Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Pediatric hematologic and oncologic emergencies are in 3 major categories: complications of hematologic disorders, emergencies associated with the new onset of cancers, and treatment-associated oncologic emergencies. The overall number of these patients remains low; however, the mortality associated with these diseases remains high despite significant advances in management. This article presents a review of the most commonly encountered pediatric hematologic and oncologic complications that emergency physicians and providers need to know.
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Emergency medicine clinicians are mandated reporters, legally, which obligates clinicians to report any behavior suspicious for child maltreatment to local authorities. Pediatric patients often present to the emergency department with concern for physical injury and other pervasive complaints. In some cases, these injuries are nonaccidental. To appropriately advocate and protect children from further physical and emotional trauma, it is important for clinicians to recognize the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment and sexual abuse.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2021
ReviewNeck Trauma: Cervical Spine, Seatbelt Sign, and Penetrating Palate Injuries.
Pediatric cervical spine, blunt cerebrovascular, and penetrating palate injuries are rare but potentially life-threatening injuries that demand immediate stabilization and treatment. Balancing the risk of a missed injury with radiation exposure and the need for sedation is critical in evaluating children for these injuries. ⋯ Careful risk stratification based on history, mechanism and examination is imperative to evaluate these injuries judiciously in the pediatric population. This article presents a review of the most up-to-date literature on pediatric neck trauma.
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Pediatric fever is a common complaint in children. The most common cause is self-limited viral infection. ⋯ Children older than 2 months may be evaluated clinically for signs of bacterial infection that require intervention. Urinary tract infections cause more than 90% of serious bacterial illness in children, and younger children have a higher incidence of infection.
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In recent years, there has been an emergence of numerous novel drugs. Such toxicity may occur in both adolescents and adults. ⋯ Kratom, a plant occasionally used for opiate detoxification, along with the sedatives etizolam and phenibut, will be discussed. Lastly, this article discusses the phenethylamines and marijuana.