Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Mar 1988
Case ReportsAn unusual complication from a femoral venous catheter.
We report a case of a child with sickle cell disease and decreased intravascular volume secondary to splenic sequestration in whom a femoral venous catheter dislodged, infiltrated into the soft tissue of the anterior abdominal wall, and caused clinical signs of peritonitis. Inability to recognize this complication led to a delay in diagnosis of the problem and removal of the catheter. Central venous catheters utilized to resuscitate hypovolemic patients should be removed as soon as peripheral venous access is possible and will suffice to fill the medical needs of the patient. If a patient with a femoral venous catheter develops signs of peritonitis, diagnostic studies should be performed to delineate catheter location.
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To clarify the epidemiology of adolescent suicide, a retrospective study was undertaken of suicides (1978 to 1982) and hospitalized suicide attempts (1979 to 1983) by adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in an affluent suburban area. Data included date of injury, demography (for both suicides and suicide attempts), and recorded personal and social history (available for attempts only). There were 11 deaths due to suicide (definite or possible) in the five years reviewed: seven male, 10 aged 15 to 19 years. ⋯ The mean annual suicide attempt rate was approximately 140 per 100,000 for 15 to 19 year olds, and 45 per 100,000 for 10 to 14 year olds, with female rates exceeding male rates. There was an association between suicide attempt dates and occurrence of holidays, and there was a peak in attempts at the end of the school year. Detailed analysis of personal and social attributes associated with suicide attempts was prevented by poor recording of relevant factors in the medical record.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 1987
Case ReportsHypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis as a consequence of the therapeutic misuse of baking soda.
When used appropriately, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, USP) is a nontoxic, readily available, multipurpose product found in many households. We report an infant who presented with hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis due to the addition of baking soda to her water. This case represents the possible dangerous use of a common household product in infants owing to the lack of proper warning labels.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 1987
Review Case ReportsNear-fatal caffeine intoxication treated with peritoneal dialysis.
Caffeine is generally regarded as a safe drug, as evidenced by its wide availability in "over-the-counter" preparations and beverages. However, it is capable of producing a lethal outcome in cases of intoxication. ⋯ Previous cases of caffeine intoxication meriting hospital care or resulting in death which have been reported in the English language medical literature are summarized. It is suggested that drug-drug interactions and the use of peritoneal dialysis and hemoperfusion be given particular consideration in such patients.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 1987
Review Case ReportsGarlic burns: a naturopathic remedy gone awry.
We report the case of a child who sustained partial thickness burns from a garlic-petroleum jelly plaster, which had been applied at the direction of a naturopathic physician. A review of the literature reveals that "garlic burns" have not previously been reported, although medicinal properties of garlic have been investigated by physicians and biochemists. The pediatrician caring for children in an area where naturopathic medicine is routinely practiced should be aware of the potential side effects of plasters, poultices, and other "natural" remedies in children.