The American journal of emergency medicine
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While significant racial inequities in health outcomes exist in the United States, these inequities may also exist in healthcare processes, including the Emergency Department (ED). Additionally, gender has emerged in assessing racial healthcare disparity research. This study seeks to determine the association between race and the number and type of ED consultations given to patients presenting at a safety-net, academic hospital, which includes a level-one trauma center. ⋯ Future work should focus on both healthcare practice improvements, as well as explanatory and preventive research practices. Healthcare practice improvements can encompass development of appropriate racial bias trainings and institutionalization of conversations about race in medicine.
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The objective of this study was to describe the lung sonographic findings of COVID-19 patients prospectively and investigate its association with disease severity. ⋯ The lung sonographic findings of COVID-19 were found more bilaterally and in lower lung zones, and specific findings like B - profile, pleural thickening, spared areas and confluent B - lines or waterfall sign were associated with severe COVID-19.
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We present an uncommon case of H1N1 triggered thyroid storm in a patient with previously undiagnosed Grave's Disease. This case illustrates the challenges of diagnosing thyroid storm in the emergency department and the importance of including it in the differential when treating more common diagnoses that fail to respond to usual therapies. ⋯ However, it remains a diagnostic challenge as there is no laboratory test specific to thyroid storm. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion in corroboration with patient presentation, laboratory findings and response to therapy.
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Palatal petechiae are predictive of Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. We sought to (a) quantify the value of considering petechiae in addition to exudate, and (b) assess provider incorporation of petechiae's predictive nature for GAS into clinical decision making. ⋯ Palatal petechiae are highly associated with GAS, yet rarely addressed in documentation. Incorporating palatal petechiae into common scoring systems could improve prediction and disseminate this knowledge into practice.