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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Serum amyloid A protein in the prediction of postburn complications and fatal outcome in patients with severe burns.

Fifty adults hospitalized with extensive burns formed the basis of the present study. Serum amyloid A protein, C-reactive protein, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein were measured in serum samples taken on admission, and 3 and 7 days later. Fatal outcome was observed in 13 out of 14 (93%) patients with serum amyloid A protein over 100 mg/l on admission and in only 2 of the remaining 36 (6%) patients with serum amyloid A protein below 100 mg/l. The median serum amyloid A protein concentration on admission in 15 patients with fatal outcome was 134 mg/l, and only 30 mg/l in 35 patients who recovered (p < 0.00005). As a reference value, the level of 100 mg serum amyloid A protein per litre on admission gave an evident predictive value (93%) and sensitivity (87%) for fatal outcome. The difference between serum amyloid A protein concentrations in patients with complications (median 642 mg/l) and those without complications (median 250 mg/l) was statistically very significant (p = 0.0003) three days after burn injury. The level of 400 mg/l as a reference value 3 days after burn injury gave a reasonable predictive value (80%) and sensitivity (74%) for the development of postburn complications, but patients who died did not develop a hypermetabolic reaction and their serum amyloid A protein concentration remained below 400 mg/l, despite high serum amyloid A protein concentrations observed on admission (above 100 mg/l). No statistical significance was observed for the other 3 acute phase proteins investigated in this study.

Adult↗

[Fatal outcome after severe cerebellar infarction due to spontaneous dissection of the vertebral artery].

Cerebellar infarction due to vertebrobasilar ischemia in spontaneous vertebrobasilar dissection is infrequent in children and adolescents. The commonest pathogenic mechanism of cerebellar infarction is arterial occlusion. Although usually favorable, outcome can be fatal, as in the present case. A previously healthy 4-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency room with sensory failure and trembling. The previous week she had suffered from a transitory ischemic attack that resolved spontaneously. On admission to the emergency department, the Glasgow Coma Scale score was 10/15 and she presented irregular polypneic breathing, anisocoric reactive pupils, enhanced reflexes, lower limb clonus and bilateral pyramidal signs. Cranial computed tomography revealed marked hypodensity in both cerebellar hemispheres and white supratentorial substance with obliteration of the quadrigeminus cisterns. Cerebral angiography showed left vertebral artery dissection with distal pseudoaneurysm and marked basilar occlusion. Despite aggressive antiedemic treatment and early instauration of intravenous continuous sodium heparin infusion, the patient developed a bilateral cerebellar infarction and supratentorial hydrocephalus. Brain death was diagnosed after 48 hours. Postmortem pathologic examination revealed previous thrombus the in superior left cerebellar artery and basilar artery occlusion. We discuss the absence of predisposing factors and the transitory ischemic attack in this patient 1 week before she developed massive cerebellar infarction.

Cerebral Infarction↗

Injection time of interleukin-6 determines fatal outcome in experimental endotoxin shock.

Circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are directly correlated to fatal outcome in both patients and animal models with endotoxin shock. However, whether IL-6 is deleterious or protective in regard to survival is obscure. We investigated the action of IL-6 in the pathogenic progress of endotoxin shock. C3H/HeN mice received 10 micrograms of natural human IL-6 (Hu-IL-6) s.c. at various times before or after challenge with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a lethal dose. Pretreatment with Hu-IL-6 0, 1, and 4 h before LPS administration improved the survival rate of the mice. However, no protection was observed when Hu-IL-6 was administered 24 h before or 1 h after the LPS injection. The protective mechanism of Hu-IL-6 pretreatment was not explained on the changes in the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor and endogenous murine IL-6 (Mu-IL-6). The induction of fibrinogen and immunosuppressive acidic protein, a type of acute-phase proteins, may have contributed to the protection. The results show that the order and the time interval in which the administered Hu-IL-6 and the Mu-IL-6 induced by LPS act are the key to the determination of fatal outcome.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Impact of on-site cardiac catheterization on resource utilization and fatal and non-fatal outcomes after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patterns of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) strongly depend on the availability of on-site cardiac catheterization facilities. Although the management found at hospitals without on-site catheterization does not lead to increased mortality, little it known about its impact on resource utilization and non-fatal outcomes. METHODS: We identified all patients (n = 35,289) admitted with a first AMI in the province of Quebec between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1999 using population-based administrative databases. Medical resource utilization and non-fatal and fatal outcomes were compared among patients admitted to hospitals with and without on-site cardiac catheterization facilities. RESULTS: Cardiac catheterization and PCI were more frequently performed among patients admitted to hospitals with catheterization facilities. However, non-invasive procedures were not used more frequently at hospitals without catheterization facilities. To the contrary, echocardiography [odds ratio (OR), 2.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.93-2.16] and multi-gated acquisition imaging (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.32) were used more frequently at hospitals with catheterization, and exercise treadmill testing (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.15) and Sestamibi/Thallium imaging (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) were used similarly at hospitals with and without catheterization. Use of anti-ischemic medications and frequency of emergency room and physician visits, were similar at both types of institutions. Readmission rates for AMI-related cardiac complications and mortality were also similar [adjusted hazard ratio, recurrent AMI: 1.02, 95% CI, 0.89-1.16; congestive heart failure: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90-1.15; unstable angina: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.02; mortality: 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05)]. CONCLUSION: Although on-site availability of cardiac catheterization facilities is associated with greater use of invasive cardiac procedures, non-availability of catheterization did not translate into a higher use of non-invasive tests or have an impact on the fatal and non-fatal outcomes available for study in our administrative database.

Acute Disease↗

Epidural analgesia associated with a fatal outcome in a patient with an unrecognized brain tumour.

A fatality associated with epidural analgesia in a patient with an unsuspected brain tumour has not been reported in the literature. We describe a case of postoperative lumbar epidural analgesia in a 54-year-old female patient who had an undiagnosed brain tumour and a fatal outcome postoperatively. The factors that potentially contributed to this mishap and the possible alternative management of this patient are discussed.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

Factors associated with fatal outcome in childhood meningococcal disease.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with a fatal outcome in children with meningococcal disease and to design a new clinical scoring system. We reviewed the charts of all 137 children with meningococcal disease admitted alive to the University Hospital, Tromsø, during the years 1977-92. Twelve of the children died (8.7%). On admission the following clinical signs were significantly associated with poor outcome: peripheral vasoconstriction, cyanosis, extensive petechiae, hypotension, altered consciousness, hyperventilation and absence of neck rigidity. The laboratory parameters low pH, low base excess, thrombocytopenia, low Trombotest and leukopenia were also associated with later death. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the independent effect of each variable. Cyanosis, peripheral vasoconstriction and base excess < -10 mmol/l or pH < 7.35 were significantly associated with a fatal outcome. A clinical scoring system based on the extent of petechiae, the presence of peripheral vasoconstriction, hyperventilation and/or cyanosis, the absence of neck rigidity and impairment of consciousness is proposed. Twenty-nine patients received > or = 3.5 points, of whom 12 died and 12 survived. None of the patients who died had less than 3.5 points. The clinical scoring system is based solely on clinical signs. It can be done rapidly and performs well in identifying children who might benefit from early intensive care.

Adolescent↗

Factors affecting a fatal outcome in road accidents.

The North Report mentioned the question of whether charges and/or sentencing should be modified by fatal outcome following offences involving bad driving. This note classifies factors relating to the accident, the casualty and medical care which may, often fortuitously, determine a fatal outcome. It is suggested that these should be borne in mind in deciding offences and sentencing.

Accidents, Traffic↗

[Characteristics of the fatal outcome of drug-induced anaphylactic shock].

Among 520 cases of drug anaphylactic shock there were 48 (9.2%) fatal outcomes. Analysis of the pathomorphological changes in shock showed them to have characteristic features consisting in blood redistribution (decentralization), its deposition in parenchymatous organs with marked disorders in microcirculation and diapedetic hemorrhages in serous, mucous membranes, and tissue of nearly all the organs, as well as signs of stasis and leukocyte aggregation, perivascular and pericellular edema and swelling of cells of different organs. In a protracted course of shock, marked degenerative changes of parenchymatous organs were observed. In the acute course and rapid fatal outcome pathomorphological changes were less marked than in a protracted and recurrent course which was characterized by the development of secondary pathological changes such as inflammatory, degenerative, and necrotic processes.

Adult↗

Epidemic diphtheria in the Republic of Georgia, 1993-1996: risk factors for fatal outcome among hospitalized patients.

Epidemic diphtheria reemerged in the republic of Georgia in November 1993. To identify risk factors for fatal outcomes, clinical and epidemiologic data on all hospitalized diphtheria patients were examined. Medical charts of patients from 1993-1995 were reviewed. A total of 659 cases and 68 deaths were identified (case fatality rate [CFR] = 10.3%). Fifty-two percent of all cases and 68% of deaths were in children </=14 years old. The highest CFR occurred among adults 40-49 years of age (CFR=19%) and children 5-9 years of age (CFR=16%). Children who did not have the complete primary vaccination series with diphtheria toxoid and adults 40-49 years of age were the 2 groups at highest risk. Being a rural resident and having a long interval (>3 days) between onset of symptoms to antitoxin treatment were significantly associated with fatal outcomes. Immunization of children and 40- to 49-year-old adults was required to rapidly control the epidemic.

Adolescent↗

[Fatal outcome of an hydrogen sulfide poisoning].

We report a case of fatal outcome poisoning by massive exposure to hydrogen sulfide of a sewer worker. This rare event was associated with a moderate intoxication of two members of the rescue team. The death was due to asystole and massive lung oedema. Autopsy analysis showed diffuse necrotic lesions in lungs. Hydrogen sulfide is a direct and systemic poison, produced by organic matter decomposition. The direct toxicity mechanism is still unclear. The systemic toxicity is due to an acute toxicity by oxygen depletion at cellular level. It is highly diffusable and potentially very dangerous. At low concentration, rotten egg smell must trigger hydrogen sulfide suspicion since at higher concentration it is undetectable, making intoxication possible. In case of acute intoxication, there is an almost instantaneous cardiovascular failure and a rapid death. Hydrogen sulfide exposure requires prevention measures and more specifically the use of respiratory equipment for members of the rescue team.

Adult↗

Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy (Leigh syndrome): report of two juvenile cases with fatal outcome.

The clinical and pathological findings of two children diagnosed on autopsy with subacute necrotizing encephalopathy (SNE) are presented. One of the patients was a previously healthy 12-year-old boy with a rapid clinical course and fatal outcome. The second case was a mentally retarded 13-year-old girl with a positive family history of neurological disease and progressive deterioration. Brain edema, bilaterally symmetric gray-brown areas of spongy degeneration and cavity formation were present in the basal ganglia in both cases. A small cavity was noted in the right inferior olive in Case 2. Mamillary bodies were spared in both cases macroscopically and microscopically. Microscopic sections of the involved areas and the periaqueductal region in Case 2 exhibited variable degrees of necrosis, spongiosis with a striking proliferation, and dilatation of the capillaries. Similar changes were noted in the cerebral cortex of Case 1. Microglial and astrocytic proliferation with some loss of myelin were also noted. The neurons, although reduced in number, were frequently preserved within the lesions. To our knowledge, only three patients over two years old have been reported in the literature with an acute clinical course and a fatal outcome. Case 1 is the fourth such case.

Adolescent↗

EMS helicopter crashes: what influences fatal outcome?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In recent years, air transport of patients has been associated with disproportionate increases in crashes and deaths. We identify factors related to fatal outcome in air medical helicopter crashes and suggest preventive measures. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using National Transportation Safety Board records for helicopter emergency medical services (EMS) crashes between January 1, 1983, and April 30, 2005. The main outcome measure was the percentage of air medical crashes resulting in 1 or more deaths. RESULTS: There were 182 helicopter EMS crashes during the 22.3-year study period; 39% were fatal. One hundred eighty-four occupants died: 45% of the 44 patients and 32% of the 513 crewmembers. Fifty-six percent of crashes in darkness were fatal compared with 24% of crashes not in darkness. Seventy-seven percent of crashes in instrument meteorological conditions were fatal compared with 31% in visual conditions. Thirty-nine percent of all deaths occurred in crashes with postcrash fires; 76% of crashes with postcrash fire were fatal compared with 29% of other crashes. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that controlling for other factors, the odds of fatal outcome was increased by postcrash fire (odds ratio [OR] 16.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0 to 51.5], bad weather (OR 8.0; 95% CI 2.4 to 26.0), and darkness (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3 to 7.9). CONCLUSION: Fatalities after helicopter EMS crashes are associated especially with postcrash fire and with crashes that occur in darkness or bad weather and can be addressed with improved crashworthiness and measures to reduce flights in hazardous conditions. Further studies will be necessary to determine which changes will decrease the fatal crash rate and which are cost effective.

Accidents, Aviation↗

Fatal outcome in Japanese encephalitis.

Forty-nine consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed acute Japanese encephalitis were studied to identify risk factors present at hospital admission which were associated with a fatal outcome. Sixteen patients (33%) died. The following constellation of findings correlated with a fatal outcome: infectious virus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), low levels of Japanese encephalitis virus-specific IgG and IgM in both CSF and serum, and a severely depressed sensorium. Age, sex, days ill before admission, distance from home to the hospital, past medical history, CSF protein content, and CSF leukocyte count were not significant risk factors. Among patients hospitalized for acute Japanese encephalitis, a vigorous virus-specific immunoglobulin response, both systemically and locally within the central nervous system, is a good marker for survival, and may be an inherently important factor in recovery from illness.

Adolescent↗

The significance of prestroke aspirin dosage in fatal outcome of acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is an effective and generally accepted treatment drug during the acute stage of ischemic brain infarction. The association between the pretreatment aspirin dosage and fatal outcome among these treated patient groups has not been analyzed previously. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate 14- and 30-day poststroke survival in patients treated with 325 mg immediately on admission to the hospital for prestroke antiaggregation/anticoagulation treatment. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a government tertiary care facility. The medical records of all 1245 patients admitted to the hospital for stroke from 1997 to 2002 were reviewed. The association between demographic parameters, stroke risk factors, stroke subtype, prestroke antiaggregation/anticoagulation treatment, and risk of fatal poststroke outcome, 14 days and 30 days after the event, was analyzed using Cox survival analyses. RESULTS: During the 14-day poststroke period, 320 patients (25%) died. By day 30 poststroke, 386 patients (31%) had died. Older age, female gender, chronic heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias were associated with increased risk of increased fatal outcome. Mortality was higher in patients with stroke caused by cardioembolism (P < 0.0001) and was significantly lower in patients with small-vessel occlusion (P < 0.0001). Prestroke medium-dose aspirin treatment was associated with a relative reduction in 30-day poststroke period mortality (P < 0.0001). Conversely, prestroke low-dose aspirin treatment was associated with increased mortality (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Prestroke medium-dose aspirin treatment was associated with reduced 30-day poststroke mortality, whereas low-dose prestroke aspirin therapy was associated with increased 30-day poststroke mortality.

Aged↗

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of paranasal sinuses with fatal outcome: reactive lesion or tumour?

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMTs) are clinicopathologically distinctive but biologically controversial entities, which have been described in the lungs, abdomen, retroperitoneum, and extremities, but rarely affect the head and neck region. IMT usually follows a benign clinical course after radical excision, but invasive, locally recurrent, and metastatic forms of abdominal and mediastinal IMT have also been described. This report describes a case of IMT of the paranasal sinuses with a fatal outcome. A 22 year old woman was admitted to hospital as a result of epistaxis. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive process in the paranasal sinuses, extending into the nasal cavity, orbita, and endocranium. The tumour progressed despite several surgical procedures. Radiotherapy, corticosteroids, and chemotherapy were unsuccessful, and the patient died four years after diagnosis, as a result of extensive intracranial spread of the tumour. This is the first known case of an IMT of the head and neck region with a fatal outcome. It shows that the aggressive behaviour of IMTs is not limited to abdominal and mediastinal locations, and supports recent observations that at least a subset of IMTs represents true neoplasia rather than reactive myofibroblastic proliferation.

Adult↗

Fatal and non-fatal outcome by accidental intoxication with paint thinner.

Although poisonings (fatal and non-fatal) due to intentional or accidental acute exposure to toluene or toluene mixture fumes have been previously reported in the literature, several issues concerning lethal doses or lasting post-exposure neuropathological impairments still remain unclear. Two male painters (18 and 30 years old) were accidentally exposed to toxic concentrations of paint diluent fumes containing toluene (TL), acetone (ACT) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (60:15:15 w/w/w respectively) during their work in an underground reservoir. Both workers were found unresponsive by colleagues and were immediately transferred to the regional hospital. On admission, the younger man was pronounced dead, while the other remained in the intensive care unit for 3 days and then 4 days in the internal medicine ward. TL, ACT and MEK concentrations in blood samples taken from the survivor on admission were 6.3, 30.6 and 40.5 microg/mL. Postmortem toxicology of the dead worker revealed TL, ACT and MEK blood levels of 12.4, 90.8 and 80.4 microg/mL respectively. The solvent levels in the liver, kidney, lung, brain, testis and gland were also quantified and showed a somewhat similar distribution of the chemicals among these tissues with the highest levels found in the brain and the liver. The fatal and the non-fatal outcome that resulted despite similar intoxication conditions, most probably demonstrates the interindividual tolerance among the painters who also had similar body weights. The surviving painter did not develop any neuropsychological impairment in post-exposure time. The reported case strongly emphasizes the necessity to take precautions when using paint diluents in enclosed spaces.

Journal Article↗

[Serotonin syndrome with fatal outcome caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors].

The serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially fatal complication to treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Due to increasing prescription of these drugs the condition must be expected to occur more often. Symptoms include changes in mental status (confusion, agitation and restlessness), neuromuscular symptoms (shivering, ataxia, myoclonus and hyperreflexia) and autonomic dysfunction (fever, diaphoresis, hypertension and tachycardia). The syndrome is most often produced by concurrent use of two or more drugs that enhance serotonin neurotransmission. Monotherapy may also elicit the syndrome. We report the development of serotonin syndrome with a fatal outcome in a patient treated with paroxetin++. Interactions with alimemazin++, melperon++ and karbamazepin may have contributed to the outcome. The serotonin syndrome usually resolves within 24 hours when the suspected drugs are discontinued. However, there may be a dramatic progression of symptoms requiring intensive supportive care to prevent death.

Anticonvulsants↗