Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Emergencies and Point-of-Care Testing

/
Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Emergencies and Point-of-Care Testing

The Emergency Medicine Cardiac Research and Education Group (EMCREG)-International is pleased to present this monograph representing the proceedings of our satellite symposium at the ACEP Scientific Assembly in Washington, DC, in late September of 2005. In this monograph, you will find a variety of important topics covered including the CRUSADE Quality Improvement Initiative, clopidogrel’s use in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, low molecular weight heparins in acute coronary syndromes, dyslipidemia, diagnosis and treatment on acute decompensated heart failure, evaluation of pulmonary embolism, cardiac biomarkers in point-of-care testing, the Stroke Center certification concept, evaluation of transient ischemic attacks, and the role of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis of stroke.

Read More

Use of NT-ProBNP in the Emergency Department Evaluation of Shortness of Breath: Implications for Clinical Practice

/
Use of NT-ProBNP in the Emergency Department Evaluation of Shortness of Breath: Implications for Clinical Practice

In this EMCREG-International newsletter, Sean P. Collins, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of Cincinnati, OH discusses incidence of heart failure has been rising over the last decade as more patients survive significant myocardial infarction, as well as other diseases which compromise the heart. All clinicians who care for these patients must be aware of the many diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these often critically-ill patients. NT-proBNP provides an important diagnostic and prognostic test for these heart failure patients.

Read More

The Role of Nesiritide In The Management Of ADHF: Review of Mortality Data and Recommendations for Clinical Use

/
The Role of Nesiritide In The Management Of ADHF: Review of Mortality Data and Recommendations for Clinical Use

In this EMCREG-International newsletter, J. Douglas Kirk, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Sacramento, CA discusses the current data regarding nesiritide which provides perspective on this controversial issue for the practicing emergency physician.

Read More

Interpretation of Cardiac Troponins in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Setting

/
Interpretation of Cardiac Troponins in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Setting

This summary provides a detailed discussion of the interpretation of elevated values in patients with chronic kidney disease and acute coronary syndrome for this EMCREG-International newsletter. It is our hope that the readers of this newsletter will find their evaluation of patients with chronic kidney disease and acute coronary syndrome more effective, resulting in improved patient care.

Read More

The Future of Cardiac Biomarkers

/
The Future of Cardiac Biomarkers

In this EMCREG-International newsletter, Judd E. Hollander, MD, from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the development and current emergency department use of cardiac necrosis biomarkers (CK-MB, troponin, myoglobin), biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein), and newer cardiac biomarkers of myocardial ischemia (brain natriuretic peptide). It is our hope to provide emergency physicians with a better understanding of the cardiac biomarkers used in emergency practice for diagnosis of ACS.

Read More

Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)

/
Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)

Each year, nearly one million patients in the United States are hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In the past, there have been limited practice guidelines for the emergency management of ADHF within the spectrum of heart failure. Data from the ADHERE (the acute decompensated heart failure national registry),indicates that these patients are repeatedly hospitalized, and otherwise have a very high rate of morbidity and mortality. The management and care of this patient group remains suboptimal. This CME activity will review the latest diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for ADHF and suggest methods to improve the care for these patients at your institution. Insights and lessons from ADHERE will also be reviewed and discussed.

Read More