Annals of emergency medicine
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This article evaluates the performance of the previously published Alvarado and Samuel appendicitis scoring systems in a prospectively identified pediatric cohort. ⋯ Although the Alvarado and Samuel scores provide measurably useful diagnostic information in evaluating children with suspected appendicitis, neither method provides sufficient PPV to be used in clinical practice as the sole method for determination of the need for surgery.
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Editorial Comment Review
Is hydroxocobalamin safe and effective for smoke inhalation? Searching for guidance in the haze.
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We measured the frequency of unanticipated death among patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) and reviewed these cases for patterns of potential preventable medical error. ⋯ Monitoring of death records can identify unanticipated deaths after health care encounters. Further hypothesis-driven research is needed to identify, prevent, or mitigate problems in care and reduce the rate of death after ED visit.