Paediatrics Flashcards
(1267 cards)
Define appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix, most likely due to obstruction of the lumen of the appendix (by faecolith, normal stool, infective agents, or lymphoid hyperplasia).
Explain RFs for appendicitis
<6m breast feeding
Low fibre
Improved hygeine?
Passive smoking
Aetiology of appendicitis
Obstruction of the lumen of the appendix is the main cause of acute appendicitis. Faecolith (a hard mass of faecal matter), normal stool, or lymphoid hyperplasia are the main causes for obstruction. Faecolith alone causes simple appendicitis in 40%, gangrenous non-perforated appendicitis in 65%, and perforated appendicitis in 90% of cases.
There is evidence suggesting a neuroimmune aetiology in some cases, but this is still being investigated.
Sx of appendicitis
Abdominal pain
- Mid -> RIF
- Worse on movement
Anorexia
RIF tenderness N+V Fever Dec bowel sounds Tachycardia Fetor
ROSVINGs
- Pressing on LIF illicits pain in RIF
PSOAS
- Extending the right thigh on left lateral position elicits pain in right lower quadrant.
OBTURATOR
- Pain is elicited at right lower quadrant of abdomen by internal rotation of the flexed right thigh.
What are the relevant Ix for appendicitis
FBC -> inc WCC
ABDO/PELV CT - abnormal appendix (diameter >6 mm) identified or calcified appendicolith seen in association with peri-appendiceal inflammation
URINE PREG TEST NEG
Abdo USS - aperistaltic or non-compressible structure with outer diameter >6 mm
NEGATIVE URINALYSIS
Management of appendicitis
Open or LAP Appendectomy
Supportive care - IV fluids
Given for 24 hours for uncomplicated appendicitis: IV ABx - CEFOXITIN 1-2g prior to surgery, 1-2g 8hrly post surgery
PERFORATION/ABSCESS:
- Maintenance of BP/pulse
- Begin ABx immediately
- Abscess - may need drainage first THEN INTERVAL appendectomy
Complications of appendicitis
Perforation Peritonitis Appendicular mass Appendicular abscess Surgical wound infection
Prognosis of appendicitis
If patients are treated in a timely fashion, the prognosis is good. Wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess are potential complications associated with appendectomy. Laparascopic appendectomy has been shown to decrease the incidence of overall complications.
Define ADHD
ADHD is a triad of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
A key element of the definition is functional impairment across TWO OR MORE domains, most often in school and at home.
ADHD can limit academic, interpersonal, and occupational success and can also lead to greater risk-taking and accidents.
In addition, patients with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing psychiatric disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, substance abuse, and possibly mood disorders, such as depression and mania.
Aetiology ADHD
Genetic predisposition: there is substantial evidence for a genetic contribution to ADHD, with the mean heritability for ADHD shown to be 76% based on twin studies.
Environmental factors: these account for 12% to 40% of the variance in twin ADHD scores. Low birth weight and maternal smoking have the strongest evidence for association with ADHD. Other risk factors include poverty, lead exposure, iron deficiency, maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy, and psychosocial adversity.
RFs ADHD
STRONG
FHx Male LBW (<2500) Epilepsy Maternal nicotine use during pregnancy
WEAK
Maternal alcohol preg Stress during preg Psychosocial adversity - severe marital discord, low social class, large family size, paternal criminality, maternal mental disorder, and foster placement Lead exposure Traumatic brain injury Severe early deprivation Iron deficiency
Sx of ADHD
Careless mistakes/missing detail Attention deficit Listening deficit Instructions deficit Organisational difficulties Reluctance to engage in long activities Loses things necessary for tasks Easily distracted Forgetful Fidgeting Failure to remain seated Excessive talking Blurts out answers Cannot wait turn Interrupts others Mild mood symptoms Difficult peer interactions Low self-esteem Working memory impairment Processing speed impairment
Ix of ADHD
Clinical diagnosis
BUT
Behavioural rating scales EG:
The ADHD Rating Scale: an 18-item scale [DSM]
The Vanderbilt Scale: a 55-item scale, which assesses ADHD, comorbid conditions, and performance.
SNAP-IV is included in many research trials, including the Multimodal Treatment Study of AD/HD (MTA). It is a 90-item scale that screens for ADHD and other diagnoses.
Neuropsychological testing by child psychiatrist
Rx of ADHD
Methylphenidate -> can be immediate release / extended release / transdermal
Dexamfetamine (immediate/extended/TD)
Behavioural therapy
- parent training
- teacher training
2nd line: change stimulant
3rd: Atomoxetine
- CONSIDER CHILD PSYCH REFERRAL
3rd: Guanfacine or Clonidine
- NB also antihypertensives: SE hypo/bradyC/rebound HTN
4th: Nortriptyline / Bupropion / Imipramine
AKA ANTIDEPRESSANTS
NB if child has tick:
- Guanfacine or clonifidine or atomoxetine used
Complications of ADHD
SEs of meds:
Anorexia Insomnia Cardiac Mood lability Headache Psychotic symptoms Tics Substance abuse Growth delay
Prognosis of ADHD
Between 60% to 85% of patients with ADHD will continue to meet criteria in adolescence, and significant functional impairment often persists into adulthood.
Over time, symptoms of hyperactivity tend to remit, while impairments in attention persist. In fact, patients with the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD often present later (e.g., middle school, high school) because their lack of hyperactivity and impulsivity makes them less disruptive in primary school than children with combined type.
Adolescents and adults with symptoms of ADHD have higher risk for academic and professional difficulties, development of conduct disorder and antisocial behaviours, maladaptive relationships, increased injuries and car accidents, and teen pregnancies.
Define bronchiolitis
Acute viral infection of the lower respiratory tract.
Although it can affect individuals of any age, the term is most often used to refer to infection in infancy. It is characterised by epithelial cell destruction, cellular oedema, and airway obstruction by inflammatory debris and mucus.
The clinical manifestations include cough, wheeze, and laboured breathing.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounts for the majority of cases, although rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus can all cause bronchiolitis as well.
Aetiology of bronchiolitis
The most common cause is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In one cohort study of bronchiolitis, RSV was responsible for 76%, rhinovirus for 18%, influenza virus for 10%, coronavirus for 2%, and human metapneumovirus for 3%, and 1% had parainfluenza. Bronchiolitis caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses begins as an upper respiratory tract infection, which then spreads to the lower respiratory tract in 1 to 3 days.
RSV infection occurs in almost all infants by 3 years of age, but only a minority develop bronchiolitis. This observation has led to the hypothesis that host and possibly environmental factors play a role in disease pathogenesis. Birth cohort studies have shown that diminished lung function at birth is a risk factor for wheezing in early infancy, but this mechanism cannot completely explain the variability of clinical manifestations of RSV infection. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure may also contribute to disease severity. Another area of focus has been the role of the host immune response in determining the effects of RSV infection.
RFs bronchiolitis
STRONG <3yo Nov-May Prematurity Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Passive smoking Impaired airway clearance/function eg PCD Congenital HD Immunodeficiency
Epidemiology of bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is one of the most common acute illnesses in infancy and the leading cause of hospitalisation in this age group. Approximately 1 in every 30 infants will be diagnosed with bronchiolitis in their first year of life.
Bronchiolitis is almost exclusively an infantile disease, and by 3 years of age essentially all children have serological evidence of having been infected with RSV. However, primary infection with RSV in infants does not confer protective immunity, so repeat infections are common. Although in most infants the disease is mild and self-limited, severe disease can occur, especially in infants under 6 months of age. Infants with underlying risk factors for severe infection, such as prematurity, congenital heart disease, or chronic lung disease, have a greater risk of hospitalisation, but the majority of hospitalisations are in infants with no underlying risk factors.
In addition to the acute effects of bronchiolitis, studies have demonstrated that a significant proportion of infants with RSV bronchiolitis go on to develop recurrent wheezing; rhinovirus has been increasingly studied and shown to have an association with recurrent wheezing and a diagnosis of asthma.
Risk factors such as family history of asthma increase the risk of a future asthma diagnosis.
Sx of bronchiolitis
Cough - dry/wet/croupy Tachypnoea Wheezing Retractions, grunting, flaring Rhinitis Fever <40deg Apnoea
A hallmark of bronchiolitis is fluctuating clinical findings, often within short time periods.
Ix bronchiolitis
Hypoxaemia (<90%)
CONSIDER
Elisa rapid antigen detection
RT-PCR
CxR - ONLY PERFORMED IF V SEVERE - hyperinflation, interstitial inflammation, atelectasis
Rx bronchiolitis
Preventative - palivizumab
Supportive - maintain O2
Mechanical ventilation is indicated for respiratory failure.
RIBAVIRIN
? SOME STUDIES SHOW corticosteroids MAY benefit if Hx of wheeze
Complications bronchiolitis
Bacterial Pneumonia
Recurrent wheeze
Paed asthma