Emerging applications of low-dose ketamine for pain management in the ED

摘要

To the Editor, The recent Institute of Medicine report, Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care,Education, and Research, described inadequate emergency department (ED) treatment of pain as a major public health concern. The risks associated with the traditional mainstays of ED pain management-opioids and nonsteroi-dal anti-inflammatory medications-often limit their utility in ED patients. The following report describes 3 distinct clinical scenarios where low-dose ketamine holds promise in ED pain management.