Annals of emergency medicine
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of gastric emptying using radionuclides: gastric lavage versus ipecac-induced emesis.
To compare the efficacy of gastric lavage and ipecac-induced emesis by using a radionuclide marker in a simulated overdose and to determine the amount of material recoverable after lavage fluid appears clear. ⋯ In this study, ipecac-induced emesis was significantly more effective than gastric lavage in emptying the stomach after simulated overdose. Significant amounts of ingested material are recoverable in gastric lavage return after it appears clear.
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Hydrofluoric acid is used for different purposes in industry and in the home as a rust remover. Most exposures are accidental and may result in severe superficial and deep tissue injury as well as systemic toxicity. ⋯ A patient in whom a solution of 49% hydrofluoric acid induced a large corneal erosion is described. Repeated instillation of 1% calcium gluconate eye drops combined with the conventional treatment of acid eye burns resulted in a complete and quick recovery.
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Case Reports
Cyanide and methemoglobin kinetics in smoke inhalation victims treated with the cyanide antidote kit.
To evaluate serial cyanide, methemoglobin, and carbon monoxide levels in smoke inhalation patients. ⋯ The administration of sodium nitrite to smoke inhalation patients in the presence of concomitant carbon monoxide poisoning may be relatively safe.
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Comparative Study
Effect of standard-dose versus high-dose epinephrine on myocardial high-energy phosphates during ventricular fibrillation and closed-chest CPR.
To evaluate the effects of standard-dose versus high-dose epinephrine on myocardial high-energy phosphate metabolism during resuscitation from cardiac arrest. ⋯ High-dose epinephrine does not deplete myocardial high-energy phosphate when given in this model of prolonged ventricular fibrillation. High-dose epinephrine increases coronary perfusion pressure compared with standard-dose epinephrine. High-dose epinephrine administration repletes phosphocreatine during closed-chest CPR, thereby increasing myocardial energy stores.