The American journal of emergency medicine
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The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in the emergency department is discussed with an emphasis on the identification of the numerous potential ocular complications. Emergency physicians need to be able to recognize the clinical features of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and initiate appropriate therapy and referral.
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Case Reports
The "gastric fluid" sign: an unrecognized false-positive finding during focused assessment for trauma examinations.
The FAST exam has become the current standard for free intraperitoneal fluid determination in most emergency departments. Knowledge of false negative and false positive findings is imperative to improve accuracy. We detail a case in which an important false positive findings previously not discussed in the medical literature was noted. The ability of the physician to recognize the "gastric fluid" sign and make the adjustments accordingly could improve the specificity of the FAST exam, preventing non-therapeutic laparotomies.
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This study examined the magnitude of association between alcohol misuse and recent depressive symptoms. ⋯ The findings of this study yield information that could be used by ED health care practitioners and health educators to educate ED patients at risk for alcohol misuse and depression.
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Comparative Study
Perpetrators of intimate partner violence use significantly more methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol than victims: a report by victims.
Our objectives were (1) to determine demographic characteristics of intimate partner violence (IPV) victims and perpetrators, as reported by victims in a Victim Assistance Unit where police are called to the scene for IPV, and (2) to compare the relative risk of methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol use in perpetrators vs victims of IPV, as reported by victims. ⋯ By victim report, perpetrators were more likely to have witnessed IPV as children. By victim report, perpetrators were also more likely to use methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol and other drugs. Knowing this correlation may be important to the emergency department physician as screening for drug use, especially methamphetamine, as well as IPV may be useful to identify IPV-related injuries and provide proper referrals for IPV and drug use treatment.