Pediatric Emergency Medicine
RSSArticles
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Deadly Pediatric Rashes
Rash is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED). Often, the pediatric rash is a benign, self-limiting condition that requires no intervention; however, there are occasions when rashes are true emergencies. Identifying these rare occasions is critical for the pediatric patient. This issue reviews and discusses some of the most common pediatric dermatologic emergencies and the ED approach to identification, diagnosis, and immediate evidence-based management of these conditions. -
The Pediatric Airway and Rapid Sequence Intubation
The skill to assess and manage the pediatric airway is essential. Correlating anatomic considerations with the need for escalating airway management is critical to optimize each child's outcome.
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Diagnosis and Management of Infants With Critical Congenital Heart Disease in the Emergency Department
Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. When children with undiagnosed congenital heart disease (CHD) present acutely, the challenge of diagnosis and the importance of timely management can be daunting for any physician in an emergency setting. The children with the highest morbidity and mortality from critical congenital heart disease are infants younger than 1 year of age.
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Measles and Mumps: Old Diseases, New Outbreaks
Measles and mumps are back ... and not in a good way. Until now, many clinicians had only heard of these almost-eradicated diseases. Unfortunately, the reality is clinicians may see children with these diseases. It is critical to identify them early, recognize potential high-risk exposures, and manage the disease and its complications effectively. Involvement of public health resources and early appropriate isolation are necessary to limit the spread of these two infections. The author provides a timely review of all critical aspects of both of these diseases.
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Approach to Pediatric Abdominal Pain in the ED: Part I
Abdominal pain is a common pediatric chief complaint with a diversity of etiologies. Many are benign, but some have the potential for devastating consequences if a timely diagnosis is not made. Understanding and practicing a comprehensive approach facilitates consideration of more serious pathology while allowing for a focused diagnostic plan. This two-part series guides the clinician to a practical clinical approach to pediatric abdominal pain.
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An Update on Physical Abuse of Children
Approximately one in five children evaluated in the emergency department is physically abused. Emergency physicians have a responsibility to consider abuse in the differential of every injured child. Although there is increasing awareness of the emergency physician’s role in diagnosing abuse, emergency physicians frequently fail to recognize the more subtle presentations of abuse. This article reviews the identification, evaluation, and management of a child with possible physical abuse.
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Shocking Injuries: Knowing the Risks and Management for Electrical Injuries
Approximately 5,000 patients present to the emergency department each year for evaluation and treatment of electrical injuries. This article will discuss the different classifications of electrical exposures and describe the recommended initial evaluation, diagnostic workup, and treatment. In addition, the authors also discuss special situations, such as lightning exposures, pediatric exposures, and electrical exposures during pregnancy.
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Sleep Tight, and Don’t Let the Ectoparasites Bite: Part 2
Providers in the pediatric emergency department frequently encounter ectoparasitic infestations. Infestations require early recognition and knowledge of effective treatment strategies. Last month, the author reviewed scabies, chiggers, and lice. This month, the bedbugs and ticks will come biting!
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Sleep Tight, and Don’t Let the Ectoparasites Bite: Part 1
Providers in the pediatric emergency department frequently encounter ectoparasitic infestations. Lice and scabies require early recognition and knowledge of effective treatment strategies. This month, the author reviews scabies, chiggers, and lice. Next month, the bed bugs and ticks will come biting!
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Acute Treatment of Pediatric Migraine
Migraines occur in young children, but may be challenging to diagnose. Migraines can have a great impact on pediatric patients’ quality of life with school absence and limitations on extracurricular activities. Treatment of pediatric migraines or possible migraines is difficult secondary to the lack of evidence for effective therapies in pediatric patients. Treatment includes traditional therapy with dopamine receptor antagonists (DRAs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, and combination therapies. Newer therapies include magnesium, valproic acid (VPA), and peripheral nerve blocks. The authors review the clinical presentation of migraines in children, guidelines for diagnosis, and therapeutic options.