Obesity as a Predictor for Pulmonary Embolism and Performance of the Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Strategy in Obese Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism.

Introduction:  Obesity is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, but studies evaluating its association with pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with suspected PE are lacking.

Objectives:  To evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) and obesity (i.e.

Recovery of right ventricular function after intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: results from the multicentre Pulmonary Embolism International Trial (PEITHO)-2.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function plays a critical role in the pathophysiology and acute prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We analyzed the temporal changes of RV function in the cohort of a prospective multicentre study investigating if an early switch to oral anticoagulation in patients with intermediate-risk PE is effective and safe.

Methods: Echocardiographic and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline (PE diagnosis), 6 days and 6 months.

External validation of the PEGeD diagnostic algorithm for suspected pulmonary embolism in an independent cohort.

Sequential diagnostic algorithms are used in the case of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). The PEGeD study proposed a new diagnostic strategy to reduce the use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). We aimed to externally validate this diagnostic strategy in an independent cohort.

Peer overmarking and insufficient diagnosticity: the impact of the rating method for peer assessment.

The present study explores two rating methods for peer assessment (analytical rating using criteria and comparative judgement) in light of concurrent validity, reliability and insufficient diagnosticity (i.e. the degree to which substandard work is recognised by the peer raters).

Procedural Sedation With Dexmedetomidine in Combination With Ketamine in the Emergency Department.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is an alternative agent for procedural sedation in the emergency department thanks to its ability to maintain hemodynamic and respiratory stability. Dexmedetomidine must, however, be combined with a powerful analgesic.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the quality and safety of procedural sedation using the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine for patients undergoing painful procedures in the emergency department.