Pediatric emergency care
-
Pediatric emergency care · Nov 2023
Observational StudyIs Ophthalmia Neonatorum Associated With Invasive Bacterial Infection? A Single-Center Retrospective Study.
Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) is a conjunctivitis occurring in neonates and can be caused by multiple bacterial pathogens. The risk of invasive bacterial infection (IBI) in neonates with ON is poorly known. Our objectives were to document the association of ON with IBI in term neonates and to investigate practice variation. ⋯ Emergency department presentations of term neonates with ON are associated with a low risk of IBI. A better understanding of the current practice variation is needed to inform clinical guidelines for the management of neonates with ON presenting to the ED.
-
Pediatric emergency care · Nov 2023
Leukocytosis and C-Reactive Protein Levels as Indicators of Infection in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the serious complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus and may be aggravated by infection. Diagnosing an infection in a patient with DKA is often complicated because of the overlap of symptoms and the presence of leukocytosis in both conditions. Reliable indicators for the diagnosis of bacterial infection in DKA may reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and enable closer monitoring of patients at risk. ⋯ Our findings suggest that leukocytosis in DKA is not a reliable indicator of concomitant bacterial infection. In contrast, CRP levels were not related to the DKA or degree of acidosis and were significantly higher in patients with infection within the DKA group, and are therefore a more reliable indicator of concomitant infection in these patients.
-
Pediatric emergency care · Nov 2023
Comparison of Clinical Features of Intussusception in Terms of Age and Duration of Symptoms.
Intussusception is one of the most common surgical emergencies in children. We aimed to analyze the current clinical characteristics of intussusception. ⋯ We recommend performing abdominal USG, especially in young children admitted to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and/or vomiting, to rule out intussusception. In countries that have reported a high mortality rate from intussusception, we advise precautions such as increasing the availability of USG in emergency departments and educating the population to seek early medical assistance.
-
Evaluation and management of the febrile infant has long been an area of variability. Recent guidelines were released by the American Academy of Pediatrics in August 2021 to help provide evidence-based clinical guidelines to decrease variability and improve outcomes.1 These guidelines largely focus on management and treatment guidelines for 3 age groups: 8 to 21 days, 22 to 28 days, and 29 to 60 days. ⋯ The most significant changes to historical practice are in the 22- to 28-day and 29- to 60-day age groups. If initial laboratory work is reassuring, patients may not need cerebrospinal fluid studies, and patients may be monitored at home or at the hospital using shared decision-making with the family.
-
Pediatric emergency care · Nov 2023
Pediatric Diving-Related Injuries in Swimming Pools Presenting to US Emergency Departments: 2008-2020.
Recreational swimming/diving is among the most common physical activities in US children and a significant cause of morbidity across the United States. This study updates the national epidemiology of diving-related injuries. ⋯ Diving injuries are common in children and adolescents, especially in boys aged 10 to 19. There was a significant reduction in diving-related injury corresponding with the COVID-19 pandemic.