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AbstractObjectiveBlood‐based biomarkers play a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients, yet none are routinely measured during the intra‐arrest phase of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Our objective was to describe methodological aspects, sources of evidence, and gaps in research surrounding intra‐arrest blood‐based biomarkers for OHCA. MethodsWe used scoping review methodology to summarize existing literature. The protocol was designed a priori following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. Inclusion criteria were peer‐reviewed scientific studies on OHCA patients with at least one blood draw intra‐arrest. We excluded in‐hospital cardiac arrest and animal studies. There were no language, date, or study design exclusions. We conducted an electronic literature search using PubMed and Embase and hand‐searched secondary literature. Data charting/synthesis were performed in duplicate using standardized data extraction templates. ResultsThe search strategy identified 11,834 records, with 118 studies evaluating 105 blood‐based biomarkers included. Only eight studies (7%) had complete reporting. The median number of studies per biomarker was 2 (interquartile range 1–4). Most studies were conducted in Asia (63 studies, 53%).  Only 22 studies (19%) had blood samples collected in the prehospital setting, and only six studies (5%) had samples collected by paramedics. Pediatric patients were included in only three studies (3%). Out of eight predefined biomarker categories of use, only two were routinely assessed: prognostic (97/105, 92%) and diagnostic (61/105, 58%). ConclusionsDespite a large body of literature on intra‐arrest blood‐based biomarkers for OHCA, gaps in methodology and knowledge are widespread.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients are frequently admitted to high levels of care despite limited evidence suggesting benefit. Such decisions may contribute to the significant cost of caring for mTBI patients. Understanding the factors that drive disposition decision making and how disposition is associated with outcomes is necessary for developing an evidence-base supporting disposition decisions. We evaluated factors associated with emergency department triage of mTBI patients to 1 of 3 levels of care: home, inpatient floor, or intensive care unit (ICU). This multicenter, prospective, cohort study included patients with isolated head trauma, a cranial computed tomography as part of routine care, and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 to 15. Data analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression. Of the 304 patients included, 167 (55%) were discharged home, 76 (25%) were admitted to the inpatient floor, and 61 (20%) were admitted to the ICU. In the multivariable model, admission to the ICU, compared with floor admission, varied by study site, odds ratio (OR) 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.57); antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy, OR 7.46 (95% CI, 1.79-31.13); skull fracture, OR 7.60 (95% CI, 2.44-23.73); and lower GCS, OR 2.36 (95% CI, 1.05-5.30). No difference in outcome was observed between the 3 levels of care. Clinical characteristics and local practice patterns contribute to mTBI disposition decisions. Level of care was not associated with outcomes. Intracranial hemorrhage, GCS 13 to 14, skull fracture, and current antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy influenced disposition decisions.

Background and purposePatients with stroke can experience neurological deterioration in the prehospital setting. We evaluated patients with stroke to determine factors associated with prehospital neurological deterioration (PND).MethodsAmong the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (population ~1.3 million), we screened all 15 local hospitals’ admissions from 2010 for acute stroke and included patients aged ≥20. The GCS was compared between emergency medical services (EMS) arrival and hospital arrival, with decrease ≥2 points considered PND. Data obtained retrospectively included demographics, medical history and medication use, stroke subtype (eg, ischaemic stroke (IS), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)) and IS subtype (eg, small vessel, large vessel, cardioembolic), seizure at onset, time intervals between symptom onset, EMS arrival and hospital arrival, EMS level of training, and blood pressure and serum glucose on EMS arrival.ResultsOf 2708 total patients who had a stroke, 1092 patients (median (IQR) age 74 (61–83) years; 56% women; 21% black) were analysed. PND occurred in 129 cases (12%), including 9% of IS, 24% of ICH and 16% of SAH. In multivariable analysis, black race, atrial fibrillation, haemorrhagic subtype and ALS level of transport were associated with PND.ConclusionHaemorrhage and atrial fibrillation is associated with PND in stroke, and further investigation is needed to establish whether PND can be predicted. Further studies are also needed to assess whether preferential transport of patients with deterioration to hospitals equipped with higher levels of care is beneficial, identify why race is associated with deterioration and to test therapies targeting PND.

Background Neurologic emergencies are common, frequently devastating, and benefit from timely diagnosis and treatment. Point of care (POC) technologies have the potential to assist clinicians caring for these patients. In order to prioritize development of new POC testing, a thorough assessment of clinical needs is required. We describe the methods of the clinical needs assessment (CNA) process and provide the initial findings of a CNA for POC technologies in neurologic emergencies performed to support a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) initiative. Methods CNA is an iterative process. An initial survey instrument was developed through consensus by a multi-disciplinary panel and underwent internal validation through beta-testing and face-validity assessment. This survey was distributed at the national meetings of several academic medical societies and results were used to redesign of the survey tool for broader distribution. Analysis of responses from the revised survey supported the release of a request for proposals (RFP) in 2010. Survey revision continues, and expanded CNA efforts with focus groups are being designed in anticipation of another RFP in 2012. Results The initial survey identified six areas of clinical need and two domains of interest. The revised version gathered additional responses but no new domains or areas of clinical need were identified. The resultant RFP generated 23 letters of intent from industry and academic institutions, of which three were chosen for funding. Conclusions Assessing clinical needs is a necessary first step in developing new technologies. A multi-faceted approach assures that the views of interested stakeholders are represented and can influence success.

Background Neurological emergencies are common and frequently devastating. Every year, millions of Americans suffer an acute stroke, severe traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, status epilepticus, or spinal cord injury severe enough to require medical intervention. Aims Full evaluation of the diseases in the acute setting often requires advanced diagnostics, and treatment frequently necessitates transfer to specialized centers. Delays in diagnosis and/or treatment may result in worsened outcomes; therefore, optimization of diagnostics is critical. Methods Point-of-care (POC) testing brings advanced diagnostics to the patient’s bedside in an effort to assist medical providers with real-time decisions based on real-time information. POC testing is usually associated with blood tests (blood glucose, troponin, etc.), but can involve imaging, medical devices, or adapting existing technologies for use outside of the hospital. Noticeably missing from the list of current point-of-care technologies are real-time bedside capabilities that address neurological emergencies. Results Unfortunately, the lack of these technologies may result in delayed identification of patients of these devastating conditions and contribute to less aggressive therapies than is seen with other disease processes. Development of time-dependent technologies appropriate for use with the neurologically ill patient are needed to improve therapies and outcomes. Conclusion POC-CENT is designed to support the development of novel ideas focused on improving diagnostic or prognostic capabilities for acute neurological emergencies. Eligible examples include biomarkers of traumatic brain injury, non-invasive measurements of intracranial pressure or cerebral vasospasm, and improved detection of pathological bacteria in suspected meningitis.

As the population ages and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases, patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) more commonly present to the emergency department. These patients can have complex medical issues related to and independent of their pacemaker/ICD that require careful management by the emergency physician. This article will review the major diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in the emergency care of patients with pacemakers and ICDs.

Introduction. Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) is a reversible cardiomyopathy resulting in transient left ventricular apical ballooning presumed to result from catecholamine surge occurring under physiologic stress. Acute spinal cord ischemia is a rare ischemic vascular lesion. We report a case of neurogenic stunned myocardium occurring in the setting of acute spinal cord infarction. Methods. Singe case report was used. Results. We present the case of a 63-year-old female with a history of prior lacunar stroke, hypertension, chronic back pain, and hypothyroidism who presented with a brief episode of diffuse abdominal and bilateral lower extremity pain which progressed within minutes to bilateral lower extremity flaccid paralysis. MRI of the spinal cord revealed central signal hyperintensity of T2-weighted imaging from conus to T8 region, concerning for acute spinal cord ischemia. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to determine if a cardiac embolic phenomenon may have precipitated this ischemic event and showed left ventricular apical hypokinesis and ballooning concerning for NSM. Conclusion. Neurogenic stunned myocardium is a reversible cardiomyopathy which has been described in patients with physiologic stress resulting in ventricular apical ballooning. Our case suggests that it is possible for neurogenic stunned myocardium to occur in the setting of acute spinal cord ischemia.

Previous studies depict low cardiac event and mortality rates in patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries. These studies, however, are limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up intervals, and selection biases. This study was undertaken to determine the natural five-year course of a diverse cohort of subjects with documented normal coronary arteries with respect to coronary heart disease development, revascularization need, and all-cause mortality. Consecutive adult patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries were followed up for 5 years through medical record review. Patients with any degree of angiographic abnormality, including minimal luminal irregularity or non-critical stenosis, were excluded. Patients were not excluded based on age, co-morbidities (except cardiac transplant and structural heart disease), indication for angiogram, or initial hospitalization status. Normal coronary arteries were found in 182 (31.3%) of 582 patients; 129 met all inclusion criteria. The mean age was (49.1±12.5) years; 47 (36.7%) were male and 75 (58.1%) were caucasian. The most common indication for angiography was cumulative risk factors (60.5%). Within 5 years of a normal angiogram, 13 of 129 patients died (10.1%; 95 CI 5.7%-16.9%). Six (40%; 95 CI 19.8% to 64.3%) of 15 patients undergoing repeat angiogram within five years developed new coronary heart disease, with one requiring revascularization. Of traditional risk factors of coronary heart disease, only diabetes was associated with a higher risk of death. The natural five-year course of a diverse cohort of patients with documented normal coronary arteries suggests that there is significant risk for death and development of coronary heart disease.

The optimal amount of oxygen to deploy with pararescue personnel for combat casualty care is currently unknown. The purpose of this prospective observational trial was to determine the proportion of trauma patients requiring supplemental oxygen, whether high or low flow rates were needed, and to evaluate associations between injury characteristics and oxygen requirements. Over 6 months, dedicated study assistants observed oxygen requirements and delivery during the first 3 hours of emergency care for trauma patients meeting our institution's highest level trauma team activation criteria. The mean age of 204 enrolled subjects was 37 years, 79% were male, median injury severity score was 9 (interquartile range 1-21), 58% suffered penetrating injuries. Most (69%) were admitted; 17% went directly to the operating room, and 38% went directly to the intensive care unit from the emergency department. 136/160 nonintubated patients were managed with no or low-flow supplemental oxygen. Penetrating injuries were less likely to require supplemental oxygen (relative risk 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.84). Subjects with Glasgow Coma Scale scores <15, abdominal or chest injury, or hypotension were more likely to require supplemental oxygen. There is significant opportunity to reduce the need for high-flow oxygen delivery to the battlespace.

This study estimates the prevalence of injured patients requiring prehospital supplemental oxygen based on existing recommendations, and determines whether actual use exceeds those recommendations. Prehospital oxygen use and continuous peripheral oxygen saturation measurements were prospectively collected on a purposive sample of injured civilians transported to an urban level 1 trauma center by paramedics. Structured chart review determined injury characteristics and outcomes. Supplemental oxygen administration indications were hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation ≤ 90%), hemorrhagic shock (systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg), or paramedic suspicion of traumatic brain injury. Paramedics enrolled 224/290 screened subjects. Median (range) age was 34 (18-84) years, 48.7% were nonwhite, 75.4% were male, and Injury Severity Score was 5 (1-75). Half (54.5%) were admitted; 36.2% sustained a penetrating injury. None underwent prehospital endotracheal intubation. Hypoxemia occurred in 86 (38.4%), paramedics suspected traumatic brain injury in 22 (9.8%), and 20 (8.9%) were hypotensive. Any indication for supplemental oxygen (107/224 [47.8%, 95%CI 41.3%-54.3%]) and prehospital administration of oxygen (141/224 [62.9%, 95%CI 56.2%-69.2%]) was common. Many (35/141 [24.8%]) received oxygen without indication. On the basis of current guidelines, less than half of adult trauma patients have an indication for prehospital supplemental oxygen, yet is frequently administered in the absence of clinical indication.