Articles: emergency-services.
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To develop and externally validate models based on neural networks and natural language processing (NLP) to identify suspected serious infections in emergency department (ED) patients afebrile at initial presentation. ⋯ We developed and validated models to identify suspected serious infection in the ED. Extracted information from initial ED physician notes using NLP contributed to increased model performance, permitting identification of suspected serious infection at early stages of ED visits.
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Case Reports
Ultrasound-guided erector spinae nerve block for relief of chest pain from pneumonia in the emergency department.
Erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) have shown to provide meaningful chest wall anesthesia and reduce opioid consumption after thoracic surgery. Emergency physicians often use erector spinae plane blocks in the emergency department (ED) for rib fractures when acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and opioids fail to control pain. ⋯ We present the case of a 58-year-old male presenting to the ED with chest pain from pneumonia which remained unmanageable after acetaminophen, NSAID, and opioid administration. An ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block was performed in the ED and the patient had a significant reduction in his chest pain.
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Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2024
Observational StudyUnderstanding low acuity emergency department presentations in infancy: A cohort study.
Low acuity presentations (LAPs) contribute to large numbers of ED presentations and carry numerous consequences. The present study sought to improve the understanding of regional infant LAPs by analysing temporal patterns of presentation, discharge diagnoses and potential predictive factors. ⋯ A substantial minority of infant ED presentations are LAPs. Targeted interventions may benefit from focusing on families with a background of socioeconomic disadvantage, social isolation, cultural and linguistic diversity and perinatal complications, with a view to strengthening engagement with community-based services among these groups.
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The indications for neuroimaging in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with seizures have not been clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the findings that may influence the emergency management of patients with seizures undergoing brain computed tomography (CT) and the factors that influence these findings. ⋯ CT scanning of patients presenting to the ED with seizures has a limited impact on emergency patient management. Clinical decision-making guidelines for emergency CT scanning of patients with seizures need to be reviewed and improved to identify zero/near-zero risk patients for whom imaging can be deferred.
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To quantify and analyze mortality in patients who die within 30 days of discharge home from a hospital emergency department (ED). ⋯ Early deaths after discharge home from a hospital ED occured in patients of advanced age with concomitant conditions. The main clinical settings were neoplastic and cardiovascular disease. Seven-day and 30-day mortality rates directly related to the emergency visit were low. Adverse events related to ED care played a role in about a quarter of the deaths after discharge.