Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2023
Celiac Disease and Intussusception: A Common Association in Children.
In young childhood, intestinal intussusception (IS) is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction. A lead point such as Meckel diverticulum, polyps, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, cystic fibrosis, and Schoenlein-Henoch purpura are recognized causes. Association between celiac disease (CD) and IS has been well recognized in adults but rarely in children. Data on causes and outcome of intussusception among Saudi children are lacking in the literature. Our objectives were to characterize the pattern of IS among Saudi children and investigate the frequency, clinical presentation, and outcome of intussusception among children with CD. ⋯ Secondary causes contributed to a large proportion of IS in our study cohort (33%) as compared with 5% to 10% in the literature. Celiac disease is an underrecognized cause of IS among children. A child with IS and hypoalbuminemia, anemia, or chronic diarrhea needs to be investigated for CD to avoid unnecessary surgery.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2023
Are Pediatric Trauma Transfers Justified?: A Unique Viewpoint From a Transferring Institution.
Definitions of pediatric overtriage and unnecessary transfers for injured children have been instituted from a viewpoint of referral centers and have doubtful value for effecting interventions at referring centers. This study provides a unique insight into the factors prompting transfers at a peripheral institution. ⋯ Existing definitions of overtriage have limited value in effecting interventions to reduce unnecessary transfers. Identifying specific factors at referring institutions including providing local availability of pediatric surgical specialists will potentially help mitigate injury-related pediatric overtriage.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2023
Diagnostic Accuracy of the World Health Organization Pediatric Emergency Triage, Assessment and Treatment Tool Plus Among Patients Seeking Care in Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-sectional Study.
The World Health Organization developed Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment Plus (ETAT+) guidelines to facilitate pediatric care in resource-limited settings. ETAT+ triages patients as nonurgent, priority, or emergency cases, but there is limited research on the performance of ETAT+ regarding patient-oriented outcomes. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of ETAT+ in predicting the need for hospital admission in a pediatric emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. ⋯ ETAT+ demonstrated diagnostic accuracy for predicting patient need for hospital admission. This finding supports the utility of ETAT+ to inform emergency care practice. Further research on ETAT+ performance in larger populations and additional patient-oriented outcomes would enhance its generalizability and application in resource-limited settings.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2023
Combination of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam for Sedation in Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine associated with midazolam has been used for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging studies because immobility is a fundamental requirement for correct execution. Many studies have shown dexmedetomidine to be a good option for non-operating room sedation. However, identifying the optimal dose remains a key challenge, especially for pediatric patients. ⋯ Our experience with association of intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam has a high success rate, with high effectiveness and safety.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2023
Emergency Department Usage Patterns Among Pediatric Victims of Gun Violence and Physical Assault.
Violent injuries are a common reason for pediatric emergency department (ED) visits, with gun violence being the leading cause of violent death among children. The objective of this study was to assess for patterns of pediatric ED usage that are associated with future ED visits for violent injuries. ⋯ Emergency department visits due to interpersonal violence, mental/behavioral health, sexual/reproductive health, and sexual assault are associated with recurrent ED visits for violent injuries. Awareness of patterns of ED usage may aid in identifying patients at high risk for violence and increase opportunities for preventative interventions.