Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2009
ReviewUltrasound soft-tissue applications in the pediatric emergency department: to drain or not to drain?
Soft tissue infections frequently prompt visits to the pediatric emergency department. The incidence of these infections has increased markedly in recent years. ⋯ Ultrasound is an efficient, noninvasive diagnostic tool which can augment the physician's clinical examination. Ultrasound has been shown to be superior to clinical judgment alone in determining the presence or the absence of occult abscess formation, ensuring appropriate management and limiting unnecessary invasive procedures.
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2009
Simple febrile seizures: are the AAP guidelines regarding lumbar puncture being followed?
In 1996, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a practice parameter recommending that lumbar puncture (LP) be strongly considered in infants younger than 12 months presenting with a first febrile seizure. ⋯ The AAP recommendations regarding LP in patients 6 to 12 months of age with first simple febrile seizure are not being strictly adhered to. The AAP recommendations regarding simple febrile seizures were conceived in a different epidemiologic era of disease pathology with data not representative of current prevalence and etiologic issues and need to be revisited.
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2009
Case ReportsFacial edema as the initial presentation of Henoch-Schonlein purpura in a 5-year-old boy.
The appearance of nonthrombocytic purpura is an important clue for the diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). However, this classic skin lesion may be preceded by other symptoms such as abdominal pain and arthralgia, and the diagnosis may be delayed. Facial edema as a manifestation of HSP is typically observed in children younger than 2 years. We report a 5-year-old boy with facial edema at presentation; until 3 days later, the boy returned because of abdominal complication (intussusception) and developed purpura, the diagnosis of HSP was established.
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Throat pain is a common presenting complaint in the pediatric emergency department and often occurs secondary to non-life-threatening conditions. Certain etiologies may initially appear benign, but if not recognized and treated, may result in airway compromise. Patients with blunt trauma to the neck may present with throat pain. ⋯ This injury is rarely seen in isolation. We present a case of laryngeal injury due to blunt trauma to the neck. This case illustrates the potentially serious consequence after an apparently minor traumatic injury.