Fever is one of the most common chief complaints among pediatric emergency departments. The evaluation and approach to a pediatric fever can be challenging. Although most cases of fever are viral in origin, the potential for a deadly bacterial infection would make even the most seasoned practitioner attentive. This review discusses the initial assessment of the pediatric patient and both necessary and recommended workups for pediatric fevers among various age groups. Common infections of bacterial and viral causes for fever are discussed and treatment recommendations offered. 

This review contains 3 figures, 9 tables and 57 references

Keywords: Pediatric fever, otitis media, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, neonatal sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, serious bacterial infection, viral illness

Pediatric rashes are a common chief complaint in the emergency department (ED) and a source of anxiety for both parents and providers. Many of these rashes will not require intervention aside from symptomatic relief and parental reassurance. However, there is a subset of rashes that are the result of underlying life-threatening conditions that will warrant immediate intervention and treatment to prevent further deterioration and possible death. This review focuses on outlining the pathology of seven potentially deadly pediatric rashes that ED physicians are likely to encounter, how they present, and how to treat and manage them according to the most recent available guidelines. Figures show primary lesions, pattern of lesions, and distribution of rash associated with bacterial meningitis, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme minor and major, necrotizing fasciitis, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Tables list bacterial meningitis antibiotic treatment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical and laboratory criteria for TSS, TSS antibiotic treatment regimens, scoring systems for toxic epidermal necrolysis and necrotizing fasciitis, and the latest guidelines as of June 2017.

This review contains 9 figures, 17 tables, and 58 references

Keywords: Pediatric rash, toxic shock syndrome, skin rash, rash distribution, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis,  necrotizing fasciitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Head injury is one of the most common reasons children present to the emergency department (ED) and the leading cause of pediatric death and disability. Head injuries can range from having no neurologic deficits to death. Management in the ED centers on determining if there is a serious brain injury and preventing secondary brain injury. In most cases of mild traumatic brain injury, serious injuries can be ruled out based on the history of the injury, associated symptoms, and clinical assessment. Concussion is a common presentation of head injury and encompasses a wide range of symptoms. Computed tomography should be used judiciously, and extensive research has led to algorithms to aid in this decision. Prior to discharge from the ED, parents will often have questions about when their child may resume normal activity. This is a decision that most often will involve the patient’s primary care provider or a concussion specialist as the ED provider is unable to follow progression or resolution of symptoms. However, the ED provider should be able to provide anticipatory guidance.

This review contains 5 figures, 7 tables, and 48 references.

Keywords: computed tomography, concussion, head injury, mild traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury

Children have unique anatomy and physiologic responses to trauma that create different challenges for their management. It is important to follow the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm for assessing and treating a pediatric trauma patient, paying close attention to the primary survey. Once the primary survey is accomplished with adequate stabilization, the secondary survey proceeds with a focus on specific injuries. Head trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality (M+M) in children. Early identification and prevention of secondary injury are important to optimize outcomes. The head and neck anatomic differences in a child cause a higher fulcrum of their cervical spine, leading to higher cervical spine injuries (CSIs). CSI is rare but carries a higher M+M due to higher spinal cord injuries. The National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) and Canadian C-spine Rule (CCR) are useful decision rules to clear cervical spines in adults but have limited strength in young children. PECARN has derived a pediatric cervical spine clearance rule, but this has yet to be prospectively validated. Similar to CSIs, thoracic injuries in children are rare but carry a higher M+M due to anatomic differences in children. A child’s chest anatomy and increased compliance cause more difficulty in injury identification. Abdominal trauma is common in children and can also be difficult to identify. Unlike adults, children can compensate for blood loss much longer while maintaining their blood pressure. Serial abdominal examinations are useful when imaging is negative and a patient has persistent symptoms.

This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 18 tables, and 92 references.

Key words: abdominal trauma, Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), cervical spine injury, head trauma, National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS),  Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), thoracic trauma, traumatic brain injury

Seizures represent a common neurologic complaint among pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED). They can be classified as generalized or focal. In terms of etiology, seizures are most basically broken down into “acute symptomatic” seizures, which are due to another primary medical cause, and unprovoked seizures which occur as a primary pathology. Febrile seizures are the most common types of seizures in children, which themselves can be simple or complex. The most concerning seizures are those which associate with meningismus, encephalitis, metabolic derangements, intracranial mass, and, of course those which progress to status epilepticus. Significantly, it is appropriate and even critical to assume status epilepticus and intervene accordingly whenever a child arrives to the ED seizing for an unspecified period of time. This review covers the initial evaluation, resuscitation, management, work-up, and disposition of pediatric patients who present to the emergency room with seizures. Figures in this chapter illustrate stepwise and algorithmic approaches to initial management, expanded differential, systematic diagnostic approach, and disposition for pediatric patients presenting with seizures and status epilepticus. Tables list important physical exam components for evaluating children with seizures, classifications of seizures, common seizure look-alikes in children, features of febrile seizures, etiologies of pediatric seizures.

This review contains 5 figures, 11 tables, and 22 references.

Key Words: pediatric seizures, febrile seizures, pediatric neurologic emergencies, pediatric emergency medicine, status epilepticus 

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is common, affecting approximately 8 in 1000 live-born children, and encompasses a broad range of diagnoses and presentations.  CHDs can include inborn derangements in almost any aspect of the hearts structure of function, but the most common type of congenital heart disease are structural lesions of the heart that affect the normal pattern of blood flow.  These structural lesions can present with varied symptoms and physical exam signs that are rooted in their underlying blood flow patterns often lead to one of four groups of diseases based on blood flow patterns.  Overcirculation, systemic outflow obstruction, systolic failure, and cyanosis are the four groups used as descriptive classifications of structural CHD.  CHD findings can be present prenatally, in the newborn nursery, and well child office visits, but very often present to the EDs without any cardiac history when the lesion progresses to a point of crisis when the cardiac output is no longer meeting the body’s perfusion demands.  Early presentations of CHD frequently are related to closure of the ductus arteriosus and may benefit from early treatment with prostaglandin E.  Lab tests, radiology studies, and exam findings may be suggestive of certain types of lesions, but the gold standard to determine the type of CHD is an echocardiogram.  Once the diagnosis of CHD is suspected, consultation with a pediatric cardiologist is highly recommended to arrange the timely evaluation of the child and prompt initiation of therapies if needed to mitigate the disease progression.

Key words: Congenital heart disease, overcirculation, systemic outflow obstruction, systolic failure, and cyanosis, ductus arteriosus

Abnormalities of serum glucose in pediatric patients are commonly encountered in the emergency department and represent an acute threat to life and neurologic function. Rapidly identifying and aggressively treating hyperglycemia with diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia are critical to ensure the best possible outcome. This review will guide the emergency provider in the identification, resuscitation, workup, and disposition of these critically ill patients.

This review contains 6 figures, 13 tables, and 50 reviews.

Key Words: Cerebral edema, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia

Proper care of orthopedic injuries and emergencies in children and adolescents requires knowledge of the altered bone and ligament characteristics, varying stages of skeletal development, and potential for congenital or developmental abnormalities. Pediatric fractures affecting the growth plate require unique management to maintain optimal growth. Whereas some specific fractures in these skeletally immature patients require urgent surgical repair, other fractures remodel extremely well and can be managed with a simple splint. Particular dislocations are common in this population and may have concomitant fractures. There are several overuse injuries seen primarily in children, and treatment aims to keep the patient active while allowing the injury to heal. Potentially devastating osteoarticular infections occur in the pediatric population and must be differentiated from more benign causes of joint pain, such as transient synovitis or congenital abnormalities. Children are also at risk for abnormalities such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which are rarely diagnosed in the adult population. It is imperative for a clinician to be aware of these and other nuances to optimally care for orthopedic injuries and emergencies in the pediatric population.

This review contains 9 figures, 19 tables and 51 references

Keywords: bone, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, skeletal, osteomyelitis, pediatrics, fracture, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Pediatric endotracheal intubation is a procedure that can be stress provoking to the emergency physician. Although the need for this core skill is rare, when confronted with this situation, the emergency physician must have knowledge of the anatomic, physiologic, and pathologic components unique to the pediatric airway to optimize success. Furthermore, the emergency physician should be well versed in the various equipment and adjuncts as well as techniques developed to effectively manage the pediatric airway. This review covers the pathophysiology and practice of endotracheal intubation. Figures show a gum elastic bougie; the Mallampati classification; appropriate oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes; advancing the laryngoscope to lift the epiglottis; endotracheal tube position in neonates; and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation pressure-regulated volume control mechanical ventilation. Tables list endotracheal tube sizes, neonatal endotracheal tube sizes, pediatric laryngeal mask airway sizes, commonly used induction agents, and endotracheal tube insertion depth guidelines.

This review contains 6 figures, 8 tables, and 77 references.

Key words: emergent tracheal intubation; endotracheal tube; laryngoscopy; pediatric airway; pediatric airway management; pediatric endotracheal intubation; pediatric laryngeal mask; video laryngoscopy

Children present to the emergency department with painful conditions or conditions that require diagnostic or therapeutic procedures every day. As emergency physicians, we need to have the skills to manage our patients’ pain and anxiety in a safe and efficient manner. Appropriately managing pain and anxiety facilitates medical interventions, decreases patients’ suffering, improves patient and parent satisfaction, and improves the quality of care. Conversely, failure to adequately provide analgesia and sedation can have negative consequences for pediatric patients. In the pediatric population, inadequate pain control not only causes immediate harm and fear but can also worsen the reaction to future medical care and potentially affect the child’s long-term psychological well-being. This review provides an overview of pediatric procedural sedation, as well as the pathophysiology and practice. Figures show the sedation continuum with associated physiologic responses, oxyhemoglobin desaturation during apnea for various types of patients, and examples of capnography waveforms in procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA). Tables list potential indications for pediatric PSA in the emergency department, American Society of Anesthesiologists’ classifications, drugs and pharmacokinetics of common agents used in PSA, focused history and physical examination for patients undergoing PSA, SOAPME (Suction, Oxygen, Airway, Pharmacy, Monitors, Equipment) acronym for PSA equipment, and suggested monitoring for PSA pre- and postprocedure.

This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, and 41 references.

Key words: pediatric analgesia; pediatric pain; pediatric procedural sedation; pediatric sedation; procedural pain relief; procedural sedation and analgesia

Upper airway obstruction is a common reason that children present for emergency care, and causes range from simple and benign etiologies to life-threatening conditions requiring emergent intervention. Both congenital and acquired conditions can result in airway obstruction at various levels, and due to the high risk of acute decompensation associated with some of these conditions, rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential. This review covers assessment and stabilization, diagnosis, and treatment of foreign-body aspiration, croup, bacterial tracheitis, epiglottitis, peritonsillar abscess, and retropharyngeal abscess. Figures show a diagram of the pediatric airway, an anteroposterior radiograph of the neck demonstrating the characteristic “steeple sign” in croup, an algorithm for the treatment of croup, lateral radiographs demonstrating a thickened epiglottis, consistent with a diagnosis of epiglottitis,  and a widening of the prevertebral soft tissues of the neck, consistent with a diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. Tables list causes of upper airway obstruction by anatomic location, symptoms of upper airway obstruction by anatomic location, severity of croup, and microbiology of deep neck abscesses.

This review contains 5 figures, 13 tables, and 32 references

Key words: Upper airway obstruction; Pediatric upper airway obstruction, Foreign-body aspiration, Croup, Bacterial tracheitis, Epiglottitis, Peritonsillar abscess, Retropharyngeal abscess, Stridor

The resuscitation of a neonate in the emergency department is an infrequent occurrence. As such, it is imperative that emergency physicians are aware of the resources available at their institution in the event that resuscitation arises. The two mainstays of neonatal resuscitation are respiration and temperature. When resuscitation is required, it is due to a respiratory cause in the majority of neonates. Therefore, if the airway and breathing are managed properly, the heart rate and overall neonatal status will follow suit. Should the neonate’s heart rate continue to be below 60 beats per minute, then he or she will need chest compressions in addition to respiratory support. During the transition from intrauterine life to extrauterine life, neonates stand to lose substantial amounts of heat. Therefore, the temperature of the neonate also needs to be actively managed to prevent the loss of heat. The resuscitation will eventually end in one of two pathways: the termination of efforts or the successful resuscitation of the neonate. If the resuscitation is successful, the proper admission or transfer will need to be arranged for definitive care for the neonate. Figures include the review of fetal and neonatal circulation, proper use of equipment, and proper chest compression technique. Tables include equipment needed, Apgar scores, normal neonatal vital signs, disposition, and neonatal intensive care unit levels.

This review contains 6 figures, 6 tables and 27 references

Keywords: Apgar scores, fetal circulation, neonatal chest compressions, neonatal circulation, neonatal resuscitation, neonatal intensive care unit levels

Diarrhea is a common emergency department (ED) complaint, leading to more than 1.5 million outpatient visits and 200,000 hospital admissions in the United States alone. Although concomitant dehydration also exists in some cases, there are no standard clinical criteria to aid in identifying those children who merit intravenous resuscitation. Current pediatric volume repletion guidelines are based primarily on the estimated degree of volume depletion per the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American Academy of Pediatrics criteria. These practice guidelines stratify patients into mild (3 to 5% volume depletion), moderate (5 to 10% volume depletion), and severe (> 10% volume depletion). The vast majority of pediatric patients presenting with nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea suffer from virus-mediated enterocolitis and require no testing or intravenous fluid resuscitation due to the self-limiting nature of these syndromes; rotavirus and Norwalk virus are two of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in both developing and developed countries. Although bacterial pathogens rarely cause infectious colitis, children who present with more severe symptoms, including fever, bloody stool, and significant abdominal discomfort, warrant additional diagnostic evaluation. Obtaining a careful history, including exposures to livestock, well water, travel, and antibiotic use, as well as recent intake of undercooked meat, is key to identifying patients who may be at higher risk for bacteria-mediated illnesses. Tables identify common diarrheal pathogens, diarrheal subtypes, and clinical abnormalities associated with volume depletion and more severe syndromes, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

This review contains 5 figures, 10 tables, and 80 references.

Key words: Clostridium difficile, dehydration, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, pediatrics

Child abuse accounts for over 1% of visits to pediatric emergency departments (EDs), and injuries related to abuse have higher morbidity and mortality than accidental injuries. Recognizing child abuse and neglect in the ED is challenging but critical to prevent recurrent episodes of abuse and long-term physical and emotional sequelae. This review defines child abuse and neglect and explores historical and physical examination findings, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, disposition, and outcomes for victims of child abuse. Figures show x-rays demonstrating common fracture patterns associated with abusive injury and an algorithm for evaluation of nonaccidental trauma in the ED. Tables list key historical elements in the evaluation for abuse or neglect, bruising characteristics suggestive of abuse, fractures that are specific for abuse, and recommended laboratory evaluation for suspected abuse. 

This review contains 4 figures, 4 tables, and 37 references.

Key words: child abuse, child neglect, nonaccidental trauma, sexual abuse

Hematologic and oncologic emergencies that afflict children and adolescents are important for emergency medicine physicians to recognize. Pediatric patients can present with a previous formal diagnosis and have a complication related to their disease or with new symptoms that suggest a hematologic or oncologic process. Oncologic treatments can also lead to life-threatening complications. Recognizing these emergencies is very important for emergency physicians to prevent further morbidity. This review covers common patient presentations, diagnosis, and treatments for hematologic and oncologic emergencies.

 This review contains 6 figures, 9 tables and 66 references

Keywords: hematology, oncology, tumor lysis syndrome, hemophilia, pediatrics, von Willebrand Disease, sickle cell disease

Pediatric abdominal emergencies represent a diverse group of conditions affecting children of all ages and are a common cause of emergency department visits. The challenge for emergency physicians is discerning which child presenting with the common complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea has an abdominal emergency. The emergency physician must use a thorough history, developmentally appropriate examination skills, and integration of his or her knowledge base to arrive at the correct diagnosis. This review evaluates the most common pediatric abdominal emergencies organized by chronicity from birth to adolescents: midgut volvulus, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, incarcerated inguinal hernia, ileocecal intussusception, Meckel diverticulum, and appendicitis. Readers will understand common presentations as well as the evaluation and treatment options for each diagnosis.  

This review contains 7 figures, 9 tables and 64 references

Key words: abdominal pain, appendicitis, hernia, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, intussusception, Meckel diverticulum, midgut volvulus

Respiratory illnesses account for a significant proportion of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Respiratory complaints are a common cause of emergency department visits and hospital admissions. They range from mild and self-limited to severe and rapidly progressive. This review discusses the pathophysiology, assessment, stabilization, and management of asthma, community-acquired pneumonia, and bronchiolitis. Given the prevalence of these conditions and the morbidity and mortality attributed to them, it is important for clinicians to be familiar with their presentations and up to date on evidence-based management recommendations.

This review contains 7 figures, 25 tables and 80 references

Keywords: antibiotics, asthma, bronchiolitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pediatric respiratory, pneumonia, respiratory emergency, respiratory illness, respiratory syncytial virus

Diarrhea is a common emergency department (ED) complaint, leading to more than 1.5 million outpatient visits and 200,000 hospital admissions in the United States alone. Although concomitant dehydration also exists in some cases, there are no standard clinical criteria to aid in identifying those children who merit intravenous resuscitation. Current pediatric volume repletion guidelines are based primarily on the estimated degree of volume depletion per the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American Academy of Pediatrics criteria. These practice guidelines stratify patients into mild (3 to 5% volume depletion), moderate (5 to 10% volume depletion), and severe (> 10% volume depletion). The vast majority of pediatric patients presenting with nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea suffer from virus-mediated enterocolitis and require no testing or intravenous fluid resuscitation due to the self-limiting nature of these syndromes; rotavirus and Norwalk virus are two of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in both developing and developed countries. Although bacterial pathogens rarely cause infectious colitis, children who present with more severe symptoms, including fever, bloody stool, and significant abdominal discomfort, warrant additional diagnostic evaluation. Obtaining a careful history, including exposures to livestock, well water, travel, and antibiotic use, as well as recent intake of undercooked meat, is key to identifying patients who may be at higher risk for bacteria-mediated illnesses. Tables identify common diarrheal pathogens, diarrheal subtypes, and clinical abnormalities associated with volume depletion and more severe syndromes, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

This review contains 5 figures, 10 tables, and 80 references.

Key words: Clostridium difficile, dehydration, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, pediatrics