[Monitoring of emergency cardiovascular patients in the emergency department : Consensus paper of the DGK, DGINA and DGIIN]

Patients with potential or proven cardiovascular diseases represent a relevant proportion of the total spectrum in the emergency department. Their monitoring for cardiovascular surveillance until the diagnostics and acute treatment are initiated, often poses an interdisciplinary and interprofessional challenge, because resources are limited, nevertheless a high level of patient safety has to be ensured and the correct procedure has a major prognostic significance. This consensus paper provides an overview of the practical implementation, the modalities of monitoring and the application in a selection of cardiovascular diagnoses. The article provides specific comments on the clinical presentations of acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, hypertensive emergency events, syncope, acute pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrhythmia. The level of evidence is generally low as no randomized trials are available on this topic. The recommendations are intended to supplement or establish local standards and to assist all physicians, nursing personnel and the patients to be treated in making decisions about monitoring in the emergency department.

Frequency and Characteristics of Non-Neurological and Neurological Stroke Mimics in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Stroke mimics are common in the emergency department (ED) and early detection is important to initiate appropriate treatment and withhold unnecessary procedures. We aimed to compare the frequency, clinical characteristics and predictors of non-neurological and neurological stroke mimics transferred to our ED for suspected stroke.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with suspected stroke transported to the ED of the University Hospital Essen between January 2017 and December 2021 by the city's Emergency Medical Service. We investigated patient characteristics, preclinical data, symptoms and final diagnoses in patients with non-neurological and neurological stroke mimics. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of both etiologic groups.

RESULTS

Of 2167 patients with suspected stroke, 762 (35.2%) were diagnosed with a stroke mimic. Etiology was non-neurological in 369 (48.4%) and neurological in 393 (51.6%) cases. The most common diagnoses were seizures (23.2%) and infections (14.7%). Patients with non-neurological mimics were older (78.0 vs. 72.0 y, p < 0.001) and more likely to have chronic kidney disease (17.3% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.001) or heart failure (12.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.014). Prevalence of malignancy (8.7% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.031) and focal symptoms (38.8 vs. 57.3%, p < 0.001) was lower in this group. More than two-fifths required hospitalization (39.3 vs. 47.1%, p = 0.034). Adjusted multinominal logistic regression revealed chronic kidney and liver disease as independent positive predictors of stroke mimics regardless of etiology, while atrial fibrillation and hypertension were negative predictors in both groups. Prehospital vital signs were independently associated with non-neurological stroke mimics only, while age was exclusively associated with neurological mimics.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to half of stroke mimics in the neurological ED are of non-neurological origin. Preclinical identification is challenging and a high proportion requires hospitalization. Awareness of underlying etiologies and differences in clinical characteristics is important to provide optimal care.

Does Prehospital Suspicion of Sepsis Shorten Time to Administration of Antibiotics in the Emergency Department? A Retrospective Study in One University Hospital

Early treatment is the mainstay of sepsis therapy. We suspected that early recognition of sepsis by prehospital healthcare providers may shorten the time for antibiotic administration in the emergency department. We retrospectively evaluated all patients above 18 years of age who were diagnosed with sepsis or severe infection in our emergency department between 2018 and 2020. We recorded the suspected diagnosis at the time of presentation, the type of referring healthcare provider, and the time until initiation of antibiotic treatment. Differences between groups were calculated using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Of the 277 patients who were diagnosed with severe infection or sepsis in the emergency department, an infection was suspected in 124 (44.8%) patients, and sepsis was suspected in 31 (11.2%) patients by referring healthcare providers. Time to initiation of antibiotic treatment was shorter in patients where sepsis or infection had been suspected prior to arrival for both patients with severe infections (p = 0.022) and sepsis (p = 0.004). Given the well-described outcome benefits of early sepsis therapy, recognition of sepsis needs to be improved. Appropriate scores should be used as part of routine patient assessment to reduce the time to antibiotic administration and improve patient outcomes.

Point-of-care PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2 in the emergency department: Influence on workflow and efficiency

PROBLEM

Regarding transmissible viral diseases such as those caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the key challenges is isolation management until final diagnosis. This study investigates the influence of SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care (POC) PCR on workflow and efficiency in an emergency department (ED) of a tertiary university hospital.

METHOD

An analysis of 17,875 ED patients receiving either SARS-CoV-2 POC PCR (rapid PCR, 11,686 patients) or conventional laboratory SARS-CoV-2 PCR (conventional PCR, 6,189 patients) was performed. The pathways for both groups were mapped and compared, and process times from admission to diagnosis were measured. Effects on resource management within the ED were quantified. Direct costs due to isolation, loss of capacities, and revenues were calculated for inpatients.

RESULTS

The mean time from admission to result was 1.62 h with rapid PCR and 16.08 h with conventional PCR (p < 0.01), reducing the isolation time by 14.46 h. In the first 2 h after testing, test results were available for > 75% of the rapid PCR group and none of the conventional PCR group. Ninety percent of the results were available within 3 h for the rapid PCR and within 21 h for the conventional PCR group. For the conventional PCR group, an increase in direct costs of €35.74 and lost revenues of €421.06 for each inpatient case was detected.

CONCLUSION

Rapid PCR significantly reduces the time-to-results and time for isolation relative to conventional PCR. Although testing costs for rapid PCR are higher, it benefits workflow, reduces total costs, and frees up ward capacity.

Impaired humoral immunity to BQ.1.1 in convalescent and vaccinated patients

Determining SARS-CoV-2 immunity is critical to assess COVID-19 risk and the need for prevention and mitigation strategies. We measured SARS-CoV-2 Spike/Nucleocapsid seroprevalence and serum neutralizing activity against Wu01, BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 in a convenience sample of 1,411 patients receiving medical treatment in the emergency departments of five university hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in August/September 2022. 62% reported underlying medical conditions and 67.7% were vaccinated according to German COVID-19 vaccination recommendations (13.9% fully vaccinated, 54.3% one booster, 23.4% two boosters). We detected Spike-IgG in 95.6%, Nucleocapsid-IgG in 24.0%, and neutralization against Wu01, BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 in 94.4%, 85.0%, and 73.8% of participants, respectively. Neutralization against BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 was 5.6- and 23.4-fold lower compared to Wu01. Accuracy of S-IgG detection for determination of neutralizing activity against BQ.1.1 was reduced substantially. We explored previous vaccinations and infections as correlates of BQ.1.1 neutralization using multivariable and Bayesian network analyses. Given a rather moderate adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, this analysis highlights the need to improve vaccine-uptake to reduce the COVID-19 risk of immune evasive variants. The study was registered as clinical trial (DRKS00029414).

Epicardial adipose tissue and obstructive coronary artery disease in acute chest pain: the EPIC-ACS study

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quantification improves the prediction of the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department.

Methods and results

Within this prospective observational cohort study, we included 657 consecutive patients (mean age 58.06 ± 18.04 years, 53% male) presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome between December 2018 and August 2020. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, haemodynamic instability, or known CAD were excluded. As part of the initial workup, we performed bedside echocardiography for quantification of EAT thickness by a dedicated study physician, blinded to all patient characteristics. Treating physicians remained unaware of the results of the EAT assessment. The primary endpoint was defined as the presence of obstructive CAD, as detected in subsequent invasive coronary angiography. Patients reaching the primary endpoint had significantly more EAT than patients without obstructive CAD (7.90 ± 2.56 mm vs. 3.96 ± 1.91 mm, P < 0.0001). In a multivariable regression analysis, a 1 mm increase in EAT thickness was associated with a nearby two-fold increased odds of the presence of obstructive CAD [1.87 (1.64-2.12), P < 0.0001]. Adding EAT to a multivariable model of the GRACE score, cardiac biomarkers and traditional risk factors significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.759-0.901, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Epicardial adipose tissue strongly and independently predicts the presence of obstructive CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. Our results suggest that the assessment of EAT may improve diagnostic algorithms of patients with acute chest pain.

Frequency and prognosis of CVD and myocardial injury in patients presenting with suspected COVID-19 - The CoV-COR registry

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an alteration of algorithms in emergency medicine, which may influence the management of patients with similar symptoms but underlying cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated key differential diagnoses to acute COVID-19 infection and the prevalence and the prognosis of myocardial injury in patients presenting for suspected COIVD-19 infection.

Methods

This prospective observational study includes patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. In patients without COVID-19, leading diagnoses was classified according to ICD-10. Myocardial injury was defined as elevated high-sensitivity Troponin I with at least one value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit and its prevalence together with 90-days mortality rate was compared in patients with vs without COVID-infection.

Results

From 497 included patients (age 62.9 ± 17.2 years, 56 % male), 314 (63 %) were tested positive on COVID-19 based on PCR-testing, while another cause of symptom was detected in 183 patients (37 %). Cardiovascular diseases were the most frequent differential diagnoses (40 % of patients without COVID-19), followed by bacterial infection (24 %) and malignancies (16 %). Myocardial injury was present in 91 patients (COVID-19 positive: n = 34, COVID-19 negative: n = 57). 90-day mortality rate was higher in patients with myocardial injury (13.4 vs 4.6 %, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Cardiovascular diseases represent the most frequent differential diagnoses in patients presenting to a tertiary care emergency department with symptoms suggestive of an acute infection. Screening for cardiovascular disease is crucial in the initial evaluation of symptomatic patients during the COVID pandemic to identify patients at increased risk.Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04327479.

Effect of video laryngoscopy for non-trauma out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on clinical outcome: A registry-based analysis

AIM

Videolaryngoscopy (VL) is a promising tool to provide a safe airway during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to ensure early reoxygenation. Using data from the German Resuscitation Registry, we investigated the outcome of non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients treated with VL versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) for airway management.

METHODS

We analysed retrospective data of 14,387 patients from 1 January 2018 until 31 December 2021 (VL group, n = 2201; DL group, n = 12186). Primary endpoint was discharge with cerebral performance categories one and two (CPC1/2). Secondary endpoints were the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital admission, hospital admission with ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 30-day survival/ hospital discharge and airway management complications. We used multivariate binary logistic regression analysis to identify the effects on outcome of known influencing variables and of VL vs DL.

RESULTS

The multivariate regression model revealed that VL was an independent predictor of CPC1/2 survival (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.12-1.61, p = 0.002) and of hospital discharge/30-day survival (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.08-1.47, p = 0,004).

CONCLUSION

VL for endotracheal intubation (ETI) at OHCA was associated with better neurological outcome in patients with ROSC. Therefore, the use of VL for OHCA offers a promising perspective. Further prospective studies are required.

Evaluation of a new COVID-19 triage algorithm in the emergency department including combined antigen and PCR-testing: A case-control study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major challenge for global healthcare systems. Early and safe triage in the emergency department (ED) is crucial for proper therapy. However, differential diagnosis remains challenging. Rapid antigen testing (RAT) may help to improve early triage and patient safety. We performed a retrospective study of 234 consecutive patients with suspected COVID-19 who presented to our ED in November 2020. All underwent SARS-CoV-2-nasopharyngeal swab testing using both RAT and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inpatient treatment was established according to an empirically developed triage algorithm. The accuracy of the suggested algorithm was analyzed based on the rate of outpatients returning within 7 days and inpatients staying for less than 48 hours. COVID-19 inpatients and outpatients were compared for symptoms, vital signs, and C-reactive protein levels. Of the 221 included patients with suspected COVID-19 infection, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 120 patients (54.3%) by a positive RT-PCR result, whereas only 72% of those had a positive antigen test. Of the 56 COVID-19 outpatients, three returned within 7 days with the need for hospital treatment due to clinical deterioration. Among the 64 COVID-19 inpatients, 4 were discharged within 48 hours, whereas 60 stayed longer (mean duration 10.2 days). The suggested triage algorithm was safe and efficient in the first 234 consecutive patients. RAT can confirm a diagnosis in 72% of PCR proven COVID-19 patients and allows early cohort isolation as an important way to save hospital capacity.

[Wave riding - 12 months of COVID-19 in a German tertiary care center]

Einleitung  Mit weit mehr als 1400 stationär behandelten COVID-19-Patienten ist die Universitätsmedizin Essen der größte COVID-19-Versorger der Region Rhein-Ruhr. Wir präsentieren die Daten unserer Patienten aus den ersten 12 Monaten der Pandemie und die hieraus entstandenen praktischen Konzepte.

Methode  Retrospektive Analyse aller 1396 stationären COVID-19-Patienten, die zwischen dem 1. März 2020 und 28. Februar 2021 versorgt wurden, im Hinblick auf Komorbiditäten, Überleben und Komplikationen im Verlauf. Es erfolgte ein Gruppenvergleich zwischen Patienten auf Normalstation und Überwachungs-/ Intensivstation.

Ergebnisse  Bei einer Gesamtmortalität von 19,8 % (277/1396) starben 10,6 % (93/877) der Patienten auf Normalstation und 35,5 % (184/519) der Patienten auf Intensiv- und Überwachungsstationen im klinischen Verlauf. Hierbei waren ein Alter über 60 Jahre, Adipositas, maschinelle Beatmung, NO-Therapie, ECMO-Therapie sowie akutes Nierenversagen und Apoplex im Therapieverlauf unabhängige Prädiktoren für Mortalität.

Fazit  Die Mortalität unseres Kollektivs auf Normal- bzw. Intensivstationen liegt im Rahmen international publizierter Daten. Sowohl die hohe Rate von Komplikationen bei schwerem Verlauf als auch die große Bedeutung einfacher Komorbiditäten kann eindrücklich gezeigt werden. Das mittlere Alter der Patienten ist mit 60 Jahren auf Normalstation und 63 Jahren auf Intensivstationen überraschend niedrig. Maximaler Patienten- und Personalschutz, eine rasche und effektive Teststrategie im Rahmen der primären Triage, standardisierte Abläufe von der Notaufnahme bis zur Intensivstation sowie eine dynamische tagesaktuelle Anpassung der Ressourcen können eine hohe Versorgungsqualität, auch während der Pandemie, sichern.

FAST-ED scale smartphone app-based prediction of large vessel occlusion in suspected stroke by emergency medical service

Background and Purpose:

Considering the highly time-dependent therapeutic effect of endovascular treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion–associated acute ischemic stroke, prehospital identification of large vessel occlusion and subsequent triage for direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center offers an intriguing option for optimizing patient pathways.

Methods:

This prospective in-field validation study included 200 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke who were admitted by emergency medical service to a comprehensive stroke center. Ambulances were equipped with smartphones running an app-based Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination scale for transmission prior to admission. The primary measure was the predictive accuracy of the transmitted Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination for large vessel occlusion and the secondary measure the predictive accuracy for endovascular treatment.

Results:

A Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination ⩾4 revealed very good accuracy to detect large vessel occlusion–related acute ischemic stroke with a sensitivity of 82.4% (95% confidence interval = 65.5–93.2), specificity of 78.3% (95% confidence interval = 71.3–84.3), and an area under the curve c-statistics of 0.89 (95% confidence interval = 0.85–0.94). Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination ⩾4 correctly identified 84% of patients who received endovascular treatment [73.5% specificity (95% confidence interval = 66.4–79.8)] with an area under the curve c-statistics of 0.82 (95% confidence interval = 0.74–0.89). In a hypothetical triage model of an urban setting, one secondary transportation would be avoided with every fifth patient screened.

Conclusion:

A smartphone app-based stroke triage completed by emergency medical service personnel showed adequate quality for the Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination to identify large vessel occlusion–associated acute ischemic stroke. We demonstrate feasibility of the use of a medical messaging service in prehospital stroke care. Based on these first results, a randomized trial evaluating the clinical benefit of such a triage system in an urban setting is currently in preparation.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT04404504.

Regional wall motion abnormalities predict culprit lesions in patients presenting with acute chest pain

Background

Current ESC guidelines for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction suggest the utilization of echocardiography in patients with inconclusive initial electrocardiography and cardiac enzymes. Besides detection of alternative pathologies associated with chest pain, echocardiography can screen for wall motion abnormalities (WMA) as sign of myocardial necrosis.

Purpose

We evaluated the ability of the assessment of regional WMA, detected via transthoracic echocardiography, to predict the presence of culprit lesions in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department.

Methods

In this prospective single-centre observational cohort study, we included consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department of our University Hospital with acute chest pain, suggestive of an acute coronary syndrome, between December 2018 and August 2020. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, hemodynamic instability, or known coronary artery disease were excluded. As part of initial workup, patients received bedside echocardiography for the assessment of regional WMA by a dedicated study physician, blinded to all patients' characteristics. The primary endpoint was defined as the presence of culprit lesions as detected in subsequent invasive coronary angiography, requiring coronary revascularization therapy. Logistic regression analysis was performed in different models adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac biomarkers as well as established risk scores. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was calculated to assess a potential improvement in the prediction of culprit lesions.

Results

Overall, 657 patients (age 58.06±18.04 years, 53% male) were included in our study. WMA were detected in 76 patients (11.6%). Patients with WMA were older (66.92±13.85 vs. 56.90±18.21 years, p&lt;0.001), had significantly higher Troponin-levels (18.5 [6.0; 91.5] vs. 6.0 [6.0; 15.0], p&lt;0.001) and higher blood pressure (139.0±19.29 vs. 135.1±19.21, p=0.04). WMA were significantly more frequent in patients reaching the primary endpoint (26.2% vs. 7.6%, p&lt;0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the presence of WMA was associated with 3-fold increased odds of the presence of culprit lesions (3.41 [1.99–5.86], p&lt;0.001). Adding WMA to a multivariable model containing the TIMI risk score, cardiac biomarkers and traditional risk factors significantly improved the AUC for prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease (0.777 to 0.804, p=0.009).

Conclusion

WMA strongly and independently predict the presence of culprit lesions in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. Our results suggest that routine bedside echocardiography for assessment of WMA in emergency department may improve diagnostic algorithms in suspected acute coronary syndrome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Epicardial adipose tissue and culprit lesions in acute chest pain. The EPIC-ACS study

Background

The amount of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with prevalent and incident myocardial infarction. However, clinical studies, specifically designed to determine, how the assessment of EAT can affect patient management, are lacking. Within Epicardial adipose tissue thickness PredIcts obstructive Coronary artery disease in Acute Coronary Syndrome patients (EPIC-ACS) study we tested the hypothesis that EAT quantification improves the prediction of the presence of culprit lesions in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we prospectively included consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome between December 2018 and August 2020. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, hemodynamic instability, or known coronary artery disease were excluded. As part of the initial workup, bedside echocardiography for quantification of EAT thickness was performed by a dedicated study physician, blinded to all patients' characteristics. Treating physicians remained unaware of the results of the EAT assessment. The primary endpoint was defined as presence of a culprit lesion, as detected in subsequent invasive coronary angiography within 90 days after initial presentation. Logistic regression analysis was performed in different models adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac biomarkers as well as established cardiovascular risk scores.

Results

Overall, 657 patients (mean age 58.06±18.04 years, 53% male) were included in our study. Patients reaching the primary endpoint had significantly more EAT than patients without culprit lesions (7.90±2.56mm vs. 3.96±1.91mm, p&lt;0.0001, figure 1). In unadjusted regression analysis, 1mm increase in EAT thickness was associated with a nearby 2-fold increased odds of the presence of culprit lesions [1.98 (1.77–2.21), p&lt;0.0001]. Effect sizes remained stable and highly significant, when controlling for age, gender, and BMI as well as when ancillary controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac biomarkers [1.87 (1.64–2.12), p&lt;0.0001]. Effect sizes for the association of EAT with presence of culprit lesions were similar in troponin-positive [1.85 (1.5–2.28), p&lt;0.0001] and troponin-negative acute chest pain [1.94 (1.66–2.26), p&lt;0.0001; p-value for interaction: 0.24]. Adding EAT to a multivariable model of GRACE score, cardiac biomarkers and traditional risk factors significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.759 to 0.901, p&lt;0.0001).

Conclusion

EAT strongly and independently predicts the presence of culprit lesions in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. Our results suggest that the bedside echocardiographic assessment including the quantification of EAT may improve diagnostic algorithms of patients with acute chest pain.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Distribution of EAT thickness

What about the others: differential diagnosis of COVID-19 in a German emergency department

Background

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains a major challenge for worldwide health care systems and in particular emergency medicine. An early and safe triage in the emergency department (ED) is especially crucial for proper therapy. Clinical symptoms of COVID-19 comprise those of many common diseases; thus, differential diagnosis remains challenging.

Method

We performed a retrospective study of 314 ED patients presenting with conceivable COVID-19 symptoms during the first wave in Germany. All were tested for COVID-19 with SARS-Cov-2-nasopharyngeal swabs. Forty-seven patients were positive. We analyzed the 267 COVID-19 negative patients for their main diagnosis and compared COVID-19 patients with COVID-19 negative respiratory infections for differences in laboratory parameters, symptoms, and vital signs.

Results

Among the 267 COVID-19 negative patients, 42.7% had respiratory, 14.2% had other infectious, and 11.2% had cardiovascular diseases. Further, 9.0% and 6.7% had oncological and gastroenterological diagnoses, respectively. Compared to COVID-19 negative airway infections, COVID-19 patients showed less dyspnea (OR 0.440; p = 0.024) but more dysgeusia (OR 7.631; p = 0.005). Their hospital stay was significantly longer (9.0 vs. 5.6 days; p = 0.014), and their mortality significantly higher (OR 3.979; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

For many common ED diagnoses, COVID-19 should be considered a differential diagnosis. COVID-19 cannot be distinguished from COVID-19 negative respiratory infections by clinical signs, symptoms, or laboratory results. When hospitalization is necessary, the clinical course of COVID-19 airway infections seems to be more severe compared to other respiratory infections.

Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Registry DRKS, DRKS-ID of the study: DRKS00021675 date of registration: May 8th, 2020, retrospectively registered.

Point-of-care testing in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective analysis of relevance and consequences

Background

Metabolic and electrolyte imbalances are some of the reversible causes of cardiac arrest and can be diagnosed even in the pre-hospital setting with a mobile analyser for point-of-care testing (POCT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study, which included analysing all pre-hospital resuscitations in the study region between October 2015 and December 2016. A mobile POCT analyser (Alere epoc®) was available at the scene of each resuscitation. We analysed the frequency of use of POCT, the incidence of pathological findings, the specific interventions based on POCT as well as every patient’s eventual outcome.

Results

N = 263 pre-hospital resuscitations were included and in n = 98 of them, the POCT analyser was used. Of these measurements, 64% were performed using venous blood and 36% using arterial blood. The results of POCT showed that 63% of tested patients had severe metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.2 + BE <  − 5 mmol/l). Of these patients, 82% received buffering treatment with sodium bicarbonate. Potassium levels were markedly divergent normal (> 6.0 mmol/l/ < 2.5 mmol/l) in 17% of tested patients and 14% of them received a potassium infusion. On average, the pre-hospital treatment time between arrival of the first emergency medical responders and the beginning of transport was 54 (± 20) min without POCT and 60 (± 17) min with POCT (p = 0.07). Overall, 21% of patients survived to hospital discharge (POCT 30% vs no POCT 16%, p = 0.01, Φ = 0.16).

Conclusions

Using a POCT analyser in pre-hospital resuscitation allows rapid detection of pathological acid–base imbalances and potassium concentrations and often leads to specific interventions on scene and could improve the probability of survival.

[Risk management in the triage of emergency room patients to outpatient care : Manchester Triage System and CEReCo-blue as a tool for low-risk patient management in integrated emergency centers]

Hintergrund

Zur frühzeitigen Entscheidung in zukünftigen „Integrierten Notfallzentren“, ob eine ambulante oder innerklinische Versorgung indiziert ist, wäre es hilfreich, ein System zu haben, mit dem die Identifizierung von Patienten mit ambulanter Behandlungsindikation möglich ist. In dieser Studie untersuchten wir, ob das Manchester Triage System (MTS) dafür geeignet ist, Patienten zu erkennen, die sicher der ambulanten medizinischen Versorgung zugeteilt werden können.

Methode

Notaufnahmepatienten der „blauen“ MTS-Dringlichkeitsstufe wurden auf den Endpunkt „stationäre Aufnahme“ untersucht und mit der nächsthöheren MTS-Kategorie „grün“ verglichen. In einem zweiten Schritt wurde die „blaue“ Dringlichkeitsstufe auf die häufigsten gemeinsamen Kriterien untersucht, die zur stationären Aufnahme führten.

Ergebnisse

Nach Ausschluss von Patienten, die durch den Rettungsdienst oder nach vorherigem Arztbesuch vorstellig wurden, war die Rate der stationären Aufnahmen in der blauen Dringlichkeitsstufe signifikant niedriger als in der grünen Kategorie (10,8 % vs. 29,0 %). Die Rate konnte durch die Etablierung einer Untergruppe mit den zusätzlichen Ausschlusskriterien chronische Erkrankung und Wiedervorstellung nach vorheriger stationärer Behandlung auf 0,9 % gesenkt werden. (CEReCo-blue-Gruppe: Chronic Disorder (C), Emergency Medical Service (E), Readmission (R), Prior Medical Consultation (Co)).

Schlussfolgerung

Die blaue MTS-Dringlichkeitsstufe scheint zur Selektion von Patienten mit ambulanter Behandlungsindikation nicht geeignet zu sein. Wir schlagen die Einführung einer Untergruppe, der sog. CEReCo-blue-Gruppe vor, die für die Selektion dieser Patientengruppe hilfreich sein könnte.

SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test: Fast-safe or dangerous? An analysis in the emergency department of an university hospital

The use of Antigen point of care tests (AgPOCT) might be an essential tool to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Manufacturer information indicates a specificity of about 95% and there is a growing interest to use these tests area-wide. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify whether AgPOCT can be used safely for "rule-in" (detection of positive patients) and for "rule-out" (valid negative testing). Two thousand three hundred and seventy-five patients received polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and AgPOCT for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) regardless of symptoms. The positive predictive value of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was compared with a cut-off threshold cycle (C _t ) value of ≤30 and in total. Five hundrded and fifty-one patients tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by PCR, of whom 35.2% presented without symptoms. In all patients, regardless of their symptoms or C _t values, a sensitivity of 68.9% and a specificity of 99.6% were calculated for AgPOCT. In patients with C _t values ≤30, a sensitivity of 80.5% (95% confidence interval: ±1.62) and a specificity of 99.6% were shown for all tests (symptomatic/asymptomatic). Highly infectious patients (C _t  ≤ 20), regardless of symptoms, were reliably detected by the AgPOCT. In infectious patients with C _t values ≤30, the test has a sensitivity of about 80% regardless of COVID-19 typical symptoms, which is apparently less than the 96.52% specificity indicated by the manufacturer. Relevant improvement in test sensitivity by querying the patients who are symptomatic and asymptomatic is also not feasible. We strongly suggest that we critically question the use of AgPOCT for "rule-out," as they only provide a supposed safety.

Observational cohort study of neurological involvement among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

A growing number of reports suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2 often leads to neurological involvement; however, data on the incidence and severity are limited to mainly case reports and retrospective studies.

METHODS

This prospective, cross-sectional study of 102 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients investigated the frequency, type, severity and risk factors as well as underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological involvement (NIV) in COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

Across the cohort, 59.8% of patients had NIV. Unspecific NIV was suffered by 24.5%, mainly general weakness and cognitive decline or delirium. Mild NIV was found in 9.8%; most commonly, impaired taste or smell. Severe NIV was present in 23.5%; half of these suffered cerebral ischaemia. Incidence of NIV increased with respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. Mortality was higher with increasing NIV severity. Notably, 83.3% with severe NIV had a pre-existing neurological co-morbidity. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody quotient did not suggest intrathecal antibody synthesis. Of the patients with severe NIV, 50% had blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and showed a trend of elevated interleukin levels in CSF. Antibodies against neuronal and glial epitopes were detected in 35% of the patients tested.

CONCLUSION

Cerebrovascular events were the most frequent severe NIV and severe NIV was associated with high mortality. Incidence of NIV increased with respiratory symptoms and NIV and pre-existing neurological morbidities were independent risk factors for fatality. Inflammatory involvement due to BBB disruption and cytokine release drives NIV, rather than direct viral invasion. These findings might help physicians define a further patient group requiring particular attention during the pandemic.

Time to change the times? Time of recurrence of ventricular fibrillation during OHCA

AIM OF THE STUDY

For out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) guidelines recommend early defibrillation followed by chest compressions for two minutes before analyzing shock success. If rhythm analysis reveals VF again, it is obscure whether VF persisted or reoccurred within the two-minutes-cycle of chest compressions after successful defibrillation. We investigated the time of VF-recurrence in OHCA.

METHODS

We examined all cases of OHCA presenting with initial VF rhythm at arrival of ALS-ambulance (Marburg-Biedenkopf-County, 246.648 inhabitants) from January 2014 to March 2018. Three independent investigators analyzed corpuls3® ECG-recordings. We included ECG-data from CPR-beginning until four minutes after the third shock. VF termination was defined as the absence of a VF-waveform within 5 s of shock delivery. VF recurrence was defined as the presence of a VF-waveform in the interval 5 s post shock delivery.

RESULTS

We included 185 shocks in 82 patients. 74.1% (n = 137) of all shocks terminated VF, but VF recurred in 81% (n = 111). The median (IQR) time of VF-recurrences was 27 s (13.5 s/80.5 s) after shock. 51.4% (n = 57) of VF-recurrence occurred 5-30 s after shock, 13.5% (n = 15) VF-recurrence occurred 31-60 s after shock, 21.6% (n = 24) of VF-recurrence occurred 61-120 s after shock, 13.5% (n = 15) of VF-recurrence occurred 121-240 s after shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Although VF was terminated by defibrillation in 74.1%, VF recurred in 81% subsequent to the chest compression interval. Thus, VF reappears frequently and early. It is unclear to which extend chest compressions influence VF-relapse. Further studies need to re-evaluate the algorithm, timing of antiarrhythmic therapy or novel defibrillation strategies to minimize refibrillation during shockable OHCA.

Separating the wheat from the chaff-COVID-19 in a German emergency department: a case-control study

Background

COVID-19 pandemia is a major challenge to worldwide health care systems. Whereas the majority of disease presents with mild symptoms that can be treated as outpatients, severely ill COVID-19 patients and patients presenting with similar symptoms cross their ways in the emergency department. Especially, the variety of symptoms is challenging with primary triage. Are there parameters to distinguish between proven COVID-19 and without before? How can a safe and efficient management of these inpatients be achieved?

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 314 consecutive inpatient patients who presented with possible symptoms of COVID-19 in a German emergency department between March and April 2020 and were tested with a SARS-Cov-2 nasopharyngeal swab. Clinical parameters, Manchester Triage System categories, and lab results were compared between patients with positive and negative test results for SARS-Cov-2. Furthermore, we present the existing COVID-19 workflow model of the university hospital in Essen which proved to be efficient during pandemia.

Results

Forty-three of the 314 patients (13.7%) were tested positive for COVID-19 by SARS-Cov-2 nasopharyngeal swab. We did not find any laboratory parameter to distinguish safely between patients with COVID-19 and those with similar symptoms. Dysgeusia was the only clinical symptom that was significantly more frequent among COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Dysgeusia seems to be a typical symptom for COVID-19, which occurred in 14% of our COVID-19 patients. However, no valid parameters could be found to distinguish clinically between COVID-19 and other diseases with similar symptoms. Therefore, early testing, a strict isolation policy, and proper personal protection are crucial to maintain workflow and safety of patients and ED staff for the months to come.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials registry, DRKS00021675

[COVID-19 Triage: Who is an inpatient? The Essen triage model]

INTRODUCTION

Data about optimal initial assessment in patients with suspicion for COVID19-infection or already confirmed infection are sparse. Especially, in preparation for expected mass casualty incident it is necessary to distinguish early and efficiently between outpatient and inpatient treatment including the need for intensive care therapy.

METHODS

We present a model for a safe and efficient triage, which is established and used in the university hospital of Essen, Germany. It is intended for a non-disaster situation. This model is a combination of clinical assessment by using vital parameters and Manchester triage scale (MTS). Possible additional parameters are POCT (point-of-care-testing) values, electrocardiogram, CT pulmonary angiography, SARS-Cov2-PCR as well as detailed diagnostic of laboratory values. The model was validated by 100 consecutive patients. We demonstrate three patients to illustrate this model.

RESULTS

During the first two weeks after implementing this model in our normal operation at the emergency department, we had an efficient selectivity between need for inpatient and outpatient treatment. 16 patients were classified as "inpatients" according to initial assessment. Among 84 patients who were initially classified as "outpatients", 7 patients returned to our emergency department within 14 days. Three of these patients returned due to complaints other than COVID19. One female patient had to be admitted due to progressive dyspnea.

CONCLUSIONS

This introduced triage-model seems to be an efficient concept. Adjustment might be necessary after further experience and after a growing number of patients.

Comparison of videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy by German paramedics during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation; an observational prospective study

Background

Videolaryngoscopy (VL) has become a popular method of intubation (ETI). Although VL may facilitate ETI in less-experienced rescuers there are limited data available concerning ETI performed by paramedics during CPR. The goal was to evaluate the impact VL compared with DL on intubation success and glottic view during CPR performed by German paramedics. We investigated in an observational prospective study the superiority of VL by paramedics during CPR compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL).

Methods

In a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Germany with in total 32 ambulances paramedics underwent an initial instruction from in endotracheal intubation (ETI) with GlideScope® (GVL) during resuscitation. The primary endpoint was good visibility of the glottis (Cormack-Lehane grading 1/2), and the secondary endpoint was successful intubation comparing GVL and DL.

Results

In total n = 97 patients were included, n = 69 with DL (n = 85 intubation attempts) and n = 28 VL (n = 37 intubation attempts). Videolaryngoscopy resulted in a significantly improved visualization of the larynx compared with DL. In the group using GVL, 82% rated visualization of the glottis as CL 1&2 versus 55% in the DL group (p = 0.02). Despite better visualization of the larynx, there was no statistically significant difference in successful ETI between GVL and DL (GVL 75% vs. DL 68.1%, p = 0.63).

Conclusions

We found no difference in Overall and First Pass Success (FPS) between GVL and DL during CPR by German paramedics despite better glottic visualization with GVL. Therefore, we conclude that education in VL should also focus on insertion of the endotracheal tube, considering the different procedures of GVL.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00020976, 27. February 2020 retrospectively registered.

[Recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) : Consensus statement of DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI and GRC]

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) may be considered as a rescue attempt for highly selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest and potentially reversible etiology. Currently there are no randomized, controlled studies on eCPR, and valid predictors of benefit and outcome which might guide the indication for eCPR are lacking. Currently selection criteria and procedures differ across hospitals and standardized algorithms are lacking. Based on expert opinion, the present consensus statement provides a proposal for a standardized treatment algorithm for eCPR.

[Postcardiac arrest treatment guide]

BACKGROUND

Treatment after cardiac arrest has become more complex and interdisciplinary over the last few years. Thus, the clinically active intensive and emergency care physician not only has to carry out the immediate care and acute diagnostics, but also has to prognosticate the neurological outcome.

AIM

The different, most important steps are presented by leading experts in the area, taking into account the interdisciplinarity and the currently valid guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Attention was paid to a concise, practice-oriented presentation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The practical guide contains all important steps from the acute care to the neurological prognosis generation that are relevant for the clinically active intensive care physician.

Correction to: Economic and operational impact of an improved pathway using rapid molecular diagnostic testing for patients with influenza-like illness in a German emergency department

The article Economic and operational impact of an improved pathway using rapid molecular diagnostic testing for patients with influenza-like illness in a German emergency department, written by Matthias Brachmann, Katja Kikull, Clemens Kill and Susanne Betz, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 04 January 2019 without open access.

Economic and operational impact of an improved pathway using rapid molecular diagnostic testing for patients with influenza-like illness in a German emergency department

To evaluate the economic and operational effects of implementing a shorted diagnostic pathway during influenza epidemics. This retrospective study used emergency department (ED) data from the 2014/2015 influenza season. Alere i influenza A & B rapid molecular diagnostic test (RDT) was compared with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) pathway. Differences in room occupancy time in the ED and inpatient ward and cost differences were calculated for the 14-week influenza season. The process flow was more streamlined with the RDT pathway, and the necessary isolation time in the ED was 9 h lower than for PCR. The difference in the ED examination room occupancy time was 2.9 h per patient on a weekday and 4 h per patient on a weekend day, and the difference in the inpatient room occupancy time was 2 h per patient on a weekday and 3 h per patient on a weekend day. Extrapolated time differences across the influenza season were projected to be 2733 h in the ED examination room occupancy and 1440 h in inpatient room occupancy. In patients with a negative diagnosis, the RDT was also estimated to reduce the total diagnostic costs by 41.52 € per patient compared with PCR. The total cost difference was projected to be 31,892 € across a 14-week influenza season. The improved process and earlier diagnosis with the RDT pathway compared with conventional PCR resulted in considerable savings in ED, inpatient room occupancy time and cost across the influenza season.

[Syncope in prehospital emergency medicine]

Loss of consciousness is a frequent cause for an emergency call to the emergency medical services (EMS). It can be associated with life-threatening conditions. A distinction must be made between transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and syncope, which is of cardiovascular origin by definition. Initial assessment in prehospital emergency care should follow the ABCDE algorithm including a 12-lead ECG. The presence of important risk factors such as occurrence in supine position, physical stress, palpitations, history of heart diseases, and any abnormalities in the ECG warrants hospital admission. Initial treatment without admission to an emergency department may only be acceptable for healthy patients without any risk factors and injuries, when vital signs are normal and an orthostatic etiology seems most likely.

Mechanical Ventilation During Resuscitation: How Manual Chest Compressions Affect a Ventilator's Function

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines for resuscitation recommend positive-pressure ventilation with a fixed ventilation rate as provided by an automated transport ventilator during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with a secured airway. We investigated the influence of manual chest compressions (CC) on the accuracy of ventilator presets and the quality of CC with intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV), bilevel ventilation (BiLevel), and the novel ventilation mode chest compression synchronized ventilation (CCSV) in a simulation model.

METHODS

Ninety paramedics performed continuous CC for 2 min on a modified advanced life support mannequin with a realistic lung model. IPPV, BiLevel, and CCSV were applied in a randomized order. CCSV is a novel type of pressure-controlled ventilation with short insufflations synchronized with CC, which are stopped before decompression begins. The ventilator presets (tolerance range) were IPPV Vt = 450 (400-500) ml, PEEP = 0 hPa, f = 10/min; BiLevel Pinsp = 19 (17.1-20.9) hPa, PEEP = 5 hPa, f = 10/min; CCSV Pinsp = 60 (54-66) hPa, PEEP = 0 hPa, Tinsp = 205 ms, f = CC rate. Preset values were compared with the measured results. Values were defined as correct within a tolerance range. Quality of CC was evaluated using ERC guidelines (depth >50 mm, CC rate 100-120/min).

RESULTS

Median (25th/75th percentiles) IPPV V _t = 399 (386/411) ml, BiLevel Pinsp = 22.0 (19.7/25.6) hPa, and CCSV Pinsp = 55.2 (52.6/56.7) hPa. Relative frequency of delivering correct ventilation parameters according to ventilation mode: IPPV = 40 (0/100)% vs. BiLevel = 20 (0/100)%, p = 0.37 and vs. CCSV = 71 (50/83)%, p < 0.02. Pinsp was too high in BiLevel = 80 (0/100)% vs. CCSV = 0(0/0)%, p < 0.001. CC depth: IPPV 56 (48/63) mm, BiLevel 57 (48/63) mm, CCSV 60 (52/67) mm; CC rate: IPPV 117 (105/124)/min, BiLevel 116 (107/123)/min, CCSV 117 (107/125)/min.

CONCLUSION

When compared to IPPV and BiLevel, CCSV works best with preset values, without exceeding the upper pressure preset during simulated CPR. Quality of CC is not negatively affected by any of the ventilation patterns.

FUNDING

Parts of this study were supported by Weinmann Emergency Medical Technology GmbH + Co.KG.

Chest Compression Synchronized Ventilation versus Intermitted Positive Pressure Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Pig Model

Background

Guidelines recommend mechanical ventilation with Intermitted Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) during resuscitation. The influence of the novel ventilator mode Chest Compression Synchronized Ventilation (CCSV) on gas exchange and arterial blood pressure compared with IPPV was investigated in a pig model.

Methods

In 12 pigs (general anaesthesia/intubation) ventricular fibrillation was induced and continuous chest compressions were started after 3min. Pigs were mechanically ventilated in a cross-over setting with 5 ventilation periods of 4min each: Ventilation modes were during the first and last period IPPV (100% O₂, tidalvolumes = 7ml/kgKG, respiratoryrate = 10/min), during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th period CCSV (100% O₂), a pressure-controlled and with each chest compression synchronized breathing pattern with three different presets in randomized order. Presets: CCSV_A: P_insp = 60mbar, inspiratorytime = 205ms; CCSV_B: P_insp = 60mbar, inspiratorytime = 265ms; CCSV_C: P_insp = 45mbar, inspiratorytime = 265ms. Blood gas samples were drawn for each period, mean arterial (MAP) and centralvenous (CVP) blood pressures were continuously recorded. Results as median (25%/75%percentiles).

Results

Ventilation with each CCSV mode resulted in higher PaO₂ than IPPV: PaO₂: IPPV_first: 19.6(13.9/36.2)kPa, IPPV_last: 22.7(5.4/36.9)kPa (p = 0.77 vs IPPV_first), CCSV_A: 48.9(29.0/58.2)kPa (p = 0.028 vs IPPV_first, p = 0.0001 vs IPPV_last), CCSV_B: 54.0 (43.8/64.1) (p = 0.001 vs IPPV_first, p = 0.0001 vs IPPV_last), CCSV_C: 46.0 (20.2/58.4) (p = 0.006 vs IPPV_first, p = 0.0001 vs IPPV_last). Both the MAP and the difference MAP-CVP did not decrease during twelve minutes CPR with all three presets of CCSV and were higher than the pressures of the last IPPV period.

Conclusions

All patterns of CCSV lead to a higher PaO₂ and avoid an arterial blood pressure drop during resuscitation compared to IPPV in this pig model of cardiac arrest.