UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Acute Coronary Syndrome Legal Pearls (Part 1)

Category: Med-Legal

Keywords: Legal, Acute Coronary Syndrome, (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/26/2007 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Acute Coronary Syndrome (our number one area of liability) ===>Undiagnosed MI is the number one area of liability in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and family practice. ===>In emergency medicine, undiagnosed MI accounts for approximately 30% of all dollars lost in litigation. ===>MI patients mistakenly discharged have a 25% mortality rate, twice the rate of admitted patients. ===>Emergency physicians miss 2% of MIs. Office practitioners miss about 10% of MIs. ===>Failure-to-diagnose is the most common allegation in litigation following missed MIs. Misinterpretation of EKGs is the second most common allegation. ===>Poor documentation is the most common mistake in failure-to-diagnose cases (ie: failure to document why the physician decided the patient did not have ACS). Thanks to Larry Weiss, MD, JD Disclaimer: This information does not constitute legal advice, is general in nature, and because individual circumstances differ it should not be interpreted as legal advice. The speaker provides this information only for Continuing Medical Education purposes.

Title: Lead Poisoning

Category: Pediatrics

Keywords: Lead Poisoning, Toxicology, Plumbism, CaEDTA, BAL, DMSA, Lead Lines, Basophilic Stippling (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/24/2007 by Sean Fox, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Lead Poisoning In Baltimore, 4.6% of kids screened had high lead levels in 2006 Plumbism presents often with vague and nonspecific symptoms; however, have high index of suspicion if: ==> Listlessness, clumsiness, or loss of developmental skills, ==> Recurrent or intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation ==> Afebrile Convulsions ==> Resides in a house built before 1950 ==> Family history of elevated lead ==> History of Pica ==> Iron Deficiency Anemia ==> Evidence of neglect/abuse Lead Level will not come back in a timely fashion to help direct care, therefore, presumptive Chelation may be warranted. Evidence to Support Lead Posioning: ==> Micorcytic Anemia ==> Elevated Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin ==> Basophilic stippling of erythrocytes ==> Glycosuria, aminoaciduria (from development of Fanconi s Syndrome) ==> Radiopaque flecks on AXR ==> Lead Lines (dense metaphyseal bands on knee and wrist x-rays) Chelation with CaEDTA, BAL, or DMSA depending on level and symptoms.

Title: Colchicine Toxicity - The Point of No Return

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: Colchicine, toxicity, poisoning (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/23/2007 by Fermin Barrueto (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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- Few medications are uniformly lethal after a certain amount is ingested. - Colchicine is one of those medications, >0.8 mg/kg ingested=100%mortality regardless of treatment. - Many people prescribe it without knowing the adverse effect profile. - In fact, the prescribing instructions tell you to take the patient to toxicity (nausea and vomiting). - After an acute overdose this would be the sequence of events assuming surivival: Phase Signs & Symptoms i Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, leukocytosis (0-24hrs) II Sudden cardiac death (24-36hrs), pancytopenia, renal failure sepsis, ARDS, rhabdo (1-7d) III Alopecia, myopathy, neuropathy, myoneuropathy (>7d) - Colchicine prevents/destroys microtubule spindle formation and thus acts like a chemotherapeutic agent killing the cells that replicate most. - Think twice when prescribing this medication to someone, especially a patient at risk for suicide or medication noncompliance (where they think a little is good so more is better).

Title: Cushings Reflex and Triad

Category: Neurology

Keywords: increased intracranial pressure, cushings triad, cushings reflex, intracranial hemorrhage (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/22/2007 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Cushings reflex = a hypothalamic response to brain ischemia wherein the sympathetic nervous system is activated which causes increased peripheral vascular resistance with a subsequent increase in BP. The increased BP then activates the parasympathetic nervous system via carotid artery baroreceptors, resulting in vagal-induced bradycardia. The brain ischemia that leads to cushings reflex is usually due to the poor perfusion that results from increased ICP due to head bleeds or mass lesions. Cushings reflex leads to the clinical manifestation of Cushings triad. Cushings triad = hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations (Cheyne-Stokes breathing). Some sources describe widened pulse pressure (increasing difference between systolic and diastolic BP) as the 3rd component of the triad, rather than irregular respirations. Cushings triad signals impending danger of brain herniation, and thus, the need for decompression. Consider administering mannitol, hyperventilation, and elevation of the head of bed as temporizing measures. Cushings triad was first described in 1902 by Harvey Williams Cushing, an American neurosurgeon. -Physiology, 2nd Edition, Saunders, 2002, page 150. -Ayling, J (2002). "Managing head injuries". Emergency Medical Services31 (8): 42.

Title: Anaphylaxis - Epinephrine use

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: anaphylaxis, epinephrine (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/21/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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-Epinephrine is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis -Several studies indicate that epi is underutilized in ED patients with anaphylaxis -Indications for epinephrine include bronchospasm, laryngeal edema (hoarseness, stridor, difficulty swallowing), hypotension, rapidly progressive reaction, and severe gastrointestinal symptoms (due to bowel edema) -The dose of epinephrine is 0.3 to 0.5 mL of 1:1000 IM -Pearl: IM injection into the lateral thigh (vastus lateralis) has been shown to produce considerably faster time to maximum drug concentration than subq injection or IM injection into the deltoid

Title: Neurologic Manifestations of Aortic Dissection

Category: Vascular

Keywords: Aortic Dissection, Neurologic (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/20/2007 by Rob Rogers, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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A retrospective study by Gaul et al. of 102 patients with aortic dissection showed that 29% of patients presented with neurologic symptoms. Interestingly, almost 1/3 of these patients reported NO chest or back pain...i.e. painless aortic dissection with neurologic manifestations. Neurologic presentations discussed in the study include: stroke-like symptoms, syncope, ischemic neuropathy, somnolence, seizures, coma, and spinal ischemia. Pearl: Consider the possibility of aortic dissection in patients with neurologic symptoms especially if symptoms are unusual or combined with other findings. Gaul C, et al. Stroke 2007 From Emergency Medical Abstracts (July 2007)

Title: ACS and cardiac risk factors

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: acute coronary syndromes, cardiac risk factors (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/19/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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The presence of "classic" cardiac risk factors (i.e. risk factors identified in the Framingham studies) is most useful for predicting the long-term risk of developing CAD, but they have limited utility at ruling out acute coronary syndrome. A recent study (ref below) from the CRUSADE registry (multicenter registry including tens of thousands of patients with ACS), for example, demonstrated that 10.5% of patients with proven non-STE MI had NONE of the traditional cardiac risk factors. NEVER rule out ACS just because a patient has few or no cardiac risk factors. The decision to admit and risk stratify patients should always be based on your HPI (OLDCAAR). [Roe MT, Halabi AR, Mehta RH, et al. Documented traditional cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Am Heart J 2007;153:507-514.]

Title: Medical Management of Upper GI Bleeds

Category: Gastrointestional

Keywords: Peptic Ulcer Disease, Omeprazole, Bleeding (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/19/2007 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Medical Management of Upper GI bleeds. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton pump inhibitors are the main stay of therapy. Use is based on the observation that pH over 6 is required for platelet aggregation whereas pH below 5 results in clot lysis. High dose IV therapy should be reserved with those that have high risk stigmata of rebleeding as seen on endoscopy. Regular dose IV or PO omeprazole can be used in most patients. Variceal Bleeding: Consider octreatide (50 mcg bolus followed by 50 mcg/hr IV) and non-selective beta blocker therapy to reduce bleeding. Human recombinant activated factor VII has gotten a lot of press lately though it did not reduce the risk of death at either 5 or 42 days in patients with liver related GI bleeds.A Wong T. The management of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. [Review] [31 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Clinical Medicine. 6(5):460-4, 2006 Sep-Oct. Marti-Carvajal AJ. Salanti G. Marti-Carvajal PI. Human recombinant activated factor VII for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver diseases. [Review] [45 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (1):CD004887, 2007. Martins NB. Wassef W. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding. [Review] [87 refs] [Journal Article. Review] Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 22(6):612-9, 2006 Nov.

Title: Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Category: Pediatrics

Keywords: Hypoglycemia, Neonate, Glucagon, Dextrose (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/18/2007 by Sean Fox, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Pediatric Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia = <45mg/dL in symptomatic neonate; = <35mg/dL in asymptomatic Symptoms = jitteriness, tachycardia, apnea, cyanosis, tachypnea, hypotonia, temperature instability, lethargy, irritability, or abnormal cry. (almost anything!) - So check the Sugar EARLY Fasting (often from gastroenteritis and dehydration) - the most common etiology of ketotic hypoglycemia in nondiabetic kids Glucagon has diagnostic and therapeutic role If it improves hypoglycemia, then glycogen stores are sufficient. Remember to draw extra tubes for future endocrine work-up PRIOR to giving dextrose! Rule of 50 For neonates: 5ml/kg of D10; For children: 2ml/kg of D25. - 5x10=50, 2x25=50 Claudius, I., C. Fluharty, and R. Boles, The emergency department approach to newborn and childhood metabolic crisis. Emerg Med Clin North Am, 2005. 23(3): p. 843-83.

Title: Local Anesthetics

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: lidocaine, allergic reaction, toxicity (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/16/2007 by Fermin Barrueto (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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- Allergic reactions are extremely rare to local anesthetics but may occur with the "Amides". - If they occur, it is more likely due to a preservative found in some multi-dose vials: methylparaben. - Either switch to a single dose vial without preservative or change to an "Ester" where there is no cross-reactivity Amides: Bupivacaine, Etidocaine, Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, Prilocaine, Ropivacaine Esters: Chloroprocaine, cocaine, procaine, tetracaine

Title: Coagulation Disorders Causing Ischemic Stroke

Category: Neurology

Keywords: coagulopathy, stroke (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/15/2007 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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-polycythemia rubra vera -sickle cell disease -essential thrombocytosis - TTP - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia -Antithrombin III deficiency - Protein C or S deficiency - Factors V, VII, XII, or XIII deficiency -heparin cofactor II deficiency - dysfibrinogenemias -antiphospholipid/anticardiolipin antibodies -nephrotic syndrome -malignancy -pregnancy -oral contraceptives -dehydration

Title: Acalculous cholecystitis

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: acalculous cholecystitis, HIDA, cholecystectomy (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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-Think about acalculous cholecystitis in the critically ill patient with fever, abdominal pain, and elevation of LFTs and bilirubin -Pathophys thought to be due to SIRS, biliary stasis, and ischemia -Abdominal pain is not always in the right upper quadrant -Patients have a high rate of complications - gangrene or perforation (40% to 60%) -Diagnostic studies: ultrasound (sens. 70%), HIDA (sens. 80% to 90%), CT (sens. 90%) -Consult surgery early because treatment of choice is surgical cholecystectomy; some can be treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy but this is up to your consultant

Title: mesenteric ischemia

Category: Vascular

Keywords: mesenteric ischemia, elderly, geriatric, abdominal pain (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/12/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Suspect acute mesenteric ischemia in any older patient with risk factors (atrial fibrillation) who presents with ACUTE onset abdominal pain with a paucity of physical findings. And, don't be fooled by "gut emptying" symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. If you think grandma has acute onset gastroenteritis, think again. The only way to pick up this diagnosis more is to think about it more often. (sent on behalf of Dr. Rob Rogers)

Title: amiodarone agony

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: amiodarone, adverse effects, arrhythmias (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/12/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Times when amiodarone should be avoided in wide complex tachycardias: 1. prolonged QT or torsade de pointes -- amiodarone prolongs QT and may induce torsade or cause torsade to become intractable 2. pregnancy -- amio is the only class D antiarrhythmic...use anything else, even electricity! 3. rapid Afib with WPW -- the only published literature says this causes hemodynamic deterioration 4. AIVR -- turns it into asystole...a clean kill! 5. pseudo-VTach caused by hyperK, TCAs, and similar meds -- these are actually not VT but just wide complex tachycardias (that look like VT) caused by poisoned sodium channels...amiodarone further blocks the sodium channels and can cause asystole 6. pulseless VT or VFib cardiac arrest -- you won't actually make the patient worse, but the ONLY evidence indicates that all amio does is increase survival to ICU without improved mental status and without increasing survival to discharge...so essentially you take up more ICU beds and increase costs

Title: ED Chart Documentation (Part 2)

Category: Med-Legal

Keywords: Documentation, Charting, Legal (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/11/2007 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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ED Chart Documentation (Part 2) ==> If writing an addendum after-the-fact, identify the note by date and time. ( late entry ). Otherwise, NEVER alter the chart after-the-fact. ==> Always address the patient s documented complaints. ==> Don t write incident report filed. ==> Be specific about times for follow-up. (eg:2 days, 1 week, next available) ==> Provide a warning about sedatives (eg: Don t drive ). ==> Whenever possible, document past tolerance of toxic drugs when prescribed (eg: NSAIDs). ==> Document a warning not to drive when treating patients for a seizure, or when refilling anti-epileptic drugs. Courtesy of Larry Weiss, MD, Jd Disclaimer:This information does not constitute legal advice, is general in nature, and because individual circumstances differ it should not be interpreted as legal advice. The speaker provides this information only for Continuing Medical Education purposes.

Title: Pseudosubluxation

Category: Pediatrics

Keywords: Pseudosubluxation, swischuk Line, Hangman's Fracture, Cervical Injury (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/10/2007 by Sean Fox, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Pseudosubluxation Refers to the normal mobility of the cervical vertebrae, IN FLEXION, which may appear pathologic Distinguishing between Pseudosubluxation and Pathologic - The displacement should only occur in flexion (Not extension) (1) most pediatric c-spine films are in flexion due to the relatively larger occiput - Swischuk Line (1) Line that is drawn from anterior aspects of C1 to C3 spinous processes (2) This line should be within 2 mm of the anterior aspect of the C2 spinous process - Spinal-Laminar Line (1) The line drawn connecting the lamina of C1, C2, and C3 should remain intact even in flexion If you suspect that the misalignment represents pseudosubluxation, than you can reposition in extension; if it resolves, it is consistent with pseudosubluxation. But be careful, if mechanism warrants it, obtain CT to r/o hangman s fracture instead. Anterior displacement of C2 in children: physiologic or pathologic. LE Swischuk. Radiology. Vol 122(3) 1977. p 759-763.

Attachments

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Title: Toxic Findings on CxR

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: Chest radiograph, poisoning, amiodarone (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/9/2007 by Fermin Barrueto (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Here are some chest x-ray findings and cool toxins that can cause them (not an all-inclusive list): Diffuse airspace filling: salicylates, opioids, paraquat, phospgene, doxorubicin - Disease Process: Acute Lung Injury Focal airspace filling: hydrocarbons - Disease Process: Aspiration pneumonitis Pleural Effusion: Procainamide, hydralazine, INH, methyldopa - Disease Process: Drug-induced SLE Pneumothorax/Pneumomediastinum: "crack" cocaine and marijuana, IVDA into subclavian vein - Disease Process: Barotrauma Lymphadenopathy: Phenytoin, methotrexate - Disease Process: Pseudolymphoma Interstitial Patterns: Amiodarone - Disease Process: Phospholipidosis [Adapated from Goldfrank's Textbook of Toxicologic Emergencies, 8th Edition, Table 6-3, p. 74]

Title: TIA

Category: Neurology

Keywords: TIA, stroke (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/8/2007 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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While TIA has historically been defined as lasting less than 24 hours, recent data clearly demonstrates that ischemic attack lasting longer than one hour is often associated with actual brain infarction. Most TIA's last less than 5 minutes. Evidence of acute infarction can be identified by MRI in up to 50% of patients who meet the 24 hour criteria for TIA. Diffusion MRI in patients with transient ischemic attacks. Kidwell CS; Alger JR; Di Salle F; Starkman S; Villablanca P; Bentson J; Saver JL. Stroke 1999, Jun;30(6):1174-80. Transient ischemic attack--proposal for a new definition. Albers GW; Caplan LR; Easton JD; Fayad PB; Mohr JP; Saver JL; Sherman DG. New England Journal of Medicine 2002, Nov 21;347(21):1713-6.

Title: Post-intubation hypotension

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: hypotension, pneumothorax, dynamic hyperinflation (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/7/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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-Post-intubation hypotension can occur in a substantial proportion of patients -Before attributing this to the effects of your sedative medications, you must think about pnemothorax, hyperinflation from overzealous bag-valve mask ventilation, and hypovolemia -Pneumothorax - auscultate the lungs and repeat the CXR -Hyperinflation - disconnect the patient from the ventilator and allow them to "deflate" -Hypovolemia - give a fluid bolus

Title: Aortic Occlusion Masquerading as Cauda Equina Syndrome

Category: Vascular

Keywords: Aortic, Cauda Equina Syndrome (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/6/2007 by Rob Rogers, MD (Updated: 11/26/2024)
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Beware older patients who present with lower extremity weakness and evidence of cauda equina syndrome. Patients with aortic occlusive syndromes (thrombosis) can look exactly like a spinal cord patient. Pearl: Always perform a good pulse check and examination of the skin (looking for skin mottling, i.e. livedo) in older patients who for all practicle purposes look like cord compression. The two conditions can lool a lot alike. And missing aortic occlusion may be fatal.