Comparing 11 early warning scores and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory performance of 11 vital sign-based early warning scores (EWSs) and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: We performed a retrospective study on consecutive adult patients with an infection over 3 months in a public ED in Hong Kong. The primary outcome was sepsis (Sepsis-3 definition) within 48 h of ED presentation.

Consensus statement on the management of hyperkalaemia-An Asia-Pacific perspective.

Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte imbalance that impairs muscle function and myocardial excitability, and can potentially lead to fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The prevalence of hyperkalaemia is estimated to be 6%-7% worldwide and 7%-10% in Asia. Hyperkalaemia frequently affects patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, particularly those receiving treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors.

Early sepsis care with the National Early Warning Score 2-guided Sepsis Hour-1 Bundle in the emergency department: hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation pilot stepped wedge randomised controlled trial (NEWS-1 TRIPS) protocol.

Introduction: Early sepsis treatment in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to improve patient survival. Despite international promulgation, the uptake of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) Hour-1 Bundle (lactate measurement, blood culture, broad-spectrum antibiotics, 30 mL/kg crystalloid for hypotension/lactate ≥4 mmol/L and vasopressors for hypotension during/after fluid resuscitation within 1 hour of sepsis recognition) is low across healthcare settings. Delays in sepsis recognition and a lack of high-quality evidence hinder its implementation.

Applying artificial neural network in predicting sepsis mortality in the emergency department based on clinical features and complete blood count parameters.

A complete blood count (CBC) is routinely ordered for emergency department (ED) patients with infections. Certain parameters, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), might have prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the presenting CBC parameters combined with clinical variables in predicting 30-day mortality in adult ED patients with infections using an artificial neural network (ANN).

Derivation and internal validation of a clinical prediction score to predict major effect or death in acute metamfetamine toxicity.

Objective: Metamfetamine use can cause serious complications or death. We aimed to derive and internally validate a clinical prediction score to predict major effect or death in acute metamfetamine toxicity.

Methods: We performed secondary analysis of 1,225 consecutive cases reported from all local public emergency departments to the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019.

Changes in Emergency Department Visits, Diagnostic Groups, and 28-Day Mortality Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Territory-Wide, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Study Objective: We aimed to evaluate and characterize the scale and relationships of emergency department (ED) visits and excess mortality associated with the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the territory of Hong Kong.

Methods: We conducted a territory-wide, retrospective cohort study to compare ED visits and the related impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality. All ED visits at 18 public acute hospitals in Hong Kong between January 1 and August 31 of 2019 (n=1,426,259) and 2020 (n=1,035,562) were included.

Quantification of injury burden using multiple data sources: a longitudinal study.

Quantification of injury burden is vital for injury prevention, as it provides a guide for setting policies and priorities. This study generated a set of Hong Kong specific disability weights (DWs) derived from patient experiences and hospital records. Patients were recruited from the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of three major trauma centers in Hong Kong between September 2014 and December 2015 and subsequently interviewed with a focus on health-related quality of life at most three times over a 12-month period.

Supraventricular tachycardia and acute confusion following ingestion of e-cigarette fluid containing AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA: a case report with quantitative analysis of serum drug concentrations.

Background: AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA are structurally similar synthetic cannabinoids with potent CB receptor agonistic effects. Very little is known about their pharmacology and toxicology.

Objective: To report a case of supraventricular tachycardia and acute confusion after ingestion of e-cigarette fluid containing AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, with quantitative analysis of the serum drug concentrations.

Dexmedetomidine use in the ED for control of methamphetamine-induced agitation.

Background: Chemical restraint is often required to control agitation induced by methamphetamine. Dexmedetomidine is an α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with sedative, analgesic, and sympatholytic properties. Its use in the emergency department (ED) to control methamphetamine-induced agitation has not been reported.

Management of acute agitation in Hong Kong and comparisons with Australasia.

Background: Little is known about the use of sedation drugs for the management of acute agitation in Hong Kong's Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) and how it compares with Australasian practice.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine drug preferences, clinicians' perceived confidence in management, barriers/gaps in training and perceived usefulness of existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in Hong Kong.

Method: A validated questionnaire was used, with case vignettes typical of patients presenting to AEDs with acute agitation.

Methylphenidate and the risk of trauma.

Background And Objective: Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prone to sustaining trauma that requires emergency department (ED) admission. Methylphenidate (MPH) can reduce ADHD symptoms and may thus theoretically reduce the risk of trauma-related ED admission, but previous studies do not make this association clear. This study examines this association.