Compared to previous studies, we rely on much more detailed mortality data, which we first adjust for notable distortions. Our aim is to assess the role of German reunification in the convergence process in light of the evolution of long-term mortality trends by causes of death. Significant changes to coding practices and the system of data collection introduced in East Germany shortly after reunification have further complicated the ability of researchers to interpret mortality trends. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying the convergence process are still not fully understood.
He has instituted several innovative programs to improve care for critically ill patients, including the heart attack rapid response team, telemedicine stroke program, sepsis blood infection program and hypothermia program.įor more information: sizeable mortality gap between the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and the pre-unified Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) narrowed rapidly after the two states were unified. “While fingerstick testing was not accurate enough to solely determine the exact troponin level, it is accurate in qualifying tropnonin levels as negative, borderline or positive which is clinical information that may guide critical decision making,” said Cichon, who is on the board of directors of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP).Ĭichon has served as division director for Loyola Emergency Medicine for the past 16 years. Cardiac tropnin (cTnl) assays were performed using the i-STAT I device.Įighty-nine cTnl levels were measured by both fingerstick and standard venipuncture. “When patients present complaining of chest pain, time can be critical to achieving positive outcomes, so Loyola was very keen to test this timesaving process.” Currently Loyola is the only academic medical center in Chicago to utilize the i-STAT device.Ĭonducted in the Loyola Level 1 trauma center emergency department from June to August 2011, fingerstick blood samples were collected from consenting patients for whom standard-of-care venipuncture POC troponin (POCT) testing had been ordered as part of their workup. “Cardiac troponin assays commonly exceed one hour while point-of-care testing can be completed in minutes by basic life support personnel,” said Cichon, who is chair of the emergency medicine department at Loyola. The study was conducted by Devin Loewenstein, BS, Christine Stake, MA and Mark Cichon, DO of Loyola University Chicago, department of emergency medicine. The study was funded by the department of emergency medicine, Loyola University Medical Center and was published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. SeptemResearchers have determined that fingerstick cardiac troponin I assay testing using the point-of-care i-STAT device is not accurate enough to determine the exact troponin level without the application of a corrective term.
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