Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus: evidence-based management of pediatric patients in the emergency department.

Lara Zibners

Journal: Pediatric emergency medicine practice 2017;14(2):1-24

PMID: 28749121

Abstract

Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are potentially deadly bacterial infections that are largely preventable through vaccination, though they remain in the population. This issue reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current recommended emergency management of these conditions. Disease-specific medications, as well as treatment of the secondary complications, are examined in light of the best current evidence. Resources include obtaining diphtheria antitoxin from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and best-practice recommendations with regard to testing, involvement of government health agencies, isolation of the patient, and identification and treatment of close contacts. Most importantly, issues regarding vaccination and prevention are highlighted.

Address: Honorary Consultant, Paediatric Emergency Medicine, St. Mary’s Hospital Imperial College Trust, London, UK; Nonclinical Instructor of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

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MeSH Terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents, Benzodiazepines, Calcium Channel Blockers, Child, Child, Preschool, Contact Tracing, Debridement, Diphtheria, Diphtheria Antitoxin, Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines, Disease Notification, Emergency Service, Hospital, Evidence-Based Emergency Medicine, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Magnesium Sulfate, Patient Isolation, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, Tetanus, Whooping Cough