Objectives: C-reactive protein is well known as an inflammatory indicator in injury, infection, and cancer. However, little is known about its role in poisoning. C-reactive protein levels first increase and then decrease within several days during poisoning management. This study aimed to verify the C-reactive protein change pattern and its clinical co-infection possibility in patients with poisoning. Methods: Daily C-reactive protein levels of the patients with poisoning, who were admitted for more than 5 days, were measured. Microbial cultures were conducted, and fever (⩾38°C) and infection-related symptoms were investigated. Results: In the enrolled 56 patients, the initial median C-reactive protein levels at hospital day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 0.28, 4.85, 10.91, 10.57, and 6.68 mg/dL, respectively. C-reactive protein level was the highest at hospital day 3 and decreased thereafter. No statistical difference was observed in the daily and maximal C-reactive protein levels between the culture-positive and culture-negative groups. The levels at hospital days 3–5 and the maximal level were 8.4, 9.2, 5.49, and 11.02 mg/dL, respectively, in non-fever group. The levels at hospital days 3–5 and the maximal level were 7.4, 9.2, 4.74, and 10.81 mg/dL, respectively, in non-symptoms group. Levels at hospital days 3–5 and the maximal level were 5.21, 4.93, 3.7, and 5.28 mg/dL, respectively, in all-negative (culture-negative without fever or infection symptoms) group. Conclusions: Acute rise and fall of C-reactive protein levels can be observed in the infection-unlikely patients with poisoning. The levels were similar to bacterial infection levels, possibly due to the drug reaction itself, rather than for superimposed infections.
Purpose:The recent increase in electric scooter (e-scooter) use has been accompanied by an increase in injuries from e-scooter-related accidents. Studies have reported that most such injuries are minor, and physicians may therefore underestimate the severity of such injuries. This study investigated the types and severity of injuries caused by isolated e-scooter accidents (i.e., those that did not involve colliding with other cars or falling from heights). Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from May to December 2021 at Dankook University Hospital tertiary medical center. The demographic data of patients injured in isolated e-scooter-related accidents were collected. All injuries were categorized by body part. Results: Fifty eligible patients visited our emergency department during the study period. Of these, 76% were categorized as nonemergency, and 62% were discharged after initial evaluation and treatment at the emergency department. Another 10% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 18% to the ward, with nine patients receiving at least one operation. The average hospital stays were 2.4 days in the ICU and 9 days in the ward. One death occurred due to traumatic brain injury (overall mortality rate, 2%). Multiple fractures of the left third through ninth ribs combined with lung laceration and fractures of T12 and L4 were noted. Conclusions: Various types and severities of injuries can occur in isolated e-scooter accidents. While most such injuries are minor, some will require ICU admission or surgery, and deaths can occur. Physicians should not underestimate the severity of such injuries.
Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are a part of air medical services. The transportation of patients using helicopters or airplanes is a core element of the air medical services. HEMS have developed from militarybased transportation, which used helicopters on the battlefield. HEMS have played an important role in properly transporting critical patients before the golden time elapses. The optimal strategies for the operation of HEMS at any emergency medical system are dependent on the characteristics of the regional emergency medical system, diversitiy of HEMS organizations, and the legal background of each country. Therefore, every participant, including the government, medical personnel, and HEMS organizations, should concentrate their efforts toward the establishment of HEMS. Other than the factors related to patients, the key element in facilitating the establishment of HEMS is the safety of the flight and crew members.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.