recent articles

practice updates

Blast Crisis: ED-focused management

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.

practice updates

DIC in the ED: What can you do about it?

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication of some critical illnesses. Patients are very ill and can present with a multitude of symptoms. While treatment of the underlying illness is key, there are some key interventions that can be initiated in the emergency department (ED). This is a brief review of the the underlying pathophysiology of DIC and the interventions that can be initiated in the ED.

practice updates

Hemolytic Anemias: Rare but Important Diagnosis in the Emergency Department

Hemolytic anemia is the premature destruction of RBCs, which can be classified as extrinsic or intrinsic, as well as acute or chronic. In particular, several conditions associated with these anemias can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The ED provider must focus on resuscitation, followed by recognition of the hemolytic process and initiation of appropriate therapy. This post will highlight an approach to evaluation and management of hemolytic anemias.