The American journal of emergency medicine
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Comparative Study
Emergency department septic shock patient mortality with refractory hypotension vs hyperlactatemia: A retrospective cohort study.
Our objective was to compare in-hospital mortality among emergency department (ED) patients meeting trial-based criteria for septic shock based upon whether presenting with refractory hypotension (systolic blood pressure<90mmHg after 1L intravenous fluid bolus) versus hyperlactatemia (initial lactate≥4mmol/L). ⋯ Hyperlactatemia appears associated with higher in-hospital mortality compared to refractory hypotension among ED patients with septic shock.
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Multicenter Study
Clinical and financial implications of emergency department visits for synthetic marijuana.
Many users believe that synthetic cannabinoids offer a safe and legal means of getting high. However, spikes in emergency department visits have been associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids. The purpose of the current study was to document emergency department visits from three large hospitals in one metropolitan area over a two month period. ⋯ This study has three important findings. First, significant ED resources are being used to treat individuals presenting due to effects of synthetic cannabis. Second, synthetic cannabis is not a benign substance. Third, while the hostile and agitated user is generally presented in the media, this study finds significant heterogeneity in presentation. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of synthetic cannabinoid use.