RAP 71

1) Benzodiazepines vs Barbiturates for Alcohol withdrawal

Review Summary

  • Source: REBEL EM
  • Author: Mary Hamblen, DO
  • Reviewer: Mark Rockwell, MD
4
/ 7
BEEM Rater Scale
5
/ 7
Educational Utility
4
/ 7
Evidence Based Medicine

Takeaway

Phenobarbital is a useful alternative to benzodiazepines for treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal, and shows potential to decrease repeat ED visits in the short term.

2) Pausing chest compressions and its affect on intubation success

Review Summary

  • Source: Resuscitation
  • Authors: Aaron Robinson, MD, Brian Driver, MD, Matthew Prekker, MD, et al.
  • Reviewer: Nick Maleska, MD
4
/ 7
BEEM Rater Scale
3
/ 7
Educational Utility
3
/ 7
Evidence Based Medicine

Takeaway

Pausing CPR does not significantly improve first pass intubation success. 

3) Pediatric hyperkalemia in hemolyzed blood samples

Review Summary

  • Source: EMA
  • Author: Mike Menchine, MD
  • Reviewer: Joe Pasquarella, MD
3
/ 7
BEEM Rater Scale
2
/ 7
Educational Utility
5
/ 7
Evidence Based Medicine

Takeaway

In pediatric patients with hyperkalemia in the setting of hemolysis, true hyperkalemia in patients who are otherwise low-risk for hyperkalemia is rare.

4) Cervical Spine CT in pediatric patients

Review Summary

  • Source: Journal Feed
  • Author: Amanda Mathews
  • Reviewer: Brett Milbrandt, MD
5
/ 7
BEEM Rater Scale
3
/ 7
Educational Utility
4
/ 7
Evidence Based Medicine

Takeaway

You do not need an MRI with awake pediatric patients with normal neuro exam and negative C-spine CT.

5) Fludrocortisone in septic shock

Review Summary

  • Source: Journal Feed
  • Author: Millie Cosse
  • Reviewer: Graci Gorman, MD
4
/ 7
BEEM Rater Scale
6
/ 7
Educational Utility
5
/ 7
Evidence Based Medicine

Takeaway

In this retrospective cohort study, there was a small mortality benefit seen with the addition of fludrocortisone to hydrocortisone in patients with septic shock.