Annals of emergency medicine
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Trauma ultrasound examination versus chest radiography in the detection of hemothorax.
To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography with those of the initial plain chest radiograph for detection of hemothorax in trauma patients. ⋯ Ultrasonography is comparable to the initial chest radiograph for accuracy in detection of hemothorax and may expedite the diagnosis and treatment of this condition for patients with major trauma.
-
To determine whether neutrophil adherence was altered in the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infection or severe sepsis. ⋯ Neutrophil adherence was significantly decreased in patients with SIRS and severe sepsis compared with that in normal controls. A larger study enrolling consecutive SIRS subject at risk for severe sepsis may demonstrate whether this assay could be useful in managing sepsis in the ED.
-
To determine the accuracy and application of pelvic ultrasound performed by emergency physicians in detecting ectopic pregnancy (EP) in complicated first-trimester pregnancies. ⋯ Pelvic ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians can be used to rule out EP and make an accurate diagnosis in most patients with complicated first-trimester pregnancies during the initial ED visit. The remaining patients at risk can be identified and a diagnosis made by means of follow-up ultrasound and serial hCG determinations.
-
Comparative Study
Effect of emergency physician-performed pelvic sonography on length of stay in the emergency department.
To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of emergency physician-performed pelvic sonography (EPPPS) and its effect on length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department. ⋯ Pelvic ultrasound performed by emergency physicians after a brief period of training shortens ED LOS in women in early pregnancy, particularly in those with viable IUPs. This practice appears to be sensitive, specific, and safe.
-
We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of ultrasonography in the detection of traumatic complications of CPR. ⋯ Traumatic complications of CPR are well known but typically difficult to assess. Ultrasonography may identify injuries, help guide procedures, and serve as a means to assess pharmacologic effects on cardiac performance during CPR. It is a readily available, noninvasive means to assess these critically ill patients.