Pediatrics
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Characteristics of youth seeking emergency care for assault injuries.
To characterize youth seeking care for assault injuries, the context of violence, and previous emergency department (ED) service utilization to inform ED-based injury prevention. ⋯ Assault-injured youth seeking ED care report higher levels of previous violence, weapon experience, and substance use compared with a comparison group seeking care for other complaints. Almost 10% of assault-injured youth had another fight-related ED visit in the previous year, and ~5% had an ED visit for mental health. Most fights were with people known to them and for well-defined reasons, and were therefore likely preventable. The ED is a critical time to interact with youth to prevent future morbidity.
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Observational Study
Prospective evaluation of a clinical pathway for suspected appendicitis.
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a clinical pathway for suspected appendicitis combining the Samuel's pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and selective use of ultrasonography (US) as the primary imaging modality. ⋯ Our protocol demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of appendicitis in children. Institutions should consider investing in resources that increase the availability of expertise in pediatric US. Standardization of care may decrease radiation exposure associated with use of computed tomography scans.
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Hypothermia during delivery room stabilization of very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns is independently associated with mortality, yet it occurred frequently both in collaborative networks and at our institution. We aimed to attain admission temperatures in the target range of 36 °C to 38 °C in ≥ 90% of inborn VLBW neonates through implementation of a thermoregulation bundle. ⋯ This thermoregulation bundle resulted in sustained improvement in normothermia rates during delivery room stabilization of VLBW newborns. Our benchmark goal of ≥ 90% admission temperatures above 36 °C was met without increasing hyperthermia rates. Because these results compare favorably with those of recently published research or improvement collaboratives, we aim to maintain our performance through routine surveillance of admission temperatures.