Hypertonic saline as a therapy for pediatric concussive pain: a randomized controlled trial of symptom treatment in the emergency department.

Objective: Three-percent hypertonic saline (HTS) is a hyperosmotic therapy used in pediatric traumatic brain injury to treat increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. It also promotes plasma volume expansion and cerebral perfusion pressure, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory response. We hypothesized that HTS will improve concussive symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury.

Rapid medical assessment: improving pediatric emergency department time to provider, length of stay, and left without being seen rates.

Objectives: This article aimed to study the impact of a rapid medical assessment (RMA) program on patient flow and left without being seen (LWBS) rates in a pediatric emergency department (ED). RMA is designed to evaluate and discharge uncomplicated patients quickly or initiate diagnostic workup and treatment before the patient is placed in an ED bed.

Methods: Rapid medical assessment was initiated January 1, 2008 with an assigned midlevel provider.

Ibuprofen provides analgesia equivalent to acetaminophen-codeine in the treatment of acute pain in children with extremity injuries: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This study compared the analgesic effectiveness of acetaminophen-codeine with that of ibuprofen for children with acute traumatic extremity pain, with the hypothesis that the two medications would demonstrate equivalent reduction in pain scores in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blinded equivalence trial. Pediatric ED patients 5 to 17 years of age with acute traumatic extremity pain received acetaminophen-codeine (1 mg/kg as codeine, maximum 60 mg) or ibuprofen (10 mg/kg, maximum 400 mg).

Ketamine-propofol combination sedation for fracture reduction in the pediatric emergency department.

Objectives: To evaluate the time of onset and recovery from and the efficacy and safety of intravenous ketamine-propofol sedation for reduction of forearm fractures in the pediatric emergency department setting.

Study Design: Prospective, observational pilot study.

Methods: Children presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department requiring sedation for closed reduction of forearm fractures received ketamine 0.

Paramedic self-reported medication errors.

Background: Continuing quality improvement (CQI) reviews reflect that medication administration errors occur in the prehospital setting. These include errors involving dose, medication, route, concentration, and treatment.

Methods: A survey was given to paramedics in San Diego County.

Paramedic self-reported medication errors.

Background: Continuing quality improvement (CQI) reviews reflect that medication administration errors occur in the prehospital setting. These include errors involving dose, medication, route, concentration, and treatment.

Methods: A survey was given to paramedics in San Diego County.