J Emerg Med
-
Serum amylase and lipase levels are commonly obtained in the emergency department for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The role of these enzymes has frequently been the subject of confusion and controversy. This article comprehensively reviews the history, biochemistry, clinical, and laboratory literature on both enzymes as used in the evaluation of pancreatitis. Specific guidelines are presented to assist the Emergency Physician in the appropriate use and interpretation of these clinical laboratory tests.
-
Transcutaneous cardiac pacing is a temporary treatment of hemodynamically unstable bradycardias. However, the rhythmic skeletal muscle contractions that occur during external pacing can make it difficult to assess the hemodynamic status of the patient. We report a case of using bedside ultrasound to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous pacer capture.
-
We sought to measure the prevalence of practicing procedures on the recently dead in emergency departments. Surveys were mailed to all medical students, interns, residents in Emergency Medicine, emergency physicians, and trauma team leaders working in the teaching hospitals of a city with a population of 600,000. Of 447 distributed surveys, 222 (49%) were returned. ⋯ The prevalence of practicing procedures on recently dead patients appears to be less than has been reported previously. Intubation is the most commonly practiced procedure on recently dead patients. None of the participants obtained consent before practicing a procedure.