Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Although laryngotracheobronchitis is the most common upper respiratory tract disorder in pediatrics, several other diseases are potentially life-threatening. The emergency physician must recognize both the obvious and subtle distinctions among upper airway diseases. The status of the patient's airway remains the primary concern regardless of the suspected disorder, but further definitive care depends on the specific disease entity. The prompt recognition and action of both the prehospital care provider and the ED physician in maintaining a critical airway and supporting ventilation until definitive pediatric critical or surgical care can be delivered is essential in ensuring optimal outcome for children suffering from a life-threatening upper airway illness.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · May 1995
Historical ArticlePediatric emergency medicine. The history of a growing discipline.
Pediatric emergency medicine is evolving into a more clearly described area of medical care. The historical development and future challenges of this subspecialty are discussed. In addition, emergency care for children is reviewed closely, citing differences in the pediatric populations seen in pediatric emergency departments and general emergency departments.
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Trauma care for children is examined from a demographic perspective. Critical issues, such as "who should care for acutely injured children" and "where should they receive care" are addressed. Specific issues regarding blunt trauma and indications for and outcome of emergency department thoracotomy are discussed also. A strategy for injury prevention is reviewed.
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After decades of decline, tuberculosis has emerged as a global health challenge. In the setting of HIV immunocompromise, TB occurs frequently, early, and often atypically. ⋯ Increased prevalence of treatment failure, drug-resistant strains, and nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant TB are discussed as are new diagnostic tests that will accelerate the time to diagnosis and allow better epidemiologic tracking. Early recognition, isolation, appropriate therapy, and environmental controls that will protect staff and patients from the risk of exposure are also described.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Nov 1994
Review Case ReportsElectroencephalographic monitoring in the emergency department.
EEG is the single most important test in diagnosing epilepsy and related conditions. We urge immediate EEG for patients with persistent, unexplained, altered consciousness. ⋯ In some cases, EEG provides useful diagnostic information or clarifies the severity of brain dysfunction in comatose patients. Finally, EEG is essential in monitoring patients who require pentobarbital coma for refractory SE.