J Emerg Med
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Review Case Reports
Emergency Management of an Eyelid Zipper Injury in a Child.
Zipper injuries are rare in the pediatric emergency department, with most reported cases involving the penile and scrotal skin. Knowledge of appropriate zipper release techniques is important to ensure safe and immediate removal of entrapped tissue to prevent complications. ⋯ This case report describes a unique presentation of a zipper injury involving entrapment of the upper eyelid. We describe the successful removal of the zipper with gentle manipulation aided by mineral oil lubrication and by cutting fabric from the zipper system to release tension. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: While zipper injuries are rare, an emergency physician must be prepared to provide urgent intervention to prevent complications. This unique case report presents 1 example of successful zipper release in the case of a zipper injury to the eyelid in a child. We review other approaches for emergent zipper removal and discuss postprocedure care.
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The categorization of pulmonary embolism (PE) as non-massive, sub-massive, and massive helps guide acute management. The presence of right ventricular (RV) strain differentiates sub-massive from non-massive PEs. Unlike laboratory markers and electrocardiogram changes, the classic parameters used in the echocardiographic diagnosis of RV strain have a technical component that is operator-dependent. ⋯ Along with other more qualitative echocardiographic parameters, TAPSE can be used as a simple quantitative measure of RV dysfunction for differentiating sub-massive from non-massive PEs. This categorization helps guide acute management and disposition.
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Meta Analysis
Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Immunocompromise and Acute Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common cause of emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) is widely used for patients with ARF. ⋯ There was no significant difference in short-term mortality with use of HFNC when compared with COT or NIV for immunocompromised patients with ARF. A lower intubation rate than COT and a shorter length of ICU stay than NIV were observed in the HFNC group.
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Review Case Reports
C1 Esterase Inhibitor for Ace-Inhibitor Angioedema: A Case Series and Literature Review.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a commonly prescribed and effective medication to treat hypertension. Although generally well tolerated, about 1% of patients will experience angioedema, a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. This reaction is thought to be mediated via a buildup of bradykinin and does not typically respond to epinephrine, corticosteroids, or antihistamines. Alternative treatment strategies have been investigated, the bulk of which surround the use of therapies approved for hereditary angioedema. ⋯ Based on our case series, C1 esterase therapy should not be utilized routinely for ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema and is not expected to prevent intubation in severe cases.
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Review Case Reports
A Curious Case of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in the Midwest and a Review for Clinicians.
Ciguatera poisoning is one of the most prevalent types of fish poisoning, but it is often underreported, leading many health practitioners to be unfamiliar in correctly identifying and treating this toxicity. ⋯ We present a case of ciguatera toxicity encountered in an emergency department in a Midwest community hospital setting. A 56-year-old woman presented to the ED with symptoms of perioral numbness, generalized pruritis, and hot/cold temperature reversal. Through careful history taking it was determined that the patient had recently returned from vacationing in the Caribbean and had been consuming meals containing various types of fish. A clinical diagnosis of ciguatera toxicity was made, and the patient was treated supportively. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This topic is important in the realm of emergency medicine because it presents a known toxicologic pathogen in an unsuspecting geographic location. This case highlights the importance of maintaining broad differentials and considering a patient's travel and exposure history to make the clinical diagnosis of ciguatoxin as well as the importance of preventative management to avoid recurrence of symptoms. We review the etiology of this fascinating toxin as well as the clinical implications in the diagnosis and management of this toxicity.