J Emerg Med
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Dyspnea secondary to acute upper airways airflow limitation (UAAFL) represents a clinical emergency that can be difficult to recognize without a suitable history; even when etiology is known, parameters to assess the severity are unclear and often improperly used. ⋯ RR, VAS, and Borg dyspnea scales are sensitive parameters to detect and stage, easily and quickly, the gravity of an upper airways impairment, and should be used in emergency settings for an early diagnosis of a UAAFL. SpO2 is a poorer predictor of the degree of upper airways flow limitation.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Comparison of Ultrasound Guidance vs. Clinical Assessment Alone for Management of Pediatric Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can potentially help distinguish cellulitis from abscess, which can appear very similar on physical examination but necessitate different treatment approaches. ⋯ Use of POCUS was not associated with decreased ED treatment failure rate or process outcomes in pediatric SSTI patients. However, POCUS changed the management plan in approximately one in four cases.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease resulting in polyarthritis and systemic effects that may result in morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Prompt recognition of the acute complications of RA is crucial to treat these conditions. This review investigates these issues in a succinct manner for emergency clinicians.