Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – October 1, 2003
October 1, 2003
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Nebulized Epinephrine Apparently Not Useful in Acute Bronchiolitis
Acute viral bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants and results in hospitalization of approximately 1% of this age group annually. Many have proposed that a combination of beta-adrenergic therapy and alpha-adrenergic stimulation may have utility in treating the disease.Much Smoke, No Fire Surrounding Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in the ED
The authors of this retrospective study attempted to evaluate the appropriateness with which emergency physicians prescribe fluoroquinolone antibiotics.Assessment-oriented Presentation: Getting to the Point Quickly, Accurately
What is the best way for one physician to present data to another? The authors of this study have made a detailed analysis of two methods of presentation traditional and assessment-oriented formats.Is There a Role for a Loading Dose of Enoxaparin in Acute Coronary Syndrome?
The authors of this study sought to quantify the impact of adding an IV loading dose to a subcutaneous regimen of enoxaparin among patients with acute coronary syndromes by examining several in vivo and ex vivo measures of anti-coagulation among patients randomized to one of these two regimens.Special Feature: Appendicitis in Pregnancy
Acute appendicitis in pregnancy remains a diagnostic challenge. The most common non-obstetric surgical emergency in pregnancy, appendicitis occurs in approximately 1 in 1500 pregnancies, an incidence similar to that in the non-pregnant population.ECG Review: DKA and Acute MI?
The ECG in the Figure was obtained from a previously healthy 32-year-old African American male who presented in a coma from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Cardiovascular exam was unremarkable. In addition to being treated for DKA, should he also be considered a potential candidate for thrombolytic therapy?