The American journal of emergency medicine
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Case Reports
Factor-guided diagnosis of coagulopathy associated with coumarin-contaminated synthetic cannabinoids: A case report.
Contamination of synthetic cannabinoids with toxic coumarin derivatives known as superwarfarins can induce a persistent coagulopathy. In comparison to warfarin, these derivatives have prolonged half-lives and laboratory assays for detection are not readily available in clinical practice. To our knowledge, factor-guided diagnosis of coagulopathy secondary to coumarin-contaminated synthetic cannabinoids has not been described previously. ⋯ Toxic coumarin derivative assays are not immediately available for reference. Given the patient's confirmed synthetic cannabinoid consumption and the possibility of coagulopathy from coumarin-contamination, factor levels served as a guide for diagnosis and treatment prior to the confirmatory assay. Obtaining factor levels in patients with an unexplained coagulopathy and suspected cannabis or synthetic cannabinoid use may aid clinicians in a more prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Given the importance of understanding methodical reporting and statistical terminology in ensuring evidence-based decision-making, physicians should possess statistical literacy. The purpose of this study was to distinguish statistical terminology commonly used in emergency medicine methods and describe changes in statistical methods from 2011 to 2021. ⋯ By understanding common statistical terms and trends over time, educational efforts can be targeted to consumers of EM literature. Additionally, this work provides evidence suggesting an overall improvement in processes in statistical methodology, enhancing the quality of research outputs and ultimately allowing better clinical decision-making.