What should you consider with erythrocytosis? This post provides pearls and pitfalls in the evaluation and management of erythrocytosis.
Transfusions can be life-saving, with the need for transfusion based on the indication, the patient, and the situation. Transfusion reactions, though rare, can be deadly. What do you need to know about these reactions? Read on to find out.
Welcome to EM@3AM: Let's review a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients.
Thrombocytosis can be related to a variety of diseases, with a range of presentations. What do you need to know in the ED about this condition?
Thromboelastography is a mechanism of assessing coagulation based upon the viscoelastic properties of whole blood, and when compared to other coagulation assessments, this test allows for an assessment of near real-time, in-vivo clotting capacity. The point-of-care assay, which uses graphic interpretation of thromboelastography (the TEG), offers the opportunity for an expedited assessment of coagulopathies (thrombocytopenia, factor deficiency, heparin effect, hypofibrinogenemia, and hyperfibrinolysis). How can you use this modality in the ED? This post is full of pearls on interpreting TEG.
Patients with chronic liver disease typically have elevated INRs and thromocytopenia. Thus, clinicians may believe that blood clots are not possible in this patient group. This is a brief review of hemostasis in liver disease and why blood clots can occur even with low platelet counts and elevated INRs.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy that affects the leukocyte cell lineage. On occasion, a life threatening blast crisis can occur. CML is an important diagnosis for emergency physicians to be aware of so that they can manage complications that may occur. This is a brief review of CML and the management of several complications.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an immune-related cause of low platelet levels. It is more common in children than adults, but may occur in both populations. This is a brief review of the signs and symptoms of ITP and initial treatment options in the emergency department.
