J Emerg Med
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Sepsis is a high mortality condition characterized by multi-organ dysfunction. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) refers to cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. ⋯ SIC can be detected using FCU by emergency physicians in the ED and is associated with increased 90-day mortality.
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Although ocular injuries are a major cause of ocular morbidity, ocular trauma secondary to consumer-related products is often preventable, and epidemiologic data can highlight potential avenues for intervention. ⋯ Although the overall incidence of product-related ocular injuries has decreased over the past 2 decades, not all age groups are affected equally. The data showed that the trends in frequency and cause of eye-related ED visits differ depending on the age of the patient and indicated avenues for age-specific interventions.
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Case Reports
Complete Neurological Recovery After Emergency Burr Hole Placement Utilizing EZ-IO® for Epidural Hematoma.
Post-traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) accounts for 1-3% of pediatric closed head injury admissions. There is a 2.5:1 male predominance. Etiology varies by age; motor vehicle collisions are the primary cause of EDH in adolescents. Post-traumatic EDH accompanies up to 4% of adult head injuries, and is associated with 10% mortality in adults and 5% mortality in children. In North America, standard of care for post-traumatic EDH includes decompressive craniotomy or trepanation via burr hole. Such lifesaving care is typically provided in the operating room by consulting neurosurgery teams or other personnel trained in the use of burr hole equipment. ⋯ EDHs have high morbidity and mortality. In settings without access to neurosurgical services, and where ED access to or familiarity with burr hole equipment is limited, the EZ-IO® device may be a temporizing and lifesaving intervention until definitive neurosurgical care can be obtained.
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Observational Study
Using Ultrasound to Determine Optimal Location for Needle Decompression of Tension Pneumothorax: A Pilot Study.
Chest injury can result in life-threatening complications like tension pneumothorax, in which rapid deterioration can occur without decompression. Traditionally, the second intercostal space (ICS) along the mid-clavicular line is taught as the site for decompression. However, this has been questioned due to high rates of treatment failure. The fifth ICS on the mid-axillary line (MAL) is hypothesized to have a shorter distance from skin to pleura based on recent studies. ⋯ The data support that patients have a smaller chest wall distance at the fifth ICS vs. the second ICS. We support performing needle decompression at the fifth ICS and believe POCUS can be used to determine the optimal location for decompression.
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Emergency department (ED) crowding and hallway care has been a serious problem for the past three decades in the United States and abroad. Myriad articles highlighting this problem and proposing solutions have had little impact on its progression. ⋯ ED crowding and hallway care will continue to worsen unless hospital leadership is willing to listen to ED staff concerns and address the problem on all levels of the hospital using previously proposed solutions. Emergency physicians should not fear termination for discussing this issue and its potential for poor clinical outcomes and ED staff morale.