POCUS-first in acute diverticulitis: Quantifying cost savings, length-of-stay reduction, and radiation risk mitigation in the ED.

Background: Recent studies have validated the efficacy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) as an alternative diagnostic imaging approach to computed tomography (CT) for patients with suspected acute diverticulitis. This study aimed to quantify the national impact of this approach in cost savings, ED length-of-stay (LOS), and radiation risk mitigation using a POCUS-first approach for acute diverticulitis in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: Using published data, we constructed a Monte Carlo simulation model to compare two POCUS-first strategies (nonselective and selective approaches) for evaluating patients with suspected acute diverticulitis in the ED.

Association of binge alcohol use with functional outcomes among individuals with COVID-19 infection.

Aims: Alcohol consumption along with negative sequelae from excess alcohol intake increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the association between binge alcohol use and long-term functional outcomes among COVID-19-positive individuals.

Methods: Using a prospective, longitudinal, multisite cohort study design, we evaluated the association between binge alcohol use and mental and physical functional outcomes using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 scores three and six months postinfection.

Fibrinolytic uses in the emergency department: a narrative review.

Introduction: Several life-threatening conditions associated with thrombosis include acute ischemic stroke (AIS), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Fibrinolytics are among the treatment algorithms for these conditions.

Objective: This narrative review provides emergency clinicians with an overview of fibrinolytics for AIS, AMI, and PE in the emergency department (ED) setting.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital presentations in adults with gastrointestinal infections at a tertiary centre in Australia.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the enactment of substantial public health measures aimed at reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses. The impact of these measures on gastrointestinal (GI) infections remains unexplored.

Aims: To determine whether there was a change in the number of patients presenting to The Royal Melbourne Hospital with GI infections during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the year prior.