EMERGENCIES IN PAEDIATRICS

DR SIMON ATTARD MONTALTO

Respiratory  Emergencies

Airway obstruction -- infection (croup, epiglottitis), foreign body

Acute asthmatic attack

Lung collapse

Pneumothorax

Cardiovascular  Emergencies

Cyanotic conditions: neonatal period, hypercyanotic spells (Fallot’s)

Heart failure (primary, fluid overload)

Tamponade

Dysrhythmias (heart block, SVT, VT)

Emergencies of the Gastrointestinal System

Acute dehydration (gastroenteritis)

Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. toxic megacolon)

Obstruction (e.g hernia, meconium ileus)

Intussusception

Biliary atresia

Neurological  Emergencies

Status epilepticus

Raised intracranial pressure

Hydrocephalus (including spina bifida)

Cord compression

Metabolic  Emergencies

Neonatal hypoglycaemia

Electrolyte disturbances

Metabolic acidosis

Acute renal failure

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Inborn errors of metabolism (including congenital adrenal hyperplasia)

Infectious Disease:  Emergencies

Meningitis

Encephalitis

Septicaemia

Pneumonia in the immunosuppressed

Emergencies in Haematology & Oncology

Febrile neutropenia

Tumour lysis syndrome

Bleeding (thrombocytopenia, DIC, severe anaemia)

Surgical  Emergencies

Acute abdomen

Appendicitis

Congenital anomalies (e.g. atresias, diaphragmatic hernia, imperforate anus, gastroschisis)

Necrotising enterocolitis

Volvulus and malrotation

Social  Emergencies

Accidental injury

Non accidental injury (physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, neglect)

Ingestion

Illicit drugs and withdrawal