Are We Doing Enough to Reduce Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Children?: An Analysis of Current Approaches to Pediatric Appendicitis Imaging at a Major Urban Medical Center.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate current imaging approaches in children with suspected appendicitis (AP) in the pediatric emergency department (ED) of a major urban medical center.

Methods: Children aged 6 to 18 years who presented to a pediatric ED in 2016 with possible AP were identified by a keyword search. Charts were reviewed for the following: age, sex, time of evaluation, imaging study, results of imaging study, disposition, and outcome.

Benefits of brain magnetic resonance imaging over computed tomography in children requiring emergency evaluation of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction: reducing lifetime attributable risk of cancer.

Objectives: The rapid growth of computed tomography (CT) has resulted in increased concerns of ionizing radiation exposure and its subsequent risk of cancer development. We evaluated the impact of a new protocol using rapid sequence magnetic resonance imaging (rsMRI) instead of CT in children presenting with possible ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction to promote patient safety.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of pediatric patients who received a neuroimaging study for emergency evaluation of possible VPS malfunction at New York University's Tisch Hospital Emergency Department between January 2010 and July 2011.

A randomized trial of simulation-based deliberate practice for infant lumbar puncture skills.

Background: Infant lumbar puncture (LP) is mandated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for all pediatric trainees. Current training usually involves the apprenticeship model of "see one, do one, teach one" where a trainee's first LP attempt occurs in a high-stakes environment. Simulation training promotes skill development in a safe environment before patient contact.

Repetitive pediatric simulation resuscitation training.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of repetitive pediatric simulation (RPS) training (scenario-debriefing-scenario) to standard pediatric simulation (STN) training (scenario-debriefing).

Methods: Pediatric and emergency medicine residents prospectively participated in simulated pediatric resuscitation training sessions in an in situ simulation room. Residents anonymously reported their knowledge, skills, and confidence after each session.