Can J Emerg Med
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ABSTRACTObjectives:The lifetime prevalence of ureterolithiasis is approximately 13% for men and 7% for women in the United States. Tamsulosin, an α-antagonist, has been used as therapy to facilitate the expulsion of lithiasis. Whether it is a good treatment for distal lithiasis remains controversial. ⋯ Combined results suggested a benefit for the expulsion of ureterolithiasis (≤ 10 mm) when tamsulosin was used compared to a standard treatment (RR 1.50 [95% CI 1.31-1.71], I2 = 70%). A decrease in the average time of expulsion of the ureterolithiasis of 3.33 days in favour of tamsulosin was observed (95% CI -4.23, -2.44], I2 = 67%). Conclusion:Tamsulosin increases the rate of spontaneous passage of distal ureterolithiasis (≤ 10 mm).
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ABSTRACTObjectives:Injection drug users (IDUs) often undergo procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) as part of emergency department (ED) treatment. We compared adverse events (AEs) using a variety of sedation regimens. Methods:This was a retrospective analysis of a PSA safety audit in two urban EDs. ⋯ The AE rates were 0.0%, 8.5%, 9.2%, 12.0%, and 7.6%, respectively, with propofol having a significantly lower rate (Pearson coefficient 14.9, p = 0.007). The cardiovascular/respiratory AE rates were significantly different as well, with P, KP, and KF having the lowest rates (Pearson coefficient 13.3, p = 0.01). Conclusions:For IDU PSA, the overall AE rate was 6.5%, and propofol appeared to have a significantly lower rate.
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ABSTRACTObjective:Because a majority of urinary tract stones (UTSs) pass spontaneously and clinically significant alternative pathology is rare, we hypothesize that many computed tomographic (CT) scans to diagnose them are likely unnecessary. We sought to measure the impact of renal CT scans on resource use and to justify a prospective study to derive a score that predicts an emergent diagnosis in patients with suspected UTS by doing so in our retrospective series. Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of ED patients who had noncontrast CT of the abdomen for suspected UTS. ⋯ A score derived using these predictors had a potential range of -2 (0.26% predicted risk, 0.5% actual risk of the outcome) to 6 (52% predicted risk). The score was moderately discriminatory with c-statistics of 0.752 (derivation) and 0.668 (validation) and accurate with Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics of 10.553 (p = 0.228, derivation) and 9.70 (p = 0.286, validation). Conclusions:A sensible, relevant score derived and validated on all patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of renal colic could be useful in reducing abdominal CT scan ordering.
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ABSTRACTSpinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare clinical entity. It is less common when the entire epidural space is involved, known as a holocord or panspinal SEA, and it is even less common in a pregnant patient. We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus holocord SEA in a 30-year-old female at approximately 22 weeks' gestational age who presented with lumbar pain and pelvic pressure and the urge to bear down. ⋯ The medical and surgical management of SEA is also discussed. SEA can have an insidious and atypical presentation despite extensive involvement of the epidural space. Therefore, the diagnosis of SEA should always be considered in patients who present to the emergency department with back pain.
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ABSTRACTPurpura fulminans is a rare complication of septic shock, often associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Patients with anatomic or functional asplenia are at increased risk for infection because of impairment of their ability to defend against encapsulated pathogens. ⋯ The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of purpura fulminans are reviewed. Purpura fulminans is a rare condition that requires early diagnosis and aggressive management by emergency physicians.