Pediatrics
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The physiologic responses to chloral hydrate sedation in the setting of a pediatric echocardiography laboratory have not been well documented; neither has the population at risk been identified adequately. The purpose of this study was to describe the physiologic responses to chloral hydrate sedation, to report the occurrence of adverse events, and to identify any risk factors that predicted these adverse events in children who underwent sedation for echocardiography at our institution. ⋯ Moderate decreases in heart rate and blood pressure, in the absence of clinical deterioration, are expected responses to chloral hydrate sedation in this pediatric population. The majority of adverse events were minor, and major events were uncommon. Infants who were younger than 6 months were found to be at higher risk for serious adverse events.
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As the number of diagnostic imaging studies performed has increased, the demand for sedation in support of these radiologic tests has also increased. Our objectives were to (1) assess the safety and efficacy of a radiology sedation service that is staffed exclusively by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians, (2) determine the frequency and the type of commonly performed pediatric imaging studies that require procedural sedation, and (3) assess the average duration of procedural sedation for commonly performed radiologic studies. ⋯ Our data suggest that a dedicated sedation team in support of diagnostic imaging services, staffed exclusively by PEM physicians, can be a successful clinical enterprise. The service consumes significant resources and physician time.
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This study focuses on the pattern of incidence, mechanisms, and circumstances of accident and injury in a series of pediatric patients who sustained dog bites. ⋯ Dog bites in children are frequent and influenced by the breed-related behavior of dogs, dog owners, children, and parents. Therefore, prevention strategies should focus on public education and training of dogs and their owners. Children who are younger than 10 years represent the high-risk group for dog attacks.