Hypo- and Hypercalcemia Abnormalities
HIGH YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Less than one percent of the body’s calcium is in the circulation. Only the ionized form of circulating calcium is physiologically active. Parathyroid hormone…
Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Fluid therapy is guided by knowledge of the composition, distribution, and movement of body water. Fluid requirements are divided into three parts: Maintenance fluids Deficit…
Acid–Base Disturbances in Children
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Metabolic acidosis is usually accompanied by respiratory compensation (tachypnea). Chronic respiratory acidosis is usually accompanied by gradual metabolic compensation (increases in serum bicarbonate). Acute respiratory…
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Examination of the posterior pharynx in patients with hematemesis may reveal posterior epistaxis as the cause. The Apt–Downey test can differentiate swallowed maternal blood from…
Common Parasitic Infestations
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Parasitic infections may affect virtually all organ systems. Some parasites only begin to produce symptoms months to years after the initial exposure. Ascaris lumbricoides is…
Common Allergic Presentations
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Allergy related disease is extremely common and will present frequently to the emergency department (ED). The diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis/rhinitis is often missed or delayed….
Adrenal Insufficiency
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Adrenal insufficiency (AI) results from deficiency of glucocorticoid (cortisol), mineralocorticoid (aldosterone), and adrenal androgens (DHEA) secreted by the adrenal cortex. Especially in children, glucocorticoid deficiency…
Liver Disease and Gallbladder
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen Jaundice within the first 24 hours of life is NEVER normal. Urinary tract infections and sepsis can be associated with the onset of hyperbilirubinemia after…
Thyroid Disorders
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen The most common disorder causing thyrotoxicosis in children is Graves’ disease. Thyroid hormones upregulate β-adrenergic receptors, causing symptoms of sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Signs of…
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
HIGH-YIELD FACTS Print Section Listen 12% to 30% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases are diagnosed during childhood. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), particularly growth delay, may be the predominant presenting feature…
