Michael P Pietrzak

Clinical Policy for Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in the Emergency Department

[American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med May 1998;31:663-677.].Abstract [American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med May 1998;31:663-677.]

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN COMMERCIAL AIR TRAVEL

There are physiologic and logistic concerns involved in caring for patients with inflight emergencies. This article presents the physiologic changes that occur at altitude, the types of medical problems that can be encountered, and management strategies. An overview is also presented of the medical training of flight attendants and the medical equipment that is available on commercial aircraft.

Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Adolescents and Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department With a Chief Complaint of Headache

Abstract ACEP Clinical Policies committee and the Clinical Policies SubCommittee on Headache [American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for the initial approach to adolescents and adults presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of headache. Ann Emerg Med June 1996;27:821-844.]

Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With a Chief Complaint of Seizure Who Are Not in Status Epilepticus

Abstract [American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for the initial approach to patients presenting with a chief complaint of seizure who are not in status epilepticus. Ann Emerg Med May 1997;29:706-724.]

Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Penetrating Extremity Trauma

Abstract [American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for the initial approach to patients presenting with penetrating extremity trauma. Ann Emerg Med May 1999;33:612-636.]

Aortic dissection presenting as superior vena cava syndrome.

Aortic dissection usually presents with chest pain, abnormal pulses, and a widened mediastinum on chest radiograph. It is rarely associated with the superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), which more commonly occurs in the setting of malignant disease. A patient who had SVCS as a result of a painless aortic dissection is presented and compared with other previously reported cases of simultaneous SVCS and aortic dissection.

Evaluation of minor head trauma in children younger than two years

The recent medical literature emphasizes the limitations of skull films in the evaluation of minor head trauma. However, the emergency medicine literature places little emphasis on the particular risks in children younger than 2 years old with blunt head injury. These children have immature bone and unfused sutures that may increase risk of cranial injury and delayed complications. A case is presented to illustrate this point. Unlike severe head trauma, where evaluation is directed toward computed tomography, the literature continues to be controversial regarding the indications for skull radiographs and computed tomography in minor head trauma. The authors recommend a low threshold for radiographic imaging in blunt heat injuries in children younger than 2 years.

Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Blunt Trauma

[American College of Emergency Physicians: Clinical policy for the initial approach to patients presenting with acute blunt trauma. Ann Emerg Med March 1998;31:422-454.].