Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2006
Use of a pediatric observation unit for treatment of children with dehydration caused by gastroenteritis.
Observation units (OUs) have emerged as a cost-saving alternative to traditional ward admission for many pediatric illnesses. Dehydration caused by gastroenteritis is a common reason for admission to a pediatric OU. In this study, we describe characteristics of patients with presumed gastroenteritis admitted to a pediatric OU and seek to identify factors associated with unplanned inpatient admission, defined as the inability to discharge an OU patient within 24 hours. ⋯ Most patients with dehydration caused by gastroeneritis who need more treatment and observation than can reasonably be offered in an emergency department setting should be considered for OU admission regardless of their historical or laboratory characteristics.
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Pediatric emergency care · Jan 2006
Case ReportsClothesline injury mechanism associated with all-terrain vehicle use by children.
Clothesline injury to the face and neck is a unique mechanism of injury seen in children and adolescents on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The purpose of this study was to describe this serious and avoidable injury pattern. ⋯ Clothesline injury to the neck and face associated with ATV use in children and adolescents is a unique and serious injury mechanism. Because all of these injuries in our series occurred in young children or adolescents who were driving or riding on the front of the ATV, it emphasizes the recommendation that children and young adolescents should not ride or drive ATVs.