American journal of therapeutics
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Emergency department (ED)-based observation units are becoming increasingly used for the assessment and treatment of patients who may not require inpatient management or monitoring. This is a retrospective study of 5,714 patients seen in an ED observation unit from October 16, 1996 through July 12, 2000. Of the 5,714 patients seen in the observation unit, 4,191 were discharged and 1,314 were admitted. ⋯ Pediatric patients had the shortest stay, averaging only 11.2 hours, although adult and geriatric patients averaged 15.1 hours and 15.4 hours, respectfully. The ED-based observation unit can be of great value to patient care. Although not a substitute for an inpatient unit, it is meant to be a convenient location from which to observe patients who exhibit questionable admitting criteria.
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Of the 62 million common colds requiring medical attention in the United States each year, more than 80% affect school-aged children. Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of zinc gluconate glycine lozenges (Cold-Eeze) in reducing cold duration. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of zinc gluconate glycine lozenges in reducing the duration and severity of colds in school-aged subjects and to identify the benefits of prophylactic administration of zinc gluconate glycine lozenges in reducing the occurrence of colds. ⋯ Prophylaxis also significantly reduced the median number of colds per year (0.0 versus 1.3; P < 0.001) and concomitant antibiotic use to manage colds (4.1% versus 36.2%; P < 0.0001). Therapy with zinc gluconate glycine lozenges significantly reduced cold duration and antibiotic use in school-aged subjects. Prophylactic administration also significantly decreased cold frequency.