The Case A 2-month-old boy was seen by his pediatrician earlier in the day for fussiness and poor feeding. At that visit, he was noted to be tachycardic, but the elevated heart rate was attributed to crying and irritability. That evening, his parents brought him to the ED because he continued to breathe rapidly and […]
Clinical Scenario: The Cranky, Tachypneic Baby Read More »
As the summer winds down, and our new residents and fellows settle in, this time of the year often offers a rare chance to exhale. For many of us, it’s a time to unplug a bit – whether that means catching up on sleep, getting away for a few days, or just enjoying a little
3 Podcast Picks to Close Out the Summer Read More »
1. Ask “How Blue?” and “How Old?” Before you assume it’s just another virus, start with this: 🧠 Pearl: At the 1st week of life, the closing of the ductus arteriosus unearths critical CHD. At 2-3 months, pulmonary vascular resistance and hemoglobin drop, increasing shunts and worsening heart failure. 2. Feel the Femoral Pulses. Always.
The 3: CHD in the ED – How Blue? How Old? Read More »
Pediatric emergency departments often see children with a wide range of conditions, from mild illnesses to life-threatening diseases. It’s helpful when serious conditions like volvulus present with clear and obvious symptoms, such as bilious emesis in a newborn. However, the challenge—and anxiety—arises when an urgent or emergent condition mimics a more benign presentation. Two such
2 High-Stakes Misses in the Pediatric ED Read More »
Introduction Recognizing the Signs Early: Critically ill neonates with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease (CHD) often present with subtle signs that can be easily missed. Symptoms like poor feeding, lethargy, cyanosis, and tachypnea in the first few weeks of life should immediately raise concern for a cardiac issue. Central cyanosis (involving the lips, tongue, or mucosa)
Myths To Avoid In Cardiac Emergencies Read More »
