Browse Pediatric Emergency Medicine Articles by Topic

What Is Really BRUEing?

In May 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published clinical practice guidelines titled Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (Formerly Apparent Life-Threatening Events) and Evaluation of Lower-Risk Infants, suggesting a new terminology, an evaluation based on the risk of recurrent events or serious underlying causes, and key action statements (management recommendations) for patients meeting the brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE) definition for lower-risk patients. The authors review and discuss the definitions and key management strategies recommended in these new guidelines.

Viral Influenza Infection and Complications: A Pediatric-focused Review

As influenza season approaches, it is important that clinicians prepare themselves with the current literature on clinical presentation, best and most rapid diagnostic testing, and treatment strategies in pediatric patients. The literature shows that antiviral agents are underutilized in children, a critical issue for this vulnerable population. The authors provide insight and evidence for diagnostic and therapeutic practice for the upcoming influenza season.

Pediatric Abdominal Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Diagnosis — Part II

Ultrasound is evolving rapidly as the ideal imaging modality for many common pediatric complaints. In the second part of this series, the authors discuss point-of-care use of ultrasound for concerns regarding the kidneys, ovaries, testicles, gallbladder, and small bowel obstruction. The ability to make critical diagnoses safely and rapidly with ultrasound is an invaluable clinical tool to facilitate and improve pediatric care.

Pediatric Sepsis and Septic Shock

Pediatric sepsis is a high-stakes diagnosis that requires vigilance to make an early, timely diagnosis. Aggressive resuscitation, including fluids, antibiotics, and vasoactive agents, may be necessary. Rapidly changing standard of care also makes sepsis a critical diagnosis for clinicians.

Approach to Pediatric Eye Discharge and Periorbital Swelling

Eye problems, particularly conjunctivitis and periorbital swelling, are very common. The majority are managed easily, but more serious disease processes must be considered. Early recognition and prompt treatment of more serious etiologies, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis and herpes simplex virus, can prevent vision loss.

Hypersensitivity Reactions in the Pediatric ED: The Tip of the Iceberg

Hypersensitivity reactions are very common. Understanding the different types, including serum sickness-like reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermolytic necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, is valuable both for an accurate and timely diagnosis as well as appropriate management.

Pediatric Airway Management

Pediatric patients frequently present with respiratory complaints. Fortunately, most children respond well to simple medical interventions. Understanding a child's anatomic and physiologic differences is critical to effectively preventing respiratory failure and stabilizing a child when it occurs.

Anaphylaxis: The Underrecognized Killer

This article will cover the presentation and emergency department (ED) management of allergic reactions in children, focusing on anaphylaxis. The current definition and recommended guidelines are reviewed.

Infantile Vomiting

Every viral season, something gets missed. All vomiting is not acute gastroenteritis! The clinician needs to have a thorough understanding of the process of vomiting to formulate a complete differential accurately and in a timely manner. A complete history, physical exam, and targeted diagnostic testing are used to ensure an accurate diagnosis with effective management is instituted.

Pediatric Syncope: Current Status of Diagnostic Evaluation and Management

Children may present to the emergency department with a potential syncopal event. Although the presentation is unusual, everyone fears missing a cardiac issue. The authors present a concise review, focusing on the history, physical exam, and ECG, of how to evaluate and manage a child with syncope, differentiating other mimics and discussing the current therapeutic approach to the most common diagnosis.