The use of rhDNAse in severely ill, non-intubated adult asthmatics refractory to bronchodilators: a pilot study.

Introduction: Mucous plugging is associated with fatal asthma and may have a causative role for non-fatal cases of severe acute asthma. However, mucolytic agents have not been found effective in reversing the obstruction of acute asthma. We test the hypothesis that rhDNAse, an agent that reduces viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with cystic fibrosis, has a therapeutic role in acute asthma.

Factors associated with failure to follow-up at a medical clinic after an ED visit.

Background: Although emergency department (ED) discharge is often based on the presumption of continued care, the reported compliance rate with follow-up appointments is low.

Study Objectives: The objectives of this study are to identify factors associated with missed follow-up appointments from the ED and to assess the ability of clinicians to predict which patients will follow-up.

Methods: Patients without insurance or an outpatient primary care provider (PCP) were given a follow-up clinic appointment before discharge.