The authors review the classic course of common pediatric diseases associated with rashes, including varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), roseola, and rubella. Understanding the classic patterns, disease progression, high-risk populations, and potential complications allow the ED physician to avoid unnecessary testing in low-risk patients with a classic presentation, and aggressively approach potentially significant rashes in high-risk populations (e.g., neonatal HSV). This article also is designed to increase ED physicians awareness of treatment strategies associated with common viral exanthems.
CRP values as a continuous variable have independent predictive value for subsequent coronary events in apparently healthy women.
The 12-lead ECG and accompanying rhythm strip shown in the Figure were obtained from an older man who presented with acute dyspnea from pneumonia. He was on multiple medications, and was in moderate-to-severe respiratory distress at the time this ECG was recorded. Is the rhythm Torsades de Pointes?
Infection rates in low-risk human bites are exceedingly low. Antibiotic treatment may not be necessary for these patients.
