The American journal of emergency medicine
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Diagnostic pitfalls of STI-related pelvic inflammatory disease

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aimed to identify diagnostic and triage pitfalls in emergency department patients with CT-imaged, STI-confirmed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). They found that a significant percentage of patients were discharged without a PID diagnosis or admitted to non-gynecologic services, particularly when presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and less specific imaging findings. The study suggests that improving the recognition of PID in acute abdominal pain pathways could enhance timely diagnosis and treatment.

Automated auditing of emergency department documentation using large language models

Mar 18, 2026

This study investigates the effectiveness of four large language models (LLMs) in automating the auditing of emergency department (ED) documentation to reduce errors that can harm patients and increase medicolegal risks. The results indicate that these LLMs achieved high accuracy and precision in detecting documentation errors, suggesting their potential as quality assurance tools in emergency care. The authors advocate for further research on integrating these models into clinical workflows.

A comparison of high dose versus low dose intranasal midazolam for sedation in the pediatric emergency department

Mar 17, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the efficacy of high-dose versus low-dose intranasal midazolam for sedation in pediatric emergency department patients, specifically assessing the need for additional rescue sedation medications. Their findings indicated that patients receiving high-dose midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) required fewer additional sedatives compared to those receiving low-dose midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), without increasing adverse events or length of stay in the emergency department.

Emergency providers delay the initiation of care for patients with Limited English Proficiency

Mar 14, 2026

This study investigates whether patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) experience longer wait times to be seen by emergency providers compared to those who do not require an interpreter. The analysis of 47,038 encounters revealed that LEP patients waited 27% longer for physician evaluation, highlighting potential barriers in emergency care that could contribute to health inequities. The authors call for further exploration of the reasons behind this delay and its broader implications.

Forming & maintaining a research network: Emergency medicine pharmacotherapy research network (EMPHARM-NET)

Mar 12, 2026

The authors aim to address the fragmentation in emergency medicine pharmacotherapy research by establishing the Emergency Medicine Pharmacotherapy Research Network (EMPHARM-NET), a collaborative initiative that connects over 25 sites and 50 investigators. This network seeks to unify research efforts, foster mentorship, and produce high-quality, multicenter studies to enhance medication use in emergency departments. Despite facing challenges, EMPHARM-NET has successfully generated impactful research and aims to expand its focus on implementation science and health services research to further improve patient outcomes in emergency medicine.

Fall height and impact surface in relation to clinically important traumatic brain injury among children under two years

Mar 12, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the relationship between fall height and impact surface type with the risk of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) in children under two years old. Their findings indicated that while fall height significantly increased the risk of ciTBI, the type of impact surface did not show a significant association. This suggests that fall height is a critical factor in assessing injury risk, and fixed height thresholds may not adequately represent the clinical risk involved.

Concomitant anorectal and posterior urethral injury caused by straddle injury: A case report

Mar 11, 2026

This case report investigates an unusual instance of straddle injury in a child, which typically affects the anterior perineum, leading to both anorectal and posterior urethral injuries from an atypical impact to the posterior perineum. The authors aim to highlight the potential for more extensive damage than is commonly associated with straddle injuries, emphasizing the need for awareness of such complications in clinical practice.

Use of standardized order sets and associated outcomes in the Emergency Department: A scoping review

Mar 11, 2026

This scoping review aimed to assess the current evidence regarding the use of standardized order sets in Emergency Departments (EDs), specifically examining their implementation, evaluation strategies, and clinical outcomes. The authors found that while standardized order sets may improve process outcomes such as time to therapy and adherence to guidelines, the impact on patient-oriented outcomes like hospital admissions and return visits remains inconsistent and unclear. The review emphasizes the need for well-defined strategies in the development and implementation of order sets to enhance their effectiveness in the ED setting.

Acute mesenteric ischemia in a child: A rare case report and diagnostic challenge in the emergency department

Mar 11, 2026

The authors present a rare case of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in a previously healthy 15-year-old boy, aiming to highlight the diagnostic challenges associated with this condition in adolescents. They emphasize the importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt surgical intervention, as traditional risk factors and symptoms may not be present. This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of AMI in younger patients to improve outcomes.

Association between EMS response time and return of spontaneous circulation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Busan, South Korea

Mar 10, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between emergency medical services (EMS) response times and the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Busan, South Korea. The findings indicate that shorter response times significantly improve ROSC rates, with the strongest association observed at response times under four minutes. The authors advocate for policy measures aimed at reducing response times to enhance patient outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.