Diagnostic characteristics of S100A8/A9 in a multicenter study of patients with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain.

Objectives: Over the past decade, clinicians have become increasingly reliant on computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of patients with suspected acute appendicitis. To limit the radiation risks and costs of CT, investigators have searched for biomarkers to aid in diagnostic decision-making. We evaluated one such biomarker, calprotectin or S100A8/A9, and determined the diagnostic performance characteristics of a developmental biomarker assay in a multicenter investigation of patients presenting with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain.

Unscheduled returns to the emergency department: an outcome of medical errors?

Background: The causes of unscheduled returns to the emergency department (ED) within 72 hours of discharge are unclear. A study was undertaken to identify factors associated with this quality care indicator.

Methods: 250 cases and 250 controls from the ED were prospectively studied.

Diphenhydramine-induced wide complex dysrhythmia responds to treatment with sodium bicarbonate.

Diphenhydramine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter medications, is often taken in overdose. Toxicity is usually limited to anticholinergic symptoms. However, because diphenhydramine also exhibits type IA sodium channel blockade, cardiac toxicity is also possible.