Pediatric radiology
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Pediatric radiology · Jan 2017
Stratifying fibrinolytic dosing in pediatric parapneumonic effusion based on ultrasound grade correlation.
Complicated pleural effusion prolongs the hospital course of pneumonia. Chest tube placement with instillation of fibrinolytic medication allows efficient drain output and decreases hospital stay. ⋯ A lower 1-mg dosing regimen of tissue plasminogen activator was effective in all children with less complex (grade 1 US imaging) parapneumonic effusions. Grade 2 US images correlated with younger and smaller children, presence of a pleural organism, and longer or more complicated chest tube duration.
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Pediatric radiology · Jan 2017
Performance of computed tomography of the head to evaluate for skull fractures in infants with suspected non-accidental trauma.
Young children with suspected abusive head trauma often receive skull radiographs to evaluate for fractures as well as computed tomography (CT) of the head to assess for intracranial injury. Using a CT as the primary modality to evaluate both fracture and intracranial injury could reduce exposure to radiation without sacrificing performance. ⋯ CT with 3-D reconstruction is equivalent to skull radiographs in identifying skull fractures. When a head CT is indicated, skull radiographs add little diagnostic value.
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Pediatric radiology · Jan 2017
The Daily Readiness Huddle: a process to rapidly identify issues and foster improvement through problem-solving accountability.
Because of the increasing complexities of providing imaging for pediatric health care services, a more reliable process to manage the daily delivery of care is necessary. Objective We describe our Daily Readiness Huddle and the effects of the process on problem identification and improvement. ⋯ The Daily Readiness Huddle process has given us a framework to rapidly identify issues, bring accountability to problem-solving, and foster improvement. It has also had a positive effect on team-building and coordination.