Emergency Presentation In Patients Research Articles

Changes in the Rate of Emergency Presentation in Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder Attending a Long-term Community Care Program for FND

IntroductionPatients with Functional Neurological Disorder have a high return rate to Emergency Rooms.ObjectivesTo assess possible changes in Emergency Room presentation rates in patients with Functional Neurological Disorder following their attendance of specialized long-term multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation program.MethodsSeventy-two adult patients with Functional Neurological Disorder were included. These patients were consecutive referrals accepted for ongoing specialist FND treatment.The total number of Emergency Room presentations in the year prior to program admission was obtained from central health records. Patients were provided ongoing treatment for one year, during which the number of ER presentations was monitored. Patients received one or more of the following treatment modalities: psychoeducation, psychological therapy, psychologically informed physical and occupational rehabilitation and psychopharmacological treatments.We subsequently compared high and low emergency service users. Low ER users are those with pre-treatment Emergency Room presentations of less than 3 per year. High emergency service users are those who presented to the emergency room 3 or more times per year before the start of their treatment.ResultsThe mean emergency room presentation per year in the year leading to patients referral was 2.6 per patient, SD 9.4; dropped to 1.2 emergency room presentations per year, with a standard deviation of 4.4 in the year following the start of treatment. The difference was statistically significant (p= 0.02).There was a strong positive correlation between the pre and post-treatment number of presentations with a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of 0.976 (95% Confidence Interval 0.962 to 0.985).The reduction in emergency room presentations in both high and low-emergency service user groups was significant, with a mean difference of 12 ER visits a year in high-frequency emergency service users (p= 0.04) and a mean difference of 0.5 visits a year in low-frequency emergency service users (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOngoing specialist treatment and rehabilitation of patients with Functional Neurological Disorder significantly reduce their need for emergency room presentation, regardless of the treatment modality.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Pattern of Emergency Presentation of Patients with Breast Cancer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Background:Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women in Nigeria. Presentation is usually elective. However, some patients present as an emergency with complications of the disease and its treatment. This study aimed to capture the features of this population of patients with breast cancer presenting as an emergency.Materials and Methods:The study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted between March 2021 and February 2022. All the patients with histologically diagnosed breast cancer presenting as an emergency were recruited into the study. Relevant information was retrieved and analysed.Results:Over the study period, 34 patients were recruited. They were all females and ages ranged between 27 and 74 years of age (mean: 45.56 ± 11.71 years), and the highest incidence was in the fifth decade of life. The first symptom in all patients was a breast lump, and the duration of disease ranged between 3 and 84 months (mean: 29.21 ± 22.38 months). The right breast was most commonly involved, and invasive ductal carcinoma (no specific type) was the commonest histologic type in 88.24% of cases. Over half of the patients seen had received no treatment after establishing the diagnosis of breast cancer. For those who received treatment, radiotherapy was the least accessed form of treatment. The most common symptoms were difficulty breathing and jaundice (29.41% each), and metastatic disease was the most common diagnosis. The duration of admission ranged between 1 and 35 days, and a mortality rate of 45.45% was recorded.Conclusion:The most common indication for emergency presentation in patients with breast cancer was metastatic disease.

Determinants of emergency presentation in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, even despite curative treatment. A significant proportion of patients present emergently and have poorer outcomes compared to elective presentations, independent of TNM stage. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, differences between elective/emergency presentations of colorectal cancer were examined to determine which factors were associated with emergency presentation. A literature search was carried out from 1990 to 2018 comparing elective and emergency presentations of colon and/or rectal cancer. All reported clinicopathological variables were extracted from identified studies. Variables were analysed through either systematic review or, if appropriate, meta-analysis. This study identified multiple differences between elective and emergency presentations of colorectal cancer. On meta-analysis, emergency presentations were associated with more advanced tumour stage, both overall (OR 2.05) and T/N/M/ subclassification (OR 2.56/1.59/1.75), more: lymphovascular invasion (OR 1.76), vascular invasion (OR 1.92), perineural invasion (OR 1.89), and ASA (OR 1.83). Emergencies were more likely to be of ethnic minority (OR 1.58). There are multiple tumour/host factors that differ between elective and emergency presentations of colorectal cancer. Further work is required to determine which of these factors are independently associated with emergency presentation and subsequently which factors have the most significant effect on outcomes.

Patient and treatment characteristics of emergency presentations due to immune-mediated toxicities

BackgroundThe prevalence of immune-mediated toxicities from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is well described. However, the characteristics and treatment patterns for patients with emergency presentations owing to immune-mediated toxicity are less well known. Materials and methodsThis study reviews all emergency presentations in patients treated with ICI at a single centre between May 2018 and March 2020. The aims were to describe and quantify patient and treatment characteristics, toxicity type and outcomes. Results1165 patients were treated with ICI, and there were 597 emergency presentations in 370 patients. Of these, 191/597 (32%) were owing to an immune-mediated toxicity, median age was 64 years, and 127/191 (67%) were men. The most common tumour types were melanoma (53%) and lung cancer (22%), and the most common ICI received was ipilimumab + nivolumab combination immunotherapy (42%), followed by pembrolizumab monotherapy (21%) and nivolumab monotherapy (20%). The median number of cycles received was three (range 1–54), and 75/191 (39%) had previous ≥ grade 2 immune-mediated toxicity. 29% patients required second-line immunosuppression. The median time in the hospital was four days. There was a rising number of emergency presentations reflecting overall increasing use of ICI. ConclusionsOver a quarter of patients treated with ICI had an emergency presentation, and immune-mediated toxicity accounted for 32% of these. A diagnosis of melanoma, treatment with combination immunotherapy and previous ≥ grade 2 immune-mediated toxicity were common in patients with immune-mediated toxicity. These data allow better identification of patients likely to require admission and forward planning for acute oncology services.

Patient and treatment characteristics of emergency presentations due to immune-mediated toxicities.

6586 Background: The prevalence of immune-mediated toxicities from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is well described. However, the characteristics and treatment patterns for patients with emergency presentations due to immune-mediated toxicity are less well known. Methods: This study of all emergency presentations in patients treated with ICIs was performed at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom from May 2018-February 2020. The aims were to describe the patient and treatment characteristics of those diagnosed with an immune-mediated toxicity. Results: In total, 597 patients receiving ICIs had an emergency presentation and 191/597 (32%) were diagnosed with an immune-mediated toxicity. Of these patients, the median age was 64 years and 127/191 (67%) were male. The most common tumour types were melanoma (53%) and lung (22%) and the most common ICI received was ipilimumab + nivolumab combination immunotherapy (42%), followed by pembrolizumab monotherapy (21%) and nivolumab monotherapy (20%). The median number of cycles received was 3 (range 1-54), and 73/191 (38%) previously had ≥ grade 2 immune-mediated toxicity. The most common diagnoses were colitis (38%), hepatitis (15%), and pneumonitis (14%). The majority, 180/191 (94%) received steroids and 52/180 (29%) patients required second-line immunosuppression. The most common second-line immunosuppressants used were mycophenolate mofetil (58%) and infliximab (50%). Eleven patients (22%) required more than one second-line immunosuppressant. Conclusions: The majority of patients with emergency presentations due to immune-mediated toxicity were being treated with combination immunotherapy for melanoma. More than a third of patients had previous ≥ grade 2 immune-mediated toxicity. Over one quarter of patients treated with steroids required second-line immunosuppression. Identifying these characteristics can help inform which patients receiving ICIs seeking medical review need admission to a center with experience in managing immune-mediated toxicity.

Emerging challenges in the evaluation of fever in cancer patients at risk of febrile neutropenia in the era of COVID-19: a MASCC position paper.

Patients with cancer are at higher risk of more severe COVID-19 infection and have more associated complications. The position paper describes the management of cancer patients, especially those receiving anticancer treatment, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dyspnea is a common emergency presentation in patients with cancer with a wide range of differential diagnoses, including pulmonary embolism, pleural disease, lymphangitis, and infection, of which SARS-CoV-2 is now a pathogen to be considered. Screening interviews to determine whether patients may be infected with COVID-19 are imperative to prevent the spread of infection, especially within healthcare facilities. Cancer patients testing positive with no or minimal symptoms may be monitored from home. Telemedicine is an option to aid in following patients without potential exposure. Management of complications of systemic anticancer treatment, such as febrile neutropenia (FN), is of particular importance during the COVID-19 pandemic where clinicians aim to minimize patients’ risk of infection and need for hospital visits. Outpatient management of patients with low-risk FN is a safe and effective strategy. Although the MASCC score has not been validated in patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2, it has nevertheless performed well in patients with a range of infective illnesses and, accordingly, it is reasonable to expect efficacy in the clinical setting of COVID-19. Risk stratification of patients presenting with FN is a vital tenet of the evolving sepsis and pandemic strategy, necessitating access to locally formulated services based on MASCC and other national and international guidelines. Innovative oncology services will need to utilize telemedicine, hospital at home, and ambulatory care services approaches not only to limit the number of hospital visits but also to anticipate the complications of the anticancer treatments.

Emergency management of immune-related toxicity.

Emergency presentations in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a clinical challenge. Clinicians need to be vigilant in diagnosing and treating immune-mediated toxicities. In this review, we consider the approach to managing an acutely unwell patient being treated with ICIs presenting as an emergency. A minority of acutely unwell patients treated with ICIs will have an immune-mediated toxicity. Early recognition and intervention in those with immune-mediated toxicity can reduce the duration and severity of the complications. The use of early immunosuppressive agents along corticosteroid therapy may improve outcomes in patients with life-threatening immune-mediated toxicity. Individualized management of immune-mediated toxicities is a key challenge for emergency oncology services; this has become part of routine cancer care.

Emergency presentations in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

IntroductionImmune-mediated toxicities are potentially fatal and can affect virtually any organ system. The prevalence of immune-mediated toxicity in patients being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is well described. However, the reasons for presentation and the prevalence of immune-mediated toxicity in acutely unwell patients being treated with ICIs is less well described. Materials and methodsA prospective analysis of all emergency presentations in patients being treated with ICIs was performed at a specialist oncology hospital in England from 20th May 2018 to 19th May 2019. The primary outcome measure was whether the emergency presentation related to an immune-mediated toxicity. Secondary outcome measures were length of stay associated with immune-mediated toxicities and 7- and 30-day mortalities related to these presentations. ResultsDuring the study period, 300 patients on ICIs presented. The most common primary presenting complaints were dyspnoea 59 (19.7%), diarrhoea 47 (15.7%) and fever 37 (12.3%). Ninety-eight (32.7%) patients were diagnosed with an immune-mediated toxicity of which colitis 38 (38.8%), hepatitis 19 (19.4%) and pneumonitis 14 (14.3%) were the most common. The mean length of inpatient stay for those diagnosed with an immune-mediated presentation was 7.1 (0–45) days compared with 6.2 (0–44) days in those without. Seven patients died within 7 days of the emergency presentation, of whom 2 died from immune-mediated toxicity. ConclusionsOne-third of cancer patients treated with ICIs admitted as an emergence had an immune-mediated toxicity and 2% died because of this. Acute care clinicians managing these patients need to be aware that immune-mediated toxicity is common in this patient population, but it can be challenging to differentiate these from other causes for emergency presentation.

Current management of radiation cystitis: a review and practical guide to clinical management

Haemorrhage is a frequent complication of radiation cystitis leading to emergency presentations in patients with prior pelvic radiation therapy. Standard initial patient management strategies involve resuscitation, bladder washout with clot evacuation and continuous bladder irrigation. Beyond this, definitive surgical treatment is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Alternative less invasive management options for non-emergent haemorrhagic cystitis include systemic medical therapies, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), intravesical therapies and laser ablation. However, evidence to support and compare treatment for haemorrhagic radiation cystitis is limited. Herein, a literature search pertaining to the current management of haemorrhagic cystitis was conducted. In total, 23 studies were included in this review with 2 studies reviewing systemic therapy, 7 studies evaluating HBO therapy, 10 studies investigating a variety of intravesical therapies and the remaining 4 were relating to ablative therapies. Across these studies, the patient groups were heterogenous with small numbers and variable follow up periods. With evaluation of existing literature, this narrative review also provides a stepwise clinical algorithm to aid the urologist in treating patients presenting with complications associated with radiation cystitis.

Secondary Bleedings in Oral Surgery Emergency Service: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Bleeding after dental surgery is still a common cause for emergency presentation in patients using anticoagulants. Our aim was to analyze pertinent characteristic features on the one hand and to bare existing problems in handling on the other. Materials and Methods The study included 76 patients. We documented basic data, anticoagulant medication, type of surgery, and tooth socket sutures in respective patients. Results The vast majority of patients took a coumarin derivative (41) and acetylsalicylic acid (27). Nine (12%) of the patients had to be hospitalized due to ongoing bleeding despite local haemostyptic steps and/or circulatory dysregulation. Most patients could be successfully treated in outpatient settings. No statistically significant correlation between bleeding, level of INR value, number of extracted teeth, and sewed alveoli could be shown. Sixty-five percent of cases with tooth extractions did not have suture of tooth sockets. Eighty-seven percent of the patients denied being informed about possible self-treatment options by their surgeon/dentist, and none of the patients got presurgical-fabricated bandage plate(s). Conclusions Patients taking coumarin derivative currently, furthermore, represent the biggest anticoagulant after-bleeding group in dentoalveolar surgery. The major part of after-bleedings (90%) can be handled in an outpatient setting with simplest surgical interventions. Unfortunately, the biggest part of the patient collective got no suture, no prefabricated dental bandage plate(s), and no explanation by their dentist how to handle in case of after-bleeding. Therefore, dental practitioners should furthermore get enlightenment on how to prevent after-bleeding situations.

Hospice Care and the Emergency Department: Rules, Regulations, and Referrals

Emergency clinicians often care for patients with terminal illness who are receiving hospice care and many more patients who may be in need of such care. Hospice care has been shown to successfully address the multidimensional aspects of the end-of-life concerns of terminally ill patients: dying with dignity, dying without pain, reducing the burden on family and caregivers, and achieving a home death, when desired. Traditional emergency medicine training may fail to address hospice as a system of care. When they are unfamiliar with the hospice model, emergency clinicians, patients, and caregivers may find it difficult to properly use and interact with these care services. Potential poor outcomes include the propagation of misleading or inaccurate information about the hospice system and the failure to guide appropriate patient referrals. This article reviews the hospice care service model and benefits offered, who may qualify for hospice care, common emergency presentations in patients under hospice care, and a stepwise approach to initiating a hospice care referral in the emergency department.

Acute DeBakey Type III (or Stanford Type B) Aortic Dissection Diagnosed by Transthoracic Echocardiography

Acute aortic dissection is an important differential diagnosis to exclude in the emergency presentation of patients with acute chest pain. Misdiagnosis can be fatal if treatment with antithrombotic agents (for presumed acute coronary syndrome) is administered. We present a series of two patients who presented to our center with acute DeBakey Type III (or Stanford Type B) aortic dissection where transthoracic echocardiography was useful in making the diagnosis, which was later confirmed by computed tomography contrast angiography of the aorta. Although transthoracic echocardiography has a lower sensitivity compared with other imaging techniques, it may still be helpful in the emergency setting, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients, for whom there are sometimes unavoidable delays in getting contrast-enhanced computed tomography or more invasive investigations like transesophageal echocardiography to establish the diagnosis.