Pseudomonas aeruginosa transmission is infrequent in New Zealand cystic fibrosis clinics

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although most patients harbour unique P. aeruginosa isolates, some clinics report patients sharing common strains. The overall importance of person-to-person transmission in P. aeruginosa acquisition and whether routine patient segregation is necessary remains uncertain. The present authors therefore investigated the extent of P. aeruginosa transmission in New Zealand CF clinics. New Zealand's seven major CF centres were assessed, combining epidemiological data with computer-assisted SalI DNA fingerprinting of 496 isolates from 102 patients. One cluster of related isolates was significantly more prevalent in the largest clinic than expected by chance. The seven patients with isolates belonging to this cluster had more contact with each other than the remaining patients attending this centre. No other convincing evidence of transmission was found in any of the other smaller clinics. Three P. aeruginosa strains believed to be transmissible between patients in Australian and British CF clinics are present in New Zealand, but there was no definite evidence they had spread. Pseudomonas aeruginosa transmission is currently infrequent in New Zealand cystic fibrosis clinics. This situation could change rapidly and ongoing surveillance is required. The current results confirm that computer-assisted SalI DNA fingerprinting is ideally suited for such surveillance.

Association between betel quid chewing, periodontal status and periodontal pathogens

The present investigation examined whether an association exists between betel quid chewing and signs of periodontal disease and determined the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis by polymerase chain reaction. The periodontal status of 34 betel quid chewers and 32 non-betel quid chewers were compared. A significantly higher prevalence of bleeding on probing was found in betel quid chewers than non-chewers among the subjects with higher plaque level, greater gingival inflammation, deeper probing depth or greater attachment loss. Also, the results suggested that betel quid chewers may harbor higher levels of infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis than non-betel quid chewers. The association persists after adjusting for severity of the clinical parameters. In conclusion, betel quid chewing was associated with a higher prevalence of bleeding on probing where higher clinical levels of disease existed, and with a likelihood of subgingival infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.

Guided tissue regeneration with and without demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts for maxillary Class II furca invasions of rapidly progressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using an expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) membrane is an established treatment modality for periodontal disease. This study was designed to compare the effects of ePTFE membranes with and without demineralized, freeze-dried bone allografts (DFDBA) for treating maxillary class II buccal furca invasions of rapidly progressive periodonitis.

METHODS

Seven patients with pairs of maxillary class II buccal furca invasions comprised the study group. The clinical parameters investigated were probing depth, probing attachment level and marginal tissue recession. One defect from each pair of teeth was randomly selected for the ePTFE membrane and DFDBA group and the other tooth defect received ePTFE membrane treatment only. During the operation, horizontal probing depths at the buccal furcation areas were measured. The membrane was removed 6 weeks after insertion. All measurements were repeated 1 year later at surgical re-entry of the buccal furcation. The Wilcoxon ranked sum test was used to test the significance of the difference between the groups 1 year after treatment.

RESULTS

In the ePTFE membrane and DFDBA group, the mean probing depth reduction was 2.1 +/- 0.8 mm. The probing attachment gain was 2.6 +/- 1.0 mm and the bone fill was 3.1 +/- 1.7 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for these parameters. The marginal tissue recession was reduced 0.4 +/- 0.7 mm in ePTFE membrane and DFDBA group but increased 0.9 +/- 0.6 mm in ePTFE membrane only group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in probing depth reduction, probing attachment gain or bone fill between the two treatment modalities for treating maxillary class II buccal furca invasion of rapidly progressive periodontitis. Marginal tissue recession can be significantly reduced with the treatment of combined ePTFE membrane and DFDBA.

Effects of areca nut extracts on the functions of human neutrophils in vitro

Aqueous extracts of ripe areca nut without husk (ripe ANE) and fresh and tender areca nut with husk (tender ANE) were examined for their effects on the defensive functions of human neutrophils. Exposure of peripheral blood neutrophils to ripe ANE and tender ANE inhibited their bactericidal activity against oral pathogens, including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans, in a dose-dependent manner. At the concentrations tested, ripe and tender ANEs did not significantly affect the viability of neutrophils as verified by their ability to exclude trypan blue dye. However, both ANEs inhibited the production of bactericidal superoxide anion by neutrophils as measured by cytochrome c reduction. Moreover, the ripe ANE inhibited neutrophils more effectively than did tender ANE. Arecoline, a major alkaloid of areca nut, only exhibited an inhibitory effect on the functions of neutrophils when high concentrations were used. Therefore, arecoline could not be used to explain the inhibitory effects observed for ANEs. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ripe and tender ANEs reduced the antibacterial activity and the superoxide anion production of neutrophils. This effect may contribute to a less efficient elimination of bacteria from the periodontal environment. Inhibition of the antimicrobial functions of neutrophils may alter the microbial ecology of the oral cavity, and this may be one possible mechanism by which areca nut compromises the oral health of users of areca nut products.

A new method for protein domain recognition

A fuzzy cluster method is presented to recognize protein domains. This algorithm can identify domains globally. A protein structure set was used to test the algorithm. Among 219 proteins, 66.7% yielded results that agreed with the reference definitions, 30.6% showed minor differences, and only 2.7% (six proteins) showed major differences with the reference. The new method is more than 20 times fast than previous algorithms.

Current concept of guided tissue regeneration with non-absorbable membrane

Guided tissue regeneration has been well established as a treatment modality for periodontal disease. Proper case selection and delicate surgical skills can lead to the predictable success. Additionally, the GTR may also be used to treat marginal tissue recession, peri-implantitis, and palato-gingival grooves. Furthermore, osteopromotion with membrane techniques can be used as a means to provide ridge augmentation in ridge defects, or as an adjunct to implant placements. It does play a very important role in implant dentistry and aesthetic dentistry.

Emergency center categorization standards

The SAEM EC Categorization Task Force was developed in response to the 1994 Macy Foundation's recommendation that emergency medicine (EM) organizations "should revise the classification of emergency departments ... to reflect the level of care available in emergency departments, and indicate whether or not facilities are adequate and whether appropriately qualified and credentialed emergency physicians are available 24 hours a day." By holding Level 1 emergency centers (ECs) to objective standards based on the quality of care delivered as well as administrative, research, and educational efforts, SAEM hopes to improve patient care. The SAEM EC Categorization Task Force is now beginning the process of reviewing ECs that provide comprehensive emergency care and serve as regional resources for education, research, and administration in EM. This standards document describes relative and critical criteria to be met in order to receive designation as a Level 1 emergency center. Such centers must meet all critical criteria, and be in sufficient compliance with most or all relative criteria, in order to achieve this designation. This process is entirely voluntary. Any EC is eligible for review. Any institution can initiate the review process by applying. Application materials and further information, including the policies and procedures of the SAEM EC Categorization Task Force, are available from SAEM.

Molecular dynamics simulation of protein folding with supersecondary structure constraints

We integrate molecular dynamics simulation methods with a newly developed supersecondary structure prediction method and compute the structure of a protein molecule, crambin. The computed structure is similar to the crystal structure with an rms error of 3.94 A.

Proceedings of the Future of Emergency Medicine Research Conference, Part I: Executive summary

The five articles presented in this section were written by representatives of the emergency medicine research community during the "Future of Emergency Medicine Research Conference," March 6 and 7, 1997, in Washington DC. Each presentation was balanced with commentary by two conference participants from outside emergency medicine. The discussion of each presentation was opened to scrutiny and analysis by all the conference participants. The participants included representatives from governmental agencies and other clinical specialties with the experience and understanding of specialty research enhancement. The objectives and recommendations in this final summary are the result of considerable insight and discussion from all participants. The specialty of emergency medicine owes a special thanks to those from outside the specialty who volunteered their time and effort to share their wisdom with us. Although the 35 participants represent many points of view, not all potential viewpoints were included. Hence, there may be other actions that need to be taken by organizations and individuals to advance emergency medicine research. It is now the responsibility of each individual emergency physician to carefully consider his or her own role and commitment in the process of advancing emergency medicine research. Our collective will as academic departments and the organized emergency medicine community must reaffirm our belief in the importance of emergency medicine research. Individually and collectively, we will need to dedicate the necessary resources to implement the strategies suggested for enhancing emergency medicine research training extramural funding, national organization support, multicenter research, and new research outcomes.

Research directions in emergency medicine

The goal of emergency medicine is to improve health while preventing and treating disease and illness in patients seeking emergency medical care. Improvements in emergency medical care and the delivery of this care can be achieved through credible and meaningful research efforts. Improved delivery of emergency medical care through research requires careful planning and the wise use of limited resources. To achieve this goal, emergency medicine must provide appropriate training of young investigators and attract support for their work. Promotion of multidisciplinary research teams will help the specialty fulfill its goals. The result will be the improvement of emergency medical care which will benefit not only the patients emergency physicians serve but also, ultimately, the nation's health.

The effect of oral deferoxamine on iron absorption in humans

Acute iron overdose is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality, however, optimal gastric decontamination procedures in iron overdose are unclear. In order to determine the effectiveness of oral deferoxamine mesylate solution in humans to prevent the absorption of iron in acute exposures, the following prospective case control crossover study was designed. Seven informed adult human volunteers were given an oral dose of 5 mg/kg elemental iron alone in a control phase and again in an experimental phase followed by a single equimolar dose of oral buffered deferoxamine solution. Plasma iron concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically for eight hours following administration of iron alone and following doses of iron with deferoxamine. There was no significant difference in peak iron concentration, time to peak iron concentration or area-under-the-curve between the two groups. Based on our results, equimolar doses of oral deferoxamine do not appear to decrease the absorption of low doses of oral iron in humans.

Guided tissue regeneration in surgically created 3-walled and 2-walled periodontal osseous defects in monkeys

BACKGROUND

In the previous clinical studies, guided tissue regeneration resulted in periodontal regeneration after treatment of 3-walled intrabony defects. The purpose of the present study was to compare the regenerative potential of 3-walled and 2-walled surgically created periodontal osseous defects in monkeys following placement of a biocompatible, porous polytetrafluorethylene membrane.

METHODS

In each of 8 Taiwan monkeys, 2 maxillary and 2 mandibular teeth were selected for experimentation. Using a diamond bur, 3-walled osseous defects were created on the distal of the maxillary cuspid and the mesial of the mandibular second bicuspid of one side. Two-walled (lingual wall and proximal wall) osseous defects were created on the contralateral side. After root planing, teflon membranes were applied to the mandibular test teeth. In the maxilla, all procedures were the same except for the placement of teflon membranes. Two monkeys were sacrificed 3, 6 and 9 months after operation and prepared for histologic and histometric evaluation. Reentries were performed while the other 2 monkeys were terminated 11 months after operation.

RESULTS

Histologic evaluation revealed that new connective tissue attachments were found to a greater extent in the 3-walled periodontal osseous defects treated with teflon membranes compared with the non-membrane sites (p = 0.05). More periodontal regeneration was not predictably obtained in the surgically created 2-walled osseous defects when the teflon membranes were used.

CONCLUSIONS

For 3-walled periodontal osseous defects, guided tissue regeneration was superior to conventional periodontal flap surgery. For 2-walled defects, new connective tissue attachment could not be predictably achieved.

Response of regenerative tissues to plaque: a histological study in monkeys

This study was designed to determine the histologic response of regenerated tissue to plaque, using an adult Taiwan monkey model with chronically-inflamed, surgically-created, periodontal defects. Standardized 2-walled periodontal defects were surgically created at the mesial of the mandibular lateral incisor on one side. Sutures, 3-0 braided silk, were placed for 8 weeks and tissues positioned so that denuded root surfaces were exposed to plaque, with the subsequent development of the chronically-inflamed periodontal tissues. At 8 weeks the defects were subjected to guided tissue regeneration procedures using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and allowed to heal for 6 months. Contralateral clinically healthy sites, without surgical procedures, were used as controls. In both experimental (membrane) and control sites, silk ligatures were placed to allow plaque accumulation for 2 or 10 weeks. Four monkeys were sacrificed at each time point and specimens processed for histologic and histometric study. The results indicated that plaque-induced inflammation was less at sites treated by guided tissue regenerative procedures when compared to originally clinically-healthy sites exposed to plaque for the same duration. However, histologically the newly formed osseous tissue was compromised under these conditions.

Safety assessment of high-dose narcotic analgesia for emergency department procedures

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of high-dose IV narcotics in patients requiring analgesia for painful emergency department procedures.

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter clinical trial.

SETTING

Five adult urban EDs.

METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS

All patients received IV meperidine (1.5 to 3.0 mg/kg) titrated to analgesia followed by a painful procedure. Vital signs and alertness scale were recorded at regular intervals, and patients were observed for four hours. Adverse events were monitored and documented. Comparisons between baseline and postanalgesia intervals were made with a repeated measures ANOVA (Dunnett's test).

RESULTS

Although statistically significant changes in vital signs and alertness scale occurred, they were not clinically significant. Opiate reversal with naloxone was not needed in any patient, and no significant respiratory or circulatory compromise occurred.

CONCLUSION

This study of 72 patients demonstrates that high-dose narcotic analgesia is appropriate, well tolerated, and safe when used in selected patients before painful procedures in the ED. Narcotic antagonists and resuscitation equipment nonetheless should be available to maximize safety.

Survival following hydrofluoric acid ingestion

Systemic toxicity after significant dermal exposure to hydrofluoric acid includes rapid development of hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, leading to ventricular fibrillation. Similar dysrhythmias have occurred in patients after ingestion of sodium fluoride-containing compounds. Ingestion of hydrofluoric acid could induce similar cardiac toxicity; however, reported cases of hydrofluoric acid ingestion rarely have been described, and the rapid death of these patients has not allowed verification of this hypothesis. On two separate occasions, a 70-year-old woman ingested up to 2 oz of a 8% hydrofluoric acid-containing solution. Recurrent ventricular fibrillation with concurrent hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia complicated her first episode, whereas a more aggressive administration of calcium and magnesium may have prevented dysrhythmias in the second episode. Survival from ventricular fibrillation after hydrofluoric acid ingestion has not been reported previously and suggests a role for aggressive empiric calcium and magnesium replacement.

Acute fluoxetine overdose: a report of 234 cases

Limited toxicity information is available in the medical literature on the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac, Dista Products Co, Indianapolis, IN). The goal of this prospective multicenter study was to develop a toxicity profile of initial signs and symptoms observed in an acute fluoxetine overdose. A prospective study was made of patients reported to one of four American Association of Poison Control Centers' regional poison control centers after ingesting an acute overdose of fluoxetine. A standard data collection form was used on all patients ingesting fluoxetine. Information obtained included age, current medications, dose, coingested drugs, presenting symptoms, vital signs, electrocardiogram abnormalities, outcome, and fluoxetine levels. The authors collected 272 cases; 234 cases met the criteria of the study. Fluoxetine was ingested alone in 87 cases and with ethanol or other drugs in the remaining 147 cases. Of the 87 cases where fluoxetine was ingested alone, 67 patients were adults and 20 were children. Symptoms that were seen in the adult group included: tachycardia (15/67), drowsiness (14/67), tremor (five/67), vomiting (four/67), or nausea (four/67). Thirty patients did not develop symptoms. Twelve of the adult overdose patients had total fluoxetine levels ranging from 232 to 1390 ng/mL. The authors conclude that symptoms that develop after an acute overdose of fluoxetine appear minor and of short duration. Aggressive supportive care is the only intervention necessary.

The effect of a teflon membrane to augment the healing of extraction sockets in monkeys

The present study was undertaken in 9 monkeys to test the effect of a teflon membrane to augment the healing of extraction sockets. The 4 lateral incisors of each animal were extracted using a surgical flap approach. Two of the sockets on one side were covered with teflon membrane (experimental sites), while the same procedure was repeated with the exception of the applications of the teflon membrane on the remaining two sockets of the contralateral side (controls). The distal surfaces of the central incisors were notched at the level of the crest of the alveolar bone as the reference points for measurements of alveolar bone response. Re-entries were performed on three monkeys at 50, 90 and 150 days after tooth extraction and the bone fill of the sockets was evaluated. It was concluded from the results that there was a tendency for the teflon membrane placement to result in a greater amount of clinical alveolar bone fill and lesser extent of bone resorption after tooth extraction.

Diltiazem overdose: case report and review

We present a case of diltiazem overdose in which the patient ingested 4.2 grams in an apparent suicide attempt. He arrived in the emergency department two hours postingestion with a blood pressure of 60/40 torr and a heart rate of 62 beats/min in a junctional rhythm. Intervention included activated charcoal, gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, calcium (both chloride and gluconate), dopamine, and atropine with improvement in vital signs. Diltiazem levels were obtained and half-life calculated. This ingestion is one of the largest reported in the literature and is remarkable in that the patient recovered without pacing or other extraordinary measures. All eight previously published cases of diltiazem overdose, including all unpublished reports to the manufacturer, are reviewed and their management strategies examined. Successful treatment in which recovery has occurred in less than 48 hours, includes pressors, calcium, glucagon, pacing, and charcoal hemoperfusion. A strategy for emergency physicians to use when approaching this problem is suggested from the review.

Histopathologic change of pulp tissue after surgical trauma in monkeys

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of surgical trauma on pulp tissue. Two-walled osseous defects were surgically created at the mesial sides of the bilateral mandibular second bicuspids of four Taiwan monkeys. The cementum and partial thickness of dentin were removed with diamond bur. At one side of the mandible, the perforation was made at the midpoint of the root surface facing the created osseous defect to allow the pulp tissue to communicate the defects. The flaps were readapted. The monkeys were sacrificed 6 months postoperatively and prepared for the histologic evaluation. The results showed that in three of the four perforated sites, cementum-like structures were formed at the perforated areas. The pulp tissue kept vital. But replacement resorption was taking place in fourth studied site.

Whole-bowel irrigation as a treatment for acute lithium overdose

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine if gastrointestinal decontamination using whole-bowel irrigation (WBI) was an effective treatment for acute ingestion of sustained-release lithium.

METHODS

In a two-phase, crossover protocol, ten normal volunteers ingested in each phase 0.80 mEq/kg sustained-release lithium carbonate. In the second phase, WBI was begun one hour after lithium ingestion, and 10 L of polyethylene glycol solution were administered over five hours. Serum samples were collected every half hour for six hours, every hour for an additional six hours, and then every 24 hours for as long as 72 hours after ingestion. These samples were analyzed for lithium concentration. The area under the lithium serum concentration-versus-time curve was calculated for each phase.

RESULTS

The average area under the lithium serum concentration-versus-time curve in the WBI phase was 67% +/- 11% less than that in the control phase (P less than .0005 using a two-tailed Student's t test). The mean serum lithium concentration was significantly decreased (P = .03) within one hour of beginning WBI.

CONCLUSION

WBI is an effective treatment for acute ingestion of sustained-release lithium. We recommend it as the decontaminant procedure of choice in this situation.

Absorption of iron after experimental overdose of chewable vitamins

Even though ingestion of chewable iron preparations is much more common, treatment recommendations for iron overdose are usually based on experience with nonchewable preparations. To determine the optimal time to measure serum iron concentrations, five volunteers were given chewable iron in 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses and their serum iron concentrations monitored. Peak levels occurred at 4.2 and 4.5 hours, respectively, after ingestion, and levels drawn at 3 hours were within 90% of the peak. Nausea and headache were experienced by all volunteers, and serum iron exceeded baseline total iron binding capacity in two subjects at the 10 mg/kg dose. In minor iron overdose resulting from the ingestion of chewable vitamins, serum iron concentrations measured between 3 and 7 hours (95% confidence level of peak concentrations) may be adequate in assessing the peak serum iron concentration.

Attaining academic department status for emergency medicine within medical schools

The specialty of emergency medicine has emerged as a separate academic department within medical schools. These academic departments were contacted and asked to submit information on the process they undertook to attain department status. The path taken by each department was unique and dependent on many factors. Information about these departments is summarized, and ten broad recommendations for academic emergency physicians to consider when seeking department status are given.

How serious is the radon problem?

In the last year or two, a vast array of radon-detection kits has appeared in stores and catalogs. The authors explain what radon is and why it has captured the interest of the American public. They also examine the extent and significance of the radon problem and suggest solutions for homes that are found to have a high concentration.

The effects of fluoxetine in the overdose patient

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a new antidepressant, first marketed in the United States in January 1988. Only limited toxicologic information during a fluoxetine overdose is available. The goal of this prospective multi-center study was to develop a toxicity profile of initial signs and symptoms observed in fluoxetine overdose. A standardized data collection form was used on all patients ingesting fluoxetine as reported to four poison centers. Information obtained included age, dose, co-ingested drugs, presenting symptoms, vital signs, EKG abnormalities and lab values. Of the 127 cases of acute fluoxetine overdose collected, 106 cases met the criteria of the study. Of these, 69/106 ingested other drugs, including ethanol and 37/106 ingested fluoxetine alone. Of the latter group, the amounts ingested ranged from 20 to 1500 mg. It was observed that 48.6% (18/37) remained asymptomatic, 16.2% (7/37) were sleepy, 24.3% (9/37) had a sinus tachycardia (of 100 beats per minute or greater), and 8.1% (3/37) had a diastolic pressure over 100 mm Hg. Data collection is ongoing. Based upon our initial experience, fluoxetine in overdose appears to be relatively benign.

Substance abuse education in residency training programs in emergency medicine. NIAAA Task Force of the American College of Emergency Physicians

The emergency department is the focal point for many social ills, not the least of which is substance abuse. We conducted a study to determine to what degree substance abuse education is taught in emergency medicine residency training programs. A set of educational objectives was developed by a task force composed of representatives of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society of Teachers of Emergency Medicine, and the University Association for Emergency Medicine. A questionnaire then was sent to the directors of all emergency medicine residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to determine the degree to which those objectives are covered in residency training. A 62% response rate was achieved. The data revealed that such topics as narcotic prescription law, patterns of risk, and issues pertaining to substance abuse by physicians were covered by fewer than half of the programs responding. Respondents were generally satisfied with the adequacy of training of residents and faculty in the area of substance abuse; however, they were dissatisfied with the adequacy of available training materials. Recommendations for changes in graduate curriculum as well as avenues for further research are provided.

Breast feeding of infants between 0-6 months old in 20 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in the People's Republic of China. National Coordinating Working Group for Breastfeeding Surveillance

This investigation was designed as an overall study of breast feeding rates and corresponding influencing factors in urban and rural communities in the People's Republic of China. In all 95,578 infants between 0 and 6 months old who lived within 20 different provinces or autonomous regions were subjects for the study which was conducted from March 1983 to August 1985. The findings revealed that breast feeding rates for urban areas were significantly lower than the rates for the rural areas.

An assessment of emergency medicine residency graduates' perceptions of the adequacy of their residency training

A study of emergency medicine residency training graduates was conducted to determine their perceptions of the quality of their graduate training. A sample of 300 individuals was randomly selected from a population of 1,000 persons graduating from 1982 through 1984. Respondents were asked to use a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being highest) to rate the adequacy of their residency training relative to 20 major core content areas. A 50% response rate (N = 151) was achieved. Mean ratings of residents' perceptions of the adequacy of their training relative to the core content ranged from 1.7 to 3.24. Training in resuscitation and stabilization, principles of emergency care, and general assessment were among the most highly rated, while training in physician interpersonal skills, disorders related to the immune system, and cutaneous disorders were rated the lowest. Overall, residents were quite positive in their perceptions regarding the quality of their training. They indicated plans to attend continuing medical education programs to reinforce some of their training and to address some of the deficiencies they perceived in residency training. Programs are encouraged to conduct similar surveys with their own graduates to assess particular strengths and weaknesses.

Comparison of single-dose meperidine, butorphanol, and dihydroergotamine in the treatment of vascular headache

We treated 64 emergency room patients with a primary vascular headache with dihydroergotamine (DHE), meperidine, or butorphanol. Post-treatment pain scores were lowest in the DHE group (p less than 0.01). Eight of 21 patients receiving DHE had greater than 90% reduction in pain compared with three of 19 patients receiving butorphanol and none of 22 receiving meperidine.

Duration of antagonistic effects of nalmefene and naloxone in opiate-induced sedation for emergency department procedures

Naloxone is an effective opiate antagonist, but its short half-life limits its usefulness. For outpatient procedures, a longer acting opiate antagonist could eliminate two to four hours of nursing observation in patients postoperatively. A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of nalmefene, naloxone, and placebo in reversing opiate-induced sedation was carried out to determine efficacy, duration of action, and adverse effects in patients undergoing outpatient procedures. Each patient received 1.5 to 3.0 mg/kg meperidine intravenously before the procedure. After the procedure, each patient received either nalmefene, 1.0 mg; naloxone, 1.0 mg; or saline, 1.0 mL intravenously. Vital signs and assessments for alertness were performed for four hours. Naloxone significantly reversed sedation for only 15 minutes, whereas nalmefene was significantly effective (P less than .05) for up to 210 minutes. Nalmefene was significantly more effective than naloxone in reversing sedation at 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Nalmefene is an effective agent for the reversal of opiate-induced sedation after outpatient procedures.

Analysis of initial requests for information of non-exposure related topics at a regional poison center

Regional poison centers have experienced continued growth for drug exposure related information. At our regional poison center, because of increased requests for information which is non-drug or non-exposure related, we chose to select a sampling of telephone inquiries to document such topics. We wished to document the demographics of the caller, the major category of information requested, the triage of the call, the pertinent history and quote of the call, and the interpretation of the call by our poison information specialists. Of the 164 calls sampled, the majority of the calls were initiated from a home site (89%) with an adult (79.3%) female (62.2%) asking for the information. Of the ten major categories of non-drug or non-exposure related issues, general medical information was most often requested (65.2%). The poison specialists' triage of calls required no follow-up in 72% of calls, however 5.5% of the callers were directed to an emergency department, with 12.2% directed to another health agency for additional information. As funding for all medical and health related resources becomes limited, it is important the public be made aware of its own utilization of public resources. This will enable a basis for obtaining financial support outside of drug-related arenas, will return a positive statement to the public that not only do poison centers consult on exposures; but also that the dollars spent are utilized in an extremely widened brevity of information for the publics consumption. This information will support enhanced budget requests for personnel education and training in areas of non-drug or non-exposure related issues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

CNS depression in an infant after the ingestion of tobacco: a case report

An 8-month-old female infant was brought in after ingesting cigarette butts. Upon presentation to the ED approximately 2.5 hr post-ingestion, the child was very lethargic and respirations were depressed. She was intubated and a NG tube was placed. Gastric lavage was performed, after which activated charcoal and sorbitol were given. Atropine was administered to treat excessive secretions. The patient became progressively more obtunded throughout the emergency department stay. Upon admission to the PICU she was minimally responsive. The urine tox screen was positive only for nicotine. The patient gradually improved with supportive care and was sent home on the third hospital day. Although the effects of Nicotine are well documented, few cases have been reported of severe toxicity in pediatric patients. We believe this to be the only reported case of severe CNS depression secondary to the ingestion of cigarette butts in a pediatric patient.

The effect of fluid volume on syrup of ipecac emesis time

Large volumes of fluid have been recommended to aid rapid ipecac-induced emesis, however, large volume intake may also have deleterious effects. We prospectively studied 121 children treated at home by a regional poison center to determine if a relationship existed between fluid volume and time to emesis. These children were treated in the usual manner except that parents were asked to measure the volume of fluid given and to note the time that fluid was given and the time of first emesis. The time ranged from 6 to 58 minutes (mean 20.6) with two who failed to respond and the volume ranged from 0 to 28 ounces (mean 6.7 ounces). In children who respond to ipecac, there is no significant relationship between the amount of fluid given and the time until emesis. We conclude that the traditional recommendation of forcing fluid with syrup of ipecac does not hasten emesis in children.

A pictorial portrayal of poisoning possibilities: a public awareness approach

Areas of a high density university housing cooperative were randomly photographed following reports of decreased child supervision and increased potential for childhood poisoning and injury. A slide show was developed using these actual settings which revealed potential exposure to multiple toxic chemicals. This show was presented to the residents and demonstrated the high risk situations. Residents discovered that toxic chemicals were present in their own living environment, that many routes of exposure were possible and the high susceptibility of children during unsupervised play. As a result of this educational program, a poison prevention policy was approved with subsequent visible improvement in the community awareness and environment. This pictorial approach is a useful method for educating residents of a high density housing development about potential poisonings in their home environment and may be applied to other similar settings.

The referral of patients from freestanding emergency centers to a hospital emergency department

This retrospective study is a review of patients referred from a network of eight freestanding emergency centers FECs to a hospital emergency department during January and February 1984. During that time, 17,387 patients were seen at the FECs. Sixty-three (0.36%) of these patients were referred to the base hospital, of which 28 (44%) were admitted and six (9.5%) were admitted to a critical care unit. Four of the six critical care admissions arrived by ambulance. One was unstable and required cardioversion in the ED. Of the patients discharged from the hospital 70% were satisfied with FEC and 97% with hospital treatment. Of admitted patients, 89% were satisfied with FEC and 100% were satisfied with hospital treatment. For a similar illness in the future, 23% of all patients would return to a FEC, 28% would go to a private practitioner, and 48% would go directly to a hospital.

Home parenteral nutrition in a child with Menetrier disease

A 4-year-old boy is described with abdominal pain, emesis, weight loss, hypoproteinemia and edema. The diagnosis of Menetrier disease was made based on radiographic studies, gastroscopy and gastric biopsy. There was little response to medical treatment and enteral feedings were poorly tolerated for many weeks. Although Menetrier disease in children has a benign and transient course, we found the use of home hyperalimentation significantly shortened the length of hospitalization and provided adequate nutritional support until the gastric lesions began to resolve.