

Core EM - Emergency Medicine Podcast
Core EM
Core EM Emergency Medicine Podcast
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Dec 16, 2019 • 22min
Episode 174.0 – Homelessness
We discuss one of the most complex problems we face – Homelessness
Hosts:
Kelly Doran, MD
Audrey Tse, MD
Brian Gilberti, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Homelessness.mp3
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Tags: Social Emergency Medicine
Show Notes
Special Thanks To:
Dr. Kelly Doran, MD MHS
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine at NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/ Bellevue
___________________________
References:
Doran, K.M. Commentary: How Can Emergency Departments Help End Homelessness? A Challenge to Social Emergency Medicine. Ann Emerg Med. 2019;74:S41-S44.
Doran, K.M., Raven, M.C. Homelessness and Emergency Medicine: Where Do We Go From Here? Acad Emerg Med. 2018;25:598-600.
Salhi, B.A., et al. Homelessness and Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature. Acad Emerg Med. 2018;25:577-93.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. Available at: https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/5783/2018-ahar-part-1-pit-estimates-of-homelessness-in-the-us/
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Home, Together Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. https://www.usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/Home-Together-Federal-Strategic-Plan-to-Prevent-and-End-Homelessness.pdf
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Nov 25, 2019 • 12min
Episode 173.0 – Blunt Neck Trauma
Delve into the intricacies of blunt neck trauma, revealing its common causes like motor vehicle collisions and strangulation. The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of airway management and the structured assessment necessary to prevent complications. Explore the evaluation of vascular and laryngotracheal damage, as well as treatment strategies for blunt cerebrovascular injury. The conversation also highlights the importance of advanced imaging for detecting rare injuries and the need for teamwork among trauma specialists.

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Nov 4, 2019 • 11min
Episode 172.0 – Ankle Sprains
Explore the intricacies of ankle sprains, a prevalent injury especially among teens and athletes. Discover the critical role of the anterior talofibular ligament and the distinctions between lateral and medial sprains. Unpack the grading system that helps assess injury severity, along with essential examination techniques to differentiate sprains from fractures. Learn about effective rehabilitation strategies and the importance of tailored immobilization. Gain insights into recovery management and the risks of re-injury.

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Oct 21, 2019 • 16min
Episode 171.0 – Vaping Associated Lung Injury
An overview of Vaping Associated Lung Injury (VALI)
Hosts:
Audrey Bree Tse, MD
Larissa Laskowski, DO
Brian Gilberti, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Vaping_Associated_Lung_Injury.mp3
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Tags: Pulmonary, Toxicology
Show Notes
Why this matters
As of Oct 15, vaping has been associated with acute lung injury in over 1400 people
33 deaths have been confirmed in 24 states
70+% of those with VALI are young men
A large number of patients are requiring ICU/ intubation/ ECMO
4 main ingredients in solvent
+/- Flavor additives
+/- Nicotine or THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
CDC definition of VALI (Vaping Associated Lung Injury)
Using an e-cigarette (“vaping”) or dabbing* in 90 days prior to symptom onset AND
Pulmonary infiltrate, such as opacities, on plain film chest radiograph or ground-glass opacities on chest CT AND
Absence of pulmonary infection on initial work-up.
No evidence in the medical record of alternative plausible diagnoses (e.g., cardiac, rheumatologic, or neoplastic process).
*Dabbing allows the user to ingest a high concentration of THC. Butane Hash Oil (BHO), an oil or wax-like substance extracted from the marijuana plant, is placed on a “nail” attached to a specialized glass bong called a “rig.” A blow torch is used to heat the wax, which produces a vapor that can then be inhaled to supposedly produce an instantaneous effect.
Pathophysiology
At present, no single compound or ingredient has emerged as the cause, and there may be more than one cause
The only common thread among the cases is that ALL patients reported using e-cig or vaping products
Leading potential toxins:
Vaping products containing THC concentrates: most cases are linked to THC concentrates that were either purchased on the street or from other informal sources (meaning not from a dispensary)
Vitamin E acetate: nutritional supplement safe when ingested or applied to the skin (but likely not when inhaled) has been found in nearly all product samples of NY state cases of suspected VALI
vitamin E acetate is NOT an approved additive at least by NYS Medical Marijuana program
Other potential toxins:
IT CANNOT BE UNDERSTATED that a small percentage of persons w/ VALI have reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing vape products, such as JUUL; as such, we must consider the potential toxicity of standard e-liquid or vape juice
Flavor additives, that exists as chemical aldehydes: irritating and potentially damaging to lung tissue
PG/VG: shown not only to break down to formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen, but also to produce lipoid pneumonia in rat lungs
Some devices are easily manipulated to increase the capacity to produce vapor; increasing these settings may impact heating temperature, metabolic breakdown, and release of microscopic metal particles
Lungs are multifunctional, including serving as an immune organ: lungs cleave proteins of all of the bacteria, viruses and other pathogens we are exposed to and inhale daily
human studies on those that are chronic e-cig users or vapers have revealed that these products are shifting the balance of proteases and antiproteases in our lungs such that the proteases are destroying native lung tissue similar to how traditional cigarettes cause COPD
Many potential reactions:
NEJM article in references: details four radiographic phenotypes essentially reflecting different pathologic changes
Long-term Effects
Long term effects are unknown (some pts have required home oxygen on discharge)
Risk for recurrence or relapse, especially if repeat exposure
Presentation
95% of pts have had pulmonary sxs (cough, cp, dyspnea)
77% of pts have had GI sxs (abd pain, n/v/d)
85% of pts w/ constitutional sxs (f/c, weight loss)
57% w/ hypoxia (O2 < 95%)
Unfortunately auscultation has been unreliable and poorly sensitive
Workup
There is no specific test or marker for dx, so VALI is still considered a dx of exclusion
Labs:
CBC
ESR/CRP (93% w/ elevated ESR)
LFTs (50% w/ transaminitis)
ABG: hypoxia
Imaging:
CXR: typically shows bilateral infiltrates, although not always and there have even been some cases w/ unremarkable chest XR (so high degree of clinical suspicion in any person p/w hypoxia)
CT: ground glass opacities, typically bilaterally
Management
Dispo:
96% of cases required hospitalization
Any pt w/ hypoxia, respiratory distress, or comorbidities
Outpatient only if: no hypoxia or respiratory distress, reliable followup within 48h and good social support (keep in mind that some patients w/ mild symptoms of first presentation deteriorated rapidly within 48h)
Empiric treatments for pneumonia inc abx, antivirals
Steroids (methylpred 60mg q6h, based on how index cases in Illinois were managed)
Case reports have documented improvement
Mechanism: blunting of inflammatory response
Aggressive supportive care
Special Thanks To:
Dr. Larissa Laskowski, DO
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine at NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/ Bellevue
New York City Poison Control Center
References:
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
Carlos WG, Crotty Alexander LE, Gross JE, Dela Cruz CS, Keller JM, Pasnick SP, Jamil S. Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness (VAPI). Public Health Information Series. Am J Respir Crit Care Med Vol. 200, 13-15, 2019. www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/rccm.2007P13
Henry TS, Kanne JP, Kilgerman SJ. Images of Vaping-Associated Lung Disease — Correspondence. N Engl J Med. 2019 Oct 10; 381;15.
Layden JE, Ghana I, Pray I, Kimball A, Layer M, Tenforde M, Navon L, Hoots B, Salvatore PP, Elderbrook M, Haupt T, Kanne J, Patel MT, Saathaff-Huber L, King BA, Schier JG, Mikosz CA, Meiman J. Pulmonary Illness Related to E-Cigarette Use in Illinois and Wisconsin – Preliminary Report. N Engl J Med. 2019 Sep 6. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1911614. [Epub ahead of print]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31491072?dopt=AbstractPlus
Siegel DA, Jatlaoui TC, Koumans EH, et al. Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury — United States, October 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:919–927. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6841e3external icon.
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2019/2019-09-05_vaping.htm
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Sep 23, 2019 • 11min
Episode 170.0 – Septic Arthritis
Dive into the world of septic arthritis with insights on how bacteria invade joints and the alarming consequences of delayed treatment. Discover the critical myths surrounding its presentation and the importance of accurate diagnosis through techniques like arthrocentesis. Learn about the diverse risk factors and pathogens involved, including the challenges posed by prosthetic joints. The conversation highlights diagnostic complexities and emphasizes the urgent need for effective management in emergency medicine to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Aug 26, 2019 • 9min
Episode 169.0 – Febrile Seizures
A look at the most common type of seizures in the young pediatric population.
Hosts:
Brian Gilberti, MD
Audrey Bree Tse, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Febrile_Seizures.mp3
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Tags: Pediatrics
Show Notes
Background
The most common type of seizure in children under 5 years of age
Occur in 2-5% of children
In children with a fever, aged 6 months to 5 years of age, and without a CNS infection
Risk Factors
4 times more likely to have a febrile seizure if parent had one
Also increase in risk if siblings or nieces / nephews had one
Common associated infections
Human Herpesvirus 6
Human Herpesvirus 7
Influenza A & B
Simple Febrile Seizure
Generalized tonic-clonic activity lasting less than 15 minutes in a child 6 months to 5 years of age
Complex Febrile Seizure
Lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs in a child outside of this age range, are focal, or that recur within a 24-hour period.
Diagnostics / Workup
Gather thorough history and perform thorough physical exam
Most cases will not require labs, imaging or EEG
If e/o meningitis, perform LP
AAP suggests considering LP in:
Children 6-12 months who are not immunized for H flu type B or strep pneumo
Children who had been on antibiotics
For complex seizures, clinician may have a lower threshold for obtaining labs
Hyponatremia is more common in this group than in the general population.
LPs are more commonly done by providers, but these are low yield with one study showing bacterial meningitis being diagnosed in just 0.9% (Kimia 2010), all of whom did not have a normal exam or negative cultures.
Neuroimaging is also exceedingly low yield if the patient returns to baseline (Teng 2006)
One study that showed that the duration of complex febrile seizure, being greater than 30 minutes, was associated with a higher incidence of bacterial meningitis. (Chin 2005)
Of they have history and exam concerning for meningitis, they should get an LP
If they look dehydrated or edematous, you would have more of a reason to get a chemistry
Treatment
Benzodiazepine if seizure lasted for >5 minutes, either IV or IN
Supportive care
Tylenol or motrin if febrile
Fluids if signs of dehydration
Antipyretics “around the clock”
A majority of data show no benefit in preventing recurrence of seizure
One study (Murata 2018) found that giving tylenol q6h at 10 mg/kg for the first 24 hours following the initial seizure decreased the rate of recurrence when compared to children who did not receive antipyretics.
NNT here was 7
Questionable whether we can generalize these findings from a single ED in Japan.
No role for antiepileptics
Prognosis
High rate of recurrence (~1/3) within 1 year of initial seizure
Risk increases for
Younger age at which they had initial seizure
Lower temperature at which they had seizure
If initial febrile seizure was prolonged, more likely that the next will be prolonged
1-2% develop epilepsy for simple febrile seizure, slightly above risk of general population
5-10% develop epilepsy for complex febrile seizure
Follow up with PMD
Generally, peds neuro follow up is not necessary
References
Chin RF, Neville BG, Scott RC. Meningitis is a common cause of convulsive status epilepticus with fever. Arch Dis Child. 2005;90(1):66-9.
Kimia A, Ben-Joseph EP, Rudloe T, Capraro A, Sarco D, Hummel D, et al. Yield of lumbar puncture among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure. Pediatrics. 2010;126(1):62-9.
Murata S, Okasora K, Tanabe T, Ogino M, Yamazaki S, Oba C, et al. Acetaminophen and Febrile Seizure Recurrences During the Same Fever Episode. Pediatrics. 2018;142(5).
Patel N, Ram D, Swiderska N, Mewasingh LD, Newton RW, Offringa M. Febrile seizures. BMJ. 2015;351:h4240.
Pavlidou E, Panteliadis C. Prognostic factors for subsequent epilepsy in children with febrile seizures. Epilepsia. 2013;54(12):2101-7.
Stapczynski, J. S., & Tintinalli, J. E. (2016). Tintinalli’s emergency medicine: A comprehensive study guide, 8th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Subcommittee on Febrile S, American Academy of P. Neurodiagnostic evaluation of the child with a simple febrile seizure. Pediatrics. 2011;127(2):389-94.
Teng D, Dayan P, Tyler S, Hauser WA, Chan S, Leary L, et al. Risk of intracranial pathologic conditions requiring emergency intervention after a first complex febrile seizure episode among children. Pediatrics. 2006;117(2):304-8.
Warden CR, Zibulewsky J, Mace S, Gold C, Gausche-Hill M. Evaluation and management of febrile seizures in the out-of-hospital and emergency department settings. Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41(2):215-22.
A special thanks to our editors:
Michael A. Mojica, MD
Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Bellevue Hospital Center
Christie M. Gutierrez, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow
Columbia University Medical Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
New York Presbyterian
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Jul 30, 2019 • 15min
Episode 168.0 – Lyme Disease
This discussion delves into the rising prevalence of Lyme disease and the importance of recognizing tick bites, especially in summer. The hosts break down the tick's life cycle and the notorious erythema migrans rash. They highlight the varying stages and symptoms, including the potential complications affecting the nervous system. Additionally, they tackle the challenges in diagnosing Lyme disease, the role of patient history, and practical tips for managing ticks, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone concerned about this common illness.

Jul 15, 2019 • 9min
Episode 167.0 – Malaria
An in depth review of this notorious parasite.
Hosts:
Brian Gilberti, MD
Audrey Bree Tse, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Malaria.mp3
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Tags: Infectious Diseases
Show Notes
Background
In 2017, there were 219 million cases and 435,000 people deaths from malaria
Five species: Falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi.
Falciparum, Vivax and Knowlesi can be fatal
History of recent travel to Africa (69% of cases in US), particularly to west-Africa should raise suspicion for malaria
Clinical Manifestations
Average incubation period for Falciparum is 12 days
95% will develop symptoms within 1 month
Clinical findings with high likelihood ratios include periodic fevers, jaundice, splenomegaly, pallor.
Can also have vomiting, headache, chills, abdominal pain, cough, and diarrhea
Severe malaria has a mortality of 5% to 30%, even with therapy
Diagnostic criteria for severe malaria:
Ashley 2018
Most common manifestations of severe malaria affect the brain, lungs, and kidneys
Patients with cerebral malaria can present encephalopathic or comatose, some severe enough to exhibit extensor posturing, or seizures
Can have acute lung injury with a quarter of these patients progressing to ARDS
Can have AKI from ATN and resultant acidosis
Labs may be unremarkable but watch for anemia and thrombocytopenia
Hgb <5 has an OR = 4.9 for death
Severe thrombocytopenia has an OR = 2.8
Anemia + Thrombocytopenia has an OR = 13.8 (Lampah 2015, PMID 25170106)
Watch for hypoglycemia
Be mindful of co-infection with salmonella and HIV
Obtain BCx, cover with ceftriaxone
Diagnosis
Blood smear
Thick smear to increase sensitivity for detecting parasites
Thin smear for quantifying parasitemia and species
The first smear is positive in over 90% of cases, but if suspicion is high, it has to be repeated BID for 2-3 days for proper exclusion of malaria (CDC 2019)
Management
For uncomplicated, non-severe cases, most patients with falciparum should be admitted, especially those with no prior exposure to malaria parasites
Malarone is one of the first line options
Check out other suggested regimens from the CDC
Important to note that when they take this, ensure they take with milk or food containing fat to enhance absorption
Severe Malaria
Resuscitative efforts directed at affected organ
Can deteriorate rapidly
Initiate IV Artesunate if high level of suspicion
Requires call to CDC: CDC Malaria Hotline: (770) 488-7788 or (855) 856-4713 (toll-free) Monday–Friday 9am–5pm EST – (770) 488-7100 after hours, weekends, and holidays
Benzodiazepines for seizures
Be judicious with fluids as this can precipitate pulmonary edema and cerebral edema
a/w increased mortality in children at 48 hour
(Maitland 2011, PMID: 21615299; Hanson 2013, PMID: 23324951)
Take Home Points
This is going to be a diagnosis that is mainly made through a thorough history, and pay particular attention to those with recent travel to West-Africa
The incubation period for falciparum is 12 days, but there is a range of weeks and we should consider Malaria when consistent symptoms develop within 1 month of travel to an endemic area
Typical signs and symptoms for uncomplicated malaria are periodic fevers, jaundice, pallor
Be mindful of end organ involvement, such as cerebral edema, ATN, and pulmonary edema; these cases are considered to be severe and treated differently than uncomplicated malaria
Uncomplicated cases should get Malarone or Coartem
Severe cases require IV Artesunate
Be judicious with your fluid resuscitation as this can harm our patients
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Parasites – Malaria. 2019 https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html (7 July 2019, date last accessed)
Ashley EA, Pyae Phyo A, Woodrow CJ. Malaria. Lancet. 2018;391(10130):1608-21.
Hanson JP, Lam SW, Mohanty S, Alam S, Pattnaik R, Mahanta KC, et al. Fluid resuscitation of adults with severe falciparum malaria: effects on Acid-base status, renal function, and extravascular lung water. Crit Care Med. 2013;41(4):972-81.
Lampah DA, Yeo TW, Malloy M, Kenangalem E, Douglas NM, Ronaldo D, et al. Severe malarial thrombocytopenia: a risk factor for mortality in Papua, Indonesia. J Infect Dis. 2015;211(4):623-34.
Lokken KL, Stull-Lane AR, Poels K, Tsolis RM. Malaria Parasite-Mediated Alteration of Macrophage Function and Increased Iron Availability Predispose to Disseminated Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infection. Infect Immun. 2018;86(9).
Maitland K, Kiguli S, Opoka RO, Engoru C, Olupot-Olupot P, Akech SO, et al. Mortality after fluid bolus in African children with severe infection. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(26):2483-95.
Park SE, Pak GD, Aaby P, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Ali M, Aseffa A, et al. The Relationship Between Invasive Nontyphoidal Salmonella Disease, Other Bacterial Bloodstream Infections, and Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62 Suppl 1:S23-31.
Tintanelli, Judith E., et al. Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. Eighth edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2016: p.1070-1077
World Health Organization. Guidelines for the treatment of malaria. Third edition
April 2015. WHO. 2015 https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/atoz/9789241549127/en/ (7 July 2019, date last accessed)
A special thanks to our editor:
Angelica Cifuentes Kottkamp, MD
Infectious Diseases & Immunology
NYU School of Medicine
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Jul 1, 2019 • 10min
Episode 166.0 – Acute Otitis Media
A look at this common and controversial topic.
Hosts:
Brian Gilberti, MD
Audrey Bree Tse, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Acute_Otitis_Media.mp3
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Tags: Pediatrics
Show Notes
Background:
The most common infection seen in pediatrics and the most common reason these kids receive antibiotics
The release of the PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), or Prevnar vaccine, has made a big difference since its release in 2000 (Marom 2014)
This, along with more stringent criteria for what we are calling AOM, has led to a significant decrease in the number of cases seen since then
29% reduction in AOM caused by all pneumococcal serotypes among children who received PCV7 before 24 months of age
The peak incidence is between 6 and 18 months of age
Risk factors: winter season, genetic predisposition, day care, low socioeconomic status, males, reduced duration of or no breast feeding, and exposure to tobacco smoke.
The predominant organisms: Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Prevalence rates of infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae are declining due to widespread use of the Prevnar vaccine while the proportion of Moraxella and NTHi infection increases with NTHi now the most common causative bacterium
Strep pneumo is associated with more severe illness, like worse fevers, otalgia and also increased incidence of complications like mastoiditis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of acute otitis media is a clinical one without a gold standard in the ED (tympanocentesis)
Ear pain (+LR 3.0-7.3), or in the preverbal child, ear-tugging or rubbing is going to be the most common symptom but far from universally present in children. Parents may also report fevers, excessive crying, decreased activity, and difficulty sleeping.
Challenging especially in the younger patient, whose symptoms may be non-specific and exam is difficult
Important to keep in mind that otitis media with effusion, which does not require antibiotics, can masquerade as AOM
AAP: Diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media (2013)*
In 2013, the AAP came out with a paper to help guide the diagnosis of AOM
Moderate-Severe bulging of the tympanic membrane or new-onset otorrhea not due to acute otitis externa (grade B)
The presence of bulging is a specific sign and will help us distinguish between AOM and OME, the latter has opacification of the tympanic membrane or air-fluid level without bulging (Shaikh 2012, with algorithm)
Bulging of the TM is the most important feature and one systematic review found that its presence had an adjusted LR of 51 (Rothman 2003)
Classic triad is bulging along with impaired mobility and redness or cloudiness of TM
Mild bulging of the tympanic membrane AND (grade C)
Recent onset (48hrs)
Ear pain (verbal child)
Holding, tugging, rubbing of the ear (non-verbal child)
OR
Intense erythema of the tympanic membrane
* The diagnosis should not be made in the absence of a middle ear effusion (grade B)
Treatment Options
A strategy of “watchful waiting” in which children with acute otitis media are not immediately treated with antibiotic therapy, has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Who gets antibiotics?
Depends on age, temperature, duration of otalgia, laterality / otorrhea, and access to follow up
Get’s antibiotics:
<6 months: Treat
6 months to 2 years: Treat
Exception, AAP permits initial observation: unilateral AOM with mild symptoms (mild ear pain, <48h, T <102.2)
But know that there is a high rate of treatment failure (Hoberman 2013)
>2: Treat
Unless they have mild symptoms and it’s unilateral, you can observe for 48-72 hours
Why do we give antibiotics?
Demonstrated reduction in pain, TM perforations, contralateral episodes of AOM
They are no walk in the park, with increased adverse events (vomiting, diarrhea, rash)
Two well-designed clinical trials (2011) randomized approximately 600 children meeting strict diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media to receive Augmentin or placebo. These studies demonstrated a significant reduction in symptom burden and clinical failures in those who received antibiotics.
The authors conclude that those patients with a clear diagnosis of acute otitis media would benefit from antibiotic therapy
AAP AOM Treatment Algorithm
Antibiotic Selection
High-dose amoxicillin in most (for now)
Amoxicillin should not be used if the patient has received Amoxicillin in the past 30 days, has concomitant purulent conjunctivitis (likely H flu) or is allergic to penicillin.
beta lactamase resistant antibiotic should be used.
Amoxicillin clavulanate or 2nd or 3rd generation cephalosporins (including intramuscular ceftriaxone).
Patients with a history of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin should be treated macrolides.
Studies on duration of therapy have shown better results with 10-day duration in children younger than 2 years and suggest improved efficacy in those 2-5 years.
For patients older than 5 years, shorter course therapy (5-7 days) can be utilized.
Pain Control
Motrin and APAP may have benefit with otalgia reduction
Other
Decongestants and antihistamines have been shown to not benefit patients in terms of duration of symptoms or complication rate. Not surprisingly, these agents increase the side-effects experienced by patients.
Follow up
If you chose to observe, let the parents know to return to ED or f/u with their provider in 48-72 hours if they symptoms do not improve. Providing a prescription to parents with clear instructions on when to fill it is also an acceptable option. Strict return precautions should be given if patient develops meningismus or facial nerve palsy.
If antibiotics were initiated, and there isn’t improvement in 2-3 days, the diagnosis of AOM should be revisited and, if still suspected, we have to consider that the causative bug is resistant to the prescribed antibiotic.
These patients should RTED or f/u with their pediatrician for escalation of care
Amoxicillin → Augmentin
Augmentin → Ceftriaxone IM
Macrolide → no clear antimicrobial agent, consult pediatric ENT
If antibiotics are initiated with resolution of symptoms, the patient should f/u in 2-3 months to ensure resolution of the middle ear effusion and ensure that there is no associated conductive hearing loss
References:
Coker TR, Chan LS, Newberry SJ, Limbos MA, Suttorp MJ, Shekelle PG, et al. Diagnosis, microbial epidemiology, and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a systematic review. JAMA. 2010;304(19):2161-9.
Hoberman A, Ruohola A, Shaikh N, Tahtinen PA, Paradise JL. Acute otitis media in children younger than 2 years. JAMA Pediatr. 2013;167(12):1171-2.
Lieberthal AS, Carroll AE, Chonmaitree T, Ganiats TG, Hoberman A, Jackson MA, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 2013;131(3):e964-99.
Marom T, Tan A, Wilkinson GS, Pierson KS, Freeman JL, Chonmaitree T. Trends in otitis media-related health care use in the United States, 2001-2011. JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(1):68-75.
Rothman R, Owens T, Simel DL. Does this child have acute otitis media? JAMA. 2003;290(12):1633-40.
Shaikh N, Hoberman A, Rockette HE, Kurs-Lasky M. Development of an algorithm for the diagnosis of otitis media. Acad Pediatr. 2012;12(3):214-8.
Venekamp RP, Sanders S, Glasziou PP, Del Mar CB, Rovers MM. Antibiotics for acute otitis media in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013(1):CD000219.
See our core article on the topic by Dr. Deborah Levine and Dr. Michael Mojica here
A special thanks to our editors:
Michael A. Mojica, MD
Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Bellevue Hospital Center
Christie M. Gutierrez, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow
Columbia University Medical Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
New York Presbyterian
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Jun 17, 2019 • 14min
Episode 165.0 – Foot Fractures
Discover the complexities of foot fractures, particularly the notorious Jones fracture and its healing challenges. Delve into the mechanics and symptoms of various fractures, including fifth metatarsal injuries and the Liz Frank injuries. Learn about classification systems and the critical need for accurate diagnosis, imaging, and tailored treatment options. The discussion also touches on non-operative approaches and rehabilitation strategies for athletes, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in emergency medicine and orthopedic insights.