Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), which contributes to an increased risk of stroke, frequently remains undetected, suggesting an unmet need for easier and more reliable AF screening. The reports on screening AF using an Omron blood pressure (BP) monitor with an irregular heartbeat (IHB) detector show inconsistent results, so the aim of this study was to develop a novel algorithm to accurately diagnose AF with 3 BP measurements using an Omron automated BP monitor with IHB detector. Methods and Results: In total, 303 general cardiac patients were included. Real-time single-lead ECG revealed AF in 44 patients. BP measurement was performed 3 times per patient using the Omron BP monitor HEM-907, and the number of IHBs detected was recorded. Based on these data, we developed the following algorithm: ≥1 IHB is detected during at least 2 of 3 BP measurements and the maximum number of IHBs detected is ≥2. Using this algorithm, we achieved a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 96.5%, for diagnosing AF. Conclusions: The novel algorithm with 3 BP measurements using the Omron automated BP monitor with IHB detector showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing AF in general cardiac patients.

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AimThe present study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of non‐convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with altered mental status (AMS).MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study comprised 149 patients who were hospitalized between March 1, 2015 and September 30, 2015 at the emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of the Kagawa University Hospital (Kagawa, Japan). The primary outcome was NCSE incidence. The secondary outcome was the comparison of duration of ICU stay, hospital stay, and a favorable neurological outcome, as assessed using the modified Rankin Scale score, at discharge from our hospital between patients with and without NCSE. Favorable neurological outcome and poor neurological outcome were defined as modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 and 3–6, respectively.ResultsSimplified continuous electroencephalogram was used to monitor 36 patients (median age, 68 years; 69.4% males) with acute AMS; among them, NCSE was observed in 11 (30.1%) patients. Rates of favorable neurological outcome, duration of ICU stay, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the NCSE and non‐NCSE groups (P = 0.45, P = 0.30, and P = 0.26, respectively).ConclusionApproximately 30% of the patients with AMS admitted to emergency ICUs developed NCSE. The outcomes of AMS patients with and without NCSE did not differ significantly when appropriate medical attention and antiepileptic drugs were initiated. Simplified continuous electroencephalogram monitoring may be recommended in patients with AMS in emergency ICU to obtain early detection of NCSE followed by appropriate intervention.

Hypothermia and acidosis are secondary causes of trauma-related coagulopathy. Here we report the case of a 72-year-old patient with severe trauma who suffered near-severe hypothermia despite the initiation of standard warming measures and was successfully managed with active intravascular rewarming. The patient was involved in a road traffic accident and was transported to a hospital. He was diagnosed with massive right-sided hemothorax, blunt aortic injury, burst fractures of the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae, and open fracture of the right tibia. He was referred to our hospital, where emergency surgery was performed to control bleeding from the right hemothorax. During surgery, the patient demonstrated progressive heat loss despite standard rewarming measures, and his temperature decreased to 32.4°C. Severe acidosis was also observed. A Cool Line® catheter was inserted into the right femoral vein and lodged in the inferior vena cava, and an intravascular balloon catheter system was utilized for aggressive rewarming. The automated target core temperature was set at 37°C, and the maximum flow rate was used. His core temperature reached 36.0°C after 125 min of intravascular rewarming. The severe acidosis was also resolved. The main active bleeding site was not identified, and coagulation hemostasis as well as rewarming enabled us to control bleeding from the vertebral bodies, lung parenchyma, and pleura. The total volume of intraoperative bleeding was 5,150 mL, and 20 units of red cell concentrate and 16 units of fresh frozen plasma were transfused. After surgery, he was transferred to the intensive care unit under endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. His hemodynamic condition stabilized after surgery. The rewarming catheter was removed on day 2 of admission, and no bleeding, infection, or thrombosis associated with catheter placement was observed. Extubation was performed on day 40, and his subsequent clinical course was uneventful. He recovered well following rehabilitation and was discharged on day 46. These findings suggest that active intravascular rewarming should be considered as an aggressive, additional rewarming technique in patients with near-severe hypothermia associated with traumatic injury.

Aim: Redback spiders are rapidly becoming a nationwide problem in Japan. The domestic production of antivenom for redback spider bites has been started because of extremely low supply. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of emergency physicians to recognize redback spider bites and to examine the demand for antivenom and identify the ideal choice for storage.Methods: Questionnaires examining the ability to recognize redback spider bites, the demand for antivenom, and overall level of preparedness were sent to 271 emergency medical service centers in Japan in March 2015.Results: Completed questionnaires were returned by 156 medical institutions (58%). Only 25% of the institutes correctly answered regarding the recognition of redback spider bites. A demand for the new, domestically produced antivenom was reported by 55% of the institutes. Antivenom demand was high and increased with the ability to recognize redback spider bites (0 correct answers, n = 24 [42.9%]; 1-2 answers, n = 32 [55.2%]; three answers, n = 28 [71.8%]; P = 0.02). The storage of antivenom within their prefectures or regions was the best option for initial supply planning. Approximately 90% of the emergency centers showed an ability to use the antivenom safely. Conclusion:The recognition of redback spider bites was low; however, the demand for antivenom was high. The storage of antivenom within their own prefectures or regions was considered to be the best option for initial supply planning. Emergency medical service centers are also good candidates for storage and safe use of antivenom.