The current state, challenges, and future directions of deep brain stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder

INTRODUCTION

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is clinically and pathologically heterogenous, with symptoms often refractory to first-line treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of refractory OCD provides an opportunity to adjust and individualize neuromodulation targeting aberrant circuitry underlying OCD. The tailoring of DBS therapy may allow precision in symptom control based on patient-specific pathology. Progress has been made in understanding the potential targets for DBS intervention; however, a consensus on an optimal target has not been agreed upon.

AREAS COVERED

A literature review of DBS for OCD was performed by querying the PubMed database. The following topics were covered: the evolution of DBS targeting in OCD, the concept of an underlying unified connectomic network, current DBS targets, challenges facing the field, and future directions which could advance personalized DBS in this challenging population.

EXPERT OPINION

To continue the increasing efficacy of DBS for OCD, we must further explore the optimal DBS response across clinical profiles and neuropsychiatric domains of OCD as well as how interventions targeting multiple points in an aberrant circuit, multiple aberrant circuits, or a connectivity hub impact clinical response. Additionally, biomarkers would be invaluable in programming adjustments and creating a closed-loop paradigm to address symptom fluctuation in daily life.

Successful Treatment of Linear IgA Disease and Ulcerative Colitis With Sulfasalazine

Linear IgA disease (LAD) is an uncommon autoimmune blistering disease that has been associated with medications, malignancy, and other autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). In this case report, a patient with a history of UC developed characteristic LAD lesions. While dapsone is considered first-line therapy for LAD, the treatment team opted for an underutilized, plausibly less toxic, and more simplified treatment regimen with sulfasalazine, successfully utilizing the two distinct actions of sulfasalazine's components - sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) - to concurrently treat both the LAD and UC symptoms. The authors discuss the pathophysiology of LAD and UC and expound on the mechanistic theory of their association. Additionally, the pharmacodynamics of sulfasalazine and considerations of its side effect profile are examined.

Verification and Validation of Digital Pathology (Whole Slide Imaging) for Primary Histopathological Diagnosis: All Wales Experience

Aims:

The study is aimed to verify Aperio AT2 scanner for reporting on the digital pathology platform (DP) and to validate the cohort of pathologists in the interpretation of DP for routine diagnostic histopathological services in Wales, United Kingdom.

Materials, Methods and Results:

This was a large multicenter study involving seven hospitals across Wales and unique with 22 (largest number) pathologists participating. 7491 slides from 3001 cases were scanned on Leica Aperio AT2 scanner and reported on digital workstations with Leica software of e-slide manager. A senior pathology fellow compared DP reports with authorized reports on glass slide (GS). A panel of expert pathologists reviewed the discrepant cases under multiheader microscope to establish ground truth. 2745 out of 3001 (91%) cases showed complete concordance between DP and GS reports. Two hundred and fifty-six cases showed discrepancies in diagnosis, of which 170 (5.6%) were deemed of no clinical significance by the review panel. There were 86 (2.9%) clinically significant discrepancies in the diagnosis between DP and GS. The concordance was raised to 97.1% after discounting clinically insignificant discrepancies. Ground truth lay with DP in 28 out of 86 clinically significant discrepancies and with GS in 58 cases. Sensitivity of DP was 98.07% (confidence interval [CI] 97.57–98.56%); for GS was 99.07% (CI 98.72–99.41%).

Conclusions:

We concluded that Leica Aperio AT2 scanner produces adequate quality of images for routine histopathologic diagnosis. Pathologists were able to diagnose in DP with good concordance as with GS.

Strengths and Limitations of this Study:

Strengths of this study – This was a prospective blind study. Different pathologists reported digital and glass arms at different times giving an ambience of real-time reporting. There was standardized use of software and hardware across Wales. A strong managerial support from efficiency through the technology group was a key factor for the implementation of the study.

Limitations:

This study did not include Cytopathology and in situ hybridization slides. Difficulty in achieving surgical pathology practise standardization across the whole country contributed to intra-observer variations.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

Sexual dimorphism in developmental and diet-dependent circulating retinol binding protein 4

OBJECTIVE

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) transports vitamin A (Retinol) in the blood and contributes mechanistically to the linkage between obesity, insulin resistance and associated comorbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery and neoplastic diseases. Circulating RBP4 levels have variably been associated with body mass and gender differences. Many of these differences have been demonstrated after limited dietary interventions, and/or at single unique time points. This study investigated the impact of sex and age as biologic variables as well as high versus low fat diets on development of obesity, RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice.

METHODS

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed for 400 days with either low or high fat diets. Female mice were also evaluated on same diets after ovariectomy or sham ovariectomy. Mice were monitored for changes in weight, circulating levels RBP4, glucose and insulin at 100-day intervals and also by 2-hour glucose tolerance tests.

RESULTS

All mice on low or high fat diets gained weight. Mice on high fat diets showed significantly greater weight gain than those on low fat. Male mice showed significantly greater weight gain compared with females on corresponding diet. Male mice compared with females already showed significantly higher RBP4 levels even before starting diets. Sex differences were maintained for more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 were associated with significant differences in development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Male compared with female C57BL/6J mice show significant gender differences in circulating RBP4 levels from 6 weeks of age, extending more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 may be mechanistically associated with protection against glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Targeting RBP4 pathways could be useful to disrupt gender differences in insulin resistance and disparities in comorbidities.

Acute Allergic Reactions in Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre: Predictors of Hospitalisation

Introduction

We sought to identify symptoms predictive of hospitalisation of patients having the acute allergic reactions managed by an Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre in France.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from 20th August 2006 to 5th November 2006 on incoming calls to the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre for the Hauts de Seine province, France. Statistical analyses were used to identify hospitalisation predictors. The validity of predictors identified was tested. We calculated equivalents of sensitivity (probability of presence of the sign when the reaction is severe), specificity (probability of absence of sign when the reaction is not severe), positive predictive value (probability of severe reaction when the sign is present) and negative predictive value (probability of non-severe reaction when the sign is not present).

Results

A total of 210 calls were included. The following clinical hospitalisation predictors identified had very good specificity and good positive predictive value: facial oedema, sense of choking, respiratory distress, cough, difficulty speaking, dysphagia, abdominal pain, dizziness, collapse, and chest pain. However, none of the selected predictors had a safe negative predictive value (and sensitivity).

Conclusion

This study has identified positive clinical predictors of hospitalisation for acute allergic reactions patients managed by a Medical Emergency Dispatch Centre. The next step will be a multicentre study in order to develop a severity score or a decision-making algorithm. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:80-87)

Novel porcine model of cutaneous myiasis: a training tool for healthcare workers

Cutaneous myiasis is a well-described problem in travellers to endemic regions including military personnel. Realistic training is important to ensure that healthcare workers have the confidence and expertise to recognise cutaneous myiasis and safely remove larvae if required. A model is described here that is simple, reproducible and realistic, and will allow for training of military healthcare workers in safe surgical removal of larvae when required.

Use of 3D printer technology to facilitate surgical correction of a complex vascular anomaly with esophageal entrapment in a dog

A 10 week old female intact Staffordshire terrier was presented with a total of five congenital cardio-thoracic vascular anomalies consisting of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with an aneurysmic dilation, pulmonic stenosis, persistent right aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery and persistent left cranial vena cava. These abnormalities were identified with a combination of echocardiogram and computed tomography angiography (CTA). The abnormalities were associated with esophageal entrapment, regurgitation, and volume overload of the left heart with left atrial and ventricular enlargement. A 2 cm diameter aneurysmic dilation at the junction of the PDA, right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery presented an unusual surgical challenge and precluded simple circumferential ligation and transection of the structure. A full scale three dimensional model of the heart and vasculature was constructed from the CTA and plasma sterilized. The model was used preoperatively to facilitate surgical planning and enhance intraoperative communication and coordination between the surgical and anesthesia teams. Intraoperatively the model facilitated spatial orientation, atraumatic vascular dissection, instrument sizing and positioning. A thoracoabdominal stapler was used to close the PDA aneurysm prior to transection. At the four-month postoperative follow-up the patient was doing well. This is the first reported application of new imaging and modeling technology to enhance surgical planning when approaching correction of complex cardiovascular anomalies in a dog.

Virologic and Immunologic Impact and Durability of Enfuvirtide-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Treatment-Experienced Patients in a Clinical Setting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of enfuvirtide-based therapy in treatment-experienced patients in a clinical setting.

METHOD

Retrospective study of treatment-experienced patients receiving enfuvirtide-based therapy for a minimum of 2 months. Endpoints included virologic suppression, virologic rebound, immunologic response, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Median baseline viral load and CD4+ count were 4.7 log10 copies/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-5.2) and 150 cells/mm3 (IQR, 60-250), respectively. At month 12, viral load declined by a median of 2.53 log10 copies/mL (IQR, 0.97-3.12). The unadjusted median time to virologic suppression was 7.7 months (95% CI 4.1-10.4 months). Baseline viral load and number of protease inhibitors in the current regimen were significantly associated with virologic suppression following multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.31-0.63, p < .0001, and HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.94, p = .03, respectively). Among the 42 patients who attained sustained virologic suppression, 10 experienced virologic rebound during a median follow-up of 13.3 months (IQR, 7.0-19.1). Injection site reactions were reported in 33 (52%) patients, resulting in treatment discontinuation in nine patients.

CONCLUSION

Enfuvirtide-based therapy provides durable antiretroviral activity for treatment-experienced patients in a clinical setting.

Effect of combining tramadol and morphine in adult surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

The role for tramadol in multimodal postsurgical analgesic strategies remains unclear. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the utility of combining tramadol with morphine after surgery. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILAC, Cochrane, and Clinical Trial Register databases for randomized, controlled studies comparing tramadol with placebo or active control in patients undergoing surgery. Fourteen studies (713 patients) were included. There was a limited but significant postoperative morphine-sparing effect, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -6.9 (95% confidence interval -11.3 to -2.5) mg. This effect was not associated with a decrease in morphine-related adverse effects. No difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, sedation, or shivering was observed. There was no decrease in pain intensity at 24 h; the WMD was -0.9 (-7.2; 5.2) on a 100 mm visual analogue scale at 24 h. We found no significant clinical benefit from the combination of i.v. tramadol and morphine after surgery.

[Guidelines for enhanced recovery after elective colorectal surgery]

Early recovery after surgery provides patients with all means to counteract or minimize the deleterious effects of surgery. This concept is suitable for a surgical procedure (e.g., colorectal surgery) and comes in the form of a clinical pathway that covers three periods (pre-, intra- and postoperative). The purpose of this Expert panel guideline is firstly to assess the impact of each parameter usually included in the rehabilitation programs on 6 foreseeable consequences of colorectal surgery: surgical stress, postoperative ileus, water and energy imbalance, postoperative immobility, sleep alterations and postoperative complications; secondly, to validate the usefulness of each as criteria of efficiency criteria for success of rehabilitation programs. Two main criteria were selected to evaluate the impact of each parameter: the length of stay and frequency of postoperative complications. Lack of information in the literature forced experts to assess some parameters with criteria (duration of postoperative ileus or quality of analgesia) that mainly surrogate a positive impact for the implementation of an early recovery program. After literature analysis, 19 parameters were identified as potentially interfering with at least one of the foreseeable consequences of colorectal surgery. GRADE® methodology was applied to determine a level of evidence and strength of recommendation. After synthesis of the work of experts using GRADE® method on 19 parameters, 35 recommendations were produced by the organizing committee. The recommendations were submitted and amended by a group of reviewers. After three rounds of Delphi quotes, strong agreement was obtained for 28 recommendations (80%) and weak agreement for seven recommendations. A consensus was reached among anesthesiologists and surgeons on a number of approaches that are likely not sufficiently applied for rehabilitation programs in colorectal surgery such as: preoperative intake of carbohydrates; intraoperative hemodynamic optimization; oral feeding resume before ha24; gum chewing after surgery; patient out of bed and walking at D1. The panel also clarified the value and place of such approaches such as: patient information; preoperative immunonutrition; laparoscopic surgery; antibiotic prophylaxis; prevention of hypothermia; systematic prevention of nausea and vomiting; morphine-sparing analgesic techniques; indications and techniques for bladder catheterization. The panel also confirmed the futility of approaches such as: bowel preparation for colon surgery; maintain of the nasogastric tube; surgical drainage for colonic surgery.

Abstract OT3-2-02: PreOperative window of endocrine therapy provides information to increase compliance: POWER PIINC: A feasibility study

Background: The addition of systemic therapy to the surgical treatment of breast cancer has improved survival of patients. A mainstay of systemic therapy in the setting of hormone receptor positive breast cancer is endocrine therapy. Despite the known advantages, the compliance with short and long term systemic endocrine therapy is less than ideal. Several studies report significant rates of non-compliance with endocrine therapy, either in patients never starting the medication or not completing the recommended multi-year course. It is estimated that as many as 10% of patients per year discontinue their therapy. We wondered why women would forgo such an important part of their treatment and how we might intervene to improve compliance. Using information gleaned from POWER PIINC, we hope to design a behavioral intervention study to see if the patient knowing her tumor's preoperative response to endocrine therapy will improve long term compliance. In order to do such a study we would need to define the minimal length of preoperative endocrine therapy needed to detect measurable changes in the tumor.

After 14 days of endocrine therapy, significant decreases in Ki67 can be seen in most hormone sensitive breast cancers. In fact two current studies are using this information (POETIC and ADAPT trials). Both of these trials are being conducted outside of the U.S. where operative therapy does not typically occur within a week or two of seeing the surgeon. POWER PIINC is a feasibility study to determine if we can detect changes in Ki67 with only 7 days of therapy. The results of POWER PIINC will inform the behavioral intervention trial.

Trial Design: This is a prospective, single-arm feasibility study. Participants take tamoxifen for 7 days prior to surgery. Ki67 is measured pre (core biopsy) and post (surgical specimen) tamoxifen.

Eligibility critieria: Non-pregnant women age 18 or older with a hormone positive (&gt;1% ER or PR) clinical Stage 1 or 2 breast cancer who are candidates for surgical therapy of their breast cancer. No concurrent CYP2D6 inhibitors or other contraindications to tamoxifen.

Specific Aims:

Primary Objective:

Demonstrate a significant reduction in Ki67 expression in tumors with 7 days of pre-surgical tamoxifen.

Secondary Objectives:

- Evaluate symptom patterns from baseline through 18 months of follow-up (presence, severity, and bother)

-Evaluate 18-month endocrine therapy adherence

-Evaluate change in attitude regarding endocrine therapy

-Evaluate correlation between changes in Ki67 expression and symptom scores

-Evaluate additional changes in proliferative markers (subset of PAM 50)

Statistical Methods: A one-sample t-test will be applied to the log-ratio of Ki67 at resection to pre therapy. If this ratio is not normally distributed we will use a non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Secondary objectives will be analyzed using a variety of appropriate statistical tests.

Accrual: Target accrual is 52 patients over 18 months. We opened this study in August of 2012. To date (9 months) we have accrued 23 patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr OT3-2-02.

WE-E-211-01: Medical Physics in Federal and State Governments

In 2010, FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) launched an "Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging" and held a public meeting on "Device Improvements to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging" March 30- 31, 2010). In follow-up, FDA is pursuing efforts using its regulatory authority as it applies to imaging equipment and manufacturers and also partnering with professional organizations such as AAPM, industry and other governmental agencies to incorporate radiation protection principles into facility quality assurance, personnel credentialing, and training requirements.The current U.S. Federal guidance on medical x-rays was published in 1976 and addresses film imaging for radiographie and dental modalities. The Medical Workgroup of the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS) has modernized that document to address both diagnostic and interventional approaches, film and digital imaging, and the broad range of modalities that include radiography, computed tomography, interventional fluoroscopy, dentistry, bone densitometry, and veterinary practice. The current scope and status of the document will be presented.The Military Health System is committed to providing state-of- the-art care to its beneficiaries; both at home and abroad. Personnel constraints and the continuing wars oversees have created obstacles to this objective. In the past decade, tremendous advances have occurred in Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Teleradiology. Military Radiology seeks to leverage these advances as a means of surmounting many of the challenges it faces. In this talk, the current status of DoD teleradiology and EHR will be presented.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To provide a venue in which physicists working in the public sector can interface and discuss specific issues related to supporting the federal and state governments 2. To provide a venue for medical physicists to voice specific concerns with federal/state programs where medical physics should be involved in and/or more effective. 3. To educate audience on federal or state new or updated guidelines.

Identification of novel coding mutation in C1qA gene in an African-American pedigree with lupus and C1q deficiency

OBJECTIVES

Homozygous C1q deficiency is an extremely rare condition and strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. To assess and characterize C1q deficiency in an African-American lupus pedigree, C1q genomic region was evaluated in the lupus cases and family members.

METHODS

Genomic DNA from patient was obtained and C1q A, B and C gene cluster was sequenced using next generation sequencing method. The identified mutation was further confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing method in the patient and all blood relatives. C1q levels in serum were measured using sandwich ELISA method.

RESULTS

In an African-American patient with lupus and C1q deficiency, we identified and confirmed a novel homozygote start codon mutation in C1qA gene that changes amino acid methionine to arginine at position 1. The Met1Arg mutation prevents protein translation (Met1Arg). Mutation analyses of the patient's family members also revealed the Met1Arg homozygote mutation in her deceased brother who also had lupus with absence of total complement activity consistent with a recessive pattern of inheritance.

CONCLUSION

The identification of new mutation in C1qA gene that disrupts the start codon (ATG to AGG (Met1Arg)) has not been reported previously and it expands the knowledge and importance of the C1q gene in the pathogenesis of lupus especially in the high-risk African-American population.

[Two cases of chronic pain after regional anaesthesia]

We are reporting two cases of chronic neuropathic pain after traumatism during regional anaesthesia (RA). Nerve injury is a rare complication of RA and it is the neurogical deficit, which is the most often quoted in medical literature. However, in both cases the neuropathic pain was the single departure point. The reunion of the clinical element, which incorporates possible traumatism during regional anaesthesia, characteristics of pain and unusual painful localization of surgery, should have allowed a more early diagnostic and treatment. In both cases, persistent neuropathic pain incapacitates the patient several years after the traumatism.

Virologic and immunologic effectiveness of tipranavir/ritonavir (TPV/r)- versus darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r)-based regimens in clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Although both tipranavir and darunavir are important options for the management of patients with multidrug resistant HIV, there are at present no studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of these 2 antiretroviral drugs in this population of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of ritonavir (TPV/r)- and darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/ r)-based therapies in treatment-experienced patients (n = 38 and 47, respectively).

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

The median baseline viral load and CD4 count were 4.7 copies/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 4.3, 5.2) and 168 cells/mm( 3) (IQR 80, 252) for TPV/r patients and 4.7 copies/mL (IQR 3.7, 5.1) and 171 cells/mm(3) (IQR 92, 290) for DRV/r patients. The median number of years on antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to starting DRV/r or TPV/r were 12.7 (10.2-15.5) and 10.5 (8.4-12.6), respectively (P < .01). Current raltegravir (RAL) use (odds ratio [OR] 5.53, 95% CI 1.08-28.34) was significantly associated with virologic suppression at week 24 in multivariable logistic regression models, whereas the use of TPV/r was not significantly associated with virologic suppression compared to DRV/r (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.27-3.18, P = .91).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference was observed between DRV/r and TPV/r in terms of virologic suppression.

Regional anaesthesia practice for total knee arthroplasty: French national survey - 2008

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Improved pain management techniques and rehabilitation programs have significantly modified outcome for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the survey was to describe the French practice patterns in regional anaesthesia for TKA.

METHODS

Twenty-item questionnaires were distributed to units with significant orthopaedic activity across France. The content referred to the type of orthopaedic activity; anaesthetic and analgesic management; preoperative patient information; technical aspects describing regional anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia.

RESULTS

Response rate was 54%. Combined general anaesthesia and perineural catheter was the most frequently used anaesthetic technique. Most of respondents used multimodal analgesia (including femoral nerve catheter by 80%). Written hygiene protocols were rarely available. Sterile gowns were seldom worn. Among antiseptic agents, povidone iodine was most often used. Sedative agents were systematically used by 36% of respondents. Ropivacaine was the preferred local anaesthetic agent. Finally, adjuvants were rarely used. In most cases (58%) the femoral block was performed before induction of general anaesthesia. The catheter was commonly threaded to a length between 5 and 8 cm. The correct position of the catheter tip was verified clinically by majority of respondents. Local anaesthetics were administered by continuous infusion, continuous infusion plus boluses and boluses alone in 44, 36 and 8% of cases. Catheter duration was 48 and 72 h in 45 and 33% of the units and was independent of pain scores.

CONCLUSION

This national survey showed practices in accordance with recent guidelines as well as persistent challenges in regional anaesthesia for TKA.

[National evaluation of knowledge and practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation of children and infants in the field]

INTRODUCTION

After the publication of new recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2005 guidelines and 2006 French recommendations), we conducted a study amongst EMS teams concerning their approach with children and infants, nationwide. The objective was to measure the level of knowledge of guidelines and practice.

METHODS

The online questionnaire was offered to emergency physicians belonging to the French emergency database, between November 1st and December 15th 2007. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded from the study. We recorded: profile of personnel, knowledge of guidelines, basic CPR and advanced CPR parameters.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analyzed. Personnel was aged under 40 in 50.2 %, with 2-5 years experience in prehospital emergency care (57.6 %); 51,3 % declared having had training in pediatric CPR. A minority of subjects declared knowing the 2005 Guidelines (35 %), more the French 2006 recommendations (62.5 %). Basic CPR: transition age child/adult known in 30.3 %. Compression/ventilation ratio: 30/2 for one rescuer in 50.2 % (child), 46.5 % (infant); 15/2 for two or more rescuers in 57.6 % (child), 48 % (infant). AED age for use (1 year old) known in 59.8 %. Advanced CPR: epinephrine dose known in 89.3 % (intravenous) and 34.3 % (tracheal). External shock known in 57.2 %.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the lack of knowledge, especially with regard to first aid. Formations will be developed.