Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

11.2K

Undifferentiated Abdominal Pain in Children Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department

Brendan R Harris1, Sri S Chinta2, Ryan Colvin1

  • 1Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|August 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Undifferentiated abdominal pain (UAP) is common in pediatric emergency departments. Duration of pain is key, and lab tests can help identify UAP cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Undifferentiated abdominal pain (UAP) is a frequent reason for pediatric emergency department (ED) visits, yet its characteristics and management remain poorly understood.
  • Distinguishing UAP from structural gastrointestinal diagnoses (SGID) is crucial for appropriate patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize undifferentiated abdominal pain (UAP) in the pediatric emergency department (ED).
  • To compare diagnostic approaches and outcomes between UAP and structural gastrointestinal diagnosis (SGID) patients.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month retrospective study of pediatric emergency department visits for abdominal pain.
  • Patients were categorized as UAP (no identifiable diagnosis) or SGID (identified disease process).
  • Data on laboratory tests, imaging, and clinical features were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • SGID patients underwent more laboratory tests and imaging (CT, ultrasound) compared to UAP patients.
  • Abnormal laboratory results were significantly higher in the SGID group.
  • Duration of pain emerged as a primary factor influencing the etiology of abdominal pain.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical features, particularly pain duration, are important for recognizing UAP in the ED.
  • Laboratory tests can supplement clinical assessment to improve the identification of UAP.
  • Further research into UAP management strategies in pediatric EDs is warranted.

Keywords:
abdominal painemergency departmentpediatricsundifferentiated

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis04:05

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Published on: June 30, 2023

2.8K
Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

16.8K

Related Concept Videos

Emerging Adulthood01:27

Emerging Adulthood

Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
640
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
2.1K
Pain01:20

Pain

Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
1.3K
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)...
300
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
214
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography01:20

Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography

Introduction:
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
1.4K