Current opinion in pediatrics
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2010
ReviewThe impact of race and ethnicity on care in the pediatric emergency department.
To review healthcare disparities encountered by pediatric patients in the emergency department. The discussion focuses on recent research that is relevant to the field of pediatric emergency medicine. ⋯ Recent research demonstrates that healthcare disparities exist in several areas affecting the delivery of quality pediatric emergency care. These disparities are shaped by a complex interaction of social, cultural, behavioral, educational, and financial factors. More research is needed to increase the body of knowledge as to why disparities exist. The success of this future research may require an interdisciplinary approach incorporating experts from multiple scientific fields.
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Severely injured children have a decreased incidence and different pattern of multiple organ failure when compared with adults. This article reviews recent advances in understanding the mechanisms leading to this discrepancy. ⋯ The inflammatory response to injury in children is functionally and mechanistically unique, as suggested by age-related differences in the incidence and pattern of systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure after major trauma. We review the current clinical and basic science literature related to postinjury inflammation in childhood, focusing on the developmental biology of innate immunity and the implications of a maturing immune system for trauma-related interventions and outcomes.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2010
ReviewTraumatic brain injury: preferred methods and targets for resuscitation.
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in pediatric trauma. This review looks at the strategies to treat TBI in a temporal fashion. We examine the targets for resuscitation from field triage to definitive care in the pediatric ICU. ⋯ As our understanding of pediatric TBI evolves, the ambition is that age-specific and perhaps individual brain injury strategies based upon feedback from continuous monitors will be defined. In addition, vogue methods such as hypothermia, hypertonic saline, and aggressive surgical decompression may prove to impact brain swelling and outcomes.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Jun 2010
ReviewCommunity-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin infections.
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become increasingly important as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), particularly abscesses, in patients seen in the emergency department setting. The antibiotic sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from SSTIs has changed over time in many geographic locations. Whether antibiotics are needed in the management of skin abscesses, and, if so, when, is controversial. ⋯ CA-MRSA has become an important cause of SSTIs. Current data suggest that most abscesses can be treated successfully with incision and drainage alone. Antibiotic choice is more crucial for management of cellulitis and should be guided by the prevalence of CA-MRSA in the community and its antibiotic susceptibility profile.
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Interest in the areas of global health and international emergency medicine has increased dramatically in recent years. This article discusses some of the knowledge gained in these areas, particularly as it pertains to the delivery of pediatric emergency care in resource-limited settings. ⋯ Tremendous advances have been made in global health but there are still major obstacles to overcome. One of the areas that have yet to receive much attention is the delivery of pediatric emergency care. By working with our colleagues around the world and disseminating what we have learned, we can improve emergency care for all children.