The American journal of emergency medicine
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Multicenter Study
Does pain severity predict stone characteristics or outcomes in emergency department patients with acute renal colic?
After initial emergency department (ED) management of acute renal colic, recurrent or ongoing severe pain is the usual pathway to ED revisits, hospitalizations and rescue interventions. If index visit pain severity is associated with stone size or with subsequent failure of conservative management, then it might be useful in identifying patients who would benefit from early definitive imaging or intervention. Our objectives were to determine whether pain severity correlates with stone size, and to evaluate its utility in predicting important outcomes. ⋯ Pain severity is not helpful in predicting stone size or renal colic outcomes. More severe pain does not indicate a larger stone or a worse prognosis.
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There are 5000-10,000 snake envenomations annually in the United States. Fortunately, few are fatal. In this study we review the epidemiology of fatal snakebites. ⋯ Death following envenomation from a native U.S. snake is unlikely, particularly if medical attention is sought promptly. Rattlesnake envenomations are more likely to be fatal than bites from other species. Intentionally engaging with a venomous snake raises the risk of incurring a fatal bite, as does concurrent alcohol or drug use. Age less than 12 years old does not appear to be a risk factor for a fatal outcome, while elderly patients may have a slightly increased risk of death.