Difficulty Breathing With a Rash: A Pediatric Simulation Case for Residents and Fellows

The purpose of the case is to teach health care professionals to recognize Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), including rare and serious complications. The case includes a review of epidemiology, classification, clinical manifestations, and treatment of HSP.

Utilizing an adolescent simulation mannequin, we present the case of an 11-year-old female who presents to a pediatric emergency department with HSP and respiratory symptoms requiring intubation. This case reinforces the appearance of the characteristic rash and helps learners develop an algorithm for HSP management that includes the identification and management of abdominal pain associated with HSP, as well as the rare and serious complication of pulmonary vasculitis. We focus learners on managing severe respiratory distress in the HSP patient. Learners are assessed using standardized forms, and the learner outcome measurements include the recognition of HSP and successful management of abdominal pain and respiratory failure in this unique setting.

This module has been used with pediatric residents, emergency medicine residents, pediatric emergency medicine fellows, and pediatric emergency medicine nurse practitioners. Approximately 30 learners have completed this module during seven separate sessions. All learners felt the case provided the opportunity to identify HSP as well as to manage a serious and rare complication of the disease.

Overall, we have had positive feedback from the learners about this case, and it provides them the opportunity to see more rare complications during their training period. Learners leave the session with enhanced knowledge of HSP, as well as a review of respiratory failure and intubation.