Combining clinical risk with D-dimer testing to rule out deep vein thrombosis.

We sought to determine whether the combination of low-intermediate clinical risk of acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and negative ELISA D-dimer assay can eliminate the need for duplex ultrasonography. Three hundred thirty-six patients prospectively underwent clinical risk stratification (low, intermediate, and high), D-dimer testing, and duplex ultrasonography. Thirteen of 145 intermediate-risk patients had acute DVT; 11 (85%) had a positive D-dimer.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among urban ED patients: prevalence and patterns.

Introduction: High rates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use are well documented in the general population without clear clinical benefits. Published studies examining prevalence and patterns of CAM use in emergency patients, however, are limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and patterns of CAM use in urban ED patients.