We have discussed several entities that may lead to a child limping. We have covered osteomyelitis, plantar punctures, and toddler’s fractures. We have also touched upon Osgood Schlatter’s Disease, SCFE, osteosarcoma and even Growing Pains. Now let us review a topic that always crosses our minds when considering the painful extremity: Septic Arthritis.
We see that, like in adults, an elevated lactate can help identify those patients who are potentially sicker than others, although not perfectly. It is only helpful if it alerts you to severe illness presenting subtly or helps direct your resuscitation efforts… which, again, require the astute clinician to determine.
Thanks to Sean M. Fox, MD (@PedEMMorsels) for this gem with significant clinical relevance.
Lactate Level in Kids Read More »