Category Infectious Disease

Bronchiolitis – “Seriously, what should I do?”

Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory infection in infants. – Characterized by acute inflammation, edema and necrosis of epithelial cells lining small airways, increased mucus production, mucous plugging, bronchospasm and V/Q mismatch. – Diagnosis is based on clinical history…

Nonspecific diarrheal illness or HUS?

            Certainly we have been seeing (and will continue to see) a lot of nonspecific diarrheal illness in the Ped ED. Before you dismiss the patient as having “gastroenteritis,” consider whether this is something else,…

Bacterial Tracheitis

Epiglottitis? Think Tracheitis too! • Considered bacterial tracheitis in a patient who has fever, stridor, and symptoms that does not respond to therapy for croup (racemic epinephrine and steroids). • Additionally, that toxic appearing child that you think looks like…

Meningococcemia and Petechiae

Often it is stated that fever and petechial rash equates to meningococcemia (or serious bacterial blood stream infection) until proven otherwise… is that correct? Yes and No. You should have this on your differential, but nothing in life is that…

Urinalysis vs Dipstick (vs culture)

        Urinalysis A Urinalysis consists of 3 components: Macroscopic (color, clarity, specific gravity) Reagent Strip (chemical analysis) Microscopic There is often variation in providers working regarding which method should be used to evaluate a patient for a…

Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis… Variations with Age

Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis When evaluating a neonate for possible meningoencephalitis, we often do not rely on what the Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis is, because it is well known that a neonate may have normal indices yet still have a…