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J A Edlow

Publications and source records attributed to J A Edlow.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Headache in United States emergency departments: demographics, work-up and frequency of pathological diagnoses.

Headache is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED). In order to examine headache work-ups and diagnoses across the USA, we queried a representative sample of adult ED visits (the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey) for the years 1992-2001. Headache accounted for 2.1 million ED visits per year (2.2% of visits). Of the 14% of patients who underwent neuroimaging, 5.5% received a pathological diagnosis. Of the 2% of patients who underwent lumbar puncture, 11% received a pathological diagnosis. On multivariable analysis, a decreased rate of imaging was noted for patients without private insurance [odds ratio (OR) 0.61, confidence interval (CI) 0.44, 0.86] and for those presenting off-hours (OR 0.55, CI 0.39, 0.77). Patients over 50 were more likely to receive a pathological diagnosis (OR 3.3, CI 1.2, 9.3). In conclusion, clinicians should ensure that appropriate work-ups are performed regardless of presentation time or insurance status, and be vigilant in the evaluation of older patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Emergency department management of pulmonary embolism.

There are several points that bear repetition. First, consider the diagnosis of PE in all patients presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, oxygen desaturation, or unexplained hypotension. Evaluate these patients in a rational manner. At any individual hospital, develop algorithms with consultants so that when one is faced with a patient with a PE, the flow of both diagnostics and therapeutics flows smoothly and rapidly. Consider the concept of risk stratification, and remember that not all patients with PE are created equal. In particular, be on the same page with all consultants regarding the use of right heart echocardiography, both for its potential diagnostic capabilities and for its ability to identify patients who could be at greater risk for bad outcomes.

Contraindications↗
PubMed1999

Rectus sheath hematoma.

We describe 3 patients with rectus sheath hematoma presenting to the emergency department. Prompt consideration of this uncommon cause of abdominal pain may prevent more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests and, in some cases, unnecessary hospitalization and laparotomy.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1999

Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses.

Our knowledge of Lyme disease, currently the most common vector-borne illness in North America, has expanded over the past decade. The causative spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. Infection usually results in erythema migrans and can spread hematogenously to skin, heart, nervous system, joints, and other organs. Prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotics usually leads to rapid improvement and markedly reduces subsequent manifestation. Unrecognized and untreated Lyme disease can cause late arthritic and neurologic syndromes that are more difficult to treat and that may not respond to antibiotics. Other tick-borne illnesses can be fatal if not treated.

Animals↗