Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society

By December 2020, SARS-CoV-2 caused the deaths of nearly 1.5 million people worldwide. A common strategy to mitigate spread of the virus is mask wearing. Considerable data demonstrate that masks can create an effective barrier to the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus. However, the effectiveness of consumer masks for this purpose varies, and there are currently no minimum standards that mask manufacturers must meet. Therefore, a need exists for an at-home test of mask barrier function. Here, we demonstrate a simple test to compare the function of selected masks using widely available materials and resources...

During August-December 2019, 23 persons who received a diagnosis of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) were reported to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH); none died. Among Arkansas EVALI patients, most were aged <25 years and white; two-thirds were male. Approximately half of Arkansas EVALI patients were admitted to intensive care units. Among 18 patients who were interviewed, 61% reported using both nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol in an e-cigarette, or vaping, device during the 90 days preceding illness onset...

Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrhythmic agent for supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. It is known to cause pulmonary toxicity, which can manifest in a variety of presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. We present a case of chronic interstitial pneumonia with organizing pneumonia induced by amiodarone that was successfully treated with drug cessation and use of corticosteroids. The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms and full recovery of lung function after the course of steroids...

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No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND Many states, including Arkansas, require CPR training before high school graduation. METHODS We modified the American Heart Association's CPR in Schools curriculum to deliver CPR and AED training with maximal individual practice. RESULTS 520 students were trained over a two-day period at Little Rock Central High School. Three students were unable to effectively participate due to physical limitations. The model was later applied at the five other district public high schools. CONCLUSIONS Training large numbers of students in a time-compressed formal is feasible with a highly dedicated, practiced instructor team...

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ypophysitis is a reported compli- cation of ipilimumab, a monoclo- nal antibody which augments T- cell response against tumors. The imaging changes in the pituitary may precede or coincide with the hypopituitarism, but are frequently over- looked due to the subtle alteration in size and en- hancement characteristics. We present a series of 3 patients who developed hypophysitis and pituitary dysfunction subsequent to ipilimumab therapy and describe the MR imaging features and make follow up recommendations.

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Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Current literature reveals a strong link between bacteremia and oral procedures, and therefore elevated risk of PJI. However, evidence that dental procedures do not increase risk of PJI and that antibiotic prophylaxis does not decrease PJI risk exists. In Arkansas, we continue to see patients with bacteremic-induced PJI, therefore we recommend routine prophylaxis for all dental pro- cedures for patients who can tolerate the antibiotics during the first year after joint replacement...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

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Pediatric, cardiopulmonary arrest is a rare event outside intensive care units in children's hospitals. Medical-surgical RNs rarely are involved in code situations and are often uncomfortable in performing necessary tasks. We implemented a multi-disciplinary educational plan, coupled with in-situ high-fidelity simulation, aimed at improving medical-surgical, RN comfort levels during codes. 260 medical surgical RNs on 10 separate hospital units parficipated. Pre and post intervention surveys were collected and compared...

A young Hispanic man in histhirties presented with a two-week history of headaches, fever, and fatigue. Laboratory data revealed anemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevation of liver enzymes. He was admitted to the hospital with concerns for a tick-borne illness and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Further investigations led to discovery of an immune compromised state due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The patient developed rapidly progressive multi-organ system failure, and succumbed to his illness within 72 hours of admission...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.