J Emerg Med
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Observational Study
Safety of Diltiazem for Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction in the Emergency Department.
Diltiazem is an effective rate control agent for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate (AF RVR). However, its negative inotropic effects may increase the risk for worsening heart failure in patients with a reduced ejection fraction (EF). ⋯ The development of worsening heart failure is multifactorial and may include the use of diltiazem in critically ill patients requiring hospital admission.
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Increasing the equitable distribution of take home naloxone (THN) may result in reduced deaths from opioid overdose (OD). ⋯ Demographic characteristics did not differ between those who accept versus refuse THN. Patients already receiving MOUD were more likely to refuse THN while those starting MOUD in the ED were less likely to refuse THN. Further studies are needed to determine the root causes of patients' declination of THN and develop targeted interventions to address these causes.