The American journal of emergency medicine
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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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We investigated independent mortality predictors of hyperglycemic crises and developed a prediction rule for emergency and critical care physicians to classify patients into mortality risk and disposition groups. ⋯ The PHD score is a simple and rapid rule for predicting 30-day mortality and classifying mortality risk and disposition in adult patients with hyperglycemic crises.
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Ultrasonography has been suggested as a useful noninvasive tool for the detection and follow-up for hypovolemia. Two possible sonographic markers as a surrogate for hypovolemia are the diameters of the inferior vena cava (dIVC) and the right ventricle (dRV). The goal of this study was to evaluate IVC and RV diameters and diameter changes in patients treated for hypovolemia and compare these findings with healthy volunteers. ⋯ The results indicate that the dIVC and dRV are consistently low in hypovolemic subjects when compared with euvolemic subjects. Bedside serial measurements of dIVC and dRV could be a useful noninvasive tool for the detection and follow-up of patients with hypovolemia and evaluation of the response to the treatment.
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Clinical Trial
A descriptive study of myoclonus associated with etomidate procedural sedation in the ED.
Myoclonus is a well-recognized side effect of etomidate when given in induction doses for rapid sequence intubation. Most of the data reported on myoclonus with emergency department (ED) sedation doses are reported as a secondary finding. ⋯ Myoclonus associated with sedation doses of etomidate was common but rarely interfered with the completion of a procedure.
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Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of the complete spectrum of injuries associated with swimming and swimming pools treated in US hospital emergency departments. ⋯ The observed increase in injuries among individuals older than 7 years underscores the need for increased prevention efforts, including education about safe swimming practices, supervision, and environmental modifications.