Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe impact of watching cartoons for distraction during painful procedures in the emergency department.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the viewing of cartoons in the acute care setting reduces the perception of pain by pediatric patients. ⋯ The finding that cartoon viewing was effective does illustrate 1 more pain relief tool for use in the ED when pediatric patients present. It is useful because of the fact that it does not interfere with assessment of patients' presenting or underlying problems. The need for more ways in which to address pediatric pain persists.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyHerpes simplex testing in neonates in the emergency department.
To determine the prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in neonates evaluated in the emergency department and to identify factors associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. An existing testing paradigm was then applied to determine its potential impact on testing frequency. ⋯ The HSV testing remains common despite the low prevalence of HSV infection. The CSF HSV PCR testing is not well aligned with known risk factors. Future testing strategies should incorporate community HSV prevalence, known neonatal risk factors, and clinical judgment.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyRespiratory viruses identified in an urban children's hospital emergency department during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.
Two surges in influenza-like illness (ILI) visits to Children's Medical Center Emergency Departments, Dallas and Legacy, occurred in late spring (wave 1) and late summer 2009 (wave 2). This study describes respiratory viruses identified during the first weeks of waves 1 and 2 of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (pH1N1) and compares patients infected with pH1N1 with those infected with other respiratory viruses during wave 1. ⋯ During the epidemic of ILI in Spring 2009, other respiratory viruses were identified more frequently than pH1N1 influenza in children with ILIs. Clinical presentation was similar for all respiratory viruses. Molecular diagnostic testing can define the prevalent viruses during community outbreaks and provide guidance to physicians making treatment decisions in emergency departments.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2012
Case ReportsThe 2011 PEMpix photo competition award winner: Vanessa Perez, MD: An unusual case of pallor, the eyes have it!
This is a case report of 7-year-old boy who presented with diplopia. Physical examination was remarkable for pallor and right-eye proptosis. Differential diagnosis of this chief complaint and the management of the suspected condition are discussed. This case was presented at the Section of Emergency Medicine Meeting at the National Conference and Exhibition of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2011 and was awarded first place in the PEMpix photo competition.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2012
Case ReportsMastoiditis and meningitis complicating an aural foreign body.
Children commonly present to emergency departments with foreign bodies in the ear. In addition, physicians place wicks in the ear canal as part of the treatment of otitis externa. Usually, these foreign bodies are easily removed, but occasionally, removal must be deferred or is delayed by parents. ⋯ She was found to have an ear wick in place as part of the treatment of otalgia. She was subsequently diagnosed with mastoiditis and meningitis. This is first time mastoiditis and meningitis has been reported as a complication of ear wick placement, although not the only case of an intracranial complication of an aural foreign body.