Modern immunizations in conjunction with better CT imaging has likely led to declining need for lumbar puncture in the emergency department to evaluate for meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This may contribute to physician discomfort with the procedure and lower likelihood of first attempt success. This study evaluated whether the addition of ultrasound guidance could increase first attempt success on infant lumbar puncture in the Emergency Department.

Submitted by Chad Simpkins, MD

Submitted by Louis Argentine MD

Geriatric patients suffering from falls are very common in the ED.  Dr. Rick Pescatore returned to Cooper and gave a fact filled talk on the approach to these high risk patients.  The talk focused on mechanisms, medications and risk assessment opportunities for future falls.  Read ahead for the details...     

Submitted by John Cafaro MD

Intubation is a potentially dangerous procedure which may result in rapid hemodynamic collapse and cardiac arrest in the critically ill. This week we summarize the results of a large retrospective study to determine the clinical factors associated with cardiac arrest after intubation.

Submitted by Richard Byrne, MD