scholarly journals Severe methemoglobinemia secondary to isobutyl nitrite toxicity: the case of the ‘Gold Rush’

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory M Taylor ◽  
Robert S Avera ◽  
Christian C Strachan ◽  
Christian M Briggs ◽  
Jason P Medler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Gold Rush ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Oral Ingestion ◽  
Nitrite Toxicity ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Rapid Treatment

ABSTRACT Isobutyl nitrite is one of the popular recreational drugs with high abuse potential that is known to cause methemoglobinemia. While inhaling this recreational drug, often referred to as a ‘popper’, is the typical route of administration, oral ingestion can produce a more rapid and fulminant course of methemoglobinemia. We present the case of a 69-year-old male that presented to our emergency department in extreme, life-threatening methemoglobinemia due to the ingestion of isobutyl nitrite that he obtained from an adult novelty store. The patient had a methemoglobin level above our lab cut-off of 28% and was subsequently treated with two doses of intravenous methylene blue. His hospital course was unremarkable, and he was discharged on Day 2. Methemoglobinemia is a medical emergency that requires a high index of clinical suspicion, prompt recognition, and rapid treatment.

scholarly journals Brugada Phenocopy Induced by Recreational Drug Use

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedoyin Akinlonu ◽  
Ranjit Suri ◽  
Priyanka Yerragorla ◽  
Persio D. López ◽  
Tuoyo O. Mene-Afejuku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sudden Death ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
The Right ◽  
Brugada Pattern

Recreational drugs are commonly abused in all age groups. Intoxication with these substances can induce silent but significant electrocardiographic signs which may lead to sudden death. In this case study, we present a 49-year-old male with no medical comorbidities who came to the emergency department requesting opioid detoxification. Toxicology screen was positive for cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Initial electrocardiogram (EKG) showed features of a Brugada pattern in the right precordial leads, which resolved within one day into admission. This presentation is consistent with the recently recognized clinical entity known as Brugada phenocopy.

scholarly journals Cardiac Tamponade in Adrenoleukodystrophy with Addison’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mafalda Sá Pereira ◽  
Raquel Freitas ◽  
Pedro Correia Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Cardiac Tamponade ◽  
Addison’S Disease ◽  
Severe Abdominal Pain ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Addison's Disease ◽  
Unknown Aetiology ◽  
Life Threatening

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening medical emergency and can arise in many clinical situations. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with adrenoleukodystrophy and Addison’s disease who was admitted to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain that turned out to be cardiac tamponade of unknown aetiology.  An association between cardiac tamponade and Addison’s disease has been reported in the literature, so this aetiology should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unexplained cardiac tamponade.

scholarly journals Thyroid Storm, Rhabdomyolysis, and Pulmonary Embolism: An Unusual Triad Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-543
Author(s):  
Montane Silverman ◽  
Jesse Wray ◽  
Rachel Bridwell ◽  
Amber Cibrario
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Male Patient ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Thyroid Storm ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Difficult Diagnosis ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Significant Mortality

Introduction: Thyroid storm is a medical emergency associated with significant mortality. Hyperthyroid states have been associated with hypercoagulability as well as rhabdomyolysis. However, the pathophysiology of this association remains under investigation. Case Report: A 62-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with weakness and was found to have thyroid storm with concurrent submassive pulmonary embolisms and rhabdomyolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported presentation of this triad. Conclusion: This case highlights the potentially difficult diagnosis and management of thyroid storm, as well as associated life-threatening complications, including venous thromboemboli and rhabdomyolysis.

A Review on the Use of Reversal Agents of Direct Oral Anticogulant Drugs in Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Ojetti ◽  
Angela Saviano ◽  
Mattia Brigida ◽  
Luisa Saviano ◽  
Alessio Migneco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Bleeding ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Reversal Agents ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Andexanet Alfa

Background : Major bleeding is a life-threatening condition and a medical emergency with high mortality risk. It is often the complication of anticoagulant’s intake. Anticoagulants are commonly used for the prevention and the treatment of thrombotic events. The standard therapy with vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) has been frequently replaced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The latter agents (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, betrixaban) showed a better efficacy and safety compared to standard warfarin treatment and they are recommended for the reduction of ischemic stroke. Literature data reported a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with DOACs, in particular with dabigatran and rivaroxaban. In case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, these patients could benefit from the use of reversal agents. Methods: We performed an electronic search on PUBMED of the literature concerning reversal agents for DOACs and gastrointestinal bleeding in the Emergency Department from 2004 to 2020. AIM: This review summarizes the current evidences about three reversal agents idarucizumab, andexanet alfa and ciraparantag, and the use of the first two in the emergency setting in patients with an active major bleeding or who need urgent surgery to offer physicians indications for a better management approach in order to increase patient’s safety. Conclusion: Although these agents have been marketed for five years (idarucizumab) and two years (andexanet alfa) respectively, and despite guidelines considering antidotes as first-line agents in treating life-threatening hemorrhage when available, these antidotes seem to gain access very slowly in the clinical practice. Cost, logistical aspects and need for plasma level determination of DOAC for an accurate therapeutic use probably have an impact on this phenomenon.. An expert multidisciplinary bleeding team should be established so as to implement international guidelines based on local resources and organization.

Does the Presence of On-Site Medical Services at Outdoor Music Festivals Affect Attendees’ Planned Alcohol and Recreational Drug Use?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Alison Hutton ◽  
Matthew Brendan Munn ◽  
Sydney White ◽  
Peter Kara ◽  
Jamie Ranse
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Great Majority ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Mandatory Requirement ◽  
Recreational Drug Use

Abstract Background: Dedicated on-site medical services have long been recommended to improve health outcomes at mass-gathering events (MGEs). In many countries, they are being reviewed as a mandatory requirement. While it is known that perceptions of risk shape substance use plans amongst outdoor music festival (OMF) attendees, it is unclear if attendees perceive the presence of on-site medical services as a part of the safety net. The aim of this paper is to better understand whether attendees’ perceptions of on-site medical services influence high-risk behaviors like alcohol and recreational drug use at OMFs. Method: A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of attendees entering and attending two separate 20,000-person OMFs; one in Canada (Festival A) and one in New Zealand (Festival B). Responses focused on demographics, planned alcohol and recreational drug use, perceptions of medical services, and whether the absence of medical services would impact attendees’ planned substance use. Results: A total of 851 (587 and 264 attendees for Festival A and Festival B, respectively) attendees consented and participated. Gender distribution was equal and average ages were 23 to 25. At Festival A, 48% and 89% planned to use alcohol and recreational drugs, respectively, whereas at Festival B, it was 92% and 44%. A great majority were aware and supportive of the presence of medical services at both festivals, and a moderate number considered them a factor in attendance and something they would not attend without. There was significant (>10%) agreement (range 11%-46%; or 2,200-9,200 attendees for a 20,000-person festival) at both festivals that the absence of medical services would affect attendees’ planned use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Conclusions: This study found that attendees surveyed at two geographically and musically distinct OMFs had high but differing rates of planned alcohol and recreational drug use, and that the presence of on-site medical services may impact attendees’ perceptions of substance use risk. Future research will aim to address the limitations of this study to clarify these findings and their implications.

Effect of Undertriage on the Outcomes of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia, Sepsis, and Septic Shock

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382199968
Author(s):  
Anas Alsharawneh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Septic Shock ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Febrile Neutropenia ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Extended Length ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock ◽  
Timely Treatment

Sepsis and neutropenia are considered the primary life-threatening complications of cancer treatment and are the leading cause of hospitalization and death. The objective was to study whether patients with neutropenia, sepsis, and septic shock were identified appropriately at triage and receive timely treatment within the emergency setting. Also, we investigated the effect of undertriage on key treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all accessible records of admitted adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia, sepsis, and septic shock. Our results identified that the majority of patients were inappropriately triaged to less urgent triage categories. Patients’ undertriage significantly prolonged multiple emergency timeliness indicators and extended length of stay within the emergency department and hospital. These effects suggest that triage implementation must be objective, consistent, and accurate because of the several influences of the assigned triage scoring on treatment and health outcomes.

Acute pericardial tamponade: The initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus with Graves’ hyperthyroidism

Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 096120332110047
Author(s):  
Muming Yu ◽  
Yulei Gao ◽  
Heng Jin ◽  
Songtao Shou
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Female Patient ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Pericardial Tamponade ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Initial Manifestation ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Obstructive Shock

Acute pericardial tamponade, which can cause obstructive shock, is a serious life-threatening medical emergency that can be readily reversed by timely identification and appropriate intervention. Acute pericardial tamponade can occur for a number of reasons, including idiopathic, malignancy, uremia, iatrogenic, post-myocardial infarction, infection, collagen vascular, hypothyroidism, and others. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hyperthyroidism associated with pericardial tamponade are rarely reported. Here, we report the case of a 20-year-old female patient was final diagnosed of SLE with Graves’ hyperthyroidism.

scholarly journals Ovarian Torsion in a 5-Year Old: A Case Report and Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew F. Ryan ◽  
Bobby K. Desai
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Ovarian Torsion ◽  
Surgical Emergencies ◽  
High Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Ovarian torsion represents a true surgical emergency. Prompt diagnosis is essential to ovarian salvage, and high clinical suspicion is important in this regard. Confounding the diagnosis in general are more commonly encountered abdominal complaints in the Emergency Department (ED) such as constipation, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections and more common surgical emergencies such as appendicitis. Prompt diagnosis can be further complicated in low-risk populations such as young children. Herein, we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl with a seemingly benign presentation of abdominal pain who was diagnosed in the ED and treated for acute ovarian torsion after two prior clinic visits. A brief discussion of evaluation, treatment, and management of ovarian torsion follows.

scholarly journals Myelodysplastic Syndrome Clinically Presenting with the “Classic TTP Pentad”

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Fabián Moscoso Martínez ◽  
Evelyn Carolina Polanco Jácome ◽  
Elizabeth Guevara ◽  
Vijay Mattoo
Keyword(s):  
Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Complete Blood Cell Count ◽  
Blood Cell Count ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

The clinical presentation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is not specific. Many patients can be asymptomatic and can be detected only due to an abnormal complete blood cell count (CBC) on routine exam or for other reasons while others can be symptomatic as a consequence of underlying cytopenias. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) usually is suspected under the evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and thrombocytopenia and because it is a life-threatening condition (medical emergency) immediate initiation of plasmapheresis could be life-saving. The following case illustrates an unusual presentation of MDS in a patient who came in to the emergency room with the classic TTP “pentad” of fever, renal involvement, MAHA, mental status changes, and thrombocytopenia. We will focus our discussion in the clinical presentation of this case.

School Nurses on the Front Lines of Medicine: Take a BREATH: The Approach to a Student With Respiratory Distress

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgann Loaec ◽  
Robert P. Olympia
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
School Setting ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Level Of Care ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Life Threatening

Students presenting with varying degrees of respiratory symptoms and distress occur commonly in the school setting. It is important to develop a differential diagnosis for respiratory distress, to initiate stabilization of the student with life-threatening symptoms, and to triage these students to an appropriate level of care (back to the classroom, home with their guardian with follow up at their primary health care provider’s office, or directly to the closest emergency department via Emergency Medical Services). This article describes the initial assessment and management of a student presenting with respiratory distress.

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