The Potential Role of Ultrasound in the Work-up of Appendicitis in the Emergency Department.

Background: Acute appendicitis is common in the adult emergency department (ED). Computed tomography (CT) scan is frequently used to diagnose this condition, but ultrasound (US)-commonly used in pediatric diagnosis-may also have a role.

Objectives: Review the clinical utility and define the frequency and diagnostic accuracy of US to diagnose appendicitis in an adult population in the ED setting.

The Absence of Fever Is Associated With Higher Mortality and Decreased Antibiotic and IV Fluid Administration in Emergency Department Patients With Suspected Septic Shock.

Objective: This study evaluates whether emergency department septic shock patients without a fever (reported or measured) receive less IV fluids, have decreased antibiotic administration, and suffer increased in-hospital mortality.

Design: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational study of patients with shock.

Setting: The study was conducted in an urban, academic emergency department.

Assessing The Predictive Value of Clinical Factors Used to Determine The Presence of Sepsis Causing Shock in the Emergency Department.

Introduction: Differentiating shock etiologies is a challenging task in the Emergency Department (ED); even the strongest clinical predictors leave some diagnostic uncertainty. This study sought to establish an evidence base for using clinical covariates in the diagnostic evaluation of septic shock.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of consecutive ED patients with shock from November 11, 2012 to September 23, 2013.