FOAMcast - An Emergency Medicine Podcast

In this episode, we review the FDA briefing document on the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer & Jeremy Faust

Direct download: jJ.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:16am EDT

We have previously covered epistaxis on FOAMcast , including the use of tranexamic acid (TXA). Now, we cover a new, large RCT, the NoPac trial by Reuben et al, on TXA for epistaxis.

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: epistaxis_nopac.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EDT

There's been a lot of excitement over various drugs for COVID-19, including anti-inflammatory drugs. Colchicine, a medication long used for gout, fits that bill. In this podcast, we review 3 trials of colchicine including COLCORONA, GRECCO-19, and a study by Lopes et al

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

Direct download: foamcast_covid_colchicine_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28am EDT

Early studies of tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin-6 , were disappointing. However, the REMAP-CAP trial recently reported a benefit to tocilizumab in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Now, from the RECOVERY trial (the trial that brought us dexamethasone), we have more good news for tocilizumab - which we cover in this podcast

Show notes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: recovery_toci_-_21321_9.45_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:48am EDT

As vaccinations role out, the news of SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations to the spike protein have dominated news cycles. One unanswered question has been - do the current vaccines protect against these variants?

We tackle this issue and look at a new paper [pre-print] by Wu et al

Direct download: variant_-_12521_8.55_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:57pm EDT

Prior randomized trials of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 have had disappointing results. However, these trials included patients with severe illness who were many days (if not weeks) into the course of their illness. To date, it was hypothesized, but unknown, that the benefit would be in patients very early in the course of their illness. We cover an RCT by Libster et al in NEJM on convalescent plasma in older patients with mild COVID-19.

Show notes/references: FOAMcast.org


Thanks for listening!

Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: libster_convalescent_-_1721_7.39_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:41am EDT

In this quick literature update we review the new recommendations from the CDC for the treatment of gonococcal infections which include:

  • Higher dose ceftriaxone (500 mg IM) or 1 gm IM if ≥150 kg patient
  • No routine azithromycin
  • Preference for doxycycline for co-treatment of presumed chlamydial infection

Show notes and references: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: cdc_gonorrhea_-_1321_3.26_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am EDT

For years studies have questioned whether pulse oximeters perform as well in non-White patients as in White patients. This is particularly important now as disposition decisions in patients with COVID-19 are often made based on pulse oximetry readings.

We discussed an article by Sjoding et al in NEJM 

Show notes at FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: Pulse_ox_Race.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52pm EDT

Despite multiple Phase II/III vaccine trials of >30,000 participants, pregnant patients or those who are lactating have been largely excluded. In this podcast, we cover what we know (and what we don't know thus far).

The Pfizer BNT162b2 trial data submitted for FDA Emergency Use Authorization does include information on a minuscule number of patients who were immunized and became pregnant.

The Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine has released statements on vaccines in SARS-CoV-2.

In the United Kingdom, Public Health England has released guidance for their population on vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding which are rooted in the lack of data.

Shownotes: FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening!
Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer

Direct download: vaccine_pregnancy_and_breastfeeding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:54pm EDT

We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. *Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear*

Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been in development for only a few months, but several have published early results from Phase III efficacy trials in press releases. In this episode, we review these vaccines and what we know about them, and what we know about  them

Show notes (references/graphics): FOAMcast.org

Thanks for listening,
Lauren Westafer and Jeremy Faust

Direct download: foamcast_covid_vaccine_interim_updates_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm EDT