The American journal of emergency medicine
-
The prediction of emergency department (ED) disposition at triage remains challenging. Machine learning approaches may enhance prediction. We compared the performance of several machine learning approaches for predicting two clinical outcomes (critical care and hospitalization) among ED patients with asthma or COPD exacerbation. ⋯ Based on nationally-representative ED data, machine learning approaches improved the ability to predict disposition of patients with asthma or COPD exacerbation.
-
Case Reports
Hemodialysis in metformin-associated lactic acidosis due to acute overdose in a metformin-naïve patient.
Metformin is a common and generally well-tolerated medication in the treatment of diabetes but rarely has been implicated as the cause for metformin-associated lactate acidosis. This is usually caused by decreased elimination from renal dysfunction but is rarely described after an acute ingestion. We present a case of an acute intentional overdose of metformin in a metformin-naïve patient without renal dysfunction. ⋯ Despite attempts at alkalinization, the patient developed a lactic acidosis with a pH of 6.9 and lactate of 33 mmol/L. Hemodialysis was performed with rapid improvement of clinical status. This case provides a clinical context in the acute setting and illustrates the rare need for extracorporeal support in this setting, which may be lifesaving.
-
Case Reports
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a pregnant patient without eclampsia or preeclampsia.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurologic disorder characterised by vasogenic edema in occipital and parietal lobes on MR. Patients usually complain about headache, visual disturbance, seizure and altered mental status. ⋯ Although pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are among the common causes of this syndrome in this case patient was normotensive and no proteinuria was present. To our knowledge this is the first PRES case presented of a pregnant patient without eclampsia or pre-eclampsia.
-
A 65-years-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes presented to the emergency department in sepsis with a 2-week history of new-onset fever, abdominal pain and pyuria. A Computed Tomography without contrast ruled out nephrolithiasis and hydronephrosis, but showed infiltration around the infra-renal aorta (5 x 1 cm) and several retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The periaortic infiltration raised suspicion for acute infectious aortitis. ⋯ The diagnosis should be considered when a septic patient has vascular risk factors, abdominal pain, bacteremia and suggestive imaging. A CT without contrast showing infiltration around the aorta should, in some context, be promptly followed by Aortic CTA to search for acute aortitis among other less urgent differentials. Antibiotic therapy and involvement of vascular surgeons should be initiated in the emergency department.
-
A 36yo male with multiple non-traumatic, rapid-onset headaches had Emergency Department visits on days 3 and 10 after onset of symptoms. He is a social smoker and drinker. CT head imaging was negative. ⋯ Vasoactive drugs and the post-partum period are recognized as common inciting events. Symptoms usually resolve in 3-6 months. Treatment with nimodipine, 1-2mg/kg/hr IV and/or 30-60mg PO QID orally over 4-8 weeks, has been reported to be effective.