Paediatrics Flashcards
Outline the neonatal life support process
- If pink, give back to mother
- If not, rub vigorously
- If unsuccessful, start bag and mask ventilation (e.g. Neopuff at 6mmHg)
- If not pinking up, add oxygen
- Give IV adrenaline 0.3ml 1:1000; followed by 1ml and then an infusion 20ml/kg 0.9% saline
- Check glucose
- If meconium, suction and wash out oropharynx
- Consider endotracheal intubation
What is the scoring system used to assess the progress of life support in the neonate?
Apgar Score (monitors vital signs inc. pulse, respirations, tone and colour)
Outline the ABCE approach of neonatal intensive care
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Epithelium (lung/gas exchange, barrier functions of the gut and skin for digestion, keeping out bacteria, intact neuroepithelium lining ventricles and retina)
What common vital signs are monitored in neonatology intensive care?
Temperature, BP, pulse, respiration, blood gases, pulse oximetry, U/Es, FBC, weight etc.
List some common problems facing babies on the NICU?
Hypothermia Hypoxia Hypoglycaemia Respiratory Distress Syndrome Infection Intraventricular haemorrhage Apnoea Retinopathy of prematurity Necrotising enterocolitis
What is the pathophysiology of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterms?
Preterms are at particular risk due to:
1 Unsupported blood vessels in the subependymal germinal matrix
2. Unsupported blood pressure
What are the signs associated with intraventricular haemorrhage?
Seizures, bulging fontanelle, cerebral irritability, cerebral palsy.
Many are asymptomatic
What is neonatal apnoea?
Neonatal apnoeas are episodes when an infant fails to make any respiratory effort.
They are defined as:
1 .No respiratory efforts for a period of more than 20 sec
- A break in respiration of less than 20 sec but associated with bradycardia
- Reduction in heart rate of more than 30%
What are some common causes of neonatal apnoea?
Prematurity Infection Hypothermia Aspiration Congenital heart disease
What is necrotising enterocolitis?
Medical condition where a portion of the bowel dies.
What are the signs of necrotising enterocolitis?
Poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile
What is the mortality rate associated with necrotising enterocolitis?
25%
What is retinopathy of prematurity?
Fibrovascular proliferation of retinal vessels leading to retinal detachment/impaired vision
What are the non-invasive techniques for neonatal ventilation?
(3)
CPAP
NIPPV (nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation)
HFNC
What are the invasive techniques for neonatal ventilation?
3
Timed-cycled pressure limited ventilation
Patient-triggered ventilation
High-frequency ventilation
List some complications of long-term ventilation in neonates
Lung (pneumothorax, pulmonary haemorrhage, pneumonia)
Airways (upper airway obstruction)
Others (patent-ductus arteriosus, pneumomediastinum
How does neonatal sepsis present?
Non-specific and subtle signs
Labile temperature, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, collapse, DIC
How is neonatal sepsis managed?
ABC approach Supportive (ventilation, volume expansion, ionotropes) Bloods (FBC, CRP, glucose, cultures) CXR Lumbar puncture
Failure to respond within 24hrs - consider stool samples for virology, throat swab, urine CMV culture
What empirical antibiotics are given in the case of early-onset neonatal sepsis?
What antibiotics would you consider if meningitis or listeria are suspected?
Benzylpenicillin and gentamicin
If meningitis is suspected - give ceftriaxone
If listeria suspected (purulent conjunctivitis, maternal infection) - give amoxicillin/ampicillin
What empirical antibiotics are given in the case of late-onset neonatal sepsis?
Flucloxacillin and gentamicin
What organism causing late-onset neonatal sepsis associated with central venous catheters in place? How would you treat it?
Coagulase-negative Staph.
Vancomycin and discuss removing the catheter
What other type of organism may you consider if treatment with antibiotics fails in the case of late-onset neonatal sepsis?
Fungal sepsis
What are the definition of early and late-onset neonatal sepsis?
Early ( <3 days)
Late ( >3 days?
List some causes of neonatal seizure
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (due to antenatal or intrapartum hypoxia)
Infection (meningitis/encephalitis)
Intracranial haemorrhage
Metabolic disorder/disturbance (e.g. hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia etc.)
Kernicterus
How are neonatal seizures medically aborted?
First line: Phenobarbital
Second line: Phenytoin
Third line: Midazolam et al.
How are neonatal seizures investigated and managed?
Rule out reversible causes
Start empirical antibiotics
IV access (FBC, U/Es, LFTs, calcium, glucose, magnesium, blood gases)
Commence cerebral function analysis monitoring
Radiological imaging (CT, MRI cranial US)
Treat prolonged seizures
What is hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy?
Clinical syndrome of brain injury secondary to hypoxic-ischaemic insult.
Causes could be antepartum (abruption), intrapartum (cord prolapse) or postpartum
What are the signs of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy at birth?
Respiratory depression
pH <7 and base excess worse than -12
Encephalopathy develops within 24hrs
How is hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy treated?
Resuscitation, avoidance of hypothermia, treat seizures and therapeutic hypothermia to reduce death and disability
What is neonatal shock?
Shock is an acute state in which circulatory function is inadequate to supply sufficient amounts of O2 and other nutrients to tissues to meet metabolic demands
What are the common causes of neonatal shock?
Blood loss (placental haemorrhage, TTTS, lung haemorrhage)
Capillary plasma leaks (sepsis, hypoxia, acidosis)
Fluid loss (diuresis)
What are the signs of neonatal shock?
High HR
Low BP
Decreased urine output
Coma
How is neonatal shock managed?
ABC
Give colloid 10-20ml/kg IV as needed
Ionotropes e.g. dopamine +/- dobutamine
How common is neonatal jaundice?
Very common
60%
Hyperbilirubinaemia (<200micromol/L) after 24hrs is usually described as _________. Meaning benign.
Physiological
What are the causes of physiological jaundice in the neonate?
- Increased bilirubin production
- Decreased bilirubin conjugation
- Absence of gut flora impedes bilirubin elimination
- Breastfeeding
List some causes of visible jaundice within 24hrs of birth
Sepsis
Rhesus haemolytic disease
ABO incompatibility
Red cell anomalies (e.g. congenital spherocytosis or G6PD deficiency)
List some causes of common causes of prolonged jaundice?
Breastfeeding Sepsis Hypothyroidism Cystic fibrosis Biliary atresia
How is prolonged bilirubin treated?
Phototherapy
What is kernicterus?
Clinical features of acute bilirubin encephalopathy
Symptoms; lethargy, poor feeding, hypertonicity
What are some long term sequelae of kernicterus?
Athetoid movements, deafness and decreased IQ
What is Rhesus Haemolytic Disease?
When a Rh- mother delvers a Rh+ baby. Leaking of foetal blood into maternal circulation leading to isoimmunisation.
There is a wide clinical spectrum.
Sensitising events in pregnancy include what?
6
Threatened miscarriage APH Mild trauma Amniocentesis Chorionic villous sampling External cephalic version
What is hydrops fetalis?
A severely effected foetus from Rhesus haemolytic disease causing oedema (wit stiff, oedematous lungs.
How is hydrops fetalis managed?
7
Get specialist involved Correct glucose Drain ascites Correct anaemia VIt K correction Treat heart failure Limit IV fluids
What is biliary atresia?
Biliary tree occlusion due to congenital angiopathy leading to destruction of extra-hepatic bile ducts
How does biliary atresia present?
Jaundiced
Yellow urine
Pale stools
Hepatosplenomegaly
How is biliary atresia treated?
Kasai procedure (hepatoportoenterostomy)
What is respiratory distress syndrome?
Condition caused by surfactant deficiency leading to atelectasis and respiratory failure
What are the risk factors for developing RDS?
Commoner in maternal diabetes, males, 2nd twins and Caesarian sections
What are the signs of RDS?
Increased work of breathing shortly after brith Tachypnoea Grunting Nasal flaring Intercostal recession Cyanosis
How does RDS appear on a Chest X-Ray?
Diffuse granular patterns
Give three differentials of RDS
Transient tachypnoea of the newborn (resolves pithing 24hrs)
Meconium aspirate
Congenital pneumonia
How is RDS prevented in the antepartum period?
Steroid injections given to all women at risk of preterm labour
How is RDS treated?
Delay of cord clamping (to promote placenta-foetal transfusion
Give an oxygen/air blend (21%)
Prophylactic surfactant
What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia?
A complication of ventilation in RDS causing persistent hypoxia and difficulty weaning off.
Due to barotrauma and oxygen toxicity
Prevented by both antenatal and post-natal steroids, surfactant and high-calorie feeding
What is pulmonary hypoplasia?
Suspect in all infants with persisting neonatal tachypnoea, difficulties feeding (particularly if a history of prenatal oligohydramnios)
Describe the appearance of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on a Chest X-Ray.
Hyperinflation, rounded radiolucent areas, alternating with thin denser lines
What is meconium aspiration syndrome?
Foetal distress in the infant born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid leading to airway obstruction, surfactant dysfunction and pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Treated with surfactant, ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide and antibiotics
What is haemorrhagic disease of the newborn?
Occurs 2-7 days postpartum due to a lack of enteric bacteria used to make vitamin K.
Characterised by widespread bleeding and bruising with increased PT and APTT.
Prevention with postpartum 1mg Fit K injection IM
What is DIC? How is it characterised, diagnosed and treated?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (due to NEC or sepsis etc.)
Characterised by petechiae, venipuncture oozing, GI bleeding
Diagnosed by decreased platelets and the presence of schistocytes (fragmented red cells)
Treat the underlying cause, platelet transfusion, cryoprecipitate
What is autoimmune thrombocytopenia?
Congenital autoimmune destruction of platelets.
Treated with compatible platelets or irradiated maternal platelets
What are strawberry naevi?
Benign vascular malformations develop over few months and then regress. Treat with propranolol if in sensitive area or large
What are milia?
1-2mm pearly white/cream papules caused by retention of keratin in the dermis found on forehead, nose, cheeks
Resolve spontaneously
What is erythema toxicum (neonatal urticaria)?
Harmless red blotches with central white pustules which come and go in crops. They last approx. 24hrs
What is miliaria crystallina?
Prickly heat-like rash develops due to transient sweat-pore disruption
Called milia rubra is there is surrounding flush
What is a stork mark?
Capillary dilation of the eyelid, forehead and back of neck.
Blanching and fade over time
What are the signs of suffusion of the face following delivery?
Petechial haemorrhage
Facial cyanosis
Subconjunctival haemorrhage
Outline the cause of swollen breasts in the neonate
Due to exposure to maternal hormones in utero
May become infected and treated with antibiotics
Outline the process of separation of the umbilicus
Dries and separates through a moist base around day seven after delivery.
Can become infected (signs of odour, pus, malaise, erythema)
Rule out patent urachus if failure to close
Outline the causes of a sticky eye in the neonate?
Commonly due to blocked tear duct
Swab for ophthalmia neonatourm/chlamydia/gonorrhoea
Outline the causes of a red-stained nappy
Usually due to urinary urates but may also be due to blood from the cord or vagina
What is harlequin colour change?
Transient and episodic erythema left or right of the midline and contralateral blanching. Self-limiting condition.
List endogenous causes of eczema
Atopic Seborrhoeic Discoid Pomphylx Varicose
What is atopic dermatitis?
Genetic barrier dysfunction linked to other atopic conditions (asthma, hayfever etc.)
Outline the presentation of atopic eczema in both infants and older children
Infants - starts on face/neck and spreads more generally
Older children - flexural pattern predomiantes
What is seborrhoeic eczema?
Scaling irritation of the skin. Associated with proliferation of commensal malassezia (yeast)
Often occurring in babies under 3 months and resolving within a year
What is discoid eczema?
Scattered annular patchy of itchy eczema
What is pomphylx eczema?
Vasicles affecting palms and soles. Intensely itchy
What is varicose eczema?
Irritation of the skin associated with oedema and venous insufficiency.
May be complicated by ulceration
List exogenous causes of eczema
Allergic contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis
Photosensitive/photoaggressive dermatitis
Outline the presentation of allergic dermatitis
Immediate reaction with severe itching and unresponsive to treatment.
How is allergic dermatitis diagnosed?
Blood test - IgE specific to certain common allergens and skin prick testing
Flares of all types of eczema can be associated with what occurances?
Infections Environment (hot or cold air) Pets: if sensitised/allergic Teething Stress Sometimes no cause found
How is eczema managed?
Emollients (lotions, creams or ointments) Topical steroids Calcinurin inhibitors UVB therapy Immunosuppressive medication
Outline the varying strengths of topical steroid creams
Mild - hydrocortisone
Moderate - eumovate (25x)
Potent - betnovate (100x)
Very potent (derogate (600x)
What is impetigo?
Common acute bacterial skin infection caused by Staph aureus.
Characterised by gold-crusted pustules
How is impetigo managed?
Topical antibacterial -fucidin
Oral antibiotic - flucloxacillin
What is molluscum contagiosum?
Common benign and self-limiting viral infection fo the molluscipox variety
How is molluscum contagiosum transmitted?
Close direct contacts
What si the incubation time of molluscum contagiosum?
2 weeks to 6 months
How long can it take for a bout of molluscum contagiosum to clear?
Up to 2 years
Describe the molluscum contagiosum lesions
Pearly papule with an umbilicated centre
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
Topical 5% potassium hydroxide
What are viral warts?
Common, non-cancerous growths of the skin caused by infection with HPV (transmitted by direct contact)
Treated: cryotherapy, topical paint (salicylic acid)
What are viral exanthems?
Skin manifestations of viral illnesses(either a reaction to a toxin, damage to the skin or an immune response)
Give some examples of viral exanthems
Chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus) Measles (Rubeola virus) Rubella Roseola (HSV6) Erythema infectiosum (provirus B19)
What is the colloquial name of erythema infectiosum?
Slapped cheek
What are the features of erythema infectiosum?
Erythematous rash on face and lace network rash on trunk/limbs
What rare complications are associated with erythema infectiosum?
Aplastic crisis
Risk in pregnancy (spontaneous miscarriage, IUD, hydros fetalis)
Describe the presentation of primary VZV infection?
Red papules progressing to vesicles often on the trunk which is intensely itchy and can be accompanied by viral symptoms
What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?
Enterovirus (often Coxackie A16)
Outline the presentation of Coxsackie A16 infection?
BListers on hand, feet and in the mouth (epidemics in the autumn and summer months)
Self-limiting
What is orofacial granulomatosis?
Lip swelling and fissuring with oral mucosal ulcers and tags (cobblestone appearance) often seen in Crohn’s disease
What is erythema nodosum?
Skin inflammation that is located in a part of the fatty layer of skin
Resulting in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly on the legs below the knees
List some causes of erythema nodosum?
Infections strep. URTI IBD Sarcoidosis Drugs (OCP, penicillin) Idiopathic
What is dermatitis herpetiformis?
Rare but persistent immunobullous disease that has been linked to coeliac disease causing itchy blisters in clusters (often symmetrical) on the scalp, shoulders, buttocks, elbows and knees
What is urticaria?
Also called hives/wheels
Associated with angioedema with rash lasting from a few minutes up to 24hrs
What are the two types of urticaria?
Acute (<6wks)and Chronic (>6wks)
List some causes of urticaria
Viral infection
Bacterial infection
Fod/drug allergy
NSAIDs, opiates
How is urticaria treated?
Consider triggers and avoid
Antihistamines (desloratadine 1tds)
What common lesions comprise congenital heart disease?
Septal defects (ventricular and atrial) Patent ductus ateriosus Stenosis (pulmonary and aortic) Coarctation of the aorta Transposition of the Great Arteries Tetralogy of Fallot
Congenital heart disease accounts for what percentage congenital conditions?
30%
What environmental hazards are associated with congenital heart disease?
Drugs (alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, phenytoin, lithium)
Infections (TORCH and others)
Maternal (DM, SLE)
What chromosomal abnormalities are associated with congenital heart disease?
Downs Syndrome (Trisomy 21) 40% AVSD
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) 80% VSD and PDA
Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) 90% VSD and ASD
What congenital heart conditions are associated with the following genetic conditions:
- Turner syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- DiGeorge (22q11 deletion) syndrome
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Supravalvular AS
- Interrupted aortic arch, truncus arteriosus and tetralogy of Fallot
How is congenital heart disease treated?
Surgical correction (fix it)
Medication to improve situation
Palliative procedures e.g. BT shunt, balloon valvo-plasty, prostaglandin infusion, pulmonary banding
Transplantation surgery
How are murmurs characterised?
Timing (systolic/diastolic/continuous)
Duration (early/mid/late or ejection/pan-systolic)
Pitch/quality (harsh/soft/vibrstory/pure frequency)
List the four types of innocent murmurs?
Stills Murmur (LV outflow murmur)
Pulmonary Outflow Murmur
Venous Hum
Carotid/Brachiocephalic Arterial Bruit
What age does Still’s murmur commonly present?
Aged 2-7
Describe the character of Still’s murmur?
Soft, systolic; vibratory musical and twangy
Where is Still’s murmur most clearly heard?
Apex, left sternal border.
Increases in the supine position and with exercise
What age does a pulmonary outflow murmur commonly present?
Age 8-10
Describe the character of a pulmonary outflow murmur
Soft systolic; vibratory
Where is pulmonary outflow murmur most clearly heard?
Upper left sternal border, well localised and not radiating to the back
Increases in the supine position and with exercise
At what age is a venous hum most likely to develop?
Age 3-8