The utility of the emergency department observation unit for children with abdominal pain

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
03:19

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: June 21, 2024

Shannon Wai1, Long Ma, Eugene Kim

  • 1Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. wai@bcm.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Most children with acute abdominal pain in the emergency department observation unit (EDOU) have non-surgical causes. The EDOU is effective for monitoring pediatric patients with undiagnosed abdominal pain.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Acute abdominal pain is a common reason for pediatric emergency department visits.
  • Determining the etiology of abdominal pain in children can be challenging, necessitating observation.
  • The emergency department observation unit (EDOU) offers a setting for managing these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of children admitted to the EDOU for acute abdominal pain of unclear origin.
  • To identify factors influencing disposition (discharge vs. admission) in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients (≤18 years) presenting with acute abdominal pain.
  • Exclusion of children with clear alternative explanations for pain.
  • Analysis of disposition data and interventions using chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

  • 237 children were included; 84% were discharged, and 16% were admitted.
  • Only 9% of admitted patients underwent surgery, with 4% confirmed appendicitis.
  • Common discharge diagnoses included abdominal pain not otherwise specified and acute gastroenteritis.
  • No specific symptoms reliably predicted admission; diarrhea was associated with discharge.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of pediatric EDOU admissions for abdominal pain are due to non-surgical conditions.
  • The EDOU serves as a valuable setting for observing and managing children with acute abdominal pain of uncertain etiology.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...