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.
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Pediatric radiology · Nov 2016
Feasibility, tolerability and safety of pediatric hyperpolarized 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging in healthy volunteers and children with cystic fibrosis.
Hyperpolarized 129Xe is a promising contrast agent for MRI of pediatric lung function, but its safety and tolerability in children have not been rigorously assessed. ⋯ The feasibility, safety and tolerability of 129Xe MRI has been assessed in a small group of children as young as 6 years. SpO2 changes were consistent with the expected physiological effects of a short anoxic breath-hold, and other mild side effects were consistent with the known anesthetic properties of xenon and with previous safety assessments of 129Xe MRI in adults. Hyperpolarized 129Xe is a safe and well-tolerated inhaled contrast agent for pulmonary MR imaging in healthy children and in children with cystic fibrosis who have mild to moderate lung disease.