Author: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Recent meta-analysis reviewed efficacy oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in pediatric populations treated for influenza, showing an 18 hour reduction in duration of illness for those with laboratory confirmed influenza Those with suspected influenza unsurprisingly had less effect Subgroup analysis showed most benefit in those treated within the first 24 hours of…
Read MoreAuthor: Don Stader, MD Educational Pearls: Recent study has revealed that infant walkers are more harmful than helpful Infant walkers can also delay motor function The American Academy of Pediatrics calls for a ban on walkers as they are a preventable cause of injury References: Siegel AC, Burton RV. (1999).Effects of baby walkers…
Read MoreAuthor: Peter Bakes, MD Educational Pearls: Important historical information to elicit is the birth history, feeding habits, stooling habits, associated symptoms, presence of bile, and presence of trauma. Volvulus is a common etiology of intestinal obstruction and is often due to malrotation in utero. Editor’s note: get an upper GI series if there is any…
Read MoreAuthor: Sarah Normandin, MD. Educational Pearls: BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) replaces what was previously called ALTE. BRUE describes an event in a child less than one year of age with one or more of the following: cyanosis or pallor absent, decreased, or irregular breathing decreased or increased tone altered responsiveness These must be sudden,…
Read MoreAuthor: Erik Verzemnieks, MD Educational Pearls: In the panic of a precipitous ED delivery, remember: Warm. Dry. Stim. It will solve most of your problems in most scenarios Start compressions if heart rate is less than 60 Put the pulse ox on the right hand – it may make a difference as it is preductal…
Read MoreAuthor: Don Stader, MD. Educational Pearls: A baby can be born dependent on opioids but not addicted to them. Opioid addiction (Opioid Use Disorder) is a disease of mature brains and is characterized by compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences. Opioid addiction is a disease that affects the reward center of the brain Pregnant patients…
Read MoreAuthor: Dr. Karen Woolf, MD Educational Pearls: Anatomy : base of skull to posterior mediastinum, anteriorly bounded by middle layer of deep cervical fascia and posteriorly by the deep layer, communicates to lateral pharyngeal space bounded by carotid sheath. Lymph node chains draining nasopharynx, sinuses, middle ear, etc. run through it. Epidemiology & Microbiology: most…
Read MoreAuthor: Aaron Lessen, M.D. Educational Pearls: Recurrence rate for first time unprovoked seizures – 5% after 48 hours, 14% at 2 weeks , 30% after 4 months. Higher risk for recurrence: age under 3; patients with multiple seizures at initial presentation, focal neurologic findings on initial presentation. Useful for counseling patients and recommending follow up….
Read MoreAuthor: Nick Hatch, M.D. Educational Pearls Unlike coin ingestions, button batteries can cause necrosis of the GI tract. If lodged in the esophagus, removal within 2 hours is important, because they can cause problems such as strictures or esophago-aortic fistula. If the battery is in the stomach or beyond, it may be ok to let…
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