Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2004
Case ReportsTherapeutic benefits of helium-oxygen delivery to infants via nasal cannula.
The benefits of helium-oxygen (heliox) administration for pediatric upper and lower respiratory disorders have been well described. However, while most studies advocate delivery via a sealed or semisealed facemask system, such systems may not be tolerated in the young child. This report describes the successful and efficacious delivery of heliox via nasal cannula to 5 infants. ⋯ In infants with respiratory distress who do not tolerate a facemask, the use of nasal cannula represents a viable and efficacious alternative for heliox delivery.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2004
Case ReportsOral benadryl and central venous catheter abuse-a potentially "lethal combination".
This article describes the potential for lethal abuse of central venous catheters in oncology patients and its effects especially on the cardiovascular system. Central venous catheters are frequently used to provide immediate vascular access allowing patients to obtain lifesaving therapy or have painless blood-drawing procedures. However, they may also serve as a vehicle for abuse and misuse of medications increasing the potential for morbidity and mortality. ⋯ The injection of oral medications into the central circulation is typically associated with transient pulmonary hypertension and clinical features of pulmonary embolism, especially in preparations containing talc. Although the pulmonary hypertension can be transient, it could be fatal. Physicians must be alert to the potential for abuse and misuse of central venous catheters especially in the chronically ill pediatric patients.