Injury Patterns and Outcomes of Ice-Fishing in the United States Cornelius A. Thiels, Matthew C. Hernandez, Martin D. Zielinski, Johnathon M. Aho
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.078
Publication stage: In Press Accepted Manuscript
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: April 2 2016
x Fishing is a common pastime. In the developed world, it is commonly performed as a recreational activity. We aim to determine injury patterns and outcomes among patients injured while ice fishing.
Do trauma patients with phencyclidine-positive urine drug screens have increased morbidity or mortality? Ryan Gallagher, Jonathan Dangers, Stephen L. Thornton
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.022
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 11 2016
x Phencyclidine (PCP) use is anecdotally associated with agitation and injury and is frequently tested for in the setting of trauma. We sought to determine characteristics of trauma patients with a PCP-positive urine immunoassay drug screen (UDS) and if they had increased levels of care or mortality.
A study on energy drinks and realistic results concordant with daily clinical practice Mustafa Aparci, Omer Uz, Ejder Kardesoglu, Mehmet Uzun
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.018
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 9 2016
x We have read the article of Kozik et al [1] titled “Cardiovascular responses to energy drinks in a healthy population: The C-energy study” with great interest. Authors evaluated the effects of consumption of energy drink with high content of caffeine and additional energetic supplements such as guarana and others on the cardiovascular and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in healthy young individuals. Indeed, they reported clinically significant and potentially lethal ECG changes and hemodynamic abnormalities.
Warm-up Brugada phenocopy associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy Ozgur Kirbas, Ozcan Ozeke, Ozlem Karabulut, Sefa Unal, Fatih Sen, Kumral Cagli, Zehra Golbasi, Serkan Topaloglu, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.075
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 2 2016
x Rapid diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is essential for the appropriate management of patients; however, various conditions may present with an identical electrocardiographic pattern as STEMI in clinical practice. Obtaining a satisfactory history, comparing previous electrocardiograms, and assessing serial tests may provide valuable clues. Brugada syndrome or phenocopy also has been reported as a misdiagnosis of STEMI in clinical practice. We present an interesting image of progressive Brugada-type ST elevation in precordial leads associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts among ED patients older than 50 years: comparison of risk factors and ED visit outcomes Namkee G. Choi, Diana M. DiNitto, C. Nathan Marti, Bryan Y. Choi
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.058
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: February 25 2016
x Although the number of older adults who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is not insignificant, research on older adults' NSSI is scant. The current study examined the prevalence and characteristics of NSSI compared to suicide attempt (SA) in adults older than 50 years who were seen at Emergency Departments (EDs) and their ED visit outcomes.
Quantitative analysis of high plasma lactate concentration in ED patients after alcohol intake Tomohiro Sonoo, Satoshi Iwai, Ryota Inokuchi, Masataka Gunshin, Susumu Nakajima, Naoki Yahagi
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.021
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: January 22 2016
x Plasma lactate concentration is known to increase after alcohol intake. However, this increase has rarely been analyzed quantitatively in emergency department (ED) settings. Evaluating plasma lactate elevation in ED patients after alcohol intake is important because it can affect patients' evaluation based on the plasma lactate level.
Barriers to outpatient stress testing follow-up for low-risk chest pain patients presenting to an ED chest pain unit Margaret Story, Bradford Reynolds, Meghan Bowser, Hongyan Xu, Matthew Lyon
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.083
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: January 5 2016
x Outpatient stress testing (OST) after evaluation in the emergency department (ED) is an acceptable evaluation method for patients presenting to the ED with low-risk chest pain (CP). However, not all patients return for OST. Barriers to follow-up evaluation exist and are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the influence of demographic and social characteristics on OST compliance.
Copper-coated thermometer for the prevention of cross-infections: preliminary results Panos Efstathiou, Evangelia Kouskouni, Zaharoula Manolidou, Maria Tseroni, Katerina Karageorgou, Helena C. Maltezou, Athanasios Chalkias, Seraphim Papanikolaou, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.028
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 17 2015
x Research has shown that axillary thermometers are contaminated at a rate of 80% to 100% [1–3]. Although the common digital thermometer is always disinfected with an alcohol solution after each use, disinfection is only partially achieved or fails, potentially leading to resistant bacteria and sepsis [4–6].
Is arterial base deficit still a useful prognostic marker in trauma? A systematic review I. Ibrahim, W.P. Chor, K.M. Chue, C.S. Tan, H.L. Tan, F.J. Siddiqui, M. Hartman
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.012
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 14 2015
x Arterial base deficit (BD) has been widely used in trauma patients since 1960. However, trauma management has also evolved significantly in the last 2 decades. The first objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the relationship between arterial BD as a prognostic marker for trauma outcomes (mortality, significant injuries, and major complications) in the acute setting. The second objective was to evaluate arterial BD as a prognosis marker, specifically, in the elderly and in patients with positive blood alcohol levels.
A description of Medical Examiner prescription-related deaths and prescription drug monitoring program data Roneet Lev, Sean Petro, Oren Lee, Jonathan Lucas, Amy Stuck, Gary M. Vilke, Edward M. Castillo
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.023
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 14 2015
x The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have declared prescription drug abuse an epidemic in the United States. However, demographic data correlating prescription-related deaths with actual prescriptions written is not well described. The purpose of this study is to compare toxicology reports on autopsy for prescription-related deaths with Prescription Drug Monitor Program (PDMP) data.
Coma blister in nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis Kuo-Song Chang, Yu-Jang Su
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.003
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: December 12 2015
x A 40-year-old man presented at our emergency department with his left forearm swollen with palmar blisters. He did not remember what had happened to him, and he was unconscious for 1 day before arrival at the hospital. He was afebrile (37°C), with a heart rate of 92 beats per minute, and blood pressure at 136/94 mm Hg. Laboratory tests showed high creatine phosphokinase: 38
The association between acute alcohol consumption and discharge against medical advice of injured patients in the ED Joo Jeong, Kyoung Jun Song, Yu Jin Kim, Jin Seong Cho, Ju Ok Park, Seung Chul Lee, Young Sun Ro, James F. Holmes
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.11.065
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 4 2015
x A paucity of data exists on the prevalence and predictors of discharging injured patients against medical advice from emergency departments. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between acute alcohol use and being discharged against medical advice.
Subject Index
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0735-6757(15)00997-3
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 12 ,
Published in issue: December 2015
Atraumatic bilateral posterior shoulder dislocations, a rare case of sleep deprivation Ali Pourmand, David Marcozzi, Hamid Shokoohi, Abdulla Alhmoudi, Samantha Olafson
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.11.052
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: November 19 2015
x Atraumatic bilateral shoulder posterior fracture dislocation is a very rare and unusual presentation to emergency department (ED). Bilateral posterior shoulder dislocations are usually caused by seizures or electrical shock. The authors highlight the case of a healthy non traumatic patient who presented to the ED without any medical history who found himself in severe shoulder pain after having a nap on his bed.
Hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis presenting with acute ST-elevations mimicking a myocardial infarction James Penn, Meghan Nahass, Ranita Sharma
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.11.021
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: November 10 2015
x In the emergency department setting, new onset ST-segment elevations with concurrent chest or epigastric pain typically indicate an acute coronary syndrome. ST-segment elevations can also been seen in a number of other conditions, such as pericarditis, coronary vasospasm, or increased intracranial pressure [1]. An uncommon but increasingly cited cause of ST-segment elevations is hypercalcemia. The cases of hypercalcemia-induced ST-segment elevations have had various causes including malignancy, supplements, thiazide diuretic use, and primary hyperparathyroidism, none of which are associated with concurrent chest or epigastric pain.
Respiratory depression in the intoxicated trauma patient: are opioids to blame? Eleni Shenk, Cassie A. Barton, Nathan D. Mah, Ran Ran, Robert G. Hendrickson, Jennifer Watters
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.10.053
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 2 ,
Published online: November 3 2015
x Providing effective pain management to acutely intoxicated trauma patients represents a challenge of balancing appropriate pain management with the risk of potential respiratory depression from opioid administration. The objective of this study was to quantify the incidence of respiratory depression in trauma patients acutely intoxicated with ethanol who received opioids as compared with those who did not and identify potential risk factors for respiratory depression in this population. Retrospective medical record review was conducted for subjects identified via the trauma registry who were admitted as a trauma activation and had a detectable serum ethanol level upon admission.
A patient with clear consciousness even with a glucose level of 5 mg/dL (0.2 mmol/L) Toshihiko Yoshizawa, Kei Jitsuiki, Mariko Obinata, Kouhei Ishikawa, Hiromichi Ohsaka, Yasumasa Oode, Manabu Sugita, Youichi Yanagawa
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.10.012
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: October 15 2015
x A 74-year-old man noted dysarthria and right hemiparesis. His history included a gastric ulcer 2 years previously, and he had gradually lost 10 kg over a 2-year period due to appetite loss. He daily consumed 120 mg of alcohol. Upon arrival, he had clear consciousness and stable vital signs. He was malnourished. Neurologic findings included a positive finding of Barre sign in the right hand and dysarthria. A venous blood gas analysis demonstrated the following: pH 7.059; Pco 2 , 21.5 mm Hg; Po 2 , 59.1 mm Hg; HCO3 − , 5.8 mmol/L; base excess, −
Acute pancreatitis with normal amylase and lipase—an ED dilemma Abhijai Singh, Mahesh Shrestha, Curuchi Anand
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.10.026
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: October 15 2015
x The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is customarily based on 2 of the 3 following criteria: (i) abdominal pain consistent with the disease (ii) serum amylase and/or lipase greater than three times the upper limit of normal. (iii) Characteristic findings from abdominal imaging: (1) Lipase has been established as a highly sensitive and specific test to assist in the diagnosis even in patients with normal amylase levels. (2) Although imaging is generally discouraged as unnecessary in making the diagnosis of pancreatitis acutely, we describe 2 patients with acute pancreatitis with normal lipase at the time of emergency department (ED) presentation and in whom a computed tomography (CT) of abdomen played a critical role in the diagnosis.
Spontaneous septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis in an afebrile patient Erin L. Simon, Mitch Kovacs, Leslie Gair
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.09.024
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: September 20 2015
x Septic arthritis is a rare infection usually involving the knee or hip but can infrequently affect less obvious joints such as the pubic symphysis. Risk factors for septic arthritis include joint repair or replacement surgery, systemic infection, intravenous recreational drug use, and alcoholism. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with a final diagnosis of septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis who had no risk factors besides alcoholism. The presentation was unusual in that the patient was afebrile, and the infection seemed to be spontaneous.
Incidence and patterns of hemolytic anemia in acute dapsone overdose Yong Sung Cha, Hyun Kim, Juwon Kim, Oh. Hyun Kim, Hyung Il Kim, KyoungChul Cha, Kang Hyun Lee, Sung Oh Hwang
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.09.021
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: September 19 2015
x Hemolytic anemia is one of the complications related to the chronic consumption of dapsone. However, in acute dapsone overdose, there have been few case reports regarding hemolytic anemia. Herein, we reported the prevalence and patterns of hemolytic anemia in acute dapsone overdose, and compared clinical features including mortality in the non-hemolytic anemia and the hemolytic anemia groups.
