The American journal of emergency medicine
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Observational Study
Predictive value of cardiac markers in the prognosis of COVID-19 in children.
Occasionally, children with COVID-19 may develop arrhythmia, myocarditis, and cardiogenic shock involving multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study aimed to identify the laboratory parameters that may predict early cardiovascular involvement in these patients. ⋯ Cardiac markers (proBNP and troponin I), especially proBNP, could be used to detect early diagnosis of cardiac involvement and/or MIS-C in pediatric patients with COVID-19 and to predict related morbidity and mortality.
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Burning Hands Syndrome is an unusual variant of central cord syndrome. There have been few published reports, and none in the emergency medicine literature. We present a case of Burning Hands Syndrome in which there were no computed tomography (CT) findings of cervical spine injury and only subtle magnetic resonance (MR) abnormalities. We discuss the importance of early diagnosis, as the optimal management of these patients ultimately depends upon prompt recognition of the underlying cervical trauma and a spinal cord at risk for further injury.
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Case Reports
Ventricular tachycardia converts to sinus rhythm after administration of propofol: A case report.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major contributor to sudden cardiac death, and pharmacologic treatment options beyond antiarrhythmics are limited. Emerging data suggest sympathetic blocking agents such as propofol are a potential management option for VT refractory to first line antiarrhythmics. ⋯ We present the case of a patient with amiodarone-refractory VT who received a 1 mg/kg propofol bolus in preparation for cardioversion and subsequently converted to normal sinus rhythm. The patient stabilized following these interventions, transferred to a tertiary care facility, and was discharged home with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
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Gallstone disease is a burden affecting about 15% percent of the population around the world. The complications of gallstone disease are numerous and many require emergency care. Severe complications are not uncommon and require special attention, as lethal outcome is possible. ⋯ Special care should be taken in patients with risk factors of severe complications in order to improve outcome and prevent the development of life-threatening conditions.
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Patients with white-eyed blowout fracture with muscle entrapment in the pediatric population may be misdiagnosed as increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to the similarity in presenting symptoms. A delay in the correct diagnosis can lead to permanent sequelae including diplopia, permanent loss of vision, and death. In this case report we discuss the treatment of a male pediatric patient who presented in the ED with nausea, confusion, and restricted eye gaze. ⋯ Symptoms of white-eyed orbital blowout fractures with muscle entrapment easily mimic symptoms of head trauma with increased ICP. Misdiagnosis of trapdoor orbital fractures with entrapment can be avoided by ordering and critically reviewing an orbital CT and requesting an ophthalmologic consultation in the ED to evaluate extraocular movement. This report should help to increase awareness of symptoms of white-eyed orbital blowout fractures with muscle entrapment, prevent confusion with elevated ICP, and assist accurate and timely diagnosis in the ED to arrange appropriate management and surgical intervention to ensure best outcomes.