Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2014
Case ReportsThyrotoxic periodic paralysis in a pediatric patient.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a reversible metabolic disorder that is characterized by acute muscle weakness and hypokalemia. It predominantly affects males of Asian descent. ⋯ Laboratory test results initially revealed marked hypokalemia and later confirmed associated hyperthyroidism. Correction of the hypokalemia reversed the patient's weakness in the emergency department.
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2014
Procalcitonin to Predict Bacterial Coinfection in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis: A Preliminary Analysis.
The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary analysis of serum procalcitonin (PCT) to predict bacterial coinfection in infants with acute bronchiolitis. ⋯ An elevated PCT may assist clinicians in determining presence of bacterial coinfection at admission in infants with acute bronchiolitis. Implementation of a PCT cutoff of 1.5 ng/mL at admission may prevent unnecessary antibiotic use with associated cost savings. Serial PCT levels may increase sensitivity. Further validation is warranted.