Author: Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD

Attending Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine and Toxicology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Assistant Professor of EM, Harvard Medical School

Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED

Today’s pearl highlights 5 main points related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Should you give a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker? What dose should you use?
Continue reading “Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED”

QTc Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes with Droperidol in the Emergency Department

How common is QTc prolongation or Torsades de Pointes (TdP) in ED patients getting droperidol?

Actually quite rare!

In 30,000 patients, TdP occurred once (the patient had multiple risk factors and TdP didn’t reoccur when re-challenged).

Prior data covered in 2015 @aaeminfo position statement.

Use of IV Iodinated Contrast Media in Patients with Preexisting Renal Disease

Today’s pearl reviews some of the literature and recommendations regarding the use of iodinated contrast in patients with kidney disease

Will it cause an acute-on-chronic injury? Is it safe?
Continue reading “Use of IV Iodinated Contrast Media in Patients with Preexisting Renal Disease”

Importance of Boluses with Rate Changes for Opioid & Benzodiazepine Infusions

Today’s pearl provides some advice on how to properly increase sedative rates for intubated patients

Why do boluses matter?
Continue reading “Importance of Boluses with Rate Changes for Opioid & Benzodiazepine Infusions”