Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2013
Review Case ReportsSpinal Cord Avulsion in the Pediatric Population: Case Study and Review.
Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare phenomenon, but with advances in imaging and improvements in magnetic resonance imaging more cases are being identified. Even more uncommon is the finding of spinal cord avulsion as a type of SCIWORA with only single case reports in the literature. We present the case reports of 2 patients both experiencing spinal cord avulsion as a type of SCIWORA, secondary to improper lap-belt restraint during a motor vehicle accident.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2013
ReviewRevised 4-Dose Vaccine Schedule as Part of Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies.
There is overwhelming evidence that the 4-dose vaccine schedule as part of postexposure prophylaxis to prevent human rabies for previously unvaccinated persons, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States in 2009, is safe and effective. When used appropriately with timely wound care and administration of human rabies immune globulin, the administration of 4 doses of vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 is likely to induce an adequate,long-lasting antibody response that is able to neutralize rabies virus and prevent disease in exposed patients. There has been no change in the recommended regimen for pre-exposure prophylaxis and for postexposure prophylaxis of previously vaccinated persons or for immunosuppressed patients.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2013
Comparative StudyAccuracy of Laceration Length Estimation in a Pediatric Emergency Department and Its Impact on Billing Practices.
This study aimed to determine the accuracy of laceration length estimation in a pediatric emergency department among health care providers of varying levels of training and its impact on billing practices. ⋯ Pediatric emergency medicine practitioners are accurate estimators of laceration length. Eight percent of lacerations are misclassified and billed incorrectly. Physicians should be required to report measured lengths for billing.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2013
Case ReportsA Toddler With Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, and Alopecia.
A previously healthy toddler presented to the emergency department with nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints. Laboratory studies were consistent with pancreatitis, and imaging studies demonstrated a pancreatic transection. Alopecia felt to be related to traction was also noted. There was no history of any witnessed trauma, and nonaccidental trauma was diagnosed.
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Pediatric emergency care · Oct 2013
Case ReportsEmergency Department Bedside Ultrasound Diagnosis of Retinoblastoma in a Child.
A 30-month-old boy presented to a Haitian emergency department with proptosis, periorbital edema, and progressive blindness. Bedside ultrasound examination revealed bilateral ocular masses with dense calcifications pathognomonic for retinoblastoma. This case illustrates the diagnostic utility of bedside ultrasound for an advanced case of retinoblastoma in a resource-poor setting. Ocular ultrasound technique is also reviewed.