A Systematic Review of the Effects of Hyperoxia in Acutely Ill Patients:Should We Aim for Less?

Introduction. Despite widespread and liberal use of oxygen supplementation, guidelines about rational use of oxygen are scarce. Recent data demonstrates that current protocols lead to hyperoxemia in the majority of the patients and most health care professionals are not aware of the negative effects of hyperoxemia. Method. To investigate the effects of hyperoxemia in acutely ill patients on clinically relevant outcomes, such as neurological and functional status as well as mortality, we performed a literature review using Medline (PubMed) and Embase. We used the following terms: hyperoxemia OR hyperoxemia OR [“oxygen inhalation therapy” AND (mortality OR death OR outcome OR survival)] OR [oxygen AND (mortality OR death OR outcome OR survival)]. Original studies about the clinical effects of hyperoxemia in adult patients suffering from acute or emergency illnesses were included. Results. 37 articles were included, of which 31 could be divided into four large groups: cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and sepsis. Although a single study demonstrated a transient protective effect of hyperoxemia after TBI, other studies revealed higher mortality rates after cardiac arrest, stroke, and TBI treated with oxygen supplementation leading to hyperoxemia. Approximately half of the studies showed no association between hyperoxemia and clinically relevant outcomes. Conclusion. Liberal oxygen therapy leads to hyperoxemia in a majority of patients and hyperoxemia may negatively affect survival after acute illness. As a clinical consequence, aiming for normoxemia may limit negative effects of hyperoxemia in patients with acute illness

The ABCDE primary assessment in the emergency department in medically ill patients: An observational pilot study

Background: Competency in the Airway Breathing Circulation Disability Exposure (ABCDE) approach is required for working in the emergency department. There is limited knowledge on how often and how completely the ABCDE approach is applied to medical patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency with which the ABCDE approach was used in potentially unstable patients and to determine factors influencing the choice of whether or not to use the ABCDE approach. Methods: This observational pilot study included 270 medical patients admitted to the emergency department and it was observed if and how completely the ABCDE approach was performed. We registered several factors possibly determining its use. Results: Of the 270 patients included, 206 were identified as possibly unstable patients based on their triage code. The ABCDE approach was used in a minority of these patients (33%). When the ABCDE approach was used, it was done rapidly (generally within 10 minutes) and highly completely (> 80% of needed items). The choice not to use the ABCDE approach was frequently based on a first clinical impression and/or vital signs obtained during triage. The ABCDE approach was used more often with a higher triage code. Conclusions: We show that the emergency department staff are capable of performing the ABCDE approach rather completely (83%), but it was only used in the minority of potentially unstable patients. Important factors determining this choice were the vital signs on triage and a quick first impression. Whether this adequately selects patients in need for an ABCDE approach is not clear yet

The ABCDE primary assessment in the emergency department in medically ill patients:An observational pilot study

Background: Competency in the Airway Breathing Circulation Disability Exposure (ABCDE) approach is required for working in the emergency department. There is limited knowledge on how often and how completely the ABCDE approach is applied to medical patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency with which the ABCDE approach was used in potentially unstable patients and to determine factors influencing the choice of whether or not to use the ABCDE approach. Methods: This observational pilot study included 270 medical patients admitted to the emergency department and it was observed if and how completely the ABCDE approach was performed. We registered several factors possibly determining its use. Results: Of the 270 patients included, 206 were identified as possibly unstable patients based on their triage code. The ABCDE approach was used in a minority of these patients (33%). When the ABCDE approach was used, it was done rapidly (generally within 10 minutes) and highly completely (> 80% of needed items). The choice not to use the ABCDE approach was frequently based on a first clinical impression and/or vital signs obtained during triage. The ABCDE approach was used more often with a higher triage code. Conclusions: We show that the emergency department staff are capable of performing the ABCDE approach rather completely (83%), but it was only used in the minority of potentially unstable patients. Important factors determining this choice were the vital signs on triage and a quick first impression. Whether this adequately selects patients in need for an ABCDE approach is not clear yet