The American journal of emergency medicine
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All cases of patients aged less than 48 months who presented in cardiac arrest to the Hennepin County Medical Center's emergency department (ED) during the years 1984 to 1986 were reviewed retrospectively. The ED record, initial and subsequent chest radiographs, hospital charts, and autopsy reports were analyzed. A total of 33 cases were reviewed. ⋯ Percutaneous peripheral catheterization, when successful, and bone marrow needle placement were the fastest methods of obtaining intravascular access. There were no major immediate complications, and delayed complications were minimal. Attempts at peripheral intravenous catheter placement should be brief, with rapid progression to intraosseous infusion if peripheral attempts are not successful.
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Vagal maneuvers terminate new onset, catheter-induced paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in up to 92% of patients. The risk and benefit of vagal maneuvers for treating PSVT in the emergency department (ED) is inadequately defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of nonpharmacological vagal interventions in converting spontaneous episodes of PSVT in adult patients and to derive a treatment plan for such patients based on clinical decision analysis. ⋯ The remainder received verapamil, which converted 12 of the 14 patients (86%) who received the drug (one required digoxin, one required synchronized cardioversion). Vagal maneuvers are safe in young, otherwise healthy patients but problems have been documented in the literature in older patients, who have a higher likelihood of coronary and/or cerebrovascular disease. Clinical decision analysis indicates that young patients should be treated initially with vagal maneuvers but that older patients (above approximately 65 years of age) should be treated initially with verapamil.