Emergency
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Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Emergency Department
Autism spectrum disorder is a very individual diagnosis with individual needs, which generally can be best described by the patients themselves or an advocate who has presented with the patient. Patience, accommodation, and flexibility are key skills to the clinical care of patients with autism spectrum disorder. -
Dexmedetomidine Compared to Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Sepsis
The MENDS2 trial found that dexmedetomidine, when used for light sedation, had outcomes similar to those for propofol. -
Interleukin-6 Antagonists in the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
These two trials had disparate findings with respect to interleukin-6 inhibition, with REMAP-CAP showing a benefit and COVACTA showing none. -
Is There a Role for Immunomodulatory Therapy in COVID-19 Cytokine Storm?
In this retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients hospitalized with cytokine storm, the use of corticosteroids combined with tocilizumab was associated with superior survival when compared to no immunomodulatory treatment; a combination of corticosteroids and anakinra; or corticosteroids, tocilizumab, or anakinra alone. Patients who received corticosteroids, either alone or in combination with anakinra, also experienced lower hospital mortality compared to no treatment. -
Throat Infections Part II: Deadly, Must-not-Miss, Pediatric Throat Infections
Although less frequent than the conditions discussed in part I, recognition of the critical, life-threatening throat infections is essential. Ill-appearing pediatric patients with a change in voice or stridor should prompt a rapid and thorough evaluation to ensure expedited management. This article reviews the critical, must-not-miss etiologies of a sore throat.
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Diagnostic Certainty Affects ED Patients’ Satisfaction
Just remaining mindful that patients are looking for certainty is important for emergency physicians. This does not mean ordering more tests or procedures; instead, take the time to explain any diagnostic uncertainty that may exist even after an ED evaluation. -
Google Translate for ED Discharge Instructions ‘Not Ready for Prime Time’
The accuracy of Google Translate is inconsistent among languages and should not be relied on by ED providers, according to a recent study. -
Artificial Intelligence Could Affect ED Provider’s Malpractice Risk
Inaccurate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could harm patients and result in liability exposure, the authors of a recently published paper argued. AI should be used as a tool, along with physical exam findings, narrative history, review of prior records, and clinical judgment. -
Sepsis Report Could Help ED Malpractice Defense
Of the many different guidelines on early sepsis care in the ED, some specific recommendations remain controversial. A recently released report addresses many of these issues. -
Patient Complaints Can Reveal Surprising ED Safety Concerns
Do ED patients complain because they are seeking some type of compensation, or is it really about wanting to be heard? It can be difficult to hear negative feedback, but complaint data are a good way to identify failures in the diagnostic process, according to a recent analysis.