Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in the emergency department (ED), offering real-time imaging and aiding in rapid decision-making. POCUS has numerous indications in the ED, including assessment of cardiac function, detection of pneumothorax, evaluation of abdominal pain, identification of deep vein thrombosis, and guidance for various procedures. In the pediatric population, POCUS has shown immense potential, particularly in diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, appendicitis, intussusception, and fractures. Pediatric-specific data has demonstrated the utility of POCUS in improving diagnostic accuracy and expediting care for children, with studies highlighting its effectiveness in reducing the need for further imaging or invasive procedures. Additionally, POCUS is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings or during emergencies where immediate imaging is crucial. The growing body of evidence supports the integration of POCUS in the ED, empowering clinicians to provide timely and accurate diagnoses, leading to improved outcomes for pediatric patients.
Kiyetta Alade is the director of pediatric POCUS for PEM and was the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Program Chair from 2018-2021. She also serves on the American College of Emergency Physicians committee member for the section of pediatric emergency medicine. Stephanie Leung is the POCUS fellowship director at BCM/TCH.
Faculty with a research focus on point-of-care ultrasound:
- Kiyetta Alade, M.D., MEd: POCUS training and credentialling
- Email: alade@bcm.edu
- Twitter: @KiyettaAlade
- Stephanie Leung, M.D.: POCUS curriculum development
- Email: skleung@texaschildrens.org
- Justin Moher, M.D.: POCUS in resource-limited settings
- Email: Justin.Moher@bcm.edu
- Twitter: @drjmoher
- Adrienne Smallwood, M.D.: Cardiac POCUS in children with suspected multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
- Email: Adrienne.Smallwood@bcm.edu
- Twitter: @adrismallwood
Scott C, Alade K, Leung SK, Vaughan RM, Riley AF. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound and multi-disciplinary improvement opportunities in acute systolic heart failure management in a pediatric emergency center. Pediatr Cardiol. 2023. PMID 36790508.
Arredondo AR, Wilkinson M, Barber RB, Gilmartin T, Levine MC. Ultrasonographic evaluation of physiologic free intraperitoneal fluid in healthy children: a prospective observational study. J Ultrasound Med. 2022. PMID 34338342.
Moher JM, Morales-Perez L, Chiume M, Crouse HL, Mgusha Y, Betchani F, D'Amico BM, Pediatric Alliance for Child Health Improvement in Malawi at Kamuzu Central Hospital and Environs (PACHIMAKE) Consortium. Point-of-care ultrasound needs assessment in a paediatric acute care setting in Malawi. Trop Med Int Health. 2023. PMID 36416491.
Abo AM, Alade KH, Rempell RG, Kessler D, Fischer JW, Lewiss RE, Raio CC, Marin JR. Credentialling pediatric emergency medicine faculty in point-of-care ultrasound: expert guidelines. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021. PMID 30624416.
Alade KH, Marin JR, Constantine E, et al. Development of a novel pediatric point-of-care ultrasound question bank using a modified Delphi process. AEM Educ Train. PMID 34527846.
Davis NR, Alade KH. Twelve tips for point-of care ultrasound teaching in low-resource settings. Med Teach. 2021. PMID 33203281.
Hamad A, Ng C, Alade K, D'Amico B, Morales-Perez L, Price J, Leung SK, Diagnosing acute heart failure in the pediatric emergency department using point-of-care ultrasound. J Emerg Med. 2021. PMID 34092442.
Gold D, Levine M, Hsu D, et al (KH Alade, SK Leung contributors). Design of a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum for pediatric emergency medicine fellows: a Delphi study. AEM Educ Train. 2021. PMID 34901685.
Brown KA, Riley AF, Alade KH, Kyle WB, Castro D, Tcharmtchi MH, Thammasitboon S. A Novel Tool for Teaching Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound: An Exploratory Application of the Design-Based Research Approach. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2020. PMID: 32701750
