Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2005
Case ReportsIs it acute omphalitis or necrotizing fasciitis? Report of three fatal cases.
We describe 3 Costa Rican newborns that developed acute omphalitis, complicated with fulminant abdominal wall and genital necrotizing fasciitis. The emergency practitioner should be capable of distinguishing promptly between acute omphalitis and early necrotizing fasciitis. Prompt medical treatment and surgical debridement should be encouraged to decrease the high associated morbidity and mortality rates.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2005
Comparative StudySurvey of academic pediatric emergency departments regarding use of evaluation and management codes.
The aims of the study were to determine the frequency at which each emergency medicine evaluation and management (E/M) code is used, to identify factors associated with their use by academic pediatric emergency departments (PEDs), and to compare PED E/M code utilization rates with rates reported by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for general emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ Although the response rate was low, and thus the validity of the results was limited, the findings may serve as a benchmark for E/M code utilization in PEDs. The large variation in use of the E/M codes among the PED in our study and the lower rate of using the highest E/M codes by the PEDs compared with the general EDs suggest potential opportunities for academic PEDs to improve billing practices.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2005
Review Case ReportsPediatric diabetic ketoacidosis: clinical presentations and nursing considerations.
Pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening medical condition that requires rapid recognition yet gradual organized treatment. This article discusses the pathophysiology and morbidity of diabetic ketoacidosis and cerebral edema, in addition to treatment and nursing considerations. Three case studies are presented to reintroduce the reader to varying severity of ketoacidosis.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2005
Case ReportsChest pain among adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
Chest pain is common among adolescents. However, chest pain among adolescents with eating disorders is unique. We report a case of an anorexic adolescent presenting to the emergency room with acute onset of chest pain due to spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The pathophysiology, etiology, and risk factors of chest pain among adolescents with anorexia nervosa are reviewed.