The American journal of emergency medicine
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Developing a standardized measurement of alcohol intoxication.
We assessed multiple examinations and assessment tools to develop a standardized measurement of alcohol intoxication to aid medical decision making in the Emergency Department. ⋯ HII examination, paired with either a VAS or HII assessment tool, yielded valid and reliable measurements of alcohol intoxication.
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Comparative Study
Creation of an intensive care unit and organizational changes in an adult emergency department: Impact on acute stroke management.
Following the reorganization of a University Medical Center onto a single campus, an Intensive Care Unit was created within the adult Emergency Department (ED ICU). We assessed the effects of these organizational changes on acute stroke management and the intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rtPA), as characterized by the thrombolysis rate, door-to-needle time (DNT) and outcome at 3months. ⋯ Our results highlight the benefits of a separate ED ICU within conventional ED for acute stroke management, with a higher thrombolysis rate, reduced intrahospital delays and better safety.
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Letter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of the Macintosh laryngoscope and blind intubation via I-gel in intubating an entrapped patient: A randomized crossover manikin study.
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According to the NIH, about 275000 patients receive treatment with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and more than 1300 die from 5-FU toxicity every year from life-threatening myelosuppression, gastrointestinal complications, and neurotoxicity. Immunocompromised persons are at higher risk of developing toxicity. Recently uridine triacetate (Vistagard®) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the only specific antidote available for 5-FU poisoning. ⋯ After receiving treatment the patient was asymptomatic and had an uncomplicated hospital course. 5-FU poisoning must be recognized early as uridine triacetate is approved by the FDA for use within 96h following the end of 5-FU administration. Emergency medicine physicians should promptly recognize and treat 5-FU poisoning. However, this may be challenging as patients may not seek medical attention until many hours or several days after last administration since symptoms are often delayed with 5-FU poisoning.
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Letter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparative analysis of five methods of emergency zipper release by experienced versus novice clinicians.