Duodenal perforation in the pediatric population: two rare cases at a small community hospital.

Duodenal ulcer perforation is very uncommon in the pediatric population; hence, it is usually not considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in this age group. In our small community hospital, we had two rare cases of perforated peptic ulcer in the pediatric population within a short span of time. A 14-year-old male and a 13-year-old female child presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain.

Reasons for nonurgent pediatric emergency department visits: perceptions of health care providers and caregivers.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the most important reasons for pediatric nonurgent (NU) emergency department (ED) visits as perceived by caregivers, primary care pediatricians (PCPs), and ED personnel and to assess the differences among these 3 groups in perceived reasons and solutions to NUED visits.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey, with self-administered questionnaires given to caregivers, PCPs, and ED personnel. Responders were asked to rank reasons for NUED visits in order of perceived importance.