Emergency and Acute Medicine: Vertigo




Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation of movement—typically spinning—either of the patient or the surrounding environment. It accounts for a significant proportion of emergency department visits and can arise from dysfunction in any of the three systems responsible for balance: the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. Clinically, vertigo must be distinguished from other nonspecific dizziness symptoms such as lightheadedness or presyncope, as it more often reflects an underlying neurologic or vestibular disorder.


Vertigo is broadly classified into peripheral and central causes. Peripheral vertigo, which originates from the inner ear or vestibular nerve, tends to produce severe, episodic symptoms lasting seconds to minutes, often triggered by head movement. It is commonly associated with horizontal or torsional nystagmus that fatigues and improves with visual fixation. Common causes include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, the most frequent etiology due to displaced otoliths in semicircular canals; Vestibular Neuritis, which presents as continuous vertigo without hearing loss; and Ménière Disease, characterized by episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. In contrast, central vertigo arises from pathology in the brainstem or cerebellum, such as Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors. Central causes often present with milder but continuous vertigo, non-fatigable or vertical nystagmus, and associated neurologic deficits.


The history is crucial in distinguishing etiologies. Sudden, brief episodes triggered by head movement strongly suggest BPPV, whereas continuous vertigo lasting days suggests vestibular neuritis. Recurrent episodes with auditory symptoms point toward Ménière disease. Red flags for central causes include neurologic symptoms such as diplopia, dysarthria, limb weakness, ataxia, or severe imbalance out of proportion to vertigo. Stroke risk factors, including older age and vascular disease, further increase suspicion for a central cause.


Physical examination focuses on eye movements and neurologic assessment. Evaluation of nystagmus provides key diagnostic clues: unidirectional horizontal nystagmus suggests peripheral vertigo, whereas vertical, bidirectional, or non-fatigable nystagmus suggests central pathology. The head impulse test helps identify vestibular dysfunction, while skew deviation testing can indicate central lesions. The Dix–Hallpike maneuver is used to diagnose posterior canal BPPV, and the supine roll test assesses lateral canal involvement. A full neurologic exam is essential to identify subtle deficits suggestive of central causes.


Management depends on the underlying etiology. Peripheral vertigo is typically treated symptomatically with antihistamines (e.g., meclizine), benzodiazepines, and antiemetics. Repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley or Semont maneuvers are highly effective for BPPV. In contrast, central vertigo requires urgent evaluation and management of the underlying cause, such as stroke or hemorrhage, often involving neuroimaging and specialist consultation. Admission is indicated for serious causes like cerebellar infarction, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, or intractable symptoms preventing ambulation or oral intake.


A key clinical pearl is that vertigo can be the sole presenting symptom of a posterior circulation stroke. Therefore, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion, especially when vertigo is accompanied by neurologic signs or occurs in patients with vascular risk factors.

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Emergency and Acute Medicine: Visual Loss


Visual Loss refers to any decrease in visual function, including reduced visual acuity, visual field defects, or blurred vision. It is a high-stakes emergency presentation because causes range from benign refractive errors to immediately vision-threatening or life-threatening conditions such as stroke or vascular occlusion. The etiology is broad and includes ophthalmologic (corneal, retinal, optic nerve), traumatic, neurologic, cardiovascular, infectious, immunologic, endocrine, and toxic causes.


A key step in evaluation is categorizing the visual loss based on time course, pain, and laterality. Transient visual loss lasting minutes is often due to ischemia, such as amaurosis fugax (a form of transient ischemic attack), while episodes lasting hours may suggest migraine or hemodynamic instability. Persistent visual loss can be painless—seen in retinal detachment, vascular occlusion, or optic neuritis—or painful, as in acute angle-closure glaucoma, corneal injury, or uveitis. Monocular vision loss typically indicates pathology anterior to the optic chiasm (eye or optic nerve), whereas binocular loss suggests lesions posterior to the chiasm, such as occipital stroke or mass lesions.


Clinical evaluation requires a thorough history and focused eye examination. Important historical features include onset (sudden vs gradual), presence of pain, trauma, associated neurologic symptoms, and visual phenomena such as floaters or flashing lights. Physical examination must include visual acuity (always documented), pupillary responses (looking for afferent pupillary defect), visual fields, extraocular movements, intraocular pressure measurement, and fundoscopic exam. Systemic examination may reveal clues such as carotid bruits (embolic source) or temporal artery tenderness suggestive of Giant Cell Arteritis.


Three conditions require immediate recognition and treatment within minutes to prevent permanent vision loss. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion presents with sudden, painless monocular vision loss and a classic “cherry-red spot” on fundus exam. Management includes urgent ophthalmology consultation, ocular massage, and reduction of intraocular pressure (e.g., acetazolamide) to dislodge the embolus. Chemical eye burns demand immediate and copious irrigation (at least 30 minutes) to normalize ocular pH—this should begin even before full evaluation. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma presents with painful vision loss, a red eye, mid-dilated pupil, and elevated intraocular pressure; treatment involves rapid pressure reduction using topical and systemic agents (e.g., beta-blockers, acetazolamide, pilocarpine).


Additional investigations depend on suspected etiology. Laboratory testing (e.g., ESR) is crucial when giant cell arteritis is suspected, while imaging such as CT, MRI, or vascular studies (carotid ultrasound) may be required for neurologic or embolic causes. A dilated fundus examination is essential for evaluating posterior segment pathology. In cases of suspected embolic disease, cardiac and carotid evaluation is necessary to prevent future strokes.


Management is directed at the underlying cause, with early ophthalmology consultation for any uncertain or severe case. Admission is required for serious conditions such as orbital cellulitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, ruptured globe, or associated neurologic or vascular disease. Patients may be discharged only if the diagnosis is clear, stable, and not progressive, with appropriate follow-up arranged.


A critical principle in emergency care is that visual acuity must be documented in every patient with eye complaints, and any sudden vision loss should be treated as an emergency until proven otherwise. Missing time-sensitive diagnoses like retinal artery occlusion or glaucoma can result in irreversible blindness, making rapid recognition and intervention essential.

Emergency and Acute Medicine: Management of Violence 




Management of Violence in Emergency Department is a critical component of emergency medicine, as EDs are high-risk environments for aggressive and violent behavior. Contributing factors include overcrowding, prolonged waiting times, substance intoxication, psychiatric illness, and patients arriving in police custody. Individuals with a prior history of violence, poor impulse control, or intoxication are at particularly high risk. Importantly, violence may stem not only from psychiatric conditions such as psychosis or mania but also from underlying medical issues like hypoglycemia, hypoxia, infections, intoxication, withdrawal states, or neurologic disorders.


Early recognition of escalating behavior is essential for prevention. Initial warning signs include loud speech, agitation, pacing, and clenched fists, while more concerning features include threatening language, irrational behavior, and invasion of personal space. A thorough assessment should include history of prior violence, substance use, medical and psychiatric conditions, and current triggers. Clinicians must remain vigilant for medical causes of agitation, especially in patients over 40 years old without a psychiatric history or those with abnormal vital signs or focal neurologic findings.


Management begins with ensuring safety for both staff and patients. Environmental strategies include visible security presence, controlled access, removal of potential weapons, and clear protocols. When approaching a potentially violent patient, clinicians should not act alone, maintain a safe distance, keep an open exit path, and use a calm, non-confrontational approach. Verbal de-escalation is always the first-line intervention—this involves acknowledging the patient’s concerns, setting clear boundaries, and offering choices to reduce agitation.


If de-escalation fails, escalation to seclusion or restraint may be necessary. Physical restraints should follow institutional protocols, with careful documentation of indications, prior attempts at de-escalation, and ongoing monitoring. Positioning is important—supine for evaluation or lateral if aspiration risk exists—and airway safety must always be maintained. Chemical restraint is often required in conjunction with physical restraint, using medications such as antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) and/or benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam). The choice depends on the underlying cause: benzodiazepines are preferred in hyperadrenergic states (e.g., stimulant intoxication), while antipsychotics are commonly used in primary psychiatric agitation. Combination therapy is frequently effective.


Ongoing monitoring is crucial after restraint, particularly for complications such as respiratory depression, QT prolongation, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Vulnerable populations—including the elderly and those with medical comorbidities—require lower medication doses and closer observation. A key principle is to treat the underlying cause whenever possible, rather than focusing solely on behavioral control.


Disposition depends on the etiology. Patients with medical causes require admission for further management, while those with psychiatric illness may need inpatient psychiatric care, including involuntary admission if they pose a risk to themselves or others. Safe discharge requires stabilization, reassessment (especially if intoxicated), and clear follow-up plans. Clinicians must also be aware of legal responsibilities, including duty to warn or protect others when credible threats are identified.


A critical clinical takeaway is that not all violent behavior is psychiatric in origin—failure to identify an underlying medical cause can lead to significant morbidity. Effective management requires a structured, stepwise approach prioritizing safety, de-escalation, appropriate restraint, and treatment of the root cause.

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Emergency and Acute Medicine: Vitreous Hemorrhage




Vitreous Hemorrhage is the presence of blood within the vitreous cavity of the eye and is considered a secondary diagnosis, meaning that identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper management. It most commonly results from retinal vessel disruption due to vitreous separation, trauma, or spontaneous bleeding from neovascularization, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus.


The causes of vitreous hemorrhage are varied and include both traumatic and nontraumatic conditions. Trauma may be blunt or penetrating, leading to direct vessel rupture. Nontraumatic causes include proliferative retinopathies (especially diabetic retinopathy), retinal tears or detachments, retinal vein occlusion, sickle cell disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Less common causes include intraocular tumors and intracranial hemorrhage such as Terson syndrome. In pediatric patients, important considerations include prematurity, congenital retinal disorders, and nonaccidental trauma such as shaken-baby syndrome.


Clinically, patients typically present with sudden, painless, unilateral visual disturbance, ranging from mild blurring to significant vision loss. They often describe floaters, cobwebs, or a hazy visual field, sometimes accompanied by flashing lights if there is associated retinal traction. On examination, a key finding is loss of the red reflex and inability to visualize the fundus, which strongly suggests vitreous hemorrhage. A mild afferent pupillary defect may also be present depending on severity.


Evaluation requires a thorough ocular examination, including slit-lamp assessment, tonometry, and dilated fundoscopic examination. When the fundus cannot be visualized, B-scan ultrasonography is essential to assess for serious underlying pathology such as retinal detachment or intraocular tumor. Additional laboratory tests, such as complete blood count and coagulation studies, may be performed if a systemic cause is suspected. Imaging like CT may be necessary in cases of trauma to exclude intraocular foreign bodies.


Management in the emergency setting is primarily supportive. Patients should be advised to rest with the head of the bed elevated to allow blood to settle inferiorly and improve vision. Activities that increase intraocular pressure, such as heavy lifting or straining (Valsalva), should be avoided. Medications that impair clotting, such as NSAIDs and anticoagulants, should also be avoided unless medically necessary. There are no specific emergency medications required for vitreous hemorrhage itself; treatment is directed at the underlying cause.


Definitive management is guided by ophthalmology and may include laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy for proliferative vascular disease, surgical repair for retinal detachment, or vitrectomy if the hemorrhage does not resolve or is associated with complications such as neovascularization or glaucoma. Urgent ophthalmologic consultation within 24–48 hours is essential, even in seemingly mild cases, to prevent missed vision-threatening conditions.


A critical point is that vitreous hemorrhage may mimic or coexist with other serious conditions such as retinal detachment or vascular occlusions. Therefore, prompt evaluation and follow-up are necessary to prevent permanent visual impairment.

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Emergency and Acute Medicine: Volvulus




Volvulus is an axial twisting of a segment of the gastrointestinal tract around its mesentery, resulting in partial or complete bowel obstruction. This twisting can compromise venous outflow and eventually arterial inflow, leading to bowel ischemia, gangrene, and possible perforation. It is a life-threatening surgical emergency, particularly when vascular compromise is present. Volvulus accounts for approximately 10–15% of colonic obstructions and is most commonly seen in the cecum and sigmoid colon. Cecal volvulus typically affects younger adults due to congenital mobility of the cecum, whereas sigmoid volvulus is more common in elderly, institutionalized patients with chronic constipation, neurologic disease, or psychiatric illness. In children, especially neonates, midgut volvulus occurs due to congenital malrotation and often presents early with bilious vomiting.


The clinical presentation varies depending on the location and severity but generally reflects bowel obstruction. Patients commonly report colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distention, obstipation, nausea, and vomiting. The onset may be acute or more insidious, particularly in sigmoid volvulus, where symptoms may recur intermittently over weeks or months. In contrast, midgut volvulus in infants presents abruptly with bilious vomiting and abdominal pain. Signs of bowel ischemia or gangrene include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, peritoneal signs (guarding, rebound), hematochezia, and shock, indicating advanced disease and the need for immediate surgical intervention.


Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by imaging. Plain abdominal radiographs may demonstrate characteristic findings such as the “coffee bean” sign in sigmoid volvulus or a displaced, dilated cecum. However, CT imaging is the preferred modality in adults and may reveal the classic “whirl sign” of twisted mesenteric vessels. In pediatric patients, an upper gastrointestinal contrast study is the most sensitive initial test and may show a “corkscrew” appearance of the twisted bowel. A barium enema may demonstrate a “bird’s beak” deformity, though it must be used cautiously due to the risk of perforation.


Initial management focuses on rapid stabilization. Patients should be kept nil per os (NPO), and aggressive fluid resuscitation should be initiated with isotonic fluids such as 0.9% saline (2 L bolus in adults or 20 mL/kg in children). A nasogastric tube should be inserted for decompression, and electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected. Early consultation with surgery and gastroenterology is essential. Definitive management depends on the type of volvulus and the patient’s condition. In stable patients with sigmoid volvulus, endoscopic decompression may be attempted and is often successful, although recurrence is common and elective surgical resection is usually required. In unstable patients or those with cecal volvulus, urgent surgical intervention with bowel resection is necessary. In children with midgut volvulus, emergency surgery (Ladd procedure) must be performed promptly to prevent bowel necrosis.


Medication management is supportive and aimed at preventing or treating complications such as infection, ischemia, or perforation. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics should be administered when there is concern for sepsis or bowel compromise. Options include Ampicillin-sulbactam at a dose of 3 g IV every 6 hours (pediatric: 100–200 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours), or Cefoxitin at 2 g IV every 6 hours (pediatric: 80–160 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours). Another commonly used regimen is Ceftriaxone 1–2 g IV every 12–24 hours combined with Metronidazole 500 mg IV every 8 hours (pediatric metronidazole: 30 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours). Alternatively, Piperacillin-tazobactam may be used at 3.375–4 g IV every 4–6 hours (pediatric: 200–300 mg/kg/day of the piperacillin component divided every 6–8 hours). These regimens provide essential coverage against gram-negative and anaerobic organisms commonly involved in bowel infections.


All patients with suspected volvulus require hospital admission and urgent surgical evaluation, as there are no safe discharge criteria. Delayed diagnosis significantly increases morbidity and mortality, particularly if bowel ischemia develops. Early recognition, aggressive resuscitation, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical intervention are critical to improving outcomes and preventing life-threatening complications.

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Emergency and Acute Medicine: Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy




Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is categorized into early pregnancy bleeding (≤20 weeks), which occurs in up to 30% of pregnancies and results in spontaneous abortion in about half of cases, and late pregnancy bleeding (>20 weeks), which occurs in 3–5% of pregnancies. Risk factors include advanced maternal age, substance abuse, pelvic inflammatory disease, prior cesarean section, previous pregnancy loss or procedures, multiple gestations, hypertension, trauma, and assisted reproductive technology. A significant proportion of miscarriages (50–60%) are due to chromosomal abnormalities.


The etiology of bleeding may arise from vaginal, cervical, uterine, uteroplacental, or hematologic sources. In early pregnancy, important causes include implantation bleeding, spontaneous abortion (threatened, incomplete, complete, inevitable, missed), Ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease, subchorionic hemorrhage, and infection. In late pregnancy, the most critical diagnoses are Placenta previa and Placental abruption, along with vasa previa, uterine rupture, and labor-related bleeding.


Clinical presentation varies but key historical features include the amount and duration of bleeding, passage of clots or tissue, associated pain, and gestational age. Pain patterns can help differentiate causes: crampy diffuse pain suggests spontaneous abortion, sharp unilateral pelvic pain suggests ectopic pregnancy, painless bright red bleeding is typical of placenta previa, and painful dark bleeding is more consistent with placental abruption. Importantly, life-threatening conditions may present with minimal bleeding. Associated symptoms such as syncope, fever, or prior obstetric complications should also be assessed.


On examination, vital signs may show tachycardia or hypotension, although these can be masked by increased blood volume in pregnancy. Fetal heart activity is an important marker, detectable by transvaginal ultrasound at approximately 5–6 weeks and by Doppler after 10 weeks, with a normal rate of 120–160 beats per minute. Abdominal examination assesses uterine size and tenderness; a firm, tender uterus in late pregnancy suggests abruption. Pelvic examination is appropriate only in early pregnancy to evaluate the cervical os and source of bleeding. In late pregnancy, pelvic examination must be avoided until placenta previa or vasa previa is excluded by ultrasound due to risk of catastrophic hemorrhage.


The essential workup includes a complete blood count, blood type and Rh status, and quantitative β-hCG in early pregnancy. Ultrasound, particularly transvaginal ultrasound, is the most important diagnostic tool. It can confirm intrauterine pregnancy, identify ectopic pregnancy, detect retained products of conception, and visualize placental abnormalities. β-hCG levels help guide interpretation, though correlation is imperfect. Additional testing such as coagulation studies may be required in suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation, especially with placental abruption.


Management begins with stabilization. Patients with significant bleeding or instability require airway management, oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and two large-bore IV lines for fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion as needed. In late pregnancy, positioning the patient in the left lateral position helps reduce inferior vena cava compression and improve circulation. Continuous fetal monitoring is indicated in viable pregnancies.


Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis. All early pregnancy bleeding must be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy. Unstable patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy require immediate surgical intervention, while stable patients may be candidates for methotrexate therapy. Threatened abortion is managed expectantly with close follow-up, while incomplete or septic abortion requires urgent obstetric consultation and possible uterine evacuation. Septic abortion also requires broad-spectrum antibiotics.


In late pregnancy, bleeding is an obstetric emergency requiring immediate consultation and hospital admission. Placental abruption may necessitate urgent delivery and management of coagulopathy, while placenta previa often requires careful monitoring and possible cesarean delivery. Any signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation must be treated aggressively with blood products.


Rh-negative patients must receive anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent alloimmunization. Failure to check Rh status and administer prophylaxis is a critical pitfall.


Disposition depends on stability and diagnosis. All patients with late pregnancy bleeding require admission. Early pregnancy patients may be discharged if stable with diagnoses such as threatened abortion or small, unruptured ectopic pregnancy after specialist consultation, but they require strict follow-up within 48 hours with repeat β-hCG testing and reassessment.


Key clinical pearls include always ruling out ectopic pregnancy in early bleeding, avoiding pelvic examination in late pregnancy until placenta previa is excluded, and recognizing that even minimal bleeding can represent a life-threatening condition.

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Emergency and Acute Medicine: Uvulitis




Uvulitis refers to inflammation of the uvula and may result from infectious or noninfectious causes. It can range from a mild, self-limited condition to a potentially life-threatening illness if associated with airway compromise. Infectious causes include bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, while noninfectious causes include trauma, allergic reactions, chemical irritation, and angioedema. Although once considered rare, uvulitis is likely underrecognized, especially in milder viral cases. It is more commonly seen in children aged 5–15 years due to the prevalence of Group A Streptococcus infections, whereas noninfectious causes are more common in adults.


The most common infectious cause is Group A Streptococcus, followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b and other organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and anaerobes. Viral etiologies, including Herpes simplex virus, Coxsackie virus, varicella-zoster virus, and Epstein–Barr virus, are often responsible for milder presentations. Noninfectious causes include trauma (e.g., instrumentation or thermal injury), inhalation of irritants, vasculitis, and allergic reactions such as Angioedema, which may be hereditary or medication-induced (e.g., ACE inhibitors).


Symptoms typically develop rapidly, often within 4–6 hours. Patients commonly report a foreign-body sensation in the throat, sore throat, dysphagia, and odynophagia. More severe cases may include dyspnea, drooling, muffled “hot-potato” voice, stridor, and respiratory distress. Fever suggests an infectious etiology, while a history of new medication use or prior episodes of swelling points toward angioedema. Associated symptoms such as urticaria or wheezing may indicate an allergic process.


Physical examination findings vary from mild uvular erythema and edema to marked swelling with airway compromise. The uvula may appear erythematous or pale and swollen, sometimes with exudates if infection is present. Cervical lymphadenopathy and pharyngitis may accompany infectious cases. Signs such as hypoxia, stridor, or inability to handle secretions indicate a potential airway emergency. It is critical to assess for other serious conditions such as Epiglottitis, peritonsillar abscess, or retropharyngeal abscess when symptoms are severe.


Diagnosis is primarily clinical but may be supported by targeted testing. Rapid antigen testing for streptococcus and throat cultures can help confirm bacterial infection. Laboratory findings such as leukocytosis suggest infection, while eosinophilia may indicate an allergic cause. Imaging, such as a lateral neck X-ray or CT scan of the neck, is reserved for cases where deeper infection or alternative diagnoses are suspected. Fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy may be required in severe cases to assess airway involvement.


Management focuses first on airway assessment and stabilization. Patients with signs of airway compromise require immediate intervention, including supplemental oxygen, possible nebulized β-agonists or racemic epinephrine, and preparation for definitive airway management (e.g., intubation or, in extreme cases, cricothyrotomy). Early consultation with otolaryngology is recommended in moderate to severe cases.


Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Infectious uvulitis is treated with empiric antibiotics targeting common organisms such as streptococcus and Hib, with agents like ceftriaxone or clindamycin. Mild cases may be managed with oral antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Noninfectious causes, particularly allergic or angioedema-related uvulitis, are treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine in severe cases. Patients with hereditary angioedema may require specific therapies such as C1 inhibitor concentrate or bradykinin receptor antagonists.


Disposition depends on severity and response to treatment. Patients with airway compromise, hypoxia, inability to tolerate oral intake, or systemic infection require admission, often to a monitored or intensive care setting. Those with mild symptoms that resolve with treatment may be discharged after observation (typically 4–6 hours) if they remain stable and have reliable follow-up within 24–48 hours.


Key clinical points include recognizing that isolated uvulitis rarely causes severe airway obstruction; significant respiratory distress should prompt evaluation for other serious conditions such as epiglottitis or anaphylaxis. Early airway assessment and readiness for intervention are critical, and treatment should be tailored to the suspected underlying cause.

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​Emergency and Acute Medicine: Vaginal Bleeding


Vaginal bleeding is a common emergency department presentation with causes ranging from benign to life-threatening. A critical principle is that any woman of reproductive age must be assumed pregnant until proven otherwise, regardless of menstrual or sexual history. The differential diagnosis is broad and is best approached by categorizing causes into pregnancy-related and nonpregnancy-related conditions.


In pregnancy, causes vary by gestational age. In early pregnancy, serious conditions include Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs in about 2% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening, as well as various forms of abortion (threatened, incomplete, complete, missed, inevitable, or septic). Other causes include molar pregnancy and trauma. In later pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be due to Placenta previa, Placental abruption, labor, or trauma. In the immediate postpartum period, life-threatening causes include postpartum hemorrhage, uterine inversion, retained placenta, and infection such as endometritis.


In nonpregnant patients, vaginal bleeding is most commonly due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), often related to anovulation. Structural causes include uterine fibroids (leiomyomas), cervical or endometrial polyps, and pelvic tumors. Postmenopausal bleeding is particularly concerning and most commonly due to endometrial atrophy, though malignancy must always be considered. Less common causes include bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand disease, infections, trauma, or foreign bodies.


Patients may present with symptoms of blood loss such as lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, or syncope. A detailed history should assess the duration and quantity of bleeding, last menstrual period, pregnancy status, prior ectopic pregnancy, and passage of clots or tissue. Estimating blood loss can be aided by noting that a tampon holds about 5 mL and a pad 5–15 mL. Physical examination should include vital signs to assess hemodynamic stability, abdominal exam for masses or tenderness, and a pelvic exam to identify the source of bleeding and determine whether the cervical os is open or closed. Altered mental status may indicate severe blood loss.


The essential workup begins with a pregnancy test in all women of childbearing potential. In early pregnancy, evaluation includes quantitative β-hCG, ultrasound to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, hematocrit, and blood type with Rh status. Ultrasound findings must be interpreted in the context of β-hCG levels, using the discriminatory zone (≈1,000–1,500 mIU/mL for transvaginal ultrasound). In later pregnancy, fetal heart tones, ultrasound, and coagulation studies may be required, especially in suspected placental abruption. In postpartum patients, ultrasound helps identify retained products of conception.


Management priorities focus on stabilization. Patients with significant bleeding or hypotension require immediate resuscitation with oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and two large-bore IV lines for fluid resuscitation. Blood transfusion may be necessary if instability persists. In pregnant patients, positioning in the left lateral decubitus position helps prevent vena cava compression.


Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In early pregnancy, confirmed ectopic pregnancy may be managed with methotrexate or surgery depending on stability. Threatened miscarriage with confirmed intrauterine pregnancy can often be managed outpatient with close follow-up. Incomplete or septic abortions require obstetric consultation, with septic cases needing IV antibiotics and admission. In later pregnancy, placenta previa and placental abruption require urgent obstetric management and possible delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage may require uterine massage, removal of retained placenta, or surgical intervention.


In nonpregnant patients, treatment of DUB may include hormonal therapy such as medroxyprogesterone or combined oral contraceptives. Severe bleeding may be treated with intravenous conjugated estrogens. Structural causes require gynecologic evaluation, imaging, and sometimes surgical management.


Disposition depends on stability and diagnosis. Admission is required for unstable patients, ectopic pregnancy not meeting outpatient criteria, placental abruption, septic abortion, postpartum hemorrhage, or significant comorbidities. Stable patients with confirmed intrauterine pregnancy or mild nonpregnancy-related bleeding may be discharged with close follow-up, typically within 48 hours.


Key clinical pearls include always ruling out ectopic pregnancy in first-trimester bleeding, recognizing that menstrual history does not exclude pregnancy, and maintaining a high index of suspicion for life-threatening causes. Clear return precautions are essential, including worsening bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, dizziness, or syncope.

Emergency and Acute Medicine: Urinary Tract Infections (Adult)




Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by colonization of urine with uropathogens and subsequent invasion of the genitourinary tract. They are defined by the presence of urinary symptoms along with significant bacterial counts (typically ≥10²–10⁵ CFU/mL) and pyuria. UTIs are extremely common, particularly in women, with a lifetime risk exceeding 50%. They are broadly classified into uncomplicated and complicated infections, as well as lower tract infections (cystitis) and upper tract infections (pyelonephritis).


Uncomplicated cystitis typically occurs in otherwise healthy, nonpregnant women aged 13–50 years who present with short-duration symptoms such as dysuria, urinary frequency, and urgency, without systemic features like fever or flank pain. In contrast, complicated cystitis includes infections in men, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, or those with structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract, recent instrumentation, or resistant organisms. Pyelonephritis represents infection of the renal parenchyma and presents with systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting, often accompanied by costovertebral angle tenderness. Severe cases may involve urosepsis or septic shock.


The pathogenesis usually involves ascending infection, where organisms colonize the periurethral area and ascend into the bladder and possibly the kidneys. The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli, responsible for 80–85% of infections. Other organisms include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, as well as Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Risk factors include sexual activity, use of spermicides or diaphragms, postmenopausal changes, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary incontinence, and instrumentation such as catheterization.


Clinically, lower urinary tract infections present with dysuria, urgency, frequency, hesitancy, suprapubic pain, and sometimes hematuria. Upper tract infections add systemic features such as fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and leukocytosis. Elderly patients may present atypically with altered mental status, anorexia, or functional decline rather than classic urinary symptoms.


Diagnosis relies primarily on urinalysis. Dipstick testing for leukocyte esterase and nitrites is a rapid and useful screening tool, with nitrites having high specificity for bacterial infection. Microscopy showing ≥10 white blood cells per mm³ supports the diagnosis. Urine culture is not always necessary in uncomplicated cases but is indicated in complicated infections, pyelonephritis, recurrent infections, treatment failure, or suspected resistant organisms.


The differential diagnosis includes appendicitis, diverticulitis, nephrolithiasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, and vulvovaginitis. These should be considered particularly when symptoms are atypical or when patients do not respond to standard therapy.


Management depends on severity and classification. Stable patients with uncomplicated cystitis are typically treated with short-course oral antibiotics, usually for 3 days. First-line agents include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones, although resistance patterns must be considered. Nitrofurantoin is often preferred due to lower resistance rates. Symptomatic relief can be provided with agents such as phenazopyridine for dysuria. For pyelonephritis, initial management may include intravenous fluids, analgesia, and parenteral antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or gentamicin, followed by oral therapy if the patient improves.


Pregnancy requires special consideration. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should be treated due to the high risk of progression to pyelonephritis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Safe options include nitrofurantoin (avoiding first trimester if possible), amoxicillin, and fosfomycin. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole should be avoided in early and late pregnancy, and fluoroquinolones are contraindicated.


Disposition depends on clinical stability. Patients who are well-appearing, able to tolerate oral therapy, and have no significant comorbidities may be discharged with follow-up. Admission is indicated for those with severe illness, inability to tolerate oral medications, unstable vital signs, immunosuppression, urinary obstruction, or failure of outpatient therapy.


Important clinical pearls include recognizing that asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in elderly patients and usually should not be treated unless symptomatic, except in specific populations such as pregnant women or those undergoing urologic procedures. Recurrent UTIs may require prophylactic strategies. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is increasing, making local resistance patterns important in guiding therapy.

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