Paediatrics Flashcards
What is Gastro?
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the instestines
Why are babies at higher risk for Gastro?
Weight is 75% water
immature kidneys cannot reabsorb water
surface area to weight ratio greater so lose water quickly
faster metabolic rate
Name some viral gastro infections and characteristics
Roto & Noro
transmission : via poo
viruses take over cells in the stomach lining
release toxins causing cell death
also effect ability of intestines to reabsorb water
Name some bacterial gastro infections and characteristics
Salmonella, Camplyo
transmission: through undercooked food & unpastuerized milk
2 differing mechanisms: release of toxin and invasion of bacteria into mucosa
Diff to viral: higher fever and mucous in stools
What is rheumatic fever?
Childhood illness caused by group A strep - mostly pyogenes.
Can follow strep throat infections as body makes antibodies to strep bacteria
One major antigen on the group A strep that the immune system attacks is M protein - also found on heart muscle, valves, synovial joints, nerves and skin/subcut therefore acute rheumatic fever affects these areas. Immune cells attack, cuase scar tissue.
Treated with ABs - penicillin long term/anti iflamms, meds for HF
Explain the Jones Criteria in regards to rheumatic fever?
Joint pain - migrating polyarthritis (starts in lower legs and movers up)
Carditis - chest pain and SoB
skin nodules - collection of collagen under skin
Red itchy rash
tics on face/arms
What is strep throat
Bacterial infection in throat caused by group A strep - pygones
Pain
swelling
body aches
swollen lymph
red throat
Needs throat culture
