The American journal of emergency medicine
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The most common presenting complaint to the emergency department (ED) is pain. Several studies have shown that a large proportion of ED patients either receive no or sub-optimal analgesia. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps used in the post-operative setting has shown to decrease total opioid consumption and has increased patient and nurse satisfaction. ⋯ The quality, the differences in study methods and outcome measures used, and heterogeneity of the studies performed to date do not provide adequate evidence to support its widespread use in the ED. Well-designed studies conducted in the ED are still needed to evaluate the ideal patient population to whom these PCAs may provide the most benefit as well as a robust cost-analysis to ensure feasibility of use in the future.
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Comparative Study
Incidence of central line associated bloodstream infection following central venous catheter placement in the emergency department.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are costly and can be lifethreatening. Many efforts have been taken to minimize the rates of infection, including sterile technique, pre-packaged sterile kits, site selection, and replacing infected or potentially infected lines. This study aims to identify the incidence of CLABSI following catheter placement in the ED, and to compare rates of CLABSI among ED and ICU placed catheters. ⋯ In this study, the incidence of infection was no different between lines placed in the ED compared to the ICU.
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Sepsis is a condition characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The emergency department (ED) serves as a crucial entry point for patients presenting with sepsis. ⋯ These include the use of novel therapeutic agents like angiotensin II, hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid, thiamine ("HAT") therapy, and levosimendan, Additionally, controversies with current treatments in vasopressor dosing, and the use of and balanced or unbalanced crystalloid are crucial to consider. The purpose of this review is to discuss clinical controversies in the management of septic patients, including the use of novel medications and dosing strategies, to assist providers in appropriately determining what treatment strategy is best suited for patients.
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Acute aortic syndromes comprise a spectrum of diseases including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers. Early diagnosis, rapid intervention, and multidisciplinary team care are vital to efficiently manage time-sensitive aortic emergencies, mobilize appropriate resources, and optimize clinical outcomes. ⋯ A multidisciplinary team can help promptly diagnose and manage aortic syndromes.
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The present study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of one-year hospital readmissions and post-discharge all-cause mortality in recovered COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the country-level prevalence of the outcomes was investigated. ⋯ 10.34% of recovered COVID-19 patients required hospital readmissions after discharge. Most cases of hospital readmissions and mortality appear to occur within 30 days after discharge. The one-year post-discharge all-cause mortality rate of COVID-19 patients is 7.87%, and the majority of patients' readmission and mortality happens within the first 30 days post-discharge. Therefore, a 30-day follow-up program and patient tracking system for discharged COVID-19 patients seems necessary.