Pharmacological Treatment for Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity.

Background: Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, which affects up to 10% of all acquired brain injury survivors, is characterized by elevated heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature; diaphoresis; and increased posturing. Pharmacological agents that have been studied in the management of this disorder include opiates, γ-aminobutyric acid agents, dopaminergic agents, and β blockers. Although paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity is a relatively common complication after acquired brain injury, there is a paucity of recommendations or comparisons of agents for the management of this disorder.

Comparison of Sepsis-3 Criteria Versus SIRS Criteria in Screening Patients for Sepsis in the Emergency Department.

The objective of our study was to assess the percentage of patients who met qSOFA criteria, SIRS criteria, both, or none of either criterion and received an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for sepsis after admission from the emergency department (ED). This was a single-center retrospective chart review of medical patients admitted through the ED. Patients were included if they were older than 18 years, were admitted to an inpatient unit through the ED, and received antibiotics within 48 hr of admission.