The American journal of emergency medicine
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Diltiazem is one of the most commonly used medications to control the rapid ventricular response in atrial fibrillation (AF). The recommended starting dose is an intravenous bolus of 0.25 mg/kg over 2 minutes. To avoid hypotension, we have empirically used a lower dose of diltiazem. We compared the efficacy and safety of different doses of diltiazem in rapid AF. ⋯ Low-dose diltiazem might be as effective as the standard dose in controlling rapid AF and reduce the risk of hypotension.
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Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common, poorly characterized manifestation of hypertensive emergency. We sought to describe characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with severe hypertension complicated by AHF. ⋯ Acute HF as a manifestation of hypertensive emergency is common, more likely in African Americans, and requires more clinical resources than patients with non-HF-related severe hypertension. Accurate BP control is critical, as declines less than 120 mm Hg were associated with increased adverse event rates.
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Previous studies have shown that therapeutic hypothermia could improve neurologic recovery when induced after cardiac arrest, but dynamic changes in cerebral metabolism have not been studied at low temperature. In this study, we aim to evaluate hypothermia-induced changes in pigs' cerebral metabolism by (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS). ⋯ Infusion of 4°C NS can effectively reduce cerebral metabolism after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have a protective effect on the recovery of neurologic function. The ¹H-MRS technology can be used as a powerful tool to evaluate interventions in the treatment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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We sought to describe the causative organisms and joints involved in cases of pediatric septic arthritis in the post-Haemophilus influenzae type B and post-pneumococcal vaccine age and in the age of increasing infection with community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). ⋯ Our results support continued concern for involvement of the hip and knee in cases of pediatric septic arthritis and consideration of other joints such as the elbow. Our data also suggest that empiric antibiotic coverage for CA-MRSA is indicated in cases of pediatric septic arthritis, as well as continued coverage for methicillin-sensitive S aureus and S pneumoniae.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the associative factors of rhabdomyolysis in patients with doxylamine overdose who had normal creatine phosphokinase levels at admission. ⋯ Observation and laboratory follow-up are required for patients with large reported ingestions or tachycardia on admission, even if their creatine phosphokinase levels were normal.