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Bedside pediatric emergency evaluation through ultrasonography

  • ALARA: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN RADIOLOGY AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
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Abstract

Bedside US has emerged as a valuable technology for the emergency department physician. It impacts clinical decision-making and the safety of procedures, and it decreases the time and increases the efficiency for completion of procedures. The portability, accuracy and noninvasive nature of US make it an ideal tool for the trained clinician. Bedside US can improve clinical decision-making for the pediatric patient by helping the clinician to identify critical pathology, direct therapeutic maneuvers and determine the futility of resuscitations. Many pediatric procedures, such as vascular access, lumbar puncture and bladder catheterization, are typically performed blindly. Bedside US enhances the success of procedures, minimizes complications and limits the number of attempts necessary to complete a procedure. Bedside US can be a valuable adjunct for complicated and time-sensitive disease processes such as ectopic pregnancy, testicular torsion and hypovolemia by providing information to guide diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that subsequently improve outcomes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Quality Improvement and Risk Management, Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA

    Ann M. Dietrich

  2. Section of Ultrasound, Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA

    Brian D. Coley

Authors
  1. Ann M. Dietrich
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  2. Brian D. Coley
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Correspondence to Ann M. Dietrich.

Additional information

Dr. Dietrich has disclosed the following relevant financial relationship or potential conflict of interest: American Health Consultants, Media Editor. Dr. Coley has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships or potential conflicts of interest: Siemens Ultrasound, Imaging Advisory Board member; Philips Ultrasound and Zonare Ultrasound, unpaid consultant for product evaluation.

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Dietrich, A.M., Coley, B.D. Bedside pediatric emergency evaluation through ultrasonography. Pediatr Radiol 38 (Suppl 4), 679–684 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-0890-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-0890-1

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