Paediatrics Flashcards
Name 5 common causes of viral respiratory infections
Majority are viral:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Rhinovirus
- Influenza
- Metapneumovirus
- Adenoviruses
Name 5 common causes of bacterial respiratory infections
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenza
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Bordetella pertussis
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
What are 5 risk factors for respiratory infections?
- Parental smoking
- Poor socioeconomic status (damp/overcrowded)
- Poor nutrition
- Male
- Immunodeficiency
What is the clinical presentation of coryza?
- Clear/mucopurulent nasal discharge
- Nasal blockage
What are the most common pathogens that can cause corzya?
Rhinovirus
Coronaviruses
RSV
What is the management of coryza?
Paracetamol
Ibruprofen
What is Tonsillitis?
Form of pharyngitis where there is intense inflammation of the tonsils +/- purulent exudate
What are the most common pathogens that can cause pharyngitis?
Viral:
- Common cold viruses
- Adenoviruses
- EBV
Bacterial (older children):
- Group A beta-haemolytic strep
What is the clinical presentation of Tonsillitis?
- Acute
- Painful throat >48 hours
- Dysphagia
- Painful ears
- Abdominal pain in small children
- Headache
- Voice changes
- Erythema/inflamed tonsils + pharynx
- Yellow exudate
- Foul smelling breath
- Fever
- Swollen anterior cervical lymph glands
What is the management of Tonsillitis?
Symptomatic relief : Paracetamol and Ibruprofen
Abx indications: Penicillin V for 10 days:
- Marked systemic upset
- Unilateral peritonsillitis
- Rheumatic fever Hx
- Increased infection risk
- CENTOR > 3
Tonsillectomy: recurring cases
When would a Tonsillectomy be considered?
1) After >7 episodes of Tonsillitis
2) OSA or sleep-deprived breathing
What is the CENTOR criteria?
Calculates probability tonsillitis is is due Strep
4 criteria:
1) Tonsillar exudate
2) Tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy
3) Fever
4) Absence of cough
3+ = Strep infection + Abx
Criteria for Tonsillitis referral?
Difficulty breathing
Clinical dehydration
Abscess
Systemic illness/sepsis
Suspected sinister cause
What is Quinsy?
Peritonsillar abscess (complication of tonsillitis)
What is the clinical presentation of Quinsy?
Sore throat
Dysphagia
Uvula deviation
Trismus (lockjaw)
What is Acute Otitis media?
Infection of the middle ear
What causes Acute otitis media?
Viruses e.g. RSV and rhinovirus
Why is acute otitis media common in children?
Short horizontal eustachian tubes + mucosal discharge
What is the clinical presentation of Acute Otitis media?
Rapid onset ear pain (due to bulging of tympanic membrane)
Pyrexia
Otorrhoea
Coryzal symptoms
Loss of hearing
Balance issues and vertigo
What investigations are ordered for acute otitis media?
Otoscopy:
-Bulging, red inflamed tympanic membrane
- Otorrhoea: perforation
What is the management of Acute Otitis media?
> 4 days of no symptoms: Amoxicillin / Erythromycin
Grommet insertion if recurrent
What is the function of a grommet?
A grommet keeps the middle ear aerated and prevents the accumulation of fluid
What is the leading cause of hearing loss in children?
Otitis media with effusion/glue ear
What causes glue ear?
Infection!
45% follow AOM
Give 3 causes of conductive hearing loss.
- Glue ear
- Ear wax
- Otitis media
- Perforated ear drum
Give 3 potential consequences of hearing loss
- Speech and language delay
- Social problems e.g. behavioural issues
- Academic underachievement
What is sinusitis?
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
What causes sinusitis?
Viruses e.g. RSV and rhinovirus
What is the clinical presentation of sinusitis?
Short symptoms suggest viral (<10 days)
Purulent nasal discharge
Nasal obstruction
Facial pain/pressure and swelling
How is sinusitis managed?
Paracetomol and ibuprofen: symptomatic relief
Amoxicillin/ doxycycline: if bacterial
Avoid antihistamines: may thicken secretions
What is Stridor?
Inspiration + upper airways + narrowing
Signs of upper airway obstruction?
- Stridor
- Hoarseness
- Barking cough (sea lion)
- Dyspnoea
How is the severity of upper airway obstruction assessed?
Degree of chest retraction and degree of stridor
What should you avoid in a suspected upper airway obstruction?
Avoid examination using a spatula as this may precipitate total obstruction
Describe why hoarseness occurs
Inflammation of the vocal cords
What is Croup otherwise known as?
Laryngotracheobronchitis
What is Croup?
URTI → mucosal inflammation and increased secretions → larynx oedema
Where is oedema dangerous in Croup?
Subglottic area → critical narrowing of the trachea
What are viral causes Croup?
Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3 (most common)
Metapneumovirus
RSV
Influenza
When is Croup most common?
Autumn time
6 months- 6 years old; peak incidence ≈2 years old
What is the clinical presentation of Croup?
- Barking cough (worse at night)
- Harsh stridor
- Hoarse voice
- Preceding non specific viral URTI
- Increased work of breathing
- Coryza: low grade fever
What is the management of Croup?
Conservative
Oral dexamethasone 1.8mg (0.15mg/kg)
What are signs of severe Croup?
Cyanosis
Altered consciousness
Rising HR/RR
Restlessness
What is Bacterial Tracheitis?
Pseudomembranous croup is an uncommon but dangerous disease very similar to severe croup
How is Bacterial Tracheitis different to Severe Croup?
- High fever
- Appears toxic
- Tracheal tenderness
- Rapidly progressive airways obstruction (thick exudate cant be cleared by coughing)
What is bacterial tracheitis caused by?
S. aureus
Strep Group A
H. influenzae
What is the management of bacterial tracheitis?
IV Vancomycin
What is Acute Epiglottitis?
Inflammation and localised oedema of the epiglottis
Life-threatening airway obstruction
What causes Epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenza type B
What affect has Hib immunisation had on the incidence of epiglottitis?
> 99% reduction in cases
Most common in ages 2-7 years
What is the clinical presentation of Acute Epiglottitis?
- Intense swelling of epiglottis
- Onset very acute
- High fever
- Dysphagia and speech difficulty due to pain
- Drooling
- Stridor
- Minimal cough
- Tripod position
In what position would you expect a child with trachea obstruction to be in?
Immobile
Upright
Open mouth to optimise the airway
How is epiglottitis diagnosed?
Laryngoscopy
What should you never do when suspecting obstruction of the respiratory tract/acute epiglottitis?
Do not examine throat with spatula or lie the child down
Do not upset
Do not cannulate
What is the management of Acute Epiglottitis?
IV Abx: Cefotaxime
Intubate
Supplemental O2
Corticosteriods (dexamethasone)
Tracheostomy: if complete obstruction
What is the difference between Croup and Acute Epiglottitis in terms of:
1) Onset
2) Cough
3) Preceding coryza
4) Able to drink
Croup:
1) Days
2) Severe barking cough
3) Preceding coryza
4) Can drink
Acute Epiglottitis:
1) Hours
2) Absent/minor cough
3) No preceding coryza
4) Can’t drink
What is the difference between Croup and Acute Epiglottitis in terms of:
1) Drooling
2) Appearance of child
3) Fever
4) Stridor and voice/cry
Croup:
1) None
2) Unwell appearance
3) Fever <38.5
4) Harsh stridor with hoarse cry
Acute Epiglottitis:
1) Drooling
2) Toxic, very unwell
3) Fever >38.5
4) Soft whispering stridor, muffled cry/reluctant to speak
What is the main difference between Croup and Bronchiolitis?
Croup = stridor + Parainfluenza virus B
Bronchiolitis = wheeze + RSV
What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?
URTI
What causes whooping cough?
Bordetella pertussis: Gram- coccobacillus
How is whooping cough transmitted?
Inhaled droplets
How long do Whooping Cough symptoms last?
6-8 weeks
What is the first stage of whooping cough?
Catarrhal
What is the clinical presentation of the Catarrhal stage (1st stage) in Whooping Cough?
- Malaise
- Conjunctivitis
- Nasal discharge
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Mild fever
What is the second stage of Whopping Cough?
After two weeks of the catarrhal phase →Paroxysmal coughing stage (barking cough)
Describe the Paroxysmal coughing stage in Whooping Cough
Dry hacking cough that is worse at night and after feeds
Coughing episodes followed by characteristic ‘whoop’
→ loss of consciousness
What is the characteristic ‘whoop’ in whooping cough?
Inspiration against a closed glottis
Child chokes, gasps and face reddens
What can happen post-cough in Whooping Cough?
Vomiting
Apnoea
Cyanosis
Coughing fits → Subconjunctival haemorrhage/anoxia → seizures/syncope
What investigations are ordered for Whooping Cough?
- Notifiable disease
- Nasopharyngeal swabs: PCR
- Bacterial culture: MCS
- Oral anti-pertussis IgG
- Marked lymphacytosis= COMMON
What is the management for Whooping Cough?
Hospitalised: if <6 months (risk of apnoea)
10-14 days incubation
Off school for 48 hours after Abx commencement:
- Macrolides: Azithromycin or Erythromycin
- Erythromycin: pregnant women
What is Bronchiolitis?
LRTI following a URTI
Inflammation and infection in the bronchioles
Who is affected by Bronchiolitis?
Commonest lung infection in infants (peaks at 3-6 months)
Rare in those aged >1 years
What makes bronchiolitis more severe?
Congenital heart defects
Cystic Fibrosis
Down’s syndrome
What are 5 causes of bronchiolitis?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): 80%of cases
Metapneumovirus
Parainfluenza
Rhinovirus
Adenovirus
What are the causes of severe bronchiolitis?
RSV + Metapneumovirus dual infection
What are the risk factors for bronchiolitis?
- Premature/low birth weight
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Congenital heart disease
- Down’s syndrome
- Immunocompromised
What is the clinical presentation of bronchiolitis?
Coryza precedes dry cough
Tachycardia
Signs of respiratory distress
Dyspnoea
Tachypnoea
Poor feeding
Mild fever (under 39ºC)
Apnoeas episodes
Wheeze and crackles
Cyanosis
Sub/ intercostal recession
Hyperinflation of chest:
-Prominent sternum
-Liver displaced downwards
When should a child be admitted for bronchiolitis?
- Infrequent feeding
- Respiratory distress
- Hypoxia
What investigations are ordered for bronchiolitis?
Pulse oximetry
Viral throat swab
ABG
FBC
CXR: excludes pneumothorax
What is the management of Bronchiolitis?
Oxygen therapy
Supportive (NG nutrition, fluids, temp control)
Ventilation (CPAP)
Palivizumab prophylaxis
Ribavarin: if high risk
What is Ribavirin?
Antiviral against RSV
Used against Hep C (+ interferons/ simeprevir, sofosbuvir) and haemorrhagic fevers
What should be given if SpO2 <92%?
High flow humidified oxygen via nasal cannulae
What is pneumonia?
Inflammation of the lungs
How is a HA pneumonia defined?
Pneumonia that develops within 48 hours of admission
What criteria is used to assess pneumonia severity?
CURB-65:**
Confusion
Urea >7
Respiratory rate ≥ 30
Blood pressure < 90 systolic or ≤ 60 diastolic.
Age ≥65
Score 0/1: consider treatment at home
Score ≥ 2: consider hospital admission and dual antibiotics
Score ≥ 3: consider intensive care assessment
What causes pneumonia in newborns?
Group B strep: maternal
Gram negative enterococci
What causes pneumonia in infants and young children?
S. pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenza B
S. Aureus (infrequent but serious)
What are viral causes of pneumonia?
RSV
Influenza A/B
Parainfluenza
Adenovirus
What are atypical causes of stroke?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Chlamydia pneumoniae
What is the clinical presentation for pneumonia?
Productive cough +/- haemoptysis
- Non-productive cough = atypical infection
High fever (> 38.5ºC)
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Hypoxia
Hypotension
Increased work of breathing
Lethargy
Delirium (acute confusion associated with infection)
Pleuritic chest pain
Poor feeding
Respiratory distress
What are the chest signs of pneumonia?
Bronchial breathing (loud breathing due to turbulent blood flow)
Focal coarse crepitations (crackles from purulence)
Dullness to percussion
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Pulse oximetry
Sputum and blood MCS
FBC: CRP
CXR: consolidations
What is the management of pneumonia?
If resp distress/O2 <92%: admit to hospital
Oxygen
IV fluids
If acutely unwell: IV benzylpenicillin
ORAL Abx for newborns: amoxicillin
What is the clinical presentation of respiratory distress?
- Raised respiratory rate
- Use ofaccessory musclesto breath
- Intercostalandsubcostal recessions
- Nasal flaring
- Head bobbing
- Tracheal tugging
- Cyanosis(due to low oxygen saturation)
- Abnormal airway noises
What criteria is used to differentiate transudates from exudates in a pleural effusion?
Lights
What are crackles?
Inspiration + nonmusical + heard when air is forced through passages blocked by exudates
What is Wheeze?
Expiration + musical + narrowing of smaller airways (e.g bronchioles)
What is ronchi?
Expiration + coarse sounds + narrowing of tracheobronchial passages
What is asthma?
Chronic lung condition where airways inflame in response to hypersensitivity (IgE)
What are the two types of wheeze in asthma?
Transient early wheeze
Persistent and recurrent wheeze
What is transient early wheeze in asthma?
Viral associated wheeze: e.g. RSV
Small airways obstructed due to inflammation
More common in males
Resolves by 5 years old
What is persistent and recurrent wheeze in asthma?
Presence of IgE to common inhalant allergens (Atopic Asthma)
FHx
Associated with eczema, hayfever and food allergies
What is the pathophysiology of asthma symptoms?
Bronchial inflammation leads to:
1) Oedema
2) Excessive mucous production
3) Infiltration of cells
What does bronchial inflammation lead to in asthma?
Airway narrowing and reversible airflow obstruction
What cells infiltrate the bronchials in asthma?
Eosinophils
Neutrophils
Mast cells
Lymphocytes
What are the risk factors for asthma?
Low BW
FHx
Bottle fed
Atopy
Male
Pollution
ADAM33 Gene
Samter’s triad:
- Asthma
- Nasal polyps
- Aspirin insensitivity
What can trigger asthma?
Pollen
Dust
Feathers
Exercise
Pollution
Cold air
Illness (viruses)
What is the clinical presentation of asthma?
Dyspnea: dinural (worse at night and in the morning)
Dry cough
Expiratory polyphonic wheeze
Chest tightness
Hx of atopic conditions and triggers
Symptoms improve with bronchodilators
SILENT CHEST RED FLAG = exacerbation
What are the investigations for asthma?
Spirometry:
-FEV1/FEC: <70% of predicted
-FEV1: reduced
-Bronchodilator reversibility (BDR): increases FEV1 by ≥12%+ ≥200ml volume
CXR
FBC: raised eosinophil count = inflammation from allergic reaction
Direct bronchial challenge test: histamine
Allergy testing
PEFR diary: diurnal variation
- >20% predicted 3/7 days
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO):>40 ppb (measures lung inflammation)
How would you assess the severity of asthma on a spirometer?
FEV1/FVC:
>70%: Mild
60-69%: Moderate
50-59%: Moderately Severe
35-49%: Severe
<34%: Very Severe
What is the treatment of asthma in those aged 5-16?
- SABA PRN (short acting beta 2 agonist) (blue reliever): e.g. salbutamol
- low dose ICS daily if uncontrolled (brown preventer): e.g. beclomethasone
- LTRA(leukotriene receptor antagonist): e.g. montelukast
- LABA if uncontrolled (green-purple long acting beta 2 agonist): salmetrol
What is the treatment of asthma in those <5?
1) SABA
2) 8 week moderate dose ICS trial
3) Add LTRA
What is the treatment of severe asthma attack?
O SHIT ME:
Oxygen
Salbutamol (nebulised)
Hydrocortisone IV/ oral prednisolone
Ipratropium bromide (nebulised)
Theophylline IV
Magnesium sulphate IV
Escalate
What is Kartagener syndrome?
Rare, autosomal recessive genetic ciliary disorder
Triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis and bronchiectasis
This leads to recurrent chest infections
What is cystic fibrosis?
Autosomal recessive multi-system disease of water and salt transport affecting the mucosal glands
What gene is defective in cystic fibrosis?
Autosomal recessive mutations with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene on chromosome 7 (CFTR)
What is the pathophysiology of cystic fiborosis?
CFTR gene is a critical chloride channel:
1) Decreased excretion of chloride into the airway lumen and an increased reabsorption of sodium into the epithelial cells
2) Less excretion of salt → less excretion of water and increased viscosity/tenacity of airway secretion
What is the clinical presentation of cystic fiborosis?
Meconium ileus
Recurrent respiratory tract infections
Pancreatitis
Steatorrhoea
Salty skin
Poor weight and height: malnutrition due to malabsorption leads to **failure to thrive **and slow growth
Chronic thick productive cough
Clubbing
Dysponea
Crackles and wheeze
Abdominal pain and bloating
Nasal polyps
Male almost always infertile
Secondary amenorrhoea in females
Arthropathy
DM
How would you diagnose cystic fiborosis?
- Newborn blood spot testing: immunoreactive trypsinogen test (mucus prevents trypsinogen from reaching the intestines and causes build up in blood)
- SWEAT TEST: sodium >60mmol/L
- Genetic testing
What microbes colonise the lungs in CF?
Younger: S. aureus, S. pneumoniae
EVENTUALLY >90% will have pseudomonas aeruginosa
How is cystic fibrosis managed?
Salbutamol + ICS
Lung transplant if FEV1 <30% expected
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa abx: nebulised tobramycin
Inhalation of recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNAse)
Mucolytics (dornase alfa or Acetylcysteine)
Hypertonic saline by inhalation (hydrators)
Amiloride (inhibits sodium transport)
Airway clearance techniques: chest physiotherapy, exercise and postural drainage.
PERT (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy)
What are the 3 categories of Congenital Heart Disease?
1) Holes/connections
2) Narrowing/stenosis
3) Complex (right→left shunt)
What is the most common congenital heart defect of:
Valves?
Septums?
Bicuspid aortic valve
VSD
Give some examples of ‘holes/ connections of CHD?
ASD
PDA
VSD
AVSD
Which congenital heart lesion involves the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood?
AVSD
What are the most common left → right shunt CHDs?
How do they present?
VSD
PAD
ASD
AVSD
BREATHLESS (acyanotic)
Describe the management for CHD that cause a L->R shunt
Stabilise the patient
Increase calorie intake
NG tube
Diuretics and ACEi to prevent HF symptoms
Surgical repair
Give some examples of ‘narrowing/ stenosis’ in CHD?
Coarctation of the aorta (collapse with shock)
AS
PS
What are the most common right → left shunting CHD?
How to they present?
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the great arteries
BLUE (cyanotic)
What does right → left shunts cause?
Cyanosis
What is the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger’s syndrome?
Pulmonary pressure exceeds systemic pressure
Reverses shunt→ cyanosis (left→ right becomes right→left shunt)
What are the features of an innoSent murmur (5 S’s)
Soft
Systolic
aSymptomatic
left Sternal edge
normal heart Sounds
What sre investigations for CHD?
FBC
CXR
PaO2
Echo +/- cardiac catheterisation
What are causes of atrial septal defects?
Foetal alcohol syndrome
Trisomy 21
Name the three types of atrial septal defects
- Ostium Secondum 90%
(high hole) - Ostium Primum (10% low hole)
- AVSD
Listening to S2:
If it is split (double) during inspiration and single during expiration what does it mean?
Normal!
Listening to S2:
If it is split (double) all the time what does it mean?
ASD
Listening to S2:
If it is never split (double) what does it mean?
All other CHDs
What is the clinical presentation of atrial septal defects?
Asymptomatic
Fixed and widely split S2
Ejection systolic murmur in pulmonary area
Palpitations
What are the investigations for atrial septal defect?
CXR
ECG
What is the management of atrial septal defects?
Surgery
What is patent ductus arteriosis?
Tube between the aorta and pulmonary artery that fails to close 1 month after birth
What is the clinical presentation of patent ductus arteriosis?
- Poor feeding (failure to thrive)
- Tachypnoea
- Active precordium
- Thrill
- Hepatomegaly
- Oedema
- Pneumonias
- CCF + pulmonary hypertension
- LOUD S2
- Large, bounding collapsing pulse (Gallop rhythm)
- Heaving apex beat
- Left subclavicular thrill
- Continuous machinery murmur pulmonary area
How is patent ductus arteriosis investigated?
ECG and CXR: normal
Echo: ensures no duct dependant circulation (e.g in pulmonary atresia)
What is the management of patent ductus arteriosis?
Ibuprofen/Indomethacin (prostaglandin inhibitor): closes duct
SURGERY after 1 year: bacterial endocarditis risk
What complication can ventricular septal defects cause?
High risk of bacterial endocarditis
What is the clinical presentation ventricular septal defects?
Poor feeding and FTT
Tachypnoea
Thrill
Hepatomegaly
Oedema
Harsh loud pansystolic mumur best heard in LLSE +/- thrill
Gallop rhythm
Active pre-cordium
What are the investigations for ventricular septal defects?
Echo: precise defect
ECG: hypertrophy
CXR:
- Cardiomegaly
- Pulmonary oedema
- Enlarged pulmonary arteries
What is the management for ventricular septal defects?
Muscular VSDs: 30% close spontaneously
Heart failure: Diuretics
Additional calorie input
Surgery: prevents pulmonary capillary bed damage due to pulmonary HTN and high blood flow
AVSD is a common defect in people with which chromosomal abnormality?
Trisomy 21
What are the clinical features of AVSD?
Poor feeding
Tachypnoea
Hepatomegaly
Oedema
Failure to thrive
No murmur
Thrill
Gallop rhythm
Present at antenatal US scan
Cyanosis at birth/ heart failure at 2-3 weeks
Often detected by echo check up in Down’s
What is the management of AVSD?
Treat heart failure
Surgical repair: at 3-6 months
What is Coarctation of the Aorta?
Arterial duct tissue encirculing the aorta at the point it inserts into the duct:
1) Constricts aorta when duct closes
2) Obstruction to LV outflow
What is the clinical presentation of Coarctation of the Aorta?
When ductus arteriosus closes; acute circulatory collapse:
Weak femoral pulses
Radio-femoral delay
Ejection systolic murmur
Difference in pre and post-ductal saturations
Heart failure
Metabolic acidosis
How is Coarctation of the Aorta investigated?
4 limb BP
CXR: cardiomegaly
How is Coarctation of the Aorta managed?
Surgical repair: by 5 years old
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic valve leaflets partly fused together- restricted exit from LV
What is the clinical presentation of Aortic Stenosis?
- Ejection systolic murmur: URSE!
- Palpable carotid thrill in suprasternal region
- LVH
- Critical AS: severe heart failure
What is the investigation for Aortic Stenosis?
Radiograph: prominent LV
ECG
What is the management of Aortic Stenosis?
- Regular echos
- Balloon valvotomy/dilation
- Valve replacement: surgery
What is pulmonary stenosis?
Pulmonary valve leaflets partly fused together which restricts exit from the RV
What is the presentation of pulmonary stenosis?
Systolic ejection murmur in ULSE that can radiate to the back
Right ventricular heave
How is pulmonary stenosis investigated?
ECG: upright T wave/ RV hypertrophy
CXR
How is pulmonary stenosis managed?
Transcathether balloon dilation
What is the pathophysiology of transposition of the great arteries?
1) Aorta connected to RV
2) Pulmonary artery connected to LV (deoxygenated blood to body)
3) Incompatible with life (often have naturally occurring ASD,VSD, PDA)
What is the clinical presentation of transposition of the great arteries?
- Cyanosis
- S2: loud and singular
- Reduced sats
How is transposition of the great arteries investigated?
CXR: narrow upper mediastinum ‘egg on side’ appearance of cardiac shadow
Echo: abnormal arterial connections
Check for 22q deletion
What is the management of transposition of the great arteries?
Maintain patency of ductus arteriosus: prostaglandin infusion
Balloon atrial septostomy
Surgery: arterial switch procedure in first few days of life
What genetic disorders is Tetralogy of Fallot associated with?
Down’s syndrome
22q deletions
What are the 4 features of Tetralogy of Fallot?
1) VSD
2) Overriding aorta
3) Pulmonary stenosis
4) RVH
What is the clinical presentation of Tetralogy of Fallot?
- Cyanotic
- Breathlessness
- Acidosis
- Collapse
How is Tetralogy of Fallot investigated?
Echo
CXR: small, up tilted, boot shaped apex
Harsh systolic murmur: LLSE
How is Tetralogy of Fallot investigated?
Close VSD and relieve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction: shunt to increase pulmonary blood flow
What is Ebstein’s Anomaly?
Posterior leaflets of tricuspid valve displaced anteriorly
What causes Ebsteins Anomaly?
Lithium in pregnancy (e.g bipolar mum)
What heart problems can develop due to Ebstein’s Anomaly
Tricuspid regurgitation
Tricuspid Stenosis
RA enlargement
What murmur is heard in tricuspid regurgitation?
Pan-systolic
What murmur is heard in tricuspid stenosis?
Mid-diastolic
Name 3 CHDs associated with Turner syndrome
Coarctation of the aorta
Aortic stenosis
Aortic dissection
Name 3 CHDs associated with Down’s syndrome
AVSD
Tetralogy of Fallot
VSD
Name 3 CHDs associated with Down’s syndrome
AVSD
Tetralogy of Fallot
VSD
What is Kawasaki disease?
Idiopathic systemic vasculitis that most commonly effects children aged 6 months-5 years
What is the major complication of Kawasaki Disease?
Coronary artery aneurysm formation
What is the clinical presentation of Kawasaki Disease?
MyHEART:
Mucosal Involvement:-inflamed dry lips/ strawberry tongue
Hand and feet swelling
Eye: bilateral conjunctivitis
lymphAdenopathy (cervical)
Rash
Temperature: >5 days of high° fever
What are the three phases of Kawasaki Disease?
1) Acute febrile (1-2 weeks)
Fever + 4 of criteria (MyHEART)
2) Subacute: remission of fever (4-6 weeks)
development of coronary artery aneurysms
3) Convalescent (6-12 weeks)
Resolution of clinical signs + normalisation of inflammatory markers
How is Kawasaki disease investigated?
Echo is essential: coronary artery pathology
FBC:
- High ESR, CRP WCC
- High Platelets
LFT: high AST and hypoalbuminemia
High a1-antitrypsin
Bilirubin
High Urinalysis: raised WCC without infection
What is the management of Kawasaki Disease?
Aspirin (reduce the risk of aneurysms and thrombosis)
IV Immunoglobulins
Echo: 6 weeks later to check for aneurysms
Infliximab (anti-TNF): if permanent inflammation
What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
HSP is an IgA mediated, autoimmune hypersensitivity vasculitis of childhood
(Skin, joint, gut, kidneys)
What are the risk factors for Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
Infections (group A strep, mycoplasma and EBV)
Vaccinations
Exposure to allergens, cold and pesticides
Insect bite
What is the clinical presentation of Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
- Fever
- Rash
- Abdominal pain/symptoms
- Renal involvement
- Arthritis
What are the investigations for Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
Urinanalysis: protein/haematuria
Raised ESR
Raised serum IgA
Raised WCC
Increased anti-streptolysin O titrates: detects Group A Strep
What is the classic triad in Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
1) Purpura (non-blanching)
2) Arthritis/arthralgia
3) Abdominal pain
What is the treatment for Henoch-Schonlein purpura?
NSAIDs: joint pain
Corticosteroids: arthralgia
Most recover in 2 months
What is infective endocarditis?
Infection of valves/endocardium → destruction due to infective organisms forming vegetation
What is the most common cause of infective endocarditis?
S. viridans
What are the risk factors for infective endocarditis?
IV drug users
Prosthetics
Structural heart defects
What is the clinical presentation of infective endocarditis?
Any kid with fever and significant cardiac murmur
Weight loss
Night sweats
Anaemia: unexplained
Petechiae
Clubbing
Splinter haemorrhages (due to small septic emboli)
Osler’s nodes (nodules from inflammation)
Janeway lesion (flat from small septic emboli)
How is infective endocarditis diagnosed?
Blood cultures: take 3+ samples within first 24h in hospital
Echo: confirms presence of vegetations
High ESR: (monitors treatment)
How is infective endocarditis managed?
Abx:
Empirical: Amoxicillin (rifampicin if prosthetic valve) + gentamycin + vancomycin
Once known
Streps: IV penicillin and gentamycin for 6 weeks
Valve replacement/debridement
What should you always suspect if purpura is non blanching?
Meningococcal disease: septicemia
What is Rheumatic Fever?
Systemic febrile illness + Pharyngitis (occurs 2-4 weeks after infection)
Autoimmune condition triggered group A B-haemolytic strep
What is the Jones diagnostic criteria in rheumatic fever?
1/2 major + 2 minor plus evidence of preceding strep infection (scarlet fever/ throat swab/ high serum ASO antibody titre, ECHO, ECG or CXR)
JONES FEAR: mnemonic of criteria
What are the major and minor signs of Rheumatic Fever?
JONES FEARP:
JONES: Major
- Joint arthritis: polyarthritis
- Organ inflamation: Carditis(+ve echo, changed murmur, CCF, cardiomegaly)
- Nodules subcutaneous
- Erythema marginatum
- Sydenham’s chorea- neurological manifestation
FEARP: Minor
- Fever
- ECG PR interval <0.2s
- Arthralgia pain
- Raised ESR/ CRP
- Previous rheumatic fever/ rheumatic heat disease
What is the management of Rheumatic Fever?
Aspirin + Prednisolone: carditis (be careful of Reye’s syndrome)
Benzylpenicillin → Penicillinn V 10 days: Pharyngitis
NSAIDS: joint pain
Prednisolone: synderham’s Chorea
What is chicken pox?
Highly infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV)
What does reactivation of VZV lead to?
Reactivation of dormant virus after a bout of chicken pox leads to herpes zoster (shingles) in posterior root ganglia
What are the risk factors for chicken pox?
- Immunocompromised
- Older age
- Steroid use
- Malignancy
- Dangerous in neonates and to the foetus if contracted in pregnancy
How long are you infectious for in chicken pox?
Infective from 4 days prior to rash until all lesions have scabbed (day 5)
What is the clinical presentation of chicken pox?
- T 38-39°
- Headache
- Malaise
- Coryzal symptoms
- Crops of vesicles (itchy)
Where are the vesicles normally found in chicken pox?
Mostly on the head, neck and trunk
Very sparse on the limbs
What is the cycle of a vesicle in chicken pox?
1) Macule
2) Papule
3) Vesicle (red surround)
4) Ulcers
5) Crust
What does redness around the lesion suggest in chicken pox?
Bacterial superinfection
What is the ddx of chicken pox?
- Shingles: only one dermatome distribution
- Generalised herpes zoster/ simplex
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Impetigo
What investigations are ordered for chicken pox?
- Clinical
- Fluorescent antibody tests: IgM and IgG
What is the management of chicken pox?
Calamine lotion
Antivaricella: zoister immunoglobulin
Acyclovir: if high risk
Flucloxacillin: in bacterial superinfection
5 days off school for kids
What is measles?
Acute viral infection caused by single stranded RNA morbillivirus from the paramyxovirus family
How is measles transmitted?
Respiratory droplets
What is the incubation time for measles?
7-12 days
How long are you infectious for in measles?
From prodrome until 4 days after the rash of measles appear
What is the cause of measles?
RNA Morbillivirus from the paramyxovirus
What is the clinical presentation of measles?
1) Incubaction period: usually asymptomatic
2) Prodrome: pyrexia, malaise, anorexia, conjunctivitis, cough, coryza and koplik spots (blue-white spots on inside of mouth opposite to molars)
3) Exanthem: Erythematous maculopapular non-itchy rash which becomes blotchy and confluent (lasts 3 days and leaves behinds a brown discolouration) + High fever
What investigations for measles?
IgM & IgG positive
Salivary swab/serum sample: for measles specific immunoglobulin (within 6 weeks of onset)
Salivary swab: RNA detection
What is the management of measles?
Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen + fluids
What are the complications of measles?
More common if <5 years or >20 years:
- Otitis media
- Croup/ tracheitis
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
What is the complication of vitamin A deficiency in measles?
Blindness
What is the most common cause of death in measles?
Pneumonia
What is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?
7-13 years post measles: chronic complication
Progressive changes in behaviour, myoclonus, dystonia, dementia → death
What is the risk of measles during pregnancy?
Miscarriage, prematurity and low birthweight
What is scarlet fever?
Disease of streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) exotoxins usually following tonsillitis
Who does scarlet fever affect?
<10 yr olds
Unusual in <2 yr olds
How does scarlet fever present?
- Acute tonsillitis and fever → rash 24-48 hours after
- Strawberry tongue
- Flushed face
- Cervical lymphadenopathy
- Scarletiniform rash: Red, ‘pin-prick’ blanching sandpaper rash on chest outwards
How is scarlet fever investigated?
Clinical
Throat swab
Antigen detection kits:
- Strep antibody tests
What is the management of Scarlet fever?
Penicillin/ Azithromycin: 10 days
Rest
Fluids
Paracetamol/ibuprofen
What are the complications of scarlet fever?
- Syndenhams Chorea
- Otitis media
- Rheumatic fever
- Glomerulonephritis
What causes rubella?
RNA virus: Rubivirus Togaviridae
How is rubella transmitted?
Inhaled droplets
What is the incubation period of rubella?
14-21 days
How long are you infectious for in rubella?
5 days before and 5 days after start of rash
What is the clinical presentation of rubella?
- Lethargy
- Low grade fever
- Headache
- Mild conjunctivitis
- Anorexia
- Pink-red maculopapular rash
- Suboccipital lymphadenopathy
How is rubella investigated?
PCR testing
Saliva: rubella IgM in saliva
FBC: low WBC, high lymphocytes and thrombocytopenia
How is rubella managed?
MMR vaccine
Paracetamol: for fever
What is congenital rubella caused by?
When a mother is infected with rubella during pregnancy
How does congenital rubella present?
Weeks 1-4 = blindness (congenital cataracts + glaucoma)
Weeks 4-8 = congenital heart disease (PDA)
Weeks 8-12 = deafness
What is slapped cheek syndrome (erythema infectiosum)?
Parvovirus B19 transmitted through droplets
What are the prodrome symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome (erythema infectiosum)?
≈1 week:
- Mild
- Headache, rhinitis, sore throat, fever, malaise
THEN l ≈1 week asymptomatic
What happens after a week of no symptoms (prodrome) in slapped cheek syndrome (erythema infectiosum)?
Classic ‘slapped cheek’ rash: erythematous macular morbilliform rash develops on the limbs 1-4 days after the facial rash
Arthralgia
How is slapped cheek syndrome (erythema infectiosum) investigated?
B19 specific IgM: current or recent infection
B19 specific IgG: immunity
PCR
What is the management of slapped cheek disease?
Conservative
What is impetigo?
Acute superficial bacterial skin infection
What is the main cause of impetigo?
S. aureus
What does Impetigo look like?
Well defined lesions
Honey/golden coloured crusts on erythematous base
Systemic symptoms: Lymphadenopathy, mild fever and malaise
How is impetigo managed?
Topical fusidic acid
Oral flucloxacillin: if severe
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the leptomininges
What are the causes of meningitis?
Neonates: GBS, E.coli, lysteria monocytogenes.
1m-6 years: Neisseria meningitidis, S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae.
> 6 years: Neisseria meningitidis.
What are the risk factors for meningitis?
- Immunocompromised
- Crowding
- Endocarditis
- DM
- Alcoholism and cirrhosis
- IV drug abuse
- Renal/adrenal insufficiency
- Malignancy
- Sickle cell disease
What is the pathophysiology of meningitis?
BACTERIAL:
1) The pia-arachnoid is congested with polymorphs causing a layer of pus to form
VIRAL:
1) Lymphocytic inflammatory CSF without pus formation
2) No polymorphs/ adhesions
3) Little or no cerebral oedema unless encephalitis develops
Who does meningitis affect?
Common in infants, children or elderly
Which is more common, viral or bacterial meningitis?
Viral > Bacterial
What is the clinical presentation of meningitis?
Septic signs occur before meningeal signs:
-Malaise, fever, headache, temperature, rigor, vomiting
- Tachycardia
- Tachyponea
- Hypotension
- Poor feeding
- Abnormal cry
Meningeal signs are late and less common in young children:
Classic= headache + fever + neck stiffness + photophobia + Malaise, fever, headache, temperature, rigor, vomiting
+ve Kernigs (resistance to extending knee when hip is flexed)
+ve Brudzinki’s (neck flexion = hip flexion)
What are the investigations for meningitis?
DO NOT DELAY TREATMENT OVER INVESTGATIONS
Blood Cultures
EDTA blood for PCR
Throat swabs
- Lactate
- FBC
- Glucose
- U&Es
LP immediately:
Appearance:
Bacteria: cloudy
Virus: normal
Protein:
Bacteria: high
Virus: mildly raised or normal
Glucose:
Bacteria: low
Virus: normal
WCC:
Bacteria: high and PMN
Virus: high and lymphocytes
Culture and sensitivity:
Bacteria: positive
Virus: positive
If meningitis is suspected what must be given immediately to:
<3m?
> 3m-18years?
In GP before hospital?
High flow O2
Abx:
<3m= Cefotaxime + Amoxicillin + Aciclovir
>3m= Ceftriaxone + Dexamethasone (reduces inflammation)
In GP = Benzylpenicillin (Cefotaxime if allergic)
What is Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)?
Viral illness commonly causing lesions involving the hands, foot and mouth
How is Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth) transmitted?
Feacal-oral route
What causes Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)?
Coxsackievirus A16
Enterovirus 71
Who is most affected by Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)?
<10 yrs old
Outbreaks common in nurseries, schools and childcare centres
What is the clinical presentation of Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)?
- Fever
- Malaise
- Loss of appetite
- Sore mouth/throat
- Cough
- Abdo pain
Describe the mouth lesions in Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)?
On buccal mucosa, tongue or hard palate
Begin as macular lesions that progress to vesicles which then erode
Yellow ulcers surrounded by red haloes
Describe the skin lesions found in Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth)
Palms, soles and between fingers/ toes
Erythematous macules but rapidly progress to grey vesicles with an erythematous base
How is Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth) diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis
Swab lesions
PCR
How is Coxsackie’s disease (Hand, Foot and Mouth) managed?
Fluid intake
Soft diet
Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
If mouth is very painful, use topical agents e,g, lidocaine oral gel
Stay off school until better
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of brain parenchyma
Usually caused by infection (normally viral)
What is the clinical presentation of encephalitis?
- Flu like prodrome: often self-limiting
- Reduced GCS
- Odd behaviour
- Vomiting
- Focal neurological symptoms
- Fits/ focal seizures
- Fever
- Meningism symptoms
- Headache
What are the investigations for encephalitis?
- CSF, MC&S and PCR
- Bloods
- Stool (enteroviruses)
- Urine
- LP
What is the management of encephalitis?
Anciclovir: if HSV suspected/confirmed
Dexamethasone: treats high ICP
What is tuberculosis?
A granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
How does TB spread from person to person?
Inhaled droplets
When should you suspect tuberculosis?
Overseas contact
HIV +ve
Odd CXR
What is the 15 clinical presentation of tuberculosis?
Anorexia
Low fever
Failure to thrive
Malaise
Cough +/- haemoptysis
Erythema nodosum
Lymph nodes: a cold abscess (firm, painless and no red inflammation)
Constitutional symptoms
Spinal TB: pain
Dyspnea: gradually as lungs become damaged
Clubbing
Lupus vulgaris: apple jelly nodules
Auscultation: possible crackles
Haematuria, increased frequency and nocturia
Pyuria in the absence of a positive culture = sterile pyuria
How is TB diagnosed?
3x sputum culture + Ziehl-Neelsen stain smear on Lowenstein Jensen medium: will turn red if acid-fast bacilli
Chest X-ray: millet seeds, consolidation, hilar lymphadenopathy and pleural effusions
Tuberculin tests
Mantoux Test: if latent
- < 6mm or >15mm =give BCG
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): if latent
What is the management of TB?
Rifampicin (6 months)
Isoniazid (6 months)
Pyrazinamide (2 months)
Ethambutol (2 months)
BCG vaccine: if high risk
What is the BCG vaccine?
Limited protection against TB and leprosy in high risk groups
When is the BCG vaccine contradicted?
- Previous BCG vaccination
- Hx TB
- HIV
- Pregnancy
- tuberculin test
- NO EVIDENCE FOR EFFICACY >35
What are the complications of TB?
1) Pleural effusion
2) Pericardial effusion
3) Lung collapse
4) Lung consolidation
What are the side-effects of Rifampicin?
Hepatitis
“red-an-orange-pissin and tears”
Flu like symptoms
Impaired COCP function
What are the side-effects of Isoniazid?
Hepatitis
I’m-so-numb-azid: paraesthesia
Agranulocytosis
What are the side-effects of Pyrazinamide?
Hyperuricaemia – GOUT
Arthralgia
Myalgia
Hepatitis
Side-effects of Ethambutol?
“Eye-thambutol”: colour blindness (Optic Neuritis)
What is the treatment of latent TB?
Normal treatment + Isoniazid for 6 months
What is HIV?
A retrovirus (RNA virus) that infects cells of the immune system
What are the HIV strains?
Two strains:
HIV-1 (more common)
HIV-2
How is HIV transmitted?
Infected bodly fluids:
1. Sexual:most cases. MSM have a higher risk
2. Parenteral:via needlestick or needle sharing
3. Vertical:via breastfeeding or vaginal delivery
What is the presentation of HIV and AIDS?
Acute infection:
Asymptomaticorflu-like illness
Clinical latency:
May be asymptomaticorpresent with non-AIDS defining illnesses:
Fever and night sweats
Persistent lymphadenopathy
Parotid enlargement
Hepatosplenomegaly
Persistent diarrhoea
Reduced platelets
Weight lost
Opportunistic infections: e.g. thrush
AIDS:
AIDS-defining illness
When should HIV be diagnosed in childhood?
AIM: Before 1st birthday
Tests at 3&6 months:
- HIV viral PCR
- ELISA: HIV antibody, p24 antigen test and IgA
Monitor CD4 T-cell count and viral load
What is the management for HIV?
Treatment aim: normal CD4 count
andundetectable viral load
Highly Active Anti-Retrovirus therapy (HAART)
Prophylactic co-trimoxazole
Pre+post exposure prophylaxis: zidovudine
Vaccinations
Condoms and regular HIV tests
Pre-test and post-test counselling
When should HAART begin in HIV?
Those with AIDs defining conditions/CD4 <15%
What is the pathophysiology of toxic shock syndrome?
S. aureus + Group A strep
Toxin acts is a super antigen that can cause organ dysfunction
What is the clinical presentation of toxic shock syndrome?
- Fever >39°
- Hypotension
- Diffuse erythematous, macular rash
What is the management of toxic shock syndrome?
Intensive care
Infected areas: surgically debrided
Abx: Ceftriaxone + Clindamycin
What are strawberry marks?
Cavernous haemangioma
Self limiting
Concerning if over eye and in airway
What is a Port Wine Stain?
Permanent capillary haemangioma
Present in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
What is Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
Too many capillaries in the meninges
Area of face innervated by trigeminal nerve affected by Port Wine Stain
What syndrome are moles common in? (Naevi)
Turner’s
What are mongolian blue spots?
Non- caucasian ancestry
Congential dermal melanocytosis
Lower back/ buttocks
What are cafe au lait spots?
Flat light brown patches on the skin
> 5 = Neurofibromatosis
What are Milia (milk spots)?
Sebaceous plugs from sweat glands
What is Urticaria (hives)?
‘Nettle-like’ rashes, raised and itchy patches
Allergen exposure
linked to child abuse if late presentation, symmetry and odd history
What are infantile urticaria?
Erythema toxicum neonatorum: benign red blotches that resolve spontaneously following birth
Histamine reaction
Key points to remember in chickenpox?
Dangerous in immunocompromised
Key points to remember in Measles?
(Prodromal CCCK)
- Cough
- Coryza
- Conjunctivitis
- Koplik spots (inside mouth)
Key points to remember in Parvovirus?
Slapped cheek
Key points to remember in Coxsackie?
Hand, foot and mouth
Key points to remember in Mumps?
Prodromal malaise
Parotids
Orchitis
Infertility
What is Molluscum contagiosum?
Pox like nodules that last for months
Harmless
What do you call a rash that accompanies a disease/ fever?
Exanthema
What rash is diabetes associated with?
Acanthosis nigricans
What is the cause of Congenital Toxoplasmosis?
Cat faeces infected with toxoplasma gondii
How does toxoplasmosis present?
- Intracranial calcification
- Microcephaly/hydrocephalus
- Chorioretinitis
- Cerebral palsy
How is Toxoplasmosis diagnosed?
Serology: >95% asymptomatic
How is toxoplasmosis treated?
Pyrimethamine + Sulphadiazine + Spiramycin
What is Toxocara?
Infection associated with eating dog faeces
Leads to blindness
What infections are associated with Cat + Dog faeces?
Cat: Toxoplasmosis (fits, deafness)
Dog: Toxocara (acquired blindness)
What is a TORCH infection and what does it stand for?
Infection to the developing foetus/ newborn by any of:
Toxoplasmosis
Other agents ( Syphillis, Varicella- zoster and Parvovirus B19
Rubella (german measles)
Cytomegalovirus
Herpes simplex
What is the most common congenital infection in the U.K?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
What is the clinical presentation of CMV?
- Growth retardation
- Microcephaly
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Hepatitis
- Anaemia/jaundice/ thrombocytopenia
- IUGR
- Chorioretinitis
- Motor and cognitive impairment
What is the management of Syphillis?
Benzylpenicillin
What is the clinical presentation of Herpes Simplex?
Blindness
Low IQ
Epilepsy
Jaundice
Respiratory distress
30% die even when treated
What is the management of herpes simplex virus?
Acyclovir
What is Eczema?
Chronic atopy leading to epidermis inflammation:
includes atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis
How common is Eczema?
15-20% of children
Increasing incidence
What is the management for eczema?
Emollients
Topical corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Phototherapy
Systemic immunosuppression
What is Eczema Herpeticum?
Severe infection of skin (HSV 1+2)
Potentially life threatening
More common in kids with eczema
How is Eczema Herpeticum treated?
Acyclovir
What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)?
Epidermal necrosis due to hypersensitivity