

February 2024; papers of the month
11 snips Feb 1, 2024
Exploring papers on syncope management in the ED, transfusion thresholds in MI, and predictors of post-intubation hypotension. Discussing adherence to guidelines, liberal vs restrictive transfusion strategies, and factors influencing hypotension post-trauma. Intriguing insights on patient care and potential interventions.
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Honeymoon Cyclone Story
- Rob Hemwick joked about surviving a cyclone while on honeymoon and drinking from his minibar.
- The hosts used this to lighten the episode before the clinical discussion.
Syncope Shows Wide Risk Spectrum
- Syncope presents a wide risk spectrum from benign to life-threatening and is hard to triage by history alone.
- ESC guidance gives structured assessment but translating that into discharge decisions remains challenging in practice.
European Snapshot Reveals Practice Variation
- A European prospective cohort of 952 syncopal patients found 1% ED prevalence and 40% admission rate with wide inter-country variation.
- Troponin was measured in 51% and D-dimer in 20%, showing inconsistent testing patterns versus ESC guidance.