The American journal of emergency medicine
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Comparative Study
Use of radiography and ultrasonography for nasal fracture identification in children under 18 years of age presenting to the emergency department.
To compare the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (USG), which is rapid, inexpensive, simple, and does not involve radiation, with that of direct radiography for identifying fractures in the nasal bones of pediatric patients presenting in the emergency department with nasal trauma. ⋯ We consider that USG should be preferred over direct radiography for use at the bedside of pediatric patients who present at emergency department with nasal trauma, because of its superior diagnostic ability and the lack of a requirement for radiation.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza have varying degree of seasonal overlap. ⋯ The observed incidence of co-infectivity of RSV and influenza was significantly less than the expected incidence even when both were co-circulating. In light of these data, it may be reasonable to forgo rapid influenza testing or empiric antiviral treatment for children whom rapid RSV testing is positive and who are at low risk of influenza-related complications, especially in times of antiviral therapy shortages.
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The purpose of this study is to determine the economic value of the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) by examining its contribution to the reduction of unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits and associated charges across multiple years. ⋯ Compared to the cost of operation, the service UPCC provides demonstrates economic value by reducing ED visits and associated charges. As the majority of patients have private insurance, the largest benefit falls to private payers.
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This study aimed to assess the proportions of injured children transported to trauma centers by different transportation modes and evaluate the effect of transportation mode on inter-facility transfer rates using the US national trauma registry. ⋯ Over one third of US pediatric trauma patients used non-EMS transport to arrive at trauma centers. Moderate to severely injured children benefit from EMS transport and professional field triage to reach the appropriate trauma facility. Our study suggests that national efforts are needed to increase awareness among parents and the general public of the benefits of EMS transportation and care.
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Evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the APPY1TM biomarker panel, previously described for use in pediatric patients, for identifying adult ED patients with abdominal pain who are at low risk of acute appendicitis. ⋯ This biomarker panel exhibited high sensitivity and negative predictive value for acute appendicitis in this prospective adult cohort, thereby potentially reducing the dependence on CT for the evaluation of possible acute appendicitis.