Mycotoxicosis is a term used to define a toxic reaction due to the ingestion of toxins produced by fungi. Oral ingestion, however, may not be the sole means of exposure. We have recently observed ten patients who had inhaled massive amounts of fungi, which resulted in an apparent toxic pulmonary reaction. Immunologic studies showed no sensitivity to various fungal antigen preparations and histologic study of the lung showed a multi-focal acute process, with primary involvement of the terminal bronchioles containing large numbers of various spores. Cultures from lung biopsy material revealed at least five fungal organisms. A one to ten year followup indicates that avoidance of massive reexposure to fungal dust is the key to the prevention of recurrent pulmonary mycotoxicosis.
Objective
Children frequently present with head injuries to acute care settings. Although international paediatric clinical practice guidelines for head injuries exist, they do not address all considerations related to triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow‐up of mild to moderate head injuries relevant to the Australian and New Zealand context. The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) set out to develop an evidence‐based, locally applicable, practical clinical guideline for the care of children with mild to moderate head injuries presenting to acute care settings.
Methods
A multidisciplinary Guideline Working Group (GWG) developed 33 questions in three key areas – triage, imaging and discharge of children with mild to moderate head injuries presenting to acute care settings. We identified existing high‐quality guidelines and from these guidelines recommendations were mapped to clinical questions. Updated literature searches were undertaken, and key new evidence identified. Recommendations were created through either adoption, adaptation or development of de novo recommendations. The guideline was revised after a period of public consultation.
Results
The GWG developed 71 recommendations (evidence‐informed = 35, consensus‐based = 17, practice points = 19), relevant to the Australian and New Zealand setting. The guideline is presented as three documents: (i) a detailed Full Guideline summarising the evidence underlying each recommendation; (ii) a Guideline Summary; and (iii) a clinical Algorithm: Imaging and Observation Decision‐making for Children with Head Injuries.
Conclusions
The PREDICT Australian and New Zealand Guideline for Mild to Moderate Head Injuries in Children provides high‐level evidence and practical guidance for front line clinicians.
Benzodiazepines remain the first-line agent of choice, although there is ongoing discussion about the mode of administration and the best drug to choose. The results of ESETT, ConSEPT, and EcLiPSE will affect our future management of status, as we give consideration to levetiracetam as an alternative to phenytoin. Other medications such as lacosamide may emerge in future algorithms too.
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