Chem Path: Paeds clinical chem Flashcards
What are some common problems in low birth weight
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)
What is NEC
Inflammation of bowel wall leading to necrosis and perforation
bloody stool Abdo distension Pneuomatosis intestinalis (intermural gas)
When do nephrons develop in fetus?
Nephrons develop from about week 6 gestation
When does the foetus start producing urine?
They start producing urine from week 10
When does the Full complement of nephrons start?
36 weeks
Is the GFR in babies high and low and why?
LOW as babies have a high surface area
Why are babies prone to acidosis?
Low GFR - Low amount of Na available for H+ exchange
Short proximal tubule - Low reabsorbive capacity - Absorption of HCO3 is low
Is the threshold for gylcosuria higher or lower than adults in bebes?
Lower
Is the maximum urine osmolality higher or lower than adults for kids and why?
Lower
Kids - 700mmol/Kg
Adults - 12500mmol/Kg
Loop of Henle is short
Distal tubule is unresponsive to aldosterone - what are the consequences?
Persistant Na loss
Reduced K+ excretion
What is the upper normal limit of K+ in adults and kids?
Adults - 5.5
Kids - 6
Why do babies lose weight in the first week of life?
They have a lot of ECF as foetuses. After pulmonary resistance goes down post birth, ANP is released and there is redistribution of ECF.
What should be measured daily in babies born < 30 weeks?
Na due to increased Na demand coupled with Na loss in kidneys
Can you measure Na loss via urine in pre term babies?
NO
When can you give K+ supplement to babies?
Only after a urine sample is achieved (>1mL/kg/hour)
Why is bicarb given to babies and how does it cause electrolyte disturbances?
For acidosis
There is Na in it and their kidneys cannot excrete it
Why is caffeine/theophylline given to babies and how does it cause electrolyte disturbances?
For apnoea
Increases renal Na loss