Prediction of sepsis within 24 hours at the triage stage in emergency departments using machine learning

BACKGROUND:Sepsis is one of the main causes of mortality in intensive care units(ICUs).Early prediction is critical for reducing injury.As approximately 36%of sepsis occur within 24 h after emergency department(ED)admission in Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care(MIMIC-IV),a prediction system for the ED triage stage would be helpful.Previous methods such as the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(qSOFA)are more suitable for screening than for prediction in the ED,and we aimed to fi nd a light-weight,convenient prediction method through machine learning.METHODS:We accessed the MIMIC-IV for sepsis patient data in the EDs.Our dataset comprised demographic information,vital signs,and synthetic features.Extreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost)was used to predict the risk of developing sepsis within 24 h after ED admission.Additionally,SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)was employed to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the model's results.Ten percent of the patients were randomly selected as the testing set,while the remaining patients were used for training with 10-fold cross-validation.RESULTS:For 10-fold cross-validation on 14,957 samples,we reached an accuracy of 84.1%±0.3%and an area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of 0.92±0.02.The model achieved similar performance on the testing set of 1,662 patients.SHAP values showed that the fi ve most important features were acuity,arrival transportation,age,shock index,and respiratory rate.CONCLUSION:Machine learning models such as XGBoost may be used for sepsis prediction using only a small amount of data conveniently collected in the ED triage stage.This may help reduce workload in the ED and warn medical workers against the risk of sepsis in advance.

Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

Effect of the Implementation of Emonc in the Reduction of Maternal Deaths in the Department of Collines from 2018 to 2022

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a public health problem in Benin. Each year, approximately 1500 maternal deaths and more than 12,000 newborn deaths are recorded there. In order to correct the situation, strategies such as the implementation of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) were initiated. Objective: Determine the rates of maternal deaths in EmONC centers in the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. Framework and Methods: The study took place in Benin precisely in the Collines department. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out during the first two weeks of January 2023 and covered data from the 09 Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers (BEMONC) and the Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers of Complete Emergency (CEmONC) of the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. An estimate of the ratios of maternal deaths occurring at the level of the EmONC centers of the Collines department from 2018-2022 was carried out followed by constructive suggestions. Results: During the five years (2018 to 2022), the Collines department recorded 42,582 live births with 148 maternal deaths, i.e. a ratio of 348 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Between 2018 and 2022, the highest maternal death ratio was recorded in 2019, i.e. 425 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for all EmONC centers and 607 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in EmONC centers. The highest maternal death ratio at the BEmONC center level was recorded in 2020, i.e. 129 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. Conclusion: These results suggest that despite the implementation of EmONC in the Collines department, maternal deaths have not decreased. To improve these outcomes for a reduction in maternal deaths, urgent action must be taken.

Performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity troponin assay:Do components of major adverse cardiac events matter?

BACKGROUND:The accelerated diagnostic protocol(ADP)using the Emergency Department Assessment of Chest pain Score(EDACS-ADP),a tool to identify patients at low risk of a major adverse cardiac event(MACE)among patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department,was developed using a contemporary troponin assay.This study was performed to validate and compare the performance of the EDACS-ADP incorporating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I between patients who had a 30-day MACE with and without unstable angina(MACE I and II,respectively).METHODS:A single-center prospective observational study of adult patients presenting with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome was performed.The performance of EDACS-ADP in predicting MACE was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and negative predictive value.RESULTS:Of the 1,304 patients prospectively enrolled,399(30.6%;95%confidence interval[95%CI]:27.7%–33.8%)were considered low-risk using the EDACS-ADP.Among them,the rates of MACE I and II were 1.3%(5/399)and 1.0%(4/399),respectively.The EDACS-ADP showed sensitivities and negative predictive values of 98.8%(95%CI:97.2%–99.6%)and 98.7%(95%CI:97.0%–99.5%)for MACE I and 98.7%(95%CI:96.8%–99.7%)and 99.0%(95%CI:97.4%–99.6%)for MACE II,respectively.CONCLUSION:EDACS-ADP could help identify patients as safe for early discharge.However,when unstable angina was added to the outcome,the 30-day MACE rate among the designated lowrisk patients remained above the level acceptable for early discharge without further evaluation.

Assessment of Satisfaction in the Reception and Emergency Department of a Health Center

Introduction The main objective of any healthcare establishment must be to ensure the quality of patient care and customer satisfaction. It is necessary to regularly assess patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction of customers aged over 18 years attending the emergency department of the health center. Methodology This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients aged 18 years and over, who attended the Samu Municipal emergency department between 02 and 30 May 2023. The satisfaction index was determined using the adapted 2009 SAPHORA-MCO questionnaire and the Likert satisfaction scale. Results A total of 400 patients were surveyed. The average age was 35 years, with a standard deviation of 14.7. Of those surveyed, 51% were women, 87% were educated, 50% lived in Grand Yoff and 59.5% were unemployed. Satisfaction levels linked to perception of the cost of care (72%), waiting time (64.3%), information given to patients (69.1%) and pain management (74 .5%) are fair. On the other hand, the levels of satisfaction linked to administrative procedures (82.5%), staff attitudes towards patients (84%), staff availability (86.4%), patient privacy (89.2%), general atmosphere (87.2%), staff competence (87.3%), and the effectiveness of care (89.4%) were satisfactory. The average waiting time was 38 minutes. However, 32% of patients waited less than 30 minutes and 92% less than an hour. The satisfaction index linked to administration and reception was 72.9% and 79.85%, respectively. The satisfaction index linked to the administration and technical quality of care is equal to 85.8% and 83.7%, respectively. The overall satisfaction index is equal to 80.6%;the level of satisfaction of users of the health structure is satisfactory. Conclusion Patient satisfaction is an essential part of quality care. Patient satisfaction must be based on effective communication from the healthcare team and the creation of a patient-caregiver relationship.

Assessing the Impact of Regulations on Radiation Safety Culture and Practices in Radiology Departments

Background: The need to establish a strong culture around radiation safety is derived from the assertion that medical practitioners, patients, and third parties should not be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Authorities have endeavored to enact policies to protect all employers and patients in radiology departments. Objectives: To assess the impact of radiation safety practices and regulations on the ongoing improvements in radiation safety culture and practices in radiology departments. This will be achieved through a subjective assessment of national and international rules and regulations by healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey in the radiology departments of three JCI-accredited hospitals in the Riyadh region to identify and assess the impact of national radiation regulations and the accompanying processes on the improvement of radiation safety culture and practices in radiology departments. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the grading system results among various groups of respondents, based on their educational level. Also, there are statistically significant differences between the assessments of safety level results in the answers provided by various groups of respondents according to education level in favor of the master’s degree. Conclusion: The study concludes that technicians with a diploma degree require stricter regulation. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that an exposure tracking system and a regulatory action supporting it may be useful in the ongoing task of improving patients’ radiation safety.

Epidemiology of Hand Injuries That Presented to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Facility in Suburban Mumbai, India: A Study Including 489 Patients

Background: Hand injuries are very common and responsible for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits, most of which are not to hand specialists [1]. The functionality and outcome of hand injuries can vary significantly depending on the mechanism and pattern of injuries, which is why it is imperative for emergency physicians to recognize the complexities, and the potential repercussion of missed injuries in such cases. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide epidemiological information on hand injuries and their patterns. The objective is 1) to assess whether most hand injuries are superficial (simple), or involve underlying deeper structures (complex) and 2) to assess whether most hand injuries presented to the emergency department were managed by the emergency physician or plastic/orthopaedic surgeon. Methods: This retrospective single-centre observational study conducted at an emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India collected data from hand trauma patients using a standardized documentation form. Demographic data, trauma-related data, and disposition plans were analysed. Results: A total of 489 cases sustained hand injuries over a period of one year. The patients were predominantly males in the 20 - 30 year age group and injuries were mainly sustained over the right hand. Most of the injuries were sustained at home (42%). The most common mechanism (34%) was sharp object injury (including needle-stick and other sharps in hospital), followed by blunt injury (30%). Among grievous hand injuries, door jamb was a mechanism noted in 11% of patients, accounting for 50% of all crush injuries. Lacerations were the most common pattern (24.7%) noticed, followed closely by fractures (23.3%). Digits II - IV were injured most commonly (54%), followed by carpals (14%) and the thumb (10%). Nearly 80% of the hand injuries were managed by emergency physicians alone, with 61% of cases involving superficial structures. Though 14% of the cases required plastic surgery intervention, the initial evaluation of all these patients was performed by the emergency physician. Conclusions: Our study highlights the burden of hand injuries on the emergency physician, as well as the odds of missed injuries, directly indicating the necessity of a thorough anatomical knowledge of the structures of the hand, and in turn, a proper physical examination. A dedicated registry for hand trauma would help quantify the mechanism and pattern of injuries, and formulate preventive strategies.

Analysis of the Books Issued by Yadong Library, Published by Peking University Publishing Department: Taking Several Bibliography Advertisements Carried in Newspapers and Magazines From 1919-1922 as Examples

Based on several bibliographic advertisements carried in newspapers and magazines from 1919 to 1922 for books published by Peking University Publishing Department,and issued by Yadong Library,the paper analyzes the characteristics of the books published by Peking University Publishing Department during this period,and points out that Yadong Library entered its golden period of development due to move from the alley to the main road and obtain the management rights of the books published by Peking University Publishing Department.

Innovative pathways allow safe discharge of mild acute pancreatitis from the emergency room

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a leading cause of gastrointestinal-related hospitalizations in the United States,resulting in 300000 admissions per year with an estimated cost of over$2.6 billion annually.The severity of AP is determined by the presence of pancreatic complications and end-organ damage.While moderate/severe pancreatitis can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality,the majority of patients have a mild presentation with an uncomplicated course and mortality rate of less than 2%.Despite favorable outcomes,the majority of mild AP patients are admitted,contributing to healthcare cost and burden.In this Editorial we review the performance of an emergency department(ED)pathway for patients with mild AP at a tertiary care center with the goal of reducing hospitalizations,resource utilization,and costs after several years of implementation of the pathway.We discuss the clinical course and outcomes of mild AP patients enrolled in the pathway who were successfully discharged from the ED compared to those who were admitted to the hospital,and identify predictors of successful ED discharge to select patients who can potentially be triaged to the pathway.We conclude that by implementing innovative clinical pathways which are established and reproducible,selected AP patients can be safely discharged from the ED,reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs,without compromising clinical outcomes.We also identify a subset of patients most likely to succeed in this pathway.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Commitment to Change Among Jordanian Government Accountant Toward IPSAS Implementation

IPSAS was accepted by Jordan’s government in accordance with worldwide trends.The Jordanian Ministry of Finance launched cash-basis IPSAS in 2015 and planned to implement accrual accounting by January 1,2021.However,the commitment to change remains uneven,hindering the full shift.Moving from old accounting processes to new ones is tough.Even then,it hasn’t been implemented,creating a gap due to the difficulty in committing to new accounting standards throughout implementation due to obstacles.Thus,knowing government accountants’issues is essential to applying IPSAS in government accounting.This study examines how transformational leadership affects government accountants’commitment to IPSAS adoption in Jordan’s public sector.This study used a quantitative approach to survey Jordanian Ministry of Finance accountants.The 384-person study had a 78%response rate.Additionally,PLS-SEM was used to confirm variable relationships.Transformational leadership positively predicted IPSAS implementation,according to the study.

The impact of emergency department length of stay on the outcomes of trauma patients requiring hospitalization: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the impact of the emergency department length of stay(EDLOS) on the outcome of trauma patients.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all trauma patients requiring hospitalization between 2015 and 2019. Patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the EDLOS(<4 h, 4–12 h,12–24 h, and >24 h). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test(categorical variables), Student’s t-test(continuous variables), correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analysis for identifying predictors of short EDLOS and hospital mortality.RESULTS: The study involved 7,026 patients with a mean age of 32.1±15.6 years. Onefifth of patients had a short EDLOS(<4 h) and had higher level trauma team T1 activation(TTA-1), higher Injury Severity Score(ISS), higher shock index(SI), and more head injuries than the other groups(P=0.001). Patients with an EDLOS >24 h were older(P=0.001) and had more comorbidities(P=0.001) and fewer deaths(P=0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the predictors of short EDLOS were female gender, GCS, SI, hemoglobin level, ISS, and blood transfusion. The predictors of mortality were TTA-1(odds ratio [OR]=4.081, 95%CI: 2.364–7.045), head injury(OR=3.920, 95%CI: 2.413–6.368), blood transfusion(OR=2.773, 95%CI: 1.668–4.609), SI(OR=2.132, 95%CI: 1.364–3.332), ISS(OR=1.077, 95%CI: 1.057–1.096), and age(OR=1.040, 95%CI: 1.026–1.054). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with shorter EDLOS had different baseline characteristics and hospital outcomes compared with patients with longer EDLOS. Patients with prolonged EDLOS had better outcomes;however, the burden of prolonged boarding in the ED needs further elaboration.

Influence of resilience on depression among nurses in clean operating departments:The mediating effect of life satisfaction

BACKGROUND A clean operating room is an important part of surgical and critical treatment in hospitals.The workload is substantial,the pace is rapid,and the working environment is intense;therefore,nurses who work in clean operating rooms are constantly challenged,which can lead to anxiety,depression,and other mental health issues.Life satisfaction and resilience are important factors that ensure mental health.Therefore,exploring the mediating role of life satisfaction in the influence of resilience on depression among nurses in clean operating rooms can help improve nursing services and teamwork.AIM To explore the mediating effect of satisfaction on the influence of resilience on depression among nurses in a clean operating department.METHODS From April to November 2022,196 nurses from the Department of Clean Operating at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital participated in this study.Participants were selected using convenience sampling.Participants’gender,age,marital status,position,length of service,personal monthly income,daily working hours,employment status,and professional title were collected,and the Connor-Davidson resilience scale,satisfaction with life scale,and selfrating depression scale were used to evaluate resilience,life satisfaction,and depression.The researchers conducted professional training in advance,introduced the research methods to the participants before the investigation,and explained the study’s significance and purpose.Surveys were distributed and collected on-site.Each questionnaire took 30 min to complete.RESULTS The average scores for life satisfaction,resilience,and depression were 3.13(±0.28),4.09(±0.78),and 56.21(±8.70),respectively.The correlation between resilience and depression was negative(r=-0.829,P<0.01).Life satisfaction was positively related to resilience(r=0.855,P<0.01)and negatively related to depression(r=-0.778,P<0.01).The relationship between resilience and depression was partially mediated by life satisfaction.The value of the mediating effect was-6.853(26.68%of the total effect).CONCLUSION Life satisfaction partially mediates the link between resilience and depression among nurses in clean operating departments.

Application Research of Fragmented Case Teaching in Standardized Training of Residents in Anesthesiology Department

Objective:To explore the effect of fragmented case teaching in the standardized training of residents in anesthesiology department.Methods:80 doctors who participated in the standardized training of residents in anesthesiology department from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the research objects,and the 80 doctors were divided into experimental groups according to the clinical teaching mode(n=40,implemented case fragmented teaching method)and the control group(n=40,traditional teaching method).The training lasted for 2 months,and the medical history collection,medical record analysis,practical operation ability,theoretical assessment results,and the degree of satisfaction towards the training of the two groups of doctors were compared.Results:After 2 months of training,the theoretical knowledge and operational ability of the doctors in the two groups have improved to a certain extent,but the medical history collection,medical record analysis,practical operation ability,theoretical assessment results and satisfaction of the doctors in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The effect of the fragmented case teaching method in the standardized training of anesthesiology residents is significantly better than the traditional teaching mode.The abilities of doctors have significantly improved after the training.Hence,the fragmented case teaching method is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.

Effect Analysis of WeChat Platform Combined with PBL Teaching Method for Standardized Training of Residents in Anesthesiology Department

Objective: To explore and analyze the effect of the WeChat platform combined with the PBL teaching method in the standardized training of anesthesia residents. Methods: 120 anesthesiology residents from January 2018 to the end of December 2019 were selected, and divided into a control group and an observation group of 60 each according to the time sequence of admission. The control group adopted the conventional teaching mode, and the observation group adopted the WeChat platform combined PBL teaching method. The scores of theoretical knowledge and anesthesia skills operation after training, the scores of the teaching interest survey, and the satisfaction with the teaching mode between the two groups were compared. Results: The scores of theoretical knowledge and anesthesia skills operation in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the indicators of teaching interest in the observation group were also higher than those in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The satisfaction degree of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The WeChat platform combined with the PBL teaching method is beneficial to improve the training effect of anesthesiology residents, stimulating autonomous learning ability, ensuring the effective practice of theoretical knowledge, and promoting them to move towards a higher standard of anesthesia skills.

Analysis of the Effect of Quality Control Circle on the Central Sterile Supply Department

Objective:To analyze the effect of quality control circle on the central sterile supply department(CSSD).Methods:The control group and the observation group each consisted of 180 instruments received by the sterilization supply center from January to March 2023 and 11 CSSD staff.The control group underwent routine management while quality control circle was implemented in the observation group.The quality of work,disinfection and sterilization qualification rates,disinfection and sterilization of various instruments,cleaning indicators,and management satisfaction of both groups were compared.Results:The observation group scored higher in terms of work quality,the qualification rate of disinfection and sterilization in each link,the disinfection and sterilization of instruments,and cleaning indicators compared to the control group.Besides,the management satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:A quality control circle ensures the quality of work,improves the cleaning,disinfection,and sterilization of instruments of the CSSD,and improves the management satisfaction of the CSSD staff.

The Psychological Experience of the Nursing Staff of the Medical Oncology Department in Cameroon: Case of the YaoundéGeneral Hospital

Background: The world of cancer care is an emotional place, given the severity of the disease being treated, the heavy workload, the suffering of patients, and the high number of deaths. The nursing staff who work there may be exposed to constant stress from these factors. This study aimed to explore the psychological experience of the nursing staff of the Medical Oncology Department of the Yaoundé General Hospital. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study, in June 2017, involving the nursing staff of the Medical Oncology Department of the Yaoundé General Hospital. Results: Sixteen out of 18 nurses were interviewed. All had worked in at least one other department prior to Oncology. The number of years of experience in Oncology ranged from less than one year to 13 years. The choice of the Oncology department was involuntary for 100% of the staff;of these, 62% had intentions of changing departments. Twenty-five percent had applied for a change of department, which was unsuccessful. Stress was expressed by 94% of the staff;93% thought that there was a solution to the stress experienced on a daily basis in the Oncology department. The main solutions proposed to manage this stress were: support for the staff, provision of work materials, and staff training. Conclusion: The nursing staff of the Medical Oncology Department of the Yaoundé General Hospital experiences a high level of stress and are in need of solutions.

Survey study of the etiology of non-traumatic altered consciousness in the Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital in Egypt

BACKGROUND Disorders of consciousness including coma in non-trauma patients can be caused by a wide variety of pathologies affecting the central nervous system.They represent a frequent challenge in emergency medicine and are combined with a very high in-hospital mortality.Hence,early treatment of these patients is vital and increases the likelihood of a good outcome.AIM To identify the causes of altered consciousness presentation to the Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital.METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 87 patients with acute non-traumatic disturbed level of consciousness(DLOC)at the Emergency Department.RESULTS The mean age of the studied patients was 60.5±13.6 years.Among them,60%were males and 40%were females.The most common cause of acute non-traumatic DLOC was systemic infection,such as sepsis and septic shock(25.3%),followed by respiratory causes(24.1%)and neurological causes(18.4%).CONCLUSION The most common cause of acute non-traumatic DLOC was systemic infections followed by respiratory and neurological causes.

The Definition of Non-Urgent Visits to the Emergency Department and Validation of Criteria for Referrals

Background: The centers of disease control and prevention define a non-urgent Emergency Department (NU-ED) visit as a medical condition requiring treatment within more than 24 hours. These visits constitute one of the main reasons for emergency department (ED) overcrowding, which greatly affects healthcare workers’ wellbeing, health costs, patients’ satisfaction and treatment outcomes. Currently, there is no solid definition of non-urgent emergency visits, which is the first step towards dealing and potentially solving this issue. Having that, the aim of the current study is to define and validate the criteria for NU-ED visits in Israel. Methods: This qualitative study included twelve senior physicians and nurses working in Emergency Department and/or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) across Israel. The study was performed using in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Qualitative data analysis was performed by conventional content analysis. Results: The urgency of medical visits was defined based on these two questions: 1) Does the medical condition require an immediate treatment? 2) Is the emergency department the only place that can provide the required treatment at a certain timepoint? We found that non-urgent visits mostly occur during the nights and weekends, when medical treatments are not available in the HMOs. Visitors for non-urgent cases mostly complained about minor injuries or chronic conditions, fever, abdominal or chest pain. Most visits occurred based on referral from the family physician or the nurse from the call center. Participants reported a lack of awareness and knowledge about the roles of the EDs and the available options in the HMOs, which seem unable to provide patients with appropriate treatments. The usage of triage scales seems to ensure that patients are being treated based on the clinical urgency of their condition. Medical cases that score above 3 can be defined as non-urgent visits. Therefore, implementation of these scales in the community and their use in decision making of referrals to emergency department might greatly reduce non-urgent visits. Conclusions: Participants defined urgent ED visits as medical situations that need to be treated immediately, while there are no available treatment options in the HMOs. Participants identified many reasons behind NU referrals to the ED, mainly, low awareness about the role of ED, low availability of certain tests in the HMOs, and inability to provide adequate treatment in the community.

Diagnostic accuracy of the tongue blade test combined with clinical signs to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures in the emergency department

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs combined with the tongue blade test(TBT) to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures.METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled patients with maxillary and mandibular injuries in the emergency department. Physical examination and the TBT were performed, followed by radiological imaging(facial X-ray or computed tomography [CT]). The diagnostic accuracy was calculated for individuals and a combination of clinical findings at predicting maxillary and mandibular fractures.RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were identified, of whom 31.6% had maxillary fractures and9.2% had mandibular fractures. The combination of malocclusion, tenderness on palpation and swelling with positive TBT had 100% specificity to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures. In the absence of malocclusion, the combination of tenderness on palpation and swelling with positive TBT produced a specificity of 97.8% for maxillary fracture and a specificity of 96.2% for mandibular fracture. A clinical decision tool consisting of malocclusion, tenderness on palpation, swelling and TBT revealed a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%.CONCLUSION: The clinical decision tool is potentially useful to rule out mandibular fractures,thus preventing unnecessary radiation exposure.

Clinical profile of medication-related emergencies among patients presenting to the emergency department:An observational study

Objective:To determine the clinical profile of patients presenting with medication-related emergencies to the Emergency Department of our institute.Methods:This was an observational study conducted between November 2018 and September 2020 at Bangalore Baptist Hospital,Karnataka.A total of 138 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study.The severity of adverse drug reactions(ADR)is assessed based on the Hurwitz severity assessment scale of ADR.Glasgow coma scale at the time of presentation and source of medication were noted.The type of drug overdose,requirement of advanced airway and vasopressors,and the outcome were also assessed.Results:Among medication-related emergencies(n=138)in our study,ADR contributed to 70.3%(n=97)of the study population,and drug overdose accounted for 29.7%(n=41).One-third of the ADR occurred in patients aged above 60 years.Most patients were hemodynamically stable and did not require vasopressors,or advanced airway in both groups.Most patients had Glasgow coma scale ranging from 13-15 in both groups.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most used medicine(17/41,41.5%)and most medications were over the counter drugs(25/41,61.0%)in the drug overdose group;meanwhile in the ADR group,anti-diabetic medication was the most used medicine(34/97,35.1%)and most medications were prescribed in the ADR group(93/97,95.9%).Conclusions:Our study shows that ADR is the most common type of medication-related emergency.