Day: May 14, 2024

Scarlet Fever This is a systemic reaction to the toxin made by Group A haemolytic streptococci (usually S. pyogenes) – The infection usually occurs in children around the ages of 3-5 and it is a notifiable disease – The bacteria can be spread by inhalation of droplets or by direct contact through secretions – It affects a small number of people who have the strep throat or skin infection (impetigo) Symptoms: – General –> fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes – Strawberry tongue – this initially has a white coating on it, after which red papillae poke through

Bronchiolitis This is a lower respiratory tract infection which leads to the blockage of small airway in the lungs – It can lead to significant respiratory distress, especially in children with other comorbidities such as prematurity, congenital heart disease or immunodeficiency. – It is most seen in children younger than 2 and cases spike in autumn and winter   Cause: Respiratory syncytial virus (most common), rhinovirus is second most common cause   Symptoms: – General –> coryza, fever, irritability, poor feeding – Dry cough – Coryzal symptoms precede – Wheeze and crackles on auscultation – Respiratory distress –> chest wall

One of the main symptoms of paediatric liver conditions is jaundice. Whilst neonatal jaundice is a common finding, jaundice in the first 24 hours is always pathological. – This may be due to haemolytic disorders, infection, or metabolic liver disorders like Crigler-Najjar syndrome. – The problem with this is that is can lead to raised levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. – As this is fat soluble, it can cross the blood brain barrier is very neurotoxic and cause irreversible neurological symptoms.    Biliary Atresia This is a condition where there is progressive fibrosis and obliteration of the biliary