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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been an integral part of patient evaluation in the Emergency Department. It has been used increasingly for the evaluation of critically ill and trauma patients. We report a case of 60-year-old male patient who presented to the Emergency department with flank pain and urinary symptoms suggesting pyelonephritis with unrecordable blood pressure indicating potential septic shock, but the absence of bilateral radial pulses triggered the use of POCUS which reveal bilateral radial artery occlusion.

IntroductionDespite the broad spectrum of neurological symptomatic manifestation in COVID19 patients, the brain tissue susceptibility and permissiveness to SARS-Cov2 infection is yet uncertain. This critical appraisal aims at bridging the gap by consolidating the body of evidence for meticulous evaluation of molecular neuropathological pathways and CSF diagnostic signatures of SARS-Cov2 infection in the central nervous system (CNS) that will underpin further strategic approach for neuroprotection and treatment of neurological COVID19Methods and AnalysisWe have developed the protocol of this review according to the provisions of Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual for Evidence Synthesis, 2015 and Arksey and O Malley’s Methodological Framewotk, 2005. The articles for this review will be sourced from several electronic databases including EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane, Crossref Metadata and Semantic scholar. Herein we generated the search strategy using the medical subject headings [ MeSH Terms], term in all field bibliography at all permutations in conjunctions with boolean operatorsEthical Clearance and Dissemination planHerein the review will not involve the human participants henceforth the ethical clearance approval is not applicable. We will disseminate the final findings of this review to scientific conferences at local and international level. The manuscript for final findings will be published on reputable journal of neuroscience.

RATIONAL: Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that primarily affect the respiratory system. Patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia and respiratory distress often require hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation and/or non-invasive ventilation, and circulatory support. Some experts suggest that the pathophysiology of traditional ARDS and that of the lung disease associated with COVID-19 are different. It is proposed that the severe hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients is the result of hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction and a large burden of microthrombi which result in intrapulmonary shunting. Therefore, COVID-related ARDS-like patterns of disease may not respond to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for early intubation and ARDS Network (ARDSNet) recommendations for FiO2-titrated Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) administration and ventilator support. Given the distinct pathophysiology of COVID-19-related ARDS, higher PEEP may indicate mechanical over-inflation of the alveoli resulting in volume trauma in addition to compromising preload and decreasing cardiac output, worsening the pulmonary hypoperfusion. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of death associated with initial and subsequent (48-hour) PEEP settings of 10cmH2O and higher in COVID-19 patients. We hypothesized that higher PEEP settings may lead to increased mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who presented or were transferred to our facility with COVID-19 and were subsequently intubated from March 1st until April 30th, 2020. Charts were reviewed for initial and 48-hour PEEP settings. Mortality, SARS CoV2 results, clinical data and demographics were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included in the review. Of these, 53 patients had initial PEEP setting of >10cmH2O and 46 patients had PEEP settings >10cmH2O 48 hours after intubation. Thirty-seven patients had PEEP settings >10cmH2O both initially and 48 hours later. Thirty-seven patients who had an initial PEEP setting of >10 cmH220 died, (70%). Forty patients who had PEEP settings >10cmH2O at 48hrs died (87%). Twenty-seven patients who had both a PEEP setting >10 cmH2O initially and at 48 hours died (73%). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be an association in COVID-19 patients between high mortality rates and high PEEP settings. The marked association is strong enough, in our view, to suggest that conventional ventilator settings recommended by ARDSNet may not apply to patients experiencing COVID-19-associated ARDS and in fact, may be leading to worse patient outcomes.

BackgroundMethicillin-Resistant (MRSA) or Methicillin-Sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) pose serious clinical and public health challenges. Few protocols exist for outpatient education, decolonization and decontamination.ObjectivesThis trial implemented infection prevention protocols in homes via Community Health Workers/promotoras.MethodsWe engaged clinicians, patients, clinical and laboratory researchers, New-York-based Federally Qualified Health Centers and community hospital Emergency Departments. The Clinician and Patient Stakeholder Advisory Committee (CPSAC) convened in-person and remotely for shared decision-making and trial oversight.ResultsThe trial consented 186 and randomized 119 participants with SSTIs with MRSA (n=59) or MSSA (n=59), completed home visits, obtained surveillance cultures from index patients and household members and sampled household environmental surfaces at baseline and three months.Lessons LearnedThe retention of the CPSAC during the trial demonstrated high levels of engagement.ConclusionsCPSAC was highly effective throughout design and execution by troubleshooting recruitment and home visit challenges.

Medical simulation is a widely used training modality that is particularly useful for procedures that are technically difficult or rare. The use of simulations for educational purposes has increased dramatically over the years, with most emergency medicine (EM) programs primarily using mannequin-based simulations to teach medical students and residents. As an alternative to using mannequin, we built a 3D printed models for practicing invasive procedures. Repeated simulations may help further increase comfort levels in performing an emergency department (ED) thoracotomy in particular, and perhaps this can be extrapolated to all invasive procedures. Using this model, a simulation training conducted with EM residents at an inner city teaching hospital showed improved confidence. A total of 21 residents participated in each of the three surveys [(1) initially, (2) after watching the educational video, and (3) after participating in the simulation]. Their comfort levels increased from baseline after watching the educational video (9.5%). The comfort level further improved from baseline after performing the hands on simulation (71.4%).

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to myocardial ischemia, increased ventricular wall tension, and overload. BNP is utilized as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in congested heart failure (CHF). Its prognostic value in sepsis is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine if BNP correlates with increased in-hospital mortality for septic patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 505 patients admitted for sepsis or severe sepsis or septic shock during the period of January 2013 and August 2014. Patients that received > 3 L of intravenous fluids on presentation were included. Intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS), hospital length of stay (HLOS) and in-hospital mortality were measured. Mean BNP level was calculated and compared to ICULOS and HLOS and in-hospital mortality. Controlled variables included ejection fraction (measured by echocardiogram within 6 months of presentation), glomerular filtration rate (calculated by Cockroft-Gault equation), patient demographics, and lactic acid trends. Exclusion criteria were no echocardiogram within 6 months of admission, no BNP levels on admission, and no repeat lactate or rising lactate levels within 24 h to indicate worsening sepsis. Results: Patients’ mean BNP with in-hospital mortality was 908 pg/mL as compared to mean BNP of 678 pg/mL in survivors. T-test comparisons were statistically significant (P = 0.0375). The Kaplan-Meier curve for BNP as a predictor for in-hospital mortality showed that for the first 25 days, patients with BNP higher than 500 pg/mL had a higher mortality than patients with BNP lower than 500 pg/mL. When comparing HLOS, there is a statistically significant correlation (P = 0.0046). A similar scatter plot was prepared for ICULOS which showed there was a weak positive correlation (r = 0.199). Conclusion: Septic patients with in-hospital mortality had an average BNP of 908 pg/mL and statistically significant higher HLOS. Cardiol Res. 2017;8(6):271-275 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr605w

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by degeneration and atrophy of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles after a latent period of apparently normal development and function. The gastrointestinal manifestations start in the second decade of life and are mainly due to atrophy of smooth muscle layers. Refractory gastroparesis and chronic constipation can lead to severe gastric and small bowel dilatation, which can be life threatening. Here, we present a case of a 21-year-old male with a gigantic stomach secondary to DMD resolved with conservative management and no surgical intervention.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are neurodegenerative disorders of the aging population characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn). The mechanisms triggering α-syn toxicity are not completely understood, however, c-terminus truncation of α-syn by proteases such as calpain may have a role. Therefore, inhibition of calpain may be of value. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administered novel low molecular weight calpain inhibitors on α-syn pathology in a transgenic mouse model. For this purpose, non-tg and α-syn tg mice received the calpain inhibitors - Gabadur, Neurodur or a vehicle, twice a day for 30 days. Immunocytochemical analysis showed a 60% reduction in α-syn deposition using Gabadur and a 40% reduction using Neurodur with a concomitant reduction in c-terminus α-syn and improvements in neurodegeneration. Western blot analysis showed a 77% decrease in α-spectrin breakdown products (SBDPs) SBDPs with Gabadur and 63% reduction using Neurodur. There was a 65% reduction in the active calpain form with Gabadur and a 45% reduction with Neurodur. Moreover, treatment with calpain inhibitors improved activity performance of the α-syn tg mice. Taken together, this study suggests that calpain inhibition might be considered in the treatment of synucleinopathies.

Increased intracranial pressure is usually measured with invasive methods that are not practical in resource-limited countries. However, bedside ultrasound, a non-invasive method, measures the optic nerve sheath diameter and could be a safe and accurate alternative to measure intracranial pressure, even in children.We report a case of a 15-year old patient who presented with severe headache, projectile vomiting, and neck pain for two months. The bedside ultrasound showed a 10 mm optic nerve sheath diameter and a Computed Tomography scan of her brain revealed obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a mass in the fourth ventricle. After intervening, we were able to monitor the decrease in her optic nerve sheath diameter with ultrasound.Performing invasive procedures continues to be a challenge in the resource limited setting. However, bedside ultrasound can be a useful tool in emergency centres for early detection and monitoring of intracranial pressure.L’hypertension intracrânienne (HTIC) est généralement mesurée au moyen de méthodes invasives qui ne s’avèrent pas pratiques dans des pays caractérisés par des ressources limitées. Cependant, l’échographie au chevet des patients, une méthode non invasive, mesure le diamètre de la gaine du nerf optique (DGNO) et pourrait constituer une alternative sûre et précise pour mesurer l’HTIC, même chez les enfants.Nous avons étudié le cas d’une patiente de 15 ans qui s’était présentée souffrant de violents maux de tête, de vomissements en jets et de douleurs au cou depuis deux mois. L’échographie au chevet de la patiente a révélé un DGNO de 10 mm et la tomodensitométrie du cerveau a révélé une hydrocéphalie obstructive associée à une masse dans le quatrième ventricule. Après intervention, nous avons pu surveiller la réduction de son DGNO à l’aide de l’échographie.La réalisation de procédures invasives reste un défi dans les contextes caractérisés par des ressources limitées. Cependant, l’échographie au chevet du patient peut être un outil utile dans les services d’urgence pour permettre la détection précoce et le suivi de l’HTIC.

Abuse of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) has been associated with young individuals. The abuse of SCRAs is very rare in elderly people, but a few cases highlight the SCRAs-induced side effects. These substances lead to a variety of clinical and psychiatric symptoms including seizures. Here we report recurrent seizures after SCRA abuse by an elderly patient.

Synthetic cannabinoids Receptor Agonist (SCRA) intoxication presents with various medical and psychiatric symptoms. The products are sold as K2 or Spice. The symptoms range from agitation, altered mental status (AMS), lethargy, paranoid behavior, psychosis and seizures. In some cases, brief psychiatric or inpatient medicine admission was required for stabilization. Some patients seem to stay longer for observation in the ED. These patients worsen the already problematic ED crowding. To assess K2-related ED presentation, length of stay in the ED and types of disposition over a 5 year period. A retrospective chart review of patients who presented with K2 intoxication. Charts were reviewed from January 1, 2012 until December 31st, 2016 excluding 2016. Demographics, age, gender, past psychiatric illness and other substance abuse history were reviewed. A total of 1405 patients were seen for K2-related ED visits from January 1, 2012 until December 31st, 2016 of which 1279 patients (91%) were male and 126 patients (9%) were female. One hundred thirty nine patients (9.9%) were hospitalized and 1266 patients (90.1%) were either discharged or left from the ED. Twenty-eight (2.0%) stayed more than 16 hours in the ED. Of the 53 patients, whose urine the showed benzodiazepine or opiates 36 patients stayed more than 6 hours in the ED. Most patients with K2 use were male (91%) between the ages of 19 and 50 years (76.4%). There was a surge in K2-related presentation in 2015, particularly in the months of April until November. In addition, K2-related intoxication led to prolonged ED stay, which could affect the ED crowding phenomenon. A concerted effort from public pressure and legislative measures led to a reduction of K2-related visits to the ED.

Background.Acute liver failure can result from acetaminophen overdose, viral infection, toxins, and other disease conditions. Liver transplant is available in limited fashion and the criteria are strict as to who should get an available liver. N- Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been used in non-acetaminophen induced liver failure with success. Here we report a case of acute liver failure from cocaethylene that was reversed with NAC along with other medical therapy.Case Presentation.A 50-year-old female patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a two-day history of coffee ground vomiting and hematemesis. She reported occasional substance abuse and heavy alcoholism. She reported shortness of breath and chest pain from the recurrent forceful vomiting. The rest of the review of systems was unremarkable except a fall from intoxication. Physical examination revealed anicteric conjunctiva and nontender abdomen and her vital signs were within normal limits. Initial blood work revealed acute liver and renal failure. The patient was started with general medical management and liver transplant service rejected the case due to active substance abuse. She underwent brief hemodialysis and was started on NAC. Over the course of her hospital stay her liver function and kidney function improved significantly and patient was discharged to home.Conclusion.In cases where liver transplant is not an option for various reasons including active substance abuse, a trial of N-Acetyl Cysteine may be beneficial and should be considered in the Emergency Department.

One aspect of secondary injury in traumatic brain injury is the marked increase in intracellular calcium and resultant over-activation of the calcium-dependent neutral cysteine protease calpain. Gabadur is a novel protease inhibitor with calpain-inhibition properties formulated from the classic protease inhibitor leupeptin linked to a pregabalin carrier. This construction allows the entire compound to cross the blood-brain barrier after peripheral administration to better target the site of injury. In this study, a single intraperitoneal dose of Gabadur was administered immediately following controlled cortical impact injury in rats. Neocortical slices were examined at 48 h post-injury via Fluoro-Jade B staining, revealing an improvement in cortical neurodegeneration in Gabadur treated rats. Levels of detrimental active calpain-2 measured via western blot were also decreased in rats receiving Gabadur. This data supports the benefit of targeted protease inhibition in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.

Background Ultrasound (US) measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been utilized as an indirect assessment of intracranial pressure. It is usually performed by trained ultrasonographers. Objectives To evaluate whether or not emergency physicians (EP) are capable of measuring the ONSD accurately by US. Materials and Methods A retrospective measurement of ONSD was conducted on computed tomography (CT) scans of the head or facial bones. These patients had undergone ocular US performed by EPs prior to CT scanning. The CT scan measurements of ONSD read by a board-certified radiologist were compared with that of the US read by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. A difference in measurements of the ONSD ≥ 0.5 mm between the two modalities was considered as significant for this study. Results The ONSD measurements were performed with CT scan and compared to that of the US. Of the 61 patients studied, 36 (59%) were male and 25 (41%) were female. The average age was 56 ± 17 years. All but 3 patients had ONSD measurements that were between 5 and 6 mm. Discrepancy in measurements of the ONSD between US and CT for both groups fell within our predetermined value (0.5 mm) for the majority of cases. None of the measurements were above 6 mm. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.9 (95% confidence interval 0.8846–0.9303). Conclusion Emergency physicians were capable of accurately measuring the ONSD using bedside US. Prospective studies with a larger sample size are recommended to validate these findings.

Background.Computerized electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis has been of tremendous help for noncardiologists, but can we rely on it? The importance of ST depression and T wave inversions in lead aVL has not been emphasized and not well recognized across all specialties.Objective.This study’s goal was to analyze if there is a discrepancy of interpretation by physicians from different specialties and a computer-generated ECG reading in regard to a TWI in lead aVL.Methods.In this multidisciplinary prospective study, a single ECG with isolated TWI in lead aVL that was interpreted by the computer as normal was given to all participants to interpret in writing. The readings by all physicians were compared by level of education and by specialty to one another and to the computer interpretation.Results.A total of 191 physicians participated in the study. Of the 191 physicians 48 (25.1%) identified and 143 (74.9%) did not identify the isolated TWI in lead aVL.Conclusion.Our study demonstrated that 74.9% did not recognize the abnormality. New and subtle ECG findings should be emphasized in their training so as not to miss significant findings that could cause morbidity and mortality.

Background Initial serum potassium (K+) in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) often does not reflect the true amount of total body K+ storage, and it is not a good predictor of subsequent hypokalemia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a deficiency of the total body K+ storage can be detected initially on surface electrocardiography (ECG). Method Medical records of 350 patients with a diagnosis of DKA were reviewed. Data regarding serial basic metabolic panels, arterial blood gases, serum ketones, and total K+ replacement that patient received during admission were collected. We compared biochemical findings for patients with and without QTU corrected (QTUc) prolongation by using the t test. Patients who were taking medications known to affect QTUc or cause ST-T changes were excluded. Results After exclusion criteria, 61 patients were enrolled in this study. In 38 patients (62.9%), QTUc was more than or equal to 450 milliseconds. Patients with prolonged QTc received statistically more K+ supplementation during admission ( P = .014). They also had lower serum K+ level during their hospital course ( P = .002) compared to patients with normal QTUc intervals. No significant difference was found between initial serum K+, calcium, glucose, anion gap, acidosis, age, or heart rate between these 2 groups. Conclusion The significant relationship between K+ depletion and the ECG changes observed in this study deserves further consideration. Our findings confirm the concept that the ECG is an easy and reliable tool for early diagnosis of hypokalemia in patients with DKA.

Introduction: The burden of stroke is increasing in many low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, stroke has become a major cause of morbidity, long-term disability, and mortality. Time from stroke onset to hospital presentation is a critical factor in acute stroke care. This study aimed to describe risk factors for stroke and clinical presentation of patients presenting to the emergency centre with stroke. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study conducted from August 2015 to January 2016 in an urban tertiary care centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between stroke types and stroke risk factors, and delayed presentation and clinical indicators. P-values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 104 patients were included. The mean age was 53 years, and 56% were male. Only 30% of patients arrived using an ambulance service. The most common presenting symptoms were altered mental status (48%), hemiparesis (47%), facial palsy (45%), hemiplegia (29%), and aphasia (25%). Hypertension was the most common risk factor (49%), followed by cardiovascular disease (20.2%) and diabetes mellitus (11%). The majority of strokes were haemorrhagic in aetiology (56%). The median arrival time to the emergency centre was 24 h after symptoms onset; only 15% presented within three hours. Patients with hypertension, or presented with loss of consciousness were significantly more likely to have haemorrhagic stroke (p

Although a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that mandates emergency reperfusion therapy requires ST-segment elevation greater than 1 mm in at least 2 contiguous leads, some of the early electrocardiogram (ECG) changes of AMI can be subtle. Any ST-segment depression or T-wave inversion in lead aVL may be implicated in left anterior descending artery lesion or early reciprocal changes of inferior wall myocardial infarction, particularly when the clinical context suggests ischemia. Early recognition of reciprocal changes and serial ECG help initiate early appropriate intervention. Heightened awareness of ST segment and T-wave changes in lead aVL is of paramount importance to quickly identifying life-threatening condition.

Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) greater than 25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL within 3 days of intravenous (IV) contrast administration in the absence of an alternative cause, is the third most common cause of new acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. It is known to increase in-hospital mortality up to 27%. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of outpatient follow up and the occurrence of CIN in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) and were discharged home after computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis (AP) with IV contrast. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective review of charts for patients who required CT of AP with IV contrast and who were discharged home. Patients' clinical data included the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Results: Five hundred and thirty six patients underwent CT of AP with IV contrast in 2011 and were discharged home. Diabetes mellitus was documented in 96 patients (18%). Hypertension was present in 141 patients (26.3%), and 82 patients (15.3%) were on angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Five patients (0.9%) had documented CHF and all of them were taking furosemide. Seventy patients (13%) had a baseline SCr >1.2 mg/dL. One hundred fifty patients (28%) followed up in one of the clinics or the ED within one week after discharge, but only 40 patients (7.5%) had laboratory workup. Out of 40 patients who followed up within 1 week after discharge, 9 patients (22.5%) developed CIN. One hundred ninety patients (35.4%) followed up in one of the clinics or the ED after 7 days and within 1 month after discharge, but only 71 patients (13.2%) had laboratory workup completed. Out of 71 patients who followed up within 1 month, 11 patients (15%) developed CIN. The overall incidence of CIN was 15.3% (17 out of 111 patients). Conclusion: There was a poor outpatient follow up after CT of AP with IV contrast and biochemically CIN appears to be present in some patients. Unlike previous reports that CKD is the major risk factor for CIN, our results demonstrated that risk factors such as advanced age, DM and hypertension seem to predispose patients to CIN rather than abnormal baseline SCr. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(3):276–281.]

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most important diagnostic tool for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). T wave inversion (TWI) in lead aVL has not been emphasized or well recognized.This study examined the relationship between the presence of TWI before the event and mid-segment left anterior descending (MLAD) artery lesion in patients with AMI.Retrospective charts of patients with acute coronary syndrome between the months of January 2009 and December 2011 were reviewed. All patients with MLAD lesion were identified and their ECG reviewed for TWI in lead aVL.Coronary angiography was done on 431 patients. Of these, 125 (29%) had an MLAD lesion. One hundred and six patients (84.8%) had a lesion50% and 19 patients (15.2%) had a lesion50%. Of the 106 patients who had a MLAD lesion50%, 90 patients (84.9%) had TWI in lead aVL and one additional lead. Of the 19 patients who had an MLAD lesion50%, 8 patients (42.1%) had TWI in lead aVL and one additional lead. Isolated TWI in lead aVL had an overall sensitivity of 76.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.86), a specificity of 71.4% (95% CI 0.45-0.88), a positive predictive value of 92%, a negative predictive value of 41.7%, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.7 (95% CI 1.16-6.22), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.32 (95% CI 0.19-0.58) for predicting a MLAD lesion of50% (p = 0.0011).TWI in lead aVL might signify a mid-segment LAD lesion. Recognition of this finding and early appropriate referral to a cardiologist might be beneficial. Additional studies are needed to validate this finding.

Purpose Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are becoming increasingly prevalent in both community and hospital settings. Certain strains are notorious for causing skin and soft tissue infections in patients with no established risk factors. In this article, we report our findings on the dynamic antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA and outpatient prescription trend for skin and soft tissue infections within our community. Methods We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 1876 patients evaluated in the emergency department of an urban community hospital from 2003 to 2012. Data regarding culture isolates and associated antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic treatment, site of specimen collection, age, race, and sex were collected and analyzed. Results Analysis of 1879 culture specimens yielded 2193 isolates. In some cases, a single specimen yielded polymicrobial growth. Staphylococcus aureus represented 996 isolates (45.4%); 463 were methicillin-susceptible (21.1%) and 533 (24.3%) were methicillin-resistant. Most patients were prescribed a single- or poly-drug regimen of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cephalexin, and clindamycin. Antimicrobial resistance analysis indicated that MRSA became increasingly resistant to the aforementioned antibiotics over time: 10% and 6% in 2012 vs 3.5% and 3.4% in 2007 for clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Conclusion Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a particularly virulent, rapidly adaptive pathogen that is becoming increasingly difficult to combat with existing antibiotics. Care must be taken to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up of patients with known MRSA infections.

Background In clinical practice, we progressively rely on biomarkers, without estimating the pretest probability. There is not enough support for the use of cardiac troponin (cTn) I in the management of noncardiac patients. We studied the rate at which this test was ordered, the prevalence of detection of a positive result in noncardiac patients, and the impact of this incidental finding on clinical management. Methodology Patients admitted from December 2011 to 2013 to our community hospital with diagnosis of noncardiac disease who had positive cTn were included. Data collected included final diagnosis, patient disposition, cardiac monitoring, cardiology consult, and cardiac biomarker testing. Results Cardiac troponin I was ordered for 1700 patients in our emergency department. Seven hundred fifty patients had a positive cTn. Of the 750 patients, 412 had a positive cTn without any clinical suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome. An incidental finding of a positive cTn leads to ordering of cTn on average 4 times during admission, cardiac monitoring of 379 (91.99%) patients for at least 1 day, and a cardiac consultation for 268 (63.65%) of these patients. None of these patients was candidates for an invasive cardiac intervention. Seventy-eight (19.17%) patients were admitted to the cardiac care unit and subsequently transferred to the medical intensive care unit. Conclusions A positive cTn in patients diagnosed with a nonacute coronary syndrome was associated with increased cardiac biomarker testing, telemetry monitoring, and cardiology consults. This study supports adherence to national guidelines for the use of cTn, to reduce hospital cost and resource utilization.

Objective. A study to determine Spanish-speaking parents’ acceptance of the physician’s attire in the pediatric emergency department. Hypothesis. The attire of the physicians does not matter for the parents. Methods and materials. The sample size was 450. An anonymous patient survey with no identifiers was used. The sample questionnaire was enclosed, and the parents were asked to answer the questionnaire. The results were interesting; patients preferred physicians who wear hospital scrubs (410/450 or 91%) and short hair (430/450 = 96%). They preferred physicians wearing sneakers (430/450 = 96%) compared with dress shoes, and male physicians with moustaches/beards and wearing glasses (450/450 = 100%). Parents did not like women physicians wearing makeup and high heels. Conclusions. Parents prefer physicians wearing hospital scrubs and sneakers and having short hair. This could indicate that parents do not prefer formal attire in the pediatric emergency room (ER). Also, a gender difference was noticed. Parents do not prefer women physicians with high heels and make up. But, they tolerate male physicians with moustaches/beards. This could be related to the fact that most of the parent questionnaires were answered by Spanish women. Results are interesting and useful in addressing the question of physicians’ attire in the pediatric ER in the context of a predominantly Spanish speaking population.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) recurrence ranges from 16% to 43% and presents significant challenges to clinicians, patients, and families. This comparative effectiveness research study aims to disseminate, implement and evaluate whether an existing intervention, consisting of decolonization and decontamination procedures, which has been determined to be effective in hospital intensive care unit settings, can be implemented by Community Health Workers (CHWs) or “promotoras” conducting home visits prevent recurrence of CA-MRSA and transmission within their households for patients presenting to primary care with SSTIs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In partnership with 3 Community Health Centers and 4 community hospitals in NYC, this study will recruit patients (n=278) with confirmed MRSA SSTIs and their household members. Participants are randomized to receive either a CHW/Promotora-delivered decolonization-decontamination intervention or usual care, which includes hygiene education. The highly engaged stakeholder team meets monthly to review interim results, identify areas for refinement and new research questions, and develop and implement strategies to improve participant engagement and retention. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: MRSA and MSSA were found in 19% and 21.1% of wound cultures, respectively. 59.5% with MRSA+ wound culture had one or more MRSA+ surveillance culture; 67.8% with MSSA+ wound culture had one or more MSSA+ surveillance culture. The “warm handoff” approach, developed and implemented by the stakeholder team to engage patients from their initial consent to return of lab results and scheduling of the home visits, helped improve completion of baseline home visits by 14%, from 45% to 59% of eligible participants. Home visits have demonstrated that 60% of households had at least one surface contaminated with S. aureus. Of the surfaces that tested positive in the households, nearly 20% were MRSA and 81% were MSSA; 32.5% of household members had at least one surveillance culture positive for S. aureus (MRSA: 7.7%, MSSA: 92.3%). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This study aims to understand the systems-level, patient-level, and environmental-level factors associated with SSTI recurrence and household transmission, and to examine the interactions between bacterial genotypic and clinical/phenotypic factors on decontamination, decolonization, SSTI recurrence and household transmission. This study will evaluate the barriers and facilitators of implementation of home visits by CHWs in underserved populations, and aims to strengthen the weak evidence base for implementation of strategies to reduce SSTI recurrence and household transmission.