Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Trauma is one of the most common contributors to maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of major trauma in pregnant patients using a population-based registry. ⋯ The present study demonstrated road transport injury was the most common mechanism of injury and both maternal survival rates and foetal survival rates were high. This information is essential for trauma care system planning and public health initiatives to improve the clinical management and outcomes of pregnant women with major trauma.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2022
Peer support work for people experiencing mental distress attending the emergency department: Exploring the potential.
This study explored the benefits and limitations of employing peer support workers, who utilise their own lived experience of mental distress and recovery, to support people experiencing mental distress who are attending the ED. ⋯ This study identified that peer support workers would bring important skills to an ED (e.g. empathetic support, de-escalation). However, significant workforce and organisational support would be required.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2022
ReviewReview article: Management of hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) are common in early pregnancy but there is a wide spectrum of severity in terms of the duration and acuity of symptoms throughout gestation. Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes have been seen in women who experience severe symptoms, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Evidence-based, assessment and management can reduce symptom severity, avoid physical and psychological deterioration and minimise the impact on quality of life and function. ⋯ Outpatient management is optimal but admission may be required for refractory symptoms, organ dysfunction or concurrent significant co-morbidities. Emergency management of NVP and HG requires an appropriate pathway of care to support women until the natural resolution of their condition. Both underuse of safe therapies and overuse of ineffective medication must be avoided.