Bradley W. Frazee

Ultrasound-guided brachial and basilic vein cannulation in emergency department patients with difficult intravenous access

STUDY OBJECTIVE Emergency department patients who require intravenous access but lack peripheral intravenous sites frequently require central line placement. Blind percutaneous brachial vein cannulation has been proposed as an alternative in these patients but is associated with high failure and complication rates. We evaluated an ultrasound-guided approach to percutaneous deep brachial vein or basilic vein cannulation in ED patients with difficult intravenous access. METHODS We prospectively enrolled ED patients who required intravenous access in whom there had been 2 unsuccessful attempts at establishing a peripheral intravenous line. Using a 7.5-MHz ultrasound probe, the deep brachial vein or basilic vein was identified and then cannulated with a 2-in, 18- to 20-gauge intravenous catheter. Time from probe placement to cannulation, number of attempts, and complications were recorded. RESULTS One hundred one patients were enrolled, of whom 50 were injection drug users and 21 were obese. Cannulation was successful in 91 patients (91%) and accomplished on the first attempt in 73 (73%). The mean (+/-SD) time required for cannulation was 77 seconds (+/-129, range 4 to 600 seconds). The line infiltrated or fell out within 1 hour of cannulation in 8 (8%) patients. One patient reported severe pain. There were 2 (2%) cases of brachial artery puncture. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided brachial and basilic vein cannulation is safe, rapid, and has a high success rate in ED patients with difficult peripheral intravenous access.

Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has emerged over the last decade across the United States and the world, becoming a major pathogen in many types of community-acquired infections. Although most commonly associated with minor skin and soft tissue infections, such as furuncles, CA-MRSA also can cause necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis, osteoarticular infections, and community-acquired pneumonia. This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of these infections from the perspective of the emergency physician.

Emergency Department compression ultrasound to diagnose proximal deep vein thrombosis.

Emergency Department (ED) patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) require an objective vascular study such as ultrasound (US) to confirm the diagnosis prior to treatment or disposition. A simple compression US test of the common femoral vein and popliteal vein reliably detects proximal DVT in symptomatic patients. Application of compression US in the ED by Emergency Physicians (EPs) has been tested in a single previous study. We evaluated the ability of ED compression US, performed by EPs, to diagnose proximal DVT as compared to duplex US performed in a vascular laboratory. A prospective, observational study was conducted on a convenience sample of patients presenting to an ED with lower extremity symptoms and signs suggestive of DVT. Patients with a history of DVT in the symptomatic extremity were excluded. Final diagnosis of DVT was made by color-flow duplex US performed in a vascular laboratory. ED compression US was performed by one of six EP sonographers. In compression US, DVT was diagnosed by the inability to compress the common femoral vein or popliteal vein. The examination was considered indeterminate if the veins could not be clearly identified or compressibility was equivocal. For statistical analysis, an indeterminate examination was considered positive. In those cases where ED compression US was discordant with duplex US, and not indeterminate, we retrospectively reviewed the US findings. There were 76 patients who completed the study, and 18 patients (24%) were diagnosed with DVT by duplex US, among whom ED compression US was positive in 14, negative in 2, and indeterminate in 2. Among 58 patients diagnosed without DVT by duplex US, there were 4 false-positive ED compression US examinations and 10 indeterminate examinations. In all, ED compression US was indeterminate in 12 patients (15.8%). Compared to duplex US, ED compression US had a sensitivity of 88.9% (95% C.I. 65.3-98.6%) and specificity of 75.9% (62.8-86.1). Negative predictive value was 95.7% (85.2-99.5). Among ED patients with the clinical diagnosis of possible DVT, negative ED compression US greatly reduces the likelihood of DVT, such that discharge and outpatient follow-up can be considered. Because of limited specificity, positive results require confirmation, but may justify immediate treatment pending follow-up testing. Indeterminate results can be expected in a significant number of patients and mandate further testing prior to disposition.

How common is MRSA in adult septic arthritis

STUDY OBJECTIVE We determine the proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in adult septic arthritis patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a cross-sectional retrospective review in 2 urban academic EDs in northern California, one tertiary care and one public. Subjects included patients who underwent arthrocentesis in the ED from April 2006 through July 2007. We queried the microbiology laboratory databases for synovial fluid cultures sent from the ED. We reviewed synovial fluid culture results and corresponding synovial fluid analyses and then classified positive culture results as true septic arthritis or likely contaminant. For septic arthritis cases, we reviewed medical records and abstracted presenting features. We report our findings with descriptive statistics. RESULTS One hundred nine synovial fluid cultures were sent from the EDs. Twenty-three results (21%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14% to 30%) were positive, of which 9 were likely contaminants; 1 was from a soft tissue abscess and 1 was from bursitis. Of 12 septic arthritis cases, 6 cultures (50%; 95% CI 21% to 78%) grew MRSA, 4 (33%; 95% CI 7% to 60%) methicillin-susceptible S aureus, and 1 each (8%; 95% CI 0% to 24%) Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the 6 MRSA cases, 4 were in male patients; median age of patients was 47.5 years, 3 patients had previously diseased joints, 2 patients injected drugs, 2 patients were febrile, 3 patients had previously diseased joints, median synovial fluid leukocyte count was 15,184 cells/microL (range 3,400 to 34,075 cells/microL), and 5 patients received appropriate ED antibiotics. CONCLUSION In this 2-ED population from a single geographic region, MRSA was the most common cause of community-onset adult septic arthritis. Synovial fluid cell counts were unexpectedly low in MRSA septic arthritis cases.

Invasive Infection With Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae: Multiple Cases Presenting to a Single Emergency Department in the United States

A distinctive form of community-acquired invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae infection has been well described in Southeast Asia for more than 2 decades. The clinical syndrome includes liver abscess, bacteremia, and metastatic infection. It has recently been linked to a virulent hypermucoviscous K pneumoniae phenotype and to a specific genotype. As of 2008, there were only 2 published cases of invasive infection caused by this strain of K pneumoniae in the United States. We report 4 recent cases presenting to a single public hospital emergency department in northern California, which may signal the emergence of this clinical syndrome in North America.

Effective analgesia with low-dose ketamine and reduced dose hydromorphone in ED patients with severe pain☆☆☆

OBJECTIVE We assessed the analgesic effect and feasibility of low-dose ketamine combined with a reduced dose of hydromorphone for emergency department (ED) patients with severe pain. METHODS This was a prospective observational study of adult patients with severe pain at an urban public hospital. We administered 0.5 mg of intravenous (IV) hydromorphone and 15 mg of IV ketamine, followed by optional 1 mg hydromorphone IV at 15 and 30 minutes. Pain intensity was assessed at 12 intervals over 120 minutes using a 10-point verbal numerical rating scale (NRS). Patients were monitored throughout for adverse events. Dissociative side effects were assessed using the side effects rating scale for dissociative anesthetics. RESULTS Of 30 prospectively enrolled patients with severe pain (initial mean NRS, 9), 14 reported complete pain relief (NRS, 0) at 5 minutes; the mean reduction in NRS pain score was 6.0 (SD, 3.2). At 15 minutes, the mean reduction in NRS pain score was 5.0 (SD, 2.8). The summed pain intensity difference and percent summed pain intensity difference scores were 25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 21-30) and 58% (95% CI, 49-68) at 30 minutes and 41 (95% CI, 34-48) and 50% (95% CI, 42-58) at 60 minutes, respectively. Most patients (80%) reported only weak or modest side effects. Ninety percent of patients reported that they would have the medications again. No significant adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose ketamine combined with a reduced dose hydromorphone protocol produced rapid, profound pain relief without significant side effects in a diverse cohort of ED patients with acute pain.

HIV Screening in an Urban Emergency Department: Comparison of Screening Using an Opt-In Versus an Opt-Out Approach

OBJECTIVE We compare outcomes of opt-in and opt-out HIV screening approaches in an urban emergency department. METHODS This was a 1-year prospective observational study comparing 2 6-month screening approaches. Eligibility for opt-in and opt-out screening was identical: aged 15 years or older, medically stable, and able to complete general consent. During the opt-in phase, triage nurses referred patients to HIV testers stationed at triage, who obtained separate opt-in written consent and performed rapid oral fluid tests. During the opt-out phase, registration staff conducted integrated opt-out consent and then referred patients to HIV testers. We assessed the proportion of potentially eligible patients who were offered screening (screening offer rate), the proportion offered screening who accepted (screening acceptance rate), the proportion who accepted screening and subsequently completed testing (test completion rate), and the proportion of potentially eligible patients who completed testing (overall screening rate) during each phase. RESULTS For the opt-in versus the opt-out phases, respectively, there were 23,236 potentially eligible patients versus 26,757, screening offer rate was 27.9% versus 75.8% (P<.001), screening acceptance rate was 62.7% versus 30.9% (P<.001), test completion rate was 99.8% versus 74.6% (P<.001), and overall screening rate was 17.4% versus 17.5% (P = .90). CONCLUSION A significantly higher proportion of patients were offered HIV screening with an opt-out approach at registration. However, this was offset by much higher screening acceptance and test completion rates with the opt-in approach at triage. Overall screening rates with the 2 approaches were nearly identical.

Missed Opportunities for Earlier HIV Diagnosis in an Emergency Department Despite an HIV Screening Program

In 2005 we implemented an emergency department HIV testing program that emphasized screening by nurses but also allowed for clinician diagnostic testing. We noted that clinicians often ordered tests that proved to be positive on patients who had been missed by screening, while others who tested positive had made previous visits when screening was available, but were not tested. The study objective was to quantify missed screening opportunities and assess the extent to which diagnostic testing contributes to the detection of HIV infection. Triage nurses were to offer screening to medically stable patients 12 years of age or older. Clinicians could order diagnostic testing in patients with signs and symptoms concerning for HIV. Nurses performed rapid HIV tests on oral fluid specimens. Charts of all patients testing positive between April 1, 2005 and November 31, 2006 were reviewed. The 2006 annual census was 75,000 visits with 47% of patients black, 32% Hispanic, 44% female, and 98% 12 years of age or older. Ninety-five patients tested HIV positive; 66 (69.5%) were diagnosed on their first visit but 29 (30.5%) made a total of 59 visits (range, 1-8) before testing positive. Patients were screening eligible during 54 (91.5%) of these 59 visits but screening was not offered during 34 (63.0%) of them, representing missed screening opportunities. On the day of diagnosis, 80 (84.2%) of the 95 patients were screening eligible but 20 (25.0%) of them were not offered screening, representing missed screening opportunities. Diagnostic testing identified HIV in 44 patients; 15 were screening ineligible, 20 were not offered screening, and 9 declined screening. Missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis occurred frequently despite an HIV screening program. Clinician diagnostic testing was an important adjunct to screening.

Emergency Department Ultrasonographic Probe Contamination and Experimental Model of Probe Disinfection

STUDY OBJECTIVE We evaluate the frequency of emergency department (ED) ultrasonographic probe contamination and the bacterial species involved and evaluate probe cleaning and disinfection methods. METHODS This was a 3-part observational cross-sectional study. Surveillance cultures were taken of linear and curvilinear probes on 3 ultrasonographic machines between patient encounters. Cultures of uncovered probes were taken immediately after scanning of skin and soft tissue infections. After experimental probe contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), we assessed 3-step disinfection by sequential cleaning with a dry towel, saline solution-moistened towel, and quaternary ammonia germicidal wipe and 1-step disinfection by germicidal wipe alone. Cultures were obtained by applying the probe to a blood agar plate. RESULTS In part 1, of 164 surveillance cultures obtained from 6 probes on 29 sampling days during 11 months, 111 (67%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 60% to 74%) grew normal skin flora or environmental flora, 52 had no growth (32%; 95% CI 25% to 39%), and 2 (1.2%; 95% CI 0.3% to 4.3%) grew a clinically important pathogen. In part 2, 14 of 20 (70%; 95% CI 48% to 85%) cultures taken after skin and soft tissue infection scanning produced heavy growth of a clinically important pathogen, including 13 S aureus (5 MRSA). In part 3, cleaning with a dry and moist towel reduced but did not eliminate MRSA. The germicidal wipe step resulted in no growth in 15 of 15 (100%; 95% CI 80% to 100%) cultures in 3-step disinfection and in 9 of 10 (90%; 95% CI 60% to 98%) when used alone. CONCLUSION Skin and environmental flora are commonly present on ultrasonographic probes between patient encounters in our ED; however, clinically important pathogens are uncommon. S aureus (including MRSA) frequently contaminates uncovered probes during skin and soft tissue infection scanning, but in an experimental model, MRSA appears to be reliably removed by a quaternary ammonia germicidal wipe if the probe is partially cleaned first.

The first 500: initial experience with widespread use of low-dose ketamine for acute pain management in the ED☆ , ☆☆ , ★,★★

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to describe the clinical use and safety profile of low-dose ketamine (LDK) (0.1-0.3 mg/kg) for pain management in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a retrospective case series of consecutive patients given LDK for pain at a single urban ED between 2012 and 2013. Using a standardized data abstraction form, 2 physicians reviewed patient records to determine demographics, indication, dose, route, disposition, and occurrence of adverse events. Adverse events were categorized as minor (emesis, psychomimetic or dysphoric reaction, and transient hypoxia) and serious (apnea, laryngospasm, hypertensive emergency, and cardiac arrest). Additional parameters measured were heart rate and systolic blood pressure. RESULTS Five hundred thirty patients received LDK in the ED over a 2-year period. Indications for LDK were diverse. Median patient age was 41 years, 55% were women, and 63% were discharged. Route of administration was intravenous in 93% and intramuscular in 7%. Most patients (92%) received a dose of 10 to 15 mg. Comorbid diseases included hypertension (26%), psychiatric disorder (12%), obstructive airway disease (11%), and coronary artery disease (4%). There was no significant change in heart rate or systolic blood pressure. Thirty patients (6%) met our criteria for adverse events. Eighteen patients (3.5%) experienced psychomimetic or dysphoric reactions. Seven patients (1.5%) developed transient hypoxia. Five patients (1%) had emesis. There were no cases of serious adverse events. Agreement between abstractors was almost perfect. CONCLUSION Use of LDK as an analgesic in a diverse ED patient population appears to be safe and feasible for the treatment of many types of pain.