Emergency Medicine Alert articles from October 2004

Emergency Medicine Alert archives from October 2004

Does the BNP level have prognostic value in acute MI?(Abstract & Commentary)(B-tyype natriuretic peptide in myocardial infection)
October 1, 2004... Source: Mega JL, et al. B-type natriuretic peptide at presentation and prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An ENTIRE-TIMI-23 substudy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004;44:335-339. B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE (BNP)...

Is low-dose succinylcholine a good option in RSI?(Abstract & Commentary)(endotrachael intubation)
October 1, 2004... Source: El-Orbany MI et al. The neuromuscular effects and tracheal intubation conditions after small doses of succinylcholine. Anesth Analg 2004;98:1680-1685. ALL EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS SHOULD BE QUITE familiar with the use of...

Antibiotic timing for CAP: the 4-hour rule is coming.(Abstract & Commentary)(community-acquired pneumonia)
October 1, 2004... Source: Houck PM, et al. Timing of antibiotic administration and outcomes for Medicare patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:637644. FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES currently recommend...

Interpreting CSF results.(Special Feature)(cerebrospinal fluid)
October 1, 2004... ACCURATELY MEASURED IN THE SUPINE PATIENT, normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure is typically between 150-200 mm[H.sub.2]0. (1,2) Readings may be elevated falsely in patients who are extremely flexed in the fetal position or who are...

Physician CME questions.(continuing medical education for emergency medicine)
October 1, 2004... (26.) In the sub-study of the ENTIRE-TIMI 23 trial, the initial BNP level was associated with: a. an increased 30-day mortality when it was more than 80 pg/mL in STEMI patients. b. an increased successful reperfusion following...

RBBB--and something else?(ECG Review)(right bundle-branch block)
October 1, 2004... Clinical Scenario: The electrocardiogram (ECG) in the Figure was obtained from a 41-year-old woman with chest pain of suspected cardiac etiology. The tracing shows complete right bundle-branch block (RBBB). How many additional ECG findings of...