Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyIs homatropine 5% effective in reducing pain associated with corneal abrasion when compared with placebo? A randomized controlled trial.
To compare the change in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain ratings over 24 h following mechanical corneal abrasion between patients receiving sixth hourly drops of either 5% homatropine or placebo. ⋯ We found no significant difference in pain score reductions between the two groups but some level of therapeutic benefit is not excluded.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe comparative pharmacokinetics of modified-release and immediate-release paracetamol in a simulated overdose model.
Panadol Extend (PEx) is an over-the-counter, modified-release formulation of paracetamol. Each 665 mg tablet contains 69% slow-release and 31% immediate-release paracetamol. In simulated human overdose, PEx exhibits lower and later peak serum concentrations and a lower area-under-the-curve (AUC) than comparable doses of immediate-release paracetamol (APAP-IR). The lower AUC might result from incomplete absorption of paracetamol or simultaneous metabolism with absorption. ⋯ There were minor differences between the PK parameters of the two major paracetamol metabolites of these two preparations in simulated overdose. The variability in paracetamol AUC seen between the two preparations in moderate overdose might be explained by concurrent metabolism of paracetamol during slower absorption with PEx.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2010
ReviewReview article: debriefing critical incidents in the emergency department.
The impact of work related stressors on emergency clinicians has long been recognized, yet there is little formal research into the benefits of debriefing hospital staff after critical incidents, such as failed resuscitation. This article examines current models of debriefing and their application to emergency staff through a review of the literature. The goal being, to outline best practice, with recommendations for guideline development and future research directives. ⋯ However evidence presents both benefits and disadvantages to debriefing interventions. In the absence of evidence based practice guidelines, any development of models of debriefing in the emergency healthcare setting should be closely evaluated. And future research directives should aim towards large randomized control trials.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialThe CO₂ GAP Project--CO₂ GAP as a prognostic tool in emergency departments.
To determine whether CO₂ GAP [(a-ET) PCO₂] value differs consistently in patients presenting with shortness of breath to the ED requiring ventilatory support. To determine a cut-off value of CO₂ GAP, which is consistently associated with measured outcome and to compare its performance against other derived variables. ⋯ The CO₂ GAP [(a-ET) PCO₂] differs significantly in patients requiring assisted ventilation when presenting with shortness of breath to EDs and further research addressing the prognostic value of CO₂ GAP in this specific aspect is required.