Magnus Harrison

An introduction to power and sample size estimation

The importance of power and sample size estimation for study design and analysis.

Analgesia and assessment of abdominal pain

Report by Kevin Mackway-Jones, Consultant Search checked by Magnus Harrison Research Fellow A 12 year old girl presents to the emergency department with “tummy ache”. The history and examination are suggestive of appendicitis. You call the surgical team but they are unable to …

Antibiotics after puncture wounds to the foot

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether antibiotics reduce infective complications after puncture wounds to the foot. A totla of 29 papers were found using the reported search, of which none answered the question posed. Further research is needed in this area.

SimpliRed and diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis

Report by Steve Jones, Clinical Research Fellow Search checked by Magnus Harrison, Clinical Research Fellow A patient attends the emergency department with signs and symptoms consistent with a deep venous thrombosis. Somebody suggests that there is a new bedside blood test, called SimpliRed, that may help to rule out the diagnosis in your patient. You know that ruling out a diagnosis is possible by having a …

Endotracheal intubation in γ-hydroxybutyric acid intoxication and overdose

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether intubation is always required in patients presenting with a decreased conscious level after γ-hydroxybutyrate ingestion. Altogether 95 papers were found using the reported search, of which two presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Journal clubs in clinical medicine

Journal clubs in clinical medicine have long been recognised as a useful tool for keeping up to date with new developments.1 More recently they have been used as a tool for the teaching of critical appraisal,2 which for emergency medicine trainees in the UK is an important part of …

Capillary blood gases in COPD

Report by Ross Murphy, Senior Clinical Fellow Search checked by Magnus Harrison, Clinical Research Fellow A 60 year old man presents to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Analysis of blood gases is required. You wonder whether a capillary blood sample …

SimpliRed d-dimer assay in suspected pulmonary embolus

Report by Magnus Harrison, Research Fellow Search checked by Steve Jones, Research Fellow A 40 year old man presents with acute suspected pulmonary embolus (PE). You wonder whether a negative SimpliRed d-dimer assay is sufficient to rule out the diagnosis of PE. In [a patient suspected of having an acute pulmonary embolus] is [a …

Activated charcoal in paracetamol overdose

Report by Katrina Richell-Herren, Research Fellow Search checked by Magnus Harrison, Research Fellow A 23 year old woman attends the emergency department having taken 60 500 mg paracetamol tablets two hours before …

Low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin in the treatment of patients with uncomplicated deep vein thrombosis

Report by Beverley Lane, Research Nurse Search checked by Magnus Harrison, Research Fellow A 60 year old man presents with a three day history of pain in his left calf. You suspect an above knee deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is later confirmed by ultrasound. You are …