J Emerg Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
COMPARISON OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE BLOCK WITH INTERCOSTAL NERVE BLOCK FOR TRAUMA-ASSOCIATED CHEST WALL PAIN.
Pain associated with chest wall trauma is a major issue in the emergency department (ED). However, it may be challenging to select among the various analgesic procedures. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided ESPB was superior to ICNB regarding pain control during the ED stay period of patients with painful chest wall trauma. We recommend ESPB in the ED for pain control in blunt or penetrating thoracic trauma.
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In the United States, sepsis accounts for 13% of the total hospital expenses and > 50% of hospital deaths. Moreover, people with sepsis are more likely to be readmitted. ⋯ DHR occurred in one-fifth of patients with sepsis in the United States. Our findings suggest that patients readmitted to a different hospital within 30 days may experience higher in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay, and higher hospitalization costs. Future studies need to examine whether continuity of care can improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
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Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a rare, frequently elusive diagnosis, often characterized by vague symptoms and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. ⋯ We present a case of TBM in a young man with a headache and altered mental status. In addition, we provide a brief history of TBM, review the pathophysiology of the disease, discuss clinical and radiologic features, and detail the management of TBM both emergently and throughout our patient's hospital course. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our patient's lack of pulmonary symptoms, initially unremarkable head computed tomography, and two prior emergency department evaluations for headache without concerning historical features or physical examination findings collectively highlight the challenges of diagnosing TBM early in its symptom course. We encourage emergency physicians to consider TBM in appropriate patients, particularly those with risk factors for tuberculosis infection.
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Finger and toe injuries are a common reason for presentation to the emergency department. In order to properly care for these injuries, it is valuable for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the different approaches to anesthetize the digit. ⋯ There are a number of options at the disposal of the emergency medicine clinician for anesthesia of the finger and toe. This article summarizes the key techniques, variations on these techniques, advantages, and disadvantages for each approach.