The American journal of emergency medicine
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The QT interval measures the time from the start of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave. Prolongation of the QT interval may lead to malignant ventricular tachydysrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. Causes of QT prolongation include congenital abnormalities of the sodium or potassium channel, electrolyte abnormalities, and medications; idiopathic causes have also been identified. ⋯ For patients with congenital or idiopathic QT interval prolongation, the use of beta-blockers can be considered. Certain subsets of patients benefit from implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. Clinicians must remain vigilant for QT interval prolongation when interpreting electrocardiograms, especially in patients presenting with syncope or ventricular arrhythmias.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with use of emergency medical services (EMS) in patients with acute stroke. ⋯ Patients with stroke who have altered consciousness, a higher level of education, a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, atrial fibrillation, and cardioembolic stroke were more likely to use EMS.
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Case Reports
Endotoxin adsorption by polymyxin B column or intraaortic balloon pumping use for severe septic cardiomyopathy.
Septic patients often have low cardiac output. Some of them present severe cardiac dysfunction such as septic cardiomyopathy. However, no well-known and effective treatment for septic cardiomyopathy exists. ⋯ In contrast, IABP had no effect at all in case 2 with viral enteritis, but PMXDHP improved her blood pressure and stroke volume markedly. The probability of impaired coronary microcirculation and relative bradycardia is the least required conditions for IABP use in severe septic cardiomyopathy. Meanwhile, PMX-DHP could be a good option for septic cardiomyopathy because of its fewer complications.