METHODS We analysed data on all adults with proven or probable neurological infection admitted to UK (NHS) critical care units between 2001 and 2020 reported to the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre. Diagnoses, physiological variables, organ support and clinical outcomes were analysed over the whole period, and for consecutive 5-year intervals within it. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified using a backward stepwise regression model. RESULTS We identified 20,178 critical care admissions for neurological infection. Encephalitis was the most frequent presentation to critical care, comprising 6725 (33.3%) of 20,178 cases. Meningitis- bacterial, viral or unspecified cases - accounted for 10,056 (49.8%) of cases. In-hospital mortality was high, at 3945/19,765 (20.0%) overall. Over the four consecutive 5-year periods, there were trends towards higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores on admission, longer critical care admissions (from median 4 [IQR 2-8] to 5 days [IQR 2-10]), and reduced in-hospital mortality (from 24.9 to 18.1%). We identified 12 independent predictors of in-hospital death which when used together showed good discrimination between patients who die and those who survive (AUC = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS Admissions with neurological infection to UK critical care services are increasing and the mortality, although improving, remains high. To further improve outcomes from severe neurological infection, novel approaches to the evaluation of risk stratification, monitoring and management strategies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Donovan
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, UK.
- University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Abena Glover
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, UK
| | - John Gregson
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, UK
| | - Andrew W Hitchings
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Emma C Wall
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Robert S Heyderman
- University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Research Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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Regner-Nelke L, Ruck T, Meuth SG. [Meningitis in the Emergency Room]. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2023; 58:322-334. [PMID: 37192640 DOI: 10.1055/a-2077-6971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMeningitis describes an inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord, which, depending on the etiology, can be a serious disease with high lethality. The suspicion of
meningitis therefore requires rapid and adept action. In this paper, we explain the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to suspected meningitis in the emergency department.
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Völk S, Dobler F, Koedel U, Pfister HW, Bruegel M, Schubert S, Klein M. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in emergency patients with suspected infection of the central nervous system. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:702-709. [PMID: 36398479 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15638] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Meningitis and encephalitis are potentially life-threatening diseases that require fast and accurate diagnostics and therapy. The value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex testing in clinical practice is still a matter of debate. This study aims to evaluate its benefits and limitations in emergency patients. METHODS We assessed the value of a meningoencephalitis PCR array in the clinical routine of an emergency department. RESULTS Of 1578 emergency patients who received a lumbar puncture, 43% received it for a clinically suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection. After initial workup for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count, protein and glucose, a CNS infection was still considered likely in 307 patients. In these patients, further microbiologic workup was performed. A total of 230 samples were examined by PCR and a pathogen was detected in 66 of these samples. In the case of a positive microbiologic result, a comparison between PCR array and standard method was available for 59 samples, which demonstrated an overcall agreement of 80% (n = 47/59). Of interest, exclusively array-positive results were observed for patients with meningitis found to be positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae; four out of five patients had been treated with antibiotics before the lumbar puncture. In samples with normal CSF cell count only two positive array results were obtained, both for human herpesvirus 6, and these were not clinically relevant. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the array substantially contributes to a detection of pathogens in patients with suspected CNS infection and seems of particular interest in patients with acute bacterial meningitis under empiric antibiotic treatment. In CSF samples with normal cell count, it might be dispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Völk
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Dobler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe Koedel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Bruegel
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Sören Schubert
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Faculty of Medicine, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Emergency Department, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
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Sharma N, Zahoor I, Sachdeva M, Subramaniyan V, Fuloria S, Fuloria NK, Naved T, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Aleya L, Bungau S, Behl T, Singh S. Deciphering the role of nanoparticles for management of bacterial meningitis: an update on recent studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:60459-60476. [PMID: 34545518 PMCID: PMC8452126 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16570-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes called meninges and fluid adjacent the brain and spinal cord. The inflammatory progression expands all through subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord and occupies the ventricles. The pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites are main sources of infection causing meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening health problem that which needs instantaneous apprehension and treatment. Nesseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus flu are major widespread factors causing bacterial meningitis. The conventional drug delivery approaches encounter difficulty in crossing this blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore are insufficient to elicit the desired pharmacological effect as required for treatment of meningitis. Therefore, application of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems has become imperative for successful dealing with this deadly disease. The nanoparticles have ability to across BBB via four important transport mechanisms, i.e., paracellular transport, transcellular (transcytosis), endocytosis (adsorptive transcytosis), and receptor-mediated transcytosis. In this review, we reminisce distinctive symptoms of meningitis, and provide an overview of various types of bacterial meningitis, with a focus on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology. This review describes conventional therapeutic approaches for treatment of meningitis and the problems encountered by them while transmitting across tight junctions of BBB. The nanotechnology approaches like functionalized polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, nanoemulsion, liposomes, transferosomes, and carbon nanotubes which have been recently evaluated for treatment or detection of bacterial meningitis have been focused. This review has also briefly summarized the recent patents and clinical status of therapeutic modalities for meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Ishrat Zahoor
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | - Tanveer Naved
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Haryana, India
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environment Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, Besancon, France
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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