The American journal of emergency medicine
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A tension hydrothorax is defined as a massive pleural effusion presenting with hemodynamic abnormalities secondary to mediastinal compression. In these patients pleural volume increases intrathoracic pressure to the point of compromising diastolic filling and cardiac output simulating a cardiac tamponade physiology. This is an uncommon yet potentially fatal medical emergency that if left untreated may progress to cardiac arrest. Early detection and rapid intervention of these patients prevents cardiorespiratory collapse. ⋯ Although these life-saving decompressive interventions appear simple, not having proper training is an independent factor for chest tube and thoracentesis complications. Courses and simulation training can benefit physicians to minimize potential complications when managing emergency conditions such as tension hydrothoraxes which continue to be a medical challenge. Whether thoracentesis or thoracostomy is superior in managing this condition remains in debate and a clinical dilemma.
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Pelvic fracture bleeding generally leads to hemorrhagic shock. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) is regarded as the most useful treatment; however, the initial presentation of the patient can impact the effectiveness of TAE for pelvic fracture bleeding. The aim of this retrospective study is to explore whether the patient data at the initial presentation can predict the success of TAE for pelvic fracture bleeding. ⋯ The findings upon initial presentation of a patient with pelvic fracture bleeding that were related to the predictability of successful TAE include the following: hypothermia prevention with maintenance of the body temperature above 36°C, associated injuries limited to two organ systems, maintenance of the respiratory rate at approximately twenty-two breaths per minute, a sustained systolic blood pressure of approximately 90mmHg, maintenance of a heart rate of approximately one hundred beats per minute, a minor head injury with a GCS score greater than thirteen and a moderate ISS of less than twenty.
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Reducing or reversing the toxicity effects of new oral anticoagulants is an important question.The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of lipid emulsion (LE) and Activated Charcoal (AC) therapy on the intoxication of rivaroxaban, on mice. ⋯ Although the administration of either AC or LE alone or in combination resulted in a decrease in the mean values of PT and anti-Factor Xa, in case of rivaroxaban toxicity, but one-to-one comparison of the groups was not statistically significant.
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As terrorist actors revise their tactics to outmaneuver increasing counter-terrorism security measures, a recent trend toward less-sophisticated attack methods has emerged. Most notable of these "low tech" trends are the Targeted Automobile Ramming MAss Casualty (TARMAC) attacks. Between 2014 and November 2017, 18 TARMAC attacks were reported worldwide, resulting in 181 deaths and 679 injuries. ⋯ Ultrasound machines are becoming increasingly available to emergency care providers and can be critically important during a MCI when access to other imaging modalities is limited by patient volume. By taking ultrasound diagnostic techniques validated for the detection of life-threatening cardiothoracic and abdominal injuries in individuals and applying them in a TARMAC mass casualty situation, physicians can improve triage and allocate resources more effectively. Here, we revisit the high-yield applications of POCUS as a means of enhanced prehospital and hospital-based triage, improved resource utilization, and identify their potential effectiveness during a TARMAC incident.
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To investigate effects of metabolic acidosis on hemostasis function in trauma patients using thromboelastography analyzer. ⋯ The degree of metabolic acidosis in trauma patients is positively correlated to the severity of hemostasis dysfunction. Additionally, acidosis induces more serious impairment to hemostasis in trauma patients than in healthy volunteers. Moreover, acidosis-induced r time elongation is positively related to a higher death rate and increased transfusion requirement and this indicates a predictive role of TEG® variables for prognosis of traumatized patients.