Alcohol and drug intoxication is common in trauma patients and a significant proportion of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries occur in patients with intoxication. A standard approach to both intoxicated and sober patients with suspected c-spine injury in many trauma centers includes the placement of a rigid cervical collar for spinal immobilization until the c-spine can be “cleared.” Even after a negative CT,
Read More
Core Content edited by
Journal Review
Cervical Spine Evaluation and Clearance in the Intoxicated Patient
Core
Cauda Equina Syndrome
This post reviews the rare but high-associated morbidity diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.
Read More
Journal Review
MgSO4 in Pediatric Asthma – Meta-Analysis
Acute asthma exacerbations are a common presentation to pediatric emergency departments (EDs). Standard treatment with inhaled beta agonists and corticosteroids are often sufficient in mild asthma but can fall short in the treatment of moderate to severe exacerbations. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has long been touted as an adjunct treatment due to its bronchodilatory properties (both in its intravenous (IV) and nebulized form).
Read More
Journal Review
Procalcitonin Utility in Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ARI)
In patients with an acute respiratory illness (ARI), it is often difficult to determine whether a bacterial infection is the underlying etiology and whether antibiotics are warranted. Excess antibiotic use carries risk of bacterial resistance, medical costs, and adverse drug effects. However, underuse of antibiotics risks inadequate treatment and progression of disease. In the setting of a bacterial infection,
Read More
Core
Updates in Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Treatment
This week we review an article updating CAP treatment in the ED.
Read More
Journal Review
Focused Echocardiographic Evaluation in Life Support and Peri-Resuscitation (FEEL Study)
Focused use of ultrasound in resuscitation of patients with shock and cardiac arrest has become increasingly embraced in both the emergency department (ED) as well as in the prehospital setting. Application of ultrasound, particularly of echocardiography, has the potential to identify treatable causes of shock and arrest, identify shockable rhythms and identify the presence of mechanical activity.
Read More
Core
Acetaminophen Toxicity
This post discusses early recognition of APAP toxicity and treatment.
Read More