Carlo L. Rosen

ULTRASONOGRAPHY BY EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED URETERAL COLIC

We performed a prospective study of patients with suspected ureteral colic to evaluate the test characteristics of bedside renal ultrasonography (US) performed by emergency physicians (EPs) for detecting hydronephrosis, and to evaluate how US can be used to predict the likelihood of nephrolithiasis. Thirteen EPs performed US, recorded the presence of hydronephrosis, and made an assessment of the likelihood of nephrolithiasis. All patients underwent i.v. pyelography (IVP) or unenhanced helical computed tomography (CT). There were 126 patients in the study: 84 underwent IVP; 42 underwent helical CT. Test characteristics of bedside US for detecting hydronephrosis were: sensitivity 72%, specificity 73%, positive predictive value (PPV) 85%, negative predictive value (NPV) 54%, accuracy 72%. The PPV and NPV for the ability of the EP to predict nephrolithiasis after performing US were 86% and 75%, respectively. We conclude that bedside US performed by EPs may be used to detect hydronephrosis and help predict the presence of nephrolithiasis.

The efficacy of intravenous droperidol in the prehospital setting.

Droperidol is used for sedating combative patients in the emergency department (ED). We performed a randomized, prospective, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of droperidol in the management of combative patients in the prehospital setting. Forty-six patients intravenously received the contents of 2-cc vials of saline or droperidol (5 mg). Paramedics used a 5-point scale to quantify agitation levels prior to and 5 and 10 min after administration of the vials. Twenty-three patients received droperidol and 23 received saline. At 5 min, patients in the droperidol group were significantly less agitated than were patients in the saline group. At 10 min, this difference was highly significant. Eleven patients in the saline group (48%) required more sedation after arrival in the ED versus 3 patients (13%) in the droperidol group. We conclude that droperidol is effective in sedating combative patients in the prehospital setting.

Morbidity and Mortality conference in Emergency Medicine.

BACKGROUND Morbidity and Mortality conferences (M&M) are used to meet many of the Core Competencies required by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education for residency training programs. This study seeks to describe and quantify different types of M&M conferences among Emergency Medicine (EM) training programs. METHODS A confidential survey was e-mailed to the Program Directors (PD) or Assistant PD of all United States (US) Emergency Medicine residency training programs with functional e-mail addresses listed in the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine residency catalog. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence (CI) intervals are reported. RESULTS Of 124 surveys sent out, 89 (72%) completed surveys were returned. There were 88 programs (99%, CI 93-100%) that reported having an M&M. Conferences are held monthly at 67% (CI 57-76%) of programs. Cases for discussion are identified by an EM attending, quality assurance committee, or resident (70%, 57%, and 48%, respectively). Half of programs reported that > 40% of the cases involve systems errors. Twenty percent of programs report that > 40% of the cases involve deaths. Consultants are invited at 44% of programs, and 20% of programs specifically invite radiologists. If a medical error is identified in the M&M, 79% (70-86%) of programs have a protocol for addressing the error. CONCLUSION EM training programs almost uniformly have an M&M, but these conferences vary in frequency, content, and attendance. Future studies are needed to investigate resident and faculty perceptions of M&M, its educational impact, and ways to improve the conference.

Factors That Influence Medical Student Selection of an Emergency Medicine Residency Program: Implications for Training Programs

OBJECTIVES An understanding of student decision-making when selecting an emergency medicine (EM) training program is essential for program directors as they enter interview season. To build upon preexisting knowledge, a survey was created to identify and prioritize the factors influencing candidate decision-making of U.S. medical graduates. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, multi-institutional study that anonymously surveyed U.S. allopathic applicants to EM training programs. It took place in the 3-week period between the 2011 National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) rank list submission deadline and the announcement of match results. RESULTS Of 1,525 invitations to participate, 870 candidates (57%) completed the survey. Overall, 96% of respondents stated that both geographic location and individual program characteristics were important to decision-making, with approximately equal numbers favoring location when compared to those who favored program characteristics. The most important factors in this regard were preference for a particular geographic location (74.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 72% to 78%) and to be close to spouse, significant other, or family (59.7%, 95% CI = 56% to 63%). Factors pertaining to geographic location tend to be out of the control of the program leadership. The most important program factors include the interview experience (48.9%, 95% CI = 46% to 52%), personal experience with the residents (48.5%, 95% CI = 45% to 52%), and academic reputation (44.9%, 95% CI = 42% to 48%). Unlike location, individual program factors are often either directly or somewhat under the control of the program leadership. Several other factors were ranked as the most important factor a disproportionate number of times, including a rotation in that emergency department (ED), orientation (academic vs. community), and duration of training (3-year vs. 4-year programs). For a subset of applicants, these factors had particular importance in overall decision-making. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of applicants to EM residency programs employed a balance of geographic location factors with individual program factors in selecting a residency program. Specific program characteristics represent the greatest opportunity to maximize the success of the immediate interview experience/season, while others provide potential for strategic planning over time. A working knowledge of these results empowers program directors to make informed decisions while providing an appreciation for the limitations in attracting applicants.

Blind nasotracheal intubation in the presence of facial trauma

Abstract Blind nasotracheal intubation (BNTI) is an effective procedure for the intubation of trauma patients. The presence of major facial trauma has been considered a relative contraindication due to the perceived risk of intracranial placement. The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk of intracranial placement in patients with facial fractures who undergo BNTI. The records of 311 patients with facial fractures were reviewed for methods of intubation and complications. Eighty-two patients underwent BNTI. There were no cases of intracranial placement, significant epistaxis requiring nasal packing, esophageal intubation, or osteomyelitis. Three patients (4%) developed sinusitis and eight (10)% developed aspiration pneumonia. We conclude that the presence of facial trauma does not appear to be a contraindication to BNTI.

Cervical Spine Injuries in Children, Part I: Mechanism of Injury, Clinical Presentation, and Imaging

BACKGROUND Cervical spine injuries are difficult to diagnose in children. They tend to occur in different locations than in adults, and they are more difficult to identify based on history or physical examination. As a result, children are often subjected to radiographic examinations to rule out cervical spine injury. OBJECTIVES This two-part series will review the classic cervical spine injuries encountered in children based on age and presentation. Part I will discuss the mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations, and the use of different imaging modalities, including X-ray studies and computed tomography (CT). Part II discusses management of these injuries and special considerations, including the role of magnetic resonance imaging, as well as injuries unique to children. DISCUSSION Although X-ray studies have relatively low risks associated with their use, they do not identify all injuries. In contrast, CT has higher sensitivity but has greater radiation, and its use is more appropriate in children over 8 years of age. CONCLUSION With knowledge of cervical spine anatomy and the characteristic injuries seen at different stages of development, emergency physicians can make informed decisions about the appropriate modalities for diagnosis of pediatric cervical spine injuries.

EVALUATION OF THE PATIENT WITH BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA: AN EVIDENCE BASED APPROACH

The patient who has sustained blunt trauma to the chest can present a diagnostic challenge to the emergency physician. There are several diagnostic modalities available for treating life-threatening injuries to these patients. The authors review published studies to support the use of these tests in diagnosing injuries from blunt thoracic trauma. The article focuses chiefly on two current areas of controversy, the diagnosis of blunt aortic and blunt myocardial injury. Finally, the authors make recommendations for the use of various tests based on the available evidence.

The 2007 Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine: The 2009 Update: 2009 EM Model Review Task Force

From the American Board of Emergency Medicine, East Lansing, MI (Perina, Counselman); Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors, Lansing, MI (Beeson); Residency Review Committee for Emergency Medicine, Chicago, IL (Keim); Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Chicago, IL (McGee, Sokolove); American College of Emergency Physicians, Dallas, TX (Char, Rosen); and the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association, Dallas, TX (Tantama).

Cervical Spine Injuries in Children, Part II: Management and Special Considerations

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and management of cervical spine injury is more complex in children than in adults. OBJECTIVES Part I of this series stressed the importance of tailoring the evaluation of cervical spine injuries based on age, mechanism of injury, and physical examination findings. Part II will discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the management of pediatric cervical spine injuries in the emergency department. DISCUSSION Children have several common variations in their anatomy, such as pseudosubluxation of C2-C3, widening of the atlantodens interval, and ossification centers, that can appear concerning on imaging but are normal. Physicians should be alert for signs or symptoms of atlantorotary subluxation and spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality when treating children with spinal cord injury, as these conditions have significant morbidity. MRI can identify injuries to the spinal cord that are not apparent with other modalities, and should be used when a child presents with a neurologic deficit but normal X-ray study or CT scan. CONCLUSION With knowledge of these variations in pediatric anatomy, emergency physicians can appropriately identify injuries to the cervical spine and determine when further imaging is needed.

THE DIAGNOSIS OF LOWER EXTREMITY DEEP VENOUS THROBOSIS

The diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is critical to emergency physicians because of the risk of pulmonary embolism. This article reviews the diagnostic modalities available for patients with suspected lower extremity DVT. The use of compression ultrasonography and the recent advances in the D-dimer assays are emphasized. A clinical algorithm that utilizes a non invasive approach to this potentially life threatening disease is presented.