Category Critical Care

Fat Embolism Syndrome in Children

Fat Embolism Syndrome in Children

Ok, so maybe Homer has the wrong idea about “Fat Embolism”… I think he should be more worried about a devastating Food Impaction… but, with the Holidays upon us and the prevalence of fatty foods surrounding, me I began to…

Delivering Bad News in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Breaking Bad News

So it is Friday the 13th in the year 2020… and I awoke in a cold sweat concerned. Concerned about what you ask? (I mean it is still 2020, isn’t that enough to be concerned about on its own?) Concerned…

Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose in Children

Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose in Children

One of the greatest challenges (and also most stimulating) aspects of our profession is staying current with the evolving literature and recommendations. Yes, it can be frustrating, but it is also rewarding to be in a career that will never…

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Children

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Children

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Children? I know, you are shaking your head right now. “Come on, Fox! I’ve never seen that before in a kid. That is an adult problem.” Well, while it may not be common, it may occur…

Anticoagulation Related Bleeding – Use of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Anticoagulation Reversal

Children occasionally deal with “adult” medical problems (ex, Pulmonary Embolism, Cholecystitis, Renal Stones, DVTs) and, hence, may require medications that we don’t typically encounter in the pediatric patient populations. One of my least favorite medications seen on the adult and…

Hyperammonemia

Hyperammonemia

The child with altered mental status certainly grabs our attention (rightfully so) and we have discussed several related topics. We often consider the infectious concerns (ex, Encephalitis, Meningitis, Sepsis) and traumatic etiologies (ex, head injury, hemorrhagic shock). We are always…

Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Most chief complaints generate a clear Differential Diagnosis (Ddx) list in your mind. There are the well-known, “big ticket” issues that need to be considered (Abdominal Pain -> Appendicitis; Chest Pain -> Pericarditis; Headache -> Meningitis) as well as the…