POCUS in the Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures
Picking up the pieces?
By Michael Prats, MD on 04/15/19 06:00 AM
Fractures of the distal radius are pretty common among people who choose not to break their fall with their face. Sure - it's not hard to see these on xray, but is there a better way? Ultrasound is great for finding fractures, but what about being able to guide the reduction? This has been shown to be useful in a pediatric population, but this study looks at a population of adult patients in the emergency department to see just how accurate ultrasound is for determining if the pieces have been put back together. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30191190
TEE to Shorten Compression Pauses in Cardiac Arrest
Better than TTE?
By Michael Prats, MD on 03/18/19 06:00 AM
TEE has been heralded as the latest and greatest way to monitor a cardiac arrest resuscitation. The advantages include continuous monitoring of cardiac activity, ability to evaluate efficacy of chest compressions, and better evaluation of etiologies of the arrest. Although many places are using it currently, there is not much evidence to support these theoretical benefits. What we do know is that a few studies have shown that transthoracic ultrasound leads to prolonged pauses in cardiac arrest. This study aims to see if TEE is the solution. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30773413
Integrated Lung Ultrasound for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
The RCT you always wanted
By Michael Prats, MD on 03/04/19 06:00 AM
Many ultrasound enthusiasts have been using point of care ultrasound to assist in the diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure, but it has not been widely adopted. It has been shown by many studies that ultrasound can visualize pulmonary edema easily so that treatment can be started quickly. However, some still cling to their chest xrays and their natriuretic peptides, just hoping it won't lead them astray. Well this trial aims to prove the superior accuracy of lung ultrasound combined with clinical assessment over chest xray and pro-BNP (also combined with clinical assessment). Hold onto your hats, because there is a lot we can learn from this well done randomized controlled trial of over 500 patients! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30690825