Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2024
Emergency department presentations for chest complaints after mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations in children and adolescents.
To investigate characteristics and management of children presenting with chest complaints to a tertiary paediatric ED post-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. ⋯ There was a large number of possible mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-related chest complaints presenting to the ED. Few patients had abnormal troponins or myocarditis.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2024
End-of-life care: A retrospective cohort study of older people who died within 48 hours of presentation to the emergency department.
To describe the characteristics of, and care provided to, older people who died within 48 h of ED presentation. ⋯ Identification of patients at end-of-life (EoL) is not always straightforward; consider recent reduction in independence and recent ED visits/hospital admissions. System-based strategies that span pre-hospital, ED and in-patient care are recommended to facilitate EoL pathway implementation and care continuity.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2024
ReviewReview article: Feasibility of brachiocephalic vein central venous access for the resuscitation of shocked adult trauma patients: A literature review.
Venous access is a key component of managing haemorrhagic shock. Obtaining intravenous access in trauma patients is challenging due to circulatory collapse in shock. This literature review examines the feasibility of direct puncture and cannulation of the brachiocephalic veins (BCVs) for intravenous access in shocked adult trauma patients. ⋯ The BCVs appear to be stabilised in shock by surrounding bony structures. The BCVs may provide a site for initial, rapid access in trauma resuscitation. Further research is required to determine if the BCVs collapse in shock and if venous access using the BCVs is feasible in a trauma resuscitation setting.
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Falls frequently cause globe and adnexal trauma, particularly in the elderly. The morbidity decreases confidence, independence and quality of life. We aimed to improve the understanding of fall-related globe and adnexal trauma and the involvement of ophthalmology at two tertiary trauma centres. ⋯ Fall-related globe and adnexal trauma were more common in the elderly. Alcohol and illicit substances have a role in falls in younger populations. Thorough ocular assessment is required especially in mid-facial/orbital trauma to exclude globe trauma. Further, research is required to determine the effect of fall prevention strategies in preventing globe trauma.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2024
Observational StudyWhat effect did the New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown have on computed tomography-head scan utilisation in patients presenting to the emergency department with traumatic head injuries?
To explore the unique impact the first COVID-19 national lockdown in New Zealand (NZ) had on the utility of computed tomography (CT)-head scanning in patients presenting to the ED with head injuries. ⋯ During the first COVID-19 lockdown in NZ, the total number of patients presenting to the ED decreased by one third. Reassuringly, the proportion of patients who presented with head injuries, had a CT-head scan performed, and had positive CT-head findings remained the same as the previous year.