Paeds GASTRO Flashcards
What is the cause of GOR in babies?
Inappropriate relaxation of the LOS (functional immaturity)
By when does GOR usuallly resolve?
12 months: if persistent, may be due to GORD
How is GOR diagnosed?
Clinical dx
24 hour LOS pH monitoring (it should remain > 4)
OGD
Recall the factors affecting choice to refer for GOR
Same day referral if haematemesis, melaena or dysphagia
Assess by paediatrician if there are:
1. Red flags (eg faltering growth)
2. Unexplained IDA
3. No improvement after 1 y/o
4. Feeding aversion
5. Suspected Sandifer’s syndrome
Refer if there are complications
Recall the management options for GOR
- Reassure: it’s v common!
- Must sleep on back
- If breast fed: assess breast-feeding, consider alginate for 1-2 weeks, if not: pharmacology
If formula-fed: review feeding hx, try a smaller, more frequent feed + thickened formula, if doesn’t work, try alginate
What safety net should you watch out for when assessing GORD?
Monitor vomit: if bloody or green seek medical attention
At what age does pyloric stenosis present?
2-8 weeks
Is pyloric stenosis more common in girls or boys?
Boys (4 x more common)
Recall a genetic association of pyloric stenosis
Turner’s syndrome
What is the main symptom of pyloric stenosis?
Projectile, non-billious vomiting
Recall 3 symptoms of pyloric stenosis other than vomiting
Weight loss
Depressed fontanelle from dehydration
Loss of interest in food
Recall some signs of pyloric stenosis
Palpable ‘olive’ mass
Visible peristalsis in upper abdomen
What will be the acid-base profile in pyloric stenosis?
Hypochloraemic, hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis may progress to a dehydrated lactic acidosis (opposite biochemial picture)
What is the best investigation for pyloric stenosis?
USS: shows target lesion of >3mm thickness
Do ABG to guide management
How should pyloric stenosis be managed?
- IV slow fluid resuscitation + correct any disturbances:
1.5 x maintenance rate
5% dextrose
0.45% saline - Laparoscopic Ramstedt pyloromyotomy
What are the symptoms of colic?
Inconsolable crying + drawing up of the hands + feet: child remains distressed between episodes
What should be considered if the colic is persistent?
Cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux
Try:
2 week trial of hydrosylate formula followed by
2 week trial of anti-reflux tx
In what age group is appendicitis less common, and what is a more likely cause of similar symptoms in this age group?
Rare in under 3s, then it’s more likely to be faecolith (stony mass of impacted faeces)
Recall the management of appendicitis in children
GAME
G: group + save
A: Abx IV
M: MRSA screen
E: eat + drink NBM
Then laparoscopic appendectomy
What is intussusception?
Invagination of proximal bowel into distant component (telescoping distally)
What is the most common site of intussusception?
Ileum through to caecum through ileocaecal valve (ileo-colic) - 90% cases
Recall the appearance of stool in intussusception, and the pathophysiology of how this happens
Red-currant jelly (blood + mucus) due to venous obstruction + compression –> oedema + mucosal bleeding
This is a LATE sign
What are the causes of intussusception?
Idiopathic
Physiological lead point: Peyer’s patch
Pathological lead point: malignancy, Meckel’s diverticulum, Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Thought to have a seasonal occurrence with viral illness with inflammatory processes triggering abdominal inflammation.
What are the symptoms of intussusception?
Intermittent colicky pain
Vomit - depending on type: may be bile-stained or not
Bloody stools (may be a late sign)