Journal of acute medicine最新文献

{"title":"Brugada Syndrome Unmasked by Fever: A Rare Cause of ST-Segment Elevation.","authors":"Wei-Yi Hsu, Chun-Hung Chen, Jui-Chen Liu","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202603_16(1).0006","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202603_16(1).0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Brugada syndrome is a rare cardiac condition associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Fever is a recognized trigger that can unmask Brugada patterns on electrocardiography (ECG), yet fever-induced Brugada syndrome remains uncommon and is often underdiagnosed.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a 72-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with intermittent fever and lower back pain. Eight hours after admission, during a febrile episode with a body temperature of 39°C, the patient developed chest tightness. ECG revealed ST-segment elevation and an rSR' pattern in leads V1 and V2, consistent with a Type 1 Brugada pattern. Emergent coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries. With the resolution of fever, the patient's symptoms subsided, and subsequent ECGs returned to normal sinus rhythm. He remained asymptomatic throughout his hospital course and follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of fever-induced Brugada syndrome, which can mimic acute coronary syndromes. Prompt recognition and appropriate evaluation are essential to prevent misdiagnosis and optimize patient outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the prevalence and clinical significance of fever-induced Brugada patterns in diverse populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"48-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13004703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated With Critical Illness and Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan.","authors":"Jia-Lun Huang, Hong-Mo Shih, Yi-Da Sie","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202603_16(1).0003","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202603_16(1).0003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying the clinical features and factors influencing severe disease and mortality in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 is essential for informing clinical management strategies and optimizing healthcare resource distribution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 684 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at a single center in Taiwan between April and June 2022. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vaccination status, and clinical outcomes were compared among different age groups (< 50 years, 50-74 years, and ≥ 75 years). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with critical illness and mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median age of the cohort was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 58-82), and 59.6% were male. Older patients had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities. The overall rates of mortality and critical illness were 15.1% and 30.4%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of critical illness among the age groups. However, mortality was significantly higher in patients aged ≥ 50 years. In the multivariate analysis, oral antiviral drug use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.5, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 0.3-0.7) and being fully vaccinated (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8) were associated with lower mortality, while having ≥ 3 risk factors (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0) was associated with higher mortality. Additionally, age ≥ 50 years was associated with increased mortality; 50-74 years (aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.8); ≥ 75 years (aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.8) compared to age < 50 years. Similar factors were associated with critical illness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Older age was associated with higher mortality but not with an increased risk of critical illness in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Oral antiviral drug use and being fully vaccinated were associated with better outcomes, highlighting the importance of early treatment and vaccination in mitigating severe COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"29-37"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13004699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating Complex Maxillofacial Trauma: A Case Report on Arrow Shot Injury to the Face by a Speargun.","authors":"Sittie Omaya A Biruar","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0007","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trauma is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 25% of cases involving the head and neck region. Among various trauma types, impalement injuries caused by arrows and spearguns pose significant challenges due to their potential for severe damage to critical structures. This case report aims to present a case of a speargun arrow injury to the face and to discuss the mechanisms, implications, and management of such trauma. A 44-year-old male presented with an impaled arrow in the right infraorbital area, accidentally shot by his son. Initial assessment showed a conscious patient with stable vital signs. Imaging revealed the arrow penetrating the nasomaxillary region and extending into the cervical spine. Surgical removal was performed successfully using a retrograde approach with a Foley catheter to avoid further tissue damage. This case underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies and the critical role of imaging in managing penetrating arrow injuries. A multidisciplinary approach, rapid assessment, and careful surgical planning are essential for positive outcomes. Reporting such cases contributes to medical research and improves safety regulations and treatment protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"170-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12648172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145633708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assertiveness in Emergency Medicine: Strengthening Communication and Leadership Under Pressure.","authors":"Chih-Hsien Chi","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0001","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"121-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12657246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145654315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema Following Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of Emergency Management.","authors":"Wai-Kang Woon, Valis Tanapima, Hsien-Lung Tsai","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0006","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs following acute central nervous system (CNS) injury. This case report discusses a 42-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache followed by syncope. She was later found unconscious and experienced multiple episodes of seizures and respiratory distress. Initial chest X-ray (CXR) revealed clear lung fields, but two hours later, bilateral alveolar opacities indicative of pulmonary edema were noted. Brain computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). NPE typically presents with symptoms similar to other causes of pulmonary edema, including dyspnea, frothy sputum, and wheezing. It often follows conditions such as epileptic seizures, traumatic brain injury, or intracranial hemorrhage. In this case, a significant amount of frothy sputum was observed during endotracheal intubation, further supporting the diagnosis of NPE. The primary focus of treatment for NPE involves managing the underlying CNS injury while providing adequate supportive care, such as oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. This case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and management of NPE in patients with acute CNS injuries. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent severe respiratory compromise and improve clinical outcomes. Physicians should be mindful of NPE as a potential complication in patients presenting with neurological emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"167-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12657244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145654332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Collaboration Between the Government and Healthcare Professional Organizations for the Implementation of Geriatric Emergency Departments in Taiwan.","authors":"Chi-Heng Lee, Tian-Hoe Tan, Chia-Jung Yang, Chip-Jin Ng, Chien-Yuan Wu, Chao-Chun Wu","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0003","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202512_15(4).0003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Enhancing geriatric emergency care is important for the global aging society; however, the current state of collaboration between the government and healthcare professional organizations and its effect on this issue remain unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted for clarification.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration and the Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine (TSEM) cooperated to lead 13 emergency departments (EDs) in implementing geriatric EDs based on the model of acute care for elders between January 1, 2021 and November 30, 2021. Experts from the Taiwan Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and the Taiwan Association of Critical Care Nurses were also invited to set up a Taiwan Geriatric Emergency Department Guide (TGED) and individual goals for each ED. Education, benchmarking, regular joint and individual meetings, communication, and discussion were then performed via communication software, and intensive follow-up was conducted using a monthly checklist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite the impact of COVID-19, 10 of the 13 EDs accomplished the overall goals (76.9%). According to the TGED, the achievement rates for the seven domains were as follows: interdisciplinary team (100%), education (92.3%), equipment and supplies (100%), environment (92.3%), care protocol (100%), quality indicator (100%), and monitor indicator (92.3%). A practice guide and an education guide for the subsequent promotion of geriatric EDs were also established based on the experiences and results from the 13 EDs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A new model for collaboration between the government and healthcare professional organizations was successfully implemented in Taiwan and thus could serve as an important reference for enhancing geriatric emergency care in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"136-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12648171/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145633741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tension Doesn't Always Come Alone-- A Case of Tension Pneumothorax With Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Immediately After Blunt Trauma to the Chest.","authors":"Samata Chororia, Nishit Kumar Sahoo, Sadananda Barik, Upendra Hansda, Satyabrata Guru","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0006","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tension pneumothorax (TP) and diaphragmatic hernia (DH) might present with similar symptoms, increasing the probability of missing an underlying diaphragmatic hernia in cases of coexistence. There are a few case reports of DH with tension viscerothorax or fecopneumothorax, but all those had a delayed presentation. However, there is no case report on TP and DH presenting together immediately after trauma. We present a case of coexistence of TP and DH immediately after blunt chest trauma, where ultrasound helped in the identification and management of this life-threatening condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 3","pages":"117-119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411113/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Point-of Care Ultrasound in Cardiac Arrest: A Focused Review.","authors":"Michael Gottlieb","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0001","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac arrest is a common condition with low survival rates. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been increasingly integrated in cardiac arrest care to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide interventions. POCUS can be divided into cardiac and non-cardiac applications. Cardiac applications include assessment of cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, ventricular fibrillation, and chest compression quality. Non-cardiac applications include endotracheal tube confirmation, pneumothorax assessment, and evaluation of aortic and intra-abdominal pathology. POCUS can also be used to identify the presence or absence of a pulse more rapidly and accurately than manual palpation. Prognostic utility is highest in traumatic arrests, but more limited in non-traumatic arrests. In appropriately trained individuals, POCUS is a valuable component of cardiac arrest care.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 3","pages":"77-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and Contributing Factors to Emergency Department Overcrowding in Taiwan After the Lunar New Year Holiday: A 2024 Survey.","authors":"Ting-Li Tai, San-Fang Chou, Chien-Chieh Hsieh, Shyh-Shyong Sim, Tzu-Yang Hung, Yin-Chen Yeh, Kuang-Chau Tsai","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0002","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Emergency department (ED) overcrowding has become a widespread global problem, with multi-factorial causes spanning input, throughput, and output domains. In Taiwan, the unique context of universal health coverage and a severe nursing shortage further complicates the situation. The Lunar New Year holiday period is associated with increased ED demand, yet the extent, causes, and responses to post-holiday overcrowding remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a descriptive observational survey targeting ED directors from all certified emergency care hospitals in Taiwan one week after the 2024 Lunar New Year holiday (February 8 to 14). The questionnaire compared operational status with the same period in previous years, assessing patient volume, bed availability, staffing, perceived causes of overcrowding, and implemented countermeasures. Data from 59 responding hospitals were analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with unusual operational status and prolonged waiting for beds.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 59 hospitals (18 medical centers, 20 regional hospitals, 21 district hospitals), 41 (69.5%) reported abnormal post-holiday ED operations, including severe overcrowding, hospitalization difficulties, and increased bed full notifications. In multivariate analysis, prolonged waiting for beds was the only factor significantly associated with severe operational anomalies (odds ratio [OR] = 11.31, <i>p</i> = 0.019). Factors contributing to prolonged waiting included decreased ED nurse staffing (OR = 5.40, <i>p</i> = 0.021), closure of general ward beds (OR = 3.26, <i>p</i> = 0.032), and closure of ICU beds (OR = 6.27, <i>p</i> = 0.025). A one-nurse decrease increased the odds of waiting for beds by 25% ( <i>p</i> = 0.008), and a 1% ward bed closure increased the odds by 7.1% ( <i>p</i> = 0.012). Although 35 hospitals implemented countermeasures such as opening extra beds or restricting transfers, only 14.3% reported significant improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Reduced nursing staff and closure of general wards and ICU beds were strongly associated with prolonged waiting for beds and ED overcrowding after the Lunar New Year holiday. Current hospital-level measures have limited and temporary effects. A comprehensive approach integrating ED process optimization, hospital-wide management strategies, and community-level interventions is needed to improve bed allocation efficiency, strengthen nursing workforce sustainability, and alleviate overcrowding in Taiwan's EDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 3","pages":"86-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411117/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Utilization and Education: A Comprehensive Analysis Among Postgraduate Physicians in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital.","authors":"Shao-Chung Chu, Vivian Goh, Takeshi Kawaguchi, Huan-Fang Lee, Hsiang-Chin Hsu","doi":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0003","DOIUrl":"10.6705/j.jacme.202509_15(3).0003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognized as a vital skill in various medical specialties. Its integration into postgraduate medical training enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. Despite its growing importance, the implementation of a structured POCUS curriculum in postgraduate medical education remains challenging.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A pilot study was conducted at the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital to evaluate the introduction of a POCUS curriculum tailored to postgraduate-year physicians. The curriculum included basic and advanced courses with hands-on training sessions held during weekends across 2020. Participants' pre-course and post-course proficiency were assessed through questionnaires and skill evaluations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 116 physicians, revealing a broad spectrum of prior ultrasound training and varied frequency of clinical ultrasound use. The structured curriculum significantly improved participants' POCUS skills, particularly in cardiac ultrasound, in which most participants achieved high proficiency levels. The program was successful in addressing the existing gap in ultrasound education and practice among postgraduates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integration of a structured POCUS curriculum within postgraduate medical education significantly enhances the ultrasound proficiency of physicians. Continuous and comprehensive training programs, supported by adequate resources and expert instruction, are crucial for the widespread adoption and effective use of POCUS in clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of acute medicine","volume":"15 3","pages":"98-107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411116/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}