Paediatrics

Question 1

What is Gastro?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the instestines

Question 2

Why are babies at higher risk for Gastro?

Answer 2

Weight is 75% water
immature kidneys cannot reabsorb water
surface area to weight ratio greater so lose water quickly
faster metabolic rate

Question 3

Name some viral gastro infections and characteristics

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Name some bacterial gastro infections and characteristics

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is rheumatic fever?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Explain the Jones Criteria in regards to rheumatic fever?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is strep throat

Answer 7

Bacterial infection in throat caused by group A strep - pygones
Pain
swelling
body aches
swollen lymph
red throat

Needs throat culture