Pediatric emergency care
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Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used in both adults and children with neuromuscular disorders to control spasticity. In children, relatively few cases of overdose have been previously reported. We report two cases of baclofen overdose occurring in two siblings. ⋯ Serum baclofen concentrations from both children were significantly elevated. We also review the published literature on baclofen overdose in children and adolescents. These cases emphasize the importance of warning parents about the potential toxicity of baclofen when prescribing the drug to a family member.
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Bupropion is a relatively new monocyclic antidepressant whose mechanism of action remains unknown. In addition to its use as an antidepressant, it has also been suggested to be effective in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder and more recently as an aid in the cessation of cigarette smoking. ⋯ We report a 14-year-old boy who ingested 1.5 to 3 g of bupropion in a suicide attempt. Previous reports of bupropion ingestions and its management are discussed.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effects of core and peripheral warming methods on temperature and physiologic variables in injured children.
Injured children are at risk for thermoregulatory compromise, where temperature maintenance mechanisms are overwhelmed by severe injury, environmental exposure, and resuscitation measures. Adequate thermoregulation can be maintained, and heat loss can be prevented, by core (administration of warmed intravenous fluid) and peripheral (application of convective air warming) methods. It is not known which warming method is better to maintain thermoregulation and prevent heat loss in injured children during their trauma resuscitations. The purpose of this feasibility study was to compare the effects of core and peripheral warming measures on body temperature and physiologic changes in a small sample of injured children during their initial emergency department (ED) treatment. ⋯ Core and peripheral warming methods appeared to e effective in preventing heat loss in this stable patient population. A reasonable next step would be to continue this trial in a larger sample of patients who are at greater risk for heat loss and subsequent hypothermia and to use a control group.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2001
Review Case ReportsVaginal laceration and perforation resulting from first coitus.
Vaginal laceration resulting from coitus is not uncommon and is well described. Perforation of the vagina during coitus is a very rare occurrence, and there is scant literature reporting it. This is a case of a 14-year-old female who suffered both laceration and perforation of the vagina as a result of her first coitus, which was consensual. The characteristics of vaginal laceration and perforation, presentation, treatment, complications, as well as predisposing factors, are discussed.