The American journal of emergency medicine
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by microvascular occlusion which leads to multiorgan damage, including left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been shown to be an independent risk factor for death in SCD patients. Left atrial dilation (LAD) has been used as a surrogate marker for identification of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. ⋯ LAD was associated with higher ED utilization, lower hemoglobin level, and more hemolysis in patients with SCD.
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Observational Study
Lactate-to-albumin ratio and cholesterol levels predict neurological outcome in cardiac arrest survivors.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) increases lactate levels and reduces albumin levels on admission and tends to lead to a poor neurological prognosis. In our experience, reduced cholesterol levels predict poor neurological prognosis. However, the relationship between cholesterol levels and neurological prognosis in OHCA survivors remains unclear. ⋯ The LAR, albumin, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels measured on admission may predict neurological prognosis in OHCA survivors. Thus, routine practice should include the measurement of these biomarkers at 6 h after resuscitation, especially in patients with a lactate level of > 5 mmol/L.
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The effectiveness of using only glucocorticoids (GCs) in mild multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) cases was compared with combined treatment [GCs + Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)]. ⋯ This study provides preliminary evidence that GC monotherapy is a safe treatment alternative for mild MIS-C cases without cardiac involvement.
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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an increasingly recognized clinical entity associated with a variety of medical conditions. It is commonly considered in the presentation of uncontrolled, severe hypertension. However, more recently, it has been described in the setting of blood transfusion, particularly in those with chronic anemia, even in the absence of severe hypertension. ⋯ Emergency physicians are often the first to initiate blood transfusion for those with a low hemoglobin. Therefore, it is prudent to proceed with caution in transfusing those with chronic anemia. It is also important for the emergency physician to keep PRES on the differential for those presenting with a neurologic complaint after correction of their chronic anemia, even in the absence of severe hypertension.
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Case Reports
Unusual presentation of spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: Inguinal hernia.
Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a life-threatening condition despite improvements in diagnostic methods and established treatment strategies. Although typical clinical presentations of spontaneous ruptured HCC facilitate easy diagnosis, this condition can present with unexpectedly varied symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. We describe an atypical clinical presentation of spontaneous ruptured HCC mimicking an inguinal hernia. ⋯ Spontaneous ruptured HCC can potentially mimic other abdominal conditions such as an inguinal hernia, even in cases of undiagnosed liver cirrhosis. Although unenhanced CT can reveal bloody ascites suggesting hemoperitoneum, the underlying cause should be carefully considered. Emergency physicians should recognize various clinical presentations of spontaneous ruptured HCC to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.