From an infectious perspective, asplenia poses a serious risk factor in acquiring various types of infections. The spleen plays a critical role for the immune system in having a robust response to various encapsulated organisms... Read this week's post to learn more about managing these at risk patients.
Testing for HIV in the emergency department (ED) has become a vital topic and policy in hospitals across the country. Early diagnosis of HIV is critical in decreasing transmission rates, in addition to providing better outcomes for patients, as early diagnosis often leads to earlier treatment. Today we discuss how to counsel patients with a new diagnosis of HIV in the ED.
Skin infestations are frequently encountered in the ED, particularly among the homeless population, though data on the number of visits are lacking. While patients with infestations may seem like pests in the middle of a busy shift, these conditions can be a public health menace, and may be markers of serious underlying pathology.
The reflex of obtaining blood cultures before the initiation of antibiotics has pervaded the practice of medicine; however, this practice may not necessarily be evidence-based. Learn more in this week's post.
Mitali Parmar makes understanding neonatal sepsis ridiculously simple with visual guide to this uncommon but cannot miss diagnosis.
Consider acute retroviral syndrome like endocarditis or meningitis or epidural abscess: another life threatening cause of a seemingly benign febrile illness that we must recognize. HIV infection, especially in its primary phase, represents a life threatening malady that could have serious implications on the patient and the public health at large if not diagnosed.