Conference Roundup

AAEM26 Highlights: Selected Scientific Assembly Sessions

Edited by:
Anthony Calabro, MA

Sessions at the AAEM 32nd Annual Scientific Assembly (AAEM26) in Seattle, WA, addressed updated clinical guidelines, evolving evidence in common conditions, and the use of digital health approaches to support patient care across emergency medicine. 

Updates in Endocrinology: Hyperglycemic Emergencies1

This session addressed hyperglycemic emergencies commonly encountered in the emergency department, including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. The presentation also focused on recently published, evidence-based guidelines intended to improve the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

The session reviewed updated diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms designed to support more efficient care in the emergency department setting.

Speaker: George Willis, MD

Breaking Bones, Breaking Myths: Evidence-Based Ortho Updates for the Emergency Clinician2

This session presented evidence-based updates on the management of common orthopedic injuries in the emergency department, with an emphasis on recent literature that challenges traditional practices. Topics included nailbed injury repair, scaphoid fracture management, toddler’s fractures, and reduction techniques for nursemaid’s elbow.

Through case-based examples and review of recent studies and meta-analyses, the session examined approaches to diagnosis and treatment based on current evidence.

Speaker: Marco E. Propersi, DO, FAAEM

EM Beyond the ED: Using Technology to Expand Our Reach3

This session explored the application of emergency medicine expertise beyond the emergency department through the use of digital health and telehealth platforms. In her session, Lulu Wang, MD described a multihospital Emergency Medicine Consult program, including services such as emergency department teletriage, urgent care and home health consults, and virtual emergency department evaluations.

Her presentation also reviewed lessons from a 5-year implementation and outline the use of technology-assisted triage and consult systems to support patient flow and care delivery across a health system.

Speaker: Lulu Wang, MD

Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Cutting-Edge Updates and Essential Insights (Plenary III)4

This plenary session provided a review of recent literature and key studies in pediatric emergency medicine. The presentation focused on updates to diagnostic strategies, treatment protocols, and management approaches for common pediatric emergencies, as well as recent guideline changes.

Attendees were also introduced to current research and recommendations and their application to clinical practice in the emergency setting.

Speakers: Mimi Lu, MD, FAAEM; Ilene Claudius, MD

Failures of Sepsis Screening Algorithms and How to Identify Those Patients Before They Descend the Septic Spiral Staircase of Death5

This session examined limitations of sepsis screening algorithms, particularly those based on SIRS criteria, and their ability to identify high-risk patients. Using case-based examples, the presentation reviewed patient populations and clinical scenarios in which sepsis may be missed or delayed, including geriatric patients, individuals with tickborne illness, and patients with select soft tissue infections.

The session also addressed adjunctive approaches, including the use of the shock index, to support earlier recognition of sepsis.

Speaker: John C. Perkins, Jr., MD

References

  1. Willis G. Updates in endocrinology: hyperglycemic emergencies (Session 210). Presented at: AAEM26 Scientific Assembly; April 13, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://aaem26.eventscribe.net/SearchByBucket.asp?f=TrackName&bm=Abstract&pfp=Abstracts
  2. Propersi ME. Breaking bones, breaking myths: evidence based ortho updates for the emergency clinician. Presented at: AAEM26 Scientific Assembly; April 15, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://aaem26.eventscribe.net/SearchByBucket.asp?f=TrackName&bm=Abstract&pfp=Abstracts
  3. Wang L. EM beyond the ED: using technology to expand our reach. Presented at: AAEM26 Scientific Assembly; April 13, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://aaem26.eventscribe.net/SearchByBucket.asp?f=TrackName&bm=Abstract&pfp=Abstracts
  4. Lu M, Claudius I. Pediatric emergency medicine: cutting-edge updates and essential insights (Plenary III). Presented at: AAEM26 Scientific Assembly; April 13, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://aaem26.eventscribe.net/SearchByBucket.asp?f=TrackName&bm=Abstract&pfp=Abstracts
  5. Perkins JC Jr. Failures of sepsis screening algorithms and how to identify those patients before they descend the septic spiral staircase of death. Presented at: AAEM26 Scientific Assembly; April 14, 2026; Seattle, WA. Accessed April 14, 2026. https://aaem26.eventscribe.net/SearchByPresentation.asp?pfp=BrowsebyTitle