Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2021
Evaluation of the Pattern of Use of a Pediatric Emergency Department in Italy.
The aim of this study was to evaluate access to a pediatric emergency department (PED) in a large hospital, in particular to estimate the prevalence of potentially avoidable accesses and the characteristics of return visits. ⋯ We confirm that most of the accesses to a PED are nonurgent and potentially avoidable. Interventions are needed to improve the appropriateness of use of emergency services.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2021
Screening Laboratory Testing in Asymptomatic Minor Pediatric Blunt Trauma Leads to Unnecessary Needle Sticks.
Screening blood work after minor injuries is common in pediatric trauma. The risk of missed injuries versus diagnostic necessity in an asymptomatic patient remains an ongoing debate. We evaluated the clinical utility of screening blood work in carefully selected asymptomatic children after minor trauma. ⋯ When appropriately selected, screening laboratory testing in asymptomatic minor pediatric blunt trauma patients leads to unnecessary needle sticks without significant advantage.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2021
Multicenter StudyPediatric Abdominal Pain in Children Presenting to the Emergency Department.
Undifferentiated abdominal pain is a common pediatric presentation to the emergency department (ED). ⋯ The prevalence of CSAP and appendicitis in our study was 14.8% (11.8-17.7) and 7.4% (5.2-9.6), respectively. Fewer than half of patients received blood tests, and a third received imaging during their ED attendance. The presentation of abdominal pain conveys a significant health burden on families with time off school and ongoing symptoms of pain.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2021
Intentional Poisoning in Pediatric Patients: Examining the Risk Factors.
Poisonings in children are common reasons for presentation to the emergency department and can potentially have serious complications. Our research aims to review risk factors leading to intentional self-poisoning. ⋯ Known psychiatric history or a history of deliberate self-harm are risk factors for intentional poisoning. Appropriate risk stratification and preemptive interventions involving closer surveillance or cognitive behavioral programs are possible measures to prevent intentional self-poisoning, especially in these at-risk groups.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2021
Meta AnalysisThe Utility of Ultrasound in Detecting Skull Fractures After Pediatric Blunt Head Trauma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Head trauma is a common reason for evaluation in the emergency department. The evaluation for traumatic brain injury involves computed tomography, exposing children to ionizing radiation. Skull fractures are associated with intracranial bleed. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can diagnose skull fractures. ⋯ A POCUS skull study significantly increases the probability of skull fracture, whereas a negative study markedly decreases the probability if the pretest probability is very low.