Lidocaine-Midazolam-Fentanyl Combination in Controlling Pain for Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Finding a fast-acting compound with minimal side-effects to induce a safe and efficient analgesia with short or medium duration of action is of great interest in the emergency department. The present study has been designed with the aim of comparing the effect of midazolam + fentanyl + lidocaine combination with midazolam + fentanyl + placebo in pain management of anterior shoulder dislocation reduction.Methods: The present two-arm parallel double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on patients who presented to emergency department with anterior shoulder dislocation. Patients were randomly allocated to the 2 treatment groups of midazolam + fentanyl + placebo (double-drug group) and midazolam + fentanyl + intravenous (IV) lidocaine (triple-drug group). Then outcomes such as treatment success rate and side-effects following prescription of drugs were compared between the 2 groups.Results: 100 patients were included in the present study (50 patients in each group; mean age of the studied patients 27.3±8.9 years; 93.0% male). Using the double-drug regimen led to 35 (70%) cases of complete analgesia, while this rate in the triple-drug group was 41 (82%) cases (p=0.16). The calculated number needed to treat was 9 cases. This means that about one in every 9 patients in treatment arm will benefit from the treatment. The most important side-effects observed included dysrhythmia (1 patient in double drug and 1 patient in triple-drug group), apnea (2 patients in each group) and SPO2<90% (2 patients in triple-drug group) (p=0.78). Number needed to harm was 25 cases. In other words, for each 25 patients treated with the triple drug regimen, 1 case of SPO2<90% is observed.Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed that adding IV lidocaine to IV midazolam + fentanyl drug combination does not provide additional analgesia in sedation for anterior shoulder reduction

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding as Delayed Presentation of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: a Case Report

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is one of the critical complications resulting from penetrating chest trauma. The rate of undiagnosed TDH equivocates 12-60%. The significant part of complications happens 1-4 years after the primary damage. Here, we report a case of delayed TDH presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) as an excuse to discuss this issue. Case presentation: The patient was a 35-year-old man, admitted with objection of abdominal pain. A nasogastric tube was inserted and fixed that resulted in drainage of about 500cc dark blood. He was candidate for emergent endoscopy due to upper GIB. During resuscitation measures, he suddenly developed respiratory distress that could not be justified by upper GIB alone. Therefore, bedside sonography discovered some soft tissue apart from lung tissue in the left hemithorax. After performing diagnostic measures, with diagnosis of diaphragmatic herniation and strangulation he underwent emergent surgery. Conclusion: Small diaphragmatic lesions, which usually result from stab wounds, may develop into larger injuries if left untreated and they might lead to a diaphragmatic hernia with a potential risk of early or late complications and mortality. One of the rare complications is GIB, which should be considered in a patient with past history of trauma and presentation of GIB

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding as Delayed Presentation of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: a Case Report

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is one of the critical complications resulting from penetrating chest trauma. The rate of undiagnosed TDH equivocates 12-60%. The significant part of complications happens 1-4 years after the primary damage. Here, we report a case of delayed TDH presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) as an excuse to discuss this issue. Case presentation: The patient was a 35-year-old man, admitted with objection of abdominal pain. A nasogastric tube was inserted and fixed that resulted in drainage of about 500cc dark blood. He was candidate for emergent endoscopy due to upper GIB. During resuscitation measures, he suddenly developed respiratory distress that could not be justified by upper GIB alone. Therefore, bedside sonography discovered some soft tissue apart from lung tissue in the left hemithorax. After performing diagnostic measures, with diagnosis of diaphragmatic herniation and strangulation he underwent emergent surgery. Conclusion: Small diaphragmatic lesions, which usually result from stab wounds, may develop into larger injuries if left untreated and they might lead to a diaphragmatic hernia with a potential risk of early or late complications and mortality. One of the rare complications is GIB, which should be considered in a patient with past history of trauma and presentation of GIB

Baseline Characteristics of Fall from Height Victims Presenting to Emergency Department; a Brief Report

Introduction: Trauma due to accidents or fall from height is a major cause of disability and mortality. The present study was designed aiming to evaluate the baseline characteristics of fall from height victims presenting to emergency department (ED).Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study evaluates the baseline characteristics of fall from height cases presenting to EDs of three educational Hospitals, Tehran, Iran, during one year. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 and presented using descriptive statistics.Results: 460 patients with the mean age of 27.89 ± 20.95 years were evaluated (76.5% male). 191 (41.5%) falls occurred when working, 27 (5.9%) during play, and 242 (52.6%) in other times. Among construction workers, 166 (81.4%) had not used any safety equipment. Fracture and dislocation with 180 (39.1%) cases and soft tissue injury with 166 (36.1%) were the most common injuries inflicted. Mean height of falling was 3.41 ± 0.34 (range: 0.5 – 20) meters. Finally, 8 (1.7%) of the patients died (50% intentional) and 63% were discharged from ED. A significant correlation was detected between mortality and the falls being intentional (p < 0.0001) as well as greater height of fall (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Based on the findings, most fall from height victims in the present study were young men, single, construction workers, with less than high school diploma education level. Intentional fall and greater height of falling significantly correlated with mortality

Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl versus Midazolam-Fentanyl in Pain Management of Distal Radius Fractures Reduction; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Currently, using various combinations of narcotic and analgesic drugs has received attention for induction of sedation and analgesia due to their synergy in controlling pain and anxiety. The present study was designed with the aim of comparing dexmedetomidine-fentanyl combination with midazolam-fentanyl in this regard. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients diagnosed with distal radius fracture who had visited the emergency department (ED) were allocated to either the group receiving the combination of fentanyl-midazolam or the one receiving dexmedetomidine-fentanyl for procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) and were compared regarding analgesic characteristics, time to recovery and side effects. Results: 80 patients with the mean age of 42.08 ± 12.17 (18 - 60) years were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 40 (83.80% male). The 2 groups did not have a significant difference regarding baseline characteristics as well as pain severity.  Mean pain score at the time of procedure was 3.47 ± 1.37 in dexmedetomidine and 2.85 ± 1.05 in midazolam group (p = 0.025). In addition, time to recovery in dexmedetomidine and midazolam groups was 6.60 ± 1.86 minutes and 12.70 ± 1.70 minutes, respectively (p < 0.001). Out of the 9 patients who experienced treatment failure, 8 (88.90%) patients were in dexmedetomidine group and 1 (11.10%) was in midazolam group (p = 0.029). Absolute risk increase rate of treatment failure in case of using dexmedetomidine instead of midazolam was 17.50% (95%CI: 4.19 – 30.81) and number needed to harm was 6.00 (95% CI: 3.20 – 23.80). Conclusion: Although the combination of dexmedetomidine-fentanyl had a shorter time to recovery compared to midazolam-fentanyl for induction of sedation and analgesia, the treatment failure rate in case of using dexmedetomidine with 1 µg/kg increased 17.5% and about 1 out of each 6 patients needed a rescue dose

True Vertigo Patients in Emergency Department; an Epidemiologic Study

Introduction: Vertigo prevalence is estimated to be 1.8% among young adults and more than 30% in the elderly. 13-38% of the referrals of patients over 65 years old in America are due to vertigo. Vertigo does not increase the risk of mortality but it can affect the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of vertigo patients referred to the emergency department (ED). Methods: In this 6-month retrospective cross-sectional study, the profiles of all vertigo patients referred to the ED of Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from October 2013 to March 2014 were evaluated. Demographic data and baseline characteristics of the patients were recorded and then patients were divided into central and peripheral vertigo. The correlation of history and clinical examination with vertigo type was evaluated and screening performance characteristics of history and clinical examination in differentiating central and peripheral vertigo were determined. Results: 379 patients with the mean age of 50.69 ± 11.94 years (minimum 18 and maximum 86) were enrolled (58.13% female). There was no sex difference in vertigo incidence (p = 0.756). A significant correlation existed between older age and increase in frequency of central cases (p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected between the treatment protocols regarding ED length of stay (p = 0.72). There was a significant overlap between the initial diagnosis and the final decision based on imaging and neurologist’s final opinion (p < 0.001). In the end, 361 (95.3%) patients were discharged from ED, while 18 were disposed to the neurology ward. No case of mortality was reported. Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity of history and clinical examination in differentiating central and peripheral vertigo were 99 (95% CI: 57-99) and 99 (95% CI: 97-99), respectively

Ultrasound-Guided Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures

Introduction: Distal radius fractures are a common traumatic injury, particularly in the elderly population. In the present study we examined the effectiveness of ultrasound guidance in the reduction of distal radius fractures in adult patients presenting to emergency department (ED). Methods: In this prospective case control study, eligible patients were adults older than 18 years who presented to the ED with distal radius fractures. 130 consecutive patient consisted of two group of Sixty-Five patients were prospectively enrolled for around 1 years. The first group underwent ultrasound-guided reduction and the second (control group) underwent blind reduction. All procedures were performed by two trained emergency residents under supervision of senior emergency physicians. Results: Baseline characteristics between two groups were similar. The rate of repeat reduction was reduced in the ultrasound group (9.2% vs 24.6%; P = .019). The post reduction radiographic indices were similar between the two groups, although the ultrasound group had improved volar tilt (mean, 7.6° vs 3.7°; P = .000). The operative rate was reduced in the ultrasound groups (10.8% vs 27.7%; P = .014). Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance is effective and recommended for routine use in the reduction of distal radius fractures

Educational Intervention Effect on Pain Management Quality in Emergency Department; a Clinical Audit

Introduction: Pain is a frequent complaint of patients who are referred to the emergency department (ED), which is ignored or mismanaged and, almost always, approached in terms of determining the cause of pain instead of pain management. Pain management is a challenging issue in the ED. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of emergency resident’s education about pain assessment and pain-relief drugs in the improvement in pain management. Method: A clinical audit was carried out during the year 2015 in the ED of Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All patients over 16-year-old who had been complaining of pain or another complaint that included pain were eligible. Data were collected using a preformed checklist. One senior emergency medicine resident was responsible for filling the checklist. In the first phase, patients were enrolled into the study and were divided into two groups according to whether they had or did not have a pain management order. In the second phase, the first- and second-year emergency medicine residents were trained during the various classes that they were required to attend, through a workshop conducted by experienced professors, and based on existing valid guidelines. In the third phase, patients were enrolled into the study, and the same checklists were completed. Results: A total of 803 patients (401 before training and 402 after) were assessed. The mean age of the patients before and after training of the residents was 59.19 ± 44.45 and 40.24 ± 19.40 years, respectively. Table 1 illustrates the demographic information of patients that were not significantly different before and after the training period (p > 0.05). The most common cause of pain was soft tissue injury, both before (36.3%) and after training (34.3%). The most frequent drug that was administered for pain control was morphine, both before (62.5%) and after (41.4%) training. Although the number of patients with moderate pain intensity was higher during the after-training period, pain control quality was described to be better in this group and success rate of pain control was significantly increased after training (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Findings from the present study showed that there was a significant deficiency in pain management of the admitted patients, and the most common reason for this was the physician's fear of the drug’s side effects. However, significant progress was seen after the training regarding pain management process in ED

Oral Piracetam vs Betahistine in Outpatient Management of Peripheral Vertigo; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Although vertigo is a common complaint in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), its ideal treatment is still under debate. This study was conducted to compare oral betahistine and oral piracetam in management of outpatients with peripheral vertigo. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial performed on patients who were presented to the EDs of 4 teaching hospitals, with complaint of true vertigo. Patients were randomly allocated to either betahistine or piracetam group and their 7-day outcomes were compared. Results: 100 cases with the mean age of 54.72 ± 14.09 years were randomly allocated to either group (62.0% female). The two groups were similar regarding age, sex, and intensity of symptom at the time of presenting to the ED. Twelve (24%) patients in piracetam group and 6 (12%) patients in betahistine group experienced adverse events (odds ratio: 2.32, CI 95%: 0.79-6.76; p = 0.125). There were 3 (6%) patients in each group that experienced a recurrence of their symptoms and 2 (4%) patients in each group saw another physician for vertigo. Conclusion: Oral piracetam is a potentially proper treatment for management of peripheral vertigo and there are few adverse effects associated with it

Facilitating the Diagnostic Process of the Patients with Complaint of Acute Limb Swelling in Emergency Room; a Brief Report

Introduction: Limb swelling is among the frequent complaints of patients referring to the emergency room (ER). Objective: We decided to take a step towards facilitating the diagnostic process of patients who refer to ER with such complaint, and find out whether emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) can play an effective role in this regard. Methods: This was a diagnostic accuracy study in which all patients who referred to the ER with a complaint of unilateral leg swelling were studied. The patients underwent bedside sonography by the researchers, who were emergency medicine physicians (EMPs), and also underwent a second sonography by the in-charge radiologist using the same device and probe. The accuracy of the diagnoses made by researchers was evaluated using the radiologists’ opinion as the gold standard. Results: In this study, the data of 52 patients were analyzed. In general, the agreement rate between the EMPs and radiologists was 0.863, which indicates a proper agreement. Based on the findings, Kappa agreement for the four differential diagnoses ranged from 0.639 to 0.919 and the AUC was between 0.750 and 0.976. Conclusions: In this study, the overall agreement between the EMPs and radiologists was appropriate