The American journal of emergency medicine
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This study aims to quantify the relation between elder self-neglect and rate of emergency department utilization in a community-dwelling population. ⋯ Elder self-neglect was associated with increased rates of emergency department utilization in this community population. Greater self-neglect severity was associated with a greater increase in the rate of emergency department utilization.
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Patients with acute Achilles tendon injuries from sport related activities are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED). Missed or delayed diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture can result in significant patient morbidity. However, the diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture is not always clear clinically. ⋯ Her physical examination was limited by pain. However, a point-of-care ultrasound examination helped in making a prompt and accurate diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture. This case demonstrates that point-of-care ultrasound can be a useful diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients with suspected Achilles tendon rupture, particularly when the physical examination is limited.
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We report a case of rhabdomyolysis temporally related to the ingestion of a large amount of kava. Kava is a naturally occurring plant used in the United States and elsewhere in the world for its sedative properties. ⋯ It is not clear whether this is an action of the kava itself, perhaps, due to its action on voltage ion channels or, perhaps, due to an adulterant in the product. Our patient developed peak creatine phosphokinase levels in excess of 30 000 U/L but had no significant renal damage.