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Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is an effective treatment for a wide range of autoimmune neurological disorders. IVIg is well tolerated in general but may rarely result in anaphylaxis and acute renal failure, as well as thromboembolic complications such as pulmonary embolism and stroke. These recent reports in Neurology highlight the potential vascular consequences of IVIg.
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Differentiating central from peripheral causes of vertigo is a recurrent clinical challenge that behooves reinforcement.
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Rapid influenza tests could help you differentiate between the common flu and a case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), but their usefulness is limited.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its case definition of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) so that it is different from what EDs used in the last influenza season.
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The same arrangements that have worked well for allowing videotaping in the ED might have to be significantly modified in light of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
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For less than $500, your triage nurse can keep track of what beds are available on a real-time basis, without depending on other staff for updates. You might even be able to do it for free.
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Editors note: This column is part of an ongoing series that addresses reader questions about the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
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In all your preparations for disasters and terrorist incidents, you may need to pay special attention to the youngest victims. Children are more vulnerable than adults in the event of a chemical spill or chemical weapons attack, says Lloyd Brown, MD, associate director of the Pediatrics Residency Training Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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Like half the patients youve seen today, this one is coughing, fatigued, and has a moderately high fever. Youre busy and dont have much time for what seems like just another case of the flu, so you start to rattle off the standard regimen for flu care.
