The American journal of emergency medicine
-
Observational Study
Exploring the best predictors of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock.
To evaluate respiratory variations in carotid and brachial peak velocity and other hemodynamic parameters to predict responsiveness to fluid challenge. ⋯ Ultrasound assessment of ΔIVC and ΔVpeak brach, especially ΔCDPV, could predict fluid responsiveness and might be recommended as a continuous and noninvasive method to monitor functional hemodynamic parameter in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock.
-
Case Reports
Treatment-naïve spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma: An unusual suspect.
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially fatal condition defined both by laboratory and clinical criteria. It is caused by the catabolism of tumor cells which leads to considerable release and elevated levels of phosphate, potassium and uric acid in the bloodstream. These electrolyte derangements predispose patients to renal tubule uric acid precipitation, acute kidney injury, arrhythmias, neuromuscular irritability and even seizures. ⋯ We present a rare case of treatment-naïve spontaneous TLS that occurred in a 69-year-old male with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, elevated liver enzymes, AKI and hemodynamic instability. Despite our best resuscitative efforts with intravenous hydration, electrolyte monitoring, Rasburicase and renal replacement therapy, the patient continued to decline, was made comfort care and expired shortly thereafter. Physicians encountering patients with the above presentation must entertain a diagnosis of TLS despite its rarity in solid tumors, as early diagnosis leads to timely treatment, thereby maximizing patients' chances at survival.
-
Chest pain accounts for a significant percentage of emergency department (ED) presentations. The HEART score and pathway have demonstrated an ability to appropriately risk stratify and discharge from the ED a significant proportion of patients. ⋯ Appropriate use of the HEART pathway reliably risk stratifies patients. Physicians must consider several key components when utilizing the HEART pathway, and future directions may incorporate other patient factors.
-
Stroke mimics, especially those involving chemotherapy related neurotoxicity, can confound the clinical diagnosis of acute stroke. Here we describe the case of a 63year-old male with a recent history of stage IIIC colon cancer who presented with confusion on the second day of modified FOLFOX6 (5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy and subsequently received alteplase, tissue plasminogen activator therapy (tPA), for presumed ischemic stroke. ⋯ Although this patient did not experience any side effects from tPA, fibrinolytic therapy may have been avoided with a better understanding of potential chemotherapy related adverse reactions. Our experience suggests that 5-FU induced reversible encephalopathy can present with acute stroke-like symptoms and emergency medicine personnel evaluating patients for tPA treatment should be aware of this differential diagnosis.