Emergency Medicine Commons^™

Case Report: Dissecting Retroperitoneal Abscess With Gas Formation, David F. Koziel Jr.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Presenting as a case to the emergency department was a 53-year-old male with a complaint of diffuse abdominal pain and focal right flank pain at site of recent percutaneous abscess drain site performed exactly one month prior. This followed hospitalization in the preceding year for complicated multifocal intra-abdominal infections requiring surgical interventions including exploratory laparotomy and surgical debridement for intra-abdominal abscess and scrotal abscess formation. Despite prior aggressive management and extensive coverage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, this patient was found to have fulminant recurrance of infection in the right retroperitoneal space with an expanding abscess dissecting through the retroperitoneal structures into …

Presentation: Accuracy Of Ecg Chest Electrode Placement In Prehospital And Hospital Settings, Edwin L. Clopton, Kristiina Hyrkas Phd, Licnsc, Mnsc, Rn

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Recipient of the Peter W. Bates Award for Excellence in Health Professions Education Research at the 2025 Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat.

On Death And Disease: How Physicians’ Perspectives Compare Across Specialties Through Written Work, Stephanie Anne C. Alkonga

Honors Capstones

Narrative medicine is a tool that the medical field is increasingly utilizing to cultivate patient-centered and culturally competent doctors and to reflect on lived experiences through texts that focus on psychosocial best practices. This study aims to examine the language used in physician-written works that address how physicians in different medical specialties treat the aging and the terminally ill, and how they view the deceased. Qualitative data guided by thematic questions will primarily be used in the analysis and comparison of these texts’ tone, rhetoric, diction, and similar literary devices to uncover if certain patterns arise across such specialties. Findings …

Stroke Risk After Lowering Elevated Blood Pressure In Transient Ischemic Attack, Alexsandra Biel, Jacob Keeley, Brett Todd

Posters

• There is a relationship between the diagnosis of TIA and the subsequent development of a stroke1–4.
• The risk of developing a stroke within 90 days of a TIA is approximately 10.5% with about half of these occurring in the first 1-2 days of the TIA3.

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a stroke following a TIA include:

• Having age over 60
• A blood pressure of 140/90 or greater
• Diabetes
• Increased TIA duration
• Increased symptomatology at the time of presentation5–8.

Manual Versus Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Complications After Successful Resuscitation For Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Connie Chen, Jacob Keeley, Julian Sit, Robert Swor

Posters

Over 300,000 people in the United States annually suffer from an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); 90% of cases are fatal.1

EMS-treated OHCA approximately has a 30% rate of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC), but not all survive to hospital admission or discharge.2

Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides vital organ reperfusion until cardiac activity can be restored.

Mechanical CPR is increasingly being used for field OHCA care. It is most often performed by the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) device, a piston chest compressor which incorporates a mechanism for active chest recoil.

Benefits of mechanical CPR:

• Uninterrupted …

Examining Health Disparities: An Observational Study On Peripheral Vascular Access Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Nicholas Mielke, Yuying Xing, Amit Bahl

Posters

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement is the most common invasive procedure performed in healthcare, with an estimated 90% of hospitalized patients requiring PIVC access during their stay. This equates to around two billion PIVCs used annually.1–3 Studies report 36% to 63% of catheters fail due to a variety of complications, including infiltration, occlusion, phlebitis, dislodgment, and infection. 2–6 These failures not only cause immediate patient discomfort and increased clinical workload but also have wider implications such as prolonged hospital stays and delays in critical treatments.2 The factors contributing to PIVC failure are multifaceted, involving clinical presentation, patient anatomy, provider skill …

Pr Novel Hematoma Prevention Device, Nolan Shoukri, Steven Pearl, Nishaki Mehta

Posters

• Hematomas are a common complication in cardiac internal electronic device (CIED) placement procedures, they occur in up to 20-25% of CIED implants.

• Previous RCT tested a novel hematoma compression device (PR) and showed good tolerability, decreased hematoma formation from 15% to 6%, and wound improvement.

• Based on feedback collected from the nurses, physicians, allied health professionals during the randomized control trial, iteration of the PR was done (Gen 2 PR).

• This study evaluated 1) bench testing of the Gen 2 PR device and 2) healthy volunteer testing of Gen 2 PR device.

Beyond The Epi-Pen: Prehospital Use Of Epinephrine In Anaphylaxis, Randy Hilleary, Corey Shafer, Margaret Menoch

Posters

• Prehospital epinephrine administration has been historically low by the individuals having the reaction, their caregivers, or emergency medical service (EMS) personnel
• With rising anaphylaxis cases, it becomes more imperative that there is appropriate administration of epinephrine to improve outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations

Assessing The Impact Of Street Medicine Oakland On Medical Student Perceptions Of Clinical Preparedness, Michael Marchiori, Laura Ortiz

Posters

• Medical students spend the first two years of medical school focusing on didactic learning supplemented with clinical skills training as they prepare for their hospital rotations

• Opportunities for in-field practice of clinical skills are typically sparse for medical students during their M1 and M2 didactic years

• Research suggests clinical supervisors rank professionalism and willingness as the two most important characteristics in students that promote clinical preparedness, but there is limited research on interventions that promote students’ self-perceptions of clinical preparedness1

• Medical students at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) have the opportunity to volunteer with Street Medicine …

Evaluating Surge Capacity In The Emergency Department: A Comprehensive Literature Review On Preparedness And Response Frameworks, Tanner J. Riscoe

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Medical surge capacity in emergency departments is influenced by four critical factors: staff, stuff, space, and systems. Understanding these factors and the interplay between them is critical. Emergency departments are increasingly encountering issues with overcrowding, patient boarding, and medical surge events causing interruptions in care and depleting critical resources. Coordination of medical surge is challenging during normal operations but is intensified during times of crisis. This comprehensive literature review seeks to better understand the current state of the literature surrounding surge preparedness and response in emergency departments across the United States, identify gaps in the current literature, and ultimately recommend …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Tranexamic Acid In Adjunct To Oxytocin In Reducing Blood Loss During Cesarean Deliveries: A Scoping Review, Hilary Clair Ray Bsn, Rn, Shelbie Freeman Hendrix Bsn, Rn, Lauren Elizabeth Hubbard Bsn, Rn, Helen Maisen Conley Bsn, Rn, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Ccrn, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality during the peripartum and postpartum period in delivering people. Emerging evidence suggests that combining second-line uterotonics with tranexamic acid (TXA) improves maternal outcomes, reduces blood loss, and lowers morbidity and mortality related to PPH (Jones et al., 2023; Al-dardery et al., 2023). TXA, an antifibrinolytic, enhances clotting, reduces blood loss, transfusion needs, hemoglobin drop, and the use of additional uterotonics (Bellos & Pergialiotis, 2021). This review highlights the benefits of TXA.

Methods

A scoping review required a literature search conducted from August 2023 to February 2024 using …

Reducing Antibiotic Duration For Pneumonia And Sinusitis In The Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Approach, Joshua Saucedo, Leslie Hueschen, Amanda Nedved, Marsha Dannenburg, Patricia Phillips, Jennifer Floyd, Alaina N. Burns, Rana El Feghaly

Presentations

Background: Limiting antibiotic duration is one of the pillars of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) as it reduces unnecessary antibiotic exposure. In our emergency department (ED), >90% of respiratory infections are treated with first-line guideline-recommended antibiotics; however, duration continues to be prolonged especially for community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). Institutional guidance recommends shortening antibiotic durations to 3-5 days for CAP and 5-7 days for ABRS, however only 13% of discharged ED patients receive the recommended duration. Objective: Our aim is to increase the percentage of children discharged home from the ED with a diagnosis of CAP or …

Machine Learning To Optimize Use Of Natriuretic Peptides In The Diagnosis Of Acute Heart Failure, Dimitrios Doudesis, Kuan Ken Lee, Mohamed Anwar, Adam J. Singer, Judd E. Hollander, Camille Chenevier-Gobeaux, Yann-Erick Claessens, Desiree Wussler, Dominic Weil, Nikola Kozhuharov, Ivo Strebel, Zaid Sabti, Christopher Defilippi, Stephen Seliger, Evandro Tinoco Mesquita, Jan C. Wiemer, Martin Möckel, Joel Coste, Patrick Jourdain, Komukai Kimiaki, Michihiro Yoshimura, Irwani Ibrahim, Shirley Beng Suat Ooi, Win Sen Kuan, Alfons Gegenhuber, Thomas Mueller, Olivier Hanon, Jean-Sébastien Vidal, Peter Cameron, Louisa Lam, Ben Freedman, Tommy Chung, Sean P. Collins, Christopher J. Lindsell, David E. Newby, Alan G. Japp, Anoop S. V. Shah, Humberto Villacorta, A. Mark Richards, John J V Mcmurray, Christian Mueller, James L. Januzzi, Nicholas L. Mills, Gordon Moe, Carlos Fernando, Hanna K. Gaggin, Antoni Bayes-Genis, Roland Rj Van Kimmenade, Yigal Pinto, Joost H. W. Rutten, Anton H. Van Den Meiracker, Luna Gargani, Nicola R. Pugliese, Pemberton Christopher, Michael Neumaier, Michael Behnes, Ibrahim Akin, Michele Bombelli, Guido Grassi, Peiman Nazerian, Giovanni Albano, Philipp Bahrmann

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

AIMS: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) testing are guideline-recommended to aid in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Nevertheless, the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers is uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a systematic review and individual patient-level data meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of BNP and MR-proANP. We subsequently developed and externally validated a decision-support tool called CoDE-HF that combines natriuretic peptide concentrations with clinical variables using machine learning to report the probability of acute heart failure. Fourteen studies from 12 countries provided individual patient-level data in 8493 patients for BNP and 3899 …

Machine Learning To Optimize Use Of Natriuretic Peptides In The Diagnosis Of Acute Heart Failure, Dimitrios Doudesis, Kuan Ken Lee, Mohamed Anwar, Adam J. Singer, Judd Hollander, Md, Camille Chenevier-Gobeaux, Yann-Erick Claessens, Desiree Wussler, Dominic Weil, Nikola Kozhuharov, Ivo Strebel, Zaid Sabti, Christopher Defilippi, Stephen Seliger, Evandro Tinoco Mesquita, Jan C. Wiemer, Martin Möckel, Joel Coste, Patrick Jourdain, Komukai Kimiaki, Michihiro Yoshimura, Irwani Ibrahim, Shirley Beng Suat Ooi, Win Sen Kuan, Alfons Gegenhuber, Thomas Mueller, Olivier Hanon, Jean-Sébastien Vidal, Peter Cameron, Louisa Lam, Ben Freedman, Tommy Chung, Sean P. Collins, Christopher J Lindsell, David E. Newby, Alan G. Japp, Anoop S V Shah, Humberto Villacorta, A Mark Richards, John J V Mcmurray, Christian Mueller, James L. Januzzi, Nicholas L. Mills

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

AIMS: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) testing are guideline-recommended to aid in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Nevertheless, the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers is uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a systematic review and individual patient-level data meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of BNP and MR-proANP. We subsequently developed and externally validated a decision-support tool called CoDE-HF that combines natriuretic peptide concentrations with clinical variables using machine learning to report the probability of acute heart failure. Fourteen studies from 12 countries provided individual patient-level data in 8493 patients for BNP and 3899 …

A Vomiting And Dyspneic Teenager, Janet Han, Do, Shireen Khan, Md

Jefferson Health - Northeast Posters (formerly Aria Health Posters)

History of Present Illness

CHIEF COMPLAINT: Shortness of Breath

15 y/o female with no pertinent PMHx presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath onset 3 days ago. Patient is also reporting cough, congestion, sore throat, subjective fever and chills, myalgias, as well as nausea and vomiting. Today, she states she is so nauseous she has tried to force herself to throw up several times. Since then, she has been experiencing neck pain with movement. Patient is UTD with all her vaccines. Denies alcohol and drug use. Initially denies vaping/smoking; later states she has vaped daily until her symptoms’ …

Targeted Ehr-Based Communication Of Diagnostic Uncertainty (Tecu) In The Emergency Department: Protocol For An Effectiveness Implementation Trial, Danielle M Mccarthy, Sara Malone, Dimitrios Papanagnou, Benjamin E Leiby, Amandy M B Doty, Phillip Watts, Rahul Yadav, Julia K Pugliese, Jonathan Woodworth, Tracy Esteves Camacho, Efrat Kean, Kristin L Rising

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: At least 37 % emergency department (ED) patients are discharged without a definitive diagnosis, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. Transitions of care are high-risk periods for patient safety, especially for patients discharged with diagnostic uncertainty. Effective communication between clinicians and patients improves these care transitions. Previous research developed tools to support high quality discharge in the setting of diagnostic uncertainty, including: a communication checklist, a physician training program, and a patient-facing information sheet.

METHODS: This study aims to enhance transitions for patients leaving the ED with diagnostic uncertainty through an electronic health record (EHR)-based strategy. The intervention, the Targeted EHR-based …

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Induced Angioedema (Acei-Ae): Emergency Department Treatments, Logan Held, Marcus Blankenspoor, Kristine Her, Jolene Harris

Celebration of Research

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Induced Angioedema (ACEI-AE) is the acute swelling of the upper airway in patients who are currently or were formerly taking Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) for control of primary hypertension. Though emergency department presenting signs and symptoms have overlap with angioedema associated with anaphylaxis, there are key differences, including the absence of urticaria or hypotension and history of ACEI use, that can guide clinicians in identifying the underlying cause of the angioedema and initiate appropriate treatment. Due to its differing pathophysiology, ACEI-AE must be treated uniquely with Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) to …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Predischarge Referrals In Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter Bsn, Rn, Stephanie Mays Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon H. Little, Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Emergency mental health hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, often resulting in increased costs, prolonged hospital stays, and poor patient outcomes. Continuity of care through predischarge referrals to outpatient mental health services, psychosocial support, and community resources has been proposed as a strategy to reduce readmissions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent across different populations and settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge referrals in reducing 30-day emergency mental health hospital readmissions, identify key components of successful programs, and assess the influence of demographic factors on readmission rates.

Methods

A …

Examining The Role Of Corticosteroids In The Management Of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia: A Systematic Review., Carlos Valladares, Aalia Narvel, Bianna Koutsenko, Alexa Simonetti, Fatima Mossolem, Alexis Chow, Samrat Gollapudi, Usmaan Al-Shehab, Nicholas Averell, Katherine Chiapaikeo-Poco, Adam Kaplan

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP), also known as Hamman-Rich syndrome, is a rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. In addition to being challenging to diagnose, AIP is also difficult to treat. The mortality rate of AIP is greater than 70% due to the disease's rapid progression. Furthermore, survivors are likely to develop chronic interstitial lung disease as a sequela. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, which consists of oxygenation through mechanical ventilation, administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the use of corticosteroids. Although the use of steroids as empiric treatment is controversial and results on its mortality benefit are variable, some studies …

Reducing Antibiotic Duration For Pneumonia And Sinusitis In The Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Approach, Joshua Saucedo, Leslie Hueschen, Amanda Nedved, Marsha Dannenberg, Patricia Phillips, Jennifer Floyd, Alaina N. Burns, Rana El Feghaly

Posters

Background: Antibiotic duration is one of the pillars of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) as it helps to limit unnecessary antibiotic exposure while continuing to provide appropriate care for infections. In our emergency department (ED), clinicians are using first-line guideline-recommended antibiotics as an appropriate choice for most patients (per our ASP report tracking), however, duration continues to be prolonged especially for community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). National guidelines recommend shortening antibiotic durations to 3-5 days for CAP and 5-7 days for ABRS, however currently only 22% of patients discharged from our ED receive the recommended duration. Objective: …