Appropriateness of antibiotic therapy on weekends versus weekdays.

Objectives: To compare the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment prescribed in an emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical centre on weekdays and weekends.

Methods: During a 1 month period, medical charts of 1029 ED visits for patients who were discharged from the ED were reviewed. Data of patients who were discharged with antibiotics were blind evaluated by two infectious disease specialists, and an 'appropriateness score' was given to the antibiotic prescription.

Comparison of ketorolac and diclofenac in the treatment of renal colic.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of ketorolac and diclofenac in the treatment of renal colic.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 57 patients admitted to the emergency room for renal colic, received either 30 mg of ketorolac or 75 mg of diclofenac i.m.

[Malignant epidural cord compression].

Malignant epidural spinal cord compression (MSCC) may appear in 5-10% of adults and 3-5% of children with active malignant disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to prevent irreversible neurological damage below the level of cord compression. Unfortunately such procedures are often subjected to patient and/or doctor delay, when the emergency nature of MSCC is not understood.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and stroke (cerebrovascular accidents) in males and females above and below age 65 on days of different geomagnetic activity levels.

Unlabelled: The goal of this study was to determine whether differences exist in the frequency of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and stroke (cerebrovascular accident) on days of different geomagnetic activity levels. Geomagnetic activity was divided into four levels: quiet (I degree), unsettled (II degree), active (III degree), and stormy (IV degree). Measurements were made according to the six highest hourly geomagnetic parameters, in nanotesla units, over 24 hours.

Israeli ED experience during the Gulf War.

The experience in an emergency department (ED) during the Gulf War in treating casualties referred to the ED soon after each missile attack is reported. Data were gathered within an 8-hour period of each nationwide alert on all patients who presented to the ED with injuries or complaints directly related to the missile attacks of the Tel Aviv area. One hundred three patients presented with symptoms directly related to the missile attacks.