The additional ımpact of simulation based medical training to traditional medical training alone in advanced cardiac life support: a scenario based evaluation

Objectives. The principal aim of medical education is to provide medical student with the fundamental knowledge and required skills that can be specifically used in real-life conditions such as high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Traditional medical training (TMT) is an effective method in Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training. Simulation-based medical training (SBMT), with the advancements in technology, is a relatively new, but a preferred ACLS training method since it implements a safe educational environment. We planned a scenario-based study to evaluate the additional impact of SBMT to TMT alone in ACLS training. Methods. This before-after type, comparative, cohort study was performed in a simulation center. One hundred thirty-six 6th grade medical students who took ACLS training with TMT on their emergency medicine clerkship were enrolled in 34 teams. All students managed a specific ACLS scenario before and after SBMT with a high-fidelity manikin. All data regarding chest compression, airway management, defibrillation and drug administration were recorded by the sensors of the high-fidelity manikin. Results. Median age was 23 and 51.5% were male. After SBMT, we found significant increases in the successful CPR cycle rate and successful scenario completion rate (60.3%; 61.8%, respectively). Median time to chest compression (Tcc) and defibrillation (Tdef) were significantly decreased after SBMT (1 sec., 1 sec., respectively). For the adequacy of chest compressions, compression depth, recoil, and frequency are all significantly increased after SBMT, 7.0 mm, 6.0 mm and 8.5/min, respectively. Conclusion. SBMT in combination with TMT is a promising ACLS training method when compared to TMT alone

Carbamazepine overdose after exposure to simethicone: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant drug and is also used as a treatment for patients with manic-depressive illness, post-herpetic neuralgia or phantom limb pain. The drug itself has many drug interactions. Simethicone is an antifoaming agent and is reported to be an inert material with no known drug interaction with carbamazepine.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of a patient who was routinely using carbamazepine 400 mg three times per day and levetiracetam 500 mg twice daily, and experienced carbamazepine overdose after exposure to simethicone. After cessation of simethicone therapy normal drug levels of carbamazepine were obtained again with the standard dose of the drug. The mechanism of interaction is unknown but the risk of overdose should be considered when prescribing simethicone to a patient who is using carbamazepine.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Simethicone and carbamazepine, when taken together, may be a cause of carbamazepine toxicity. The risk of carbamazepine overdose should be considered when prescribing simethicone to a patient who is using carbamazepine.</p

Can NT-proBNP be used as a criterion for heart failure hospitalization in emergency room?

Background: Heart failure is a common health problem with poor prognosis. The gold standard for diagnosis is echocardiography but it is not always reachable, especially in emergency conditions. NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a novel indicator for the diagnosis of heart failure and is being used in routine tests in emergency rooms. This study was conducted to compare NT-proBNP levels between hospitalized congestive heart failure (CHF) patients and outpatients. Methods: This study was designed as a single-centre, prospective, and controlled trial. Blood samples and data were collected from a total of 119 patients with shortness of breath admitted to Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, Marmara University. Patients were primarily diagnosed with decompensated heart failure according to the Framingham criteria and aged above 18 years. A total of 92 patients were included in the study after exclusions. NT-proBNP measurements were made by immune fluorescent method. Available data were compared between hospitalized patients and outpatients. Results: NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in hospitalized patients compared to outpatients, and this finding was correlated with the clinical status of the patients. The mean NT-proBNP value of the patients was 9741.9 ± 8973 pg/ml (range: 245-35000) while the mean NT-proBNP value of patients diagnosed with non-decompensated congestive heart failure was 688.9 ± 284.5 pg/ml (range: 115-1450.65). Conclusions: NT-proBNP can be used as an easy diagnostic method for congestive heart failure. A certain cut-off value may be determined in further multi-centre controlled trials with larger patient groups