Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Methocarbamol versus diazepam in acute low back pain in the emergency department: a randomised double-blind clinical trial.
Acute low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the emergency department and achieving effective analgesia can be challenging. ⋯ In patients with LBP, the pain was relieved in the methocarbamol and diazepam groups after 60 min. Although diazepam was more effective, its use was associated with a slightly higher risk of drowsiness.
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Observational Study
How did the use of ED change during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the UK: an observational study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to a sharp drop in ED attendance, but the exact reasons for this are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between individuals attending the ED before and during the pandemic and the reasons for their choices. ⋯ The study suggests that the decision to use the ED has a discretionary component. This could potentially contribute to unnecessary visits, and raises concerns that some patients who should present at the ED do not go. More effective communication about who should visit EDs during a pandemic, and the safety of doing so, is needed.
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Paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates/opioids, administered parenterally via intravenous or intramuscular route, are widely used to provide analgesia for patients with moderate to severe pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the level of analgesia provided by intravenous paracetamol (IVP) alone compared with NSAIDs (intravenous or intramuscular), or opioids (intravenous) alone in adults attending the ED with acute pain. ⋯ CRD42021240099.