First of all, the proper and effective treatment of a cutaneous abscess is ALWAYS incision and drainage. With that out of the way, let us address the more controversial question. Should a child be prescribed antibiotics after I&D? We'll look at the evidence as it [...]
The Differential Diagnosis for sore throat is quite long, though it is usually infectious. I will approach the approach that you should consider using when you approach the patient with a sore throat. I hope I don't face reproach for the gratuitous approach laden approach. Does [...]
This edition of PEM Currents, the Pediatric Emergency Medicine podcast, reviews the safety and comparative efficacy of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you work in a Pediatric Emergency Department you'll certainly have broken a sweat over this hot debate time and time again. The main goal of this [...]
This edition of PEMCurrents echoes the recent post here on the PEMBlog and reviews the use of ondansetron in acute gastroenteritis. Specifically highlighting the reduction in risk of further episodes of emesis, need for intravenous fluids and immediate admission to the hospital. No matter how you like [...]
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (your garden variety cystitis) is a common ED diagnosis. For most patients there is a wide variety of potentially effective treatment options. The purpose of this post is to caution you against the use of fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin) to treat uncomplicated [...]
You may have noticed that many editions of PEM Currents align themselves closely with posts on the blog. This is by design! I want to make sure that I share the content in as many formats as possible in order to reach the widest audience. [...]
Here are the links for the entire five-part series on osteomyelitis. PART 01 / ETIOLOGY PART 02 / HISTORY + PHYSICAL EXAM PART 03 / LABS PART 04 / IMAGING PART 05 / TREATMENT
Let's move onto the final part in the osteo series - treatment. Editors note: small corrections were made on 3-14-14 with the addition of information of ortho consultation and the delay of antibiotics and changing cephalexin to cefazolin. Thanks to Dr. Indi Trehan for alerting [...]
By now you've likely seen parts one, two and three. Moving in a logical direction part four will focus on imaging, As you'd imagine, radiographic studies are supremely important in the diagnosis of osteo. Let's take a look by modality shall we? Plain films The [...]
If you've been following along with parts 1 and 2, then part 3 is the next logical step- because, um, counting? Let's look at laboratory studies in osteo. It may come as no surprise that the initial labs that end up being most helpful are [...]