Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2019

KH . ORG 17 Dawson Riley, 10, experienced acute multifocal osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, a life-threatening bone and joint infection. After being treated at Kootenai Health, he’s back to doing what he loves. By Stacie Jones Nicknamed “The Truck” for his aggressive moves on the soccer field, 10-year-old Dawson Riley is a high-energy, athletic kid who doesn’t let much knock him down. “He’s like a brick wall—he’s extremely tough,” said Stacy Riley, Dawson’s mom. Dawson’s toughness was put to the test last December when he suddenly began experiencing tear-inducing leg pain. Within a few days, the pain spread through his body, and he spiked a 106-degree fever. “He wasn’t eating. He couldn’t walk,” Stacy recalled. “This is a kid who never gets sick. I knew something was very wrong with him.” Dawson and his parents, Stacy and Brendan, found themselves in the Kootenai Health Emergency Department. Tests revealed Dawson had acute multifocal osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, a life-threatening bone and joint infection often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. After immediate surgery to drain fluid from his infected shoulder, Dawson was admitted into Kootenai Health’s Pediatric Unit for intensive treatment with intravenous antibiotic therapy and continued care. “This was a serious infection that required coordinated and evidenced-based care. Our pediatric hospitalists are very knowledgeable of the disease process and know how to effectively manage it,” said Vanessa Carroll, M.D., medical director of pediatrics and one of four board- certified pediatric hospitalists who specialize in diagnosing and treating hospitalized children at Kootenai. Support and reassurance Dawson’s hospital stay began each morning with “family-centered rounds,” where his care team— from the pediatric hospitalists and pediatric nurses to the orthopedic surgeon, infectious disease specialist, nutritionist, pharmacist and case manager—all gathered with the Rileys to discuss Dawson’s treatment and answer questions. “When a child is hospitalized, it’s a life-changing event that affects not just the patient but the entire family,” Dr. Carroll said. “Our goal is not only to ensure understanding of the medical management but also to provide support and reassurance throughout the hospital stay.” For the Rileys, having access to personalized, quality pediatric care just five minutes from home was a big bonus. It meant they could take alternate trips home to care for their daughter and pets, and Dawson’s friends could visit him. While it was a scary eight days in the hospital, Dawson said his care team “made me feel at home.” “It felt like everyone cared for me a lot, and they really tried to make me feel the best I could,” Dawson said, describing how the staff decorated his room for Christmas and initiated a mock snowball fight with cotton balls. Several months later, Dawson has made a full recovery, even returning to the soccer field. “Dawson was very sick. The level of care he got in the pediatrics unit at Kootenai Health is top-notch compared to anywhere,” Brendan said. “They saved our son’s life.” Vanessa Carroll, M.D. “When a child is hospitalized, it’s a life- changing event that affects not just the patient but the entire family.” —Vanessa Carroll, M.D.