paeds level 2 conditions (pack 2) Flashcards
Primary headaches in children? 2 (which is most common)
Common secondary causes of headaches in children? 4
rare, but serious, secondary causes of headaches in children? (3 more acute in onset, 2 more insidious)
PRIMARY
- stress / tension
= migraine
migraine without aura is most common cause of primary headache in children
- aura is rare in children!
COMMON SECONDARY
- eye strain
- dental problems
- sinusitis
- analgesic headache (overuse: esp in teens)
nb headaches are rare in younger children!
RARE SECONDARY
ACUTE:
= meningitis (only get in older kids)
= trauma
- carbon monoxide posioning
INSIDIOUS
- space occupying lesion
- hypertension (esp overweight teenagers)
Features of a stress headache in children?
go through socrates
S = frontal, often bilateral
O
- gradual
- occurs during the day
- not present on waking
C = pressing / tightening
R = no radiation
A = no associated symptoms
T = timing relates to stress (school etc)
E
- not aggravated by routine physical activity
- stress exacerbates
S
- mild or moderate
- may inhibit but does not prohibit activity
no nausea or vomiting
may have photophobia OR photophobia but not both
Features of a migraine without aura in children?
go through socrates
what is the diagnostic criteria in children?
nb 80% of children with migraines don’t have an aura (so 20% do! - so always ask!)
S
- bilateral or unilateral
- frontal
O = variable
C = pulsating
R = no radiation
A
- nausea and/or vomiting
- photophobia + photophobia (may be inferred from behaviour)
T = lasts 4-72 hours
E
- aggravated by routine physical activity
- may be brought on by chocolate, cheese, food additives etc
S
- moderate to severe intensity
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:
A)
>= 5 attacks fulfilling features B to D
B)
Headache attack lasting 4-72 hours
C)
Headache has at least two of the following four features:
- bilateral or unilateral (frontal/temporal) location
- pulsating quality
- moderate to severe intensity
- aggravated by routine physical activity
D)
At least one of the following accompanies headache:
- nausea and/or vomiting
- photophobia AND phonophobia (may be inferred from behaviour)
nb also often have a positive FHx for migraines!
nb don’t bother learning exact diagnostic criteria! - just be aware
Paediatric migraine without aura:
- acute management? 2
- options for prophylaxis? 2
ACUTE MANAGEMENT
- ibuprofen
- nasal triptans (if over 12)
nb nasal triptans are poorly tolerated by children (dt taste in back of mouth) but oral triptans aren’t licensed under age 18
nb side effects of triptans:
- tingling
- heat
- heaviness / pressure sensation
PROPHYLAXIS
- migraine diary to identify triggers
- no clear guidelines, use medications if severe
- in practice PIZOTIFEN and PROPRANOLOL are often used first line
(2nd line: valproate, topiramate + amitryptiline)
RED FLAGS FOR HEADACHES IN CHILDREN:
- features of headache? 5 (incl exacerbating features)
- associated symptoms? 6
- findings on exam? 4
- PMHx? 3
- what to consider doing if find these?
- acute onset of severe pain
- pain wakes child at night
- pain present on waking or worse in early morning
- pain worse on lying
- pain worse on coughing, sneeze, exercise
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS
- blurred vision
- vomiting
- fever (with worsening headache)
- non-blanching rash
- impaired consciousness
- developmental regression or personality change
nb neck stiffness and photophobia may indicate meningitis but, in kids the former could just indicate a viral infection, and the latter a migraine
SIGNS:
- HTN
- papilloedema
- increasing head circumference
- focal neuro signs
PMHx
- hx of head trauma (in last 3 months)
- hx of seizures
- bleeding disorder
consider head imaging if suggestive of raised ICP
- consider investigation (eg LP) + management of meningitis if suspect that
What should you always consider when a child presents with a head injury?
How do you rule this in/out?
other questions to ask about in head injury:
- symptoms to ask about? 7
- What PMHx to ask about? 1
- what examinations to do? 3
whether it could be a non-accidental injury (NAI)
by taking a thorough history from child + parents and making sure the story and mechanism matches with the symptoms + signs found on exam
- also any signs of a delay in presentation may also make you suspicious (if any delay, ask why!)
- mechanism of injury?
- any LOC? (if witnessed, how long?)
- any seizures? (if so, ask about epilepsy hx)
- any amnesia? (how long)
- abnormal drowsiness
- vomiting? (how many
discrete episodes) - any blood or fluid from ears or nose?
- ANY INJURIES TO ANYWHERE ELSE?
PMHx
- Any bleeding disorders
EXAMS
- full neuro exam
- opthalmascope to see funds (also check pupils)
- examine whole head for bruising, size, fontanelle etc
When to perform a CT head scan on a child presenting with a head injury:
- if have any of these risk factors, how fast should a CT scan be done?
- mechanism of injury?
- symptoms following the injury?
- GCS score?
- other findings on exam? (incl 2 just for age under 1 year)
- which of these are indications for immediate CT on their own and which need 2 or more? if latter, how long do they need to be observed for?
perform CT scan within an hour (and provisionally report within an hour of scan being done)
MECHANISM
= suspicion of non-accidental injury (NAI)
- dangerous mechanism of injury (see definition below)
dangerous mechanism:
- high-speed road traffic accident either as pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle occupant
- fall from a height of greater than 3 metres
- high-speed injury from a projectile or other object
SYMPTOMS
= post-traumatic seizure (with no PMHx of epilepsy)
- LOC lasting more than 5 mins (witnessed)
- abnormal drowsiness
- three or more discrete episodes of vomiting
- Amnesia (antegrade or retrograde) lasting more than 5 minutes (assessment of amnesia will not be possible in preverbal children and is unlikely to be possible in children aged under 5 years)
GCS
= GCS <14 on initial assessment in ED (or <15 for infants under 1)
= GCS <15 at 2 hours after the injury
OTHER FINDINGS ON EXAM
= suspected open or depressed skull fracture
= any signs of basal skull fracture (see other flashcard)
= tense fontanelle
= for children under 1, presence of bruise, swelling or laceration of >5cm on head
= focal neurological deficit
For risk factors with ‘=’, just need one to do an urgent CT, for risk factors with ‘-‘ need 2 or more, if only 1, observe in ED for 4 hours and if, during observation, you see:
- GCS <15
- further vomiting
- further episode of abnormal drowsiness
then order urgent CT
nb don’t learn this totally off by heart (if in ED etc, google nice head injury guidelines) but good to be aware - and ask these questions in a Hx
What are the signs of a possible basal skull fracture? 5
- blood from ears (haemotympanum)
- CSF from ears
- CSF from nose
- ‘panda’ eyes
- battle’s sign (bruising behind ear)
HYDROCEPHALUS:
- what are the two mechanisms / groups of causes? (give 3 causes of each)
- what congenital condition are they more common in?
OBSTRUCTIVE
- aka non-communicating)
= dt a structural pathology blocking the flow of CSF, dilatation of the ventricular system is seen superior to site of obstruction
OBSTRUCTIVE CAUSES:
- developmental abnormalities (eg aqueduct stenosis)
- tumours
- acute haemorrhage (eg SAH or intraventricular haemorrhage)
NON-OBSTRUCTIVE
- aka communicating
= due to an imbalance of CSF production and/or absorption
- either caused by an increased production of CSF or, more commonly, a failure of reabsorption at the arachnoid granulations
COMMUNICATING CAUSES - meningitis - post-haemorrhagic - choroid plexus tumour (very rare) ^top 2 are reduced absorption, last one is increased production
MORE COMMON if have SPINAL BIFIDA (or other neural tube defects)
HYDROCEPAHLUS:
- most common presenting complaint in infants?
- other possible symptom in infant?
- symptoms in older children? 2
- what two examinations to do?
- signs on examination? 6
- simple bedside investigations to do? 2 (and findings with these)
most commonly = CONCERNS ABOUT INCREASING HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE
- also developmental delay
OLDER CHILDREN (ie after sutures fused)
- headache
- vomiting (and other symptoms of raised ICP)
EXAMS
- full neuro exam
- developmental assessment
FINDINGS
- full anterior fontanelle (may also be large)
- prominent scalp veins
- downward turned eyes (sun setting sign)
- hyperreflexia
- spasticity
- poor head control (also other developmental delay)
INVESTIGATIONS
- measure (+ plot) head circumference (increasing rate of growth)
- fundoscopy with opthlmascope (papilloedema)
HYDROCEPHALUS:
- main DDx? how to differentiate?
- first line imaging?
- when to do an LP?
constitutionally big head
- commonest cause of a big head is having parents with big heads (ask about parental head size!)
- rate of head growth is important - if it’s following centile line then is fine
CT is first line
- although may need MRI later down the line
LUMBAR PUNCTURE
- can be useful as samples CSF, measure opening pressure and relieve symptoms BUT can only use if non-obstructive/communicating cause
- if obstructive then the difference in cranial and spinal pressures induced by CSF drainage may result in brain herniation!!
HYDROCEPHALUS:
- management if acute and severe?
- longer-term management?
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is used in acute, severe hydrocephalus and is typically inserted into the right lateral ventricle and drains into a bag at the bedside
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a long-term CSF diversion technique that drains CSF from the ventricles to the peritoneum
- is tunnelled under skinned can be felt behind ear
In obstructive hydrocephalus, the treatment may involve surgically treating the obstructing pathology
NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS:
- what is it?
- what age does it affect?
- classic triad of symptoms
- DDx? 2
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a unique form of non-obstructive hydrocephalus characterised by large ventricles (ie on CT scan) but normal intracranial pressure
affects older individuals (gradual onset over age 40years)
- ie irrelevant to paeds but good to know!
SYMPTOMS:
1) dementia
2) disturbed gait
3) incontinence
DDx
- Parkinson’s (dt gait changes)
- alzheimers (dt cognitive dysfunction)
PLAGIOCEPHALY:
- what is it?
- what causes it?
- red flags to ask about? 3
Very common asymmetry of the skull with normal head circumference
- parents may also complain that they only have head to one side
Flat area on the back or one side of the head – caused by remaining supine for too long: baby sleeping position – or neglect? Lack of interaction?
- should be no associated symptoms
- does not affect the brain, is cosmetic
RED FLAGS
- any neuro symptoms
- any developmental delay
- any increase in rate of head circumference growth
PLAGIOCEPHALY:
- how to explain to parents?
- management? 3
REASSURE PARENTS
- very normal
- due to lying on back a lot
- the asymmetry will become less with growth and does not cause problems (though management can speed up the changes)
MANAGEMENT
- increase ‘tummy time’
- alter position of sleeping + position of toys (children will turn to what’s interesting!)
- alleviate pressure for head whilst in car seat
nb head-shaping helmets preserve head but have no medical benefit and are a pain! - other options are better and less invasive!
ask parents if child sleeps in same room as them, what side are they to the cot, babies will often favour this side, so switch it around a bit!
HAEMATURIA:
- two broad types?
- things which may mimic one of these types, but dipstick will be negative? 2
VISIBLE (aka macroscopic)
- ie can see with naked eye a dark urine
NON-VISIBLE (aka microscopic)
- urine looks normal but blood found on dipstick
if urine looks dark but no blood on dipstick think:
- food (beetroot, rhubarb)
- drugs (rifampicin, doxorubicin)
DDx of HAEMATURIA in children:
- transient causes? 3
- infection related? 2
- autoimmune/inflammatory causes? 3
- oncological causes? 1
- genetic causes? 4
- other causes? 4
TRANSIENT
- rigorous exercise
- fever
- foreign bodies / trauma
- menses (in girls)
INFECTION
- UTI
- Haemolytic ureic syndrome (HUS)
AUTOIMMUNE / INFLAM
- IgA nephropathy (aka Berger disease)
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura
- post-infective glomerulonephritis
- goodpasture syndrome (rare autoimmune attack of lung and kidney basement membranes)
ONCOLOGY
- Wilms tumour
GENETIC
- Sickle cell trait
- benign familial haematuria (aka thin-basement membrane nephropathy)
- Alport syndrome
- polycystic kidneys
OTHER
- medications
- coagulopathy (nb this could be genetic)
- kidney / urinary stones (rare in kids, unless familial)
- recurrent haematuria syndrome
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF:
- IgA nephropathy (aka Berger disease)
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura
- post-infective glomerulonephritis
including how to differentiate between them
IgA NEPHROPATHY
- aka Berger disease
- commonest cause of chronic glomerulonephritis
= visible painless, intermittent haematuria, followed by on-going non- visible haematuria
- visible develops 1-2 days after URTI (or UTI or gastroenteritis)
- proteinuria is rare
- renal failure seen in a minority (at this stage can see IgA complexes if do renal biopsy)
- no effective treatment, although immunosuppressives can help some
HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA
- triad of: acute joint swelling, abdominal pain, purpuric rash
- 40% will also have renal involvement (from mild haematuria to AKI)
- is an IgA-mediated vasculitis
- HSP is self-limiting
POST-INFECTIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
- occurs 1-3 weeks after streptococcal throat infection (or skin infection)
- often have proteinuria and low complement as well as haematuria (coca cola urine)
- thus can get oedema, HTN and oliguria as well
- creatinine is raised in 2/3rds of patients
- treatment is supportive, 80-90% have complete recovery
Both IgA nephropathy and post-infective glomerulonephritis have haematuria and follow an URTI, but IgA is 1-3 days after, instead of 1-3 weeks
- also post-infective often have proteinuria and low complement too
- also IgA have repeatedly with alternating visible and non-visible
although both IgA nephropathy and HSP are about IgA antibodies, HSP is a vasculitis (so you get the main triad of rash, joints, abdo pain) whereas IgA is more chronic and only affects kidneys
benign familial haematuria (aka thin-basement membrane nephropathy)
- short description?
- incl how to diagnose
- autosomal dominant
- get microscopic haematuria due to an abnormally thin glomerular basement membrane
- is benign
to make diagnosis
- evidence of haematuria in 3 generation
- with NO family history of renal failure, dialysis and/or transplantation
Alport syndrome:
- how inherited?
- triad of features?
X-linked disease which causes problems with collagen
1) glomerulonephritis
2) end-stage kidney disease
3) hearing loss
Hematuria is usually discovered in childhood in boys with Alport syndrome
Proteinuria develops later in childhood and 90% will reach end-stage renal failure by the age of 40
Hearing loss and ocular abnormalities become apparent by late childhood or early adolescence
Transient haematuria:
- investigations to consider?
- management (if sure no other cause)?
INVESTIGATION
- urine culture
- screening for bleeding disorders
- USS
^nb these may not always be done!
if history is negative for anything else and haematuria can be explained by exertion, fever or intercurrent illness then send away and REPEAT DIPSTICK in a few weeks to see if gone
nb if proteinuria as well as haematuria then take this more seriously
HAEMOLYTIC URAEMIC SYNDROME (HUS)
- age group normally in?
- by far the most common cause?
- what proceeded by?
- triad of features?
- symptoms that may present with? / to ask about? 4 (think about what symptoms that triad would give)
most common cause of AKI in children (followed by dehydration/sepsis)
- older infants + toddlers (ie under 5)
90% are secondary to toxin-producing e.coli 0157 infection (‘typical’)
nb can also rarely be secondary to pneumococcal infection, HIV, SLE, drugs and cancer
also can get primary HUS (‘atypical’) which is due to complement dysregulation
E COLI 0157
Initial symptoms typically include bloody diarrhoea (though not always bloody), fever, vomiting, and weakness. Kidney problems and low platelets then occur as the diarrhoea is improving.
1) haemolytic anaemia
2) thrombocytopenia
3) AKI
- pale + fatigue
- unexplained bleeding or bruising (eg purpuric rash)
- reduction in urine output
nb unlike most other causes of haematuria - these kids are normally clinically really quite ill!!!
- way to differentiate from HSP!
HAEMOLYTIC URAEMIC SYNDROME (HUS)
- investigations? (2 bedside, 2 bloods)
- management options? 3
- possible complications?
- urine dipstick
- stool culture
- FBC (anaemia, thrombocytopenia, fragmented blood film)
- U+Es (show AKI)
MANAGEMENT:
- mainly supportive (may need dialysis)
- plasma infusion + plasma exchange (if severe)
(- monoclonal antibodies if severe or CNS involvement)
80% recover completely
nb antibiotics not needed (even though caused by a bacteria initially but have no effect as symptoms are due to toxins which have already been produced)
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- chronic renal failure
- encephalopathy
Qs to ask child presenting with HAEMATURIA:
- associated urinary symptoms?
- other localised symptoms?
- other systemic features?
- general PMHx? 5
- recent PMHx? 1
- FHx? 4
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:
- what is urine like: smelly? visible blood? frothy?
- pain on urination (UTI)
- nocturia (UTI)
- reduced urinary output (AKI dt HUS)
- abdo pain (HSP, kidney stones, UTI, Wilms tumour)
- diarrhoea (any blood? - HUS)
- vomiting (UTI)
- fever (UTI, HUS)
- fatigue (HUS)
- rash (HSP, HUS)
- joint pain (HSP)
PMHx
- ever had this before?
- started periods yet??? (if girl)
- sickle cell
- coagulopathies
- hearing problems (alport)
- any recent infection? (URTI or GI) how long ago?
(IgA is 1-3 days after, post- strep 1-3 weeks)
FHx
- haematuria or kidney problems (aport, thin basement membrane, polycystic kidneys, IgA nephropathy)
- kidney stones
- sickle cell
- bleeding disorders
ANY CONSANGUINITY (a lot are recessive so more common if related)
also keep suspicion for NAI as may all be due to trauma
HAEMATURIA
- exam to do?
- what may find on exam? 8 (and what does each sign point towards)
vitals may find temp and/or HTN
ABDO EXAM
- pale (HUS)
- dry mucus membranes (dehydration secondary to HUS, UTI)
- purpuric rash (HUS, around bum for HSP)
- abdo tenderness (HSP)
- abdominal mass (Wilms, polycystic, hydronephrosis secondary to stones)
- ascites (post-strep)
- joint swelling / tenderness (HSP)
- legs for oedema (post-strep)
nb in all kids you must also check:
- ear
- nose
- throat
- listen heart
- listen lungs
First line investigations for haematuria:
- bedside? 3
- bloods? 3
- imaging to consider?
- urine dipstick
- urine culture
- urine PCR
- FBC (platelets in HUS, bleeding disorder)
- U+Es (AKI)
- CRP (infection)
(can also do albumin if any proteinuria)
USS is norm first line to pick up stones, polycystic, hydronephrosis, Wilms etc
can do CT or more fancy studies, even a renal biopsy
HAEMATURIA
- red flags in history? 5
- red flags on examination? 5
- red flag on dipstick? 1
HISTORY
- child is also unwell / dehydrated
- urine is frothy and bloody
- reduction in urine output
- history of trauma to abdomen
- positive FHx for any inherited conditions (except thin basement membrane)
EXAM
- raised BP
- pale
- unwell with purpuric rash
- palpable kidneys / abdominal mass
- ascites / facial swelling / oedema (post-strep, nephrotic)
RED FLAG if proteinuria AND haematuria on dipstick
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME:
- triad of features?
- how normally present?
- other possible features?
- most common cause in children?
- peak age of onset of this condition?
1) heavy proteinuria
2) hypo-albuminaemia
3) oedema
norm present with gradual onset of generalised oedema and slightly pale
- may also get discomfort from the oedema and SOB (if pleural effusion)
- facial oedema and pallor
- ascites
- sacral + leg oedema
- genital oedema
- small volume of frothy urine
OTHER POSSIBLE FEATURES:
- hyperlipidaemia
- hypercoaguable (dt loss of antithrombin III)
- predisposition to infection (dt loss of antibodies)
nb may have Hx of recurrent UTIs
MINIMAL CHANGE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
- 80% of children under 5
- if over 10 then more likely to be from a different underlying pathology
peak onset of minimal change disease is age 2-5 years
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME DDx?
- post-strep glomerulonephritis (have hx of URTI a couple of weeks ago)
- liver sclerosis
- severe malnutrition (ie kwashiorkor)
- cushings syndrome
(also maybe could be confused for obesity…)
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME:
- bedside investigations? 2
- bloods? 3
- other investigation to consider?
- urine dip (protein, not much/if any blood, hyaline casts)
- urine protein
- FBC
- LFT (looking at the albumin)
- U+Es (kidney function)
(may also find raised triglycerides)
can do renal biopsy to confirm
- this will be normal in minimal change disease (hence the name)
MINIMAL CHANGE DISEASE:
- management?
- prognosis?
- high dose steroids (4-6 wks)
- reduce fluid + salt intake
- diuretics
- prophylactic abx until proteinuria clears (as higher risk of infection)
most kids go into remission within 2 weeks of starting steroids
- a large proportion will relapse within the next year though
can be given further courses of steroids, but if relapses are common may need cyclophosphamide
relapses gradually reduce in frequency and severity as child ages
- most children grow out of condition by the time they’re adults
a few develop renal insufficiency (mainly those initially unresponsive to steroids)
differences between acute nephritic and nephrotic syndrome:
- oedema?
- blood pressure?
- urine albumin?
- urine RBC?
- urine WBC?
- cast morphology?
- urine bacteria?
- serum albumin?
ACUTE NEPHRITIC:
- mild facial oedema
- raised BP
- albumin ++
- RBC ++++
- WBC ++
- cellular / granular casts
- 0 bacteria
- normal serum albumin
NEPHROTIC:
- gross oedema
- normal BP
- albumin ++++
- RBC 0 or +
- WBC 0
- hyaline casts
- 0 bacteria
- low serum albumin
IMPETIGO:
- causative organisms? 2
- describe the rash (incl typical location)
- what increases risk of getting it?
- how spread?
- staph aureus
- prep progenies (ie group A strep)
Thin-roofed vesicles surrounded by narrow margin of erythema. The vesicles rupture to release thin cloudy yellow fluid. Dries to form thick ‘golden’ crusts.
typically found on face (esp around nose + mouth)
- can be on flexures + limbs not covered by clothing too
bacteria get in through a break in the skin, so anything that causes this:
- eczema
- insect bites
- scabies
- spots
- herpes simplex
Spread is by direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person. The bacteria invade skin through minor abrasions and then spread to other sites by scratching. Infection is spread mainly by the hands, but indirect spread via toys, clothing, equipment and the environment may occur. The incubation period is between 4 to 10 days.
IMPETIGO:
- management if localised? 1
- management if extensive lesions? 1
- management advice for parents? 4
- exclusion from school required? 1
if localised:
- topical fusidic acid cream
if extensive:
- oral fluclox
nb don’t give both oral and topical abx together
- wash affected areas with soap + water
- wash hands regularly, esp after touching the impetigo
- avoid scratching
- avoid sharing towels, face cloths, thoroughly clean potentially contaminated toys + play equipment
exclude from school until all lesions crusted and healing or 48 hours after start abx
reassure parents that impetigo usually heals completely without scarring
DDx for ‘nappy rash’:
- caused / worsened by the diaper? 3
- independent of the diaper? 3
Which is most common?
how to tell difference between them (ie briefly describe rash + distribution of each)
CAUSED / WORSENED BY DIAPER
IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS
- inguinal creases are spared
= most common
CANDIDA
- involves inguinal creases
- discrete satellite pustules + papules
- scaling along margins
IMPETIGO
- superficial pustule which ruptures to form honey-crusted lesion
- (if neonatal this could be mistaken for HSV)
NOT CAUSED BY DIAPER
SEBORRHAEIC DERMATITIS
- caused by sebaceous gland dysfunction
- salmon-pink patches with greasy scale
- also on face, scalp, axilla, neck, posterior ear
- involves creases!
- no satellite lesions or pustules
- treat with mild steroids
- can be confused with psoriasis
PSORIASIS
- less common
- erythematous scaly rash
- also present elsewhere on body
ATOPIC ECZEMA
- other areas will also be affected
QUESTIONS TO ASK IN HX OF ‘NAPPY RASH’:
- HPC? (use operates)
- key Qs in FHx? 2
- other key aspect that important to ask in Hx?
nb also obvs do full paeds Hx incl DHx, PMHx, BINDS etc
O - onset (any changes: food, diapers, environment, recent illness)
P - progression
E - exacerbating
- HOW OFTEN CHANGE DIAPER?
R - relieving (what already tried?)
A
- fever?
- unwell in themselves?
- pain
- bleeding
- discharge
- size
- any other affected areas of the body?
T
E
S
FHx
- autoimmune disorders
- skin conditions (eg eczema, psoriasis)
REVIEW OF SYSTEMS
- do head to toe!
EXAMINATION OF NAPPY RASH:
- what should you do for EVERY paeds exam?
- what to look for under nappy? 2
- what other body parts to check? 4
measure + plot:
- weight
- height
- head circum
perineum
- creases / inguinal folds
- perianal and buttocks
ALSO CHECK
- skin over WHOLE body
- scalp
- nails
- mucous membranes
IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS (type of ‘nappy rash’)
- what causes it / makes it worse?
- classical distribution of rash?
- management? 4
- safety net? 1
- soiled diapers (long periods between changing)
- scented / harsh soaps
- other chemicals / detergents
is where the nappy touches the skin
- spares inguinal creases
MANAGEMENT:
- frequent diaper changes (even if doesn’t feel full)
- use water-soaked cloth and dabbing instead of wiping with wipes
- when dry use thick barrier creams: zinc oxide based, glacial based, petroleum jelly)
- use more absorbent diapers (overnight ones are better, cloth diapers are worse)
SAFETY NET:
- come back if not improving after a couple of weeks or getting worse
nb can use a mild steroid cream if not getting better
nb nappy rashes don’t mean poor care, some babies just have more sensitive skin
- but chronic or grossly ulcerated rashes may raise suspicions of bad care!
CANDIDA DERMATITIS (type of ‘nappy rash’):
- describe rash (incl distribution)
- management? 2
Typically an erythematous rash which INVOLVE the flexures and has characteristic satellite lesions
- discrete satellite pustules + papules
- scaling along margins
MANAGEMENT
- topical imidazole
- cease use of barrier cream until candida has settled
STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME:
- what normally triggered by? 2
- describe the presentation (incl systemic signs and appearance and distribution of the rash)
- common DDx? how to differentiate it?
- severe form of it called?
normally triggered by:
- reaction to medication (anticonvulsants, NSAIDs,
- infection (esp if have HIV)
Begins with flu-like symptoms
- Followed by painful RED or PURPLE rash that spreads + BLISTERS
- Fever >38C, headache, photophobia, aching joints
- Starts as target lesions – dark central blister - before increasing in size + spreading
- Affected skin eventually dies and peels off- Blistering mucosae: conjunctival, oral, genital
ie child is systemically unwell with blistering rash all over body with blistering mucosal membranes
- nb rash is norm not itchy but is very painful!
differentiate from erythema multiforme (similar but DOESN’T affect mucous membranes)
severe form = TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS (TEN)
- high mortality
- large loss of epidermis
STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME:
- possible investigation? 1
- supportive management? 3
- medical management options? 5
norm just done on hx + exam but can also do skin biopsy
- cool, moist compresses on skin +/or sterile dressings
- replacement fluids (often get dehydrated)
- anaesthetic mouthwashes (make swallowing easier)
- strong painkillers
- emollients
- topical steroids
- abx (if secondary infection suspected)
- eye drops (for eye symptoms)
if severe: systemic steroids or immunoglobulin
Developmental dysplasia of the hip:
- risk factors? 4 (what should these babies get)
- clinical tests used for screening? 2 (describe them)
- investigation if suspicion of DDH?
- investigation if suspicion of DDH over 4 months?
RISK FACTORS
- breech (after 36 wks)
- positive FHx
- multiple pregnancy
- neuromuscular or joint problems (eg spina bifida, talipes)
^ GET USS AT 6 WKS
(nb girls get 6x more frequently than boys)
- also high birth weight and oligohydramnios
- –> Barlow’s Test – push back, to see if hip pops out – attempt to dislocate the hip
- –> Ortolani’s Test – push legs out to see if hips clunk into place. – reduction of dislocated hip
also look for asymmetry of skin creases on thigh / buttocks
nb these tests aren’t very sensitive or specific, so have a high index of suspicion
USS hips
do X-ray of hip if over 4 months old
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH):
- management if picked up early?
- how can older children present if not picked up early? 3
- management in older children?
- potential longer term complication if picked up late?
splinting and pavlik harness (dynamic flexion-abduction orthosis) for 3 months
- Delay in walking
- Waddling gait
- Shortened affected leg
older children may require surgery
- and at risk from early osteoarthritis
DDx of a limp:
- under 3 years? 2
- 3-10 years? 4
- 10-18 years? 3
- any age? 4
- rarer groups of causes? 4
UNDER 3 YEARS
- DDH
- septic arthritis
3-10 YEARS
- transient synovitis
- septic arthritis
- JIA
- perthes disease
10-18 YEARS
- slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
- osgood-schlatter disease
- JIA
ANY AGE
- fracture or soft tissue injury (?NAI esp if under 3)
- osteomyelitis (nb may not show on x-ray initially)
- malignancy (sarcoma, lymphoma, leukaemia)
- Reactice arthritis (mumps, rubella, imms)
RARER CAUSES:
- HAEM conditions (eg sickle cell)
- METABOLIC (rickets)
- NEUROMUSCULAR diseases (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy)
- OTHER (HSP, rheumatic fever)
Common knee problems in children + young adults?
briefly describe features / classical presentation of each
what must you always examine if have knee pain?
CHONDROMALACIA PATELLAE:
- Softening of the cartilage of the patella
- Common in teenage girls
- Characteristically anterior knee pain on walking up and down stairs and rising from prolonged sitting
- Usually responds to physiotherapy
OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE
(tibial apophysitis)
- Seen in sporty teenagers
- Pain, tenderness and swelling over the tibial tubercle
OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS
- Pain after exercise
- Intermittent swelling and locking
PATELLAR SUBLUXATION
- Medial knee pain due to lateral subluxation of the patella
- Knee may give way
PATELLAR TENDONITIS - More common in athletic teenage boys
- Chronic anterior knee pain that worsens after running
- Tender below the patella on examination
Referred pain may come from hip problems such as SUFE
- always examine joint above and below!
Hx of a child with limp:
- features of HPC? (operates - incl 2 Qs about what may have proceeded in onset)
- associated symptoms? (3 local, 7 systemic)
(see other flashcard for rest of hx Qs)
O
- when came on / duration (also sudden or gradual onset)
- any trauma?
- preceding viral illness?
P
- getting worse?
E
- worse in morning? (morning stiffness)
- can they weight bear?
R
- tried anything to make it better?
A
- joint pain
- joint swelling / redness / heat
- muscle weakness
AW FS FIN
- appetite
- weight loss
- fatigue
- sleep - waking up at night?
- fever
- itch / rash
- night sweats
if joint pain, do socrates of the pain!!
T / E
- there all the time? is more worrying
S
- impact on life
Hx of child presenting with limp:
- PMHx? 2
- BINDS (what specifically to look for risk factors for)
- FHx? 3
- SHx? 4
nb did HPC in prev flashcard
PMHx
- ever had before?
- any autoimmune conditions?
BIRTH HX
- risk factors for DDH (breech, FHx of DDH, multiple pregnancy)
- any ischaemic damage (cerebral palsy)
IMMS - up to date
NUTRITION (rickets)
DEVELOPMENT
- any delays in walking? (DDH, muscular dystrophy)
- any other delays?
SOCIAL SERVICES Hx
- previous injuries
- child protection concerns
FHx
- autoimmune conditions
- joint problems
- DDH
SHx - ASD OHA DOT
- diet (ricketts)
- exercise (osgood-schlatter)
- who live with
- how interfering with life
EXAMINATION OF CHILD WITH A LIMP:
- what initial exams to do? 2
- other things to examine / look for on exam? 5
EXAM OF AFFECTED JOINT
- swelling, erythema, tenderness
- range of motion
pGALS
- knee pain can be referred from the spine
- sacro-iliac joints and spine in joint assessment - look for pain on flexion and/or midline tenderness which may be present in discitis
- Hip ABDUCTION and INTERNAL ROTATION are often the most restricted movements in hip pathology
nb also get them to run - it may exagerrate a limp!
GENERAL INSPECTION
- septic / temp
BRIEF NEURO EXAM
- look for ataxia, weakness
FEEL FOR LYMPHADENOPATHY
- viral infection
- haem / onc cause
FEEL FOR ORGANOMEGALY
LOOK AT SKIN
- extensive bruising or bruising in unusual place may indicate: NAI, haem
RED FLAGS FOR CHILD WITH LIMP:
- age of child?
- history? 7
- exam? 5
what could each indicate?
AGE UNDER 3 YEARS
- septic arthritis more common in this age
Pain waking the child at NIGHT
- ?malignancy.
? malignancy, infection, inflamm
- anorexia / appetite loss
- weight loss
- fatigue
- sleep (waking at night)
- fever
- night sweats
Limp and stiffness WORSE in the MORNING
- ?inflammatory joint disease.
SYSTEMICALLY UNWELL
- ?infection
SEVERE PAIN, anxiety, and agitation after a traumatic injury (also reduced peripheral pulses or muscle weakness
- ? evolving compartment syndrome
Signs of REDNESS, SWELLING, or stiffness of the joint or limb
- ?infection or inflammatory joint disease
Unexplained rash or BRUISING
- ?haematological or inflammatory joint disease, or NAI
HEPATOSPLENOMEGALY
- ?oncology
TRANSIENT SYNOVITIS:
- what is it?
- age group most common in?
- normal cause?
- describe presentation
- DDx to rule out? how?
aka irritable hip
most common cause of hip pain in 3-10 year olds
- is a diagnosis of exclusion
cause
- 1/3 preceding viral illness
- 1/3 preceding trauma
- 1/3 no cause found
- limp (can have difficulty weight bearing)
- single joint pain (rarely bilateral)
- no pain on passive movement
- NO systemic symptoms
eg if hip: pain on movement, pain in groin
main DDx is septic arthritis
- this also has systemic signs (eg fever, high HR etc)