J Emerg Med
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Currently, the Wallace Rule of Nines is the most widely used method to measure total body surface area (TBSA) in burned patients due to its practicality and speed in its application; however, it often provides inaccurate estimations in obese patients, affecting the fluid resuscitation process. ⋯ We found important differences in TBSA determination using the 3D Skanect-MeshmixerⓇ software compared with the Wallace Rule of Nines. Therefore, we generated a modified and optimized Wallace Rule of Nines estimations based on BMI. Future studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this optimized table.
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The use of supplemental oxygen (SO) for procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is recommended in many guidelines, but the evidence of SO for the elderly is limited. ⋯ In a propensity-matched analysis, SO was associated with a lower incidence of hypoxia in elderly patients during ED PSA.
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Case Reports
Oral and Transdermal Rivastigmine for the Treatment of Anticholinergic Delirium: A Case Report.
Anticholinergic toxicity is a common cause of delirium in emergency department patients. The standard antidotal treatment for anticholinergic toxicity is physostigmine. Physostigmine functions as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Rivastigmine is another member of this class currently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine also crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been found to be effective in the management of anticholinergic toxicity in limited case reports. ⋯ A 61-year-old women presented to the emergency department via emergency medical services with altered mental status and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 out of 15. She was found down near multiple medication bottles, including diphenhydramine and dicyclomine. Her physical examination was consistent with anticholinergic toxicity with mydriasis, obtundation, and warm flushed skin. In addition to standard resuscitation, she received two doses of rivastigmine 3 mg via nasogastric tube. After the second dose she was alert and oriented. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and had a rivastigmine patch applied. She was deemed back to her baseline 27 h after presentation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although the standard antidotal treatment for anticholinergic toxicity is physostigmine, there is a national shortage of this medication. In the absence of this standard antidote, it is reasonable for emergency physicians to use rivastigmine as an alternative treatment. This can be delivered orally or via nasogastric tube with dosing each hour until resolution of symptoms. Alternatively, in consultation with toxicology, it may be reasonable to use transdermal rivastigmine, as it provides consistent drug absorption for 24 h.
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Opioid overdose deaths in 2021 were the highest ever, driven by fentanyl and polysubstance use. ⋯ Most participants had UDS specimens containing multiple substances; a high proportion had fentanyl, stimulants, and buprenorphine. Regional differences were noted. Given the increased risk of death with fentanyl and polysubstance use, ED providers should be providing risk reduction counseling, treatment, and referral.