Operating Room Admission Research Articles

Unveiling the performance of the prehospital Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (pREMS): How the predictive score impacts in-hospital outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI): A retrospective observational cohort study

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the prehospital rapid emergency medicine score (pREMS) for predicting the outcomes of hospitalized patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who died, were discharged, were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), or were admitted to the operating room (OR) within 72 h.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was performed on a sample of 513 TBI patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) of Besat Hospital in 2023. Only patients of both sexes aged 18 years or older who were not pregnant and had adequate documentation of vital signs were included in the analysis. Patients who died during transport and patients who were transferred from other hospitals were excluded. The predictive power of the pREMS for each outcome was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and specificity curves and by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsThe mean pREMS scores for hospital discharge, death, ICU admission and OR admission were 11.97 ± 3.84, 6.32 ± 3.15, 8.24 ± 5.17 and 9.88 ± 2.02, respectively. pREMS accurately predicted hospital discharge and death (AOR = 1.62, P < 0.001) but was not a good predictor of ICU or OR admission (AOR = 1.085, P = 0.603). The AUROCs for the ability of the pREMS to predict outcomes in hospitalized TBI patients were 0.618 (optimal cutoff point = 7) for ICU admission and OR and 0.877 (optimal cutoff point = 9.5) for hospital discharge and death at 72 h.ConclusionThe results indicate that the pREMS, a new preclinical trauma score for traumatic brain injury, is a useful tool for prehospital risk stratification (RST) in TBI patients. The pREMS showed good discriminatory power for predicting in-hospital mortality within 72 h in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Association between preoperative toe perfusion index and maternal core temperature decrease during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe main mechanism of body temperature decrease during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia is core-to-peripheral redistribution of body heat, attributable to vasodilation. Perfusion index (PI) obtained with a pulse oximeter helps to assess peripheral perfusion dynamics by detecting the change in peripheral vascular tone. This study aimed to examine whether preoperative toe PI could predict the decrease in core temperature induced by spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery.MethodsParturients undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia from September 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled in this single-center prospective cohort study. All parturients received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (10 mg) with fentanyl (15 μg) intrathecally. A pulse oximeter probe was placed on the left second toe for continuous PI measurement. The 3 M™ Bair Hugger™ Temperature Monitoring System placed over the right temporal region was used to record core temperature over time. We evaluated the association between the maximum core temperature decrease, which is the primary outcome, and the preoperative toe PI at operating room (OR) admission using a segmented regression model (SRM) and a generalized additive model (GAM). The maximum core temperature decrease was defined as the difference between core temperature at OR admission and minimum intraoperative core temperature.ResultsForty-eight patients were evaluated. In the SRM, the slope for the association between the maximum core temperature decrease and the preoperative toe PI changed from 0.031 to 0.124 after PI = 2.4%. Likewise, with the GAM, there was a small core temperature decrease when preoperative toe PI was greater than 2.0 to 3.0%.ConclusionsLow preoperative toe PI was associated with maternal core temperature decrease during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Preoperative toe PI is a simple, non-invasive, and effective tool for the early prediction of perioperative core temperature decrease during cesarean delivery.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registry number: UMIN000037965).

Predictors for Direct to Operating Room Admission in Severe Trauma

BackgroundProtocols for expediting critical trauma patients directly from the helipad to the operating room tend to vary by center, rely heavily on physician gestalt, and lack supporting evidence. We evaluated a population of severely injured trauma patients with the aim of determining objective factors associated with the need for immediate surgical intervention. MethodsAll highest-activation trauma patients transported by air ambulance between 1/1/16 and 12/31/17 were enrolled retrospectively. Transfer, pediatric, isolated burn, and isolated head trauma patients were excluded. Patients who underwent emergency general surgery within 30 min of arrival without the aid of cross-sectional imaging were compared to the remainder of the cohort. ResultsOf the 863 patients who were enrolled, 85 (10%) spent less than 30 min in the emergency department (ED) before undergoing an emergency operation. The remaining 778 patients (90%) formed the comparison group. The ED ≤ 30 min group had a higher percentage of penetrating injuries, lower blood pressure, and was more likely to have a positive FAST exam. The “Direct to Operating Room” (DTOR) score is a predictive scoring system devised to identify patients most likely to benefit from bypassing the ED. The odds ratio of emergency operation within 30 min of hospital arrival increased by 2.71 (95% confidence interval 2.23-3.29; P < 0.001) for every 1-point increase in DTOR score. ConclusionsTrauma patients with profound hypotension or acidosis and positive FAST were more likely to require surgery within 30 min of hospital presentation. Use of a scoring system may allow early identification of these patients in the prehospital setting by nonphysician providers.

The interactive effect of preoperative consultation and operating room admission by a counselor on anxiety level and vital signs in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting surgery. A clinical trial study.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to provide appropriate preoperative supportive conditions to improve anxiety and vital signs for patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting -CABG- surgery. Methods. This clinical trial study was performed on 90 patients undergoing CABG surgery in Farshchian Hospital of Hamadan, Iran in 2019. Sample was selected by convenience and were randomly divided into three groups: control (n=30), intervention1 (n=30), and intervention2 (n=30). The control group received only the routine preoperative counseling of ward and admitted to the operating room as usual; the intervention1 and intervention2 groups in addition received another two counseling sessions, then the intervention1 group was admitted in the operating room as usual, but the intervention2 group was admitted by the counselor in the operating room. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire including demographic characteristics, vital signs chart, and the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean anxiety of the three groups after admission in the operating room (intervention2 was lower than intervention1 and control groups, p<0.001; and intervention 1 group was lower than control group, p<0.001) and also there was a significant difference between the mean systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate of the three groups (p<0.001) but the mean of the variables of temperature and diastolic blood pressure in the three groups were not significantly different (p=0.59 and p=0.225, respectively). Conclusion. Our results revealed preoperative consultation and admission in the operating room by the consultant can reduce the level of anxiety and stability of vital signs of patients undergoing CABG.

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on patient well-being and satisfaction in thyroid surgery.

BackgroundAlthough the positive effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on clinical outcomes followingmajor surgery have been reported continuously, there are few investigations of them in minor surgical patients. Thepresent study was designed to examine the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on patient well-beingand satisfaction in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.MethodsFifty adults aged 20–65 years and scheduled for elective thyroidectomy in first schedule in the morning wereallocated to one of two groups. The Control group (n = 25) was requested to obey traditional preoperative fasting aftermidnight prior to the day of surgery. The Carbohydrate group (n = 25) also fasted overnight but drank 400 ml of carbohydrate-richdrink 2 hours before induction of anesthesia. Patient well-being (thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nauseaand vomiting, fatigue, anxiety and sleep quality) and satisfaction were assessed just before the operating room admission(preoperative) and 6 hours following surgery (postoperative). Other secondary outcomes including oral Schirmer’s testand plasma glucose concentrations were also evaluated.ResultsThe two groups were homogenous in patient characteristics. Seven parameters representing patient well-beingevaluated on NRS (0–10) and patient satisfaction scored on a 5-point scale were not statistically different between thetwo groups preoperatively and postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes.ConclusionsPreoperative oral carbohydrate administration does not appear to improve patient well-being and satisfactioncompared with midnight fasting in patients undergoing thyroidectomy in first schedule in the morning.

Effect of a Preoperative Preparation Program on Anxiety in School-age Children Undergoing Surgery Using a Factorial Design

Background: Surgery is a stressful experience in children. Therefore, the familiarization of this population with treatment processes by means of appropriate training tools and techniques can be an effective way to control their anxiety. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a preoperative preparation program on anxiety in school-age children undergoing surgery using a factorial design. Method: This clinical trial was conducted on 81 children aged 6-12 years as candidates for elective surgery at Doctor Sheikh Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, in 2016. A preparation program was implemented with two methods (i.e., displaying video tutorials with and without nurses’ explanations) and on two different days (i.e., prior to and on the day of operation) using a factorial design. The estimation of children’s anxiety was accomplished by using the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale administered before training and prior to operating room admission. The data were analyzed by statistical tests in SPSS software, version 16. Results: The study groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics (P>0.05). There was no significant differences among the four groups regarding manifest anxiety based on the place of referral (i.e., department or clinic) (P=0.22), presentation or non-presentation of explanations by nurses (P=0.12), and their interaction effects (P=0.22). Implications for Practice: No significant difference was observed among the four groups in terms of manifest anxiety. Therefore, all four training methods were effective in reducing anxiety in children. Consequently, each of these methods can be used depending on human resources and infrastructure of each department.

Influence of saline-based hydroxyethyl starch on umbilical cord blood electrolytes.

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is widely used to prevent and treat spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension during cesarean section. However, the use of saline-based HES may lead to hyperchloremia. This study aimed to clarify the effects of saline-based HES on umbilical cord chloride level at delivery. We retrospectively analyzed 93 consecutive single-pregnancy patients who underwent cesarean section with combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups, depending on the use of 6% HES 130/0.4: group A (461±167ml of saline-based HES was administered; 43 patients) and group B (HES not administered; 50 patients). The major outcome was umbilical cord chloride level at delivery. The volume infused from operating room admission until delivery was not significantly different between groups. The umbilical cord chloride level at delivery was statistically significantly higher in group A than in group B, but clinically similar (108±2 vs. 107±2mmol/l, P=0.02). No differences were observed in the Apgar score or other umbilical cord laboratory data at delivery (Na+, K+, pH, base excess). In conclusion, we suggest that although the use of up to 500ml of saline-based HES during cesarean section influences umbilical cord blood electrolytes, the effect is not of a clinically significant magnitude.

Inhaled nitric oxide for the brain dead donor with neurogenic pulmonary edema during anesthesia for organ donation: a case report.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) in brain dead organ donors occurring after an acute central nervous system insult threatens organ preservation of potential organ donors and the outcome of organ donation. Hence the active and immediate management of NPE is critical. In this case, a 50-year-old male was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for organ donation. He was hypoxic due to NPE induced by spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage. Protective ventilatory management, intermittent recruitment maneuvers, and supportive treatment were maintained in the ICU and the operating room (OR). Despite this management, the hypoxemia worsened after the OR admission. So inhaled nitric oxide (NO) therapy was performed during the operation, and the hypoxic phenomena showed remarkable improvement. The organ retrieval was successfully completed. Therefore, NO inhalation can be helpful in the improvement of hypoxemia caused by NPE in brain dead organ donors during anesthesia for the organ donation.

Cost and Quality Implications of Opioid-Based Postsurgical Pain Control in Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Study of Cost Outliers and Opioid-Related Adverse Events

Objective A retrospective medical record review, case-control study of patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy was conducted to determine the relationship between opioid burden, related adverse drug effects (ADEs), and extended length of stay (LOS) and acute care costs cause(s) of LOS outliers. Methods Ninety-seven case patients with extended LOS (≥ 5 days) met the study eligibility criteria and were matched with case controls (patients with a LOS &lt;5 days). The medical records of cases and controls were reviewed to collect information describing pre-established data points: opioid doses and opioid-related ADEs. Difference between cases and controls were compared using McNemar's test for matched pairs, paired t test, and signed rank test. Results Comparisons of opioid-related ADEs revealed the following statistically significant differences compared with controls: respiratory ADEs (eg, hypoxia) in 12% of cases versus 1% of controls ( P &lt; .01) and gastrointestinal ADEs (eg, nausea/vomiting) in 44% of cases versus 19% of controls ( P &lt; .01). Cases received higher doses during the 72 hours following postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge ( P = .04). By hospital discharge, cases had received 2.5 times the total opioid dose of controls and, on average, remained hospitalized 132 hours (5.5 days) longer than controls. Approximately 33% of LOS difference between cases and controls occurred prior to operating room admission, whereas approximately 66% occurred between PACU admission and hospital discharge. Conclusions Case patients with unusually long length of hospital stay (LOS outliers) received higher opioid doses and experienced more opioid-related ADEs than controls. These factors appear to contribute to outlier status but cannot completely explain all LOS outliers.

Preoperative Care Management of Patients With Hip Fractures During the Wait Time Between Emergency Department Discharge and Operating Room Admission for Surgical Repair

Recognizing a patient's needs during the emergency department to operating room interval is crucial to identify areas for improvement. A review of the literature provided no pertinent research regarding this phase of the preoperative experience. This descriptive study examined the preoperative care management of patients with hip fractures during the wait time between emergency department discharge and operating room admission. Data were collected through a systematic retrospective chart review. Demographic variables included gender, age, and comorbidities. Preoperative patient variables included type of analgesia, level of pain, antiembolism interventions, fluid intake, sensory perception/cognition, mobility, and nutritional intake. Subjects were patients cared for at 3 sites in a large multihospital system. A total of 137 charts were reviewed. Although findings were not statistically significant, opportunities to improve care were identified. More attention is needed to evaluate patients effectively for pain, particularly where there are cognitive deficits. Designing and implementing a program for increased bed mobility and protocols that closely monitor and manage fluid intake may offset postoperative complications.

Hipoxemia por fístulas artério-venosas pulmonares em criança: relato de caso

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae (PAVF) should be investigated in patients with cyanosis of unknown cause. This is a case of cyanosis in a child submitted to pulmonary lobectomy with PAVF. Male patient, 3 years old, with history of cyanosis without dyspnea since 8 months of age. He presented significant cyanosis, finger clubbing and normal heart auscultation. Chest X-ray showed condensation in the upper half of the left lung. Normal echocardiography and ECG. PaO2 = 28 mmHg in room air and PaO2 = 31.5 mmHg with nasal O2 catheter. Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging, with no possibility of embolization. Patient was submitted to upper left lobectomy under general anesthesia associated to spinal anesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine. Selective tracheal tube for the right lung was inserted for monopulmonary ventilation. SaO2 was 59% in room air; at operating room admission 69% (FiO2 = 1.0); after general anesthesia induction 65% (FiO2 = 1.0); during monopulmonary ventilation 58% (FiO2 = 1.0), after lobectomy 98% (FiO2 = 1.0) and 98% at the end of the surgery (FiO2 = 0.6). Extubation was performed one hour after surgery completion. As from the fifth postoperative day patient started presenting progressive SpO2 decrease down to 83% due to increase of another PAVF, which was embolized under general anesthesia. Patient was discharged on the 15th PO day. In this case, there was poor preoperative response to oxygen therapy, and patient has immediately improved after surgical treatment. However, after surgical resection of the largest PAVF, another fistula increased, thus leading to decrease in postoperative SpO2, reverted by embolization. As the child grows, other pulmonary fistula or fistulae in other organs may be diagnosed, indicating Rendu-Osler-Weber Syndrome.

Association between Insurance Status and Admission Rate for Patients Evaluated in the Emergency Department

Abstract Objectives: To determine if differences exist in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU)/operating room admission rates based on health insurance status. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of data from hospital clinical and financial records for all 2001 emergency department (ED) visits (80,209) to an academic urban hospital. Hospital admission and intensive care unit (ICU)/operating room admissions were analyzed, controlling for triage acuity, primary complaint, diagnosis, diagnosis‐related group (DRG) severity, and demographics. Multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with hospital admission for underinsured (self‐pay and Medicaid) compared with other insured (private health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, worker's compensation, and Medicare) patients. Results: Compared with the other insured group, underinsured patients were less likely, overall, to be admitted to the hospital (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.90), controlling for all other factors studied. Subgroup analysis of common complaints showed underinsured patients with a chief complaint of abdominal pain (OR, 0.67; 95% CI = 0.55 to 0.80) or headache (OR, 0.61; 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.95) had the lowest adjusted ORs for admission to the hospital, compared with other insured patients. Underinsured patients with DRG of “menstrual and other female reproductive system disorders” (OR, 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.51) or “esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and miscellaneous digestive disorders” (OR, 0.55; 95% CI = 0.28 to 0.96) also were less likely to be admitted compared with the other insured group. No significant differences in ICU/operating room admission rates were found between insurance groups. Conclusions: Whereas there was no difference in admission rates to the ICU/operating room by insurance status, this single‐center study does suggest an association between insurance status and admission to a general hospital service, which may or may not be causally related. Factors other than provider bias may be responsible for this observed difference.

Association between insurance status and admission rate for patients evaluated in the emergency department.

To determine if differences exist in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU)/operating room admission rates based on health insurance status. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of data from hospital clinical and financial records for all 2001 emergency department (ED) visits (80,209) to an academic urban hospital. Hospital admission and intensive care unit (ICU)/operating room admissions were analyzed, controlling for triage acuity, primary complaint, diagnosis, diagnosis-related group (DRG) severity, and demographics. Multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with hospital admission for under insured (self-pay and Medicaid) compared with other insured (private health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, worker's compensation, and Medicare) patients. Compared with the other insured group, under insured patients were less likely, overall, to be admitted to the hospital (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.90), controlling for all other factors studied. Subgroup analysis of common complaints showed under insured patients with a chief complaint of abdominal pain (OR, 0.67; 95% CI = 0.55 to 0.80) or headache (OR, 0.61; 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.95) had the lowest adjusted ORs for admission to the hospital, compared with other insured patients. Under insured patients with DRG of "menstrual and other female reproductive system disorders" (OR, 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.51) or "esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and miscellaneous digestive disorders" (OR, 0.55; 95% CI = 0.28 to 0.96) also were less likely to be admitted compared with the other insured group. No significant differences in ICU/operating room admission rates were found between insurance groups. Whereas there was no difference in admission rates to the ICU/operating room by insurance status, this single-center study does suggest an association between insurance status and admission to a general hospital service, which may or may not be causally related. Factors other than provider bias may be responsible for this observed difference.