Updates to Disaster Management Strategies for CDC Category A Bioterrorism Agents
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to provide current suggestions for a system-based response to a bioterrorism attack and discuss treatment options for CDC category A bioterrorism agents.Recent FindingsVaccines for anthrax andY. pestis are being developed, but they are not rapidly available in the USA. Vaccine distribution methodology for the recent M-pox outbreak was used that the smallpox vaccine could utilize. Two antibody therapies and one vaccine are available for Ebola but not for other viral hemorrhagic fever diseases. Recent health system stressors encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic are likel...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 22, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Endocarditis: A Review of Recent Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEndocarditis remains a challenging diagnosis, with significant implications for early identification and initiation of therapy. In this review, we examine the evolution in the epidemiology and presentation of infectious endocarditis (IE), the role of new diagnostic tools, and the approach to therapy.Recent FindingsStaphylococcus andStreptococcus species remain the most common causative organisms, but the prevalence of IE caused by enterococcus and non-HACEK organisms is increasing. While newer antibiotics such as dalbavancin have shown promise, treatment must still be tailored on an individual basi...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 22, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Pediatric Emergency Care in Low-Resource Settings
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review examines the state of pediatric emergency care in low-resource settings (LRS), highlighting significant gaps, particularly in resources and infrastructure.Recent FindingsRecent assessments of pediatric emergency care in various low-resource settings reveal stark differences in resources and capabilities. For instance, the situation in Rwanda ’s district hospitals illustrates disparities in numbers and resources. Similarly, Nigeria faces challenges stemming from institutional deficiencies, inadequate human resources, and insufficient training, necessitating urgent adjustments in traini...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 18, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Leveraging Electronic Health Modalities to Enhance Care for Unhoused Populations and Reduce Emergency Department Overutilization: A Review of the Existing Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes the current state of electronic communication technology usage for improving healthcare for the unhoused population, with particular attention to patient overuse of the emergency department (ED). In doing so, this review additionally explores future directions for the use of this technology.Recent FindingsTechnological tools such as the electronic medical record (EMR), telehealth, and communication devices can be used to improve healthcare access for unhoused patients. EMR systems allow for continuity of care and updated health information for physicians for reference during c...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - April 4, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Upper Limb Amputation Management for Consideration of Replantation. A Brief Review and Case Report
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe primary objective was to provide an accurate description of the treatment for the patient and the amputated limb that was referred for replantation.The report also examines the epidemiology, the indications and contraindications, the significance of the interval between amputation and replantation, and the multidisciplinary team involved in the replantation process.Recent FindingsThe successful replantation necessitates the provision of care for both the patient and the amputated part, as well as the technical specifications of the referring hospital and the multidisciplinary team. In addition ...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 7, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Current and Emerging Technologies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper will review the published literature on technology used in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus, with a special focus on those technologies used in the emergency department and acute care setting.Recent FindingsTechnology aimed at maintaining tight glycemic control in diabetics has advanced significantly in recent years, with the newest generation of hybrid closed-loop systems providing a new level of glycemic control for patients. Open-source closed-loop systems are gaining popularity among tech-savvy patients. Dual hormone closed-loop systems with glucagon are a promising f...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: Uses and Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we discuss common acute mechanical circulatory support (AMCS) devices summarizing their uses, hemodynamic effects, and outcomes as well as indications for their use in the treatment of various etiologies for cardiogenic shock (CS).Recent FindingsAMCS devices have demonstrated a survival benefit when used as a bridge to therapy or surgery in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS), but do not seem to improve mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. While limited data support their use in heart transplant candidates awaiting surgery,...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Recent Technological Advances in Airway Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to explore the published medical literature on technology used in airway management including a historical perspective, description of currently used methods and devices, and discussion on areas of continued exploration in this field. Special focus will be made on recent developments and advancements in our understanding of emergent airway management, and how technological solutions can aid in overcoming traditional challenges to effective and safe airway management in critically ill patients.Recent FindingsTraditional technologies used in airway management such as x-r...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Current Evidence for the Use of High-Sensitivity Troponin Assays in the Emergency Department
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper will review the published literature on the implementation of high-sensitivity troponin in the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction, with a special focus on accelerated diagnostic protocols used in the emergency department and other acute care settings.Recent FindingsSince the FDA approval of high-sensitivity troponin assays in 2017, US healthcare systems have begun creating accelerated diagnostic protocols for emergency departments. Standardization of the assay can improve patient outcomes and the efficiency of emergency rooms nationwide.SummaryThis paper summarizes the hist...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Spinal Epidural Abscess
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to summarize the importance of identifying and treating a spinal epidural abscess. This review also delves into the intricacies of imaging modalities and the controversies regarding management options.Recent FindingsAlthough magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating SEA, focused attention to T2 imaging to the exclusion of other sequences can result in diagnostic errors and overlooking critical epidural abscesses.SummarySpinal epidural abscess is a rare disease; however, it has high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Although rar...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Correction to: Spinal Epidural Abscess
(Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports)
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - March 1, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Fungal Infections Associated with Epidural Steroid Injections: Risks and Mitigation Strategies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to explore the recent developments in understanding and managing fungal meningitis related to epidural steroid injections. It delves into the causes and risk factors, with a special focus on strategies for mitigating these risks. The role of compounding pharmacies in this context is critically examined, particularly how their practices impact the safety and quality of steroid injections. This review seeks to provide a holistic view of the challenges and advancements in preventing fungal infections in patients undergoing these procedures, integrating both medical and pharmaceutical ...
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - February 23, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research

Correction to: Spinal Epidural Abscess
(Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports)
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - February 12, 2024 Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research