Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Ultrasound-Guided Drainage for Pediatric Soft Tissue Abscesses Decreases Clinical Failure Rates Compared to Drainage Without Ultrasound: A Retrospective Study.
Soft tissue abscesses are common in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Ultrasound (US) can be used to both diagnose soft tissue abscesses as well as guide drainage. We hypothesized that clinical failure rates would be less in pediatric patients with suspected skin abscesses when evaluated with US. ⋯ The use of US for patients with a suspected skin abscess was associated with a reduction in the amount of clinical failure rates after both surgical drainage and nonsurgical therapy. Ultrasound should be used when evaluating or treating patients with abscesses.