The Use of Tranexamic Acid to Reduce the Need for Nasal Packing in Epistaxis (NoPAC): Randomized Controlled Trial
Methodology: 3/5 Usefulness: 3/5 Reuben A, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Feb 18:S0196-0644(20)31461-X. Question and Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing topical tranexamic acid to placebo in patients presenting to the ED with epistaxis...
Computer Based ECG Interpretation: It’s Use in the ED
ECG interpretation is a core and fundamental skill of emergency medicine. Emergency physicians are expected to provide expert ECG interpretation quickly in a busy emergency department environment and initiate emergent and life-saving interventions base on those...
Short-Term Topical Tetracaine Is Highly Efficacious for the Treatment of Pain Caused by Corneal Abrasions: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Methodology: 2/5 Usefulness: 2/5 Shipman S, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Mar;77(3):338-344. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.08.036. Question and Methods: Double blinded RCT comparing tetracaine versus placebo eye drops for 24 hours in the treatment of pain...
Breaking the Brain Code: Elevated ICP in the ED Part 2
In Part 1 of our 2-series on Elevated ICP in the ED, Dr. Hashim Kareemi described the pathophysiology of elevated ICP and compared the options for diagnosis. Click here to review Part 1. In this Part 2 post, Dr. Kareemi takes us through a phased approach to managing...
Association Between Administration of Systemic Corticosteroids and Mortality Among Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A Meta-analysis
Methodology: 4/5 Usefulness: 4/5 WHO Rapid Evidence Appraisal for COVID-19 Therapies (REACT) Working Group, Sterne JAC et al. JAMA. 2020 Oct 6;324(13):1330-1341. Question and Methods: Prospective meta-analysis of 7 RCTs investigating the utility of systemic...
Breaking the Brain Code: Elevated ICP in the ED Part I
This comprehensive, 2-part blog post by Dr. Hashim Kareemi reviews the current literature and guidelines on elevated ICP in the emergeny department. Part 1 reviews the pathophysiology and detrimental effects of sustained elevated ICP, and provides an excellent...
Boiling Point: Approach to Hypertension in th ED
It is not uncommon to see patients present to the Emergency Department with Hypertension. One in 4 Canadians has a diagnosis of hypertension, and chronic hypertension is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life expectancy (which considers for the quality of life...
EMOttawa Podcast Episode 3: Thunderclap Headache
On episode three of the Ottawa EM Podcast, Dr. Rajiv Thavanathan (R5) interviews Dr. Michael Hale (R5), on the ED presentation and diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage in the context of the thunderclap headache. (Click here to access Podcast Main menu) Subarachnoid...
Delayed versus early initiation of renal replacement therapy for severe acute kidney injury: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Methodology: 3.5/5 Usefulness: 2/5 Gaudry S, et al. Lancet. 2020 May 9;395(10235):1506-1515. Question and Methods: Gaudry et al performed a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized control trials to compare the benefits of early versus...
Medical Management of the Patient with Anorexia Nervosa
In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Tetyana Maniuk, a third-year FRCPC Ottawa Emergency Medicine resident summarizes the existing evidence on anorexia and eating disorders specific to the emergency department. Highlighting everything from signs and symptoms to watch out...