Common Problems in Infants Notes

  • Common Problems in Infants:

    • Intussusception
    • Failure to Thrive
    • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
    • Abdominal Colic
    • Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)
    • Cleft Lip / Palate
    • Imperforated Anus
    • Hirschsprung’s Disease
    • Spina Bifida
    • Hydrocephalus
    • Meningocele
    • Myelomeningocele
    • Otitis Media
    • Meningitis
    • Febrile Seizures
    • ASD (Atrial Septal Defect)
    • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Intussusception:

    • Condition where part of the intestine folds into another part, causing obstruction.
    • Symptoms: abdominal pain, vomiting, hard mass in the abdomen, and "red currant jelly" stool.
    • Common in children under 2 years, often idiopathic.
    • Risk factors: previous intussusception, sibling history, intestinal malrotation.
    • Diagnosis via abdominal ultrasound (Bull's eye sign).
    • Treatment: enema or surgery if necessary.

  • Failure to Thrive (FTT):

    • Condition of inadequate growth or weight gain, often linked to malnutrition or medical issues.
    • Categories:
    1. Organic (underlying medical issues)
    2. Nonorganic (environmental neglect)
    3. Mixed
    • Diagnosis through growth monitoring, medical history, and diet evaluation.

  • SIDS:

    • Sudden death in infants under 12 months without a clear cause.
    • Preventive measures include sleeping on the back, breastfeeding, and avoiding smoking around infants.

  • Abdominal Colic:

    • Excessive crying in infants, defined as crying >3 hours/day for >3 days/week for 3 weeks.
    • Factors include GI issues, parental stress, and exposure to cigarette smoke.

  • Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome):

    • Genetic disorder with common features: flattened face, almond-shaped eyes, and developmental challenges.
    • Risk factors include maternal age and genetic predispositions.

  • Cleft Lip/Palate:

    • Congenital anomalies resulting in openings in the lip or roof of the mouth.
    • Treatment includes surgical repair and therapy for speech and hearing.

  • Imperforate Anus:

    • Congenital defect where the anus is blocked or absent.
    • Symptoms include failure to pass stool, abdominal swelling.

  • Hirschsprung Disease:

    • Absence of nerve cells in the colon, causing obstruction.
    • Symptoms: failure to pass meconium, abdominal distension.
    • Diagnosis through biopsy; treatment involves surgical repair.