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David A Jerrard

Publications and source records attributed to David A Jerrard.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Synovial fluid analysis.

AsA prompt and accurate diagnosis of a painful, swollen joint is imperative, primarily in the case of a septic joint, as delayed therapy may result in progression of disease or permanent loss of function. Procurement and analysis of synovial fluid (SF) are paramount in helping the clinician to determine a patient's clinical condition and further course of treatment. Measurement of white blood cell (WBC) counts, crystal analysis by polarized microscopy, and microbiologic studies including Gram stain and culture are the SF parameters that are collectively most important in the ultimate determination by a clinician of the presence or absence of an infectious or inflammatory joint. It is important for the clinician to understand and recognize the limitations of various SF parameters to minimize under-treating patients with potentially serious joint pathology.

Arthritis↗
PubMed2004

The use of rabies immune globulin by emergency physicians.

We sought to determine the incidence of practice patterns by emergency physicians that are non-compliant with present day World Health Organization recommendations regarding the administration of rabies immune globulin (RIG) in the prophylaxis of rabies. Of the 110 patients receiving RIG for rabies-prone wounds, 46 patients (41.8%; 95% CI 32-51.6%) were felt to have received the immunoglobulin in improper amounts at the bite site. In 43 of these 46 patients (92.8%; 95% CI 81.1-98.3%), there was a physician-written order on the chart directing the RIG be given in the older 50:50 method (one-half at the bite site, one-half elsewhere). Large numbers of patients still receive RIG inappropriately according to World Health Organization guidelines and more recently issued recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Treatment failures have been felt to occur secondary to inadequate RIG levels in wounds prophylaxed using the outdated recommendation. Emergency physicians need to be well versed and up to date with newer guidelines when prophylaxing patients for possible rabies exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Environmental insults: smoke inhalation, submersion, diving, and high altitude.

In the expanding search for recreation, we spend more and more of our time in various environments. Whether the air is thin or compressed or smoke-filled or there is no air at all, emergency physicians continue to meet and treat the various pulmonary emergencies that the environment may create. The authors present the background, diagnosis, and management of a few of the more common pulmonary emergencies that the environment may produce.

Altitude Sickness↗
PubMed2002

Malaria: a rising incidence in the United States.

Malaria is frequently a deadly disease, particularly in tropical countries of the world where this protozoan infection is endemic. While physicians in tropical countries are familiar with the presentation, those who do not practice in endemic regions of the world may neglect to add tropical diseases to their differential diagnosis of fever. Epidemiologic data from the CDC show the number of cases of malaria being diagnosed in the United States in the last decade has risen sharply. With international travel continuing to rise, there is strong reason to consider malaria as a source of fever.

Antimalarials↗