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Pediatric Emergency Department Diagnostics: Global Challenges and Innovations
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Pediatric Emergency Department Diagnostics: Global Challenges and Innovations

Hamza A. Abdul-Hafez, Mohammed Alsabri, Janna Ahmed Omran, Alaa Zayed, Hasiba Karimi, Vincent Tsoi, Cynthia Oghenekome Okaruefe and Lauren Ann Carr
Current treatment options in pediatrics, v 11, 17
11 Jul 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40746-025-00333-9
Featured in Collection :   Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
url
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40746-025-00333-9View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0,  Open

Abstract

Emergency Medical Care Pediatrics
Purpose of Review Pediatric emergency departments must distinguish critically ill children from those with stable conditions across a spectrum of age-dependent presentations, nonspecific symptoms, and overlapping clinical findings. This review delineates the unique diagnostic challenges encountered in neonates, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents, examines the impact of caregiver reporting and resource constraints, and evaluates current triage systems and decision-support frameworks. Recent Findings Emerging evidence underscores the value of point-of-care testing and ultrasound in accelerating diagnosis and reducing ED length of stay. Artificial intelligence and machine-learning models have demonstrated promising sensitivity and specificity in triage prediction and septic shock recognition. Simulation-based training, family-centered rounds, and standardized protocols such as ETAT and IMCI have improved recognition of red-flag conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. However, variability in tool adoption, data quality, and clinician autonomy continues to limit widespread implementation. Summary Optimizing diagnostic accuracy in pediatric emergency care requires an integrated approach that combines advanced technologies, robust triage and decision-support systems, targeted training, and family engagement. Tailoring strategies to resource availability and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration will enhance early detection of critical illness, streamline care delivery, and promote equitable outcomes across diverse healthcare contexts.

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