Description
Contributor: Jared Scott MD
Educational Pearls:
Croup is a respiratory condition typically caused by a viral infection (e.g., parainfluenza). The disease is characterized by inflammation of the larynx and trachea, which often leads to a distinctive barking cough.
A common treatment for croup is the powerful steroid dexamethasone, but it can take up to 30 minutes to start working.
A folk remedy for croup is to take the afflicted child outside in the cold to help them breathe better, but does it really work?
A 2023 study in Switzerland, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, investigated whether a 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold air could improve mild to moderate croup symptoms before the onset of steroid effects.
The randomized controlled trial included children aged 3 months to 10 years with croup.
After receiving a single-dose oral dexamethasone, participants were exposed to either outdoor cold air or indoor room air. The primary outcome was a decrease in the Westley Croup Score (WCS) by at least 2 points at 30 minutes.
The results indicated that exposure to outdoor cold air, in addition to dexamethasone, significantly reduced symptoms in children with croup, especially in those with moderate cases.
References
Siebert JN, Salomon C, Taddeo I, Gervaix A, Combescure C, Lacroix L. Outdoor Cold Air Versus Room Temperature Exposure for Croup Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics. 2023 Sep 1;152(3):e2023061365. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-061365. PMID: 37525974.
Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMSII
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD
Educational Pearls:
A study evaluated the patient-care impact and financial costs of holding patients in the ED, a nationwide issue
Prospective, observational study of acute stroke management
Conducted at a large urban, comprehensive stroke center
The...
Published 11/15/24
Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD
Educational Pearls:
Aortic injury occurs in 1.5-2% of patients who sustain blunt thoracic trauma
Majority are caused by automobile collisions or motorcycle accidents
Due to sudden deceleration mechanism accidents
Clinical manifestations
Signs of...
Published 11/04/24