Annals of emergency medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Treatment of cutaneous abscess: a double-blind clinical study.
Controversy exists about the value of antibiotic therapy following incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess. We undertook a randomized double-blind study to clarify the controversy. Adult patients with cutaneous abscesses who received outpatient surgical therapy were entered into the study. ⋯ Ninety-six percent of the patients in each group were improved clinically after seven days. We conclude that cephradine did not alter the outcome of cutaneous abscesses at one week after incision and drainage. The implications are twofold: patients are not exposed to the potential side effects and allergic reactions of antibiotics, and the cost of health care can be reduced by not prescribing antibiotics in these patients.
-
While advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and advanced trauma life support (ATLS) courses have become accepted standards for physicians who care for the critically ill and injured patient, only recently have pediatric advanced life support (PALS) courses been developed. The American Academy of Pediatrics has shown renewed interest in pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest after impressive gains made in adult resuscitation. The American Heart Association filled a void by including new chapters on Pediatric and Neonatal Resuscitation in the Textbook of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 1981. ⋯ It includes a canine surgical procedure lab and modified ATLS skill stations. At the completion of the course, students are eligible for ACLS certification. In the two years in which the course was given, 39 pediatric houseofficers were enrolled in the course.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)