Emergencias
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To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish emergency department (ED) care for patients aged 65 years or older during the first wave vs. a pre-pandemic period. ⋯ The proportion of patients aged 65 years or older decreased in the participating Spanish EDs. However, more resources were required and the pattern of diagnoses changed. Observation ward stays were longer, and admissions and mortality increased over the numbers seen in the reference period.
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To analyze the long-term benefits and safety of oral anticoagulation therapy prescribed in emergency departments for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, and to detect any sex-related differences present. ⋯ ED anticoagulant prescription for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation is safe and contributes to a reduction in mortality. Women in this age group benefited more than men from starting anticoagulation during the acute phase in the ED.
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To study baseline factors associated with hypo- and hypernatremia in older patients attended in emergency departments (EDs) and explore the association between these dysnatremias and indicators of severity in an emergency. ⋯ Measurement of sodium plasma concentration in older patients in the ED can identify hypo- and hypernatremia, which are associated with higher risk for hospitalization, death, and prolonged ED stays regardless of the condition that gave rise to the dysnatremia.
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To analyze the consistency between decisions to discharge or admit patients with acute heart failure (AHF) treated in emergency departments (EDs) and the level of risk of adverse events, and to analyze the impact of decisions to discharge patients. ⋯ We detected disparity between severity of AHF decompensation and the decision to discharge or admit patients. Outcomes in patients discharged from EDs do not reach the recommended quality-of-care standards. Reducing inconsistencies between severity of decompensation and ED decisions could help to improve quality targets.
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The earthquakes that occurred in February 2023 in Türkiye had some of the worst consequences of recent years. The Turkish authorities first deployed local resources and then appealed for international help. ⋯ This article offers perspectives on the epidemiology of earthquakes, the management of emergency response teams and Türkiye’s disaster management agency (AFAD); it also explains how rescues are carried out in collapsed buildings. The experience of Firefighters Without Borders after the recent earthquakes and a rescue that took 14 hours are also described.