The American journal of emergency medicine
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Prehospital 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most widely used screening tool for recognition of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, prehospital diagnosis of STEMI based solely on ECGs can be challenging. ⋯ Remote interpretation of prehospital 12‑lead ECGs by ED physicians was a useful diagnostic tool in this EMS system. Even if the rate of ECG misinterpretation is low, there is still room for ED physicians operating from a remote location to improve their ability to accurately diagnose STEMI patients.
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Hydroxocobalamin, a precursor molecule to vitamin B12, has emerged as the preferred empiric treatment for patients rescued from enclosed-space fires with concern for inhalational injury and potential concomitant cyanide toxicity. Limited data exist on the effects of hydroxocobalamin toxicity, particularly in pediatric patients. ⋯ We believe this to be the first reported case of iatrogenic pediatric hydroxocobalamin overdose for the treatment of suspected cyanide toxicity. Erythroderma and chromaturia are expected side effects of hydroxocobalamin, even at therapeutic levels. Along with minor airway burns, the only other finding was a transient and hemodynamically neutral bradycardia, which began shortly after prehospital intubation. As this bradycardia occurred prior to hydroxocobalamin administration, more likely culprits include vagal nerve stimulation from direct laryngoscopy, and sinoatrial muscarinic receptor stimulation caused by repeated doses of succinylcholine. In all, we were unable to appreciate any complications due to excess hydroxocobalamin administration.
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The perforation of the gallbladder (GP) is one of the most significant complications of acute cholecystitis. A biochemical marker indicating the GP has not been determined fully to date. Pentraxin 3 and pro-adrenomedullin (Pro-ADM) proteins are novel acute phase reactants. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Pentraxin 3 and Pro-ADM and the GP in patients with acute cholecystitis. ⋯ Our study results reveal that serum Pentraxin 3 and pro-ADM may be novel biochemical parameters in the detection of GP in acute cholecystitis cases.
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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Electrocardiography (ECG) may provide useful information for patients with acute PE. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the QRS duration and RS time in inferolateral leads in patients admitted to the emergency department, and pre-diagnosed with acute PE. ⋯ As a novel ECG parameter, RS time could be measured for each patient. A longer RS time can be a very useful index for diagnosing acute PE as well as for estimating the RV end-diastolic diameter and SPAP.