Chun I. Huang

Athletic performance and serial weight changes during 12- and 24-hour ultra-marathons

Objective:The principal objective of this study was to evaluate serial weight changes in athletes during 12- and 24-hour ultra-marathons and to correlate these changes with athletic performance, namely the distance covered. Design:This was a prospective study. Setting:The 2003 Soochow University international ultra-marathon. Participants:Fifty-two race participants. Interventions:12- or 24-hour ultra-marathon. Main Outcome Measurements:Body weight changes were measured before, at 4-hour intervals during, and immediately after the 12- and 24-hour races. Results:Significant overall decreases in body weight were apparent at the conclusion of both races. The mean relative body weight change after the 12-hour race was −2.89 ± 1.56%, ranging from 0 to 6.5%. The mean relative body weight change after the 24-hour race was −5.05 ± 2.28%, ranging from −0.77% to −11.40%. Of runners in the 24-hour race, 26% lost greater than 7% of baseline body weight during the race. During both the 12- and 24-hour races, the greatest weight change (decrease) occurred during the first 4 hours. Weight remained relatively stable after 8 hours, although a further decrease was apparent between 16 and 20 hours in the 24-hour participants. Weight change had no bearing on performance in the 12-hour race, whereas weight loss was positively associated with performance in the 24-hour race. Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that the majority of weight decrease/dehydration in both the 12- and 24-hour races occurred during the first 8 hours. Hence, to maintain body weight, fluid intake should be optimized in the first 8 hours for both 12- and 24-hour runners and in 16 to 20 hours for 24-hour marathon runners.

Clinical Factors and Outcomes in Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Emergency Department

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the initial clinical characteristics of acute mesenteric ischemia and identify variables associated with adverse outcomes in the emergency department (ED). Methods: The charts of 124 consecutive patients with surgically and pathologically identified acute mesenteric ischemia from September 1990 to September 2000 were reviewed retrospectively to obtain data about demographics, initial clinical presentations, predisposing diseases, previous medications, laboratory tests, and common findings on computed tomography scans with contrast. Only patients admitted through the ED and treated on medical or surgical wards were enrolled. Results: Mean patient age was 71.1 years (range, 25‐100 years). The overall mortality rate was 50%. There were no significant differences in gender, underlying disease, previous medication, initial signs and symptoms, and causes of mesenteric infarction, between survivors and non‐survivors. Univariate analysis demonstrated that older age, bandemia, hepatic and renal impairment, hyperamylasemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, intramural pneumatosis, and septic syndrome, were more frequent in patients who died than in those who survived (p < 0.05). Logistic regression identified the following variables as independent predictors of death: old age (odds ratio, OR, 1.077; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.013, 1.146; p = 0.02); bandemia (OR, 3.894; 95% CI, 1.160, 13.074; p = 0.03); elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST; OR, 4.532; 95% CI, 1.274, 16.122; p = 0.02); increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN; OR, 7.219; 95% CI, 1.166, 44.696; p = 0.03); and metabolic acidosis (OR, 6.604; 95% CI, 1.804, 24.171; p < 0.01). Conclusion: A high index of suspicion and aggressive diagnostic imaging can facilitate early diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients with acute mesenteric ischemia. Risk stratification showed that elderly patients with metabolic acidosis, bandemia, or elevated AST and BUN had a poor prognosis. Greater therapeutic intervention is advocated to reduce mortality in high‐risk patients with acute mesenteric ischemia.

Emergency Department Neurologic Deterioration in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Significance

OBJECTIVESnu2002 The objective was to explore the incidence, predictors, and prognostic significance of emergency department (ED) neurologic deterioration in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH).nnnMETHODSnu2002 This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the ED, neurocritical care unit, and general intensive care unit of a university-affiliated medical center. Consecutive adult SICH patients treated in our ED from January 2002 through December 2009 were included, identified from the registered stroke data bank. These were cross-checked for coding with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification 431 and 432.9. Enrolled patients had SICH with elapsed times of <12 hours and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ≥ 13 on arrival. ED neurologic deterioration was defined as having a two-or-more-point decrease in consciousness noted in any GCS score assessment between ED presentation and admission. Comparisons of numerical data were performed using an unpaired t-test (parametric data) or Mann-Whitney U-test (nonparametric data). Comparisons of categorical data were done by chi-square tests. Variables with p < 0.1 in univariate analysis were further analyzed using multiple logistic regression. No variable automated or manual selection methods were used.nnnRESULTSnu2002 Among the 619 patients with SICH included in the study, 22.6% had ED neurologic deterioration. Independent predictors for ED neurologic deterioration included regular antiplatelet use, ictus to ED arrival time under 3 hours, initial body temperature ≥ 37.5°C, intraparenchymal hemorrhage associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and presence of a midline shift of greater than 2 mm on computed tomography (CT). ED neurologic deterioration was associated with 1-week mortality, 30-day mortality, and poor neurologic outcome on discharge.nnnCONCLUSIONSnu2002 Nearly one-quarter of SICH patients with an initial GCS of 13 to 15 had a two points or more deterioration of their GCS while in the ED. ED neurologic deterioration was associated with death and poor neurologic outcomes on discharge. Several risk factors that are available early in the patients courses appear to be associated with ED neurologic deterioration. By identifying patients at risk for early neurologic decline and intervening early, physicians may be able to improve patient outcomes.

Diagnosis of appendicitis with left lower quadrant pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common chief complaints of patients presenting to the emergency department and, among the diagnoses of abdominal pain, appendicitis is the most common surgical disorder. Traditionally, the diagnosis of appendicitis is based on well-established clinical criteria combined with physician experience. However, appendicitis presenting with rare and misleading left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain may result in an initial false-negative diagnosis by the physician and even result in failure to order the subsidiary examination of computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound, so increasing the risk of perforation/abscess formation and prolonged hospital stay. In this report, we present 2 cases of atypical appendicitis with LLQ pain where the correct diagnosis was not initially considered. One patient had right-sided appendicitis; the inflamed appendix was 12 cm in length and projected into the LLQ. Local peritonitis developed during observation. With the aid of CT, the diagnosis was established in time. The other patient had left-sided appendicitis with situs inversus totalis. Adverse outcomes with appendiceal rupture and abscess formation occurred due to inadvertent physical examinations and inadequate observation. Early clinical suspicion and adequate observation are indicated in patients with uncertain clinical features. However, in patients with unresolved clinical symptoms and/or local peritonitis that develop during observation, imaging studies play a significant role in preoperative diagnosis and determination of proper treatment.

Features and Prognostic Factors for Elderly With Acute Poisoning in the Emergency Department

Background: Elderly persons with acute poisoning in the emergency department (ED) and prognostic factors of outcomes have not been well addressed in previous research. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of elderly patients with acute poisoning visiting the ED, and to identify the possible predictive factors of mortality. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute poisoning who visited the ED in Taipei Veterans General Hospital from January 1, 2006 through to September 30, 2008 were enrolled in the study. We collected demographic information on underlying diseases, initial presentations, causes and toxic substances, complications, dispositions, and outcomes. Analyses were conducted among different groups categorized according to age, suicide attempt, and outcome. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify possible predictive clinical factors influencing mortality in the elderly with acute poisoning. Results: A total of 250 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 77 years and male predominance. The most common cause of intoxication was unintentional poisoning. Medication accounted for 57.6% of poisonous substances, of which benzodiazepine was the most common drug, followed by warfarin. The overall mortality rate was 9.6%. The average length of stay in the ED increased significantly in the old (65–74 years), very old (75–84 years) and extremely old (≥ 85 years) groups. Suicide attempt patients experienced more complications including respiratory failure, aspiration pneumonia, hypotension and mortality. Three clinical predictive factors of mortality were identified: herbicide poisoning, hypotension and respiratory failure upon presentation. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that elderly patients with acute poisoning had a mortality rate of 9.6%. Suicide attempts resulted in more serious complications. The risk factors for mortality were herbicide intoxication, hypotension and respiratory failure.

Alternations of heart rate variability at lower altitude in the predication of trekkers with acute mountain sickness at high altitude.

Objective:To determine the change and relationship of spectral components of heart rate variability (HRV) measurements in subjects with or without acute mountain sickness (AMS) at both low and high altitude. Design:A prospective study. Setting:A 12-day itinerary by trekking to the Namche Bazaar, 3440 m in Nepal. Participants:A total of 32 subjects were recruited. Interventions:The alternations were measured by heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and spectral analysis of HRV at sea level, 1317 m, 3440 m, 1317 m, and sea level, respectively. Main Outcome Measures:Spectral analysis of HRV. Results:There were statistically significant increases in HR and decreases in SpO2 in all subjects at high altitude. In HRV, the values of R-R interval, total variance, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), and HF% were significantly lower at 3440 m than at sea level, respectively (P < 0.05). The subjects with AMS had significantly lower total variance, HF, and HF%, respectively, but higher LF:HF ratio (P < 0.05) at 3440 m. Subjects with both HF% < 20% (nu) and LF:HF ratio > 1.3 measured at 1317 m had odds ratios of 7.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 44.06; P = 0.047) to get AMS at 3440 m. Conclusions:The HRV measurements in total variances, HF, and HF% in trekkers with AMS were statistically significantly lower at high altitude. HF% < 20% (nu) or LF:HF ratio > 1.3 at lower altitudes could be an important predication parameter of trekkers with AMS at higher altitudes.

Percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage: a better initial therapeutic choice for patients with gall bladder perforation in the emergency department.

Objectives: To investigate clinical features and outcomes in patients with acute cholecystitis with gall bladder perforation receiving open cholecystectomy or percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage in the emergency department. Methods: From 1996 through 2005, 33 patients with non-traumatic gall bladder perforation, among 585 patients with acute cholecystitis, were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: open cholecystectomy in 16 patients and percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage in 17 patients. Medical records, including demographic data, past history of systemic diseases or gallbladder stones, initial clinical presentations, laboratory data, physical status, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes, were analysed. Results: Mean patient age was 72.6 years (range 54–92 years). 28 patients (84.8%) were male. Median time of symptom onset before emergency department diagnosis was 5 days (range 0.5–30 days). Estimated incidence of gall bladder perforation was 5.6% (33/585). 27 patients (81.8%) had gallstones operatively or in image studies. All patients had either right upper quadrant pain/tenderness or epigastric pain/tenderness. Only 9 (27.3%) patients had positive Murphy’s sign. Six patients in the percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage group received further open cholecystectomy. Overall mortality was 24.2% (8/33). The direct cause of death was disease related sepsis in all patients. Patients receiving percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage had a higher survival rate than those receiving open cholecystectomy (100% vs 50%, p<0.001). No differences in complications and length of hospital stay of survivors were observed between groups. Conclusions: In this study, we delineated clinical features of patients with gall bladder perforation. Better clinical outcome is observed for percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage, and this is suggested as an initial therapeutic choice, especially in high risk patients who are likely to need surgery.

Declining Emergency Department Visits and Costs During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Outbreak

n n Backgroundn The immediate and long-term impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak on emergency department (ED) visits and hospital expenditures for these visits has not been thoroughly investigated. The objectives of this retrospective observational study investigated the impact of SARS outbreak on ED visits and the cost of these visits in a designated SARS medical center.n n n Methodsn Data related to the total number of ED visits and their costs were collected for the SARS epidemic period in 2003 and the same period in the preceding year in 2002. Data collected included total number of ED visits, services provided, triage categories, and total expenditures for all patients. Data for before and during the outbreak were retrieved and compared.n n n Resultsn At the peak of the SARS epidemic, the reduction in daily ED visits reached 51.6% of pre-epidemic numbers (p < 0.01). In pediatric, trauma and non-trauma patients, the maximum mean decreases in number of visits were 80.0% (p < 0.01), 57.6% (p < 0.01) and 40.8% (p < 0.01), respectively. In triage 1, 2 and 3 patients, the maximum mean decreases were 18.1% (p < 0.01), 55.9% (p < 0.01) and 53.7% (p < 0.01), respectively. The maximum decrease in total costs was 37.7% (p < 0.01). The maximum mean costs per patient increased 35.9% (p < 0.01). The proportions of increases in mean costs for each patient were attributed to laboratory investigations (31.4%), radiography (21.9%) and medications (29.5%).n n n Conclusionn The SARS outbreak resulted in a marked reduction in the number of ED visits which persisted for 3 months after the end of the epidemic. Total cost of treating individual patients showed a simultaneous marked increase, while overall operational costs in the ED showed a marked decrease. The increased total cost for each patient was attributed to the increased number of diagnostic procedures to screen for possible SARS in the ED.n n

Bajiaolian poisoning—a poisoning with high misdiagnostic rate

BACKGROUNDnOne of the oldest Chinese herbal medicine, bajiaolian is widely used in traditional therapy. In Taiwan, bajiaolian is the fifth highest cause of poisoning among herbal medicines. The diagnosis is difficult because physicians are unfamiliar with this medicines multiple presentations in different stages of intoxication.nnnPROCEDURESnThe records of 4 major poison centers in Taiwan were searched for all bajiaolian intoxication from July 1985 (the opening of first poison center) to March 2003. Two emergency physicians with toxicologic training reviewed the admission charts and visited case patients for follow-up.nnnFINDINGSnSeventeen patients were identified, of which 15 (88.2%) had been misdiagnosed initially. In the beginning of their medical care, 14 cases were diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis.nnnCONCLUSIONnBajiaolian intoxication is probably misdiagnosed because of early gastrointestinal symptoms followed by neurologic symptoms. A detailed patient history should be taken, and symptoms should be reviewed systemically to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Cessation of nail growth following Bajiaolian intoxication

Bajiaolian (Dysosma pleianthum), a species in the Mayapple family (Podophyllum pelatum), has been widely used as a traditional Chinese herbal medication for the remedies of snake bite, tumor growth, post-partum recovery, and acne. It has also been used in western medicine, especially topically for various skin lesions. Both oral ingestion and dermal application may result in severe toxicity. The clinical presentations reported after Bajiaolian poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, hepatorenal dysfunction, leukocytosis followed by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, prolonged areflexia, prolonged paraethesia and sensory ataxia, dizziness, fever, memory impairment, hallucinations, paranoia, convulsion, fainting, and coma. There are no previous reports in the literature about the cessation of nail growth as a clinical presentation following Bajiaolian poisoning. We present a case of nail growth that was halted for more than seven years after a single case of Bajiaolian poisoning.