The American journal of emergency medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Utilization of ultrasound for the evaluation of small bowel obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED). While computed tomography (CT) is frequently utilized to confirm the diagnosis, this modality is expensive, exposes patients to radiation, may lead to time delays, and is not universally available. This study aimed to determine the test characteristics of ultrasound for the diagnosis of SBO. ⋯ The existing literature suggests that ultrasound is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of SBO with a sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of CT. Ultrasound may save time and radiation exposure, while also allowing for serial examinations of patients to assess for resolution of the SBO. It may be particularly valuable in settings with limited or no access to CT. Future studies should include more studies in the Emergency Department setting, comparison of probe choices, and inclusion of more pediatric patients.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The effect of high-flow nasal cannula in reducing the mortality and the rate of endotracheal intubation when used before mechanical ventilation compared with conventional oxygen therapy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The effects of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on adult patients when used before mechanical ventilation (MV) are unclear. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of HFNC when used before MV by comparison to conventional oxygen therapy (COT) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). ⋯ When used before MV, HFNC can improve the prognosis of patients compared both with the COT and NIPPV.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of corticosteroid treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia: A meta-analysis.
The benefits and adverse effects of corticosteroids in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have not been well assessed. The aim of this systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant corticosteroid therapy in patients with severe CAP. ⋯ Corticosteroids adjuvant therapy in patients with severe CAP may reduce the rate of in-hospital mortality, reduce the length of hospital stay, and reduce CRP levels.
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In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the patients' outcomes after cardiac arrest based on age in one center, to determine whether geriatric patients had worse outcomes. ⋯ Elderly patients with OHCA had a poor neurological outcome; but several other factors were also related with the outcome. In decision-making for resuscitation, physicians should consider the patients' physiologic factors as well as age.