Can J Emerg Med
-
Case Reports
Octreotide for the treatment of intentional insulin aspart overdose in a non-diabetic patient.
Intentional insulin overdose may lead to severe and refractory hypoglycemia. Exogenous dextrose administration is the mainstay of therapy for these patients and is effective in most cases. However, in patients with a functional pancreas, exogenous dextrose administration may precipitate endogenous insulin release leading to rebound hypoglycemia. ⋯ Our patient experienced complications, including peripheral edema, related to the large volumes of intravenous dextrose required to attempt to maintain euglycemia. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, may help prevent dextrose-induced hypoglycemia and improve the management in select insulin overdose patients; large infusion volumes resulted in significant peripheral edema. Treatment with octreotide was initiated 12.5 hours post-injection and was followed by a stabilization of blood glucose concentration in this non-diabetic patient.
-
Canadian emergency medicine Royal College residency training allows for pursuing extra training in enhanced competency areas. A wealth of enhanced competency training opportunities exist nationally. However, the search for the right fit is a challenging one because there is no centralized resource that catalogues all of these opportunities. ⋯ Information was collated into the first edition of a national enhanced competency directory, which is available at no cost at http://caep.ca/sites/caep.ca/files/enhancedcompdoc.pdf. Limitations include the scope defined by the working group and survey responses. A biannual update is also incorporated into the CAEP Resident Section portfolio to ensure it remains up-to-date.
-
IntroductionAlthough death due to electrical injury and lightning are rare in children, these injuries are often preventable. Twenty years ago, most injuries occurred at home, precipitated by oral contact with electrical cords, contact with wall sockets and faulty electrical equipment. We sought to assess the epidemiology of electrical injuries in children presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) that participate in the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP).