Neonatal and Pediatric Disorders Flashcards
Excess bilirubin causing jaundice in newborns.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Usually none (unless cause identified)
Phenobarbital (rarely used) – enhances bilirubin metabolism Collaborative:
Phototherapy – first-line
Exchange transfusion – if severe
Pediatrician/neonatologist oversight
Hole in the heart’s atrial septum; left-to-right shunt.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) – reduce pulmonary congestion
Digoxin – improve cardiac output (if CHF signs) Collaborative:
Pediatric cardiologist for surgical closure planning
Echocardiogram monitoring
Failure of fetal ductus arteriosus to close after birth.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Indomethacin / Ibuprofen IV – promote closure
Diuretics if CHF symptoms Collaborative:
Cardiology consult for possible ligation
Echo follow-up
4 heart defects causing cyanotic heart disease.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Propranolol – to prevent hypercyanotic (“Tet”) spells
Morphine – to calm during spells
Iron supplements – if polycythemia Collaborative:
Surgical repair by pediatric cardiac surgeon
O2 therapy, knee-chest positioning
Cardiology and pedia coordination
Inflammatory disease following untreated strep throat; can affect the heart.
Rheumatic Fever
Penicillin G – to eradicate GAS
NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin) – for joint inflammation
Corticosteroids – if severe carditis Collaborative:
Echo to assess valvular damage
Long-term pedia/cardiology follow-up
Infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves.
Endocarditis
IV antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin, gentamicin) – based on culture
Antipyretics Collaborative:
Cardiology and infectious disease consult
Echo (TEE preferred)
Monitor for embolic complications
Inflammation of blood vessels in children; risk of coronary artery aneurysms.
Kawasaki Disease
IVIG (IV Immunoglobulin) – cornerstone treatment
High-dose aspirin – anti-inflammatory Collaborative:
Cardiology for echo and monitoring
Fever tracking and parent education
Disease of the heart muscle, affecting pumping ability.
Cardiomyopathy
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) – afterload reduction
Beta-blockers
Diuretics – for CHF symptoms Collaborative:
Cardiology management
ECG, echo, possible heart transplant evaluation
Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles.
Hydrocephalus
Acetazolamide – reduces CSF production (temporary)
Mannitol – for acute ICP reduction Collaborative:
Neurosurgical consult for VP shunt placement
Monitor head circumference & fontanels
Neurodevelopmental therapy referral
Abnormally small head, often due to brain development issues.
Microcephaly
None specific unless comorbidities (e.g., seizures → anticonvulsants) Collaborative:
Neurology and developmental pedia
PT/OT for developmental delay
Geneticist evaluation
Neural tube defect where the spinal cord doesn’t close properly.
Spina Bifida
Antibiotics – if open lesion risk of infection
Laxatives – for neurogenic bowel Collaborative:
Neurosurgery for repair
Ortho, urology, PT for mobility/bladder issues
Folic acid education for future pregnancies
