Articles related to Emergency Medicine

A phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epicutaneous immunotherapy with a peanut patch in children aged 1 to 3 years with peanut allergy. No approved treatment for peanut allergy exists for children under 4 years old. Participants with confirmed peanut allergy were assigned to either receive the peanut patch or a placebo daily for 12 months. The primary endpoint was the treatment response measured by the eliciting dose of peanut protein at 12 months. The trial showed that 67.0% of children in the intervention group demonstrated a treatment response compared to 33.5% in the placebo group. Adverse events occurred in both groups, with serious adverse events and anaphylaxis observed more frequently in the intervention group. However, serious treatment-related adverse events were rare. In conclusion, this trial demonstrated that epicutaneous immunotherapy with a peanut patch for 12 months was more effective than placebo in desensitizing children aged 1 to 3 years with peanut allergy and increasing their tolerance to peanut protein. Although adverse events were observed in both groups, serious treatment-related adverse events were uncommon. These findings suggest that epicutaneous immunotherapy may be a potential treatment option for young children with […]

In this video, Zack Shinar, MD, discusses the future of cardiac arrest and the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the emergency department (ED). Dr. Shinar is a leading expert in ECMO and has been instrumental in developing new protocols for its use in the ED. Dr. Shinar begins by discussing the current state of CPR. He notes that CPR is only effective in about 10% of cases, and that even when it is successful, patients often suffer significant brain damage. He then discusses ECMO, which is a life-support machine that can oxygenate the blood outside of the body. ECMO has been shown to be effective in saving the lives of patients with cardiac arrest, and Dr. Shinar believes that it should be used more widely in the ED. Dr. Shinar then discusses the challenges of using ECMO in the ED. He notes that ECMO is a complex procedure that requires specialized training and equipment. He also notes that ECMO can be expensive, and that it is not always available in all hospitals.

This woman presented to the emergency room stating she had been the victim of an assault. What in her findings support the explanation for her injury?

The outbreak of blastomycosis was first noted in early March when several individuals from the plant were diagnosed with atypical pneumonias. The mill was idled for several weeks to be disinfected, but the source of the infection was never located.

Risks for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, MI, and pulmonary embolism were all lower for older patients receiving a bivalent vaccine booster versus the monovalent vaccine. The results “provide reassurance regarding the continued use of this bivalent vaccine.”

The study authors highlight that buprenorphine can be safely started in an emergency department without triggering withdrawal, even among individuals who use stronger opioids like fentanyl. They note, “this study provides further evidence that all emergency department physicians can and should be using buprenorphine to help individuals take the first steps into treatment and toward recovery.”