Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To determine the effects of body temperature, ethanol use, electrolyte status, and acid-base status on the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of hypothermic patients. ⋯ The presence and size of the Osborn waves in hypothermic patients appear to be a function of temperature. The magnitude of the Osborn waves is inversely correlated with the temperature.
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Comparative Study
Fast track and the pediatric emergency department: resource utilization and patients outcomes.
To examine differences in the evaluation, management, and outcomes for patients seen in an on-site "fast track" (FT) vs the main ED. ⋯ Compared with those in the main ED, the study patients seen in the FT had fewer tests ordered and had briefer lengths of stay. These findings were not explained by differences in patient ages, vital signs, or demographic characteristics. No difference in final outcomes or satisfaction was detected among the families contacted for follow-up.
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Comparative Study
The effects of acute and chronic alcohol ingestion on outcome following multiple episodes of mild traumatic brain injury in rats.
Recent studies suggest that in some circumstances, alcohol intoxication at the time of severe head injury may be neuroprotective. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of acute and chronic alcohol ingestion on outcome in rodents sustaining multiple episodes of mild traumatic brain injury while intoxicated. ⋯ The injured intoxicated CA animals had a more rapid recovery of reflexes compared with the injured intoxicated NA animals. Despite initial MWM deficits, the injured NA rodents eventually began to learn the MWM. The injured CA rats never learned the maze. Under the conditions of this study, acute alcohol intoxication at the time of multiple episodes of minor head trauma did not provide neuroprotection for NA or CA rodents.
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Little is known about the prevalence and health effects of hunger among ED patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of hunger among patients in a large urban ED and to examine whether it has adverse health effects. ⋯ The ED patients in this urban setting have high rates of hunger and many must make choices between buying food and medicine, which patients report results in otherwise preventable ED visits and hospitalization. Loss or reduction of food stamps is associated with increased hunger and increased perceived adverse health outcomes as a result of not being able to afford medicine.
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To determine whether a geographic information system (GIS) and historical transport data can be used to create a map that identifies locations (zones) from which either ambulance or helicopter transport will result in shorter out-of-hospital times. ⋯ A GIS and historical transport data can be used to create a map identifying locations from which either helicopter or ambulance transport will minimize out-of-hospital time. Inappropriate choice of transport mode is associated with increased out-of-hospital time.