Magnetic Resonance Imaging Availability Reduces Computed Tomography Use for Pediatric Appendicitis Diagnosis.

Objectives: To determine if introducing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an imaging option for children with suspected appendicitis and an inconclusive ultrasound reduces computed tomography (CT) use.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 5 to 18 years who presented to a pediatric emergency department (ED) with suspected appendicitis. Rates of CT use 1 year before and 1 year after MRI availability are compared.

Nebulized budesonide added to standard pediatric emergency department treatment of acute asthma: a randomized, double-blind trial.

Objectives: The goal was to determine if adding inhaled budesonide to standard asthma therapy improves outcomes of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute asthma.

Methods: The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a tertiary care, urban pediatric ED. Patients 2 to 18 years of age with moderate to severe acute asthma were randomized to receive either a single 2-mg dose of budesonide inhalation suspension (BUD) or normal sterile saline (NSS) placebo, added to albuterol, ipratropium bromide (IB), and systemic corticosteroids (SCS).