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Women have two additional diseases that must be added to the differential diagnosis of their abdominal pain. PID and ovarian torsion. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (and Tube-Ovarian Abscess) Deep pelvic infections high in the reproductive tract frequently caused by sexually transmitted infection but can be caused by other infections (especially anaerobic infections) as well History Symptoms […]

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How to Read a Urinalysis Signs of Inflammation Leukocyte Esterace WBCs Multiple conditions cause inflammation on a urinalysis. Anything that causes nearby inflammation (appendicitis, pelvic infections, diverticulitis) or slows urine output (dehydration, renal disease) can commonly elevate these markers. Signs of bacterial presence (not present in ~25% of proven urinary tract infections!!!) Nitrites Bacteria Asymptomatic […]

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All women of childbearing age who present with abdominal pain need a pregnancy test a core teaching of EMergency medicine Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester History Abdominal pain present in 90% of cases Amenorrhea present in 70% of cases Vaginal bleeding present in 50% of cases The […]