Pediatrics Flashcards
How is esophageal atresia first noticed?
Excessive salivation shortly after birth or choking spells when first feeding is attempted. Small NG tube can be passed and seen coiled in the upper chest on x-rays.
Describe the most common type of esophageal atresia.
-Normal gas pattern in the bowel-Blind pouch the upper esophagus-Fistula between lower esophagus and the tracheobronchial tree
What needs to be done before therapy for esophageal atresia can be attempted?
Rule out associated abnormalities (VACTER)-Vertebral (check x-ray)-Anal (look for imperforation)-Cardiac (Echo)-Tracheal-Esophageal-Renal (Sono)-Radial (check x-ray)
What should be done if primary surgical repair for esophageal atresia has to be delayed?
Gastrotomy to protect the lungs from acid reflux
What can be done about an Imperforate Anus?
- Rule out VACTER2. Look for fistula (to vagina or perineum)a. If present, repair can be delayedb. If not present a colostomy is needed for high pouch/repair if pouch is close to the anus
How is the level of the blind pouch in an Imperforate Anus determined?
Upside down x-ray so the gas can be seen at the top of the pouch
What side of the chest is affected by Congenital diaphragmatic hernias?
Always the left side
what is the most concerning problem for Congenital diaphragmatic hernias?
Pulmonary hypoplasia with fetal-like circulation
When should repair for Congenital diaphragmatic hernias be attempeted?
3-4 days later to allow for lung maturation
What is immediate management of babies with Congenital diaphragmatic hernias?
Endotracheal intubation, low-pressure respiratory ventilation, sedation, and NG suction.(Difficult cases may need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation)
When are patients diagnosed with Congenital diaphragmatic hernias?
Many are diagnosed before birth via sonogram
How do Gastroschisis and Omphalocele present?
Both have an abdominal wall defect in the middle of the belly
Characteristics of Gastroschisis
-Cord is normal (reaches the baby)-Defect is to the right of the cord-There is no protective membrane-Bowel looks angry and matted
Characteristics of Omphalocele
-Cord goes to the defect-Defect has a thin membrane and normal-looking bowel and liver can be seen
How are Gastroschisis and Omphalocele defects managed?
-Small defects are closed primarily-Large defects require construction of a Silastic to protect the bowel. Contents of silo are squeezed into the belly a little bit every day for 1 week
What do babies with Gastroschisis need?
Vascular access for Total Parenteral Nutrition (PTA) because angry-looking bowel will not work for 1 month
What is Exstrophy of the urinary bladder?
Abdominal wall defect over the pubis (not fused) with medallion re bladder mucosa, wet and shining with urine.
What needs to be done for a baby with Exstrophy of the urinary bladder?
Transport to specialized center for repair within 1-2 days of life.. Delayed repairs do not work.
What does green vomit in a newborn mean? What does the presence of a “double-bubble” on x-ray indicate?
-Serious problems!!!-double-bubble: large air-fluid level in the stomach and smaller one in the first portion of duodenum-Seen in duodenal atresia, annular pancreas, malrotation
Which is the worst abnormality related to a “double-bubble”? and why?
Malrotation: bowel can twist on itself, cut off blood supply and die. Chances of malrotation are higher if a little normal gas pattern is seen beyond the double-bubble
How is malrotation diagnosed?
Contrast enema (safe, not always dx) or upper GI study (more reliable, risky)