Annals of emergency medicine
-
Comparative Study
Evaluation of SaO2 as a predictor of outcome in 280 children presenting with acute asthma.
To evaluate the initial measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) as a predictor of outcome in acute childhood asthma compared with other factors of past and present asthma history. ⋯ We have shown that in acute childhood asthma, the initial level of SaO2 reflects severity as it predicts the likelihood of poor outcome. This predictive quality of SaO2 is independent of current or past clinical factors.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of digital versus metacarpal blocks for repair of finger injuries.
This study compared efficacy, degree of discomfort, and time to anesthesia of digital blocks and metacarpal blocks for digital anesthesia. ⋯ Digital block and metacarpal block, as described in this study, are equally painful procedures. Digital block, however, is more efficacious and requires significantly less time to anesthesia for the injured finger.
-
To determine whether omitting neuroimaging in the primary assessment of patients with minor head injuries in the emergency department is safe. ⋯ We found it safe to exclude neuroimaging in the primary assessment of patients with minor head injuries in the ED, and to rely instead on clinical criteria.
-
A profoundly hypothermic 5-hour-old infant in cardiac arrest was brought to the emergency department by paramedics. The infant was found wrapped in a garbage bag inside a freezer. She had been in the freezer for approximately four hours. ⋯ At the time of discharge from the hospital, she had no significant physical or neurologic problems. Neurologic examination at 4 months was normal. This report supports prior recommendations to aggressively rewarm severely hypothermic infants in cardiac arrest.
-
To identify the frequency of violence and the perception of safety in pediatric emergency departments. ⋯ Pediatric EDs are not immune to the problem of violence. Efforts must be directed to increase safety through better security, more efficient patient care, and aggression management training.