The American journal of emergency medicine
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Antimalarial medications carry a risk of rare, but serious side effects. Primaquine in particular is known to cause methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. In patients with underlying glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, these side effects become amplified and can be life-threatening. ⋯ To our knowledge, this case represents a unique presentation of mixed methemoglobinemia and hemolytic toxicity due to an accidental primaquine overdose in a G6PD deficient pediatric patient. Though cases remain relatively rare, pediatric patients represent the vast majority of known primaquine overdoses. Their diagnosis and treatment require maintaining a high index of suspicion and a good working knowledge of antimalarial toxicities and management options.
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Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia in the United States. Our aim was to determine if a novel protocol for management of atrial fibrillation was feasible to implement in an emergency department (ED). Interviews were conducted with ED physicians and physician assistants to identify themes in relation to the clinical use and impleon of the protocol. ⋯ The Iowa Less Aggressive Protocol is a novel treatment protocol for the ED management of atrial fibrillation that was feasible to implement and use. Providers viewed the protocol favorably and identified areas of improvement for future use.
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Lactate is an easily measurable laboratory parameter that is considered a potentially useful prognostic marker for determining risk in emergency department patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum lactate in the patients who were admitted to the emergency department at the time of admission. ⋯ In conclusion, we believe in the light of the findings of our study that the serum lactate level is effective and reliable in the prediction of mortality in patients who present to emergency department for any reason. However, prospective studies with broader patient groups are required in this subject.