Paediatrics - Cardio, resp and gastro Flashcards
what are the three fetal shunts
ductus venosus
foramen ovale
ductus arteriosus
what is the ductus venosus
it is a shunt that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava and allows blood to bypass the liver
what is the foramen ovale
it is a shunt that connects the right atrium with the left atrium and allows blood to bypass the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation
what is the ductus arteriosus
it is a shunt that connects the pulmonary artery with the aorta and allows the blood to bypass the pulmonary circulation
what in the body helps to maintain the ductus arteriosus
prostaglandins
what are the three causes of pan-systolic murmur
mitral regurgitation
tricuspid regurgitation
ventricular septal defect
what are the three causes of an ejection systolic murmur
aortic stenosis
pulmonary stenosis
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
what causes splitting of the second heart sound
during inspiration there is a negative intra-thoracic pressure. This causes the right side of the heart to fill faster. the increased volume in the right ventricle causes it to take longer for the right ventricle to empty during systole causing a delay in the pulmonary valve closing. As it closes slightly later than the aortic valve it causes the second heart sound to be split
what murmur does an atrial septal defect cause
a mid systolic crescendo decrescendo murmur
- loudest at the upper left sternal boarder
- with a fixed split second heart sound
what murmur is heart with a patent ductus arteriosus (normally severe one)
continuous crescendo -decrescendo machinery murmur which may continue into the second heart sound
what murmur is heart with a tetralogy of fallot
an ejection systolic murmur due to the pulmonary stenosis
what conditions can/do cause cyanotic heart disease
- ventricular septal defect
- atrial septal defect
- patent ductus arteriosus
- transposition of the great arteries
how does a patient ductus arteriosus usually present
shortness of breath
difficulty feeding
poor weight gain
lower respiratory tract infections
how is patient ductus arteriosus diagnosed
echocardiogram
- use of doppler flow studies
how is a patient ductus arteriosus managed
monitored up until 1 year of age using echo
then after 1 its highly unlikely for the PDA to spontaneously close and trans-catheter or surgical closure will be performed
what are the different types of atrial septal defect
- ostium secundum, where the septum secundum fails to fully close leaving a hole
- patient foramen ovale
- ostium primum, where the septum primum fails to fully close leaving a hole
what are complications of atrial septal defect
stroke (VTE)
atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
pulmonary hypertension and right sided heart failure
eisenmenger syndrome
how does atrial septal defect present
mid systolic crescendo decrescendo murmur
fixed splitting of the second heart sound
shortness of breath
difficulty feeding
poor weight gain
lower respiratory tract infections
how does atrial septal defect present in adults
dyspnoea
heart failure
stroke
how is atrial septal defect managed
small and asymptomatic - watch and wait
large/symptomatic - transvenous catheter closure and anticoagulants
what conditions is ventricular septal defect often associated with
downs syndrome
turners syndrome
how does ventricular septal defect present
poor feeding
dyspnoea
tachpnoea
failure to thrive
how is a ventricular septal defect treated
small/asymptomatic - watch and wait
larger/symptomatic - transvenous catheter closure, open heart surgery and antibiotic prophylaxis due to increased IE risk
what is Eisenmenger syndrome
it occurs when blood flows from the right side of the heart to the left across a structural lesion bypassing the lungs
what three underlying lesions can lead to Eisenmenger syndrome
atrial septal defect
ventricular septal defect
patient foramen ovale
what is the pathophysiology of Eisenmongers syndrome
ASD or VSD allows a left to right shunt causing pulmonary hypertension. When pulmonary pressure becomes greater than systemic pressure then the shunt reverses and becomes right to left. This means that blood bypasses the lungs and causes cyanosis
what types of examination finding would you have in Eisenmengers syndrome
ones relating to the pulmonary hypertension
- right ventricular heave, loud P2, raised JVP, peripheral oedema
ones relating to the underlying septal defect
ones relating to the right to left shunt and chronic hypoxia
- cyanosis, clubbing, dyspnoea, plethoric complexion
what is the prognosis for someone with Eisenmenger syndrome
reduced life expectancy by around 20 years
- main causes of death are heart failure, thromboembolism, infection and haemorrhage
what is the management for Eisenmenger syndrome
once pulmonary pressure is high enough to cause the syndrome it is irreversible so you have to control the symptoms
- oxygen
- treatment of pulmonary htn with sildenafil
- treat arrhythmias
- treat poylcythaemia with venesection
- prevent and treat thrombosis with anticoags
- prevent IE with prophylactic abx
only definitive treatment is a heart -lung transplant
what is coarctation of the aorta
when there is a narrowing of the aortic arch, usually around the ductus arteriosus
what genetic condition is coarctation of the aorta associated with
Turners syndrome
how does coarctation of the aorta present
- week femoral pulses
- tachypnoea
- poor feeding
- grey floppy baby
- left ventricular heave
- underdeveloped left arm
- underdeveloped legs
how is coarctation of the aorta managed
in severe cases babies will require input very soon after birth
- prostaglandin E is given to keep the ductus arteriosus open while awaiting surgery
- surgery will be performed to correct the coarctation and ligate the ductus arteriosus
how does aortic stenosis present
fatigue
shortness of breath
dizziness
fainting
symptoms are typically worse on exertion
what are signs of aortic valve stenosis
ejection systolic murmur - crescendo decrescendo and radiates to carotids
- ejection click
- palpable thrill
- slow rising pulse and narrow pulse pressure
how is aortic valve stenosis managed
regular echo, ECG and exercise testing to monitor the progression of the disease
- percutaneous balloon aortic valvoplasty
- surgical aortic valvotomy
- valve replacement
what are complications of aortic valve stenosis
left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
heart failure
ventricular arrhythmias
bacterial endocarditis
sudden death, often on exertion
what other conditions is pulmonary valve stenosis associated with
tetralogy of fallot
william syndrome
noonan syndrome
congenital rubella syndrome
how does pulmonary valve stenosis present
normally discovered during routine baby checks
fatigue on exertion
shortness of breath
dizziness
fainting
what are the signs associated with pulmonary valve stenosis
ejection systolic murmur
palpable thrill
right ventricular heave
raised JVP - giant A waves
how is pulmonary valve stenosis managed
mild - follow up with watch and waiting
severe - balloon valvuloplasty via venous catheter or open heart surgery
what is tetralogy of fallot
a condition where there are four coexisting pathologies
1. ventricular septal defect
2. overriding aorta
3. pulmonary valve stenosis
4. right ventricular hypertrophy
what are risk factors for tetralogy of fallot
rubella infection
increased age of the mother (over 40)
alcohol consumption in pregnancy
diabetic mother
what investigations are done with tetralogy of fallot
Echo and doppler flow studies
- boot shaped heart due to right ventricular thickening
how does tetralogy of fallot present
mostly picked up on antenatal scans before the child is born
- cyanosis
- clubbing
- poor feeding
- poor weight gain
- ejection systolic murmur
- tet spells
what is a tet spell
this is intermittent symptomatic periods where the right to left shunt becomes temporarily worsened - if a child is walking, physically exerting themselves or crying.
the child will become irritable, cyanotic and short of breath
how do you treat a tet spell
older children - squat
younger children - pull their knees to their chest
- supplementary oxygen
- beta blockers to relax the ventricle
- IV fluids to increase pre load
- morphine
- sodium bicarb to buffer metabolic acidosis
- phenylephrine infusion to increase SVR
how is tetralogy of fallot managed
in neonates prostaglandin infusion is given to maintain the ductus arteriosus
total surgical repair by open heart surgery is the definitive treatment
what is Ebsteins anomaly
it is a congenital heart condition where the tricuspid valve is set lower in the right side of the heart than normal causing a bigger right atrium and a smaller right ventricle
what other heart conditions is Ebsteins abnormality associated with
atrial septal defect
Wolff-parkinson-white syndrome
how does Ebsteins anomaly present
evidence of heart failure
gallop rhythm heard on auscultation
addition of a third and fourth heart sound
cyanosis
shortness of breath
tachypnoea
poor feeding
collapse
cardiac arrest
how is Ebsteins abnormality treated
- treating the arrhythmias and heart failure
- prophylactic antibiotics
- surgical correction
what is transposition of the great arteries
this is where the right ventricle pumps blood into the aorta and the left ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary circulation creating two separate circulations that dont mix
what other heart conditions is transposition of the great arteries associated with
ventricular septal defect
coarctation of the aorta
pulmonary stenosis
what does immediate survival of a baby with transposition of the great arteries depend on
depends on having a shunt
- patient ductus arteriosus
- atrial septal defect
- ventricular septal defect
how does transposition of the great arteries present
often diagnosed during antenatal screening
presents with cyanosis at/within a few days of birth
respiratory distress
tachycardia
poor feeding
poor weight gain
sweating
how is transposition of great arteries managed
prostaglandin infusion to maintain ductus arteriosus
balloon septostomy to create a large atrial septal defect to allow blood to flow to the lungs
open heart surgery is the definitive management - arterial switch procedure
what is bronchiolitis
it is when there is inflammation and infection in the bronchioles. it is normally caused by a virus
what is the most common cause of bronchiolitis
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
how does bronchiolitis present in children
coryzal symptoms - runny nose, sneezing, mucus in throat and watery eyes
signs of respiratory distress
dyspnoea
tachypnoea
poor feeding
mild fever (under 39)
apnoeas (episode where child stops breathing)
wheeze and crackles on auscultation
what are signs of respiratory distress
raised resp rate
use of accessory muscles
intercostal and subcostal recessions
nasal flaring
head bobbing
tracheal tugging
cyanosis
abnormal airway sounds
what are abnormal airway sounds
wheezing - whistling heard on expiration
grunting
stridor - high pitched inspiratory noise caused by obstruction of upper airway
what is the typical course of an RSV infection
- usually starts as an upper resp tract infection with coryzal symptoms
- from this point half get better spontaneously
- the other half will develop chest symptoms over the first 1-2 days following onset of coryzal sx
- symptoms generally are worse on day 3-4
- symptoms will usually last 7-10 days total
when might a child need admission for bronchiolitis
aged under 3 months
pre existing conditions - prematurity, downs syndrome, cystic fibrosis
50-75% or less of their normal milk intake
clinical dehydration
resp rate over 70
oxygen sats under 92
moderate to severe resp distress
apnoeas
parents not confident in ability to manage at home
how is bronchiolitis managed
supportive management
- ensuring adequate intake: orally, NG or IV
- saline nasal drops and nasal suctioning
- supplementary oxygen
- ventilator support if needed
what ventilator support may be required in children with bronchiolitis
- high flow humidified oxygen via tight nasal cannula (has positive end expiratory pressure)
- continuous positive airway pressure, using a sealed nasal cannula
- intubation and ventilation
what signs indicate a poor ventilation
rising pCO2
falling pH
what is Palivizumab
it is a monoclonal antibody that targets RSV
- monthly injection is given as a prevention against bronchiolitis
- given to high risk babies
- not a true vaccine, only provides passive protection
what is viral induced wheeze
describes an acute wheezy illness caused by a viral infection
how to tell if its viral induced wheeze or asthma
typically viral induced wheeze
- presents before 3
- no atopic history
- only occurs during viral infections
where as asthma can be triggered by many things, has many signs and symptoms associated with it and shows variable and reversible airflow obstruction
how does viral induced wheeze present itself
evidence of a viral illness for 1-2 weeks preceding the onset of:
- shortness of breath
- signs of respiratory distress
- expiratory wheeze throughout the chest
How is viral induced wheeze managed in children
it is managed the same way as acute asthma in children
what is acute asthma
it is an acute exacerbation of asthma characterised by rapid deterioration in the symptoms of asthma
how does acute asthma present
progressively worsening shortness of breath
signs of respiratory distress
fast respiratory rate (tachypnoea)
expiratory wheeze
chest can sound tight on auscultation
what is the criteria for a moderate acute asthma attack
peak flow > 50% predicted
normal speech
saturations normal
what is the criteria for a severe asthma attack
peak flow <50 % predicted
saturations <92%
unable to complete sentences in one breath
signs of respiratory distress
resp rate >40 in 1-5yrs and >30 in over 5yrs
heart rate >140 in 1-5 yrs and >125 in over 5yrs
what is the criteria for life threatening asthma attack
peak flow <33% predicted
saturations <92%
exhaustion and poor resp effort
hypotension
silent chest
cyanosis
altered consciousness/confusion
how is acute asthma managed
- supplementary oxygen
- bronchodilators (salbutamol, ipratropium, magnesium sulphate)
- steroids to reduce airway inflammation
- antibiotics
how are bronchodilators stepped up in acute asthma attack
- inhaled or nebulised salbutamol
- inhaled or nebulised ipratropium bromide
- IV magnesium sulphate
- IV aminophylline
in moderate to severe acute asthma what is the stepwise approach taken to control the attack
- salbutamol inhalers via a spacer (10 puffs every 2 hours)
- nebulisers with salbutamol/ipratropium bromide
- oral prednisolone
- IV hydrocortisone
- IV magnesium sulphate
- IV salbutamol
- IV aminophylline
what ion should be monitored when on high doses of salbutamol
potassium - can cause a hypokalaemia
when a child is leaving hospital after acute asthma attack what should they be discharged home with
can be discharged when the child is well on 6 puffs 4 hourly of salbutamol
- prescribed a reducing regime of salbutamol to continue at home
- finish steroids if those were started
- provide safety net information
- provide individualized asthma action plan
what are the atopic conditions
asthma
eczema
hay fever
food allergies
what presentation might suggest a diagnosis of asthma
episodic symptoms with intermittent exacerbations
diurnal variability, typically worse at night and early mornings
dry cough with wheeze
shortness of breath
typical triggers
history of other atopic conditions such as eczema/hay fever
family history
bilateral widespread polyphonic wheeze
symptoms improve with bronchodilators
what are typical triggers for asthma
dust
animals
cold air
exercise
smoke
food allergies
how is asthma diagnosed
history and examination
- spirometry with reversibility testing
- direct bronchial challenge test with histamine or methacholine
- fractional exhaled nitric oxide
- peak flow variability
how do you treat asthma in children under the age of 5
- start with a short acting beta 2 agonist inhaler (salbutamol)
- add low dose corticosteroid inhaler or leukotriene antagonist
- add the other option from step 2
- refer to specialist
how do you treat asthma in children aged 5-12
- salbutamol
- add a regular low dose corticosteroid
- add salmeterol (LABA)
- titrate up the corticosteroid
- consider adding oral leukotriene receptor antagonist or oral theophylline
- increase the dose of corticosteroid
- refer to specialist
how do you treat asthma in children over the age of 12
the same as in adults
1. salbutamol
2. low dose corticosteroid inhaler
3. LABA i.e salmeterol
4. titrate up the corticosteroid to medium dose
5. consider oral leukotriene receptor antagonist or oral theophylline or LAMA
6. titrate up the corticosteroid to high dose
combine additional treatments from step 5
7. add oral steroids and refer to specialist
how does pneumonia present
cough - wet, productive
high fever - >38.5
tachypnoea
tachycardia
increased work of breathing
lethargy
delirium
what are signs that indicate pneumonia
tachypnoea
tachycardia
hypoxia
hypotension
fever
confusion
what are the characteristic chest signs of pneumonia
bronchial breath sounds - harsh, loud on inspiration and expiration
focal coarse crackles - air passing through sputum
dullness to percussion - lung tissue collapse/consolidation
what are causes of pneumonia
strep. pneuminia
group A strep
group B strep
staph aureus
haem. influenzae
mycoplasma pneumonia
respiratory syncytial virus
parainfluenza virus
influenza virus
how is pneumonia investigated
chest X ray
sputum cultures/throat swabs
viral PCR
blood cultures
capillary blood gas
blood lactate
how is pneumonia managed
amoxicillin (plus adding a macrolide such as clarithromycin/azithromycin will cover atypical)
- macrolides used as monotherapy in patients with penicillin allergy
what is croup
croup is an acute infective respiratory disease affecting children 6 months to 2 years (normally)
it affects the upper respiratory tract
what are causes of croup
parainfluenza
influenza
adenovirus
RSV
diphtheria (rare)
how does croup present
increased work of breathing
barking cough (clusters)
hoarse voice
stridor
low grade fever
how is croup managed
can be managed at home with supportive treatment
during an attack sit the child up to help them breath
oral dexamethasone is very effective (150mcg/kg)
what stepwise options are there is severe croup to get control of symptoms
oral dexamethasone
oxygen
nebulised budesonide
nebulised adrenalin
intubation and ventilation
what is epiglottitis
inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis caused by infection
what is the typical cause of epiglottitis
haem. influenza type B
what are presentations that suggest a possible epiglottitis
sore throat and stridor
drooling
tripod position
high fever
difficulty or painful swallowing
muffled voice
scared and quiet child
septic and unwell appearance
what investigations are done for suspected epiglottitis
if the patient is acutely unwell and epiglottitis is suspected then investigations should not be performed
- can do lateral x ray of the neck (thumb sign)
how is epiglottitis managed
Emergency !
key think is to not distress the child as it can make the airway close
alert senior paediatrician and anaesthetits
- secure the airway via intubation
- potentially do a tracheostomy
- once the airway is secure give IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone) and steroids (dexamethasone)
what is a common complication of epiglottitis
epiglottic abscess - collection of pus around the epiglottis
what is laryngomalacia
it is a condition affecting infants where the part of the larynx above the vocal cords is structured in a way that allows it to cause partial airway obstruction
what are the structural changes in laryngomalacia
the aryepiglottic folds are shortened which pulls on the epiglottis and changes its shape to a characteristic omega shape
the tissue surrounding the supraglottic larynx is softer and has less tone than normal, meaning it can flow across the airway, which happens particularly in inspiration
how does laryngomalacia present
inspiratory stridor - becomes more prominent when feeding, upset, lying on their back, in upper respiratory tract infections
what is the management of laryngomalacia
the problem resolves as the larynx matures and grows, usually no interventions are required
- rarely a tracheostomy is necessary
- surgery can improve symptoms
what is whooping cough
it is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by bordetella pertussis
how does whooping cough present
starts with mild coryzal symptoms
low grade fever
more severe cough after about a week - paroxysmal cough
how is whooping cough diagnosed
nasopharyngeal or nasal swab with PCR testing or bacterial culture
where the cough has been present for more than 2 weeks patients can be tested for the anti-pertussis toxin immunoglobulin G
how is whooping cough managed
- its a notifiable disease - tell public health
- supportive care
- macrolide antibiotics: azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin (co-trimoxazole as alternative)
- close contacts given prophylactic antibiotics
what is a key complication of whooping cough
bronchiectasis
what is chronic lung disease of prematurity
typically occurs in babies under 28 weeks. They suffer respiratory distress syndrome, due to their lungs not being mature
what are features of chronic lung disease of prematurity
low oxygen saturations
increased work of breathing
poor feeding and weight gain
crackles and wheezes on chest auscultation
increased susceptibility to infection
how can you prevent chronic lung disease of prematurity
pre birth
- giving corticosteroids to mothers that show premature signs of labor (less than 36 weeks)
once the neonate is born
- use CPAP rather than intubation and ventilation where possible
- using caffeine to stimulate resp effort
- not over oxygenating with supplementary oxygen
how is chronic lung disease of prematurity managed longer term
sleep study to assess oxygen saturations during sleep
babies may be discharged from the neonatal unit with low dose oxygen to use at home
monthly injections of palivizumab to protect them against RSC and reduce the risk of bronchiolitis
what genetic mutation causes cystic fibrosis
mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory gene (CFTR) on chromosome 7
- most common is the delta - F508
what channels are affected in cystic fibrosis
chloride channels
what are the key consequences of the cystic fibrosis mutation
- thick pancreatic and biliary secretions causing blocked ducts and lack of digestive enzymes
- Low volume thick airway secretions
- congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens
how does cystic fibrosis present
meconium ileus is often the first sign
recurrent lower respiratory tract infections
failure to thrive
pancreatitis
how is cystic fibrosis screened for
it is screened for at birth with the newborn bloodspot test
what is primary ciliary dyskinesia
it is an autosomal recessive condition which affects the cilia of various cells in the body
what does primary ciliary dyskinesia cause dysfunction in
in motile cilia around the body, most notably in the respiratory tract leading to a build up of mucus in the lungs
also affects cilia in fallopian tubes in women
what is the Kartagner’s triad
it describes the three key features of primary cilia dyskinesia
- paranasal sinusitis
-bronchiectasis
-sinus inversus
what is sinus inversus
it is a condition where all the internal organs are mirrored in the body
- 25% of patients with sinus inversus have primary ciliary dyskinesia
- 50% of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia have sinus inversus
how is primary ciliary dyskinesia diagnosed
- patients typically present with recurrent respiratory tract infections
- examination
- chest x ray
- semen analysis can diagnose male infertility
Sample of ciliated epithelium = gives diagnosis
how can a sample of ciliated epithelium be obtained
nasal brushing or bronchoscopy
how is primary ciliary dyskinesia managed
daily physiotherapy
high calorie diet
antibiotics - prophylaxis
what are medical causes of abdominal pain
constipation
urinary tract infection
coeliac disease
IBD
IBS
mesenteric adenitis
abdominal migraine
pyelonephritis
henloch-schnlein purpura
tonsilitis
diabetic ketoacidosis
infantile colic
dysmenorrhoea
Mittelschmerz
ectopic pregnancy
PID
ovarian torsion
pregnancy
what are surgical causes of abdominal pain
appendicitis
intussusception
bowel obstruction
testicular torsion
what are red flags for serious abdominal pain
persistent or bilious vomiting
severe chronic diarrhoea
fever
rectal bleeding
weight loss or faltering growth
dysphagia
nighttime pain
abdominal tenderness
what investigations can be done which may indicate the abdominal pathology
- anaemia can indicate IBD/coeliac
- raised inflammatory markers can indicate IBD
- raised anti-TTG/EMA indicated coeliac
- raised faecal calprotectin indicated IBD
- positive urine dipstick indicated UTI
what is recurrent abdominal pain
a diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain is made when a child presents with repeated episodes of abdominal pain without an identifiable underlying cause
what other diagnosis does recurrent abdominal pain overlap with
abdominal migraine
irritable bowel syndrome
functional abdominal pain
what does recurrent abdominal pain often correspond with
stressful life events
- increased sensitivity and inappropriate pain signals from visceral nerves in the gut
what is the management for recurrent abdominal pain
distracting the child from the pain
encourage parents to not ask about the pain
advice about sleep, eating, diet, exercise, stress
probiotic supplements
avoid NSIADS
address psychological trigger and exacerbating factors
support from school
what is abdominal migraine
it is episodes of central abdominal pain which lasts more than 1 hour which may be associated with
- nausea and vomiting
- anorexia
- pallor
- headache
- photophobia
- aura
how are acute attacks of abdominal migraine managed
low stimulus environment
paracetamol
ibuprofen
sumatriptan
what are prevention medications used for abdominal migraine
pizotifen - serotonin agonist
propranolol
cyproheptadine - antihistamine
flunarazine
what are causes of constipation in children
idiopathic
functional constipation
Hirschsprungs
cystic fibrosis
hypothyroidism
spinal cord lesions
sexual abuse
intestinal obstruction
anal stenosis
cows milk intolerance
how does constipation present in children
less than 3 stools a week
hard stools that are difficult to pass
rabbit dropping stool
straining and painful passages of stool
abdominal pain
holding abnormal postures
rectal bleeding
faecal impaction causing overflow diarrhoea
hard stool may be palpable
loss of sensation of need to open bowels
what is encopresis
it is the term for faecal incontinence and is usually a sign of chronic constipation where the rectum becomes stretched and looses sensation
at what age is encopresis considered pathological
4 and above
what are other causes of encopresis other than chronic constipation
spinal bifida
Hirschprungs disease
cerebral palsy
learning disability
psychological stress
abuse
what lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of constipation
habitually not opening the bowels
low fibre diet
poor fluid intake and dehydration
sedentary lifestyle
psychological issues
what is desensitisation of the rectum
this is when patients keep ignoring the sensation of a full rectum and not opening their bowels, leading to a loss of that sensation and they start to retain faeces. This leads to faecal impaction which further exacerbates the problem
what are red flags in regard to constipation
not passing meconium within 48hrs of birth
neurological signs or symptoms
vomiting
ribbon stool - anal stenosis
abnormal anus
abnormal lower back or buttocks
failure to thrive
acute severe abdominal pain and bloating
what are complications of constipation
pain
reduced sensation
anal fissures
haemorrhoids
overflow and soiling
psychosocial morbidity
how is constipation managed
correct any reversible contributing factors - high fibre diet and good hydration
start laxatives - movicol
faecal impaction may require a disimpaction regimen with a high dose of laxatives at first
encourage and praise visiting the toilet
what causes in GORD in infants
in babies there is immaturity of the lower oesophageal sphincter which allows reflux easily
how does GORD in children present
signs of problematic reflux includes
0 chronic cough
- hoarse cry
- distress, crying or unsettled after feeding
- reluctance to feed
- pneumonia
- poor weight gain
children over 1 year - heartburn, acid regurgitation, retrosternal or epigastric pain, bloating and nocturnal cough
what are possible causes of vomiting in children
overfeeding
GORD
pyloric stenosis - projectile vomiting
gastritis or gastroenteritis
appendicitis
infections such as UTI, tonsillitis or meningitis
intestinal obstruction
bulimia
what are red flags of vomiting in children
not keeping any feed down
projectile or forceful vomiting
bile stained vomit
haematemesis or meleana
abdominal distension
reduced consciousness, bulging fontanelle or neurological signs
respiratory symptoms
blood in the stool
signs of infection
rash, angioedema and other signs of allergy
apnoea
how is GORD in children managed
conservative: small frequent meals, burping regularly, not over feeding, keep the baby upright after feeding
medical: Gaviscon mixed with food, thickened milk or formula, proton pump inhibitors
surgical: barium meal and endoscopy, surgical fundoplication
what is sandifers syndrome
it is a rare condition causing brief episodes of abnormal movements associated with gastroesophageal reflux in infants
what are the key features of sandifers syndrome in children
torticollis - forceful contraction of the neck muscles causing twisting of the neck
dystonia - abnormal muscle contractions causing twisting movements and arching of the back
what causes pyloric stenosis
hypertrophy and narrowing of the pylorus which prevents food traveling from the stomach into the duodenum
what age does pyloric stenosis present
the first few weeks of life
how does a child with pyloric stenosis typically present
thin
pale
failure to thrive
projectile vomiting
why do you get vomiting in pyloric stenosis
after feeding there is increasingly powerful peristalsis in the stomach as it tries to push food into the duodenum. This eventually becomes so powerful it ejects food into the oesophagus and out of the mouth
what might the stomach of a baby with pyloric stenosis feel like post feeding
firm round mass in the upper abdomen
what will a blood gas of a child with pyloric stenosis show
hypochloric (low chloride) metabolic alkalosis
- due to the vomiting of hydrochloric acid
how is pyloric stenosis diagnosed
abdominal ultrasound
how is pyloric stenosis treated
laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (Ramstedts operation)
- incision in the smooth muscle to widen it
what is acute gastritis
it is inflammation of the stomach
what is enteritis
it is inflammation of the intestines
what is gastroenteritis
it is inflammation all the way from the stomach to the intestines
how does gastroenteritis present
with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
what is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children
viral - rotavirus, norovirus, (and adenovirus)