Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Benefits and safety of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in acute stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials.
Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has potential beneficial properties in acute stroke including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and possible clinical benefits suggested in ultra-early stroke (≤6 h). Our meta-analysis updated the evidence on its safety and benefits in acute stroke. ⋯ Transdermal GTN reduces BP in acute stroke but does not alter clinical outcomes even in ultra-early stroke (≤6 h).
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Fentanyl versus placebo with ketamine and rocuronium for patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department: the FAKT study - a randomized clinical trial.
The objective was to determine whether the use of fentanyl with ketamine for emergency department (ED) rapid sequence intubation (RSI) results in fewer patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements outside the pre-specified target range of 100-150 mm Hg following the induction of anesthesia. Methods This study was conducted in the ED of five Australian hospitals. A total of 290 participants were randomized to receive either fentanyl or 0.9% saline (placebo) in combination with ketamine and rocuronium, according to a weight-based dosing schedule. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients in each group with at least one SBP measurement outside the prespecified range of 100-150 mm Hg (with adjustment for baseline abnormality). Secondary outcomes included first-pass intubation success, hypotension, hypertension and hypoxia, mortality, and ventilator-free days 30 days following enrollment. ⋯ There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups, although lower blood pressures were more common with fentanyl. Clinicians should consider baseline hemodynamics and postinduction targets when deciding whether to use fentanyl as a coinduction agent with ketamine.
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Despite negative troponins and nonischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs), patients at moderate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are frequently admitted. The objective of this study was to describe the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate in moderate-risk patients and how it differs based on history of coronary artery disease (CAD). ⋯ MACE rates at 30 days were low among moderate-risk patients but were significantly higher among those with prior CAD.
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Disparities in health care quality frequently focus on underuse. We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in low-value services delivered in the pediatric emergency department (ED). ⋯ NHW patients more frequently receive low-value imaging while NHB patients more frequently receive low-value medications for bronchiolitis. Our study demonstrates the differences in care across race and ethnicity extend to many services, including those of low value. These findings highlight the importance of greater understanding of the complex interaction of race and ethnicity with clinical practice.