Annals of emergency medicine
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Adolescents are at risk for developing a variety of sexually transmitted infections for many reasons. Many of these adolescents present to the emergency department (ED) for their care. We describe the management of adolescent sexually transmitted infections in US EDs. ⋯ Significant numbers of adolescents sought care for sexually transmitted infections in US EDs. Evaluation and treatment of these adolescents is not optimal. Male patients are more likely to be treated for a sexually transmitted infection. Hispanic patients are less likely to be treated for a sexually transmitted infection. Pelvic inflammatory disease is not always treated with antibiotics, and few patients with pelvic inflammatory disease are admitted to the hospital. HIV testing was almost never done. Further study is necessary to explain these disparities and optimize care.
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We determine the test performance of abdominal ultrasonography for detecting hemoperitoneum in blunt trauma patients with out-of-hospital or emergency department (ED) hypotension. ⋯ Of patients with out-of-hospital or ED hypotension, abdominal ultrasonography identifies most patients with hemoperitoneum and intra-abdominal injuries. Hypotensive patients with negative abdominal ultrasonography results, however, must be further evaluated for sources of their hypotension, including additional abdominal evaluation, once they are hemodynamically stabilized.