Paediatrics Flashcards
What is the most common defect in hereditary spherocytosis?
- iron deficiency
- spectrin deficiency
- folic acid deficiency
- vitamin D deficiency
- spectrin deficiency
What crises are associated with hereditary spherocystosis? (2)
- haemolytic crisis
- aplastic crisis
8 y.o. pain in R knee
Pain started spontaneously 2 days ago, no history of trauma
Increased pain during weight-bearing
Feels otherwise well, no fever
Exam: appears well at rest, normal BMI, vital signs
Gait: limb
Exam R knee: unremarkable
R hip: reduced range of motion particularly internal rotation + abduction
What is the most likely diagnosis?
- slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
- Perthes disease
- iliotibial tract syndrome
- septic arthritis
- patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Perthes disease
(SUFE - more common in obese children)
6 y.o boy
2 day history of limping, severe pain in L leg whenever weight bears
Several infections recently
Fever over last week and general fatigue
No other PMHx, is up to date with his immunisations and takes no regular medication
Clinical examination: pallor, generalised lymphadenopathy + splenomegaly, significant tenderness over the mid-shaft of the L femur on palpation, but normal range of motion in all joints and an antalgic gait. Vital signs reveal fever and tachycardia
- slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
- Perthes disease
- iliotibial tract syndrome
- septic arthritis
- acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
- acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
9 y.o. boy
2 day history of pain in R low abdomen
Viral infection last week
Bowel habit is normal and no vomiting
On exam: mild lower abdo tenderness in R iliac fossa, with no associated guarding. No palpable abdom masses
Cervical + submandibular lymphadenopathy and inflmaed tonsils with no exudate
Vital signs are unremarkable
WBC and CRP are only mildly elevated
Urine dip unremarkable
Abdominal USS - unremarkable
- appendicitis
- mesenteric lymphadenitis
- abdominal migraine
- Crohn’s disease
- Intussuception
- mesenteric lymphadenitis
(got to rule out appendicitis first)
6 y.o. boy admitted on paediatric ward
7 days history of high fevers and irritability
Mouth-sore and desquamated, with ‘strawberry tongue’ appearance
Feet noted oedematous and red
Polymorphous rash widespread
Which medication is most likely to reduce the risk of complications associated with this disease?
- ibuprofen
- amoxicillin
- IV immunoglobulin
- paracetamol
- dexamethasone
- IV immunoglobulin
(diagnosis: Kawasaki disease)
Most serious complication of Kawasaki disease?
= coronary artery aneurysms
Why is Aspirin givin in Kawasaki disease?
= protect against coronary artery aneurysms
4 y.o. in ED
Has had a runny nose and a strange noisy/ barking cough for a few days
This evening breathing became more laboured
She has a RR of 35/ min, SpO2 of 96% on room air, a pulse of 95 bpm and a temp of 37.7oc
On exam: mild intercostal recession and mildly reduced air entry on ausculatation
What is the most appropriate initial management?
- obtain IV access
- nebulised adrenaline
- penicillin V
- nebulised salbutamol
- oral dexamethasone
- oral dexamethasone
Most common cause of croup?
Viral - parainfluenza
When do you expect a child to sit up supported?
= approx. 6 months
What is acute epiglottitis?
= rapidly progressive infection that leads to inflammation of the epiglottis and adjacent tissues
Cause of acute epiglottitis?
= Haemophilus influenza B (Hib)
How is acute epiglottitis diagnosed?
= direct visualisation of the inflamed epiglottis - typically done using laryngoscopy after securing airway
(do not examine or upset child without senior support)
Management of acute epiglottitis? (2)
- secure airway, possibly through endotracheal intubation (as first priority)
- administer IV antibiotics, typically cefuroxime
What is an APGAR score?
= is a method of assessing the state of a neonate quickly after birth
The score is intended as a quick assessment of current status, and is not a long-term prognostic indicator
What components make up the APGAR score? (5)
A - appearance
P - pulse
G - grimace
A - activity
R - respiration
When does NICE adivse to calculate the APGAR score? (2)
- 1 minute, AND
- 2 minutes of life
Most common cancer in children?
= acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL)
What is acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL)?
= a malignant condition that arises from the uncontrolled proliferation of genetically altered lymphoid progenitor cells
How is acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) definatively diagnosed?
= bone marrow biopsy
Acute exacerbation of asthma can be triggered by? (4)
- Allergens: dust pollution, animal hair, smoke
- Respiratory infections: viruses such as common cold
- Exercise: especially in cold weather
- Emotional stress: can lead to hyperventilation and symptoms of an asthma attack
Signs of severe acute episode of asthma? (3)
- Respiratory distress – use of accessory muscles of respiration, breathlessness resulting in inability to complete sentences, tachypnoea with a RR > 30/min if over 5, >40 if under 5
- HR > 125/min if over 5, >140/min if under 5
- Peak expiratory flow rate 33-50% of predicted
Life-threatning features of acute exacerbation of asthma in a child? (7)
- peak expiratory flow rate < 33% predicted
- oxygen saturations < 92%
- silent chest on auscultation
- weak or no respiratory effort
- hypotension
- exhaustion
- confusion/ altered conscious level