Paediatrics Flashcards
Paediatrics core conditions questions (280 cards)
Definition of chronic constipation
2 or more of the following in last 8 weeks:
- Less than 3 bowel movements a week
- 1 episode of incontinence a week
- Stools blocking toilet
- Stool palpable in abdomen
- Retentive posturing/ with-holding behaviours
- Painful defecation
What percentage of children are affected by constipation?
5-30%
What percentage of constipation is idiopathic?
90%
Red flags for constipation- action taken
Don’t treat constipation, refer
Red flags for constipation
- Failure to pass meconium within 48h of birth
- ‘Ribbon stools’ suggests anal stenosis
- Failure to thrive
- Gross abdominal distension
- Lower limb neurology
- Urinary incontinence
- Signs of spina bifida (sacral dimple, naevi, hairy patch)
- Abnormal anorectal anatomy
- Perianal bruising/ fissures (?sexual abuse)
- Perianal fistulae/ abscesses
Amber flags for constipation: action performed
Treat constipation and initiate further relevant Ix
Amber flags for constipation
Faltering growth
? Maltreatment
Peri-anal streptococcal infection
When should a referral be made for constipation not responding to treatment
4 weeks (under 1s) 3 months (older children)
First line treatment for constipation
Polyethylene glycol 3350 + Electrolytes (Movicol Paediatric Plain)
Dose escalation over 2 weeks if impaction
Second-line add-ins for constipation
Stimulant laxatives e.g. Sodium picosulfate, Bisacodyl, Senna, Docusate
Which medications should only be added for impaction when everything else has failed?
Rectal medications/ enemas e.g. Sodium citrate
Signs suggesting hypernatraemic dehydration in Gastroenteritis
Jittery movements Increased muscle tone Hyperreflexia Convulsions Drowsiness or coma
When may stool MC+S be indicated in gastroenteritis?
Sepsis Blood or mucous in stools Immunocompromised Caught abroad Not improving within 7 days
When are antibiotics indicated for gastroenteritis?
Septicaemia Salmonella ( under 6 months) C. difficile giardiasis dysenteric shigellosis dysenteric amoebiasis cholera
Dose of Oral Rehydration Solutions
50ml/kg over 4 hours + maintenance
How long does gastroenteritis last?
diarrhoea usually lasts for 5–7 days, and in most it stops within 2 weeks
vomiting usually lasts for 1–2 days, and in most it stops within 3 days
Important investigations in gastroenteritis
Glucose (children at much higher risk of hypoglycaemia)
Risk factors for Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Cerebral palsy Neurodevelopmental disorders Obesity Family history Congenital atresia Pyloric stenosis
Why are infants at a high-risk of reflux?
- Short, narrow oesophagus,
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Immature lower oesophageal sphincter that is slightly above rather than below the diaphragm
- Liquid diet
Indications for investigation in Gastro-oesophageal reflux?
Unexplained feeding difficulties Distressed behaviours FTT Chronic cough Hoarseness Pneumonia
Complications of GOR
Oesophagitis Recurrent aspiration/ pneumonia Sandifer Syndrome (Dystonic neck posturing) Frequent OM Dental erosion
What is posseting
Milk coming out of the babies mouth after feeding (only a small amount)
Thickeners for GOR in bottle fed babies
rice starch, corn-starch, locust bean gum or carob bean gum
Indications for 4 week trial of a PPI/ H2 antagonist in GOR
- unexplained feeding difficulties (refusing feeds, gagging or choking)
- distressed behaviour
- faltering growth