August 2019
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Aug 16 2019
Imaging for Appendicitis in Pregnancy
In a pregnant patient presenting with abdominal pain and suspected appendicitis, an initial ultrasound should be performed to exclude obstetric causes for abdominal pain. MRI may be a reasonable next study if it is immediately accessible and radiologists with expertise in MRI interpretation are available. Otherwise, CT should be utilized.
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Aug 15 2019
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a deadly triad of hyperthermia, CNS dysfunction, and multiorgan failure. Classic (or passive) heatstroke is due to environmental exposure and poor heat dissipation, whereas exertional heatstroke is related to strenuous physical activity. Prompt recognition and treatment can be life-saving and is focused on rapid cooling.
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Aug 14 2019
Clinical Clues That Predict Cardiac Syncope
Clinical exam and ECG are helpful in sorting out whether a patient does or does not have cardiac syncope.
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Aug 13 2019
Do Infants 29-60 Days With UTI Need LP?
The prevalence of concomitant bacterial meningitis in infants 29-60 days old with UTI was 0.25%. With this low prevalence, some would argue for selective rather than routine LP in such children.
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Aug 12 2019
Gun Laws and Child Mortality – Do Laws Help?
This study has several limitations, but there is apparent benefit to gun legislation in reducing mortality in young people.
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Aug 09 2019
Predicting Difficult Intubation
History of difficult intubation is the biggest predictor of trouble intubating, followed by grade 3 upper lip bite and others.
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Aug 08 2019
Cannabis Legalization – Point | Counterpoint
We need to understand arguments for and against full legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes. This has not only public health implications but has direct impact on the ED, with increased volume, trauma, and burden of psychiatric illness.
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Aug 07 2019
Cannabis In Colorado – A Cautionary Tale
Cannabis has some medical benefit, but there are some adverse health consequences worth reviewing as additional states consider legalization in the U.S.
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Aug 06 2019
New Opiate Prescriptions and Downstream Risk of Misuse
In patients given a new opiate prescription in the ED, 13.7% had persistent or high risk use over the next year. Higher doses led to greater risk, but even appropriate lower doses were associated with up to a 10% risk.
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Aug 05 2019
CXR to Screen for Acute Aortic Syndromes
CXR was a poor screening test for acute aortic syndrome. If you suspect this diagnosis, just get a CTA.