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Single-Breath-Count Test: An Important Adjunct in the Triaging of Patients in a Mass-Casualty Incident Due to Botulism

2010; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 25; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s1049023x00008062

1945-1938

Paul P. Rega, Christopher E. Bork, Kelly Burkholder‐Allen, Michael Bisesi, Jeffrey P. Gold,

Traumatic Brain Injury Research

Abstract Clostridium botulinum toxins, the most poisonous substance known to humankind, are considered to be a [US] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category A bioterrorist agent. Despite this concern, little has been published with regard to the tactical aspects of triaging a mass-casualty event involving botulism victims arriving at an emergency department. Because neuromuscular-ventilatory failure is a principal reason for botulism's early morbidity and mortality, using a quick and sensitive test to evaluate this possibility is imperative. The purpose of this article is to propose the adoption of the Single-Breath-Count Test (SBCT). The ease and validity of the use of the SBCT in evaluating complications associated with various neuromuscular disorders make it an attractive adjunct for triage during a mass-casualty incident due to botulism. While education, immune globulin, antitoxin, and invasive airway techniques are well-recognized steps in treating botulism, incorporating a time-honored technique such as the SBCT, will be an important addition to the triage process.