European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Status epilepticus (SE) is a common medical emergency. Two problems continue to militate against improved outcome in SE, namely, failure to recognize the wide spectrum of clinical presentation and failure to treat in an appropriately aggressive and timely manner. In this study, we aim to provide a clear understanding of the clinical presentation of SE, as well as providing an evidence-based review of the pathophysiological consequences of prolonged seizures, enabling the reader to adopt a rational approach to its management. We discuss current best practice for the management of SE as well as discussing alternative strategies, and briefly explore possible future therapeutic interventions.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of trauma mortality between two hospitals in Turkey to one trauma center in the US.
The development of comprehensive international trauma case registries could be used to perform outcomes analysis and comparisons between countries with the goal of improving trauma care worldwide. ⋯ This study demonstrates significantly worse outcomes in trauma care and higher mortality rates in Turkey versus PSTC. Developing a trauma registry to monitor improvements in patient care and to target injury prevention strategies should be a high priority for the Turkish healthcare system.
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Ultrasound at the bedside is being increasingly used by emergency physicians and others assessing the acutely ill and injured patient. Recent studies have described a sonographic sign, known as the 'sliding lung sign', which appears to hold promise in certain emergency situations including diagnosis of a pneumothorax and confirmation of endotracheal tube placement. This review article provides an introduction to the concept of the 'sliding lung sign' and gives an insight as to how it can be practically elicited and how it may potentially be used at the bedside in the emergency department.