Pediatric emergency care
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Pulmonary infections due to anaerobic bacteria usually occur in children prone to aspiration. The source of the anaerobic bacteria is the oropharyngeal bacterial flora, where these organisms outnumber aerobic and facultative organisms in a 10:1 ratio. ⋯ The predominant isolated anaerobic bacteria are Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, pigmented Prevotella, and Porphyromonas spp. and Bacteroides fragilis group. Management of these infections includes the administration of antimicrobials effective against the anaerobic as well as the aerobic pathogens.
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Septic shock causes more deaths in children than cancer. However, studies have shown that mortality can be significantly reduced by adhering to the American College of Critical Care Medicine/Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines. This article reviews the definitions, pathophysiology, and emergency management of children with septic shock, including the controversial role of steroids.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2004
Optimal driving conditions are the most common injury conditions for child pedestrians.
Motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes are one of the leading causes of serious injury in children. Prior studies have focused on child and traffic factors contributing to these crashes. The objective of the current study was to examine the role of driving conditions on the occurrence of motor vehicle crashes involving child pedestrians. ⋯ Urban pediatric pedestrian crashes are common and occur most frequently during optimal driving conditions (good lighting, a dry road, and good weather). The data also suggest that pedestrian crashes are related to the saturation of the streets with children (optimal play conditions) compounded by poor street-crossing technique. Prevention efforts should reinforce the fact that optimal driving conditions are also likely to represent optimal conditions for child play and may increase the risk for pediatric pedestrian injuries through increased exposure.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2004
Planning emergency medical services for children in Bolivia: part 1-the use of rapid assessment procedures.
To describe an expedited process for collecting social and cultural data before program planning to develop emergency medical services for children in La Paz, Bolivia. The overall goal was to understand the relevant issues from the point of view of those most affected. ⋯ By adhering to a systematic process of team building and data gathering from a variety of sources using a mix of methods, culturally appropriate information can be integrated into program planning.