J Emerg Med
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Multicenter Study
First-generation Antipsychotics Are Often Prescribed in the Emergency Department but Are Often Not Administered with Adjunctive Medications.
Although first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) have long been used in the emergency department (ED) to treat acute agitation, little is known about how these medications are used in modern clinical practice. In particular, little work has been published about whether ED clinicians administer FGAs with adjunctive medications in accordance with expert guidelines or the prescribing practices of FGAs over time. ⋯ First-generation antipsychotics are still widely utilized in the ED. When administered, these medications are used with adjunctive medications that may decrease side effects less than half of the time. Droperidol use has remained unchanged in the years after the FDA black-box warning, whereas use of haloperidol has continued to rise.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Emergency Department Intervention for Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain.
Emergency Departments (EDs) are beginning to notify their physicians of patients reporting chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) who frequent EDs, and are suggesting that the physicians not prescribe opioids to these patients. ⋯ This intervention constitutes a promising practice that EDs should consider to reduce the number of visits made by frequent visitors with CNCP.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-induced angioedema is a rare, albeit serious emergency that can result in airway compromise and potentially death if not treated promptly. Currently, there are no agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration to target ACE inhibitor angioedema and to prevent intubation. C1 inhibitors are approved for hereditary angioedema but may show promise in alleviating inflammation associated with ACE inhibitor angioedema. ⋯ A 41-year-old man presented to the emergency department with swelling of his lips a few days after starting lisinopril for hypertension. Despite receiving diphenhydramine, ranitidine, and methylprednisolone, the swelling progressed to the patient's tongue. A C1 inhibitor was ordered in an effort to prevent intubation. Before the arrival of the medication, the patient was intubated emergently for airway protection. After receipt of the C1 inhibitor, the swelling dramatically improved, and the patient was successfully extubated after less than 18 hours from presentation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case illustrates a potential role for C1 inhibitors in the emergency setting for treating drug-induced angioedema, which may prevent or minimize mechanical ventilation time.
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Observational Study
Efficacy of Noncontrast Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis for Evaluating Nontraumatic Acute Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department.
Computed tomography (CT) clarity has significantly improved since it became widely available in the early 1980s, making the utility and benefit of contrast material for image quality of the abdomen and pelvis uncertain, and so far, minimally studied. ⋯ With certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, noncontrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis is likely a reliable diagnostic modality for the evaluation of acute nontraumatic abdominal pain in the ED.
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Health care demand due to animal bites is frequent, especially in the emergency department (ED). In addition to the physical trauma caused by bites, one should be concerned with infectious diseases that can be transmitted. The range of the lesions depends on the animal species. Bites of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (capybaras) in humans are relatively uncommon. Capybaras are docile animals; however, their large rodent incisive teeth could cause serious injury. Localized care, antibiotic therapy when necessary, careful examination of the structures, tetanus and rabies immunization as indicated, and follow-up are recommended for wild animal bites. The authors hereby describe and discuss the medical management of a case of multiple lesions from capybara bites on the right thigh of a man. ⋯ A 54-year-old male patient was admitted to the ED with a compression bandage soaked with blood after being bitten by a capybara. At the clinical examination, the patient had two lacerating wounds and multiple abrasions on the anterior face of the right thigh. Rabies prophylaxis was administered and the wounds were irrigated and closed with sterile dressings. Oral amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium for 7 days was administered to the patient. The patient was followed up; 3 months after the attack he returned to his previous level of activity without any complication. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: We recommend that practitioners and physicians should provide prompt attention due to potentially significant morbidities, particularly rabies. The adequate care of the wound will allow better aesthetic and functional results to victims of wild animal bites.