J Emerg Med
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As the incidence of left bundle branch blocks (LBBBs) and paced-rhythms electrocardiograms (ECGs) increase in the aging global population, the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or STEMI equivalents in patients with these rhythms becomes more imperative. The Sgarbossa and Smith-modified Sgarbossa criteria have been documented to enhance the diagnosis of STEMI in the setting of LBBBs. However, there is a growing body of literature that suggests that these criteria can also be applied for the diagnosis of STEMI in patients with paced rhythms. ⋯ We present the case of an 84-year old man who was on admission for cellulitis when he developed acute respiratory distress. An ECG revealed findings that were consistent with positive Smith-modified Sgarbossa criteria, upon which the diagnosis of STEMI was made. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although the sensitivity and specificity of these criteria in paced rhythms is not well documented, if a patient meets these criteria in an appropriate clinical setting, cardiac catheterization laboratory activation by an emergency physician could be appropriate.
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Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that feed on all classes of vertebrates, including humans. Ixodes holocyclus, also known as the Australian Paralysis Tick, is capable of causing a myriad of clinical issues in humans and companion animals, including the transmission of infectious agents, toxin-mediated paralysis, allergic and inflammatory reactions, and mammalian meat allergies in humans. The Australian Paralysis Tick is endemic to Australia, and only two other exported cases have been reported in the literature. ⋯ We report the third exported case of tick paralysis caused by I. holocyclus, which was imported on a patient into Singapore. We also discuss the clinical course of the patient, the salient points of management, and the proper removal of this tick species. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: With increasing air travel, emergency physicians need to be aware of and to identify imported cases of tick paralysis to institute proper management and advice to the patient. We also describe the tick identification features and proper method of removal of this tick species.
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Observational Study
The Efficacy of Case Management on Emergency Department Frequent Users: An Eight-Year Observational Study.
Case management is an effective short-term means to reduce Emergency Department (ED) visits in frequent users of the ED. ⋯ Case management of ED frequent users seems to be an effective means to reduce ED usage in both the short and long term. Patients with prescription drug misuse or chronic pain may continue to demonstrate frequent use despite case management, and may require revisions to their plan of care.
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Review Meta Analysis
Risk of Delayed Intracranial Hemorrhage in Anticoagulated Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Delayed intracranial hemorrhage is a potential complication of head trauma in anticoagulated patients. ⋯ The present study is the first published meta-analysis estimating the risk of delayed intracranial hemorrhage 24 h after head trauma in patients anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonist and normal initial CT scan. In most situations, a repeat CT scan in the emergency department 24 h later is not necessary if the first CT scan is normal. Special care may be required for patients with serious mechanism of injury, patients showing signs of neurologic deterioration, and patients presenting with excessive anticoagulation or receiving antiplatelet co-medication.