Endocrinology Flashcards
What assessment tools are used to monitor growth?
Length/height and weight Plotting on a growth chart Growth velocity Bone age Pubertal assessment
What is the 1st sign of puberty in a girl?
Breast development
When is female puberty considered to be early?
<8
When is female puberty considered to be late?
> 14
What is the 1st sign of puberty in a boy?
Genital development
When is male puberty considered to be early?
<8
When is male puberty considered to be late?
> 13
What are causes of delayed puberty?
Constitutional delay of growth and puberty - boys
Gonadal dysgenesis
Chronic disease
Impaired HPG axis
What is the pathology of congenital hypothyroidism?
Under-developed – dysgenesis
Not producing enough hormone – dyshormono-genesis
How is congenital hypothyroidism tested for>
Newborn blood spot screening test
If not picked up at birth, what are the symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism?
Prolonged neonatal jaundice Poor feeding Constipation Increased sleeping Reduced activity Slow growth
Acquired hypothyroidism
Most common cause – hashimoto’s thyroiditis Lack of height gain Pubertal delay (or precocity) Poor school performance Treatment - levothyroxine
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Thirsty Thinner Tired Using the toilet more Children <5 - heavier than usual nappies, blurred vision, candidiasis, constipation, recurring skin infections, irritability
If you suspect diabetes in a child what should you do?
Finger prick capillary glucose test - >11mmol/l phone specialist immediately
What are the signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Sweet smelling ‘ketotic’ breath Drowsiness Rapid, deep ‘sighing’ respiration Coma
