The American journal of emergency medicine
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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have profound health, social, psychological, and economic ramifications. Infection by COVID-19 has been of concern in people who use opioids, as opioid use has been known to mediate immunosuppression and is associated with respiratory depression and end-organ damage. With differing modalities of opioid usage, the association between opioids and COVID-19 outcomes is not well understood. ⋯ Significant heterogeneity existed across the included studies. Patients using opioids with COVID-19 were at higher risk of ICU admission and mortality. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
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This narrative review explores current literature base detailing the effectiveness of alternative CPR instruction as compared to traditional CPR courses in the lay population. Assessment of alternative instructional methods found that video self-instruction and simplified CPR formats resulted in equivalent performance of CPR metrics and practical scenario assessment performance, as compared to traditional CPR instruction courses. While additional research is needed to further substantiate the value of self-directed learning, interactive digital, and abbreviated formats, these studies also suggested equivalence in CPR performance compared to traditional courses. In view of the importance of bystander CPR in OHCA outcomes, and the barriers presented by traditional CPR education courses, we recommend that public safety leaders and CPR educators strongly consider the introduction of these programs within their communities and classrooms.
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Review
Clinical update on COVID-19 for the emergency and critical care clinician: Medical management.
Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of cases worldwide. As the pandemic has progressed, the understanding of this disease has evolved. ⋯ This review provides a focused update of the medical management of COVID-19 for emergency and critical care clinicians to help improve care for these patients.
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Ovarian torsion is a rare, frequently misdiagnosed condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity. ⋯ An understanding of ovarian torsion can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this disease.
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Review
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement complications: A narrative review for emergency clinicians.
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is present in up to 10% of individuals over age 80 years. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the most common method to replace the aortic valve in patients with AS. TAVR-related complications may occur. ⋯ Emergency clinicians are more likely to encounter TAVR complications after the initial procedural hospitalization and must be prepared to diagnose and manage these complications.