Paediatric emergencies Flashcards
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Also Known as Cot Death - Sudden, unexpected, unexplained death of a healthy baby.
Mot deaths occur during the first 6mo of life
Who is at greater risk of SIDS
Premature babies and Boys
How can parents reduce SIDS risk
Not Smoking during or after Pregnancy
Placing baby on their back when they go to sleep
Don’t share a bed with your baby
Don’t let baby get too hot or too cold
Keep babies head uncovered - blanket should be tucked in no higher than shoulders
Place baby with feet touching the end f the cot or pram
Precipitating factors of SIDS
Prematurity and low birth weight may be a factor Tobacco smoke Respiratory Obstruction Minor Illnesses Assoc. between Co-sleeping and cot death
What to Do if you suspect SIDS
Dial 999 if baby... Stops breathing or turns blue is struggling to breath is unconscious Won't wake up Has a fit for the first time even if they recover.
Anaphylactic shock Definition
Serious allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and may cause death
Exposure to an allergen that release histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins
What kind of Hypersensitivity Reaction is anaphylaxis
IgE mediated
Clinical Presentation of Anaphylactic shock
Urticarial Rach - itchy hives Laryngeal oedema Facial oedema Angiodema RESP - SOB, Wheeze, Stridor CVS - coronary artery spasm may be followed by MI, Cardiac arrest, Drop in BP GI - Abdo pain and diarrhoea
Rx of anaphylaxis
DIAL 999
if possible administer adrenaline injection and remove trigger
Adrenaline IM if <6 0.15ml
Adrenaline IM if 6 - 12 0.3ml
Position and resus - Check ABCD - lie patient down and raise legs up
Deliver O2 and an IV bolus if hypotensive
Salbutamol Neb if wheze
Repeat adrenaline at 5 minutes if needed
protocol following initial resus of an anaphylactice shock
Iv hydrocortisone 4mg/kg
Antihistimines
Watch for Rebound symptoms - ~4 hours after initia attack
Look for allergen with IgE Skin Prick testing
Educate around epipen
