Pediatric emergency care
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Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is a popular herbal remedy for infantile colic. Contamination with a related species of Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) has been related to cases of toxicity in infants. ⋯ Her presentation is consistent with other reports of toxicity that include particular gastrointestinal and neurological findings. A discussion of the clinical aspects of star anise toxicity, differential diagnosis, and management follows.
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Pediatric emergency care · Mar 2012
A qualitative assessment of reasons for nonurgent visits to the emergency department: parent and health professional opinions.
Each day, children incur more than 69,000 emergency department (ED) visits, with 58% to 82% of them for nonurgent reasons. The objectives of this study were to elicit and to describe guardians' and health professionals' opinions on reasons for nonurgent pediatric ED visits. ⋯ Guardians' concerns about perceptions of severity of illness in children and their schedules must be considered to effectively reduce nonurgent ED use, which may differ from the perceptions of professionals. Health professionals and systems seeking ways to decrease ED utilization may be able to better match capacity to demand both by increasing accessibility to primary care and by working to overcome guardians' perceptions that only EDs can handle acute illnesses or injuries.
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The objective of the study was to review the 2010 pertussis upsurge occurring within California and recent experiences at a large tertiary care children's hospital within California. ⋯ Hospitals, private practitioners, and the California Department of Public Health need to emphasize prompt diagnosis and treatment of this contagious infection to limit the spread to susceptible individuals. A more widespread safe and effective vaccination program will hopefully enhance protection against pertussis infection.
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Pediatric emergency care · Mar 2012
Boarding admitted children in the emergency department impacts inpatient outcomes.
This study aimed to assess the relationship between boarding of admitted children in the emergency department (ED) and cost, inpatient length of stay (LOS), mortality, and readmission. ⋯ Among low-acuity and surgical patients, longer boarding times were associated with longer inpatient LOS and more readmissions, respectively.
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Pediatric emergency care · Mar 2012
Case ReportsRetrieval of a rectal foreign body using enemas in a 13-year-old boy.
In adults, rectal foreign bodies are a well-described phenomenon. In the pediatric emergency department, however, insertion of foreign bodies into the rectum is a rarely seen condition. Herein, we discuss a case of a rectal foreign body in a 13-year-old boy and the modality of removal.