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Stuck between a Rock and a Hard Place: Navigating Renal Colic Treatment
Renal colic is a common presenting symptom in the ED, with an estimated prevalence as high as 10-15% in the US. (1) It accounts for approximately 1% of all ED visits per year. (27) Most patients will pass these calculi spontaneously and do not require surgical intervention, therefore focus on pain relief is of utmost importance in the emergency department. (1) NSAIDs have shown to be as effective, if not more effective than opioids, making them a reliable first line agent. (4,5) Opioids still provide a viable option in those with kidney disease or gastric ulcer disease, however they may be best utilized as combination agents to decrease the need for rescue analgesia. There is weak evidence to support the use of IV acetaminophen, with high cost burden, limiting its utility. Additional agents such as ketamine, lidocaine and magnesium carry with them limited evidence and inconsistencies in the literature, limiting their use, with further studies required. Alpha blockers seem to provide a shorter duration to expulsion, fewer pain episodes, and less hospital admissions with surgical intervention, specifically with larger stones (>5mm).
Grand Rounds Recap 04.14.21
This week’s Grand Rounds was jam-packed with great morsels for all! Dr. Finney kicked us off with a discussion on orbital infections, Dr. Frederick discussed the nuances of dynamic EKG changes in the ED and consultation etiquette in her R3 Taming the SRU lecture, Dr. Iparraguirre discussed pearls of wisdom for his R4 Capstone, Dr. Kein expertly discussed the literature behind the most commonly used medications for agitation in the ED, Drs. Mullen and Ham battled head-to-head in a CPC case highlighting ethylene glycol toxicity, Dr. LaFollette presented a rare case of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, and lastly Dr. Runkle wrapped the day up with pearls for rural PEM.
Therapeutics: Agitation in the ED
Agitation? Second nature to most Emergency Physicians but an art as much of a science. The science lays the backbone of this art, however and that’s where Dr. Courtney Kein comes in. Click and join us on a dive into the literature of sedation of the agitated patient.