Effect of High Pediatric Hospital Occupancy on ED Throughput
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
As has been shown in general and adult EDs, high inpatient census impedes ED throughput in pediatric hospitals.
Reviewing:
Hillier DF et al., Ann Emerg Med 2009 Jun; 53:767
Treatment of Noncultured Skin Infections in the Age of CA-MRSA
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
July 2, 2009
Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH
In this retrospective study, cephalosporins were equivalent to clindamycin and superior to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Reviewing:
Elliott DJ et al., Pediatrics 2009 Jun; 123:e959
Ketamine and Etomidate: Good Choices for RSI in Critically Ill Patients
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Mortality rates were similar in patients who received single doses of etomidate or ketamine.
Reviewing:
Jabre P et al., Lancet 2009 Jul 1
Wenzel V and Lindner KH., Lancet 2009 Jul 1
Corticosteroids Might Be Beneficial in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Reanalysis of data supports prolonged low-dose treatment in adults.
Reviewing:
Annane D et al., JAMA 2009 Jun 10; 301:2362
Management Strategies for Anterior Abdominal Stab Wounds
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Each diagnostic test had shortcomings.
Reviewing:
Biffl WL et al., J Trauma 2009 May; 66:1294
Prehospital-to-Hospital Handoff of Trauma Patients: Risky Business
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
On average, only 70% of data transmitted by prehospital personnel was documented in patient records.
Reviewing:
Carter AJE et al., Prehosp Emerg Care 2009 Jul-Sep; 13:280
Aspirin or Anticoagulation to Prevent Stroke in Carotid Dissection?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a retrospective study, the incidence of stroke was similar between the two treatments.
Reviewing:
Georgiadis D et al., Neurology 2009 May 26; 72:1810
Better Outcomes at Level I vs. Level II Trauma Centers
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Patients initially transported to level I trauma centers had better survival and functional outcomes.
Reviewing:
Cudnik MT et al., J Trauma 2009 May; 66:1321
Does Adding a Nurse Practitioner to the ED Improve Throughput?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Yes, but surprisingly little, and without improvement in overall wait time, ED length of stay, or percentage of patients who left without being seen.
Reviewing:
Steiner IP et al., CJEM 2009 May; 11:207
Cardiac Risk Factors in NFL Players
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Cardiac risk profiles are similar to that of men in the general population, but NFL players have higher incidences of hypertension and prehypertension.
Reviewing:
Tucker AM et al., JAMA 2009 May 27; 301:2111
