[mrkgnao]

> Physiological values are complex in paediatrics. They are more than complicated because although there are published ‘normal values’ which will guide the clinician in knowing whether a child is tachycardic or tachypnoeic, these are in fact reference ranges that were initially based on expert opinion. Although meta-analysis shows these reference ranges to be at least somewhat valid, it is probably safest not to think of them as ‘normal ranges’ at all since much of the data includes children in abnormal circumstances. Indeed, the clinician who relies on these values will by definition be unlikely to have a ‘normal’ child in front of them.

Relatedly, I'd imagine that (akin to the story about choosing what parts of a fighter plane to armour) the worst health emergencies, esp. in children, are the ones where the child does not make it to the ER alive or is either unresuscitable (word?) or deteriorates rapidly and uncontrollably before a diagnosis can be made.

[edanm]

Yes, but I assume that all children who die in e.g. the States will automatically get an autopsy and a cause of death will be determined, no?

(Note: haven't read the article, so I'm not sure if I'm contradicting anything here or just agreeing with it!)

[epmaybe]

No, generally the parents have to request an autopsy. The provider can always recommend getting an autopsy, or requesting one, but ultimately that decision lies with the parents.

[zrail]

As far as I know autopsies are never automatic in the US.