The American journal of emergency medicine
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Blood donation is a life-saving process that involves the temporary loss of a specific blood volume. Although generally safe, it may lead to adverse reactions, particularly in first-time donors. Among these, severe outcomes like myocardial infarction (MI) are extremely rare. ⋯ Acute volume loss and sudden intravascular hemoglobin changes were likely contributing factors in this case. Although rare, the association between blood donation and MINOCA highlights the need for vigilance in donors with acute symptoms. Blood donors presenting with dizziness or hypotension should be evaluated comprehensively.
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Chronic pruritus accounts for approximately 1 % of all physician visits, and providers are often confronted with how to treat patients with pruritus. Scabies is oftentimes a concern by both patients and providers, and anti-scabietic treatments are generally considered safe and effective. However, the pruritus will continue if there is an alternate etiology. ⋯ While scabies is one cause of chronic pruritus, its misdiagnosis may increase the chance that at-risk individuals, often those with prior substance abuse or psychiatric disorders, develop a persistent concern for ongoing infestation. It is possible that, in treating chronic pruritus with repeated empiric anti-scabietic treatments, the prescribing physician may contribute to the development of DI. We review the approach to a patient with chronic pruritus and ways to avoid unnecessary repeated anti-scabietic treatments.