Emergencias
-
To analyze the possible association between a finding of plasma alkalosis in patients diagnosed with acute heart failure (AHF) in the emergency department (ED) and in-hospital mortality. ⋯ This retrospective analysis of cases in the EAHFE registry found no association between alkalosis and higher in-hospital mortality after AHF. Nor were significant associations found when we analyzed mortality related to probable metabolic vs respiratory alkalosis.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Paracetamol poisoning: a prospective comparison of 2 protocols for N-acetylcysteine treatment.
Paracetamol poisoning can be serious and require treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). A dose of 300 mg/kg is usually given in 3 fractions over 21 hours. An alternative regimen, the Scottish and Newcastle Acetylcysteine Protocol (SNAP), specifies the same total dose given in 2 intravenous injections over 12 hours. This study aimed to compare the 2 regimens in terms of effectiveness, adverse events, and lengths of emergency department (ED) and hospital stays. ⋯ Fewer adverse events occurred with the SNAP approach. The 2 protocols were similarly effective. The SNAP-treated patients spent less time in the ED, and those who were admitted to hospital had shorter stays.
-
Patients with suspected infections account for 15% to 35% of hospital emergency department (ED) caseloads in Spain and Latin America. The main objective of this systematic review was to compare evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of early (3 hours after triage) vs deferred ($ 3-6 hours) antibiotic therapy prescribed in EDs for adults with serious infections or sepsis. Efficacy and improved clinical course were defined by reduced progression to septic shock and short- and long-term mortality. ⋯ Early initiation of antibiotic therapy, preferably within 3 hours of triage, can be recommended in cases of serious infection (sepsis or serious sepsis that do not meet the criteria for septic shock). In fact, based on a tendency for higher short- and long-term mortality associated with delay and a higher probability of developing septic shock with each hour of delay, therapy should start as soon as possible if infection is confirmed or suspected in the absence of an alternative diagnosis.