The American journal of emergency medicine
-
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.
-
We evaluated the impact of emergency physician (EP)-initiated primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via a single-group page on door to balloon (D2B) interval times in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. ⋯ A systematic process of initiating D2B recommendations, including EP-initiated CCL activation via a single-group page, significantly reduces D2CCL and D2B times.
-
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of limited health literacy in an urban emergency department (ED) and its association with sociodemographic variables. ⋯ Of patients enrolled in the study, 15.5% have limited health literacy. Age, male sex, non-English first language, nonwhite ethnicity, limited education, and unstable housing were associated with limited health literacy.
-
Advances in analysis of electrical signals have now made it possible to create a handheld electroencephalogram (EEG). ⋯ The automated EEG device may be a useful tool for identifying brain abnormality in the emergency department.
-
Review Case Reports
Recurrent anion gap metabolic acidosis in a woman with vertebral disc disease.