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Chest pain in pediatrics

K C Kocis1

  • 1University of Southern California School of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|April 28, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric chest pain is common and usually benign. A detailed history and physical exam are typically sufficient, avoiding costly lab tests for most cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Chest pain is a frequent complaint in children.
  • Most pediatric chest pain cases are benign and do not indicate serious underlying conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evaluation and management of chest pain in pediatric patients.
  • To emphasize the importance of history and physical examination in diagnosing pediatric chest pain.
  • To highlight that laboratory testing is often unnecessary and burdensome.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines on pediatric chest pain.
  • Analysis of diagnostic approaches, focusing on history and physical examination.
  • Discussion on the role and limitations of laboratory investigations.

Main Results:

  • The majority of pediatric chest pain cases are idiopathic and chronic.
  • Serious, life-threatening causes of chest pain are rare but require prompt recognition and intervention.
  • Laboratory testing is frequently nondiagnostic, costly, and adds burden to patients.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive history and physical examination are the cornerstones for evaluating pediatric chest pain.
  • Idiopathic chest pain is the most common diagnosis, often resolving with reassurance.
  • Establishing a trusting relationship with patients and families is crucial for symptom resolution and management.

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