Paediatrics Exam Prep

Cheatsheet Content

### Neonatal Conditions #### Neonatal Sepsis - **Most common cause in India:** Group B Streptococcus #### Physiological Jaundice - **Appearance:** After 24 hours of birth. #### Neonatal Hypoglycemia - **Causes & Management:** Key aspects include prevention in at-risk infants, monitoring, and prompt glucose administration. #### APGAR Score - **Assesses:** Respiration, Heart Rate, Reflex irritability, Muscle Tone, Color. - **Does NOT assess:** Blood Pressure. ### Growth & Development #### Failure to Thrive - **Definition:** Weight below 3rd percentile. #### Puberty in Girls - **Earliest sign:** Thelarche (breast budding). #### Developmental Delay - **Approach to child:** Comprehensive assessment including history, physical exam, developmental screening, and appropriate investigations/referrals. ### Infectious Diseases #### Respiratory Infections - **Barking cough, inspiratory stridor:** Likely Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis). - *Differentials:* Epiglottitis (more acute, toxic), Bronchiolitis (wheezing). #### Acute Diarrhea - **Most common cause in children:** Rotavirus. #### Dengue Management - **Key aspects:** Hydration, fever control, monitoring for warning signs (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, lethargy). #### Rheumatic Fever - **Diagnosis & Prevention:** Based on modified Jones criteria; prevention involves prompt treatment of Group A Strep pharyngitis. ### Immunization #### Contraindications - **Severe immunodeficiency:** Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is contraindicated (live attenuated vaccine). #### Birth Vaccines - **Given at birth:** BCG, Hepatitis B, OPV (first dose). - **Not typically given at birth:** Measles. ### Nutrition & Deficiencies #### Night Blindness - **Deficiency:** Vitamin A. #### Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets - **Management:** Vitamin D supplementation, calcium intake, sunlight exposure. #### Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) - **Classification & Management:** Includes Marasmus, Kwashiorkor; management involves nutritional rehabilitation, treating complications. ### Hematology #### Anemia in Children - **Most common cause:** Iron deficiency anemia. - *Other types:* Hemolytic, Aplastic, Megaloblastic. #### Exchange Transfusion - **Indications & Complications:** Used in severe hyperbilirubinemia, severe anemia; complications include electrolyte imbalances, infections, vascular complications. ### Nephrology #### Nephrotic Syndrome - **Most common cause in children:** Minimal change disease. - *Other causes:* FSGS, Membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy. - **Case study:** Child with puffiness, pedal edema, decreased urine output, albumin +3. Probable diagnosis: Nephrotic Syndrome. - **Complications:** Infections (peritonitis), thrombosis, acute kidney injury. - **Investigations:** Urine analysis, serum albumin, renal function tests, lipid profile, kidney biopsy. - **Management:** Steroids, diuretics, albumin infusions, dietary modifications. ### Neurology #### Status Epilepticus - **Drug of choice:** Diazepam. - *Other options:* Phenytoin, Phenobarbitone, Valproate. #### Febrile Seizures - **Most common cause:** Viral fever. #### Cherry Red Spot - **Seen in:** Tay Sachs disease, Niemann Pick disease. - **Not seen in:** Gaucher disease, Krabbe disease. #### Brain Tumors - **Most common tumor of posterior fossa in children:** Medulloblastoma. - *Other types:* Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, Craniopharyngioma. #### Autism Spectrum Disorder - **Key features:** Impairments in social interaction and communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors. ### Cardiology #### Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) - **Most common cause:** Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). - *Other causes:* TGA (Transposition of Great Arteries), TAPVC (Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection), Tricuspid atresia. ### Other Pediatric Conditions #### Severe Dehydration - **Features NOT seen:** Bradycardia (tachycardia is common). - **Features seen:** Sunken eyes, lethargy, poor skin turgor. #### Blue Sclera - **Seen in:** Osteogenesis imperfecta. - *Also can be seen in:* Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Iron deficiency anemia (less common). #### Acute Severe Asthma - **Etiopathogenesis:** Airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, mucus plugging. - **Clinical features:** Severe dyspnea, wheezing, cough, accessory muscle use, altered consciousness. - **Management:** Oxygen, bronchodilators (salbutamol), systemic corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, intubation if necessary. ### Management Strategies #### Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) - **Benefits:** Thermal regulation, breastfeeding promotion, bonding, reduced mortality in preterm infants. #### Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) - **Principle:** Restores fluid and electrolyte balance in dehydration due to diarrhea. - **Mechanism:** Glucose-sodium co-transport in the intestine. #### Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) - **Approach:** Holistic strategy for common childhood illnesses, focusing on assessment, classification, treatment, and counseling.