Author: embeds

Swallowed Foriegn Body

The ingestion of a foreign body or multiple foreign bodies (FB) is a common presenting complaint in paediatric surgery, with a peak incidence from 12-24 months however, can occur at any age. Ingested foreign bodies rarely cause problems; almost 80% of patients pass the foreign body without intervention – in seven days2 (only 1% require surgical removal). However, occasionally foreign bodies can cause significant morbidity (for example, oesophageal rupture) and 1% require surgical removal.

The presenting symptoms and outcomes of an ingested foreign body is highly dependent on the swallowed object, and for this reason, the guidance for hazardous and non-hazardous foreign body ingestion has been divided accordingly.

Using the Metal Detector

Non-Hazardous Objects

Button Battery

Ingestion of Button Battery = POTENTIAL EMERGENCY

See separate post for more resources and education if desired.

Magnets

 

Sharp Objects

PDF copy – HERE

Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE)

Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) is now the recommended term for ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event).

Definition:

BRUE is defined as an episode in an infant less than 12 months old characterized by: 

  • < 1 minute duration (typically 20-30s)
  • Followed by return to baseline state
  • Not explained by identifiable medical conditions

Includes one or more of the following:  

  • Central cyanosis/pallor
  • Absent, decreased or irregular breathing
  • Marked change in tone (hyper or hypotonia)
  • Altered level of consciousness

Read more

Limping Child

This is a relatively common  presentation within the ED that has a myriad of possible diagnoses ranging from sprain to malignancy. One thing to remember is that patients and relatives will look for a traumatic reason for limb pain, and may link it to minor injuries that would not have caused it.  Read more