Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialThe CO₂ GAP Project--CO₂ GAP as a prognostic tool in emergency departments.
To determine whether CO₂ GAP [(a-ET) PCO₂] value differs consistently in patients presenting with shortness of breath to the ED requiring ventilatory support. To determine a cut-off value of CO₂ GAP, which is consistently associated with measured outcome and to compare its performance against other derived variables. ⋯ The CO₂ GAP [(a-ET) PCO₂] differs significantly in patients requiring assisted ventilation when presenting with shortness of breath to EDs and further research addressing the prognostic value of CO₂ GAP in this specific aspect is required.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialBlood withdrawn through a cannula valve connector does not result in clinically significant haemolysis.
To assess the impact of cannula valve connectors on haemolysis of blood samples drawn from newly inserted cannulae. ⋯ The attachment of a cannula connector valve to a peripheral cannula prior to blood sampling is not associated with an increase in the rate of haemolysis or hyperkalaemia.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyParacetamol versus ibuprofen: a randomized controlled trial of outpatient analgesia efficacy for paediatric acute limb fractures.
Paediatric limb fracture is a common injury that presents frequently to the ED. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether ibuprofen provides better analgesia than paracetamol for paediatric patients discharged with acute limb fractures. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in a children's ED. ⋯ There were no significant differences in side-effects detected between the two groups. The present study shows that in the outpatient paediatric population, ibuprofen does not provide better analgesia than paracetamol. Pain from an acute fracture can be managed by regular simple oral analgesia and immobilization.
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Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyNebulized fentanyl versus intravenous morphine in children with suspected limb fractures in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial.
To compare the efficacy of nebulized fentanyl (NF) with i.v. morphine (IVM) in paediatric patients presenting to the ED with clinically suspected limb fractures. ⋯ NF in a dose of 4 microg/kg given via a standard nebulizer provided clinically significant improvements in pain scores, comparable to IVM. NF should be considered as a treatment option for use in children presenting in acute pain.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialLaryngoscope illumination grade does not influence time to successful manikin intubation.
Endotracheal intubation is an important, time-critical, life-saving emergency medicine procedure. Laryngoscope characteristics might influence time to successful intubation. The objective of the present study was to determine whether laryngoscope light of variable intensity would influence the length of time required to achieve successful endotracheal intubation. ⋯ The intensity of laryngoscope light across a clinically plausible range does not affect time to intubation.