Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Children with chronic conditions in a paediatric emergency department

Martial M Massin1, Jessica Montesanti, Paul Gérard

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, C.H.R. Citadelle, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium. martial.massin@chrcitadelle.be

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children with chronic conditions represent 11% of paediatric emergency department visits, often presenting with fever or seizures. These children have a higher admission rate, highlighting the critical role of emergency physicians in their care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Chronic Illness Management
  • Healthcare Utilization

Background:

  • Children with chronic conditions represent a significant population within pediatric healthcare systems.
  • Understanding their specific needs and patterns of emergency department (ED) use is crucial for optimizing care.
  • Paediatric EDs serve a vital role in managing acute exacerbations and complications of chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the demographic and clinical profile of children with chronic conditions utilizing a pediatric emergency department.
  • To compare the utilization patterns and outcomes of chronically ill children with the general pediatric population in the ED.
  • To identify the primary subspecialties and chief complaints associated with chronic pediatric conditions presenting to the ED.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective indexing of all pediatric ED visits over one year.
  • Categorization of patients into chronically ill and general pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of subspecialty distribution, chief complaints, diagnoses, and hospital admission rates.

Main Results:

  • Chronically ill children constituted 11% of 11,483 total ED visits.
  • Neurology, cardiology, and pulmonology were the most common subspecialties involved.
  • Chronically ill children had a higher admission rate (38% vs. 23%) and were more likely to present with fever, respiratory distress, headache, and seizures.

Conclusions:

  • Children with chronic conditions account for approximately one-tenth of all pediatric ED visits.
  • The pediatric ED plays an essential role in providing care for these vulnerable children and supporting their subspecialist teams.
  • Targeted interventions and resource allocation may be beneficial for this patient group within the ED setting.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...