PE in pregnancy: which diagnostic tests do you use?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a deadly disease and one of the most challenging diagnosis to make in a pregnant patient. Patients may present with signs and symptoms that might also be present in a normal uncomplicated pregnancy. Even in nonpregnant patients, the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) such as PE can be quite challenging.

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By Javier Benitez, MD|2017-03-05T14:18:48-08:00Mar 6, 2013|Cardiovascular, Ob/Gyn, Pulmonary|

Patwari Academy videos: Trauma primary and secondary survey

What’s the primary and secondary survey in the assessment of the trauma patient? This is a great review of the methodical approach and insight in the thought processes by Dr. Rahul Patwari.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2019-01-28T22:04:30-08:00Mar 3, 2013|Patwari Videos, Trauma|

PV card: Bell’s Palsy Treatment

Bell’s Palsy is an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis.

Since the 2009 Cochrane review¹ showing that antivirals added no benefit to corticosteroids in Bell’s Palsy, I stopped prescribing them. The NNT.com site has concluded the same. Looking at the literature a little more, the recommendations are a little murkier. Some groups are still advocating for antivirals for severe cases, because there may be a very small but questionably positive benefit.

“Because of the possibility of a modest increase in recovery, patients might be offered antivirals (in addition to steroids) (Level C). Patients offered antivirals should be counseled that a benefit from antivirals has not been established, and, if there is a benefit, it is likely that it is modest at best”²
UpToDate: “For the subgroup of patients with severe facial palsy at presentation, defined as House-Brackmann grade IV or higher, we suggest early combined therapy with prednisone (60 to 80 mg per day) plus valacyclovir (1000 mg three times daily) for one week rather than glucocorticoids alone (Grade 2B).”
“The authors conclude that although a strong recommendation for adding antiviral agents to corticosteroids to further improve the recovery of patients with severe Bell palsy is precluded by the lack of robust evidence, it should be discussed with the patient.”³
“Antiviral agents, when administered with corticosteroids, may be associated with additional benefit.”⁴

PV Card: Treatment of Bell’s Palsy

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Adapted from [1, 2, 4]
Go to ALiEM (PV) Cards for more resources.

Thanks to Dr. Kristin Berona (UCSF-SFGH EM resident) for the idea and notes!

References

Lockhart P, Daly F, Pitkethly M, Comerford N, Sullivan F. Antiviral treatment for Bell’s palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD001869. [PubMed]
Gronseth G, Paduga R, American A. Evidence-based guideline update: steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2012;79(22):2209-2213. [PubMed]
van der, Rovers M, de R, van der. A small effect of adding antiviral agents in treating patients with severe Bell palsy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012;146(3):353-357. [PubMed]
de A, Al K, Guyatt G, et al. Combined corticosteroid and antiviral treatment for Bell palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2009;302(9):985-993. [PubMed]

By Michelle Lin, MD|2021-10-08T09:23:49-07:00Feb 21, 2013|ALiEM Cards, Neurology|

Trick of the Trade: Recognizing eyedrop bottles by color

Have you ever wondered why prescription eyedrops have different color bottle caps? Did you know that the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has a policy to color-code topical ocular medication bottles caps?

Why was this needed?

“The Academy’s policy on color coding of eyedrop drug caps was prompted by reports to the Academy and the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects of serious adverse events resulting from patient difficulty in distinguishing between various ocular medications. With input from the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Academy’s Committee on Drugs developed a uniform color-coding system.” — AAO policy statement

This totally makes sense. I would think the highest-risk population to mix up medications are those with vision problems. The colors help serve as an safeguard against error.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2016-11-11T18:41:10-08:00Feb 12, 2013|Ophthalmology, Tricks of the Trade|

When would you obtain a CT for a pediatric patient who sustained a head injury? Watch this nice 11-minute video review by Dr. Raul Patwari, discussing the 2009 Lancet PECARN study.

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By Michelle Lin, MD|2019-02-19T18:07:48-08:00Feb 10, 2013|Orthopedic, Patwari Videos, Pediatrics, Radiology|

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) as an Adjunct to Benzodiazepines for Ethanol Withdrawal

Sometimes a question is posed on Twitter that generates a great discussion from colleagues ’round the globe. Such was the case for dexmedetomidine. Although benzodiazepines remain the standard of treatment for ethanol withdrawal, particularly seizures and delirium tremens, what’s all the hype about dexmedetomidine?