II. Updates: December 2014
-
Trauma in Pregnancy
- Extensive updates to Obstetrical Trauma, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pregnancy and Perimortem Cesarean Section
-
Uveitis and Iritis
- Extensive updates
-
Superficial Fungal Infection
- Updated Tinea Infections and the medications used to treat them
-
Difficult Intravenous Access in Children
- Added pearls for Difficult Intravenous Access in Children (beyond the IO)
-
Massive Hemorrhage
- Updated with newer measures (for XStat, REBOA)
-
Appendicitis
- No lab marker has sufficient Test Sensitivity to exclude Appendicitis
- Antibiotics only regimen for Appendicitis
-
Status Epilepticus
- Diazepam is as effective as Lorazepam in Status Epilepticus
- Diazepam IM dosing is as effective as IV dosing in Status Epilepticus
-
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Updated based on review article
- Unconsolable Crying
- Updates on the approach to the unconsolable Crying Infant
-
Nephrolithiasis
- Debunking the myths of alpha Antagonists and Intravenous Fluids to aid stone expulsion
-
HSV Encephalitis
- General update
-
Schizophrenia
- Updates include Psychosis, Psychosis Differential Diagnosis, Schizophrenia
-
Incidentaloma
- Includes Pituitary Incidentaloma, Thyroid Nodule, Pulmonary Nodule, Hepatic Incidentaloma
- Also includes Pancreatic Cyst, Adrenal Incidentaloma, Renal Cyst, Ovarian Mass
-
Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction
- Updates organized by patient expectations
-
Ankle-Brachial Index
- Updated criteria and technique
- Mass Casualty Incident
-
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (Congenital Hip Dislocation)
- Extensive updates
-
Gouty Arthritis
- Extensive updates
-
Down Syndrome
- Extensive updates, focused on children with Down Syndrome
- Miscellaneous
- Chronic Pain Management (and Chronic Narcotic Guideline)
- Asthma Management
- Contraception and Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- Insulin Pens and Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonist)
- Systemic Corticosteroids and Psychiatric adverse effects
- Hepatitis C Antiviral Regimen
- Influenza management with Neuraminidase Inhibitor (Tamiflu, Relenza)
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer and other Wound Dressings
- Chemotherapy-Induced Vomiting
- ACE Inhibitor
III. Updates: November 2014
-
Chest Trauma
- Added Chest Trauma and Sternal Fracture
- Conflict Resolution
-
Prothrombin Complex Concentrate
- Updated Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (is it worth the extra thousands of dollars per dose)
- Decision Making Capacity
- Updated Decision Making Capacity
-
Laceration Repair
- Updated Laceration Repair, Eyelid Laceration, Nail Bed Laceration, Suture Material, Absorbable Suture, Catgut Suture
- Added Nail Injury
-
Pediatric Sepsis
- Updated Pediatric Sepsis
-
Acute Pancreatitis
- Extensive updates to Acute Pancreatitis evaluation and management
- Added Revised Atlanta Criteria for Acute Pancreatitis Severity
- Added Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II Score)
- Added Modified Glasgow Severity Criteria for Pancreatitis (Imrie Scoring System for Pancreatitis, PANCREAS Score)
- Added BALI Score
- Added CT Severity Index in Pancreatitis (Balthazar Computed Tomography Severity Index)
-
Altered Level of Consciousness
- Updated Altered Level of Consciousness Causes with pitfalls
- Updated Altered Level of Consciousness with an approach to Lumbar Puncture and empiric Antibiotics
-
Adult Health Maintenance Screening
- Updated Prostate Cancer Screening (ACS and AUA softened their PSA recommendations)
- Updated Lung Cancer screening
- USPTF recommends annual low dose CT in ages 55 to 74 years (if >30 py Tobacco with last use in prior 15 years)
-
Multiple Sclerosis
- Extensive updates to Multiple Sclerosis
-
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)
- Reviewed approach to use in Low Risk Chest Pain
-
Antibiotic Resistance
- Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
- Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE, esp. Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella)
- Multi-Resistant Gonorrhea
-
Obesity Medications
- Contrave added (do we need still another expensive combination agent with marginal efficacy)
-
Anticoagulation in Thromboembolism
- Added Apixiban, Rivoroxaban and Dabigatran as options for Anticoagulation and their dosing protocols
-
Pneumococcal Vaccine in older adults over age 65 years
- Updated the combined Pneumovax 23 with Prevnar 13 protocol
-
Oral Mucositis
- Updated Stomatitis and Oral Mucositis including symptomatic management
-
Polypharmacy
- Updated additional strategies to decrease or discontinue medications in the elderly
-
SSRI and SNRI agents increase risk of bleeding events
- Occurs when combined with Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (especially Warfarin)
- Fluoxetine and Flovoxamine are highest risk with Warfarin
-
COPD Management
- Inhaled Corticosteroids increase Pneumonia risk in COPD (NNH 50 in 18 months)
- Consider tapering off high dose fluticasone or other Inhaled Corticosteroid in stable COPD patients
- Antiepileptic agents
- Perampanel (Fycompa) and Eslicarbazepine (Apticom) added
-
Drug Disposal
- Added additional options
-
Ebola Virus
- Extensive updates
- Miscellaneous
- Abdominal CT with IV contrast alone (no Oral Contrast) is sufficient in the diagnosis of Appendicitis
- Capnography in Procedural Sedation more rapidly identifies apnea, but may not alter outcomes
- Ketamine use for RSI and Procedural Sedation does not increase Intracranial Pressure
- Femur Fractures (especially metaphyseal Fractures) in age under 12 months are associated with Child Abuse in one third of cases
IV. Updates: October 2014
-
Head CT Indications in Adults with Mild Head Injury
- Added New Orleans Head CT Indications (for Mild Head Injury)
- Health Care-Associated Infections
- Thyroiditis
-
Acute Vestibular Syndrome (AVS)
- HiNTs Exam (Three-Step Bedside Oculomotor Examination)
- Distinguishes peripheral vestibulopathy from posterior circulation Cerebrovascular Accident (Cerebellar CVA or Brainstem CVA)
- HiNTs is a mnemonic for a battery of three oculomotor tests: Head Impulse, Nystagmus and Test of Skew
-
Attention Deficit Disorder
- Updated Attention Deficit Disorder and its differential diagnosis, diagnosis and management
-
Dyspareunia
- Updated and added Dyspareunia, Vulvodynia, Vaginismus, Atrophic Vaginitis, and Vaginal Dryness
-
Medical Interpreter
- Added pearls to working with Language Interpreters
-
CT Intravenous Contrast
- Updated approach to history of contrast reactions
-
Pulmonary Embolism
- PE Thrombolysis benefits and harms reviewed in the case of intermediate-risk Pulmonary Embolism (RV dysfunction, but hemodynamically stable)
- Long-Acting Hydrocodone (Zohydro)
- Another long-acting Opioid without abuse-resistant controls and with all the risks of abuse and Opioid Overdose
-
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
- Updated an approach to LVAD patient related emergency presentations
-
Pacemaker and Implantable Defibrillator (AICD)
- Updated
-
Hemodialysis
- Revised the shunt type definitions, and updated the approach to complications (Dialysis Emergencies, Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis)
-
Epiglottitis
- Since the Hib Vaccine, adults are now the chief cohort, albeit uncommon
-
Pacemaker Troubleshooting
- Updated Pacemakers and automatic inplantable cardioverter Defibrillators (AICDs)
-
Mobile Medical Applications
- Updated the resources
-
Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)
- Cleaned this up and added expert opinion on empiric strategies
- Still needs an extensive updating based on good review articles
-
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Extensive updates including acute evaluation, management and pitfalls
- Over-The-Counter Medications in Pregnancy
-
Urinalysis Interpretation
- Updated Microscopic Hematuria
- Added Ureteral Stent
-
Enuresis
- Updated Nocturnal Enuresis
- Miscellaneous Updates
- Post-Intubation Sedation and Analgesia
- Dexmedetomidine
- High flow nasal oxygen rates per age
V. Updates: September 2014
-
Impetigo
- Updated Impetigo and Bullous Impetigo
-
Animal Bite
- Updated Dog Bite, Cat Bite, Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis
-
Preterm Infant
- Updated approach to the Preterm Infant for post-hospital care
-
Newborn Exam
- Extensive updates to Newborn Exam in general
- Updated Newborn Head and Neck Exam, Newborn Eye Exam, Newborn Gestational Age Exam
- Updated Newborn Cardiopulmonary Exam, Newborn Abdominal Exam, Newborn Genitalia Exam
- Updated Newborn Orthopedic Exam, Newborn Neurologic Exam, Newborn Skin Exam
- External Genital Warts
- Updated management details
-
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
- Extensive updates on evaluation and management
-
Toxin Antidotes
- Brief update and reorganization
-
Against Medical Advice (Leaving AMA, Informed Refusal)
- Updated with additional protocol information
- Risk of lawsuit is increased 10-100 fold in AMA cases (rate as high as 1 lawsuit in every 300 AMA cases)
-
Post-Intubation Sedation and Analgesia
- Updated with studies related to the high number of cases where sedation and analgesia was not used or used at inadequate dose
-
Low Risk Chest Pain
- Updated the algorithms
- Skin and subcutaneous Infections (SSTI)
- Updated Cellulitis, Skin Abscess and Incision and Drainage
-
Flight Medicine
- Updated Contraindications to Air Travel
- Updated DVT Prevention in Travelers
-
Ankle
- Updated Ankle Anatomy and Ankle Exam
-
Congestive Heart Failure
- Updated Acute Decompensated Congestive Heart Failure (Cardiogenic Shock) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
- Patient Satisfaction
- Understand an ED patient's needs (diagnosis, advice or education) and you help them navigate the uncertainty that resulted in the visit
- Anti-hyperlipidemics
-
Influenza Vaccine
- The Influenza Vaccine for 2014 in the U.S. is the same as the 2013 Vaccine (but everyone should still be immunized again due to waning Immunity)
- Healthy children ages 2-8 years old will benefit more from Flumist (better efficacy) if available and not contraindicated
-
Refractory Depression Management
- Updated management
-
Tobacco Cessation
- Updated management
-
Electronic Prescriptions
- Added information on Electronic Prescriptions
-
Chlorthalidone
- Added strategies to prevent Hypokalemia
-
Oral Health
- Updated with a section on the electronic ToothBrush
- Added new agents (I am unlikely to use)
- Research
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Information Retrieval
- Medical Cognitive Errors (e.g. Anchoring Bias, Availability Bias, Value-Induced Bias, Blois' Funnel)
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Database and Relational Database
- Computer System Infrastructure
- Computer Network (Open Systems Interconnection Model, ISO Network Communications Model, Wireless Network)
- Computer Software, Programming Language and Software Development Life Cycle
- Software Usability (Software User Experience, Human Computer Interaction)
- Healthcare Delivery
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC for Health IT)
- Health IT Policy Committee (HITPC) and Health IT Standards Committee (HITSC)
- Nationwide Health Information Exchange (HwHIN, eHealth Exchange)
- Standards and Interoperability Framework (S&l Framework)
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace)
- Public Health
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Control Chart (Shewhart Chart, Process-Behavior Chart)
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
- Donabedian Quality Framework (Donabedian Model)
- Clinical Workflow Analysis (Workflow Re-Engineering, Process Redesign, High Reliability in Healthcare)
- Information Security (Data Security, Protected Health Information)
- Patient Privacy (Information Confidentiality)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Health Information (Clinical Data)
- Healthcare Terminology Standard (Standard Medical Vocabulary)
- Health Level 7 (HL7)
- Unique Patient Identifier
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD9, ICD10)
- Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED Clinical Terms or SNOMED CT)
- Unified Medical Language System (UMLS)
- Biomedical Informatics (Clinical Informatics)
- Health Information System (Clinical Information System)
- Health Information Technology (Health IT, ARRA, HITECH Act)
- Telemedicine
- Computerized Medical Record (Electronic Medical Record, Electronic Health Record, EMR, EHR)
- Clinical Decision Support (CDSS)
- Clinical Practice Guideline
- Knowledge Representation Syntax (Clinical Guideline Modeling Method)
- Medical Documentation (Encounter Documentation)
- Meaningful Use of the Electronic Health Record
- Electronic Prescription (E-Prescribe, e-Rx)
- General Statistics
- Epidemiology Rates
- Risks
- Decision Analysis (Decision Tree, Chance Graph)
-
Screening Test
- Contingency Grid or Cross Tab (includes Statistics Example)
- Bayes Theorem (Bayesian Statistics)
- Fagan Nomogram
- Experimental Error (Experimental Bias)
- Lead-Time Bias
- Length Bias
- Selection Bias (Screening Bias)
- Likelihood Ratio (Positive Likelihood Ratio, Negative Likelihood Ratio)
- Number Needed to Screen (Number Needed to Treat, Absolute Risk Reduction, Relative Risk Reduction)
- Negative Predictive Value
- Positive Predictive Value
- Pre-Test Odds or Post-Test Odds
- Receiver Operating Characteristic
- Test Sensitivity (False Negative Rate)
- Test Specificity (False Positive Rate)
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
- Leadership Models, Processes, and Practices
- Negotiation
- Collaboration
- Motivation
- Decision-Making
- Conflict Management (and Conflict Resolution)
- Human Resource Management
- Effective Interdisciplinary Teams
- Group Management
- Group Meeting
- Group Presentation
- Effective Communications Communication
- Project Management
- Project Management
- Change Management
- Strategic and Financial Planning for Clinical Information Systems
- Business Financial Planning
- Health Information Technology Governance
- Clinical Information System Strategic Plan
- Clinical Informatics Board Certification Added this entry that links to the topics expected on the Clinical Informatics Board Certification Exam
VI. Updates: August 2014
-
Myasthenia Gravis
- Extensive updates to Myasthenia Gravis
-
Delirium
- Yet another article reviewed to update Delirium
-
Late-Term Pregnancy
- Case for induction at 41 weeks based on an article by my FP residency program director, Dr. Fontaine
-
Bronchiolitis
- More updates on Bronchiolitis (who needs an admit, do I really need an RSV test and Urinalysis)
-
Sepsis
- ProCESS Trial results are released
- Pragmatic aggressive care (fluids, Antibiotics, pressors) was as effective as Early Goal Directed Therapy (with Svo2 monitoring)
- Emphasizes aggressive fluid hydration (4.4 Liters on average), early Antibiotics, Vasopressors (44%), Central Lines (>50% of cases)
- However, specialized Sepsis catheters with Svo2 monitoring is not required, and did not improve outcomes beyond otherwise aggressive care
-
Emergency Contraception
- Remember Plan B (Levonorgestrel) can now be given as a single 1.5 mg dose within 5 days of intercourse (best with 72 hours)
- However Levonorgestrel is less effective for intercourse near the time of Ovulation or whose BMI > 25 (and especially if weight >165 lb)
- In these cases offer additionally, the copper-T IUD and Ulipristal
-
Medical Photography
- I summarized the salient points from Michelle Lin's very nice review of Medical Photography on EM:Rap
- Reminded me that I'd like to share more techniques of generating medical image content (both photography and illustration)
-
Single Seizure Evaluation
- Provoked first-time Seizures do not require antiepileptics
- First time Seizures do not need admission
- After Benzodiazepines, Status Epilepticus may be treated with any of the typical agents (no evidence-based, preferred option)
-
Ocular Ultrasound
- Astounding how much can be seen with Eye Ultrasound (e.g. Retinal Detachment, Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter, Pupil Exam with Ultrasound)
-
Video Laryngoscopy (VL)
- Another study shows VL superior to Direct Laryngoscopy for successful first-pass intubation (by Odds Ratio >2)
- Video Laryngoscopy is also associated with reduced risk of esophageal intubation
- However, no difference in bad outcomes when compared with Direct Laryngoscopy
- In addition, Direct Laryngoscopy is the number one rescue of unsuccessful Video Laryngoscopy
- EKG and ST Elevation MI (STEMI)
- Nondiagnostic EKGs occur in 11% of STEMI patients (and first Troponin Is normal in 55% of STEMI cases)
- Obtain serial EKGs
-
Acute Pulmonary Edema Management
- Management focus on fluid redistribution rather than Fluid Overload
- Initial management is Preload reduction (Nitroglycerin, Bipap)
- Next management is Afterload reduction (ACE Inhibitor)
- Consider Diuretics following Afterload reduction
- New agents for MRSA (similar activity, very expensive)
- Vancomycin-like, longer-acting agents: Dalbavancin (Dalvance) and Oritavancin (Orbactiv)
- Linezolid (Zyvox) like agent: Tedizolid (Sivextro)
-
MMR Vaccine
- Push for adequate Vaccination in those born after 1956 in U.S.
- History of at least 1 dose (2 doses for Primary Series, college students, healthcare workers, high risk travel)
-
GLP-1 Agonist
- More Byetta-like injectable agents (GLP-1 Agonists) for overweight Type II Diabetes Management for additional control
- Tanzeum (Albiglutide) released in 2014
-
Quinolones in children
- Despite cartilage effects in study young dogs, no strong evidence of similar effects in children (followed for 5 years)
- May be considered in for specific infections (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) or resistant infections (e.g. Pneumonia, Sinusitis)
- Transient myalgias and Arthralgias may occur (however Quinolone induced Tendinopathy is rare in children)
-
Benzodiazepines
- Updated Benzodiazepine risks of misuse and abuse
- Documented a specific taper schedule
- Consolidated Benzodiazepine Abuse and Benzodiazepine Overdose
-
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP
- Updated strategies to improve compliance
-
Onychomycosis
- Efinaconazole (Jublia) 10%
- Topical agent for Onychomycosis that appears more effective than Penlac, but less effective than oral agents
- Very expensive ($450 per large Toenail per 6 weeks)
- Efinaconazole (Jublia) 10%
- Antibiotic Drug Interactions and adverse effects
- Updated Osteomyelitis oral Antibiotics: Quinolones, Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole (Septra), Rifampin and Linezolid
-
Tramadol
- Will be reclassified as FDA Schedule IV Opioid in United States as of August 2014
-
Hospice
- Updated Emergency Department approach based on Pediatric Hospice article
VII. Updates: July 2014
-
Hip Fracture
- Updated Hip Fracture
- Vomiting in Pregnancy
- Local Skin Anesthesia
-
Ectopic Pregnancy
- Updated the diagnostic approach
-
Pain Management at the End of Life
- Updated the approach to pain management in terminally ill patients
-
Motion Sickness
- Extensive update on prevention and management
-
Cardiac Arrest and Antibiotics
- Following ROSC, consider Blood Cultures and broad spectrum Antibiotics
- Bacteremia has been identified in up to 38% of ROSC cases (postulated Sepsis as underlying Cardiac Arrest etiology in these cases)
-
Bronchiolitis
- Update including an approach to rapid disposition in the emergency department
- Emphasis on the simple (frequent Nasal Saline and suctioning, followed by a trial of Albuterol)
-
Wide Complex Tachycardia
- Assume Wide Complex Tachycardia is Ventricular Tachycardia (not SVT with aberrancy)
- Algorithms (e.g. Griffith, Brugada, Bayesian) to distinguish Ventricular Tachycardia from SVT with aberrancy (or RBBB) have miss rates of 6-7% at best
- Consequence of treating Ventricular Tachycardia as SVT (e.g. with Calcium Channel Blocker) can be lethal
-
Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis
- Added Shared Decision Making protocol in Pulmonary Embolism Low Probability Evaluation AND D-Dimer 0.5 to 1.0
-
Pediatric Sepsis
- Updated pressor indications and protocol
-
Emergency Psychiatric Evaluation
- Extensive updates to Mental Status Exam and suicidal risk
-
Emergency Management of Asthma Exacerbation
- Updated management, highlighting the most beneficial interventions
-
Nephrolithiasis Imaging
- Updated with additional precautions related to CT-associated Radiation Exposure
- Added approaches that minimize ionizing radiation exposure
-
Low Risk Chest Pain
- Added Vancouver Chest Pain Rule to help triage patients to an earlier disposition
-
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
- Extensive update of LVAD related emergencies
-
Fever in the Returning Traveler
- Updates to overall approach including specific updates to Malaria, Leptospirosis, Dengue Fever, Typhoid Fever
-
Evzio
- Naloxone Auto-Injector for treatment of home Opioid Overdoses
-
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- Coronavirus similar to the virus associated with SARS
-
Acetaminophen and pregnancy
- Yes, it is still safe in pregnancy (despite very weak associations with ADHD in one study)
- Antidepressant Selection
- Use of ARBs after Angioedema with ACE Inhibitor
- Bradykinin related reaction (not allergic) that recurs with ARBs in 2% of patients who had Angioedema on ACE Inhibitor
- Do not use ARB if ACE inhibitor Induced Angioedema was severe
- Precautions given to patient to stop ARB immediately and seak emergency care for signs of Angioedema recurrence
- Wait at least 4 weeks between stopping ACE Inhibitor and starting ARB
- (2013) J Allergy Clin Immunol 131:1491-3 [PubMed]
-
Insulin-Related Errors
- Added approach to preventing Insulin-Related Errors
-
Tinea Versicolor
- Updated Tinea Versicolor including recommendations to avoid oral Ketoconazole
-
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis
- Updated
- Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist agents for Insomnia (e.g. Ambien, Lunesta)
- Pediatric Constipation
- Pleural Effusion
- Fever of Unknown Origin
VIII. Updates: June 2014
-
Splenic Injury
- Added Splenic Injury management with grading and a management protocol
- Spinal Cord Syndromes
-
Delirium
- Added the CAM-S (Confusion Assessment Method Short Form)
-
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
- Updated an approach to Nonphysiologic Neonatal Jaundice and the Risk Score for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
- Updated Bilirubin Encephalopathy and Neonatal Bilirubin
- Salivary Gland Update
-
Tuberculosis
- Updated Tuberculosis Risk Factors (Tuberculosis Screening Indications)
- Added Tuberculosis Risk Factors for progression from Latent to Active Disease (Latent Tuberculosis Treatment Indications)
- Added Tuberculosis Related Chest XRay Changes
- Updated Tuberculosis Testing (including TST/PPD and IGRA)
- Updated Latent Tuberculosis Treatment
- Choosing Wisely Campaign
-
NMDA Receptor Antibody Encephalitis (NMDARE)
- NMDA Receptor Antibody Encephalitis occurs in patients under age 30 years (especially women with Ovarian Teratomas)
- NMDARE appears to be more common than HSV Encephalitis in young patients
-
Procedural Sedation pearls
- Emergency Department Procedures can be performed safely under sedation despite recent meals
- End-Tidal CO2 reduces Hypoxia risk by 10-20%
- Asthma Exacerbation Management in the ER (C0349790)
- Asthma Exacerbation
-
Spasmodic Cough
- Added causes
-
Bronchiolitis
- Various updates included nasal cpap for severe Bronchiolitis
-
Marijuana update
- Concentrated Hemp Oil (THC Wax and THC Honey Oil) and butane related explosions
-
Cardiac Arrest
- Guidelines for Emergency Cardiovascular Care remain unchanged (Epinephrine is still standard of care)
- However, Epinephrine updated with a summary of research in Cardiac Arrest that calls its benefit in Cardiac Arrest into question
-
Neurologic Exam
- Added Corneal Reflex and Optical Reflex (Orbicularis Oculi Reflex)
- Added Finger-Nose-Finger
-
Trauma in Pregnancy
- Updated Trauma in Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure in Pregnancy
-
Abdominal Pain in Older Adults
- Updated Abdominal Pain in Older Adults
-
Acute Knee Pain
- Added Knee Dislocation, Tibial Plateau Fracture
- Updated Patella Fracture
-
E-Cigarette (Electronic Cigarette)
- Added including associated toxicity and its management
-
Pneumothorax
- Added guidelines for return to air travel after Pneumothorax
-
Delayed Sequence Intubation
- Updated with additional clarification
-
ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
- Precautions and monitoring in Chronic Kidney Disease
-
DVT Prophylaxis
- Apixiban and Rivaroxaban in DVT Prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty
- Drug Dosing in Chronic Kidney Disease
-
Insulin Dosing in Type 2 Diabetes
- Updated Advancing Basal/Bolus Dosing in Type II Diabetes
-
Oral Contraceptive
- Updated the missed pill protocol
-
Antepartum Depression
- Avoid Paroxetine in pregnancy and avoid Fluoxetine in Lactation
- Sertraline (Zoloft) is still safe (and much safer than untreated depression) throughout pregnancy and Lactation
-
Medication Compliance
- Not all medications should be placed in Pillboxes
- Sublingual, orally disintegrating medications and other medications may be degraded by moisture and light
- Allergy Immunotherapy
- Sublingual Immunotherapy for grass and ragweed allergy (Grastek, Oralair, Ragwitek) to the rescue for those with needle Phobia
-
Bacterial Otitis Externa
- Cortisporin suspension is now contraindicated if TM Perforation
- Aurodex should be avoided under age 2 years (methhemoglobinemia risk) and with caution in others (Contact Dermatitis risk)
- Noninvasive Blood Gas monitoring
- Updated Oxygen Saturation
- Added End-Tidal CO2 (Capnography)
- Added Colorimetric Capnometry
- Cardiac Physiology
- Added Preload, Afterload, Blood Volume and Cardiac Output (and Stroke Volume), and Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
- Added Delayed Tachycardia
-
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Added Trauma Team Activation (TTA) protocols, Trauma Triage in the Field protocols and Trauma Center Levels
- Updated Trauma Primary Survey and Trauma Secondary Survey
- Updated Primary Survey Airway Evaluation, Primary Survey Breathing Evaluation, Primary Survey Circulation Evaluation
- Updated Primary Survey Disability Evaluation, Primary Survey Exposure Evaluation
- Updated Diagnostic Testing in Trauma and EKG monitoring in Trauma
- Updated Hemorrhagic Shock and Fluid Resuscitation in Trauma
- Updated Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumothorax and Needle Thoracentesis
- Updated Esophageal Rupture and added Hamman's Crunch
- Added Trauma in the Elderly
IX. Updates: May 2014
-
Unintentional Weight Loss in the elderly
- Updated causes and a rational approach
- Pediatric Arrhythmias
- Reviewed Supraventricular Tachycardia in children
- Practical approach to Vagal Maneuvers
- Practical approach to pediatric SVT chemical and electrical cardioversion
-
Skin Abscess management
- Further evidence for Incision and Drainage without packing and primary loose closure
- Standard packing is still recommended for larger abscesses (>5 cm) and those in Immunocompromised patients
-
Leukemia
- Significant update to Leukemia, Acute Leukemia (AML and ALL), Chronic Leukemia (CML, CLL) including surveillance
-
Scrotal Masses
- Updates to Scrotal Pain and Scrotal Masses and an overall approach
-
Pediatric Appendicitis Pathway
- Combines the Pediatric Appendicitis Score with Appendix Ultrasound for a reasonable Appendicitis approach in children
-
Procedural Sedation
- Update on assorted issues in Procedural Sedation
- Per ACEP, recent food intake is not a contraindication to Procedural Sedation
-
Intraosseous Access
- Labs drawn via IO that are reliable (on i-stat): Serum Sodium, Serum Calcium, Serum Glucose, Serum Bicarbonate (and Base Excess)
-
Phlegmasia (Milk Leg)
- Just when I thought DVT was not typically acutely painful, I learn of ileo-femoral vein obstruction
- Add Phlegmasia Alba Dolens and Phegmasia Cerulea Dolens to the differential of the painful lower extremity
- MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy)
-
Shoulder Pain
- Updated various aspects of Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Exam, Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Injection
-
Pneumothorax management
- Small Caliber Chest Tubes are as effective and significantly less painful than standard Chest Tubes in Pneumothorax
- Outside of Hemothorax (or hemopneumothorax), Small Caliber Chest Tubes appear safe in uncomplicated Traumatic Pneumothorax
-
Atrial Fibrillation Anticoagulation
- Added the CHADS2-VASc Score - as a more accurate scoring system then the CHADS2 score
- Cerebrovasacular Accident
- Significant update
- Added Hemorrhagic CVA and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
- Updated Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Updated ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident
- Updated CVA Thrombolysis
-
Central Line Placement
- Focus on updating Ultrasound-guided Central Line Placement and on site selection (with links to 4 online demonstration videos)
-
Gallstones
- Extensive updates to Cholelithiasis, Biliary Colic, Acute Cholecystitis, Choledocholithiasis, Ascending Cholangitis
-
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
- Numerous complications with more than 50% of patients requiring repeat surgery and 75% who would not choose the procedure again
-
Parasitic Infection
- Added and updated information about Chagas Disease, Neurocysticercosis, Toxocariasis and Toxoplasmosis
- Medications (assorted pearls)
X. Updates: April 2014
- Overhead Athlete Injuries
- In addition to updating the common SLAP Lesions and labral tears, SICK Scapula Syndrome and PASTA Injury are added
-
Emergency Contraception
- Multiple effective options: Levonorgestrel only, combination Oral Contraceptives, Ulipristal and Copper T IUD
- Levonorgestrel is over the counter for all ages (and behind the counter for generic)
-
Pericarditis
- Updated focusing on diagnosis, distinguishing findings and specific management strategies
-
Cirrhosis (or other End-stage liver disease) and Coagulopathy
- End-stage liver disease patients have mixed Coagulation Disorders (both hypocoagulable and Hypercoagulable)
- INR is a poor marker for bleeding risk in liver failure
- In active bleeding, consider Cryoprecipitate 10 units for Fibrinogen <150 mg/dl, and Platelet Transfusion for Platelet Count <50,000
- Addison Disease
- Substantial update including diagnostic approach and management
- Medicolegal updates
- Safer Patient Signouts with the SIGNOUT Mnemonic
- Updated Risk Management and Against Medical Advice
-
Acute Renal Failure, Chronic Renal Failure updates
- Updates included Emergency Care in ESRD and Dialysis-Related Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
-
Atrial Fibrillation
- Extensive updates with additional protocols and reorganization of the material
- Surprised by the Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion precautions (e.g. risk of Thromboembolism for under 48 hours duration)
- I am interested in the Ottawa Aggressive Protocol in Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion
-
Severe Hypertension
- Asymptomatic Severe Hypertension does not require emergency management (modify oral management and arrange close follow-up)
-
Intertrigo
- Evaluation and management including extended differential diagnosis
-
Acute Limb Ischemia
- Updated the overall approach
-
Hyperkalemia Management
- Expanded evaluation and management
-
Peritonsillar Abscess
- Pearls to Peritonsillar Abscess aspiration
- Diabetes Management
- Updated the overall approach to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as well as Diabetes Mellitus Glucose Management, and preventive strategies
-
Pelvic Fracture
- Hemorrhage Management strategy
- Post-Intubation Sedation
- Propofol and Fentanyl infusions are appropriate for all but the most severe, refractory Hypotension
-
Therapeutic Hypothermia (post-arrest)
- Target Temperature of 36 C may be as beneficial as 33 C (and with lower risk of complications such as Arrhythmia)
-
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Prolonged use in pregnancy may be associated with ADHD in children
-
Dexamethasone in Asthma
- Dexamethasone 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg/day PO/IV/IM up to 15 mg for 1-2 days is equivalent to Predisolone for a longer course in Asthma Exacerbation
-
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
- Updated and reorganized
-
Digoxin
- Updated dosing regimens, precautions
-
Cerebrovascular Accident Risk in Women
- Also updated medications in Pregnancy Related Hypertension
-
Stress Ulcer prophylaxis (in the ICU)
- High risk ICU patients have a 25% risk of Stress Ulcer related GI Bleeding
- Protocols may revert to H2 Blockers (over PPIs) for prophylaxis agent of choice (fewer adverse effects, ?similar efficacy)
-
Elbow Pain
- Added differential diagnosis of Elbow Pain by location
- Added Distal Biceps Tendinopathy, Elbow UCL Injury (and related tests Elbow Moving Valgus Stress Test, Elbow Milking Test)
- Expanded Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis, Ulnar Tunnel, Radial Tunnel, Elbow Osteochondritis Dissecans, Olecranon Bursitis
-
Health Care of the Homeless
- An approach to medical care of a homeless patients
- This adds to the list of Health Maintenance topics focusing on the directed care of a specific population
-
Chronic Daily Headache
- Expanded the evaluation, differential diagnosis and management of Chronic Daily Headache
- Added topics related to the brief Headache syndromes and Cluster Headache like conditions seen in Chronic Daily Headache
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Pancreatic Cancer
- Updated approach
- Dietary Potassium
XI. Updates: March 2014
- Images added
- Miscellaneous updates
- Dacryocystitis and Dacryoadenitis
- NEXUS Criteria and the distracting injury defined
- Emergency Medicine Links
-
Secondary Trauma Survey (ATLS)
- Modified Mantra: Fingers and tubes in every orifice has changed to applying selective Rectal Exams and Nasogastric Tubes
- Added how to perform a bedside Retrograde Urethrogram when Urethral Trauma is suspected
-
Incision and Drainage
- Irrigate abscesses with saline
- Gently pack (NOT tightly) larger Skin Abscesses (or loop a penrose drain)
- Culture only if Antibiotics used and then only use Antibiotics for Cellulitis, Immunocompromised patient, Diabetes Mellitus
-
Cerebrovascular Accident in Children
- Pediatric CVAs are rare (3-15 out of 100k), but they are devastating, and TPA has been used
-
Epistaxis management
- Topical Tranexamic Acid (IV form) applied topically to nasal septum via inserted cotton pledgets appears effective in refractory bleeding
-
Dog Bite wounds
- Primary closure within 8 hours of wound is safe at all sites
- For primary versus secondary closure, infection rates are similar (6-9%) but cosmetic results are significantly better for primary closure
- Antibiotics are indicated if primary closure is performed and for all hand wounds (as well as other indications per clinical assessment)
-
Dysmenorrhea
- The management remains largely unchanged
- Fleshed out the overall step-wise approach and differential diagnosis
-
Sleep Problems in Children
- Updated Night Awakening in Infants, Night Terrors and Nightmares, Parasomnias (e.g. Sleep Walking) and Pediatric Insomnia
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
- Updated the Sleep Stimulus Control and Sleep Restriction Therapy topics
- Based this on a CBT-I course I attended in Minneapolis in 2012 (by Drs Perlis and Schmitz)
-
Pulmonary Function Tests
- Updated the step by step interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests
- Added the new approach per ATS of incorporating Spirometry Lower Limit of Normal (far more accurate than GOLD Criteria)
- Added Exercise Spirometry as well as the root nodes for Obstructive Lung Disease and Restrictive Lung Disease (with causes)
-
Spinal Epidural Abscess
- Keep a high index of suspicion, especially in IV Drug Abuse and Immunocompromised patients
- Fever may occur in as few as 30% of cases
- Neurologic deficits are common, but may initially be subtle
-
Neck Masses in Children
- Highlighted an approach to evaluation and management
- Expanded the Lymphadenopathy of the Head and Neck list of causes
-
Mononucleosis
- Overall update including an in depth look at complications
- Incredible (and scary) that more than half of Splenic Ruptures in Mononucleosis are spontaneous (no Trauma)
-
Urine Drug Screen
- Updated False Positives and times for detection
-
Clostridium difficile
- General update on management
-
Elder Abuse
- Common and commony missed (as with Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse)
-
Musculoskeletal Injury
- Added Contusion and updated Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain
-
Intrauterine Devices
- Updated with newer devices (e.g. Skyla) and guidelines
- Miscellaneous Topics
- Green tea Drug Interactions
- Urine drug testing update
- Childhood Poisoning update
XII. Updates: February 2014
-
Hypokalemia
- Cleaned up causes and links
- CPAP and BIPAP
- Procedural Sedation and Induction agents
-
Chest XRay Interpretation
- Updated the systematic approach
-
Cyanosis
- Cyanosis will be absent until 5 g/dl Hemoglobin is desaturated (and therefore anemic patients will not typically appear cyanotic)
-
Community Acquired Pneumonia
- Updated with the IDSA/ATA guidelines for which tests are indicated in Community Acquired Pneumonia
-
Shoulder Dislocation
- Pre-reduction XRay is not needed in low energy mechanisms and classic anterior dislocation (obtain post-reduction films in all cases)
-
Acute Diarrhea
- Extensive updates of Acute Diarrhea and its causes
-
Bell's Palsy
- Corticosteroids are still a mainstay, but Antiviral Agents (e.g. Valtrex) are not
-
Scoliosis
- With skeletal immaturity (Risser Grade<4-5) Xrays every 6 months for Cobb Angle >20 degrees, bracing at 25 degrees, surgery at 40 degrees
- Watch for the red flags (S Curve - convex left thoracic curve, severe pain, spinal disraphism, Neurofibromatosis)
-
Exertional Syncope
- Syncope during Exercise is transient sudden death in contrast to Syncope after Exercise which is typically benign (e.g. Vasovagal Syncope)
-
Advanced Directives in the Emergency Department
- A protocol for family discussions at the end of life
-
Prenatal Care
- Guidelines on Nutrition in Pregnancy, Teratogen Exposure, Quad Screen and Prenatal Visits
-
Low Risk Chest Pain
- Protocol updated
-
Hypertension Criteria
- JNC-8 moves the goal line for Hypertension Management again
- Aim for BP <140/90 in age under age 60, or in renal disease or Diabetes Mellitus under age 80, otherwise BP <150/90
- Emergency Management of Asthma Exacerbation
-
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (CART) is constantly changing as well as its indications (earlier start)
- HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis (long-term) is being offered to high risk patients
- HIV Screening has evolved to fourth generation testing (more sensitive and earlier detection thanks to p24 Antigen testing)
-
HIV Western Blot has largely been replaced for HIV confirmation
- Confirmation is now via Multispot and HIV 1 Nucleic Acid amplification test (NAAT) for HIV RNA Viral Activity
- Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy
- Miscellaneous general topic review updates
- Soft tissue injuries and Lacerations
- Headaches
- Cervical Spine Injury
- Viral Exanthems
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Musculoskeletal Injury
- Cerebrovascular Accident and TIA
- QRS Axis (as well as Left Axis Deviation and Right Axis Deviation)
- Pacemaker and Cardiac Resynchronization Implantable Device indications
XIII. Updates: January 2014
- Penetrating Injury (e.g. Gunshot Wound)
- Reviewed the topic in general, prompted after learning of the Arterial Pressure Index (API) in extremity Gunshot Wounds
-
Spine Board Clearance
- Remove Spine Boards within 20 minutes of ED arrival and maintain spinal precautions until fully cleared by history, exam and imaging
-
Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction
- Courtesy and compassion, listening and lay speak, get started early and come back often
-
Vital Signs
- Review and explain Vital Signs at presentation, throughout encounter and at discharge
-
Encounter Documentation (with medical-legal pearls)
- Updated E/M History Criteria and fleshed out a comprehensive Review of Systems
-
Skull Fracture
- Fleshed out the basic approach to Skull Fracture
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Assorted updates including Esophageal Foreign Body and Radiopaque Foreign Body
- Eye Conditions
- Assorted updates including added Slit Lamp exam
-
Interstitial Infiltrate (includes Kerley B Lines)
- Updated as a side effect of updating CHF diagnosis
- Refresher on an approach to lung infiltrates (are they interstitial or are they alveolar?)
-
Chest XRay in Congestive Heart Failure
- A hole is filled in my Medical Education: The three stages of CHF progression on Chest XRay
- Pediatric Emergency Care
-
Accidental Hypothermia Management
- ECMO is preferred management for severe Hypothermia (<28 C) or severe Cardiac Dysrhythmia (e.g. Asystole)
-
Workplace Injury
- Early return to work is ideal - of those off work due to restriction for >3 months, only 50% return to regular employment
- Low Back Pain treated early with Opioids is associated with prolonged use of Opioids, longer recovery period and higher surgery rate
-
Anaphylaxis Management
- Epinephrine drip preparation and indications
-
Cellulitis Management
- An emergency department protocol
-
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Trauma patient (and bleeding risk at core Temperatures <35 C or 95 F)
- Primary Survey Breathing Evaluation and what to do for ventilations when a mechanically ventilated patient has a Cardiac Arrest
-
Hip Exam
- Expanded on examination tools and Hip Pain Differential Diagnosis and added multiple images for various Hip Exam components
-
Child Abuse (Non-accidental Trauma)
- Consider every injury and illness in a child in the context of the reported history and mechanism
- Child Abuse is a commonly missed diagnosis (30% of abusive head injuries, 20% of abusive Fractures)
- Identify Child Abuse early, when it is still associated with minor injury
-
Noonan Syndrome
- Similar Phenotype to Turner Syndrome, but with a normal karyotype and not limited to females
- Delayed diagnosis (or never diagnosed) is typical at the risk of missing serious associated conditions (e.g. Congenital Heart Disease)
-
Neonatal Resuscitation
- Three core questions to determine if Resuscitation is indicated: Term? Breathing? Tone?
- Only two markers guide resusictation: Respiratory status and Heart Rate
- Only two medications are used in Neonatal Resuscitation: Epinephrine and volume expanders (NS, Blood)
- Ventilations are the single most important measure in Neonatal Resuscitation
- Perineal suctioning for meconium is no longer recommended
- Do not endotracheal suction vigorous infants despite thick meconium presence
- Consider Therapeutic Hypothermia protocol in newborns >36 weeks with developing severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
-
Adolescent Drug Abuse
- Updated individual Drugs of Abuse, Chemical Dependency, Toxin Ingestion
-
Hyperlipidemia Management
- Updated to account for new ACC/AHA 2013 Guidelines
- Statins are the preferred AntiHyperlipidemic and combinations are not recommended in most cases
- Patients are risk stratified to high or low risk Statin dose without the chasing of specific LDL Cholesterol goals
- Framingham calculator is replaced with a new 10 year Cardiovascular Risk calculator to help risk stratify (including Statin dosing)
-
COPD Action Plan
- COPD equivalent to an Asthma Action Plan can help prevent COPD admissions
-
Barrett Esophagus
- Guidelines on who with GERD needs upper endoscopy and how often is unchanged
- For those with high grade esophageal dysplasia there are new, less invasive, highly effective treatments
-
Celiac Disease
- Screening protocols continue to change: Now obtain Total IgA and IgA Tissue Transglutaminase (TTG)
-
Tinnitus
- Red flags include unilateral Tinnitus (Acoustic Neuroma), low pitched Tinnitus (Meniere Disease) and pulsatile Tinnitus (vascular lesions)
- Audiometry in most patients (especially if >3 weeks of symptoms)
- MRI Brain with contrast (and including IAC) for focal neurologic deficits, persistent unilateral Tinnitus
- Medication precautions
- Ondansetron
- May be associated with Congenital Heart Defects and Cleft Palate when used in first trimester (e.g. Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
- The first-line Antiemetic in the emergency department (but can also cause Serotonin Syndrome and QT Prolongation)
- Emergency Contraception
- Levonorgestrel (Morning After Pill) has decreased efficacy in women over 165 pounds and is ineffective over 175 pounds
- Consider Ella (Ulipristal) or copper IUD Placement within 5 days of intercourse for obese women who want Emergency Contraception
- Clarithromycin
- Increases Calcium Channel Blocker levels (via CYP3A4 inhibition) and cause Hypotension and Acute Kidney Injury (especially over age 65 years)
- Ondansetron