Outcomes of Patients with a pH<7.0 Presenting to the Emergency Department (OPpHED Study)

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the mortality and predictive factors in patients presenting with a pH<7.0 to the emergency department (ED). Methods A retrospective study of patients presenting to the ED of University Hospital Galway with a pH<7.0 from January 2014 to December 2017 was performed. A pH<7.0 on arrival to the ED from either an arterial or venous sample as measured by the blood gas analyser machine were assessed for inclusion. Results A total of 130 patients presented to ED over a 4-year period, with a mean age of 58 ±20 years. Eighty-one (63%) patients of the total cohort were male. In terms of aetiology of presentation, 66 (51%) cases were from cardiac arrest (CA), while the remaining 64 (49%) cases were non-cardiac arrest (NCA) related. Twenty-eight-day mortality was 69.5% overall, with significant mortality in the CA group (89%) compared to the NCA group (48%) (p<0.00). A modified early warning score (MEWS) (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI: 1.18-1.59) and PCO2 ([OR] 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.68.) were predictive of mortality. Conclusion In patients presenting to the ED with a pH of <7.0 the overall mortality was 69.5%, with survival more likely in NCA aetiologies. Mortality was associated with higher pCO2 and MEWS.

A Case of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome in a Young Male After Lifting Weights

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome (PSS) or effort thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian venous axis is a rare disease affecting healthy young adults which requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose. Management often requires not only anticoagulation but also thrombolysis with first rib resection to prevent recurrence and complications. We present a case of a 31-year-old male who presented to our emergency department with pain and swelling of his left upper limb. He was diagnosed with PSS and underwent; anticoagulation, catheter directed thrombolysis and planned for first rib resection.

Attitudes and Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Organ Donation. A Survey of the Saolta University Health Care Group

Organ donation saves lives and healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a vital role in that process. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and level of knowledge of HCPs regarding organ donation. An online anonymous self-administered questionnaire containing 40 questions on organ donation using google forms was created. The survey was distributed to HCPs working in the Saolta University Health Care Group. A hundred and thirty-nine responses were received giving a response rate of 11.8%. HCPs willingness to donate their organs was at 93% compared to 97% willing to receive a transplant. More HCPs understood or had knowledge of the term donation after brain death (64%) than donation after circulatory death (49%). HCPs working in intensive care knew more about the management of brain dead donors than other specialties (p<0.0001). Over 60% of HCPs when asked either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the adequacy of training in organ donation and transplant. Overall, HCPs surveyed had positive attitudes towards organ donation but there was a lack of knowledge particularly among non-intensive care professionals. This study highlights the need to increase awareness along with implementation of educational programmes among HCPs regarding organ donation and transplant.

Management of Paediatric Buckle (Torus) Wrist Fractures in Irish Emergency Departments: A National Survey

Buckle fractures are the most common wrist fractures reported in the paediatric age group. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends using a non-rigid immobilisation with no follow up for these patients and appropriate discharge advice. A telephone survey was conducted to assess the variation in practice in Irish hospitals regarding the mpediatrianagement of buckle fractures. Twenty eight centres that manage paediatric patients with trauma were contacted. This survey demonstrates that over 70% (>20) of centres in Ireland are managing buckle fractures using the traditional approach of backslab cast and follow-up in fracture clinic. Despite relevant research and NICE guideline recommendations, there is a slow adoption of current evidence among Irish hospitals which points to a need for a national consensus on management of buckle fractures.

Introduction of an Oral Fluid Challenge Protocol in the Management of Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Regional Hospital Experience

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) remains the ideal first line therapy for acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Our aim was to assess the impact of introducing an Oral Fluid Challenge (OFC) protocol on outcomes such as intravenous fluid use and documentation in our institution. A single centre study with data collected retrospectively pre-implementation (April 2015) of the OFC protocol and post implementation (April 2016). Consecutive sampling of the first 55 patients presenting with GE like symptoms and underwent OFC were recruited. One hundred and ten patients were included in this study with 55 patients per cycle. The rates of IVF use decreased from 22% (12) in cycle one to 18% (10) in cycle two. There was an improvement in documentation by 26% (14) for level of dehydration and 52% (31) for OFC volume from cycle one to two. Overall, the addition of the OFC protocol to the management of patients with uncomplicated AGE would help streamline and improve care.

Presentations and Preceding factors of Drug Overdose amongst adolescents admitted in a Paediatric Regional Hospital

Suicide is the third most common cause of death among adolescents globally, and poisoning is the leading method of attempted suicide. Survival after self-poisoning or drug overdose (OD) is common, providing an opportunity for secondary prevention. The aim of this study was to highlight pattern of presentations and preceding factors of OD in an adolescent population. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 85 adolescents presenting to a large regional hospital with OD over a 3-year period. The female-to-male ratio was 4.3:1. The median age of adolescents was 15.83 (range: 11.32 – 16.98) years. History of deliberate self-harm (DSH) was documented in 44.7%. Twenty-eight (33%) patients had been under the care of the CAMHS prior to index admission. Acetaminophen was the commonest drug used. Depression was the most common cause of mental illness in the study group. Substance abuse and conduct disorder were significantly commoner in males (p<0.05). Self-poisoning including OD in adolescence is a strong predictor of suicide; understanding the probable triggers can be significant in establishing appropriate prevention strategies.

Left ventricular mass and systolic function in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients after weight loss

Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 27 patients with human immunodificiency virus after weight loss and in 20 lean controls. Left ventricular mass index was significantly higher and left ventricular fractional shortening was significantly lower in patients with human immunodificiency virus after weight loss than in lean, normal controls.

Amniotic fluid embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare occurrence, with no single pathognomonic clinical or laboratory finding. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and supportive laboratory values. We describe the case of a 17-year-old nulliparous woman at 27 weeks' gestation who had uterine bleeding, hematuria, hemoptysis, hypotension, dyspnea, and hypoxemia within 30 minutes of vaginal delivery. Laboratory values revealed diffuse intravascular coagulation. Chest films were consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary artery catheterization revealed moderately increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Supportive measures, including oxygenation, fluid resuscitation, and plasma, were administered. Central hemodynamic monitoring and inotropic support were necessary. Our patient recovered uneventfully and 6 weeks later was living an unrestricted life-style.

Biatrial myxoma resembling an interatrial clot in transit on echocardiogram

A 47-year-old man had an embolic stroke. Transesophageal echocardiography showed biatrial, elongated, mobile masses that appeared interconnected via a patent foramen ovale. Echocardiography did not distinguish between an interatrial clot in transit and an atypical biatrial myxoma. Surgical resection and subsequent histopathologic examination identified the mass as a biatrial myxoma. This case identifies a limitation of echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma.