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Hepatitis Panel Interpretation
Viral hepatitis is a commonly encountered and increasing problem thanks in part to the rise in injection drug use. Here I review the screening recommendations and interpretation of hepatitis B and C serology. Screening recommendations are based on CDC and US Preventative Task Force guidelines. Prevalence of viral hepatitis is much higher in the ED setting and may warrant expanded screening. This is an active area of research and there are as of yet no formal professional recommendations regarding expanded screening. In this post we will explore the current screening recommendations for HBV and HCV and detail the interpretation of the test findings.
Grand Rounds Recap 10.26
We had another great week at Grand Rounds to wrap up the month of October. Dr. Betham ran the gamut of medical knowledge in her M&M, teaching us from organophosphate poisoning to rhabdomyolysis. Drs. Merriam and Curry battled in a CPC about submassive and massive PE. Dr. Shewakramani taught us about all things dental and Dr. Scupp brought it home with his soapbox about the importance of balance in IV fluid resuscitation.
Crash and Burn Part 2 - Approach to the MVC Patient
We’re back again this week to discuss more about the initial approach to the MVC patient in B-pod. Last week we discussed occult bowel injury in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. In the second episode of this topic, Dr. Powell also highlights the importance of an appropriate pain medication selection upon discharge from the emergency department, citing the importance to consciously avoid cavalier prescription of potentially habit-forming pain medications. But what kind of risk is involved when we send patients home with opioid prescriptions? Are they destined to seek out more?