The American journal of emergency medicine
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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by localized apical dysfunction of the left ventricle. It is rarely seen in pediatric patients, but can carry significant morbidity and mortality. While most commonly associated with psychosocial stressors or physical exertion, a growing number of cases are being attributed to medications. ⋯ Rates of pediatric clonidine overdoses are increasing in the setting of changing prescribing practices. Our case illustrates some key features of the clinical presentation, as well as demonstrates a rare sequelae to this common toxic exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pediatric case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to a clonidine overdose.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical predictors of endotracheal intubation in patients presenting to the emergency department with angioedema.
The objective of this study is to identify predictors of airway compromise among patients presenting to the emergency department with angioedema in order to develop and validate a risk score to augment clinician gestalt regarding need for intubation. ⋯ A simple scoring algorithm may aid in predicting angioedema patients at high and low risk for intubation. External validation of this score is necessary before wide-spread adoption of this decision aid.
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Case Reports
Massive MCA stroke requiring alteplase followed by thrombectomy in a 34-year-old female with alport syndrome.
34-year-old-female with a medical history significant for Alport's syndrome, chronic kidney disease on dialysis, and hypertension, was brought to the emergency department for sudden onset aphasia and facial droop that began 30 min prior to arrival. She denied a history of prior strokes, recent illness, or fever. The vital signs on arrival as follows: blood pressure 151/71 mmHg, temperature of 98.4F, pulse of 77 beats/min, and respirations of 16 breaths/min. ⋯ The patient underwent MRI that showed a large left MCA distribution acute infarction with focal reperfusion hemorrhage and parenchymal hematoma measuring approximately 3 cm in each dimension (Fig. 3). This finding prompted emergent decompression and hemicraniectomy on day 2 of hospitalization. The patient was discharged on hospital day 17 to a rehab center.
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On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which will limit legal abortion in many areas of the U.S., making the need for effective emergency contraception even more critical. ⋯ The efficacy of products used for emergency contraception depend on patient and temporal factors. Emergency physicians must have an understanding of the optimal use of these agents to prevent unwanted pregnancy, particularly in the setting of restricted abortion access.