European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Although adenosine is the recommended first-line therapy for patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), it may fail to restore normal sinus rhythm. The factors associated with this failure remain unclear. ⋯ The findings of this retrospective study suggested that the use of adenosine restored normal sinus rhythm in 86% of patients with paroxysmal SVT. Furthermore, a history of paroxysmal SVT and older age were associated with an increased chance of adenosine success.
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Recommended indications for emergency computed tomography (CT) brain scans are not only complex and evolving, but it is also unknown whether they are being followed in emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ In this international study, there was a high variation (28.9-46.6%) in CT utilization and diagnostic yield (5.4-11.2%) across broad geographic regions. Europe had the highest utilization and the lowest yield. The study findings provide a foundation to address variation in neuroimaging in ED headache presentations.
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Chest pain is a frequent cause of patient admissions in emergency departments (EDs). Clinical scores can help in the management of chest pain patients with an undefined impact on the appropriateness of hospitalization or discharge when compared to usual care. ⋯ In ED patients with chest pain, a low HEART score is associated with a very low risk of MACE at 6 months.