Gastrointestinal Flashcards
(358 cards)
GORD
Presence of the symptoms of reflux. Regurgitation - Reflux of stomach contents beyond the oesophagus. Contents from the stomach reflux through the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter = content reflux easily.
GORD impacts ___% of infants
40
When does GORD usually appear?
first 2 weeks of life
Who is GORD more common in?
premature babies
Symptoms of GORD
-Symptoms should have started in the first 2 months of life
-Distressed behaviour
-Feeding difficulty
-Chronic crying
-Faltering Growth
-If onset is >6 months or symptoms continue over 1 year, it is unlikely to be reflux
- Often after large feeds.
- Chronic cough, hoarse cry, reluctance to feed and poor weight gain.
Ix for GORD
-Urinalysis to rule out UTI (RARELY = barium meal and endoscopy.)
Management of GORD
Treatment = gaviscon, thickened milk and PPIs
-Usually resolves by 1 year of life
-Can mix alginate with feeds (Gaviscon) for breastfed babies
-For formula fed, encourage smaller, more regular feeds otherwise use thickened formula
-Consider trial to PPI for 4 weeks
- Referral if symptoms still persisting.
Red Flags for GORD
Projectile vomiting.
Bile stained vomiting
Reduced consciousness and bulging fontanelle
Signs of infection
Advice for parents with children who have GORD?
small meals, burping regularly and not-over feeding.
Sandifer’s syndrome is a rare complication of GORD. What is it?
Brief episodes of abnormal movement associated with GORD. Torticollis and dystonia. Tx = resolvement of GORD.
What is torticolis?
-Torticollis = forceful contraction of the neck = twisting of the neck.
What is Dystonia?
-Dystonia = abnormal muscle contraction = arching of the back.
Why is it important to differentiate GORD ?
Important to differentiate this as normally babies do regurgitate as the lower oeseopahgeal sphincter is still immature therefore it is easily for stomach contents to regurg however the key thing with this is that babies will be well and growing normally
What is poor feeding in paediatrics?
Poor feeding refers to an infant or child not feeding as expected, either due to reduced intake, difficulties during feeding, or an underlying medical condition.
Poor feeding in infants is characterized by ________ intake or difficulties during ________.
Reduced; feeding
What are some common causes of poor feeding in infants?
Infection (e.g., sepsis, UTI, respiratory infections).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Congenital heart disease.
Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy).
Structural abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate).
Feeding aversion or maternal factors (e.g., poor latch, inadequate milk supply).
Congenital ________ disease and ________ reflux are common causes of poor feeding in infants.
Heart; gastroesophageal
What are some red flags associated with poor feeding in infants?
Lethargy or drowsiness.
Persistent vomiting.
Poor weight gain or weight loss.
Signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken fontanelle, reduced wet nappies).
Difficulty breathing.
Cyanosis or pallor.
Red flags in poor feeding include lethargy, ________ gain, and signs of ________.
Poor weight; dehydration
What key points should be included in the history of a child with poor feeding?
Feeding history (frequency, duration, difficulties).
Associated symptoms (e.g., vomiting, cough, fever).
Growth and development milestones.
Antenatal and birth history.
Family history of conditions affecting feeding.
A detailed history for poor feeding should include ________ history and associated ________.
Feeding; symptoms
What are some physical examination findings to look for in poor feeding?
Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes).
Growth parameters (e.g., weight, length, head circumference).
Respiratory distress (e.g., tachypnoea, intercostal recession).
Cardiac murmurs or cyanosis.
Neurological signs (e.g., abnormal tone, reflexes).
Structural abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate).
A physical examination for poor feeding should assess for signs of ________, respiratory distress, and ________ abnormalities.
Dehydration; structural
What investigations might be indicated for an infant with poor feeding?
Blood tests: FBC, CRP, blood glucose, electrolytes.
Urine analysis: To rule out UTI.
Echocardiogram: If congenital heart disease is suspected.
Swallow study: For structural abnormalities or aspiration.
Imaging: Chest X-ray or brain imaging if neurological causes are suspected.