Methods of Oxygen Delivery
General principles Always attach oxygen tubing to the (often) green “oxygen” hookup valve in the wall, which is 100% FiO2. Avoid the (often) yellow “air” valve, which is only ambient 21% O2. Each liter of oxygen effectively provides approximately 3% FiO2. When oxygen delivery is at higher-than-standard flow rate (>4L/min) humidification is necessary (just ask […]
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a serious condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the pediatric population. Although bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can also lead to meningitis. In the era […]
Kawasaki Disease
Image credit: Amboss. Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an acute, self-limited vasculitis that predominantly affects children, typically under the age of 5 years. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries, and its diagnosis and management are of paramount importance in pediatric practice. […]
Ingestions and Toxidromes
Pediatrics is a unique population in the work of ingestions as they are high risk for both accidental ingestion and intentional ingestions. Within those categories there are varying exposure, ranging from over-the-counter medications to prescribed medications to illicit substances to household products. Accidental ingestions are more likely to be seen in the toddler population due […]
Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is a critical condition characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to a significant loss of blood or fluids. It is a common cause of shock in pediatric patients and requires prompt recognition and intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical features, differential […]
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a common cause of acute kidney injury in children and is a condition that requires prompt recognition and management by pediatricians. It is characterized by the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (often evidenced by rising creatinine). It is typically classified as secondary (previously known as […]
Head Trauma
Pediatric head trauma is one of the more common reasons children are seen in the primary care, urgent care, and emergency room settings. Children can present with a range of symptoms, including alteration to mentation, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, and short-term amnesia, all of which can be incredibly concerning to their caregivers. Physical exam findings […]
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) refers to the process by which gastric contents flow backward into the esophagus, and it is a common physiological phenomenon in infants and children. However, when reflux leads to symptoms or complications, it is classified as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a significant cause of morbidity in pediatric populations, with potential […]
Basic Fluid and Electrolyte Management
The first step to understanding how to manage fluid and electrolytes in children is to understand their needs, which of course like so many other things in pediatric care depend on a child’s age. How much free water does a child need? How much sodium? How much potassium? How much sugar (glucose)? While a detailed […]
Fever of Unknown Origin
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to a prolonged fever (>3 weeks) that remains unexplained after an initial evaluation, including a thorough history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests. In pediatric patients, FUO presents a diagnostic challenge, as it may be caused by a wide variety of infections, inflammatory disorders, malignancies, or other rare conditions. […]