Annals of emergency medicine
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Clinical Trial
Plasma cocaine and tetracaine levels following application of topical anesthesia in children.
To measure plasma cocaine and tetracaine levels in children after standardized application of a solution of tetracaine 0.5%, epinephrine 0.05%, and cocaine 11.8% (TAC) to lacerations requiring suture repair. ⋯ Application of 3 mL of standard TAC solution for 15 minutes results in low but measurable plasma cocaine levels in 75% of children.
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To determine the potential usefulness of external cardiac pacing for the termination of sustained ventricular tachycardia in the emergency department setting. ⋯ We conclude that external noninvasive pacing may be an effective means of terminating ventricular tachycardia in the ED setting.
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To determine the practice of emergency physicians with regard to the issue of Rh isoimmunization. ⋯ This study demonstrates a need for increased attention to the potential for Rh isoimmunization in patients presenting to the ED.
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Infection with the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides is common in children and may mimic an acute abdomen. The cases of two pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of a surgical abdomen are presented to highlight the presentation of this infection. Both cases were diagnosed by physical examination and radiographs and were treated successfully without surgical intervention. These cases illustrate the need for heightened awareness by the emergency physician of ascariasis in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.
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To determine if hypertonic saline/dextran (HSD) is effective in treating hemorrhage in the presence of dehydration. ⋯ Dehydration does not compromise the efficacy of HSD as a resuscitation treatment for hemorrhagic shock.