The American journal of emergency medicine
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Evaluating the prognostic value of DECAF score and procalcitonin in patients with COPD exacerbation.
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) frequently result in emergency department (ED) visits, necessitating accurate risk stratification. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the prognostic utility of the DECAF score and serum procalcitonin levels in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD. ⋯ The DECAF score and serum procalcitonin levels both exhibit robust prognostic capabilities in excluding adverse outcomes in AECOPD patients, with their predictive accuracy enhanced when used in tandem.
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Patients with heart failure exacerbation can present in a variety of ways, including sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema (SCAPE). Emergency physicians play a key role in the diagnosis and management of this condition. ⋯ An understanding of the current literature concerning SCAPE can assist emergency clinicians and improve the care of these patients.