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 Ultrasound Program Chair from 2018-2021. She also serves on the 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. . Pediatr Cardiol. 2023. PMID 36790508.
Arredondo AR, Wilkinson M, Barber RB, Gilmartin T, Levine MC. . 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. . Trop Med Int Health. 2023. PMID 36416491.
Abo AM, Alade KH, Rempell RG, Kessler D, Fischer JW, Lewiss RE, Raio CC, Marin JR. . Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021. PMID 30624416.
Alade KH, Marin JR, Constantine E, et al. . AEM Educ Train. PMID 34527846.
Davis NR, Alade KH. . Med Teach. 2021. PMID 33203281.
Hamad A, Ng C, Alade K, D'Amico B, Morales-Perez L, Price J, Leung SK, . J Emerg Med. 2021. PMID 34092442.
Gold D, Levine M, Hsu D, et al (KH Alade, SK Leung contributors). . AEM Educ Train. 2021. PMID 34901685.
Brown KA, Riley AF, Alade KH, Kyle WB, Castro D, Tcharmtchi MH, Thammasitboon S. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2020. PMID: 32701750
