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O'Brien MC, Kelleran KJ, Burnett SJ, Hausrath KA, Kneer MS, Nan N, Ma CX, McCartin RW, Clemency BM. Fixed dose ketamine for prehospital management of hyperactive delirium with severe agitation. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 81:10-15. [PMID: 38626643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients exhibiting signs of hyperactive delirium with severe agitation (HDSA) may require sedating medications for stabilization and safe transport to the hospital. Determining the patient's weight and calculating the correct weight-based dose may be challenging in an emergency. A fixed dose ketamine protocol is an alternative to the traditional weight-based administration, which may also reduce dosing errors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of adverse events following pre-hospital ketamine administration for HDSA. METHODS Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records from four agencies were searched for prehospital ketamine administration. Cases were included if a 250 mg dose of ketamine was administered on standing order to an adult patient for clinical signs consistent with HDSA. Protocols allowed for a second 250 mg dose of ketamine if the first dose was not effective. Both the 250 mg initial dose and the total prehospital dose were analyzed for weight based dosing and adverse events. RESULTS Review of 132 cases revealed 60 cases that met inclusion criteria. Patients' median weight was 80 kg (range: 50-176 kg). No patients were intubated by EMS, one only requiring suction, three required respiratory support via bag valve mask (BVM). Six (10%) patients were intubated in the emergency department (ED) including the three (5%) supported by EMS via BVM, three (5%) others who were sedated further in the ED prior to requiring intubation. All six patients who were intubated were discharged from the hospital with a Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1 score. The weight-based dosing equivalent for the 250 mg initial dose (OR: 2.62, CI: 0.67-10.22) and the total prehospital dose, inclusive of the 12 patients that were administered a second dose, (OR: 0.74, CI: 0.27, 2.03), were not associated with the need for intubation. CONCLUSION The 250 mg fixed dose of ketamine was not >5 mg/kg weight-based dose equivalent for all patients in this study. Although a second 250 mg dose of ketamine was permitted under standing orders, only 12 (20%) of the patients were administered a second dose, none experienced an adverse event. This indicates that the 250 mg initial dose was effective for 80% of the patients. Four patients with prehospital adverse events likely related to the administration of ketamine were found. One required suction, three (5%) requiring BVM respiratory support by EMS were subsequently intubated upon arrival in the ED. All 60 patients were discharged from the hospital alive. Further research is needed to determine an optimal single administration dose for ketamine in patients exhibiting signs of HDSA, if employing a standardized fixed dose medication protocol streamlines administration, and if the fixed dose medication reduces the occurrence of dosage errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C O'Brien
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Kyle J Kelleran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Susan J Burnett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kaylee A Hausrath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mary S Kneer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nan Nan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Chang-Xing Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert W McCartin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Clemency
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Thiessen MEW, Godwin SA, Hatten BW, Whittle JA, Haukoos JS, Diercks DB, Diercks DB, Wolf SJ, Anderson JD, Byyny R, Carpenter CR, Friedman B, Gemme SR, Gerardo CJ, Godwin SA, Hahn SA, Hatten BW, Haukoos JS, Kaji A, Kwok H, Lo BM, Mace SE, Moran M, Promes SB, Shah KH, Shih RD, Silvers SM, Slivinski A, Smith MD, Thiessen MEW, Tomaszewski CA, Valente JH, Wall SP, Westafer LM, Yu Y, Cantrill SV, Finnell JT, Schulz T, Vandertulip K. Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Adult Out-of-Hospital or Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Severe Agitation: Approved by the ACEP Board of Directors, October 6, 2023. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 83:e1-e30. [PMID: 38105109 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
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Evanoff AB, Baig M, Taylor JB, Beach SR. Ketamine: A Practical Review for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2023; 64:521-532. [PMID: 37301324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor antagonist often used for sedation and management of acute agitation in general hospital settings. Many hospitals now include ketamine as part of their standard agitation protocol, and consultation-liaison psychiatrists frequently find themselves treating patients who have received ketamine, despite lack of clear recommendations for management. OBJECTIVE Conduct a nonsystematic narrative review regarding the use of ketamine for agitation and continuous sedation, including benefits and adverse psychiatric effects. Compare ketamine to more traditional agents of agitation control. Provide consultation-liaison psychiatrists with a summary of available knowledge and recommendations for managing patients receiving ketamine. METHODS A literature review was performed using PubMed, querying published articles from inception to March 2023 for articles related to use of ketamine for agitation or continuous sedation and side effects including psychosis and catatonia. RESULTS A total of 37 articles were included. Ketamine was found to have multiple benefits, including shorter time to adequate sedation for agitated patients when compared to haloperidol ± benzodiazepines and unique advantages for continuous sedation. However, ketamine carries significant medical risks including high rates of intubation. Ketamine appears to induce a syndrome that mimics schizophrenia in healthy controls, and such effects are more pronounced and longer-lasting in patients with schizophrenia. Evidence regarding rates of delirium with ketamine for continuous sedation is mixed and requires further investigation before the agent is widely adopted for this purpose. Finally, the diagnosis of "excited delirium syndrome" and use of ketamine to treat this controversial syndrome warrants critical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine carries many potential benefits and can be an appropriate medication for patients with profound undifferentiated agitation. However, intubation rates remain high, and ketamine may worsen underlying psychotic disorders. It is essential that consultation-liaison psychiatrists understand the advantages, disadvantages, biased administration, and areas of limited knowledge regarding ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia B Evanoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA.
| | - Mirza Baig
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
| | - John B Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Scott R Beach
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Sergot PB, Mead LB, Jones EB, Crowe RP, Huebinger RM. Association of Ketamine Dosing with Intubation and Other Adverse Events in Patients with Behavioral Emergencies. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37418327 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2234491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Varying rates of complications have been reported for prehospital sedation with ketamine, and the relationship to dosing has not been studied on a large scale. We evaluated the association between prehospital ketamine dosing and rates of intubations and other adverse events in patients with behavioral emergencies.Methods: Using the 2018/2019 ESO public-use research datasets, we included all non-traumatic, adult behavioral and drug-related EMS encounters with ketamine administration. Based on consensus guidelines, we stratified patients into "above" and "at/below" the maximum dosing for sedation (2 mg/kg IV/IO or 5 mg/kg IM) using the highest single dose of ketamine given. We created propensity scores for matched subjects using 1:1 propensity score matching. Using logistic regression, we compared rates of intubation and other airway interventions, antipsychotic coadministration, improvement reported by EMS, hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest between the two groups.Results: We included 2,383 patients: 478 in the above and 1,905 in the at/below dose group. Above dose ketamine was associated with a higher rate of intubation or supraglottic airway placement (6.4% v 3.3%, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.00-3.90). Other airway interventions were similar (40.0% v 40.0%, OR 1, 95% CI 0.80-1.30). The above dose group also showed a higher rate of improvement noted by EMS clinicians (92.5% v 88.7%, OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.01-2.40). The rates of antipsychotic coadministration, hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest were similar between the cohorts.Conclusions: Patients given ketamine doses above consensus recommendations for sedation appeared more likely to receive prehospital intubation, but not more likely to experience other adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina B Sergot
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas; ESO, Inc, Austin, TX
| | - Loren B Mead
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas; ESO, Inc, Austin, TX
| | - Elizabeth B Jones
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas; ESO, Inc, Austin, TX
| | - Remle P Crowe
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas; ESO, Inc, Austin, TX
| | - Ryan M Huebinger
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas; ESO, Inc, Austin, TX
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Lipscombe C, Akhlaghi H, Groombridge C, Bernard S, Smith K, Olaussen A. Intubation Rates following Prehospital Administration of Ketamine for Acute Agitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:1016-1030. [PMID: 35913093 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine is a fast-acting, dissociative anesthetic with a favorable adverse effect profile that is effective for managing acute agitation as a chemical restraint in the prehospital and emergency department (ED) settings. However, some previously published individual studies have reported high intubation rates when ketamine was administered prehospitally. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to determine the rate and settings in which intubation following prehospital administration of ketamine for agitation is occurring, as well as associated indications and adverse events. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenGrey, Open Access Theses and Dissertation, and Google Scholar from the earliest possible date until 13/February/2022. Inclusion criteria required studies to describe agitated patients who received ketamine in the prehospital setting as a first-line drug to control acute agitation. Reference lists of appraised studies were screened for additional relevant articles. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Synthesis of results was completed via meta-analysis, and the GRADE tool was used for certainty assessment. RESULTS The search yielded 1466 unique records and abstracts, of which 50 full texts were reviewed, resulting in 18 being included in the analysis. All studies were observational in nature and 15 were from USA. There were 3476 patients in total, and the overall rate of intubation was 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8%-26%). Most intubations occurred in the ED. Within the studies, the prehospital intubation rate ranged from 0% to 7.9% and the ED intubation rate ranged from 0 to 60%. The overall pooled prehospital intubation rate was 1% (95% CI = 0%-2%). The overall pooled ED intubation rate was 19% (95% CI = 11%-30%). The most common indications for intubation were for airway protection and respiratory depression/failure. CONCLUSIONS There is wide variation in intubation rates between and within studies. The majority of intubations performed following prehospital administration of ketamine for agitation took place in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lipscombe
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hamed Akhlaghi
- Emergency Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Christopher Groombridge
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Bernard
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Intensive Care Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Olaussen
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Victoria, Australia
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Randall MM, Raae-Nielsen J, Choi M, Dukes WS, Nesper T, Mesisca MK. Incidence of Dissociation With Low-Dose Pre-hospital Ketamine in Geriatric Patients With Trauma-Related Pain. Cureus 2022; 14:e27698. [PMID: 36081959 PMCID: PMC9440993 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sub-dissociative ketamine has been used increasingly for the treatment of acute pain in a wide variety of settings. While there are studies evaluating its use in the geriatric population, no studies have described its safety in the pre-hospital geriatric trauma patient. The objective of this study was to define the incidence of dissociation with low-dose pre-hospital ketamine in geriatric trauma patients. Methods Using our county emergency medical services database, we identified all trauma patients greater or equal to 65 years of age who received pre-hospital ketamine for pain after the implementation of a low-dose ketamine protocol. We retrospectively reviewed pre-hospital and emergency department records for demographics, traumatic injuries, Glasgow Coma Score, emergency department length of stay and disposition, and hospital length of stay. This group was compared to a similar population of trauma patients, transported prior to the ketamine protocol. The comparison group was chosen by matching the ketamine group to more than double the number of non-ketamine patients. Records were obtained from two separate trauma centers. Our primary outcome was documentation of “ketamine-related dissociation” by either the pre-hospital, emergency department or trauma provider. Secondary outcomes included emergency department length of stay and intensive care unit admission. Results Seventy-nine patients received ketamine with records available for analysis. One hundred ninety-three non-ketamine patients were compared to this group. There were nosignificant differences between the two groups in regards to age, weight, gender, or mechanism of injury. The injury severity score was higher in the ketamine group. Nine patients (11%) had documented dissociation after ketamine, with six of these patients back to baseline mentation by arrival to the emergency department. The emergency department length of stay was shorter in the ketamine group. The rate of intensive care unit admission was the same between both groups. Conclusions Pre-hospital sub-dissociative ketamine in geriatric trauma patients is associated with brief episodes of dissociation in a small minority of patients.
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Jones R, Jackson D, Woods C, Usher K. Complexity, safety and challenges: Emergency responders’ experience of people affected by methamphetamines. Nurs Health Sci 2022; 24:535-544. [PMID: 35869590 PMCID: PMC9544434 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Providing care to methamphetamine‐related callout events in the prehospital environment is often complex and resource‐intensive, requiring staff to manage agitation and violence‐related side effects of methamphetamines. In Australia, emergency responders are increasingly required to attend events related to methamphetamines, even though reports suggest methamphetamine use across Australia has declined. The aim of the study was to explore Australian police and paramedic experiences attending methamphetamine‐related events. A qualitative descriptive phenomenology design was employed using semi‐structured interviews with employed police (10) and paramedics (8) from Australia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants described the complexities associated with providing prehospital care to people affected by methamphetamines. Participants described associated domestic/family violence, increased levels of violence, challenges with communication, and responder emotional and psychological distress and physical injury. Violence associated with methamphetamine use is a critical factor in prehospital care. Workplace violence and family/domestic violence are important issues that require further research to ensure families and staff are well supported and have the services they need to continue responding to people affected by methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki Jones
- School of Health University of New England Armidale NSW Australia
| | - Debra Jackson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney NSW
| | | | - Kim Usher
- School of Health University of New England NSW
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Corwell BN, Motov SM, Davis N, Kim HK. Novel uses of ketamine in the emergency department. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:1009-1025. [PMID: 35822534 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2100883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Ketamine is gaining renewed interest among healthcare providers due to its novel clinical applications in the emergency department (ED) setting. AREAS COVERED : This article provides a comprehensive discussion of ketamine's pharmacological properties, including safety profile and adverse effects, in addition to an overview of current evidence for ketamine (racemic formulation) in the management of ED patients with acute agitation, pain, and depression/suicide ideation. EXPERT OPINION : Ketamine is an effective adjunct to opioids, providing greater pain relief than morphine alone. As an analgesic agent, administration of ketamine (0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV) alone can provide analgesia similar to that of morphine in patients with acute visceral and musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, ketamine provides equal analgesic efficacy to morphine in a variety of chronic painful conditions including pain associated with cancer, vaso-occlusive pain crisis associated with sickle cell disease, and in patients with high opioid tolerance and/or opioid dependency. Available literature shows that ketamine (1-2mg/kg IV or 4-5 mg/kg IM) is a safe, rapid (<5 minutes) and effective tranquilization agent for ED patients with acute agitation. Finally, there is growing evidence that suggests ketamine may have a potential utility in the management of patients with self-harm ideation or acute depressive episodes. Intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg over 40 mins) has been shown to produce an antidepressant effect and decrease in suicidal ideation within 4 hours with effects lasting up to one week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian N Corwell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sergey M Motov
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Natalie Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hong K Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Bartsch CJ, Nordman JC. Promises and Pitfalls of NMDA Receptor Antagonists in Treating Violent Aggression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:938044. [PMID: 35801096 PMCID: PMC9253591 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.938044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for chronically aggressive individuals remain limited despite recent medical advances. Traditional pharmacological agents used to treat aggression, such as atypical antipsychotics, have limited efficacy and are often replete with dangerous side effects. The non-competitive NMDAR antagonists ketamine and memantine are promising alternatives, but their effects appear to be highly dependent on dosage, context, and personal experience. Importantly, these drugs can increase aggression when combined with substances of abuse or during periods of heightened stress. This is likely due to mechanistic differences operating at specific synapses under different contexts. Previous findings from our lab and others have shown that early life stress, substance abuse, and attack experience promote aggression through NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity within aggression-related brain circuits. Ketamine and memantine affect these types of aggression in opposite ways. This has led us to propose that ketamine and memantine oppositely affect aggression brought on by early life stress, substance abuse, or attack experience through opposite effects on NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity. This would account for the persistent effects of these drugs on aggression and suggest they could be leveraged as a more long-lasting treatment option. However, a more thorough examination of the effects of ketamine and memantine on cellular and synaptic function will be necessary for responsible administration. Additionally, because the effects of ketamine and memantine are highly dependent on prior drug use, traumatic stress, or a history of aggressive behavior, we propose a more thorough medical evaluation and psychiatric assessment will be necessary to avoid possible adverse interactions with these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn J. Bartsch
- Department of Physiology, University of Southern Illinois Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Jacob C. Nordman
- Department of Physiology, University of Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Jacob C. Nordman
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Zaki HA, Shaban E, Bashir K, Iftikhar H, Zahran A, Salem EEDM, Elmoheen A. A Comparative Analysis Between Ketamine Versus Combination of Midazolam and Haloperidol for Rapid Safe Control of Agitated Patients in Emergency Department: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e26162. [PMID: 35891834 PMCID: PMC9302860 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to discuss the efficacy and adverse effects of using ketamine in agitated patients in the emergency department (ED) compared with the combination therapy of haloperidol with benzodiazepine. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search from PubMed/Medline, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar was conducted from their inception to 30th April 2022. We included agitated patients in ED who were given infusion with ketamine only. Our comparative group was patients infused with combined therapy of haloperidol and benzodiazepine. We did not include letters, case reports, abstracts, conference papers, appraisals, reviews, and studies where full text was unavailable. We did not put any language restrictions. Three studies were selected in our manuscript (one cohort and two randomized controlled trials). All three studies showed that ketamine was used to achieve sedation in less time than the other group. However, two studies reported significantly more adverse effects in ketamine-infused groups. We concluded that ketamine use is superior when its primary focus is to sedate the patient as quickly as possible, but it carries some side effects that should be considered. However, we still need more studies assessing the efficacy of ketamine in agitated patients presenting in the ED.
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Brown LH, Crowe RP, Pepe PE, Miller ML, Watanabe BL, Kordik SS, Wampler DA, Page DI, Fernandez AR, Bourn SS, Myers JB. Adverse events following emergent prehospital sedation of patients with behavioral emergencies: A retrospective cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 9:100183. [PMID: 36776280 PMCID: PMC9904026 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients presenting to emergency medical services (EMS) with behavioral emergencies may require emergent sedation to facilitate care, but concerns about sedation-related adverse events (AEs) exist. This study aimed to describe the frequency of AEs following emergent prehospital sedation with three types of sedative agents: ketamine, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients ≥ 15 years who presented to 1031U.S. EMS agencies in calendar year 2019 with behavioral emergencies necessitating emergent prehospital sedation. Serious AEs (SAE) included cardiac arrest, invasive airway placement, and severe oxygen desaturation (<75%). Less-serious AEs included positive pressure ventilation, any oxygen desaturation (<90%), oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway placement, and suctioning. The need for additional sedation was also assessed. FINDINGS Of 7973 patients, 1996 received ketamine; 4137 received a benzodiazepine; 1532 received an antipsychotic agent; and 308 received an indeterminant agent. Cardiac arrest occurred in 11 patients (0·1%) and any SAE occurred in 165 patients (2·1%). Invasive airway placement was more frequent with ketamine (40, 2·0%) compared with benzodiazepines (17, 0·4%) or antipsychotics (3, 0·2%). Oxygen desaturation below 75% also occurred more frequently with ketamine (51, 2·6%) than with benzodiazepines (52, 1·3%) or antipsychotics (14, 0·9%). Patients sedated with ketamine were less likely to require additional sedation. Propensity-matching to minimize potential confounding between patient condition, sedative choice and AEs did not meaningfully alter the results. INTERPRETATION Although SAEs were rare among patients receiving emergent prehospital sedation, prehospital clinicians should remain mindful of the potential risks and monitor patients closely. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence H. Brown
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, 1400N IH35, Suite 2.230, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- U.S. Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH, USA
| | | | - Paul E. Pepe
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Dallas County Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety Agencies, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Melissa L. Miller
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, 1400N IH35, Suite 2.230, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Brooke L. Watanabe
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, 1400N IH35, Suite 2.230, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- U.S. Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH, USA
| | | | - David A. Wampler
- Department of Emergency Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David I. Page
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Prehospital Ketamine Administration for Excited Delirium with Illicit Substance Co-Ingestion and Subsequent Intubation in the Emergency Department. Prehosp Disaster Med 2021; 36:697-701. [PMID: 34551849 PMCID: PMC8607139 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x21000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Excited delirium, which has been defined as combativeness, agitation, and altered sensorium, requires immediate treatment in prehospital or emergency department (ED) settings for the safety of both patients and caregivers. Prehospital ketamine use is prevalent, although the evidence on safety and efficacy is limited. Many patients with excited delirium are intoxicated with illicit substances. This investigation explores whether patients treated with prehospital ketamine for excited delirium with concomitant substance intoxication have higher rates of subsequent intubation in the ED compared to those without confirmed substance usage. Methods: Over 28 months at two large community hospitals, all medical records were retrospectively searched for all patients age 18 years or greater with prehospital ketamine intramuscular (IM) administration for excited delirium and identified illicit and prescription substance co-ingestions. Trained abstractors collected demographic characteristics, history of present illness (HPI), urine drug screens (UDS), alcohol levels, and noted additional sedative administrations. Substance intoxication was determined by UDS and alcohol positivity or negativity, as well as physician HPI. Patients without toxicological testing or documentation of substance intoxication, or who may have tested positive due to ED sedation, were excluded from relevant analyses. Subsequent ED intubation was the primary pre-specified outcome. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare variables. Results: Among 86 patients given prehospital ketamine IM for excited delirium, baseline characteristics including age, ketamine dose, and body mass index were similar between those who did or did not undergo intubation. Men had higher intubation rates. Patients testing positive for alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ecstasy, marijuana, opiates, and synthetic cathinones, both bath salts and flakka, had similar rates of intubation compared to those negative for these substances. Of 27 patients with excited delirium and concomitant cocaine intoxication, nine (33%) were intubated compared with four of 50 (8%) without cocaine intoxication, yielding a 5.75 OR (95%, CI 1.57 to 21.05; P = .009). Conclusion: Patients treated with ketamine IM for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication had a statistically significant 5.75-fold increased rate of subsequent intubation in the ED. Amongst other substances, no other trends with intubation were noted, but further study is warranted.
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Fernandez AR, Bourn SS, Crowe RP, Bronsky ES, Scheppke KA, Antevy P, Myers JB. Out-of-Hospital Ketamine: Indications for Use, Patient Outcomes, and Associated Mortality. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 78:123-131. [PMID: 34112540 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe out-of-hospital ketamine use, patient outcomes, and the potential contribution of ketamine to patient death. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated consecutive occurrences of out-of-hospital ketamine administration from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 reported to the national ESO Data Collaborative (Austin, TX), a consortium of 1,322 emergency medical service agencies distributed throughout the United States. We descriptively assessed indications for ketamine administration, dosing, route, transport disposition, hypoxia, hypercapnia, and mortality. We reviewed cases involving patient death to determine whether ketamine could be excluded as a potential contributing factor. RESULTS Indications for out-of-hospital ketamine administrations in our 11,291 patients were trauma/pain (49%; n=5,575), altered mental status/behavioral indications (34%; n=3,795), cardiovascular/pulmonary indications (13%; n=1,454), seizure (2%; n=248), and other (2%; n=219). The highest median dose was for altered mental status/behavioral indications at 3.7 mg/kg (interquartile range, 2.2 to 4.4 mg/kg). Over 99% of patients (n=11,274) were transported to a hospital. Following ketamine administration, hypoxia and hypercapnia were documented in 8.4% (n=897) and 17.2% (n=1,311) of patients, respectively. Eight on-scene and 120 in-hospital deaths were reviewed. Ketamine could not be excluded as a contributing factor in 2 on-scene deaths, representing 0.02% (95% confidence interval 0.00% to 0.07%) of those who received out-of-hospital ketamine. Among those with in-hospital data, ketamine could not be excluded as a contributing factor in 6 deaths (0.3%; 95% confidence interval 0.1% to 0.7%). CONCLUSION In this large sample, out-of-hospital ketamine was administered for a variety of indications. Patient mortality was rare. Ketamine could not be ruled out as a contributing factor in 8 deaths, representing 0.07% of those who received ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio R Fernandez
- ESO, Inc, Austin, TX; Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | | | | | - E Stein Bronsky
- Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs, CO; El Paso County American Medical Response, Colorado Springs, CO; Plains to Peaks Regional Emergency Trauma Advisory Council, Colorado Springs, CO; El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority, Colorado Springs, CO
| | - Kenneth A Scheppke
- Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL; Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, West Palm Beach, FL
| | - Peter Antevy
- Davie Fire and Rescue, Davie, FL; Coral Springs Fire Department, Coral Springs, FL; Southwest Ranches Fire Rescue, Southwest Ranches, FL
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Patient Outcomes Following Ketamine Administration for Acute Agitation with a Decreased Dosing Protocol in the Prehospital Setting. Prehosp Disaster Med 2021; 36:276-282. [PMID: 33678204 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x21000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agitated behaviors are frequently encountered in the prehospital setting and require emergent treatment to prevent harm to patients and prehospital personnel. Chemical sedation with ketamine works faster than traditional pharmacologic agents, though it has a higher incidence of adverse events, including intubation. Outcomes following varying initial doses of prehospital intramuscular (IM) ketamine use have been incompletely described. OBJECTIVE To determine whether using a lower dose IM ketamine protocol for agitation is associated with more favorable outcomes. METHODS This study was a pre-/post-intervention retrospective chart review of prehospital care reports (PCRs). Adult patients who received chemical sedation in the form of IM ketamine for agitated behaviors were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the standard IM ketamine dose of 4mg/kg and the lower IM dose of 3mg/kg with the option for an additional 1mg/kg if required. Primary outcomes included intubation and hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included emergency department (ED) length of stay, additional chemical or physical restraints, assaults on prehospital or ED employees, and documented adverse events. RESULTS The standard dose cohort consisted of 211 patients. The lower dose cohort consisted of 81 patients, 17 of whom received supplemental ketamine administration. Demographics did not significantly differ between the cohorts (mean age 35.14 versus 35.65 years; P = .484; and 67.8% versus 65.4% male; P = .89). Lower dose subjects were administered a lower ketamine dose (mean 3.24mg/kg) compared to the standard dose cohort (mean 3.51mg/kg). There was no statistically significant difference between the cohorts in intubation rate (14.2% versus 18.5%; P = .455), ED length of stay (14.31 versus 14.88 hours; P = .118), need for additional restraint and sedation (P = .787), or admission rate (26.1% versus 25.9%; P = .677). In the lower dose cohort, 41.2% (7/17) of patients who received supplemental ketamine doses were intubated, a higher rate than the patients in this cohort who did not receive supplemental ketamine (8/64, 12.5%; P <.01). CONCLUSION Access to effective, fast-acting chemical sedation is paramount for prehospital providers. No significant outcomes differences existed when a lower dose IM ketamine protocol was implemented for prehospital chemical sedation. Patients who received a second dose of ketamine had a significant increase in intubation rate. A lower dose protocol may be considered for an agitation protocol to limit the amount of medication administered to a population of high-risk patients.
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Hirsch S, Steinert T. The Use of Rapid Tranquilization in Aggressive Behavior. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 116:445-452. [PMID: 31431244 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychomotor agitation and aggressiveness in the context of mental illnessare medical emergencies. In a survey of six German psychiatric hospitals, 1.7 to 5 aggressive attacks per patient-year were reported. If talking to the patient has no calming effect, intervention with drugs is required. In this article, we review the evidence on tranquilizing drugs and discuss clinically relevant ethical and practical questions, e.g., with respect to involuntary medication. METHODS This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in MEDLINE, supplemented by a reference search. RESULTS The evidence for the treatment of psychomotor agitation with antipsychotic drugs and benzodiazepines is relatively good. Randomized, controlled trials and a number of Cochrane reviews are available. These publications, however, contain data only on patients who were able to give informed consent. Their findings are often not applicable to real-life emergencies, e.g., when the patient is intoxicated with alcohol or suffers from a pre-existing disease. Haloperidol has a relatively weak effect on aggression when given alone and can also cause side effects such as early dyskinesia and epileptic seizures. It should, therefore, no longer be used as monotherapy. On the other hand, haloperidol combined with benzodiazepines or promethazine and monotherapy with lorazepam, olanzapine, ziprasidone, or aripiprazole intramuscular are effective options for the treatment of aggressive psychomotor agitation. CONCLUSION All of these drugs, if accepted by the patient, can also have an additional, beneficial placebo effect, with the patient calming down more rapidly than could be explained on pharmacological grounds alone. It is, therefore, important in emergencies (as at other times) for the patient to be involved in treatment decisions to the greatest possible extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hirsch
- South Württemberg Psychiatric Center (ZfP Südwürttemberg), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I, Ulm University, Ravensburg-Weissenau
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Brendt P, Mathews A, Greenberg R, Arnold M. Autistic Man Falling Through the Cracks: Advanced Patient Transport and the "Pop-up" Recovery Ward. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2018; 23:578-579. [PMID: 30501448 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2018.1555296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Royal Flying Doctor Service was tasked to relocate a 19 year-old autistic patient with severe social anxiety, agoraphobia, and morbid obesity from one residential location to another. The retrieval team was confronted with two main challenges: 1) Continuous risk elevation in an elective patient transportation as distinct from other urgent prehospital transfers of mental health patients; and 2) prehospital ketamine/propofol sedation of an aggressive/combative patient with recovery from sedation in a private property. The transfer accomplished the successful relocation of the patient.
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