Paediatrics - endocrine, renal and urology Flashcards
what causes T1DM
when the pancreas stops to produce insulin, resulting in the body not being able to uptake glucose into cells
what cells in the pancreas produces insulin
beta cells in the islets of langerhans
what is glucagon
it is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. Is is released in response to low blood sugar and stress, and increases blood glucose levels
when does ketogenesis occur
when there is an insufficient supply of glucose and glycogen stores are exhausted the liver converts fatty acids to ketones
how does type 1 DM present
classical triad:
polydipsia
polyuria
weight loss
less typical presentations are secondary enuresis and recurrent infections
about 25-50 % of children present in diabetic ketoacidosis
how is a new diagnosis of T1DM established
Bloods - FBC, renal profile, glucose monitoring
blood cultures
HbA1C
thyroid function tests and TPO antibodies
anti- TTG
insulin antibodies, anti-GAD and islet cell antibodies
what is the general long term management of T1DM
subcut insulin regimes
monitoring dietary carbohydrate intake
monitoring blood sugar levels on waking, at each meal and before bed
monitoring for and managing complications
what insulin regimes are normally given in T1DM
background long acting and short acting insulin (injected 30mins pre meal) - basal bolus regime
what can injecting insulin into the same spot cause
lipodystrophy where the sub cut fat hardens and prevents normal absorption of insulin when further doses are injected into this area
what are two types of insulin pump
tethered pump
patch pump
what is an insulin pump
it is a small device that continually infuses insulin at different rates to control blood sugar levels.
the pump pushes insulin through a cannula which is replaced every 2-3 days
how old must a child be in order to qualify for an insulin pump
over 12
what are the advantages of using an insulin pump
better blood sugar control
more flexibility with eating
less injections
what are disadvantages of using an insulin pump
difficulties learning how to use a pump
having it attached at all times
blockages in the infusion set
small risk of infection
what is a tethered pump
these are devices with replaceable infusion sets and insulin
they usually attach to patients belt or round waist which connects to the cannula
the controls for the infusion are on the pump
what is a patch pump
this sits directly on the skin without any visible tubes
when they run out of insulin the whole patch is disposed of and new pump is attaches
normally controlled by separate remote
what are short term complications of T1DM
Hypoglycaemia
hyperglycaemia and DKA
what are treatment options for severe hypoglycaemia
IV dextrose and IM glucagon
what are the macrovascular complications of T1DM
coronary artery disease
peripheral ischaemia - diabetic foot
stroke
hypertension
what are the microvascular complications of T1DM
peripheral neuropathy
retinopathy
kidney disease - glomerulosclerosis
what monitoring is done in those with T1DM
HbA1c - glycated haemoglobin measured every 3-6 months
capillary blood glucose
flash glucose monitoring - sensor on the skin that measures glucose in the interstitial fluid
what is the pathophysiology of diabetic ketoacidosis
when cells in the body have no fuel (glucose) they initiate the process of ketogenesis.
over time ketone acids use up bicarbonate (produced by kidneys) and the blood becomes acidic
why do patients in DKA get dehydrated
hyperglycaemia overwhelms the kidneys and glucose starts being filtered into the urine
the glucose in the urine draws water out with it
this causes the patient to urinate a lot
this stimulates excessive drinking
why does DKA cause potassium imbalance
insulin normally drives potassium into the cells
without insulin serum potassium can be high/normal due to compensation by the kidneys where as the total body potassium is low as no potassium is stored in cells
when treatment with insulin starts the patient may develop a severe hypokalaemia
what can children in DKA develop
cerebral oedema
what causes cerebral oedema in DKA
dehydration and high blood sugar concentration cause water to move from the intracellular to extracellular space in the brain
this causes brain cells to shrink and become dehydrated
rapid correction of dehydration and hyperglycemia with fluids and insulin causes a rapid shift in water in the brain and can cause the brain to swell and become oedematous
what are signs of cerebral oedema in those with DKA
headaches
altered behaviour
bradycardia
changes to consciousness
what is the treatment for cerebral oedema in DKA
slowing IV fluids
IV mannitol
IV hypertonic saline
how does DKA present
polyuria
polydipsia
nausea and vomiting
weight loss
acetone smell to their breath
dehydration and hypotension
antlered consciousness
symptoms of underlying trigger
how is DKA diagnosed
hyperglycaemia - blood glucose >11mmol/l
ketosis- blood ketones > 3mmol/l
acidosis - pH <7.3
what is the principles of DKA management in children
- correct dehydration evenly over 48 hours
- give a fixed rate insulin infusion
need to prevent hypoglycaemia by adding IV
dextrose once glucose falls below 14mmol/l
add potassium to IV fluids and monitor serum potassium closely
what is adrenal insufficiency
it is where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones particularly cortisol and aldosterone
what is addisons disease
primary adrenal insufficiency
this is when the adrenal glands have been damaged resulting in reduced secretion of cortisol and aldosterone
what causes secondary adrenal insufficiency
inadequate ACTH stimulating the adrenal glands resulting in low cortisol being released
- loss or damage to the pituitary gland
what causes tertiary adrenal insufficiency
result of inadequate CRH by the hypothalamus
what is a common cause of tertiary adrenal insufficiency
long term oral steroids (more than three weeks) causing suppression of the hypothalamus
what are features of adrenal insufficiency in babies
lethargy
vomiting
poor feeding
hypoglycaemia
jaundice
failure to thrive
what are features of adrenal insufficiency in older children
nausea and vomiting
poor weight gain or weight loss
reduced appetite
abdominal pain
muscle weakness or cramps
developmental delay or poor academic performance
bronze hyperpigmentation to skin in addisons caused by high ACTH levels
what investigations are done in a child with suspected adrenal insufficiency
bloods - U+E, blood glucose, FBC
cortisol, ACTH, aldosterone and renin levels
Short synacthen test
what is seen on bloods in primary adrenal failure
low cortisol
high ACTH
low aldosterone
high renin
what is seen on bloods in secondary adrenal insufficiency
low cortisol
low ACHT
normal aldosterone
normal renin
what is the Short Synacthen test
used to confirm adrenal insufficiency
- give patient synacthen (synthetic ACTH)
- blood cortisol is measures at baseline, 30 and 60 minutes after administration
- failure of cortisol to rise indicates primary adrenal insufficiency
how is adrenal insufficiency managed
replacement of steroids
- hydrocortisone for cortisol
- fludrocortisone for aldosterone
monitor patient closely for: growth and development, blood pressure, U+E, glucose, bone profile and vitamin D
what needs to happen during acute illness if someone is on steroids
their dose of steroid needs to be increased and given more regularly until the illness has resolved
blood sugar needs to be monitored closely
with D+V they need an IM injection of steroid at home and likely need IV steroids
what is an addisonian crisis
this is an acute presentation of severe addisons where the absence of steroid hormones result in a life threatening condition
how can patients present in addisonian crisis
reduced consciousness
hypotension
hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, hyperlalaemia
what is the management of an Addisonian crisis
intensive monitoring
parenteral steroids - IV hydrocortisone
IV fluid resuscitation
correct hypoglycaemia
what is congenital adrenal hyperplasia
it is a condition caused by congenital deficiency of the 21 hydroxylase enzyme causing underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone and an over production of androgens from birth
what is the inheritance pattern of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
autosomal recessive
a deficiency in what enzyme causes congenital adrenal hyperplasia
21 hydroxylase
- small number of cases caused by deficiency of 11 beta hydroxylase
what is the pathophysiology of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
21 hydroxylase in an enzyme required for converting progesterone into aldosterone and cortisol
in CAH there is a defect in the 21 hydroxylase enzyme meaning there is excess progesterone which is converted into testosterone instead
what is the presentation of severe congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- female patients with CAH present with ambiguous genitalia and enlarged clitoris
- babies with severe CAH can present shortly after birth with hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and hypoglycaemia
how do patients with mild congenital adrenal hyperplasia present
present during childhood or after puberty
Female patients - tall for age, facial hair, absent periods, deep voice, early puberty
male patients - tall for their age, deep voice, large penis, small testes, early puberty
what is the management for congenital adrenal hyperplasia
cortisol replacements - hydrocortisone
aldosterone replacements - fludrocortisone
female patients with ‘virilised’ genitals may require corrective surgery
where is growth hormone produced
by the anterior pituitary gland
what is growth hormone responsible for
it is responsible for stimulating cell reproduction and the growth of organs, muscles, bones and increase height
what does growth hormone stimulate the release of
the release of insulin like growth factor 1 by the liver
what is congenital growth hormone deficiency
the disruption to the growth hormone axis at the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland
what can cause congenital growth hormone deficiency
genetic mutation - GH1 or GHRHR genes
empty sella syndrome where the pituitary gland is underdeveloped or damaged
what can cause acquired growth hormone deficiency
infection
trauma
interventions - surgery
how does growth hormone deficiency present
micropenis in males
hypoglycaemia
severe jaundice
in older infants and children it can present as
poor growth, usually stopping/slowing at 2-3
short stature
slow development of movement and strength
delayed puberty
what investigations can be done to diagnose growth hormone deficiency
growth hormone stimulation test - give glucagon/insulin/arginine/clonidine which stimulates growth hormone and look at the response
test other hormone deficiencies
MRI brain
genetic testing - turners or prader-willi
X ray or DEXA scan to determine bone age
how is growth hormone deficiency treated
referral to paediatric endocrinology
- daily subcutaneous injections of growth hormone (somatropin)
- treatment of other associated hormone deficiencies
- close monitoring of height and development
what is congenital hypothyroidism
this is where a child is born with an underactive thyroid gland
can be a result of underdeveloped thyroid gland or a fully developed gland that isnt producing enough hormone
when would you pick up congenital hypothyroidism in a newborn
during the newborn blood spot screening test
how might patients with congenital hypothyroidism present
prolonged neonatal jaundice
poor feeding
constipation
increased sleeping
reduced activity
slow growth and development
what is acquired hypothyroidism
this is where a child/adolescent develops an underactive thyroid when it was previously functioning normally
what is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism
autoimmune hypothyroidism - Hashimotos due to anti-TPO and antithyroglobulin abs
how might a child with Hashimotos present
fatigue and low energy
poor growth
weight gain
poor school performance
constipation
dry skin and hair loss
how is hypothyroidism managed in children
referral to a paediatric endocrinologist
- full thyroid function tests and abs
- levothyroxine orally once per day
what is precocious puberty
this is a condition where secondary sexual characteristics appear before 8 in girls and 9 in boys
what are risk factors of precocious puberty
brain tumours
cranial irradiation
McCune-Albright syndrome
gonadal tumours
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
what is the pathophysiology of precocious puberty
centrally mediated: HPG axis is prematurely activated leading to increased serum gonadotropins, the pattern of endocrine change is the same as in normal puberty
Other: secretion of sex steroids is done independent of the hypothalamic GnRH pulse. There is a loss of feedback regulation. Pubertal develop doesnt follow a normal pattern
how is precocious puberty diagnosed
detailed history and exam, parental history and social history
compare growth with previous growth charts
Tanners staging
Prader orchidometer
BLOODS!!
how is precocious puberty managed
GnRH analogues given nasally, subcut or IM in order to suppress secretion of pituitary gonadotropins
- helps to reduce gonadal maturation and reduces skeletal maturation
what is delayed puberty
in males > 14 years
in females > 14 with no breast development or absence of menarche >= 16
what age does puberty start in boys and girls
boys = 9-15
girls = 8-14
what is hypogonadism
this is a lack of sex hormones, oestrogen and testosterone
what are the two causes of hypogonadism
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
what is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
it is a deficiency in FDH and LH (gonadotrophins) leading to a deficiency in testosterone and oestrogen
what can cause Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
- previous damage: radiotherapy, surgery
- growth hormone deficiency
- hypothyroidism
- hyperprolactinaemia
- serious chronic conditions
- excessive dieting or exercising
- constitutional delay in growth and development
- Kallman syndrome
what is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
this is where the gonads fail to respond to stimulation from the gonadotrophins
no negative feedback means the anterior pituitary produces large amounts of LH and FSH
what are causes of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
previous damage to the gonads - torsion, cancer, infection i.e mumps
congenital absence of testes or ovaries
Kleinfelters syndrome (XXY)
Turners syndrome (XO)
what is the threshold for initiating investigations in delayed puberty
when there is no evidence of pubertal changes in a girl aged 13 or a boy aged 14
how is hypogonadism diagnosed
history and exam
assess weight, height, stage of pubertal development
Bloods - FBC, ferritin, U+E, anti TTG or EMA
hormonal testing - FSH and LH, TFT, GH, IGF1, prolactin
genetic testing
imaging - X-ray wrists, pelvic USS, MRI brain
what is Kallmann syndrome
a type of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism - it is characterised by absent or delayed puberty and a lack or loss of sense of smell
what is the pathophysiology of Kallmann syndrome
Genes associated with Kallmann syndrome disrupt the migration of olfactory nerve cells and GnRH producing nerve cells in the developing brain causing an underdevelopment in GnRH production as well as a change in sense of smell
what are the symptoms of Kallmann syndrome
Lack of breast development and menstrual periods in females
no development of sex characteristics in males at puberty - enlarged penis, low voice, hair growth
short stature
anosmia
fatigue
weight gain
mood changes
low sex drive
infertility
what other features unrelated to reproductive health may people with Kallmann syndrome have
renal agenesis - one kidney doesn’t develop
cleft lip and palate
dental abnormalities
poor balance
scoliosis
eye movement issues
how is Kallman syndrome diagnosed
lack of sexual maturity during puberty prompts investigation
- history and examination
- hormone evaluation
- olfactory function testing
- MRI
- genetic testing
How is Kallmann syndrome treated
hormone replacement therapy
- testosterone injections
- oestrogen and progesterone pills/patches
- GnRH injections used to induce ovulation in females
- HCG injections can be used to increase sperm count in males and increase fertility in females
unable to treat anosmia
how do babies present with UTI
fever
lethargy
irritability
vomiting
poor feeding
urinary frequency
what are symptoms of UTI in older infants and children
fever
abdominal pain - suprapubic
vomiting
dysuria
urinary frequency
incontinence
when is a diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis made
when there is either:
a temperature >38
loin pain or tenderness
what is the ideal urine sample for diagnosing UTI
clean catch - avoiding contamination
what will be present in a urine sample in a patient with UTI
Nitrites - suggestive of bacteria
Leukocytes
what is the management of UTI in children
all children under 3 months with a fever should start immediate IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone) have a full septic screen and maybe LP
oral antibiotics will be considered in children over 3 months if otherwise well
- trimethoprim
- nitrofurantoin
- cefalexin
- amoxicillin
when does a patient with recurrent UTI require ultrasound scans
- all children under 6 months with their first UTI should have USS within 6 weeks
- children with recurrent UTIs should have UTI within 6 weeks
- Children with atypical UTIs should have USS during illness
what investigations should be done in a child having recurrent UTI
Ultrasound scans
DMSA scan
Micturating cystourethrogram
what is a DSMA scan
where a radioactive material (DSMA) is injected an using a gamma camera you can visualise this being taken up into the kidneys. Areas where the DSMA isnt taken up indicates scarring that may be a result of previous infection
what is Vesivo-uteric reflux
this is where urine can flow from the bladder back into the ureters. This predisposes patients to developing upper urinary tract infections and scarring
how is Vesico-uteric reflux diagnosed
using micturating cystourethrogram
how is vesico-uteric reflux managed
depends on the severity
- avoid constipation
- avoid excessively full bladder
- prophylactic antibiotics
- surgical input
what is a micturating cystourethrogram
it involves catheterising the patient and injecting contrast into the bladder and taking a series of X-rays to determine whether the contrast is refluxing into the ureters
what is micturating cystourethrogram used for
investigate atypical or recurrent UTIs in children under 6 months
vesico-uteric reflux
dilation of the ureter
poor urinary flow
what is vulvovaginitis
it refers to inflammation and irritation of the vulva and vagina
- common between ages 3-10
what causes vulvovaginitis
irritation caused by sensitive and thin skin and mucosa
- wet nappies
- use of chemicals or soaps when cleaning
- tight clothing
- poor toilet hygiene
- constipation
- threadworms
- pressure i.e horse-riding
- heavily chlorinated pools
how does vulvovaginitis present
soreness
itching
erythema around the labia
vaginal discharge
dysuria
constipation
urine dipstick - leukocytes with no nitrites
how is vulvovaginitis treated
generally no medical treatment is required and management focuses on simple measures
- avoid washing with soap/chemicals
- avoid perfumed or antiseptic products
- good toilet hygiene
- keep area dry
- emollients
- loose clothing
- treat constipation and worms if applicable
- avoid activities that exacerbate the issue
what is nephrotic syndrome
when the basement membrane in the glomerulus becomes highly permeable to protein, allowing proteins to leak into the urine
what are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome
frothy urine
generalised oedema
pallor
what are the features of nephrotic syndrome
Triad:
low serum albumin
high proteinuria (3+)
oedema
also have deranged lipid profile with high cholesterol, triglycerides and LDLP, high blood pressure and hypercoagulability
what are causes of nephrotic syndrome
minimal change disease - most common
focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
Henoch schonlein purpura
diabetes
infection - HIV, hepatitis, malaria
what is minimal change disease
common cause of nephrotic syndrome where on renal biopsy and microscopy there is minimal/no abnormalities seen
what does urinalysis in minimal change disease show
small molecular weight proteins and hyaline casts
what is the management of minimal change disease
corticosteroids - prednisolone
how is nephrotic syndrome managed
High dose steroids given for 4 weeks and then gradually weaned
low salt diet
diuretics to treat oedema
albumin infusions in severe hypalbuminaemia
antibiotic prophylaxis
what are the different steroid responses in nephrotic syndrome
- steroid sensitive - response to steroids (80%)
- steroid dependent - struggle to wean of steroids due to relapse
- steroid resistant - dont respond
what are steroid resistant children given to treat nephrotic syndrome
ACE inhibitors
immunosuppressants - cyclosporin, rituximab
what are complications of nephrotic syndrome
hypovolaemia as fluid leaks into interstitial space
thrombosis
infection as kidneys leak immunoglobulins
acute or chronic renal failure
relapse
what is nephritis
inflammation within the nephrons of the kidneys causing reduced kidney function, haematuria and proteinuria
what are the two most common causes of nephritis in children
Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy