Comprehensive Pediatrics Glossary

L

Definition: Congenital softening of the supraglottic laryngeal structures causing airway collapse.
Epidemiology: Most common cause of stridor in infants (<2 years).
Clinical Features: Inspiratory stridor (worse when supine, crying, feeding), occasional feeding difficulties, failure to thrive in severe cases.
Investigations: Flexible laryngoscopy (floppy epiglottis and arytenoid collapse).
Management: Usually self-limiting by 12–18 months. Severe cases: supraglottoplasty.

Definition: Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children, typically 4–10 years old.
Clinical Features: Limp, hip pain or referred knee pain, limited range of motion.
Investigations: X-ray (early: sclerosis, fragmentation; late: reossification), MRI for early detection.
Management: Activity modification, physical therapy, orthopedic follow-up, surgery for severe deformity.
Prognosis: Good in children <6 years; risk of early osteoarthritis if untreated.

Definition: Malignant proliferation of hematopoietic cells; most common childhood cancer.
Types:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) – ~75% of cases, peak 2–5 years.
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – ~15–20% of cases.
Clinical Features: Pallor, fatigue, fever, bruising, petechiae, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy.
Investigations: CBC (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis or leukopenia), peripheral smear, bone marrow aspirate/biopsy, immunophenotyping.
Management: Chemotherapy (induction, consolidation, maintenance), supportive care, bone marrow transplant for high-risk cases.
Complications: Infection, hemorrhage, tumor lysis syndrome, relapse.

Definition: Enlargement of lymph nodes.
Etiology:
- Infectious: viral (EBV, CMV), bacterial (strep, staph), TB.
- Malignant: lymphoma, leukemia.
- Autoimmune: SLE, juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Clinical Features: Size, tenderness, consistency, location, systemic symptoms.
Investigations: CBC, ESR/CRP, imaging (ultrasound/CT), biopsy if persistent, suspicious, or generalized.
Management: Treat underlying cause; excisional biopsy for diagnosis if malignancy suspected.

Definition: Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid tissue.
Types:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Painless cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Often abdominal mass, rapid onset, systemic symptoms.
Investigations: CBC, ESR, LDH, imaging (CT, PET), lymph node biopsy for histopathology.
Management: Chemotherapy protocols specific to type, radiation for selected cases, supportive care.
Prognosis: Excellent with modern therapy; long-term follow-up required for late effects.

Definition: Viral infection causing inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
Etiology: Parainfluenza virus most common.
Clinical Features: Barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, low-grade fever.
Investigations: Clinical diagnosis; X-ray if atypical (steeple sign).
Management: Mild: supportive care, humidified air. Moderate/severe: nebulized epinephrine, corticosteroids.
Complications: Airway obstruction, hypoxia in severe cases.

Definition: Difference in length between lower extremities.
Etiology: Congenital (hemihypertrophy, limb hypoplasia), acquired (fracture, infection, trauma).
Clinical Features: Gait asymmetry, limping, back pain.
Investigations: Clinical measurement, X-ray (scanogram, CT), MRI if soft tissue involvement suspected.
Management: Shoe lifts for minor discrepancies, orthopedic surgery for significant differences (>2 cm).

Definition: Inability to digest lactose due to lactase deficiency.
Etiology: Primary (genetic), secondary (post-infectious or post-enteritis), congenital (rare).
Clinical Features: Abdominal bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain after lactose ingestion.
Investigations: Hydrogen breath test, stool reducing substances, lactose tolerance test.
Management: Lactose-free diet, lactase enzyme supplements, calcium/vitamin D supplementation to prevent deficiency.

Definition: Inflammation of the larynx, usually viral.
Clinical Features: Hoarseness, voice loss, mild sore throat, cough.
Investigations: Clinical diagnosis; laryngoscopy if persistent or complicated.
Management: Supportive: hydration, voice rest, humidified air. Antibiotics only if bacterial superinfection suspected.

Definition: Abnormal distribution of subcutaneous fat.
Etiology: Congenital (genetic syndromes) or acquired (HIV treatment, metabolic disorders).
Clinical Features: Fat loss from face, limbs, or trunk; may be associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia.
Investigations: Clinical assessment, metabolic panel, genetic testing if congenital.
Management: Treat underlying cause, diet, exercise, metabolic monitoring, cosmetic interventions if needed.

Definition: Congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels forming cystic masses.
Clinical Features: Soft, compressible, transilluminant neck or axillary masses, may cause airway compromise if large.
Investigations: Ultrasound, MRI to assess extent.
Management: Observation for small, asymptomatic lesions; sclerotherapy or surgical excision for symptomatic/large lesions.

Definition: Sepsis occurring in neonates >72 hours of life.
Etiology: Often bacterial: Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Gram-negative bacilli.
Clinical Features: Fever or hypothermia, lethargy, feeding intolerance, respiratory distress.
Investigations: Blood culture, CBC, CRP, urine/stool cultures if indicated.
Management: Empirical IV antibiotics, tailored based on culture results, supportive care.

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