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4 Things to Know About Heart Murmurs in Children By Seth Lapuk, MD: Up to three out of four kids will have a heart murmur at some point in childhood, but in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. To explain more, Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist (and American Heart Association leader!) Seth Lapuk, MD, joins the blog. 1. Most heart
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Clinical Pathway Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially fatal metabolic complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. DKA consists of the biochemical triad of hyperglycemia, ketonemia and metabolic acidosis, resulting from absolute or relative insulin deficiency in the presence of an
Eating Disorder Clinical Pathway Eating disorders are increasingly prevalent in pediatrics and represent a complex interaction between medical and psychiatric manifestations. The need for a standardized approach is critical, due to the high risk of the condition (eating disorders have the highest mortality of
Esophageal Button Battery Management Clinical Pathway In the US, approximately 3,500 children are treated annually in emergency departments for button battery ingestion. Button batteries that are lodged in the esophagus have the potential to cause catastrophic thermal injuries. Quick recognition and removal of the battery leads to
Fever and Sepsis Evaluation in the Infant (Ages 29-60 days) Clinical Pathway Fever is a common reason for visits to the Emergency Department (ED) and for admission to the hospital. Nationally, there are 500,000 ED visits annually for children ≤ 60 days of age with fever. Though most febrile illnesses in infants less than 90 days of age are caused by viral
Fever and Sepsis Evaluation in the Neonate (0-28 days) Clinical Pathway Neonates presenting with fever are at high risk of having and/or developing a serious bacterial infection. In addition, neonates can present with extensive HSV disease. Early identification and management is critical for improved outcomes. The AAP released a new clinical practice
Gastroenteritis and Dehydration Clinical Pathway Acute gastroenteritis in children is most commonly caused by viral pathogens, accounting for 1.7 million Emergency Department visits and 200,000 hospitalizations annually. Complications of gastroenteritis, include dehydration and/or electrolyte abnormalities and acid base
Hemangioma Management Clinical Pathway Infantile hemangiomas are common benign tumors that can cause significant complications such as permanent disfigurement, ulceration, bleeding, visual compromise, airway obstruction, and congestive heart failure. They affect up to 2-5% of all infants and up to 30% of premature
High Flow Nasal Cannula Use in Patients Outside of the Intensive Care Unit Clinical Pathway High flow systems are designed to heat and humidify gas mixtures for safe delivery at flow rates that meet or exceed a patient’s inspiratory flow demands, thereby decreasing work of breathing in the setting of respiratory illness. In addition to the benefits of avoiding more
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Is Your Baby on Track for Motor Milestones? If They’re Under 6 Months Old, Here’s How to Help By Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT: Babies are changing by the day, and every new “motor milestone” is a thrill – like the first time they hold a toy, roll, sit up alone, and crawl. These milestones depend on lots of factors, including some that aren’t under anyone’s control. But there are a few ways to help your
HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Following Sexual or High-Risk Encounter Clinical Pathway It is essential that patients who are exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) receive prompt and appropriate antiretroviral therapy to decrease the risk of becoming infected with the virus and developing Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In 2016, the Centers for
Intestinal Failure and Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Patient with Fever Clinical Pathway Patients with Intestinal Failure (IF) often require central venous catheter (CVCs) for extended periods of time used for administration of parenteral nutrition (PN), which is required to maintain adequate growth and hydration. This puts them at a risk of recurrent central-line
Kawasaki Disease Clinical Pathway Kawasaki Disease is one of the most common vasculitides of childhood, and is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. There is an estimated annual incidence of 20 per 100,000 children younger than five years in the United States, and
Ketogenic Diet and Modified Ketogenic Diet Clinical Pathway Ketogenic and modified ketogenic diets are high fat, low carbohydrate diets used as evidence-based treatment for intractable seizures. These pathways were developed to aid with initiation of these diets for established neurology patients at Connecticut Children’s. Initiation of