Stethoscope as a Vector for Infectious Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss the current status of the stethoscope as a vector for infection and possible interventions to promote stethoscope disinfection.Recent FindingsAnywhere from 70 to 100% of stethoscopes are contaminated after a physical examination with bacterial counts of stethoscopes comparable to those of the physician ’s dominant hand. Disinfection with alcohol agents can reduce the number of pathogens and risk of transmission, which is recommended by guidelines. However, only 0–11% of healthcare providers disinfected their stethoscope before patient contact and 0–24% disinfected after the contact...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - July 10, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

HIV Testing in the Emergency Department
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explores data from the past 5  years with regard to HIV testing and diagnosis in the emergency department, as well downstream linkage to care and several adjuvant approaches. We offer perspectives on futures directions for care.Recent FindingsThere are many approaches to HIV testing in the ED. The largest overarching question is that of testing strategies (universal vs targeted, opt in vs out), where data is mixed and there is a lack of randomized control trials. Other studies address different aspects of ED testing, including where to integrate testing into ED workflow, and supplement...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 30, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Updates on Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis Testing and Treatment in the Emergency Department
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes current guidelines and research on screening, diagnostics, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) seen in the emergency department (ED).Recent FindingsMany studies support less invasive testing for STIs, which in turn would encourage increased screening. The diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is currently based on clinical findings and further research is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy. Current antibiotic treatment guidelines are based on numerous studies. Drug-resistant gonorrhea is an issue worldwide and alternative treatments are current...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 22, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Emerging Infectious Diseases: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights some of the recent concerning emerging infectious diseases, a number of them specifically that the World Health Organization has categorized as priorities for research.Recent FindingsEmerging and reemerging infectious diseases account for significant losses in not only human life, but also financially. There are a number of contributing factors, most commonly surrounding human behavior, that lead to disease emergence. Zoonoses are the most common type of infection, specifically from viral pathogens. The most recent emerging diseases in the USA areEmergomyces canadensis, the H...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 22, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Advocating For Pediatric Rapid Response Worldwide
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGeneral pediatricians have been involved for decades in bringing health to the world ’s children with preventive and public health interventions. Building on this, this article seeks to explore the necessary concepts and components that would facilitate a rapid response for critically ill or injured pediatric patients to become a life-saving reality for all children.Recent FindingsIt has been shown that emergency care can be done practically, cost-effectively, and is necessary to save the lives of children who will, just like children in the USA, suffer from critical illness and injury as a matte...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 22, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

The Management of Pain in the Opioid-Dependent Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review evaluates options for acute pain management in patients with a history of opioid dependence or misuse. This includes patients with chronic pain syndromes on continuous opioid therapy, as well as those with opioid misuse syndromes. It additionally investigates effective methods of communication with these patients about the risks and benefits of pain management treatment options.Recent FindingsAs a response to the opioid crisis in the USA, state medical boards and specialty societies are recommending a reduction in the availability of opioid prescriptions. Due to the increased recognitio...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 16, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Rivaroxaban-Associated Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage Managed with 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBackground: Rivaroxaban is a Xa inhibitor and one of the direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) that currently does not have evidence-based guidelines for its reversal. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) has been recommended as a potential reversal agent for life-threatening bleeds. With no direct antidote and its widespread usage, the attempt to manage life-threatening hemorrhages with procoagulant drugs will continue to rise.Recent FindingsCase report :A 55-year-old male on rivaroxaban and clopidogrel presented to another facility with ataxia, confusion, and lateralizing weakness. Computed t...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Cardiovascular Risk in South America Compared to Other Countries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal is to discuss the prevalence of cardiovascular risk in South America compared to other countries.Recent FindingsThe results highlight the importance of evidence-based approaches to promote the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a global context. Indicating the need for policies that promote cardiac health in the global sphere.SummaryFuture efforts to generate global of risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be implemented. As well as prevention and treatment measures aimed at decreasing cardiovascular outcomes. (Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports)
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

A Review of Thrombolysis in Venous Thromboembolism With an Analysis of Alteplase Admixture Stability
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOur objective is to review important and recent clinical trials of systemic and local thrombolysis for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).Recent FindingsWhile anticoagulation is the cornerstone of VTE treatment, systemic thrombolysis is recommended for the highest risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients who present with hypotension and also have a low bleeding risk. Utilization of low-dose, catheter-directed thrombolytic administration with or without ultrasound energy may minimize bleeding risk beyond systemic thrombolysis.SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Rivaroxaban-Associated Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage Managed with 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBackground: Rivaroxaban is a Xa inhibitor and one of the direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) that currently does not have evidence-based guidelines for its reversal. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) has been recommended as a potential reversal agent for life-threatening bleeds. With no direct antidote and its widespread usage, the attempt to manage life-threatening hemorrhages with procoagulant drugs will continue to rise.Recent FindingsCase report :A 55-year-old male on rivaroxaban and clopidogrel presented to another facility with ataxia, confusion, and lateralizing weakness. Computed t...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 23, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

A Review of Thrombolysis in Venous Thromboembolism With an Analysis of Alteplase Admixture Stability
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOur objective is to review important and recent clinical trials of systemic and local thrombolysis for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).Recent FindingsWhile anticoagulation is the cornerstone of VTE treatment, systemic thrombolysis is recommended for the highest risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients who present with hypotension and also have a low bleeding risk. Utilization of low-dose, catheter-directed thrombolytic administration with or without ultrasound energy may minimize bleeding risk beyond systemic thrombolysis.SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 23, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

What We Learned With Recent Network Meta-analyses on Acute Heart Failure Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAcute heart failure remains a common and ominous clinical condition. Several interventions are currently available, with ensuing difficulties in prioritizing and formalizing decision-making. Network meta-analysis appears particularly promising to summarize the evidence base on competing interventions. We thus aimed to review, appraise, and summarize recent network meta-analyses on acute heart failure care.Recent FindingsWe searched for recent network meta-analyses on acute heart failure care, retrieving five reviews, encompassing a total of 101 randomized trials and 19,085 patients. Three reviews f...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 20, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Cardiovascular Risk in South America Compared to Other Countries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal is to discuss the prevalence of cardiovascular risk in South America compared to other countries.Recent FindingsThe results highlight the importance of evidence-based approaches to promote the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a global context. Indicating the need for policies that promote cardiac health in the global sphere.SummaryFuture efforts to generate global of risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be implemented. As well as prevention and treatment measures aimed at decreasing cardiovascular outcomes. (Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports)
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 14, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

The Role of Thromboelastography Testing in the Emergency Medicine, Trauma Center, and Critical Care Environments
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThromboelastography (TEG) has been gaining attention for its potential use in a variety of disease of states to guide therapies and determine prognosis. This review will explore recent research specifically regarding the use of thromboelastography in the emergency, trauma, and critical care clinical environments.Recent FindingsThromboelastography has its drawbacks. TEG has wide operator and machine variability. Known coagulopathic states may exhibit normal viscoelastic results, indicating inconsistent results. Thromboelastography has shown to decrease transfusion of blood products in traumatic hemo...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - February 15, 2018 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research