Mental Status Changes Research Articles

Abstract 4139117: Epidemiology of Patients Undergoing a Rapid Response within the First 24 Hours of Admission at an Urban Academic Center

Introduction: A Rapid Response Team (RRT) is an inpatient team that aims to resuscitate deteriorating patients in non-critical care settings and reduce inpatient morbidity and mortality. It is not well understood which patients are likely to deteriorate and need a rapid response (RR) within the first 24 hours of admission. Research Question: We sought to identify the most common characteristics for patients who had a RR within 24 hours of admission. Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis evaluating 176 patients who had a RR called within 24 hours of admission to North Shore University Hospital from February 2022 to August 2023. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed, including medical history, admitting diagnosis, and indication for RR. Results: The median age of the population was 73 years; 92 (52.3%) were male, and 91 (51.7%) were white. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (119, 67.6%), coronary artery disease (51, 28.9%), and heart failure (34, 19.3%). Amongst these patients, acute hypoxic respiratory failure (11.6%) was the most common admission diagnosis followed by sepsis (9.7%) (Table 1). The most common reason for the RR was acute mental status change (26.1%) followed by hypotension (25.0%). Average time spent in the ED prior to admission was 6 hours 41 mins. Intensive care unit (ICU) consultation prior to the RRT occurred in 36 patients (20.5%) and 52 patients (29.5%) were transferred to an ICU while 124 (70.5%) remained on the medicine floors. Regarding hospital utilization, 98 (55.7%) patients were admitted within the last year and 47 (26.7%) patients were hospitalized within the last month. 14 (7.9%) patients had an ICU admission in the past year. 38 (21.5%) patients died during the admission post RR. Conclusion: In our cohort of RRs within 24 hours of admission, we observed a high prevalence of cardiac comorbidities and recent hospitalizations, a low prevalence of ICU consults prior to RR, and discordance between admitting diagnoses and reasons for RR. Further studies involving a larger cohort are needed to develop a prediction model for determining patients most at risk of deteriorating after admission and requiring RRs.

TOXIC ALCOHOL POISONING: A CASE REPORT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, toxic alcohol poisoning, notably from methanol, has emerged as a significant concern due to increased consumption of illicit liquor amidst lockdown restrictions. We present a case of a middle-aged man who developed altered consciousness, metabolic acidosis, and shock two days after ingesting hospital spirit. Although initial qualitative tests only detected ethanol, subsequent MRI findings showed classical signs of methanol poisoning, including basal ganglia abnormalities. Prompt management with dialysis, ventilatory support, and adjunctive therapy successfully addressed the acute phase despite the patient remaining delirious for seven days. This case underscores the importance of considering methanol toxicity even in the absence of direct evidence, necessitating comprehensive diagnostic approaches. Awareness and incorporating point-of-care assessments such as arterial blood gas analysis and osmolar gap evaluation in suspected cases are crucial, especially in resource-limited settings. Recognizing unexplained high anion gap metabolic acidosis with a high osmolar gap and characteristic MRI findings can aid in the early diagnosis and management of toxic alcohol poisoning

Diabetic Ketoacidosis as a Debut and Immune-Mediated Complication Caused by Pembrolizumab: Case Report

Background/Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute and potentially life-threatening complication characterized by the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood, primarily occurring in patients with type 1 diabetes and occasionally in those with type 2 diabetes under certain conditions. DKA presents with symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and, in severe cases, mental status changes. Identifying the triggering factor is crucial to prevent complications and effectively manage this medical emergency. Methods: This report describes the case of a 58-year-old male patient with stage IIIb nodular melanoma, diagnosed in November 2022. Results: After receiving five cycles of pembrolizumab, the patient developed de novo DKA, presenting with blurred vision, asthenia, adynamia, polyuria, and polydipsia. He was admitted to the emergency department with a blood glucose level of 764 mg/dL, confirming hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for fluid resuscitation and insulin infusion. After adequate clinical evolution and meeting the criteria for DKA resolution, possible autoimmune endocrinopathies secondary to immunotherapy were considered. Due to this complication, the oncological treatment was changed. Finally, the patient was discharged with the need to continue insulin therapy and oral hypoglycemic agents, along with thyroid hormone supplementation. Conclusions: The novelty of this case lies in the presentation of DKA as an immune-mediated complication induced by pembrolizumab, highlighting the importance of closely monitoring patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors to detect and manage emerging autoimmune endocrinopathies. It is essential to adjust oncological treatment according to the patient’s response and promptly manage autoimmune endocrinopathies to improve clinical outcomes and the patient’s quality of life.

Psychedelic mushroom-containing chocolate exposures: Case series

IntroductionThe recreational use of psilocybin or psilocin-containing products, a chemical found naturally in certain mushroom species, is on the rise across the United States. Several cases of serious clinical effects related to mushroom-containing products have recently been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The emergence of these new products and their health consequences are not yet well understood. This case series aims to characterize exposures to mushroom-containing chocolate products, including patient characteristics, clinical effects, treatment(s), and clinical outcome severity, reported to a poison center network. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective case series conducted in patients exposed to mushroom-containing chocolate products across three poison centers between January 2023 to August 2024. Patients were identified via a database search of ToxSentry®. Patients were included if they were exposed to a mushroom-containing chocolate product. Patients were excluded if they ingested an unrelated product or if there was insufficient information documented within ToxSentry®. The primary endpoint was to describe clinical outcome severity after exposure to mushroom-containing chocolate products. ResultsA query of ToxSentry® identified 164 cases; 36 cases met study criteria. The median age of patients in this case series was 17 years old. For most patients (23, 64 %), the reason for the exposure was intentional, with 20 reporting intentional abuse or misuse of the product. Common clinical effects reported included mental status changes (26, 76 %), paranoia/hallucinations (10, 28 %), dysrhythmias (7, 19 %) and gastrointestinal discomfort (6, 17 %). There was one report of seizure. Most clinical effects lasted between 3 and 24 h after ingestion (29, 81 %). Intravenous fluids (18, 50 %) and benzodiazepines (7, 19 %) were the most common treatments given. No fatalities were reported. DiscussionWhile most patients in this series experienced minor clinical effects, some developed serious effects after ingestion of a mushroom-containing chocolate product. Findings from this study further characterize the limited patient demographics, clinical effects, and outcomes published thus far. Further characterization in a larger cohort of patients could expand on our initial findings and is needed to better identify factors that may influence clinical outcomes.

Beyond Glasgow Coma Scale: Prehospital prediction of traumatic brain injury

IntroductionEarly identification of traumatic brain injury followed by timely, targeted treatment is essential. We aimed to establish the ability of prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score alone and combined with vital signs to predict hospital-diagnosed traumatic brain injury. MethodsThis study included adults from the 2017–2020 Trauma Quality Improvement Program data set with blunt mechanism. We calculated test characteristics of prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤12 alone and Glasgow Coma Scale score combined with heart rate and systolic blood pressure for predicting (1) any traumatic brain injury and (2) moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Diagnostic performances were calculated in all patients and older adults (≥55 years). We used decision curve analysis to determine the net diagnostic benefit of prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score combined with heart rate + systolic blood pressure over Glasgow Coma Scale score alone. ResultsOf 1,687,336 patients, 39.1% had any traumatic brain injury, 3.7% had moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, and 9.1% had a prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤12. Prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤12 alone had a sensitivity 83.1%, specificity 93.7%, negative predictive value 99.3%, and positive predictive value 33.7% for predicting moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Adding prehospital heart rate <65/min and systolic blood pressure >150 mm Hg to Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤12 improved the positive predictive value for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (55.3%), with a preserved negative predictive value of 96.4%. Decision curve analysis showed the traumatic brain injury prediction model including prehospital heart rate and systolic blood pressure had the greatest net benefit across most threshold probabilities. ConclusionLess than a third of adult blunt trauma patients with a prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤12 have moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Supplementing Glasgow Coma Scale score with prehospital vital signs improves diagnostic accuracy, potentially by filtering out patients with altered consciousness due to shock. Future work should better identify patients for traumatic brain injury–specific treatments in prehospital settings, including triage destination.

Holohemispheric Hemorhhage in Infantile Acute Subdural Hematoma: Serial Neuroimaging Analysis

Background: An acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) in infants without any external sign of trauma is differently recognized as shaken baby syndrome (SBS) / abusive head trauma (AHT) in the United States or as infantile acute subdural hematoma (IASDH) due to minor head trauma in Japan. The present case report aimed to demonstrate that IASDH can occur after a mild head impact if the dural border cell layer is disrupted in an infant with cranio-cerebral disproportion (CCD). Case description: A 5-month-old, male patient fell from a baby bed and struck his occiput against a mat. He began to cry and soon thereafter demonstrated signs of altered consciousness. He was taken to a pediatric hospital where computed tomography (CT) revealed a thin subdural hematoma (SDH) surrounding the entire right cerebral hemisphere. Fundoscopy found a right-sided retinal hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on hospital day 4 revealed a thin, high-intensity ASDH surrounding the entire, cerebral convexity on the right side. In addition, benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS) and large sylvian fissure (LSF) were noted. On hospital day 12 and 18, follow-up MRI revealed a residual SDH with minimal reduction. The patient had an uneventful clinical course and met all the normal, developmental milestones as of his current age of 3 years. Conclusion: The present case is invaluable because it demonstrates that ASDH can occur as a result of a mild, occipital impact. Particularly relevant here is the thin, holohemispheric appearance of the hematoma on neuroimaging studies, which has been suitably termed, holohemispheric subdural hematoma (HHSDH). Also noteworthy is the long-term presence of the HHSDH with minimal reduction of the SDH. The HHSDH may be caused by entrapment of the hematoma in the dural border cell layer in the absence of any communication with the surrounding structures.

Transforming Subdural Hematoma Treatment in the Elderly: Insights from an Endoscopic Case Series.

Subdural hematoma (SDH), a critical brain condition, significantly affects the elderly, making traditional surgeries risky due to their length and potential for blood loss. Endoscope-assisted evacuation offers a safer, less invasive alternative by reducing operation time and minimizing damage, providing an effective solution for older patients. This study evaluated six patients treated with endoscopic evacuation for different stages of SDH from August 2019 to July 2023. Selection criteria were based on altered consciousness, lack of severe brain contusion, SDH thickness over 1 cm, or midline shift over 0.5 cm. The technique used a burr hole and rigid lens endoscope for hematoma removal, focusing on shorter surgery times and better outcomes. Patients aged between 63 to 84 years showed no surgical fatalities, with all recovering well by discharge. Hematoma clearance rates were 76.9% at three days, improving to 96.8% after one month. Endoscope-assisted evacuation is a safe, efficient treatment for elderly patients with various stages of SDH, offering a less invasive option with potential for better outcomes. It supports the trend towards minimally invasive neurosurgery, with further research needed to optimize patient selection and understand long-term benefits.

Impact of agitation status during intensive care on functional outcomes and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Agitation in patients during intensive care is a frequent complication. Several studies have reported that restlessness and agitation are risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and poor prognosis. Since patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) requiring intensive care are ageing and thereby easily affected by responses, including changes in mental status, optimal management of sedation and agitation statuses during ICU stay is considered crucial. However, the influence of different agitation levels during CVD treatment in the ICU on clinical outcomes after ICU discharge is still unclear. Purpose To investigate the associations of the agitation level during ICU stay with mortality after ICU admission and functional outcomes at hospital discharge. Methods We studied 2236 patients (mean age 67.8±0.3 years) who were admitted to the ICU of a university hospital for CVD treatment and whose highest Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) ≥0, measured daily during ICU stay. In addition to clinical characteristics, we investigated the incidence of all-cause mortality during hospitalization and after hospital discharge. We also measured functional outcomes at discharge among 1625 patients, including 6 minutes walk distance (6MWD), Mini-Cog test, and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) as physical, cognitive, and mental functions, respectively. In statistical analysis, patients were divided into three groups based on the highest RASS levels during ICU stay in each patient (Calm: RASS=0, Restless: RASS=1, Agitation: RASS≥2). Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test and the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were used to clarify whether higher agitation levels were associated with all-cause mortality. Moreover, the differences between the agitation levels and functional outcomes at hospital discharge were compared using the analysis of covariance. Results During the median follow-up of 1.9 years, all-cause death occurred in 280 patients (12.5%), with an incidence rate of 5.57/100 person-years. The Restless and Agitation groups showed higher mortality than the Calm group (P&amp;lt;0.001), and higher agitation levels in the ICU were significantly associated with a higher rate of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–1.57, P&amp;lt;0.001). Furthermore, as compared with the Calm group, the Restless and Agitation groups showed significantly lower levels of 6MWD (all P&amp;lt;0.001) and Mini-cog (P=0.004 and P&amp;lt;0.001, respectively) and a higher PHQ-2 (all P&amp;lt;0.001), even after adjusting for clinical confounders. Conclusions Agitation during ICU stay in CVD patients was associated with low functional outcomes at hospital discharge and high mortality rate after discharge, irrespective of agitation level. Detailed information on the agitation status during intensive care may be an important indicator in developing management and treatment strategies for patients with CVD admitted to ICU.

Meningeal Dissemination and Drop Metastasis From Glioma Presenting With Non-Epileptic Myoclonus and Minipolymyoclonus

We describe the case of a 36-year-old woman with a past medical history of low grade right frontal lobe glioma and focal epilepsy presenting with subacute, progressive, multifocal myoclonus and neck and back pain. Unlike her typical seizures, the myoclonus exhibited a distinct semiology, involving both positive and negative muscle jerks affecting multiple limb muscles while sparing the face. In addition, neurological examination revealed low-amplitude, arrhythmic movements of the hands and fingers, resembling minipolymyoclonus. There were no other neurological exam findings, including mental status changes, extrapyramidal signs or signs of myelopathy. Brain and spine MRI indicated leptomeningeal and spinal “drop” enhancing lesions, suggesting likely malignant evolution of the glioma. EEG ruled out a cortical origin of the myoclonus. Pharmacological trials with benzodiazepines and other antiepileptic medications were ineffective. The patient’s myoclonus was most likely spinal segmental in origin from meningeal spread of glioma. The spinal roots or anterior horns of the spinal cord may have represented a focus of hyperexcitability responsible for generating minipolymyoclonus. Our case expands the etiological spectrum of non-epileptic myoclonus and minipolymyoclonus to encompass meningeal carcinomatosis and drop metastases from glioma. These cases may occur even without overt signs of myelopathy. Recognizing such presentations holds significance due to the poor prognosis associated with meningeal spread of glioma and the limited response of non-epileptic myoclonus to symptomatic treatments.

Changes in mental health and illness perception in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy referred to hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation in comparison to usual care - a randomised-control trial

Abstract Purpose Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac disorder, that influences patients' physical capacity and quality of life, as well as the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Patients with HCM often experience emotional distress due to the uncertainty of their condition and have a threatening illness perception (the way individuals make sense of their illness, which can have a significant impact on adherence to treatment). Current studies suggest that some HCM patients could benefit from hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) in terms of somatic and psychological status. This study is part of a research project investigating the safety and effectiveness of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for HCM patients. The specific focus of this part is to evaluate the changes in mental health status and illness perception of HCM patients who have been referred for cardiac telerehabilitation compared to those receiving usual care. Methods An RCT study was conducted, with the inclusion criteria for the study of being above 18 y.o., HCM without LVOT obstruction, NYHA Class II or III, LVEF ≥ 50%, and having CIED. The study involved telerehabilitation (HCTR) and control (CG) groups. Both groups were completing questionnaires assessing illness perception (Brief IPQ) and overall psychosocial distress (GHQ-28) with its 4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety, social impairment, and depression. Psychological assessment was performed at the beginning and at the end of telerehabilitation/outpatient care, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the end of care (T1/T2/T3/T4/T5). Results There was a significant improvement in the overall distress level in the HCTR group (p=0.003) but not in the CG (p=0.559). It remained significant in the HCTR group for the T2 (p&amp;lt;0.001), T3 (p=0.008), and T4 (p&amp;lt;0.001). The positive change was observed in somatic symptoms only in the HCTR group: for T2 (p=0.025) and T3 (p=0.032) compared to the T1. The gradual decrease in anxiety level was observed in the HCTR group, but not in the CG, with a significant difference for T4 (p=0.013) compared to T1. Although there was an improvement in social impairment in both groups (p=0.049 for the CG, and p=0&amp;lt;0.001 for the HCTR group), only in the HCTR group it held a stable pattern after the intervention (p&amp;lt;0.001 for T2; p=0.013 for T3; p=0.032 for T4). There were no changes in the level of depressive symptoms in either of the compared groups. There were also no significant differences in the illness perception (p=0.200 for the HCTR group and p=0.090 for the CG), although the HCTR group showed short-term improvement after three months of HCTR (T2) (p=0.032). Conclusions There are significant benefits of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for mental health, level of distress, and illness perception in HCM patients. It is worth noticing that this improvement is short-term, and prolonged effects might require providing additional support during extended care.overall distress in HCTR vs CGsubscales of GHQ_28 in HCTR vs CG

An exploratory study of alternative life experiences in comparison to transcendental near‐death experiences

AbstractThe term near‐death experience (NDE) generally refers to a state of altered consciousness that can occur during real or presumed near‐death circumstances and/or life‐threatening incidents. The NDE usually includes the impression of being conscious while out of and/or away from the physical body, often accompanied by other specific features. Furthermore, when the experient has the impression of being in a perceived locality that transcends the observable physical Earth, it is referred to by researchers as a transcendental NDE. Whereas transcendental NDEs have been widely studied, there is also another type of experience that can occur under similar life‐threatening conditions that I refer to as an alternative life experience (ALE), which consists of a perception of living another alternative life where the experient is aware of the self, but does not believe at the time of occurrence that they are either out of or away from their physical body. After providing a total of 15 examples, I note some similarities and differences between ALEs and transcendental NDEs while providing some qualitative and quantitative results, suggesting that ALEs might be similar to some aspects of transcendental NDEs despite their neglect in the study of altered states of consciousness during near‐death circumstances. I further postulate that ALEs might be subjective psychological experiences of dissociation and/or absorption. It is then pointed out that symptoms of derealization are a common ALE aftereffect and so an awareness of that association is stressed as having therapeutic importance.

Intradural Repair of Temporal Bone Encephalocele and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: Results from a Single Institution

Abstract Background Lateral temporal bone encephaloceles incidence is increasing with obesity rates. Middle fossa (MF) craniotomy, transmastoid (TM), or combined MF + TM access can be used for repair. Methods Retrospective review of MF or MF + TM repair with an intradural graft. Sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Pre/postoperative audiometric results were included. Postoperative complications were reported. Results A total of 49 patients (50 repairs) were included. In addition, 74% were women (p &lt; 0.05). Ten patients had a history of chronic otitis media and surgery. Average BMI was 35.8, and average age was 59. Furthermore, 54% had multiple skull base defects; 18 (36%) patients had a MF approach. In total, 32 (64%) patients had a MF + TM approach for repair; 13 (40.1%) of these patients had a concurrent tympanoplasty. Hearing improved for 74%. Air conduction pure-tone average improved by an average of 5 dB (p 0.27). No differences in hearing outcomes were observed between the MF and MF + TM groups. Two patients (6%) had hearing decline. Eight complications were reported (1 (2%) skin infection, 4 (8%) recurrent/persistent cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] leaks requiring lumbar drain or shunt, and 3 (6%) episodes of aphasia or mental status change). Age &gt;65 years was not associated with risk of postoperative complication. Conclusion Intradural repair of encephalocele and CSF leak is a safe and effective surgical approach. Intradural reinforcement along the entire MF floor is beneficial for multiple areas of dehiscence and thin dura. Complication rates including recurrent/persistent CSF leak and aphasia related to temporal lobe retraction were similar to previously published reports and not associated with older patient age. Hearing was stable or improved in 94% with no difference noted between MF and MF + TM repair.

DISSOCIATION, SPLITTING AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION IN TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

The article is devoted to the analysis of actual scientific views and theoretical research on the participation of the phenomena of dissociation, splitting, and compartmentalization in disorders associated with mental trauma, in particular, PTSD and addictions. It is shown that the understanding of the concepts of dissociation and splitting developed in parallel and that both concepts emerged from research on trauma. Empirical studies show a clear correlation between dissociation, splitting, and compartmentalization with trauma-related disorders. However, there is considerable confusion in the differentiation of these concepts: some authors use them as synonyms, other authors consider dissociation to be a more basic process underlying splitting, and some distinguish two separate types of dissociation - separation, and compartmentalization. In this article, the concept of dissociation and splitting into separate independent phenomena is chosen, where dissociation is defined as the separation of mental processes or mental systems from consciousness, and splitting is defined as the division of consciousness itself into several independent centers of self-consciousness, with the phenomenon of compartmentalization referring to a shallow level of splitting. Both dissociation and splitting can exist in the spectrum from normal to deep pathology of the (sub)psychotic level. The article analyzes how dissociation and splitting can participate in the formation of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD and addiction. In the formation of PTSD, a part of the human psyche system associated with traumatic experiences is detached from consciousness as a result of protection from unbearable experiences (dissociation). Further, due to unsuccessful attempts to integrate the trauma, a negative self-concept with feelings of shame/guilt is formed, which splits off from the core self (splitting). As a result, a triadic structure is formed: the normative Ego-state, the split traumatic Ego-state, and the dissociated traumatic Self-state. When addiction is formed based on early trauma, a dissociated self-state exists since childhood, but while using psychoactive substances, it is integrated with a state of altered consciousness, which is why a person is experiencing a state of high, similar to a miracle. In this case, a system is formed of a normative Ego state, a dissociated traumatic Self-state, and a detached addictive Ego state, which is activated exclusively in a state of altered consciousness, and during activation, integration with the dissociated Self-state occurs. This addictive integration is the real motive for the use of this group of addictive drugs. The proposed concept can be used in the psychotherapy of trauma-related disorders as a conceptualization of cases and conceptualization of loci of therapeutic contact. Keywords: dissociation, splitting, compartmentalization, mental trauma, PTSD, addiction

Hypersensitivity myocarditis induced by isoniazid overdose in a 15-year-old girl: a case report.

Myocarditis represents a diverse group of inflammatory diseases affecting the heart muscle, with both infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Among the non-infectious causes, drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions are rare but serious. Isoniazid, a cornerstone in tuberculosis treatment, is known for its hepatotoxicity but has rarely been documented to cause hypersensitivity myocarditis. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl from Eastern Turkmenistan who was admitted to our emergency department with altered consciousness and seizure activity. She was diagnosed with status epilepticus and treated accordingly. The patient, with no prior medical history, was found to have hypotensive shock and myocarditis upon further examination. A detailed history revealed she had ingested 45 tablets of expired isoniazid in a suicide attempt. She was treated with pyridoxine and supportive therapies, resulting in a gradual recovery. This case underscores the critical need to consider drug-induced hypersensitivity myocarditis in the differential diagnosis of myocarditis, especially in patients with recent medication use. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment with pyridoxine, steroid, and supportive cardiac care can be lifesaving. This case also highlights the importance of awareness regarding the potential cardiotoxic effects of isoniazid overdose.

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Women with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or Müllerian Aplasia/Agenesis.

Understanding mental health issues facing individuals with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) is crucial for optimizing evidence-based practices in this population. To compare the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses among patients diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) or Müllerian duct aplasia/agenesis (MA) to male and female reference groups. Retrospective cohort study. Three large integrated health systems. All individuals with confirmed CAIS or MA enrolled in one of three Kaiser Permanente healthcare systems between January 1, 1988, and January 31, 2017. For each DSD patient, age-, race/ethnicity- and health system-matched male and female referents with typical sex development were randomly selected. Mental health diagnoses and use of psychiatric medications. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in the CAIS and MA cohorts was approximately twice as high as in male referents without DSD, but the corresponding differences relative to female referents were less evident. A subgroup of MA patients with uterine agenesis had higher prevalence of bipolar disorder than either reference group, but these results were accompanied by wide confidence intervals. Women with CAIS and MA more frequently filled psychiatric medications compared to male but not female referents. On balance, these findings are reassuring, albeit requiring confirmation in other settings. Future studies using longitudinal designs and patient-reported outcomes are needed to evaluate changes in mental health status of CAIS and MA patients at different ages and different intervals following initial diagnosis.

Prehospital undertriage of older injured patients in western Switzerland: an observational cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe ageing of the population is leading to an increase in the number of traumatic injuries and represents a major challenge for the future. Falls represent the leading cause of Emergency department admission in older people, with injuries ranging from minor to severe multiple injuries. Older injured patients are more likely to be undertriaged than younger patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of undertriage in older patients with particular emphasis on access to trauma centres and resuscitation rooms.MethodsRetrospective observational cross-sectional study based on data prospectively collected from prehospital electronic records including all patients ≥ 18 years for whom an ambulance or helicopter was dispatched between 1 January 2018 and 31 April 2023 due to a trauma. The primary outcome, admission to the resuscitation room of the regional trauma centre with trauma team activation, was assessed by age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for known confounders and to test for plausible effect modifiers.ResultsEmergency Medical Services treated 37,906 injured patients. Older patients ≥ 75 years represented 17,719 patients (47%). Admission to trauma centre with trauma team activation was lower in older patients, N = 121 (1%) compared to N = 599 (5%) in younger patients, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio: 0.33 (0.24–0.45); p < 0.001. Undertriage increased by twofold with age ≥ 75; OR: 1.81 (1.04–3.15); p value < 0.001. Undertriaged patients were older, more likely to be female, to have low energy trauma and to be located farther from the regional trauma centre.ConclusionOlder injured patients were at increased risk of undertriage and non-trauma team activation admission, especially if they were older, female, had head injury without altered consciousness and greater distance to regional trauma centre.

Quality of care and post-discharge morbidity among children diagnosed with severe malaria in rural Uganda: A prospective cohort study.

Pediatric severe malaria is a significant contributor of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Most information is derived from tertiary referral centers and urban centers. Little is known about routine care or post-discharge outcomes in rural areas. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of pediatric severe malaria at St. Paul's Level IV Health Center (SPHC) in Kasese, Uganda. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory results, and conducted follow-up 14 days post-discharge to assess patient outcomes in the immediate post-discharge period. The initial cohort included 187 children aged 0 to 17 years enrolled between July 9th, 2023 and January 9th, 2024. Almost all (94.7%) participants had a parasitological confirmed malaria diagnosis by rapid diagnostic tests or blood smear. While at SPHC, 95.7% of patients received 3+ doses of intravenous Artesunate, and 92.0% also received oral antimalarials. 62.0% had at least one symptom of severe malaria, with altered consciousness (40.6%) and convulsions (29.9%) the most frequently reported. 26.1% had evidence of severe malarial anemia (Hb <5 g/dl), of whom 93.5% received a blood transfusion. Most (82.2%) patients received care that we assessed as consistent with key elements of WHO management guidelines. We were able to contact 183 of the 187 patient caregivers post-discharge. Caregivers reported that 25.6% of patients were experiencing symptoms related to their hospitalization, with fever (18.5%) and nausea/ not feeding well (10.3%) reported most frequently. Children who experienced altered consciousness during their acute illness had 1.69 times the adjusted risk of reporting symptoms 14-days post-discharge compared to those who did not have altered consciousness (aRR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01-2.82). Six deaths were recorded, including three at SPHC and three post-transfer or discharge. Findings suggest that at private health facilities in rural areas, treatment appears to be consistent with guidelines. Future research should investigate high morbidity in the immediate post-discharge period.

7117 Cushings Conundrum: Taming The Hormone Hurricane

Abstract Disclosure: S. Syed: None. A. Poloju: None. A. Krueger: None. C. O'connor: None. Ectopic ACTH syndrome is a rare disease that presents with severe hypercortisolism that can be challenging to treat. This case reviews a patient with high- grade metastatic neuroendocrine tumor causing ectopic ACTH-related Cushing's syndrome and describes navigating these treatment challenges with an evidence-based and patient centered strategy to try to optimize care.Clinical case: This 32-year-old male, with a history of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and liver metastases, initially presented with dyspnea, hyperglycemia, and metabolic derangements. Agitated, with a systolic blood pressure of 190mm Hg, he exhibited notable hypokalemia (2.5mmol/L), hyperglycemia (508mg/dL), and elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate (3.60mmol/L). Random cortisol was 85.9ug/dL and ACTH 472pg/ml. Urgent cortisol control prompted etomidate infusion, lowering cortisol to 27ug/dL in 24 hours. Ketoconazole was initiated but discontinued later due to rising liver enzymes, Metyrapone and spironolactone were initiated and etomidate infusion titrated off. Hemorrhagic shock, DKA, and mental status changes complicated his course.Interventional radiology-guided hepatic artery embolization was performed. Post-procedure cortisol levels improved, metyrapone and spironolactone were stopped. Dexamethasone was initiated given concern for relative adrenal insufficiency during this time and was later switched to hydrocortisone, and eventually discontinued with normalizing cortisol levels. Octreotide and later lanreotide maintained stability for a year. He was readmitted with uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, and vertebral compression fractures, requiring rapid control with etomidate infusion again. Metyrapone was reintroduced, facilitating etomidate tapering. Spironolactone was re-initiated. Bilateral adrenalectomy was discussed as definitive treatment for the ectopic ACTH syndrome (neuroendocrine cancer was deemed incurable, however he was considered elevated risk for surgery given other co-morbidities. Even with normalization of cortisol, he intermittently refused cares/medications. Conclusion: Managing ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. In severe Cushing’s syndrome, etomidate infusion quickly normalizes cortisol but requires intensive care due to sedation risks. Ketoconazole and levoketoconazole carry a hepatotoxicity risk. Metyrapone and mitotane are alternatives but supply challenges exist. Osilodrostat, studied for short-term use, has limited data in ectopic ACTH syndromes. Bilateral adrenalectomy is an option if surgical risks are acceptable. Patient history influences therapeutic decisions, highlighting the need for a patient-centered approach. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6981 Atypical hypoglycemia in a teenage boy with prediabetes

Abstract Disclosure: N. Shahid: None. C. salgado: None. N. Gurtunca: None. Background: Hypoglycemia in teenagers is seen less commonly than in younger children. Overweight children with prediabetes presenting with hypoglycemia symptoms are often considered to have reactive post-prandial hypoglycemia due to the degree of hyperinsulinemia with insulin resistance seen in these children. We present a 13-year-old boy with prediabetes, who presented with episodes of altered mental status and was found to have hypoglycemia due to a solitary insulin secreting tumor. Case presentation: A 13-yr old boy with pre-diabetes presented to the ER with altered consciousness and non-ketotic, non-acidotic hypoglycemia [25 mg/dl] &amp; trace ketonuria in the setting of Influenza A infection. Weight and BMI above the 99th%ile and acanthosis nigricans in the skin creases. No access to oral hypoglycemic agents. Urine toxicology was negative. EEG was normal. Euglycemia and level of consciousness restored after IV dextrose &amp; this was considered a possible hypoglycemic seizure episode secondary to poor oral intake. 4 months later he had another episode of altered mental status, jittery movements and was found to be hypoglycemic [41 mg/dl]. He was admitted for further workup of recurrent hypoglycemia. Adrenal insufficiency was ruled out and a diagnostic fast was started. After 15 hours, he developed non-ketotic hypoglycemia [&amp;lt;50 mg/dl]. Critical sample [Table 1] and Glucagon challenge [Table 2] at the termination of the fast confirmed hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Given the unusual age and presentation, an MRI abdomen was done which showed a 1.6 cm lesion in the pancreatic body [Fig 1]. Dotatate whole body PET scan confirmed the insulinoma with no evidence of nodal or distant metastasis [Fig 2]. He underwent surgical enucleation of the insulinoma. Intraoperative secretin showed no evidence of pancreatic duct dilatation or leakage. Hereditary endocrine tumor panel including multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN] gene analysis was negative. The postoperative course was complicated by a persistent pancreatic leak and pancreatitis eventually requiring an ERCP and stent placement 2 months post operatively. Conclusion: Insulinomas are very rare neuroendocrine tumors in pediatric population, with a prevalence of one in 250,000 and median age at presentation of 45-50 years. About 90% insulinomas are benign and less than 10% are associated with MEN-1 syndrome. Chronic hypoglycemia irrespective of the underlying insulin resistance of prediabetes can be seen with insulinoma and can cause hypoglycemia unawareness as seen in our patient. This has also been reported in literature to be misdiagnosed as refractory epilepsy or psychiatric disorders. Hypoglycemic symptoms at any age should be promptly worked up. Ruling out associated neuroendocrine hereditary tumor syndromes is crucial and prognosis of benign solitary insulinomas after surgical removal is mostly favorable. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Rapid Electroencephalography and Artificial Intelligence in the Detection and Management of Nonconvulsive Seizures

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is a commonly overlooked cause of altered mental status. This study assessed nonconvulsive status epilepticus prevalence in emergency department (ED) patients with acute neurologic presentations using limited electroencephalogram (EEG) coupled with artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced seizure detection technology. We then compared the accuracy of the AI EEG interpretations to those performed by an epileptologist. In a prospective observational cohort analysis, adult patients with unexplained mental status changes identified by emergency physicians received expedited placement of a limited EEG. Data collected encompassed patient demographics, clinical history, EEG interpretations by the AI algorithm and epileptologists, treatments, and disposition determinations. There were 134 device applications on 132 patients (2 received the device twice) enrolled in the study, but 16 were missing data critical for identification or analysis and 9 did not meet the selection criteria. Of the 108 limited EEGs interpreted by an epileptologist, 69 were abnormal (diffuse slowing, highly epileptiform patterns, or spikes and sharps), 41 were normal, 5 were uninterpretable, and 3 captured episodes of seizure or status epilepticus. Limited EEG AI interpretation detected >90% seizure burden in 2 of 3 cases of seizure or status epilepticus as well as in 2 abnormal EEGs and 1 normal EEG, providing a sensitivity of 66.7% (95% confidence interval 9.4 to 99.2), a specificity of 97.0% (95% confidence interval 91.5 to 99.4), and a disease prevalence of 2.9%. Limited AI-enhanced EEG can detect nonconvulsive status epilepticus in the ED; however, the technology tended to overestimate seizure burden in our cohort. This study found a lower nonconvulsive status epilepticus prevalence compared to prior literature reports.