The American journal of emergency medicine
-
The COVID-19 epidemic has become a major international health emergency. Millions of people have died as a result of this phenomenon since it began. Has there been any successful pharmacological treatment for COVID-19 since the initial report on the virus? How many searches are undertaken to address the impact of the infection? What is the number of drugs that have undergone investigation? What are the mechanisms of action and adverse effects associated with the investigated pharmaceuticals used to treat COVID-19? Has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved any medication to treat COVID-19? To date, our understanding is based on a restricted corpus of published investigations into the treatment of COVID-19. ⋯ Our insights suggest a multifaceted approach incorporating these therapies can significantly improve patient outcomes. Repurposing drugs has been critical in rapidly responding to COVID-19, allowing existing medications to be used in new ways to combat the virus. Combination therapies and further research are essential to optimize treatment strategies.
-
To evaluate the accuracy and determine the factors influencing trauma CT interpretation proficiency among emergency medicine (EM) residents in Turkey through the TraCT-EM study (Interpretation of Trauma CT by EMergency Physicians). ⋯ The TraCT-EM study highlighted a 65 % accuracy rate for senior EM residents in trauma CT interpretation, with specific predictors of failure identified. These findings suggest a need for tailored radiology education strategies to enhance training and competency in trauma CT interpretation for EM residents. Further optimization of educational programs could address these gaps, ultimately improving patient outcomes in trauma care.
-
Treating opioid use disorder has reached a new level of challenge. Synthetic opioids and xylazine have joined the non-medical opioid supply, multiplying the complexities of caring for individuals in emergency departments (ED). This combination, known as 'tranq dope,' is poorly described in literature. Inadequate withdrawal treatment results in a disproportionately high rate of patient-directed discharges (also known as against medical advice dispositions, or AMA). This study aimed to describe a cohort of individuals who received a novel order set for suspected fentanyl and xylazine withdrawal in the ED. ⋯ Fentanyl and xylazine withdrawal are challenging for patients and providers. A novel tranq dope withdrawal order set may reduce both COWS scores and rate of patient-directed discharge in this cohort of patients, though further investigation is needed to confirm findings.
-
Airway management including endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a key skill for emergency clinicians. Therefore, it is important for emergency clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the identification and management of patients requiring ETI. ⋯ An understanding of literature updates can improve the ED care of patients requiring emergent intubation.
-
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) afflicts 69 million individuals annually, resulting in numerous neuropsychiatric sequelae. Here, we investigate the possible relation between TBI and depression. ⋯ Individuals suffering from TBI are almost twice as likely to develop depressive symptomology compared to non-TBI individuals.