Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – January 1, 2003
January 1, 2003
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The Scales Tip Further in Favor of Steroids for Meningitis
The role of corticosteroids in minimizing sequelae of acute bacterial meningitis has been debated strongly. The authors of this multinational European study sought to determine whether administration of steroids improved neurologic outcome in adults with suspected meningitis.Clinical Clearance of the Spine in the Prehospital Setting
This study prospectively evaluated a clinical decision rule used to identify injured patients at low-risk for spinal injury in the prehospital setting.Another Look at Deferred Care for Nonacute Conditions
The authors of this randomized, controlled trial sought to determine if there were differences in health status and the use of health services during a one-week follow-up between patients who received usual ED care vs. those who were referred to next-day primary care.Pediatric Meningitis: Is It Bacterial or Not?
To enhance diagnostic accuracy among ill children, Nigrovic and colleagues retrospectively analyzed 696 pediatric patients admitted with meningitis to Childrens Hospital in Boston between 1992 and 2000.Special Feature: Nursemaid’s Elbow
Radial head subluxation (RHS), also known as nursemaids elbow or pulled elbow, is a common reason for pediatric emergency department visits. While most children will present with a classic history, as many as 33-49% of children may present without it.ECG Review: V Tach on the Monitor
The tracing in the Figure said, V Tach on the monitor (salvo of beats marked V on the rhythm strip). The computerized interpretation also cautioned about deep anterior T wave inversion suggestive of ischemia. Would you agree?Trauma Reports Supplement: Current Strategies for Airway Management in the Trauma Patient
In a patient with a traumatic injury, airway management assumes an essential role to stabilization and survival of the patient, but often presents unique challenges not inherent in other types of patients.