Pediatric emergency care
-
Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2012
Pediatric prehospital evaluation of NYC cardiac arrest survival (PHENYCS).
The objective of this study was to describe the demographics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCAs) in children younger than 18 years and characteristics associated with survival among these children in New York City (NYC). ⋯ Pediatric OOHCA survival rate is low. Witnessed arrest was the most important determinant of survival. Ventricular fibrillation was an uncommon rhythm measured by emergency medical services. The majority of arrests occurred at home. The rate of bystander CPR was low. Strategies to increase the rate of bystander CPR for children, especially by family members, are needed.
-
Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2012
Comparative StudySonographic diagnosis of metaphyseal forearm fractures in children: a safe and applicable alternative to standard x-rays.
Metaphyseal forearm fractures are very common in childhood. Radiography of the wrist is the standard diagnostic procedure. The aim of our study was to evaluate and confirm the safety and applicability of the ultrasound diagnostic procedure in comparison to x-ray diagnosis. ⋯ We confirm that ultrasound is an applicable and safe alternative tool to x-rays in nondisplaced or excluded metaphyseal forearm fractures in children.
-
During the past decade, awareness of concussions has exploded as both the media and the medical literature have given more focus to this common problem. Concussions after recreational activities, especially athletics, are a frequent complaint in the emergency department. ⋯ However, questions remain as to the best way to rehabilitate these patients to avoid long-term sequelae, especially in children and adolescents. The purpose of this review is to discuss the demographic characteristics, the pathophysiology, definition, clinical characteristics, and management of concussions in children and adolescents.
-
Epinephrine is crucial in the treatment of anaphylaxis. As anaphylaxis frequently occurs in nonmedical settings, use of an epinephrine auto-injector is vital for prompt management. This article provides an overview of the increasing number of epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions and the underlying causes and contributing factors to these rising prescriptions. It also reviews the current indications for prescription of an epinephrine auto-injector, proper use of epinephrine auto-injectors, and the management of unintentional epinephrine injections.