Utilization of Monitored Beds for Children Admitted With Unintentional Poisonings.

Objectives: Children with unintentional poisonings (UPs) are frequently admitted to monitored beds (MBs), though most require minimal interventions. We aimed to (1) describe clinical factors and outcomes for children admitted for UPs and (2) identify clinical factors associated with MB placement.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we studied patients younger than 6 years admitted from the emergency department (ED) for UPs over a 5-year period to a quaternary-care children's hospital.

Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Pediatric Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses.

Background And Objectives: Treatment of retropharyngeal abscesses (RPAs) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPAs) includes antibiotics, with possible surgical drainage. Although corticosteroids may decrease inflammation, their role in the management of RPAs and PPAs is unclear. We evaluated the association of corticosteroid administration as part of initial medical management on drainage rates and length of stay for children admitted with RPAs and PPAs.

Predictors of Hospital Reuse Among Publicly Insured Children Hospitalized for Status Asthmaticus.

Background: Asthma is a common cause of pediatric hospitalization. Nonadherence to asthma medications is associated with worse outcomes; however, there is a paucity of data regarding posthospitalization prescription filling and hospital reuse. Our objective was to identify patients at risk for hospital reuse after being hospitalized for asthma.

Improving Inpatient Asthma Management: The Implementation and Evaluation of a Pediatric Asthma Clinical Pathway.

Introduction: Asthma exacerbations are a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations. Despite national guidelines, variability exists in the use and dosing of bronchodilators, oxygen management, and respiratory assessments of patients. We aimed to implement an inpatient Asthma Clinical Pathway (Pathway) to standardize care and reduce length of stay (LOS).

Serum magnesium levels in pediatric inpatients: a study in laboratory overuse.

Background And Objective: Hypomagnesemia, defined as a serum magnesium (Mg) level<1.5 mg/dL (0.62 mmol/L), is often asymptomatic.

Relevance of chest radiography in pediatric inpatients with asthma.

Introduction: The goals of this study are to identify factors associated with ordering of chest radiographs (CXR's) in children hospitalized with acute asthma exacerbations and determine the overall clinical impact of these CXR's.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed with children ≥ 2 years of age admitted from our emergency department (ED) between 6/1/2011 and 5/31/2012 with a primary diagnosis of acute asthma exacerbation or status asthmaticus. Patients were excluded if they had been on antibiotics prior to the emergency visit, received continuous albuterol or intravenous magnesium during the hospitalization, or had another chronic disease affecting lung function.

Inpatient hospitalizations for croup.

Objectives: Croup is a common childhood respiratory illness that can result in hospitalization and significant morbidity. This study reviewed records of patients hospitalized with croup to determine characteristics associated with increased inpatient treatment and length of stay (LOS).

Methods: Eligible patients were admitted between January 2006 and December 2010 and had discharge diagnosis of croup.