The American journal of emergency medicine
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We investigated seasonal prevalence of hyponatremia in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ We observed a major influence of climate on the prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly in the ED. Decline in renal function, salt loss, reduced salt intake and increased water ingestion could all contribute to developing hyponatremia in elderly patients during the summer. These data could be useful for emergency physicians to prevent hot weather-induced hyponatremia in the elderly.
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Letter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparative analysis of five methods of emergency zipper release by experienced versus novice clinicians.
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Bed bugs are one of the most important human ectoparasites in the United States, and a growing problem in the emergency department. We evaluated 40 emergency department (ED) patients found with a bed bug. ⋯ We found that 13% and 18% of subjects had wheezing and a papular rash, respectively on physical exam. Of those patients found with a bed bug in the ED, 42% reported having bed bugs at home and 21% reporting having a possible home infestation.
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The effect of the Affordable Care Act on emergency department (ED) high utilizers has not yet been thoroughly studied. We sought to determine the impact of changes in insurance eligibility following the 2014 Medicaid expansion on ED utilization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) by high ED utilizers in an urban safety net hospital. ⋯ Although the proportion of high utilizers decreased significantly after Maryland's Medicaid expansion, ACSC-associated ED visits by high ED utilizers were unaffected.
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Infectious mononucleosis secondary to Epstein-Barr virus typically follows a relatively benign and self-limited course. A small subset of individuals may develop further progression of disease including hematologic, neurologic, and cardiac abnormalities. ⋯ No source of infection was identified and the patient had rapid improvement in her symptoms and resolution of her neutropenia. The presence of fever recurrence and other non-specific symptoms in individuals 2-6weeks following acute infectious mononucleosis symptom onset may warrant further assessment for this uncommon event.