Practical Summaries in Acute Care Archives – October 1, 2004
October 1, 2004
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Does the BNP Level Have Prognostic Value in Acute MI?
In this substudy of the ENTIRE-TIMI 23 trial (enoxaparin tenecteplase-tPA with or without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor as reperfusion strategy in ST-segment elevation MI), 483 patients with STEMI were randomized to receive various treatment arms of fibrinolysis, glycoprotein inhibitor, and heparins, followed by immediate angiography to assess reperfusion. -
Is Low-Dose Succinylcholine a Good Option in RSI?
All emergency physicians should be quite familiar with the use of succinylcholine for neuromuscular blockade to facilitate endotracheal intubation. -
Antibiotic Timing for CAP: The 4-hour Rule is Coming
Federal agencies and professional societies currently recommend that patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) receive their initial dose of antibiotics within 8 hours of hospital arrival. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services conducted this study to explore further associations between timing of initial antibiotic doses and clinical outcomes. -
Special Feature: Interpreting CSF Results
Accurately measured in the supine patient, normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure is typically between 150-200 mmH20. -
ECG Review: RBBB — and Something Else?
The ECG in the Figure was obtained from a 41-year-old woman with chest pain of suspected cardiac etiology. The tracing shows complete right bundle-branch block. How many additional ECG findings of potential concern can you identify that may be relevant in view of this patients clinical history?