LITFL Update 072
Sending you free open-access medical (FOAM) content from around the globe. We keep an eye on all the trends and best articles and share them with you so that you stay top of your field.
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury: Blunt cerebrovascular injury is frequently clinically silent until cerebral ischaemia develops. Screen patients with clinical evidence of vascular injury or an appropriate high-risk injury pattern using CT angiography.
Paediatric Intubation Checklist: Emergency paediatric intubation is technically, physiologically, and cognitively demanding, so preparation and a shared plan are vital. This checklist is a rapid cognitive aid for trained paediatric airway clinicians.
Alfred Velpeau: Alfred-Armand-Louis-Marie Velpeau (1795–1867) was one of the most accomplished French surgeons and anatomists of the nineteenth century, rising from rural poverty to the chair of clinical surgery in Paris.
Latest updates from the #FOAMed world
Do all children need 4 hours of observation after anaphylaxis? A large multicentre study suggests many children who respond promptly to adrenaline and have no cardiovascular involvement may be safely discharged after 2 hours, with most recurrent reactions occurring early, and severe biphasic reactions remaining rare. The article explores how risk stratification could safely reduce unnecessary ED observation while maintaining patient safety.
Can physiology mislead us? The first episode of EMCrit’s new Field Guide to Evidence Based Medicine explores the balanced crystalloids versus saline debate to teach core principles of evidence appraisal. It highlights why plausible physiology alone isn’t enough, the dangers of bias, surrogate and composite outcomes, and how to critically interpret landmark trials before changing clinical practice. A must-listen for anyone wanting to sharpen their evidence-based medicine skills.
Could your next case of cardiogenic shock actually be an acute valvular emergency? This excellent EMOttawa review provides a practical approach to recognising life-threatening valvular disease in the ED. Learn the clinical clues, haemodynamic physiology, focused echocardiography findings, and time-critical management strategies for acute mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, severe aortic stenosis, and other valve catastrophes before they become missed diagnoses.
Are you prepared to recognise and manage amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)? This excellent podcast explores one of obstetric medicine’s most feared emergencies, covering the pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and evidence-based management of AFE. Learn how to recognise the classic presentation, coordinate rapid multidisciplinary care, and optimise outcomes through effective communication and early intervention in this rare but catastrophic maternal emergency.
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Emergency nurse with ultra-keen interest in the realms of toxicology, sepsis, eLearning and the management of critical care in the Emergency Department | LinkedIn |
BA MA (Oxon) MBChB (Edin) FACEM FFSEM. Emergency physician, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Passion for rugby; medical history; medical education; and asynchronous learning #FOAMed evangelist. Co-founder and CTO of Life in the Fast lane | On Call: Principles and Protocol 4e| Eponyms | Books |