Browse Pediatrics Articles by Topic

Pediatric Pneumonia, Diagnostic Uncertainty, and Communication

Community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization among children in resourced countries and is the leading cause of childhood death in lower-income countries. However, the diagnosis of pneumonia is fraught with uncertainty, and management practices vary widely. Clinician behaviors and attributes that engender trust in the face of diagnostic uncertainty have been documented.

Viruses, Newborns, and Liver Failure

Neonatal liver failure due to herpesvirus infection is rare but can be severe. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a more likely cause than HSV-2. Only about two-thirds of affected patients survive, despite recommended treatment with parenteral acyclovir.

Emergencies in the First Week of Life

The first week of life is a critical period for newborns, marked by rapid physiological transitions and a heightened vulnerability to various medical emergencies. This article provides an in-depth exploration of several significant neonatal emergencies that can arise during this time.

Nonaccidental Trauma

Nonaccidental trauma is a significant problem in emergency medicine and serves as the frontline of defense and protection for children. All providers must have a high degree of suspicion for the sometimes subtle presentation of an abused child. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are the only ways to allow these vulnerable children a chance at a normal, healthy life.

Preparing for Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations in the ED

Asthma is a common disease in pediatrics, with exacerbations occurring frequently. Every clinician who cares for children must be familiar with recognition and timely management to optimize each child's outcome.

Family/Clinician Conflicts Are Top Reason for Pediatric Ethics Consults

Conflicts between family members and clinicians are the most common issue addressed during ethics consults, according to a group of researchers. This article discusses implications for clinicians and ethics consultants.

Diagnosing, Differentiating, and Managing Status Epilepticus

Pediatric seizures are a common acute care visit. Recognizing seizures, including the more subtle presentations, is critical for instituting appropriate, timely treatment to improve patient care. An awareness of a stepwise approach to seizure management will assist providers and optimize outcomes.

First-Choice Antibiotic for Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children

Review of a large database reveals that, for children treated for acute sinusitis, amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate yield similar rates of treatment failure. However, medication side effects are more common when amoxicillin-clavulanate is used.

Many Ethics Committees Are Not Following AAP Guidance

In a survey of ethics consultant leaders at children’s hospitals, researchers found multiple practice gaps, including training needs; informing staff, patients, and family about ethics services; and scope of ethics service. These practice gaps could erode ethics quality and narrow ethics reach.

New Ethical Guidance on Pediatric Decision-Making

According to the recommendations, ethical decision-making can factor in parents’ consideration of the child’s non-health interests (e.g., a child’s interest in playing football, even if it risks concussions), and also may consider the interests of other family members, provided those do not severely compromise the child’s health.