The American journal of emergency medicine
-
This cross-sectional analysis of 86,111 visits for sickle cell disease and vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) in U.S. pediatric emergency departments between 2013 and 2023 shows increased use of NSAIDs, ketamine, and acetaminophen, with unchanged opioid use. Hospitals with a higher volume of VOE visits more frequently administered opioids. ⋯ Over the past decade, the use of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and ketamine has increased in the management of VOE in pediatric SCD patients, while opioid use remains consistent. The co-administration of NSAIDs and opioids has also increased, reflecting guideline adherence. Variations in analgesia practices across hospitals underscore the need for standardizing pain management strategies in this population.
-
Case Reports
Treatment of shoulder pain with ultrasound-guided interfascial plane block: A case series.
Shoulder pain is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED). Despite an increasing volume of ED visits for shoulder pain, achieving adequate pain control can be challenging. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, such as the interscalene nerve block (ISB), are effective but can cause hemidiaphragmatic paresis and motor dysfunction. The interfascial plane block (IPB) is a simple and new regional anesthesia technique that spares the diaphragm, and most upper extremity motor function. ⋯ The ultrasound-guided IPB is a simple, safe, and effective alternative approach to treating shoulder pain in the ED, especially in patients who may not tolerate ISB.