Ley Learning Points Flashcards
What is the most common cause of a congenital stridor?
Laryngomalacia
What is the most common cause of an exacerbation of laryngomalacia?
An intercurrent respiratory tract infection
Outline how the diagnosis of laryngomalacia may be confirmed?
Flexible laryngoscopy; demonstrates prolapse over the airway of an omega(Ω)-shaped epiglottis
What is meant by stridor?
Stridor is an inspiratory sound secondary to narrowing of the upper airway
Outline the main difference between stridor and a wheeze?
Stridor is caused by upper respiratory tract narrowing whereas a wheeze is caused by lower respiratory tract narrowing
What procedures need to be avoided in children with stridor?
- Anything that may cause the child upset (blood tests, cannulas etc.) as it may cause deterioration<br></br>- The upper airway must not be examined either to prevent total obstruction
Outline the differential diagnoses that may cause acute stridor in a child? (5)
- Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup)
- Inhaled foreign bodies
- Anaphylaxis
- Epiglottitis
- Rare causes; bacterial tracheatis, severe tonsilitis, inhalation of hot gasses, retropharyngeal abscess
What age group are particularly affected by croup?
Croup typically affects patients between the ages of 6 months and 5 years
Which oragnism is the most common cause of croup?
Parainfluenza virus
Which vaccination aims to prevent epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenza tybe b (Hib)
What is the most common cause of an acute stridor?
Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup)
Which conditions are tested for in the Newborn Blood Spot test (a.k.a heel prick test/Guthrie card)? (9)
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Sickle cell disease (SCD)
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- Metabolic disorders;
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
• Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
• Isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
• Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)
• Homocystinuria (HCU)
When is the newborn blood spot test carried out and why?
It is carried out between 5-8 days so as to give the baby enough time to latch and begin feeding normally, this will alow detection of metabolic disorders
What is the definition of precocious puberty in boys and girls?
<div>Premature sexual maturation is defined as puberty starting below the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys.</div>
How isprecocious puberty treated? (2)
- LHRH (GnRH) analogues
- Treat any underlying lesion/source
Which gene variant is commonly associated with ankylosing spondylitis?
HLA-B27
Which virus is responsible for causing hand, food and mouth disease (HFMD)?
Coxsackie virus A16
Outline the main differentials for a child presenting witha new-onset petechial or purpuric rash? (4)
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)
- Immune Thrombocytopaenic Purpura (ITP)
- Haematological Malignancy
- Meningococcal meningitis
Which scoring system is used to assess the severity of croup?
Westley Score
Which features make up the Westley score that is used in the assessment of croup severity? (5)
L-SCAR;
- Level of consciousness
- Stridor
- Cyanosis
- Air entry
- Retractions
Which scoring system is used to assess clinical status in a newborn term infant?
APGAR Score
Outline how the APGAR score can be used to assess clinical status in a term neonate?
- Score 0-3; high risk of neonatal mortality
- Score 4-6; slightrisk of neonatal mortality
- Score 7-10; normal healthy neonate
Which condition is a common complication of viral gastroenteritis in children?
Lactose intolerance; usually resolves following removal and slow reintroduction of lactose in the diet
At what time points is the APGAR commonly used to assess neonates? (3)
- 1 minute
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
At what point does neonatal cyanosis and reduced oxygen saturations become concerning? (2)
- Suboptimal SpO2 readings are concerning beyond the first 10 minutes of life
- Peripheral cyanosis can be concerning beyond the first 24 hours of life
Outline the NICE Guidelines for when to refer a child with bronchiolitis to hospital? (3)
- Respiratory rate of over 60 breaths/minute
- Difficulty with breastfeeding or inadequate oral fluid intake (< 50% normal feeding)
- Signs of clinical dehydration
Which congenital heart defects are most commonly associated with a congenital cyanosis? (3)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Tricuspid atresia (TrA)
Which congenital heart conditions are acyanotic? (6)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
- Coarctation of the aorta (CoA)
- Aortic valve stenosis (AS)
What is the most common cause of pulmonary hypoplasia?
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; not necessarily due to direct compression of the lung by the herniated viscera but rather part of a sequence a
Outline the tetrad of features associated with Tetralogy of Fallot? (4)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Right ventricular hypertrophy
- Right ventricular outflow obstruction (pulmonary stenosis)
- Overriding aorta
Which type of murmur is most commonly associated with Tetralogy of Fallot?
An ejection systolic murmur heard over the left sternal edge indicative of pulmonary stenosis
Outline the main indications for neonatal unit admission in cases of neonatal hypoglycaemia? (2)
- If the blood glucose drops below 1 mmol L-1
- If symptoms develop
Ouline the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia?
IV 10% dextrose
What is the investigation of choice to diagnose vesicoureteric reflux?
Micturating cystourethrogram; involves catheterisation of the patient with insertion of radiocontrast agent whilst using real-time fluoroscopy to image the flow during urination
At what age does a cow’s milk protein intolerance tend to present?
6+ months; around the point where weaning/formula top up feeds are introduced
Outline the features of cow’s milk protein intolerance? (5)
- Poor weight gain
- Erythematous blanching rash
- Colicky abdominal pain
- Regurgitation of feeds
- Diarrhoea
Which specific fractures are most commonly associated with non-accidental injury (NAI)? (5)
- Radial
- Humeral
- Femoral
- Posterior rib
What commonly precedes the development of idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP)?
Viral illnesses such as glandular fever
Outline the criteria for admission to hospital for a febrile convulsion? (3)
- First witnessed convulsion
- Lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Any features of complex seizure (focal and/or repeated)
Between what ages are febrile convulsions most commonly thought to occur?
Between 6 months and 5 years of age
Outline the main features of febrile convusions? (3)
- Tonic-clonic in nature
- Brief, lasting < 5 minutes
- Associated with viral infections most often URTI
What is the most common lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children under 2 years of age?
Bronchiolitis
In what age group is bronchiolitis most commonly found? (2)
- Infants between 1-12 months account for 75% of cases
- Peak incidence is however between 3-6 months of age
Outline the typical features of bronchiolitis? (6)
- Low-grade fever
- Cough
- Reduced feeding
- Reduced wet nappies
- Tachypnoea
- Crackles/wheezing
Outline the common signs of respiratory distress in a child? (6)
- Grunting
- Nasal flaring
- Head bobbing
- Accessory muscle usage
- Tracheal tug
- Intercostal/subcostal/sternal recessions
Outline the most common differentials for a child presenting with respiratory distress? (6)
- Croup
- Viral URTI
- Epiglottitis
- Inhaled foreign body
- Pneumonia
- Caridac issues
What is the mainstay management used in bronchiolitis?
Supportive Management;
- Monitor respiratory rate and saturations
- Consider capillary blood gas
Outline the indications for an escalation of case in patients with bronchiolitis? (5)
- SpO2 < 92% on room air
- Persistent severe respiratory distress; grunting, severe recessions, RR > 70
- Oral fluid intake < 50% of normal or clinical signs of dehydration
- Apnoeic episodes
- Known risk factors; < 3 months old, underlying lung disease
Which test can be used to investigate a baby born with neonatal jaundice?
Split Bilirubin Test (SBR);<br></br>- Predominant conjugated bilirubin elevation indicates post-hepatic cause<br></br>- Predominant unconjugated bilirubin elevation indicates pre-hepatic cause<br></br>- Equal conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin elevation indicates hepatic cause
Which acid-base disturbance is most commonly associated with pyloric stenosis?
Hypokalaemic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis
Between what ages does pyloric stenosis most commonly present?
Between 3 and 6 weeks
Outline the most common differentials for a child presenting with a limp? (8)
- Juvenile Idopathic Arthritis (JIA)
- Septic Arthritis
- Reactive Arthritis
- Transient Synovitis
- Fracture
- Perthe’s Disease
- Congenital Hip Dysplasia (DDH)
- Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
Which investigation is most useful in diagnosing intussusception?
Abdominal ultrasound
Which investigation is most useful in diagnosing necrotising enterocolitis?
Abdominal X-ray
Which investigation is most useful in diagnosing aslipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)?
Plain X-ray of both hips in AP and frog-leg views
What is the most common presenting feature of Wilms tumour?
Abdominal mass
Which type of intracranial bleeding is most common in premature neonates?
Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH);suggested to occur as a result of birth trauma combined with cellular hypoxia
Outline the triad of features associated with shaken baby syndrome? (3)
- Retinal haemorrhages
- Subdural haematoma
- Encephalopathy
Outline the signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease? (6)
CRASH & BURN
- Conjunctivitis
- Rash (non-vesicular)
- Adenopathy (cervical)
- Strawberry tongue (peeling, red lips)
- Hand and foot erythema and desquamation
- Burning up (fever)
Outline the cardinal management of Kawasaki disease?
High-dose aspirin
Outline the main investigations that can be carried out in patients with suspected bronchiolitis? (2)
Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (NPA)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Lateral Flow Test (LFT)
- Viral Immunofluorescence/Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
How can bronchiolitis be prevented in high-risk infants?
Palivizumab; amonoclonal anti respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F protein antibody
Under what circumstances is the threshold for admission of babies suffering from bronchiolitis reduced? (2)
- Any baby below 2 months of age
- Presenting to hospital within 1-2 days from onset of symptoms
Outline the management options for paediatric patients with severe bronchiolitis who are deteriorating despite supportive management? (4)
- Headbox; humidified air
- High flow humidified nasal oxygen (OptiFlow)
- Non-invasive ventilation (NIV); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
- Invasive ventilation; sedation intubation and ventilation
What is the most common cause of clubbing in children?
Cystic fibrosis
What is the most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma in children?
Poor adherence to treatment; poor inhaler technique or non-compliance with taking
Outline the most important tasks to be carried out before a patient can be discharged following an acute exacerbation of asthma? (4)
- GP review within 48 hours of discharge
- Follow-up outpatient review in 2-4 weeks
- Review medications against SIGN/BTS or NICE guidelines
- Explain steroid and salbutamol weaning plan to patient and prescribe in TTO
Outline the major side effects of salbutamol? (5)
- Tremor
- Palpitations/tachycardia
- Lactic/metabolic acidosis
- Hypokalaemia
- Hyperglycaemia
How may we sub-classify non-asthmatic causes of wheeze in a child? (2)
- Episodic viral induce wheeze (EVW); associated with urticaria
- Multiple trigger wheeze (MTW); associated with allergens other than viruses such as dust mites, pets and pollen etc
Outline the acute management of an episodic virally induced wheeze (EVW)?
Identical to Acute Asthma Management;
- High flow oxygen if desaturating
- Salbutamol; inhaled if not needing oxygen, nebulised if supplemental oxygen
- Ipratropium bromide; inhaled if not needing oxygen, nebulised if supplemental oxygen
- Oral corticosteroids; only in severe cases requiring admission
Outline the prophylaxis that can be considered in preschool children with episodic viral induced (EVW) or multi-trigger wheezing (MTW)?
- Prophylactic inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LRTA) can be tried in severe or frequent wheezers
- However these should be stopped if no clear benefit identified
Outline the main causes of jaundice within the first 24 hrs of life? (4)
- Rhesus haemolytic disease (HDNB)
- ABO haemolytic disease
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)
Outline the major risk factors for surfactant-deficient lung disease of the newborn? (4)
- Prematurity
- Maternal diabetes/gestational diabetes
- Caesarean section
- Second born of premature twins
Describe the classical finding on echocardiography that is consistent with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA)?
Parallel aorta and pulmonary trunk
Which medication is given to patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) to maintain the ductus arteriosus prior to corrective surgery?
Prostaglandin E1
Which chromosome is effected by a trisomy in Patau’s syndrome?
Chromosome 13
Outline the features of Patau’s syndrome? (4)
- Microcephaly with small eyes
- Cleft lip and/or palate
- Polydactyly
- Scalp lesions
What is the most common cause of headaches in children?
Migraine
Outline the first-line management of intussusception?
Pneumatic reduction; this utilises air to resolve the intussusception and is carried out under fluoroscopic guidance
What is the most common cardiac cause of cyanosis in a newborn?
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
Which investigations should be carried out in any baby suspected of being cyanotic at birth? (2)
- Pulse oximetry
- Capillary blood gas
What age of gestation is considered the threshold for prematurity?
< 37 weeks (i.e. 36+6is still premature)
Which imaging modality is used to confirm a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? (2)
- Aged ≤ 4.5 months; hip ultrasound
- Aged > 4.5 months; hip X-ray
What is Perthe’s disease?
- Degenerative condition affecting the hip joints of children, typically between the ages of 4-8 years
- It is due toavascular necrosis of the femoral head, specifically the femoral epiphysis.
Outline the management of Perthe’s disease?
Perthes’ disease presenting under the age of 6 years has a good prognosis requiring only observation/follow-up
Outline the school exclusion advice for children with chickenpox?
Child should be excluded from schooluntil all the lesions are dry and have crusted over (usually about 5 days after the onset of the rash)
What dose of oral dexamethasone is used in the treatment of croup?
0.15 mg kg-1
What is the first step in newborn resuscitation?
Dry the baby so as to stimulate ventilation
Which congenital cardiac lesions can present with neonatal collapse? (4)
- Severe aortic coarctation
- Aortic arch interruption
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
- Critical aortic stenosis
What is the most common pathological arrhythmia in a child?
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Which cardiac defects are commonly associated with Turner syndrome? (2)
- Bicuspid aortic valve; causing anejection systolic murmur
- Coarctation of the aorta
What is the most common cause of painless massive GI bleeding requiring a transfusion in children between the ages of 1 and 2 years.
Meckels diverticulum
What is the firstline treatment for threadworm infections?
Mebendazole
At what age would the average child acquire the ability to crawl?
9 months
Outline the guidance on immunisation scheduling for babies born premature? (2)
- Born < 28 weeks;receive their first set of immunisations in hospital due to risk of apnoea
- Born ≥ 28 weeks; vaccinate at normal chronological age, do not adjust for gestational age
Which test is used to assess hearing in neonates?
Automated otoacoustic emissions
Outline the choice of antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial meningitis in children? (2)
- < 3 months; IV cefotaxime + IV amoxicillin
- ≥3 months; IV ceftriaxone
Which medications taken during pregnancy can increase the risk of orofacial clefts?
Anti-epileptics
How can one best differentiate a viral induced wheeze from bronchiolitis? (2)
Age of Child;
- Bronchiolitis; usually between 0 - 12 months
- Viral-induced wheeze; between ages of 1 - 7 years
Onset of Wheeze/Respiratory Distress;
- Bronchiolitis; gradual onset, peaking around day 3
- Viral-induced wheeze; variable prodrome with sudden deterioration
Outline the management of pyloric stenosis?
Ramstedt pyloromyotomy
Outline the features of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)? (5)
- Left subclavicular thrill<br></br>- Continuous ‘machinery’ murmur<br></br>- Large volume, bounding and collapsing pulse<br></br>- Wide pulse pressure<br></br>- Heaving apex beat
Outline the test used to diagnose Hirschsprung’s disease?
Rectal suction biopsy; histology and microscopy will reveal absence of ganglionic cells
Which virus is responsible for causing Fith’s Disease (slapped-cheek)?
Parvovirus B19
How do you estimate gestational age of a baby?
The estimated age of the baby in weeks from imaging plus the number of days since the first day of the last menstrual period (as indicated by the first day of bleeding)
How do you calculate corrected age for a baby born prematurely?
- Chronological age minus the number of weeks born before 40 weeks<br></br>- E.g. a baby born at 36+3that is now 6 weeks old will be 42+3or 2 weeks and 3 days old
Outline the components of the APGAR score?
- Appearance
- Pulse
- Grimace/Reflex Irritability
- Activity/Muscle Tone
- Respiratory Rate
What is the most common presenting sign indicative of neonatal sepsis?
Grunting (respiratory distress)
Which imaging modality is preferred in the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis?
Abdominal ultrasound
Outline the criteria for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes?
Either;
- Fasting plasma glucose level > 5.6 mmol/L
- A 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 7.8 mmol/L
Outline the criteria for immediately commencing insulin therapy in gestational diabetes?
If the fasting glucose at the time of diagnosis is ≥ 7 mmol/L then insulin should be started immediately.
How often are routine cervical cancer screening (smear tests) carried out? (3)
- 25-49; every 3 years<br></br>- 50-64; every 5 years<br></br>- 65+; only if 1 of the last 3 tests were abnormal
Outline the classification of perineal tearing severity during childbirth? (4)
- 1st degree;superficial damage with no muscle involvement<br></br>- 2nd degree;injury to the perineal muscle, but not involving the anal sphincter<br></br>- 3rd degree; injury to perineum involving the anal sphincter complex (external and internal anal sphincter)<br></br>- 4th degree;injury to perineum involving the anal sphincter complex and the rectal mucosa
At what gestation should a referral to maternal and fetal medicine for lack of fetal movements?
If fetal movements have not yet been felt by 24 weeks gestation
Outline the methods that can be used to induce labor? (5)
- Membrane sweep
- Vaginal prostaglandin E2pessary
- Maternal oxytocin infusion
- Amniotomy/ARM
- Cervical ripening balloon
Which scoring system can be used to help assess the need for induction of labour?
Bishop Score
Outline the indications for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? (4)
- Treatment resistant severe depression
- Prolonged or severe manic episodes
- An episode of moderate depression known to have responded to ECT in the past
- Life-threatening catatonia
Outline the main surgical options used in the management of an unruptured ectopic pregnancy? (2)
- Salpingectomy; removal of the tube, used if contralateral tube is known to be functional<br></br>- Salpingectomy; higher risk of persistent trophoblast and recurrent ectopic pregnancy
What important monitoring is required in patients who have undergone salpingotomy for the surgical managment of an ectopic pregnancy?
Essential to monitor β-hCG levels until they return to the non-pregnant level (< 5 IU/L).
Outline the imaging modality used in the investigation of an ectopic pregnancy?
Transvaginal ultrasound scan
Outline the main underlying causes of a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL)? (3)
- Early uterine pregnancy; too early to visualise
- Failed pregnancy; complete miscarriage where no previous scan is available
- Ectopic pregnancy; outside the uterine cavity and adnexa
Outline the normal pattern of hCG and progesterone levels in early pregnancy? (2)
- hCG should increase by > 66% for each 48 hrs that pass<br></br>- Progesterone levels should remain high (40-60 nmol L-1)
What additional investigations can be carried out in patients with a suspected ectopic pregnancy where a TVUS has failed to identify any pregnancy? (2)
- Repeat TVUS within a few days <br></br>- Laparoscopy if repeat TVUS is negative
What is the probability of giving birth to a live baby following preterm premature rupture of membranes (P-PROM)?
10-20%; the prognosis is extremely poor
Outline the management options for missed or incomplete miscarriages? (3)
- Expectant management; first-line, trialled for 7-14 days
- Medical management; vaginal or oral misoprostol
- Surgical management; evacuation of retained production of conception (ERPC)
What is the most common cause of a missed miscarriage?
Sporadic fetal chromosomal abnormalities
Outline the pharmacological agents used in the management of gestational hypertension? (3)
- First-line; labetalol unless contraindicated
- Second-line; nifedipine
- Third-line; methyldopa
Outline the initial steps in investigating potential reduced fetal movements after 28 weeks gestation? (2)
- Handheld doppler<br></br>- USS with doppler
Outline the management of chickenpox exposure in pregnancy at ≤ 20 weeks if the mother is not vaccinated and has negative anti-varicella antibodies?
Give varicella-zoster virus (VSV) immunogloubin G
Which surgical procedure is used to treat vaginal prolapse following hysterectomy?
Sacrocolpopexy; this procedure suspends the vaginal apex to the sacral promontory to compensate for the role of the uterosacral ligaments which will have been removed/severed during hysterectomy