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.

Key words: computed tomography, concussion, head injury, mild traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury

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, 12 Tables and 50 references

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

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 48 references

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

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, 10 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

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, 7 tables and 48 references

Key words: hematology, hemophilia, immune thrombocytopenia, neutropenic fever, oncology, pediatric, sickle cell anemia, tumor lysis syndrome, von Willebrand disease

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, 13 tables and 45 references

Key words: bone, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, skeletal

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, 6 tables and 61 references

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

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, 5 tables, and 36 references.

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

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a broad term that is used to document an abnormal pattern of weight gain over time. There is no single definition for FTT, but all proposed definitions use anthropometric parameters such as weight gain or weight for length. The term FTT has been falling out of favor, and the term weight/growth faltering is becoming more common to describe this clinical entity. The underlying problem in FTT is inadequate usable calories. The primary mechanisms leading to FTT are impaired absorption, increased metabolic demands, and inadequate caloric intake. Inadequate caloric intake is the most common of these mechanisms, although FTT is often a combination of the three. The diagnostic evaluation of FTT must take into account the multifactorial nature of this clinical sign. A comprehensive history is essential for diagnosis and should include specific questions about the child’s living situation and feeding habits. The physical examination must include accurate weight and length measurements. Clinicians should look for signs of abuse or neglect, dysmorphic features, abnormal skin or nail findings, digital clubbing, or other signs of chronic disease. Laboratory investigations are rarely revealing in FTT but should be considered if there is a high index of suspicion for underlying disease. Treatment in FTT favors a multidisciplinary approach. The primary goal of treatment is restoration of normal growth velocity. Children with FTT are at increased risk for growth and cognitive problems in later childhood, although the clinical significance of these findings is not well understood. The mainstay of treatment is increasing calories in the diet. Enteral feeding, orally or via a tube, is always preferred over parenteral feeding due to a better safety profile, ease of feeding, and lower cost. Parenteral nutrition is an acceptable way to meet caloric needs in infants and children when enteral nutrition is not possible. Children with FTT and malnutrition should be monitored closely for refeeding syndrome, which results from fluid and electrolyte shifts in malnourished children. In general, FTT can be treated on an outpatient basis with close follow-up. Indications for hospitalization include severe malnutrition/dehydration and concern for child endangerment.

This review contains 7 figures, 8 tables and 26 references

Key words: enteral feeding, failure to thrive, growth charts, nutrition, parenteral nutrition, poor weight gain, tube feeding, weight loss

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). 

This review contains 5 figures, 9 tables, and 64 references.

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

Obesity is one of the most significant health problems facing children and adolescents. The definition of overweight in children is a body mass index between the 85th and less than 95th percentile, whereas obesity is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex. There are multiple comorbidities associated with obesity, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as psychosocial issues. 

This review contains 3 figures, 4 tables and 63 references.

Key Words bariatric surgery, metabolic syndrome, obesity treatment, pediatric obesity, weight loss surgery