EM Quick Hits 51 – Methylene Blue in Septic Shock, TMJ Dislocation, Crohn’s Disease, Analgesia for Renal Colic, Inhaled Steroids for Asthma, Hypocalcemia in Bleeding Trauma Patients
Topics discussed on this podcast include the role of methylene blue in septic shock, techniques for reducing TMJ dislocations, a phenotypic approach to Crohn's disease emergencies, evidence-based analgesics in renal colic, the importance of inhaled steroids for asthma treatment, and the current state of hypocalcemia in bleeding trauma patients.
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Quick takeaways
Methylene blue may be an effective intervention for septic shock by reducing the need for vasoactive agents.
There are two techniques for reducing TMJ dislocations: applying pressure on the coronoid process or using a syringe between the molars.
For Crohn's disease exacerbations, different treatments are recommended based on the type of complication: oral steroids for inflammation, N-G decompression for stricturing, and antibiotics with drainage for penetrating complications.
Deep dives
Methylene blue for septic shock
Methylene blue is being investigated as a potential intervention for septic shock. It inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and restores vaso-regulation, leading to a reduction in the amount and duration of vasoactive agents needed to maintain systemic perfusion. However, the evidence for its use is limited, and larger randomized trials are needed.
Techniques for reducing TMJ dislocations
There are two techniques for reducing TMJ dislocations. The first technique involves applying persistent pressure posteriorly on the coronoid process and pulling anteriorly on the angle of the mandible. The second technique uses a syringe placed between the upper and inferior molars, and the patient rolls the syringe back and forth between the teeth to reduce the dislocation.
Managing exacerbations in Crohn's disease
Exacerbations in Crohn's disease can be inflammatory, stricturing, or penetrating. For inflammatory exacerbations, oral steroids such as prednisone are commonly used. Stricturing exacerbations may require N-G decompression and surgical consultation, with corticosteroids considered in selected cases. For penetrating complications, broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended, with prompt drainage by intervention radiology or surgery as necessary.
Effective analgesia for renal colic
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as first-line treatment for renal colic due to their effectiveness in reducing pain and their lower risk of adverse events compared to opioids. NSAIDs should be prescribed along with a prescription for an oral opioid for breakthrough pain. In patients who cannot take NSAIDs, acetaminophen can be used as an alternative.
Prescribing inhaled steroids for asthma exacerbations
Inhaled steroids are recommended for symptom control in asthma exacerbations. They improve lung function, reduce airway inflammation, and decrease the risk of exacerbation, hospital admission, and exposure to systemic steroids. Emergency physicians should consider prescribing inhaled steroids to patients who are discharged from the emergency department with asthma exacerbations.
Role of calcium in bleeding trauma patients
Bleeding trauma patients are at risk of hypocalcemia due to calcium disturbances caused by bleeding and citrate in blood products. Hypocalcemia can lead to worsened coagulopathy and myocardial contractility. While evidence is limited, it is reasonable to administer calcium after transfusion of two to three units of packed red blood cells in bleeding trauma patients.
On this month's EM Quick Hits podcast: Anand Swaminathan on the role of methylene blue in septic shock, Nour Khatib on jaw dislocation reduction techniques, Hans Rosenberg on a phenotypic approach to Crohn's disease emergencies, Gil Yehudaiff on evidence based analgesics in renal colic, Brit Long on the importance of inhaled steroids for asthma, and Andrew Petrosoniak on the "lethal diamond" in polytrauma patients and the current state of hypocalcemia in bleeding trauma patients...
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