A review of the January 2020 interim BSPED guidance on diabetic ketoacidosis in children and young people. Chris Gray explains changes to diagnosis, severity assessment, fluids, potassium and insulin, alongside the evidence and practical questions raised by that edition of the guidance.
JC: D-K-hoorAy! New Paeds DKA guidelines Read More
Does the speed or composition of intravenous rehydration affect neurological outcomes in children with DKA? This review examines the 2018 PECARN trial, its four fluid regimens and the limits of its findings. Simon Carley explains why challenging established assumptions does not remove the need for careful fluid management.
JC: Fluid resuscitation in paediatric DKA. St Emlyn’s Read More
Do vein-finding devices improve first-attempt cannulation in children? This 2015 appraisal compares ultrasound, near-infrared imaging and standard practice in a Canadian emergency department trial. It examines staff training, sample size and generalisability, asking whether better vein visualisation translates into better outcomes.
JC: Gadgets and Gizmos for gaining IV access in kids. St.Emlyn’s Read More
A guide to the changes introduced in the 2015 APLS trauma update, with an accompanying podcast. Simon Carley discusses haemorrhage control, cervical spine management, vascular access, imaging and pain relief, alongside implications for instructors and areas where contemporary guidance differed.
New kids on the block. 2015 APLS trauma updates. Read More
A report from Retrieval 2014 in Glasgow, with a recorded talk on the first hour of paediatric sepsis aimed at generalists who care for children. Simon Carley also shares conference highlights on retrieval leadership, resilience, simulation and prehospital care.
Paediatric sepsis: The first hour. PLUS St.Emlyn’s at #Retrieval2014 Read More
How should we approach petechiae in a child who appears well? This 2013 review explores causes beyond meningococcal disease, the uncertainty around investigation, and safeguarding considerations, emphasising the importance of the wider history, examination and discussion with colleagues.
Don’t Be Rash – Petechiae in Well Kids at St Emlyn’s Read More
Can a clinician’s gut feeling help identify serious infection in a child who otherwise seems well? This 2012 journal club examines a Belgian primary-care study, exploring diagnostic definitions, false alarms and the limits of transferring its findings to the emergency department.
JC: Gut feeling about serious paeds infections Read More
