Paediatrics NOTES 2 Flashcards
(309 cards)
What causes chickenpox?
Primary infection with the varicella zoster virus
What is shingles?
The reactivation of the dormant virus in the dorsal root ganglion
How is chickenpox spread?
Via respiratory route, can be caught from someone with shingles
When is chickenpox infectious?
4 days before the rash, until 5 days after it appears
What is the incubation period of chickenpox?
10-21 days
What is the disease course for chickenpox?
Prodrome fever. Then itchy rash, starting on head/trunk then spreading. Initially macular then papular then vesicular.
When is chickenpox no longer infectious?
When the lesions are dry and have crusted over
Who should receive varicella zoster immunoglobulin?
Immunocompromised patients and newborns with peripartum exposure
What lotion should be given to help calm chicken pox scratching?
Calamine
When should IV aciclovir be considered in chickenpox?
immunocompromised patients and newborns with peripartum exposure who have recieved varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG). If chickenpox develops then IV aciclovir should be considered
What is a common complication of chickenpox?
Secondary bacterial infection of the lesions
What might increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection of chickenpox lesions?
NSAIDs
If there is secondary bacterial infection of chickenpox, what can then happen to the infection?
Commonly it is just a small area of cellulitis, but in a small number of patients, invasive group A streptococcal soft tissue infections may occur resulting in necrotizing fasciitis
What are the possible complications of chickenpox?
Pneumonia, encephalitis, arthritis, nephritis, pancreatitis
When does chicken pox infection typically occur?
ages 1 to 6 years, maximal transmission during winter and spring
What are the features of fetal varicella syndrome (if baby encounters chickenpox whilst in utero)?
Skin scarring, eye defects, limb hypoplasia, microcephaly, learning disabilities
Who should recieve vaccination against primary varicella infection?
- healthcare workers who are not already immune to VZV
- contacts of immunocompromised patients
What dermatomes are most commonly affected by shingles?
T1-L2 (trunk)
What are the prodromal period for shingles?
Burning pain over the affected dermatome for 2-3 days, pain may be severe and interfere with sleep
What is the characteristic rash of shingles?
Initially erythematous, macular rash over the affected dermatome. Becomes vesicular Well demarcated by the dermatome
When are patients with shingles infectious?
Until the vesicles have crusted over
What causes diphtheria?
Gram positive corynebacterium diphtheriae
What is the diphtheric membrane seen in diphtheria infection?
Membrane on tonsils caused by necrotic mucosal cells. Grey, pseudomembrane on the posterior pharyngeal wall
What is the presentation of diphtheria?
Sore throat with diphtheric membrane, bulky cervical lymphadenopathy, high temperature, sore throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing