Comprehensive Pediatrics Glossary

F

Definition: Seizures occurring in children 6 months to 5 years in association with fever ≥38°C, without CNS infection or metabolic abnormality.
Types:
- Simple: Generalized, <15 minutes, single episode in 24 hours.
- Complex: Focal, >15 minutes, or multiple in 24 hours.
Etiology: Fever from viral infections, family predisposition.
Investigations: Usually clinical; EEG or neuroimaging not routinely needed unless atypical features.
Management:
- Acute: Supportive, maintain airway, antipyretics (paracetamol).
- Recurrence prevention: Education; antiepileptics rarely indicated.
Prognosis: Excellent; low risk of developing epilepsy in simple febrile seizures.

Definition: Congenital disorder caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Clinical Features:
- Craniofacial abnormalities: Smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, microcephaly.
- Growth retardation (prenatal and postnatal).
- Neurodevelopmental: Intellectual disability, behavioral problems, ADHD.
Diagnosis: Based on clinical criteria (growth, facial features, CNS involvement).
Management: Supportive, multidisciplinary (speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational interventions).
Prevention: Avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

Definition: Failure of the fetus to achieve its genetically predetermined growth potential.
Etiology: Maternal (hypertension, malnutrition, smoking), placental (insufficiency), fetal (chromosomal disorders, infections).
Diagnosis: Ultrasound for fetal weight <10th percentile for gestational age, abnormal Doppler studies.
Complications: Hypoglycemia, hypothermia, polycythemia, long-term neurodevelopmental delay.
Management: Monitor growth, optimize maternal health, consider early delivery if severe compromise.

Definition: Benign breast tumor commonly found in adolescent females.
Clinical Features: Painless, mobile, firm, well-circumscribed lump.
Investigations: Ultrasound preferred; biopsy if atypical features.
Management: Observation; surgical excision only if symptomatic, enlarging, or suspicious.

Definition: Mild viral illness caused by Parvovirus B19.
Clinical Features:
- “Slapped cheek” rash on the face.
- Lacy, reticular rash on the trunk and extremities.
- Mild fever, malaise, arthralgia.
Complications: Severe anemia in children with hemolytic disorders, fetal hydrops in pregnancy.
Management: Supportive care; monitor at-risk populations.

Importance: Children are highly vulnerable to rapid fluid and electrolyte shifts.
Assessment: Weight loss, capillary refill, skin turgor, urine output.
Key Principles:
- Maintenance fluids calculated by Holliday-Segar method.
- Replacement fluids based on type of dehydration (isotonic preferred in acute moderate-severe cases).
Common Considerations: Monitor sodium and potassium carefully, especially in DKA or diarrhea.

Definition: Non-IgE-mediated food allergy causing delayed vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes shock.
Common Triggers: Cow’s milk, soy, rice, oats.
Clinical Features: Vomiting 1–4 hours post-ingestion, lethargy, pallor, diarrhea within 24 hours.
Diagnosis: Clinical; oral food challenge may be used cautiously.
Management: Avoid trigger foods; acute reaction may require IV fluids and antiemetics.

Definition: Accidental ingestion of objects, common in toddlers.
Clinical Features: Choking, drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, cough, stridor.
Common Sites: Esophagus, airway, stomach, intestines.
Investigations: X-ray (radiopaque objects), endoscopy for radiolucent or dangerous items.
Management:
- Airway obstruction: Immediate removal.
- Gastrointestinal objects: Observation if small and blunt; endoscopic or surgical removal if sharp, large, or causing obstruction.

Common Types:
- Greenstick: Incomplete fracture due to pliable bones.
- Buckle/Torus: Compression fracture of metaphysis.
- Physeal (Salter-Harris): Involves growth plate; classified I–V.
Clinical Features: Pain, swelling, deformity, inability to use limb.
Management:
- Immobilization (cast, splint).
- Reduction if displaced.
- Follow-up to monitor growth plate healing in physeal fractures.
Special Considerations: Faster healing in children, but growth disturbances possible in physeal injuries.

Definition: Disorders without structural or biochemical abnormalities causing GI symptoms.
Examples:
- Infant colic
- Functional constipation
- Functional dyspepsia
Clinical Features: Abdominal pain, bloating, altered stool habits.
Management: Education, dietary modifications, behavioral interventions, symptomatic relief.

Common Types:
- Candidiasis: Oral thrush, diaper rash.
- Tinea infections: Ringworm, scalp infections (tinea capitis).
Risk Factors: Immunodeficiency, antibiotic use, poor hygiene.
Investigations: KOH prep, fungal cultures.
Management: Topical or systemic antifungals depending on severity and site (e.g., nystatin, fluconazole, terbinafine).

Definition: Abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments (ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, skin edema).
Etiologies:
- Immune: Rh incompatibility.
- Non-immune: Cardiac defects, chromosomal abnormalities, infections.
Diagnosis: Prenatal ultrasound.
Management: Treat underlying cause; intrauterine transfusions or early delivery may be needed.

Definition: Fever ≥38.3°C with absolute neutrophil count <500/µL.
Clinical Significance: Medical emergency in immunocompromised children.
Common Causes: Chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.
Management:
- Immediate empirical broad-spectrum IV antibiotics.
- Hospitalization and supportive care.

Definition: Decreased or absent medial longitudinal arch.
Types:
- Flexible: Most common in children; resolves spontaneously.
- Rigid: Associated with tarsal coalition, neuromuscular disorders.
Clinical Features: Painless in most; may cause fatigue or discomfort with activity.
Management: Observation, orthotics for symptomatic cases, surgery for rigid/refractory deformities.

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