Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
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Observational Study
Acute intoxication due to Wisteria floribunda seed in seven young children.
Wisteria floribunda is a vine commonly found in Korea, Japan, and the USA. The objective of this observational study was to assess the toxicity of W. floribunda seeds in young children. ⋯ W. floribunda seed ingestion induced gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms in these young children. Given that the onset of vomiting was earlier in the child who ingested a whole seed than in the children who had ingested only a half, the amount of ingested seeds may be associated with the severity of the symptoms. Ingestion of half a raw W. floribunda seed can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in young children and even result in hospitalization.
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Automated external defibrillators (AED) have been installed in schools in Japan since 2004, and the government strongly recommends teaching basic life support (BLS). We therefore examined the quality of BLS education and AED installation in schools. ⋯ BLS training, AED location, and understanding of both are not sufficient to save children's lives efficiently. Authorities should make recommendations about the correct number of AED, and their location, and provide more information to improve the quality of BLS training in schools.
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Intracranial arteriovenous shunts (ICAVS) in young children are characterized by frequent high-flow fistulas. In association with high-flow fistulas and the physiological condition of the developing brain and heart, each ICAVS type tends to present at a certain age with unique symptoms. Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) and dural sinus malformation with arteriovenous (AV) shunt tend to present in the neonate with high output cardiac failure. ⋯ Pial AVF, AV malformation, and infantile DAVF can present with focal neurological signs such as seizure or hemorrhage at older ages. Endovascular treatment is currently the first choice of treatment for most pediatric ICAVS. The treatment goal should be defined on a patient-by-patient basis, according to the unique physiological condition of the child.
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Comparative Study
Oxygen saturation/minute heart rate index: Simple lung function test for children.
The severity of airway obstruction can be accurately determined on spirometry in children with asthma. Other assessments may include peak expiratory flow and pulse oximetry. In the present study, we evaluated the validity and reliability of oxygen saturation/minute heart rate (SpO2 /MHR) index in the prediction of degree of severe airway obstruction in children with asthma. ⋯ SpO2 /MHR ratio appears to be a highly useful index to assess airway obstruction in older children with asthma. Thus, it can be used as a marker of airway obstruction severity when spirometry is not available.
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This study investigated risk factors of childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria (ESBL-positive UTI) and evaluated antimicrobial resistance as well as empiric treatment of childhood UTI. ⋯ Clean intermittent catheterization, hospitalization and history of infection in the last 3 months should be considered as risk factors for ESBL-positive UTI. The combination of ampicillin plus amikacin should be taken into consideration for empiric therapy in patients with acute pyelonephritis who have the risk factors for ESBL-positive UTI. Nitrofurantoin seems to be a logical choice for the empiric therapy of cystitis.