The American journal of emergency medicine
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In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the patients' outcomes after cardiac arrest based on age in one center, to determine whether geriatric patients had worse outcomes. ⋯ Elderly patients with OHCA had a poor neurological outcome; but several other factors were also related with the outcome. In decision-making for resuscitation, physicians should consider the patients' physiologic factors as well as age.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The effect of high-flow nasal cannula in reducing the mortality and the rate of endotracheal intubation when used before mechanical ventilation compared with conventional oxygen therapy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The effects of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on adult patients when used before mechanical ventilation (MV) are unclear. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of HFNC when used before MV by comparison to conventional oxygen therapy (COT) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). ⋯ When used before MV, HFNC can improve the prognosis of patients compared both with the COT and NIPPV.
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Targeted antibiotic treatment reduces the infection risk of open fractures when soft tissue and bone are exposed to the environment. The risk of infection increases with higher degrees of injury. The Gustilo-Anderson system was developed to identify the degree of injury of open fractures and can be utilized to guide initial antibiotic therapy. Few studies have been published evaluating the potential impact of emergency medicine pharmacists in trauma, and currently no study has evaluated a pharmacist's influence on antibiotic selection and timing for open fractures. ⋯ The participation of an EM pharmacist during initial trauma resuscitation resulted in improved initial antibiotic selection and faster door-to-antibiotic administration times in trauma patients with open fractures.
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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) was first recognized during the 1960s. It is a distinct type of hypoxemic respiratory failure characterized by acute abnormality of both lungs. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being increasingly used for patients with severe ARDS refractory to otherwise conventional management. ⋯ After an extensive hospitalization, the patient was ultimately transferred to an acute medical rehabilitation center. With the current opioid crisis, emergency physicians and providers need to be aware that opioids can induce severe ARDS refractory to mechanical ventilation. ECMO as a treatment option can be used safely and successfully as described in this unique patient case report.
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We present a case of an elderly man who sustained non-displaced fractures through the right superior and inferior pubic rami after a fall from standing and had a tragic outcome. While minimally displaced pubic ramus fractures are typically stable and require only symptomatic treatment, there have been reports, such as this one, of low-energy pubic rami fractures resulting in massive hemorrhage. ⋯ This report highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for intrapelvic bleeds even in patients with nondisplaced pubic rami fractures. Rapid recognition and treatment of intrapelvic bleeds can be lifesaving.