Table 3

Diagnoses and Interventions seen in the PED for which there is Level III Evidence

Diagnosis
Intervention
Number of Patients
Committee Comments

femur shaft fracture
closed reduction & spica cast
1
could likely do an RCT of open vs closed reduction
metatarsal fracture
cast
1
one dissentor from the committee
contusion hand
volar slab
1

sprained digit
aluminum splint
2
would make a good RCT vs. placebo
non-displaced fracture thumb metacarpal bone
thumb splint
1

cellulitis
PO antibiotics
1
RCT needed for PO vs IV antibiotics
cellulitis
IV antibiotics
3
RCT needed for PO vs IV antibiotics
pneumonia
PO antibiotics
5
need higher quality of evidence as we probably over-treat
pneumonia
IV antibiotics
3
see above comment
intussusception
air contrast enema
1
need an RCT of air contrast vs barium enema
dental abscess
drainage & PO antibiotics
1

erythema multiforme
reactine (cetirizine)
1
Needs to be studied

Waters et al. BMC Pediatrics 2006 6:26   doi:10.1186/1471-2431-6-26