Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2022
Diagnoses and trends in use of imaging for low back pain in four Australian emergency departments between 2012 and 2019.
We aimed to determine, in those who present to the ED with low back pain (LBP): (i) the prevalence of four key diagnostic categories, (ii) trends in lumbar imaging from 2015 to 2019 and (iii) the effect of a new model of care on lumbar imaging in the ED. ⋯ Most presentations to the ED for LBP are for non-specific LBP. Around 2% will have specific spinal pathology. Use of imaging in those diagnosed with non-specific LBP remains high and was unaffected by implementation of a state-wide model of care.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2022
Is headache during pregnancy a higher risk for serious secondary headache cause? A HEAD study report.
Pregnancy is defined as a 'red flag' in headache assessment. We aimed to describe the prevalence and causes of serious secondary headache in pregnant ED patients. ⋯ Inclusion of pregnancy as a 'red flag' in ED headache assessment is not supported by these data.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2022
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A 6-year audit of adult presentations to an urban district hospital.
To describe the local experience of adult patients presenting with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) to an urban ED in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne. ⋯ Cyclical nausea and vomiting was the most common feature observed in this cohort compared to other clinical features reported in prior studies. Serum lipase was normal and C-reactive protein only mildly elevated. Prospective studies are required to further assess these findings.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2022
Profile and outcomes of emergency department presentations based on mode of arrival: A state-wide retrospective cohort study.
Understanding how people arrive to the ED assists in planning health services' response to fluctuating ED demand. The present study aimed to describe and compare demographics, clinical characteristics and health service outcomes of adult ED patient presentations based on mode of arrival: brought in by police (BIBP)/brought in by ambulance (BIBA)/privately arranged transport (PAT). ⋯ Presentations BIBA and BIBP encountered a longer ED LOS and higher admission rates than PAT, suggesting more complex care needs than those from PAT. Clinical care pathways for specific modes of arrival that support pre-hospital providers and patients and are considerate of the throughput and output stages of ED care may be needed.