NR 602 Midterm Exam Study Guide(V4)(New, 2024): Chamberlain College of Nursing, Study notes of Nursing

Download NR 602 Midterm Exam Study Guide(V4)(New, 2024): Chamberlain College of Nursing and more Study notes Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! NR 602 Midterm Exam Study Guide Chalazion Chalazion is a chronic sterile inflammation of the eyelid resulting from a lipogranuloma of the meibomian glands that line the posterior margins of the eyelids (see Fig. 29-7). It is deeper in the eyelid tissue than a hordeolum and may result from an internal hordeolum or retained lipid granular secretions. Clinical Findings Initially, mild erythema and slight swelling of the involved eyelid are seen. After a few days the inflammation resolves, and a slow growing, round, nonpigmented, painless (key finding) mass remains. It may persist for a long time and is a commonly acquired lid lesion seen in children (see Fig. 29-7). 727 Management • Acute lesions are treated with hot compresses. • Refer to an ophthalmologist for surgical incision or topical intralesional corticosteroid injections if the condition is unresolved or if the lesion causes cosmetic concerns.  A chalazion can distort vision by causing astigmatism as a result of pressure on the orbit. Complications Recurrence is common. Fragile, vascular granulation tissue called pyogenic granuloma that enlarges and bleeds rapidly can occur if a chalazion breaks through the conjunctival surface. Blepharitis Blepharitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the eyelash follicles or meibomian sebaceous glands of the eyelids (or both). It is usually bilateral. There may be a history of contact lens wear or physical contact with another symptomatic person. It is commonly caused by contaminated makeup or contact lens solution. Poor hygiene, tear deficiency, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and face are also possible etiologic factors. The ulcerative form of blepharitis is usually caused by S. aureus. Nonulcerative blepharitis is occasionally seen in children with psoriasis, seborrhea, eczema, allergies, lice infestation, or in children with trisomy 21. Clinical Findings • Swelling and erythema of the eyelid margins and palpebral conjunctiva 726 • Flaky, scaly debris over eyelid margins on awakening; presence of lice • Gritty, burning feeling in eyes • Mild bulbar conjunctival injection • Ulcerative form: Hard scales at the base of the lashes (if the crust is removed, ulceration is seen at the hair follicles, the lashes fall out, and an associated conjunctivitis is present) Differential Diagnosis Pediculosis of the eyelashes. Management Explain to the patient that this may be chronic or relapsing. Instructions for the patient include: • Scrub the eyelashes and eyelids with a cotton-tipped applicator containing a weak (50%) solution of no-tears shampoo to maintain proper hygiene and debride the scales. • Use warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes at a time two to four times a day and wipe away lid debris. • At times antistaphylococcal antibiotic (e.g., erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment) is used until symptoms subside and for at least 1 week thereafter. Ointment is preferable to eye drops because of increased duration of contact with the ocular tissue. Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution for 4 weeks may also be used (Shtein, 2014). • Treat associated seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema, or allergies as indicated. • Remove contact lenses and wear eyeglasses for the duration of the treatment period. Sterilize or clean lenses before reinserting. • Purchase new eye makeup; minimize use of mascara and eyeliner. • Use artificial tears for patients with inadequate tear pools. Chronic staphylococcal blepharitis and meibomian keratoconjunctivitis respond to oral erythromycin. Doxycycline, tetracycline, or minocycline can be used chronically in children older than 8 years old. Acute Otitis Media AOM is an acute infection of the middle ear (Fig. 30-4). The AAP Clinical Practice Guideline requires the presence of the following three components to diagnose AOM (Lieberthal et   al, 2013 ): • Recent, abrupt onset of signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation and effusion (ear pain, irritability, otorrhea, and/or fever) • MEE as confirmed by bulging TM, limited or absent mobility by pneumatic otoscopy, air-fluid level behind TM, and/or otorrhea • Signs and symptoms of middle ear inflammation as confirmed by distinct erythema of the TM or onset of ear pain (holding, tugging, rubbing of the ear in a nonverbal manner) Characteristics of different types of AOM are defined in Table 30-4. AOM often follows eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Common causes of ETD include upper respiratory infections, allergies, and ETS. ETD leads to 746functional eustachian tube obstruction and inflammation that decreases the protective ciliary action in the eustachian tube. When the eustachian tube is obstructed, negative pressure develops as air is absorbed in the middle ear (see Fig. 30-4). The negative pressure pulls fluid from the mucosal lining and causes an accumulation of sterile fluid. Bacteria pulled in from the eustachian tube lead to the accumulation of purulent fluid. Young children have shorter, more horizontal and more flaccid eustachian tubes that are easily disrupted by viruses, which predisposes them to AOM. Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza are two of the viruses most responsible for the increase in the incidence of AOM seen from January to April. Other risk factors associated with AOM are listed in Boxes 30-1 and 30-2. S. pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and S. pyogenes (group A streptococci) are the most common infecting organisms in AOM (Conover, 2013). S. pneumoniaecontinues to be the most common bacteria responsible for AOM. The strains of S. pneumoniae in the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) have virtually disappeared from the middle ear fluid of children with AOM (Lieberthal et   al, 2013 ). With the introduction of the 13-valent S. pneumoniae vaccine, the bacteriology of the middle ear is likely to continue to evolve. Bullous myringitis is almost always caused by S. pneumonia. Nontypeable H. influenza remains a common cause of AOM. It is the most common cause of bilateral otitis media, severe inflammation of the TM, and otitis-conjunctivitis syndrome. M. catarrhalis obtained from the nasopharynx has become increasingly more beta-lactamase positive, but the high rate of clinical resolution in children with AOM from  M. catarrhalis makes amoxicillin a good choice for initial therapy (Lieberthal et   al, 2013 ). M. catarrhalis rarely causes invasive disease. S. pyogenes is responsible for AOM in older children, is responsible for more TM ruptures, and is more likely to cause mastoiditis. Although a virus is usually the initial causative factor in AOM, strict diagnostic criteria, careful specimen handling, and sensitive microbiologic techniques have shown that the majority of AOM is caused by bacteria or bacteria and virus together (Lieberthal et   al, 2013 ). Clinical Findings History Rapid onset of signs and symptoms: • Ear pain with possible ear pulling in the infant; may interfere with activity and/or sleep • Irritability in an infant or toddler • Otorrhea • Fever Other key factors or symptoms: • Prematurity • Craniofacial anomalies or congenital syndromes associated with craniofacial anomalies • Exposure to risk factors • Disrupted sleep or inability to sleep • Lethargy, dizziness, tinnitus, and unsteady gait • Diarrhea and vomiting • Sudden hearing loss • Stuffy nose, rhinorrhea, and sneezing • Rare facial palsy and ataxia Type Incidence/Etiology Clinical Findings Diagnosis Management* previously treated as bacterial in etiology) Inclusion conjunctivitis Neonates 5 to 14 days old and sexually active teens: C. trachomatis Erythema, chemosis, clear or mucoid exudate, palpebral follicles Cultures (ELISA, PCR), R/O sexual activity Neonates: Erythromycin or azithromycin PO Adolescents: Doxycycline, azithromycin, EES, erythromycin base, levofloxacin PO Viral conjunctivitis Adenovirus 3, 4, 7; HSV, herpes zoster, varicella Erythema, chemosis, tearing (bilateral); HSV and herpes zoster: unilateral with photophobia, fever; zoster: nose lesion; spring and fall Cultures, R/O corneal infiltration Refer to ophthalmologist if HSV or photophobia present Cool compresses three or four times a day Allergic and vernal conjunctivitis Atopy sufferers, seasonal Stringy, mucoid exudate, swollen eyelids and conjunctivae, itching (key finding), tearing, palpebral follicles, headache, rhinitis Eosinophils in conjunctival scrapings Naphazoline/pheniramine, naphazoline/antazoline ophthalmic solution (see text) Mast cell stabilizer (see text) Refer to allergist if needed Otitis Externa Otitis externa (OE), commonly called swimmer's ear, is a diffuse inflammation of the EAC and can involve the pinna or TM. Inflammation is evidenced as (1) simple infection with edema, discharge, and erythema; (2) furuncles or small abscesses that form in hair follicles; or (3) impetigo or infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis. OE can also be classified as mycotic otitis externa, caused by fungus, or as chronic external otitis, a diffuse low-grade infection of the EAC. Severe infection or systemic infection can be seen in children who have diabetes mellitus, are immunocompromised, or have received head and neck irradiation. OE results when the protective barriers in the EAC are damaged by mechanical or chemical mechanisms. OE is most frequently caused by retained moisture in the EAC, which changes the usually acidic environment to a neutral or basic environment, thereby promoting bacterial or fungal growth. Chlorine in swimming pools adds to the 743problem because it kills the normal ear flora, allowing the growth of pathogens. Regular cleaning of the EAC removes cerumen, which is an important barrier to water and infection. Soapy deposits, alkaline drops, debris from skin conditions, local trauma, sweating, allergy, stress, and hearing aids can also be responsible for causing OE (Rosenfeld et   al, 2014 ). OE is most often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but it is not uncommon for the infection to be polymicrobial. Furunculosis of the external canal is generally caused by S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Otomycosis is caused by Aspergillus or Candida and can be the result of systemic or topical antibiotics or steroids. Otomycosis is also more common in children with diabetes mellitus or immune dysfunction and in these cases is most commonly caused by Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella pneumonia. Group B streptococci are a more common cause in neonates. Long-standing ear drainage may suggest a foreign body, chronic middle ear pathology (such as, a cholesteatoma), or granulomatous tissue. Bloody drainage may indicate trauma, severe otitis media, or granulation tissue. Chronic or recurrent OE may result from eczema, seborrhea, or psoriasis. Eczematous dermatitis, moist vesicles, and pustules are seen in acute infection, whereas crusting is more consistent with chronic infection. Clinical Findings History The following can be found: • Itching and irritation • Pain that seems disproportionate to what is seen on examination • Pressure and fullness in ear and occasionally hearing loss that can be conductive or sensorineural • Rare hearing loss and otorrhea or systemic complaints and symptoms • Sagging of the superior canal, periauricular edema, and preauricular and postauricular lymphadenopathy with more severe disease Extension to the surrounding soft tissue results in the obstruction of the canal with or without cellulitis. Physical Examination Findings on physical examination can include the following: • Pain, often quite severe, with movement of the tragus (when pushed) or pinna (when pulled) or on attempts to examine the ear with an otoscope • Swollen EAC with debris, making visualization of the TM difficult or impossible • Rare otorrhea • Occasional regional lymphadenopathy • Tragal tenderness with a red, raised area of induration that can be deep and diffuse or superficial and pointing, which is characteristic of furunculosis • Red, crusty, or pustular spreading lesions • Pruritus associated with thick otorrhea that can be black, gray, blue-green, yellow, or white, and black spots over the TM are indicative of mycotic infection • Dry-appearing canal with some atrophy or thinning of the canal and virtually no cerumen visible with chronic OE • Presence of pressure-equalizing tube or perforation of TM Diagnostic Studies Culturing the discharge from the ear is not customary but may be indicated if clinical improvement is not seen during or after treatment, severe pain persists, the child is a neonate, the child is immunocompromised, or chronic or recurrent OE is suspected. Culturing requires a swab premoistened with sterile nonbacteriostatic saline or water. Differential Diagnosis AOM with perforation, TTO, chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), necrotizing OE, cholesteatoma, mastoiditis, posterior auricular lymphadenopathy, dental infection, and eczema are all possible differential diagnoses. Management The following steps outline the management of OE: • Eardrops are the mainstay of therapy for OE (see Table 30-3). Eardrops containing acetic acid or antibiotic with and without corticosteroid drops are the treatment of choice for OE. Symptoms should be markedly improved within 7 days, but resolution of the infection may take up to 2 weeks. Drops should be used until all symptoms have resolved. Ototoxic drugs should not be used if there is a risk of TM perforation. • Antibiotic agents should be chosen based on efficacy, resistance patterns, low incidence of adverse effects, cost, and likelihood of compliance. Neomycin, polymyxin, or hydrocortisone drops should not be used if the TM is not intact, because these drugs are known to cause damage to the cochlea (Rosenfeld et al, 2014). • The quinolone products are effective against Pseudomonas, S. aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which may be a factor if the OE is a complication of AOM. • Systemic antibiotics should not be used unless there is extension of infection beyond the ear or host factors that require more systemic treatment (severe OE, systemic illness, fever, lymphadenitis, or failed topical treatment). • Treatment for OE must include thorough parent education regarding the instillation of otic drops so that they are effective in eradicating infection. The drops should be administered with the child lying down with the affected ear upward. Drops should run into the EAC until it is filled. Move the pinna in a to-and-fro movement or pump the tragus to remove any trapped air and ensure filling (Rosenfeld et al, 2014). The child should remain lying down for 3 to 5 minutes, leaving the ear open to the air. 744 • If the infection is severe and not improving in the first 5 to 7 days, aural irrigation with water, saline, or hydrogen peroxide may be tried, or refer to the otolaryngologist for débridement and suction. • If significant swelling is present, inserting a wick into the EAC is helpful. A wick made of compressed cellulose, hydrogel polymer (Merocel XL), or gauze (0.25 inch) usually works well. The tip of the wick is lubricated with water or saline just before insertion into the ear. Once in place, the wick should be impregnated with antibiotics for as long as it remains in the auditory canal. (This may require reapplication of drops every 2 to 3 hours.) Wicks are usually removed after several days. The wick will fall out when the swelling has subsided, and treatment with direct application of drops to the ear canal should continue for the entire course. • Avoid cleaning, manipulating, and getting water into the ear. Swimming is prohibited during acute infection. • Administer analgesics for pain. Narcotic analgesics may be necessary for severe pain but are only indicated for short-term use. • Débridement with a cotton-tipped applicator, self-made cotton wick, or calcium alginate swabs is indicated once the inflammatory process has subsided and can enhance the effectiveness of the ototopical antibiotic drops. Lance a furuncle that is superficial and pointed with a 14- gauge needle. If it is deep and diffuse, a heating pad or warm oil-based drops can speed resolution. • If impetigo is present, clear the canal by using water or an antiseptic solution followed by a warm-water rinse. Apply an antibiotic ointment (mupirocin) twice a day for 5 to 7 days. There is increasing resistance to mupirocin, and retapamulin might be necessary in children over 9 months of age (Bangert et al, 2012; Drucker, 2012). The child should avoid touching the ear. Fingernails should be short, and hands should be cleansed with soap and water. Systemic antibiotics are generally unnecessary. • Fungal OE is uncommon in primary OE. Fungal OE is more likely related to chronic OE or following treatment with topical and/or systemic antibiotics. Aspergillus and Candida species are most commonly seen in mycotic OE (Rosenfeld et al, 2014). Treatment consists of antifungal solutions, such as clotrimazole-miconazole, nystatin, or other antifungal agents, including gentian violet and thimerosal 1 : 1000. • The canal should be cleansed with a 5% boric acid in ethanol solution prior to antifungal solution. If the child is not improved within 72 hours (relief of otalgia, itching, and fullness), recheck to confirm diagnosis. Lack of improvement may be due to obstructed ear canal, foreign body, poor adherence, or contact sensitivity among other things. A follow-up visit may be necessary after 1 to 2 weeks for reevaluation of the OE and removal of debris. If symptoms are worsening or there is no improvement in a week, a referral to an otolaryngologist or dermatologist is indicated. Complications Infection of surrounding tissues with impetigo, irritated furunculosis, and malignant OE with progression and necrosis caused by Pseudomonas are possible complications. Involvement of the parotid gland, mastoid bone, and infratemporal fossa is rare (Rosenfeld et al, 2014). Prevention The patient should be instructed to do the following: • Avoid water in the ear canals. • Use well-fitting earplugs for swimming especially in “dirty water.” • Use alcohol vinegar otic mix (two parts rubbing alcohol, one part white vinegar, and one part distilled water) 3 to 5 drops daily, especially after swimming or bathing, to prevent the recurrence of OE (Waitzman, 2015). • Use a blow dryer on warm setting to dry the EAC. • Avoid persistent scratching or cleaning of the external canal. • Avoid prolonged use of ceruminolytic agents.  Hand-foot-mouth disease: This is a clinical entity evidenced by fever, vesicular eruptions in the oropharynx that may ulcerate, and a maculopapular rash involving the hands and feet. The rash evolves to vesicles, especially on the dorsa of the hands and the soles of the feet, and lasts 1 to 2 weeks (Fig. 24-1). Pharyngiti s Acetaminophen or ibuprofen Antibiotics if GABHS Saltwater gargles Anesthetic lozenges for older child Streptococcal Disease Stage 2: Subacute Phase The subacute phase (2 to 4 weeks after illness onset) begins with resolution of the fever and lasts until all other clinical signs have disappeared. Irritability may be prolonged throughout this phase. Desquamation of the fingers (at the junction of nail tip and digit) occurs first, followed by desquamation of the toes. Transient jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, arthralgia or arthritis, transient diarrhea, orchitis, facial palsy, and sensorineural hearing loss may occur. Coronary artery aneurysms appear during this period—more so in untreated children. Common sites for aneurysms, in order of frequency, are the proximal left anterior descending coronary, proximal right coronary, left main coronary, left circumflex, and distal right coronary artery. Stage 3: Convalescent Phase During the convalescent phase, all clinical signs of KD have resolved, but laboratory values may not have returned to normal. This phase is complete when all blood values are normal (6 to 8 weeks from onset). However, nail changes including Beau lines (deep transverse grooves across the nails) may be seen (Scuccimari, 2012). Although some researchers note a chronic phase lasting from 40 days to years after illness onset, this phase is not present in all patients. Although coronary complications, if present, can persist into adulthood, a recent study of 564 patients with KD revealed a low incidence of side effects in children who were followed to 21 years of age (Holve et al, 2014). Diagnostic Studies KD is a diagnosis of exclusion. Results of lab investigations are not diagnostic but rather help rule in other diagnoses. Although the acute phase reactants (ESR and CRP) are usually increased, they may be normal early in the course of the illness. A CBC may show an increased WBC with a predominance of neutrophils with toxic granulation. Anemia may follow with prolonged inflammation. A marked thrombocytosis with values greater than 1 million follow in the second week of illness in the subacute phase. The comprehensive metabolic profile may show an increase in serum transaminases and hypoalbuminemia. Sterile pyuria may occur. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in 564KD may occur in association with the life-threatening MAS. • Stage 1 is typified by an elevated ESR and platelet count (as high as 700,000/mm3), elevated CRP, leukocytosis with left shift, slight decreases in red blood cells and hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, increased α2-globulin, and sterile pyuria. The platelet count may be initially normal with gradual increase after the seventh day of fever. • Blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) pharyngeal cultures may be indicated given the symptomatology (to rule out other sources of fever). • Echocardiograms at acute illness, 2 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks after onset of fever, are performed to evaluate for coronary, myocardial, and pericardial inflammation. Angiography, MRI, and cardiac stress testing may be considered. Differential Diagnosis The differential diagnosis includes viral infections (e.g., measles, adenovirus, EBV, enterovirus, influenza, or roseola) and bacterial infections (e.g., cervical adenitis, scarlet fever, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, toxic shock syndrome, leptospirosis, or Rickettsia illness, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever). Immune-mediated diseases may need to be considered and include Steven-Johnson syndrome, serum sickness, RF, SJIA or other JIA, or connective tissue diseases, such as SLE. Other differential diagnoses include mercury poisoning, or tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndromes, such as hyper IgM syndrome (Scuccimarri, 2012). Management • Early diagnosis is essential to prevent aneurysms in the coronary and extraparenchymal muscular arteries. Treatment goals include: (1) evoking a rapid anti-inflammatory response, (2) preventing coronary thrombosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and (3) minimizing long-term coronary risk factors by exercise, a heart healthy diet, and smoking prevention. The child should be referred for initial treatment that includes the following medications and agents (Scuccimarri, 2012): • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy (a single dose of 2 g/kg over 12 hours, ideally in the first 10 days of the illness) to reduce the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities. The use of immunoglobulin after the tenth day must be individualized. If a child is found to have an abnormal echocardiogram, fever, tachycardia, or other signs of inflammation beyond the tenth day, then immunoglobulin is still indicated. Retreatment with immunoglobulin may be useful for persistent or recurrent fevers. • High-dose aspirin is given for its anti-inflammatory properties (80 to 100 mg/kg/day in four divided doses—every 6 hours initially) until afebrile for at least 48 to 72 hours, then lowering the aspirin dose to 3 to 5 mg/kg/day until 6 to 8 weeks and then can discontinue if the echocardiogram is normal. If significant coronary artery abnormalities develop and do not resolve, aspirin or other antiplatelet therapy is used indefinitely. • For patients with IVIG-resistant disease as indicated by a persistent fever 48 hours after treatment with IVIG and aspirin, a second treatment of IVIG at 2 mg/kg over 12 hours is initiated. If this is not successful, then methylprednisone IV at 30 mg/kg over 3 hours once a day for 1 to 3 days may be initiated. Infliximab 5 mg/kg may also be used. If the patient is still febrile, then the opposite anti- inflammatory can be used. (Methylprednisone in the infliximab groups, or infliximab in the methylprednisone group.) Other options include cyclosporine A, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide (Saneeymehri et al, 2015). • An echocardiogram should be obtained as soon as the diagnosis is established as a baseline study, with subsequent studies at 2 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks after onset of illness. If a child is found to have abnormalities, more frequent evaluations may be indicated. • All children on chronic aspirin therapy should receive inactivated influenza vaccination. If varicella or influenza develops, aspirin treatment should be stopped for 6 weeks and another antiplatelet drug substituted to minimize the risk of Reye syndrome. • Live virus vaccines should be delayed until 11 months after administration of IVIG (AAP Red Book, 2015). • Children without coronary or cardiac changes should be followed by a cardiologist during the first year after the onset of KD.  If there are no cardiac changes during that first year, then the PCP may follow the patient with no activity restrictions imposed at that point. • Patients with any range of transient coronary artery dilation (including giant aneurysms) should be followed by a cardiologist for years; physical activity limitations may be imposed. • Follow and counsel all KD patients about a heart-healthy diet. Complications and Prognosis The acute disease is self-limited; however, during the initial stage (acute phase), inflammation of the arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the heart occurs and can later progress to coronary artery aneurysm in 15% to 25% of untreated children (less than 5% when treated appropriately). The process of aneurysm formation and subsequent thrombosis or scarring of the coronary artery may occur as late as 6 months after the initial illness. Other possible complications include recurrence of KD (less than 2%); CHF or massive myocardial infarction; myocarditis or pericarditis, or both (30%); pericardial effusion; and mitral valve insufficiency. Mortality (1.25%) from KD occurs from cardiac sequelae 15 to 45 days after onset of fever. Children with coronary dilation or aneurysms (especially those greater than 4 mm) may have long-term coronary endothelial changes that place the child at risk for early ischemic disease;  565they may also develop dyslipidemias (Wood and Tulloh, 2009). Studies from Japan raise concern about risk of early atherosclerosis (due to arterial damage, ongoing inflammatory process, and alteration in lipid profile and other atherosclerosis risk factors) even in children without coronary changes during acute febrile illness (Fukazawa and Ogawa, 2009). The risk of coronary aneurysm is reduced in patients older than 1 year old if IVIG is given within 10 days of the illness. Aneurysm regression occurs in half of all patients who develop them, commonly by 1 year after the illness (80% resolve within 5 years), but vessels do not dilate normally in response to increased oxygen demand by the myocardium. Prompt treatment of chest pain, dyspnea, extreme lethargy, or syncope is always warranted. Surgical revascularization and transcatheter revascularization are used for some coronary sequelae of KD (Wood and Tulloh, 2009). Acute Rheumatic Fever ARF is a nonsuppurative complication following a Lancefield GAS pharyngeal infection that results in an autoimmune inflammatory process involving the joints (polyarthritis), heart (rheumatic heart disease), CNS (Sydenham chorea), and subcutaneous tissue (subcutaneous nodules and erythema marginatum). Recurrent ARF with its multisystem responses can follow with subsequent GAS pharyngeal infections. Long- term effects on tissues are generally minimal except for the damage done to cardiac valves that leaves fibrosis and scarring and results in rheumatic heart disease. ARF is diagnosed based on a set of criteria called the  revised Jones criteria (1992). These criteria are used for the initial attack of ARF. Further modifications of the Jones criteria are used for recurrent ARF. Clinical Findings and History The diagnosis of an initial attack of ARF is based on the following revised Jones criteria: • Evidence of documented (culture, rapid streptococcal antigen test, or ASO titer) GAS pharyngeal infection • Findings of two major manifestations or one major and two minor manifestations of ARF (Berard, 2012; Burke and Chang, 2014) Major Manifestations Children with fewer manifestations can also have ARF. Arthritis of large joints occurs in 65% of cases, carditis in 50%, chorea in 15% to 30%, cutaneous nodules in 5%, and subcutaneous nodules in less than 7%. There is some controversy regarding the use of the Jones criteria in developing countries where the ability for diagnostic testing may be limited; therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (Box 25-2) may be used (Ferrieri, 2002; Seckel and Hoke, 2011). • Carditis is common (pancarditis, valves, pericardium, myocardium) and can cause chronic, life-threatening disease (i.e., congestive heart failure [CHF]) with estimates of 30% to 80% of patients with ARF experiencing carditis; it is more common in younger children than adolescents. The symptoms of carditis may be vague and insidious with decreased appetite, fatigue, and pains. A high-pitched holosystolic murmur is heard at the apex with radiation to the infrascapular area, as well as tachycardia and often a gallop rhythm. Mitral and possibly aortic regurgitation occur in 95% of cases, usually within 2 weeks of RF illness. The mitral valve becomes leaky due to annular dilation and elongation of the chordate that attach leaflets to the left ventricle. With moderate to severe mitral regurgitation CHF develops; recurrent episodes of RF lead to worsening valve disease. • Polyarthritis (migratory and painful) involving large joints and rarely small or unusual joints (e.g., vertebrae); it is the most common manifestation of ARF. • Sydenham chorea is uncommon. 560 • Erythema marginatum manifested as pink macules on the trunk and extremities; nonpruritic; this sign is uncommon. • Subcutaneous nodules associated with repeated episodes and severe carditis; this sign is uncommon. Minor Manifestations • Fever (101° F to 102° F [38.2° C to 38.9° C]), arthralgia, history of ARF Diagnostic Studies • Elevated acute-phase reactants (ESR, white blood cells [WBCs], CRP) • Leukocytosis • Prolonged PR interval on ECG Children may be diagnosed with ARF without evidence of a preceding streptococcal infection in the following two situations: (1) a child with Sydenham chorea or (2) with acquired heart disease (commonly mitral valve regurgitation without a congenitally abnormal or prolapsed valve) that can only be linked to ARF. Approximately 80% of children with ARF have an elevated ASO titer. A combination of both DNase- B testing and ASO rising may confirm the recent infection. Differential Diagnosis ARF is a clinical diagnosis associated with rising antibody titers. Arthritis and arthralgia can accompany a variety of diseases including JIA; connective tissue diseases; viral infections, such as parvovirus; inflammatory bowel disease; bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea; hemophilia; infective endocarditis; and Lyme disease (Berard, 2012). A complete history and physical examination with appropriate diagnostic testing are critical to establish the diagnosis. Management The treatment of ARF includes the following: • Antibiotic therapy to eradicate GAS infection: Primary prevention requires that a GAS infection be treated within 10 days of onset. Benzathine penicillin G is the drug of choice unless there is an allergic history; erythromycin is then the drug of choice. Azithromycin and cephalosporins are also sometimes used (Gerber, 2011). A patient with a history of ARF who has an upper respiratory infection should be treated for GAS whether or not GAS is recovered as asymptomatic infection can trigger a recurrence. • Anti-inflammatory therapy: Aspirin can be used for arthritis after the diagnosis is established; it is usually 561given only for 2 weeks and then tapered. It is also used to treat mild to moderate carditis. Aspirin and steroids provide symptomatic relief but do not prevent the incidence of chronic heart disease. Steroids have been beneficial in the management of severe carditis, reducing its morbidity and mortality. The association of Reye syndrome with aspirin use is always a concern and must be addressed with parents. Yearly influenza immunization is critical for children on aspirin therapy. • Chest radiographs, ECG, and echocardiography are indicated; carditis usually develops within the first 3 weeks of symptoms. • Referral for CHF treatment if needed: medical management and or valve replacement. • Bed rest is generally indicated only for children with CHF. Children with Sydenham chorea may need to be protected from injury until their choreiform movements are controlled. Steroids in the absence of other symptoms are not useful in the treatment of chorea. • Children with severe chorea may benefit from the use of antiepileptic agents, such as sodium valproate or carbamazepine. Prevention of Acute Rheumatic Fever • Treat GAS pharyngeal infections with appropriate antibiotics. Antibacterial prophylaxis for those with a prior history of ARF is required because of the greatly increased risk of recurrent ARF with subsequent inadequately treated GAS infections. Intramuscular penicillin G (1.2 million units) is more effective than daily penicillin V (Gerber, 2011) and must be given every 4 weeks (every 28 days) not monthly. It can be given every 3 weeks in high-risk children. • Antibacterial secondary prophylaxis with penicillin is given every 4 weeks for 5 years after the last ARF episode in children without carditis or until 21 years old (whichever is longer). For those with carditis and persistent myocardial or valvular disease, treatment is 10 or more years and may be lifelong (Gerber, 2011). In the majority of patients, valvular disease will resolve if they are compliant in taking antibiotic prophylaxis after the first episode of rheumatic heart disease. Complications Chronic CHF can occur after an initial episode of ARF or follow recurrent episodes of ARF. Residual valvular damage is responsible for CHF. The risk of significant cardiac disease increases dramatically with each subsequent episode of ARF; thus prevention of subsequent GAS infections is critical. Engagement in the follow-up is essential to prevent the need for cardiac valvular repair. Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis is also called infectious asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, wheezy bronchitis, or virus-induced asthma. Bronchiolitis is a disease that causes inflammation, necrosis, and edema of the respiratory epithelial cells in the lining of small airways, as well as copious mucus production (Ralston et   al, 2014 ). Bronchiolitis is characterized by the insidious onset of URI symptoms over 2 to 3 days that progresses to lower respiratory symptoms that last as long as 10 days (Da Dalt et   al, 2013 ). It is a communicable disease found primarily in infancy to 2 years old (Teshome et   al, 2013 ) that accounts for 10% of visits to a primary provider the first 2 years of life (Schroeder and Mansbach, 2014). Bronchiolitis is a common diagnosis used for an infant seen with wheezing for the very first time and is the leading cause of hospitalizations for infants. The most common age for severe disease occurs in antileukotriene inhibitors has not been adequately studied and, thus, is not recommended. A recent review showed an increased risk of bronchiolitis with low cord blood vitamin D level (Belderbos et al, 2011). At present, there is no evidence to show any pharmacologic therapy is clearly superior. Parents caring for infants and children at home need to understand: • The management of rhinitis (use of saline drops and suctioning of nares) • Indications for the use of antipyretics • The use of home oxygen • Signs of increasing respiratory distress or dehydration that call for hospitalization • Guidelines for feeding an infant with signs of mild respiratory distress (amount of fluid needed per 24 hours; smaller, more frequent feedings; monitoring of the respiratory rate; and guarding against vomiting) • Education that infants and children with bronchiolitis typically have symptoms for 2 to 3 weeks Infants younger than 2 months old and older infants with signs of severe respiratory distress should be hospitalized. Signs that suggest increasing respiratory distress include the following (Smith, 2011): • Progressive stridor or stridor at rest • Apnea • Increasing respiratory rate (sleeping rate of greater than 50 to 60 breaths per minute) • Restlessness, pallor, or cyanosis • Hypoxia recorded by either blood gas (partial pressure of oxygen [PO2] less than 60 mm Hg) or pulse oximetry (less than 92% on room air) • Rising partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) (recorded by blood gas) • Inability to tolerate oral feedings • Depressed sensorium 820 • Presence of chronic cardiovascular or immunodeficiency disease • Parent unable to manage at home for any reason In-hospital management focuses on supportive care, focusing on suctioning of nares, humidified supplemental oxygen, and elevation of the child to a sitting position at a 30- to 40-degree angle. IV hydration (or in infants nasogastric hydration) is needed when respiratory distress interferes with nursing or bottle feeding. Occasionally a hospitalized child is not able to be quickly weaned back to room air. Home management of these infants requiring oxygen is sometimes difficult and may require a team approach, including involvement of a pediatric health care provider and home care nursing visits. Strict outpatient follow-up is mandatory for as long as the child is receiving home oxygen. Complications The first 48 to 72 hours after the onset of cough are the most critical. Apneic spells are common in infants. The child is ill-appearing and toxic but gradually improves. The fatality rate associated with bronchiolitis is about 1% to 2%. Infants younger than 12 weeks old and those with underlying cardiorespiratory or immunodeficiency are at risk for severe disease. Prolonged apnea, uncompensated respiratory acidosis, and profound dehydration secondary to loss of water from tachypnea and an inability to drink are the factors leading to death in young infants with bronchiolitis. In some children, bronchiolitis can cause minor pulmonary function problems and a tendency for bronchial hyperreactivity that lasts for years. RSV bronchiolitis has been associated with the development of asthma, but its role in the causality of asthma is still debated. Recurrent episodes of wheezing can be seen during childhood in patients with a history of bronchiolitis. This persists into adolescence with 10% of the children still wheezing. However, this figure may not be different from the general population (Welliver, 2009). Prevention Palivizumab (Synagis) is an RSV-specific monoclonal antibody used to provide some protection from severe RSV infection for high-risk infants (see Chapter 24 for guidelines). Educate caregivers about decreasing exposure to and transmission of RSV, especially those with high-risk infants. Advice should include limiting exposure to child care centers whenever possible; use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers if available or hand washing if the alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not available (Ralston et al, 2014); avoiding tobacco smoke exposure; and scheduling RSV prophylaxis vaccination, when indicated. Asthma Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by periods of coughing, wheezing, respiratory distress, and bronchospasm. Asthma can occur with a persistent cough without significant wheezing. It is the most common chronic respiratory disease of children, with an incidence as high as 30% of children in the Western world, and it is the leading cause of emergency department visits (Jackson et al, 2011; Liu et al, 2011). The pathophysiology is the result of immunohistopathologic responses that produce shedding of airway epithelium and collagen deposition beneath the basement membrane, edema, mast cell activation and inflammatory infiltration by eosinophils, lymphocytes (Th2-like cells), and neutrophils (especially in fatal asthma). The persistent inflammation can result in irreversible changes, such as airway wall remodeling. Inflammation causes acute bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucous plug formation. In addition, airway inflammation can trigger a hyperresponsiveness to a variety of stimuli, including allergens, exercise, cold air, and physical, chemical, or pharmacologic agents. This results in bronchospasm, which presents as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough that can be worse at night or with exercise. The airflow obstruction is often reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment. Remodeling of the airway can occur secondary to persistent fibrotic changes in the airway lining. The fibrosis alters the airway caliber, leading to decreased airflow with permanent changes starting in childhood, but become recognizable in adults. Recent advances have shown that there are different “phenotypes” of this disease with different clinical manifestations, and data suggest that children who have symptoms before 3 years old are more likely to have changes in lung functioning at 6 years old (Szefler et al, 2014). Asthma in children is classified as intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent depending on symptoms, recurrences, need for specific medications, and pulmonary function measurements (Table 25-2). Children classified at any level of asthma can have episodes involving mild, moderate, or severe exacerbations. Exacerbations involve progressive worsening of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or any combination of these symptoms. The degree of airway hyperresponsiveness is usually related to the severity of asthma that can change over time. A well-controlled child with asthma has only one exacerbation in 3 years on average ( Jackson et al, 2011). TABLE 25-2 Classification of Asthma Severity in Children: Clinical Features Before Treatment Classification and Step Symptoms* Nighttime Symptoms Lung Function Step 1: Intermittent Symptoms two times or less per week Asymptomatic and normal PEF between exacerbations Requires SABA 2 days/week Exacerbations brief (few hours or days); varying intensity No interference with normal activity Two times or less per month FEV1 >80% predicted Normal FEV1 between exacerbations Step 2: Mild persistent Symptoms more than two times per week but less than one time per day Requires SABA more than two days/week but not more than one per day Exacerbations may affect activity (minor) Three to four times per month FEV1 >80% predicted Step 3: Moderate persistent Daily symptoms Daily use of inhaled SABA Some limitations Exacerbations affect activity, two times or more per week; may last days More than one time per week but not nightly FEV1 >60% but <80% predicted Step 4: Severe persistent Continual symptoms Requires SABA several times/day Extremely limited physical activity Frequent exacerbations Often seven times per week FEV1 <60% predicted *Having at least one symptom in a particular step places the child in that particular classification. FEV1, Forced expiratory volume in 1 second; PEF, peak expiratory flow; SABA, short-acting beta2-agonist. Adapted from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): Full report of the expert panel: guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma, (EPR-3), Bethesda, MD, 2007, National Institutes of Health. Many children experience early- and late-phase responses to their asthma episode. The early asthmatic response (EAR) phase is characterized by activation of mast cells and their mediators, with bronchoconstriction being the key feature. EAR starts within 15 to 30 minutes of mast cell activation and resolves within approximately 1 hour if the individual is removed from the offending allergen. The late- phase asthmatic response is a prolonged inflammatory state that usually follows the EAR within 4 to 12 hours after exposure to the allergen, is often associated with airway hyperresponsiveness more severe than the EAR presentation, and can last from hours to several weeks. Exercise-induced bronchospasm describes the phenomenon of airway narrowing during, or minutes after, the onset of vigorous activity. Most asthmatics exhibit airway hyperirritability after vigorous activity and display exercise-induced bronchospasm. For some children, exercise is the trigger for their asthma. Although asthma is not always associated with an allergic disorder in children, many pediatric patients with chronic asthma have an allergic component. Increased weight gain in pregnancy and the first 2 years of life may increase TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine implicated in asthma, which may be a predictive biomarker for asthma (Szefler et al, 2014). It is not known for certain whether hyperresponsiveness of the airways is present at birth or acquired later in genetically predisposed children. However, the genetic predisposition for the development of an IgE-mediated response to common aeroallergens, known as atopy,remains the strongest identifiable predisposing risk factor for asthma. A combination of genetic predisposition and exposure to certain environmental factors are the necessary components responsible for the pathophysiologic response associated with asthma. Origins of asthma exacerbations include exposure to respiratory virus, seasonal patterns, exposure to mycoplasma pneumonia and  Chlamydophila pneumoniae,pollution, smoking, pregnancy, and psychological stress (Jackson et al, 2011; Szefler, 2013). Asthma is rarely diagnosed before 12 months old due to the high rate of viral illness causing bronchiolitis (Nelson and Zorc, 2013). A diagnosis of asthma should be made with caution in a toddler who has only wheezing associated with viral infections (Mueller et al, 2013). The morbidity and mortality statistics of asthma in childhood demonstrate an alarming increasing incidence of asthma and its complications with a lifetime prevalence of 13% (Nelson and Zorc, 2013). The prevalence rate for asthma is highest among children 5 to 17 years with the 566highest rate among black children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Minority children have fewer ambulatory care visits for asthma and are less likely to be on a controller medication. Occupational or environmental exposure can cause airway inflammation associated with asthma. Factors known to precipitate or aggravate asthma in children include the following: • Atopic individual response to allergens—inhaled, topical, ingested • Viral infections and bacterial infections with atypical mycobacterium • Exposure to known irritants (paint fumes, smoke, air pollutants) and occupational chemicals • Gastroesophageal reflux • Exposure to tobacco smoke (for infants, especially smoking by mother) • Environmental changes—rapid changes in barometric pressure, temperature, especially cold air • Exercise and psychological factors or emotional stresses (e.g., crying, laughter, anxiety attack, or panic or panic disorder) • AR and sinusitis • Drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, beta-blockers) • Food additives (sulfites) • Endocrine factors (e.g., obesity) Allergen-induced asthma results in hyperresponsive airways. The majority of children with asthma show evidence of sensitization to any of the following inhalant allergens: • House dust mites, cockroaches, indoor molds • Saliva and dander of cats and dogs • Outdoor seasonal molds • Airborne pollens—trees, grasses, and weeds • Food allergy, including egg and tree nut Clinical Findings History In a primary care setting, asthma should be monitored using a standardized instrument, which may include the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire, Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire, Asthma Control Score, and other instruments as found in the guidelines summary (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2007, p 17). The advantages of a standardized questionnaire are that it allows the health care provider to assess changes in the patient's asthma and alter the management plan as needed. However, data suggest the use of these tools is not effective in poorly controlled children in an acute setting (Szefler, 2014). The assessment of asthma symptoms allows providers to determine if the asthma is well controlled, less well controlled, or poorly controlled (Mueller et al, 2013). Well-controlled children have symptoms less than 2 days a week and use short-acting beta 2-agonists (SABAs) less than twice 567a week, whereas less well-controlled patients have symptoms more than 2 days a week and likely need a step up in treatments. Poorly controlled children have symptoms during the day and may utilize SABAs several times a day. In primary care settings and the emergency department, the initial presentation is assessed based on the ability to talk in sentences, breathlessness, and alertness (Nelson and Zorc, 2013). Critical points to cover in the history of a child being seen for asthma include the following: • Family history of asthma or other related allergic disorders (e.g., eczema or AR) • Conditions associated with asthma (e.g., chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, gastroesophageal reflux, and chronic otitis media) • Complaints of chest tightness or dyspnea • Cough and wheezing particularly at night and in the early morning or shortness of breath with exercise or exertion (characteristic of asthma) • Seasonal, continuous, or episodic pattern of symptoms that may be associated with certain allergens or triggering agents • Episodes of recurrent “bronchitis” or pneumonia • Precipitation of symptoms by known aggravating factors (upper respiratory infections, acetaminophen, aspirin) • Level of alertness Physical Examination Table 25-3 outlines the physical assessment findings correlated with asthma severity. Broadly speaking, the following may be seen on physical examination: • Heterophonous wheezing (different pitches but may be absent if severe obstruction) • Continuous and persistent coughing • Prolonged expiratory phase, high-pitched rhonchi especially at the bases • A FEno value of more than 35 ppb in children indicates eosinophilic inflammation and likely responsiveness to corticosteroids, whereas 25 to 35 ppb should be interpreted with caution. There is still controversy about this test, although guidelines have been published. Management Management strategies are based on whether the child has intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent asthma (see Table 25-3). A stepwise approach is recommended. If control of symptoms is not maintained at a particular step of classification and management, the health care provider first should reevaluate for adherence and administration factors. If these factors do not appear to be responsible for the lack of symptom control, go to the next treatment step. Likewise, gradual step-downs in pharmacologic therapy may be considered when the child is well controlled for 3 months. Inhaled corticosteroids may be reduced about 25% to 50% every 3 months to the lowest possible dose needed to control the child's asthma (NHLBI, 2007; Szefler et al, 2014). Chronic Asthma Treatment of chronic asthma in children is based on general control measures and pharmacotherapy. Control measures can include the following: • Avoid exposure to known allergens or irritants. • Avoid use of acetaminophen in children at risk for asthma (Jackson et   al, 2011 ; McBride, 2011). • Administer yearly influenza vaccine. • Control environment to eliminate or reduce offending allergen. • Consider allergen immunotherapy. Studies have pointed to reduction in health care cost and improved outcomes associated with allergy immunotherapy (Dretzke et   al, 2013 ; Hankin et   al, 2013 ). • Treat rhinitis, sinusitis, or gastroesophageal reflux. • Other pharmacologic agents that may need to be considered include: • Anticholinergics—to reduce vagal tone in the airways (may also decrease mucus gland secretion) • Cromolyn sodium—to inhibit mast cell release of histamine • Leukotriene modifiers—to disrupt the synthesis or function of leukotrienes • If needed, refer to pulmonology for omalizumab, a recombinant DNA-derived, humanized IgG monoclonal antibody that binds to human IgE on the 570surface of mast cells and basophils. This anti-IgE monoclonal antibody is used as a second- line treatment for children older than 12 who have moderate to severe allergy-related asthma and react to perennial allergens. It is used when symptoms are not controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. • Follow up with PCP after an exacerbation requiring emergency department care, and obtain a clear written asthma action plan. • Education regarding asthma basics, including triggers and prevention with environmental modification, as well as the different treatment modalities includes the techniques of administration and dispelling any myths regarding asthma medication. In terms of coping, the child and family need to be able to understand their emotions, worries, and uncertainty, as well as when to contact their PCP. Developing and understanding the asthma action plan is very important during a well-child visit (Archibald and Scott, 2014). The pharmacologic management of asthma in children is based on the severity of asthma and the child's age. The stepwise approach to treatment (Figs. 25-1 and 25-2) is based on severity of symptoms and the use of pharmacotherapy to control chronic symptoms, maintain normal activity, prevent recurrent exacerbations, and minimize adverse side effects and nearly “normal” pulmonary function. Within any classification, a child may experience mild, moderate, or severe exacerbations. NHLBI guidelines for assessing asthma control and initiating and adjusting asthma therapy for the various pediatric age groups are found in Figures 25-3 and 25-4. Important considerations to note in the pharmacologic treatment of asthma include the following: • Control of asthma should be gained as quickly as possible by starting at the classification step most appropriate to the initial severity of the child's symptoms or at a higher level (e.g., a course of systemic corticosteroids or higher dose of inhaled corticosteroid). After control of symptoms, decrease treatment to the least amount of medication needed to maintain control. • Systemic corticosteroids may be needed at any time and stepped up if there is a major flare-up of symptoms. 573Control of inflammation is a key principle in the management of asthma. • The combination of inhaled corticosteroids with a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) can further control asthma (Szefler, 2013). • Children with intermittent asthma may have long periods in which they are symptom-free; they can also have life-threatening exacerbations, often provoked by respiratory infection. In these situations, a short course of systemic corticosteroids should be used. • Variations in asthma necessitate individualized treatment plans. • β2 agonists can be administered with metered dose inhaler (MDI) therapy via spacer for children with mild and moderate exacerbations of asthma, but for children with severe airway obstruction who may have decreased deposition of drug in the base of the lung, a nebulizer may be better (Nelson and Zorc, 2013). There is need for more research on the use of MDI therapy and nebulizer therapy in the pediatric population (Szefler et   al, 2014 ). A spacer or holding chamber with an attached mask enhances the delivery of MDI medications to the lower airways of a child. Spacers eliminate the need to synchronize inhalation with activation of MDI. Older children can use a spacer without the mask. • Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) do not need spacers or shaking before use. Instruct children to rinse their mouth with water and spit after inhalation. DPIs should not be used in children younger than 4 years old. • Different inhaled corticosteroids are not equal in potency to each other on a per puff or microgram basis. Tables 25-6 and 25- 7 compare daily low, medium, and high doses of various inhaled corticosteroids used for children. Combination inhaled corticosteroid and LABA can be used in children from 4 years old (Taketomo et   al, 2014 ).  For treatment of exercise-induced bronchospasm: • Warm up before exercise for 5 to 10 minutes. • Use either an inhaled SABA or a mast cell stabilizer (cromolyn) or both prior to exercise. Combination of both types of drugs is the more effective therapy. A LABA can be used in older children. • Use two puffs of a β2 agonist and/or cromolyn MDI 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. Tolerance may develop if a β2 agonist is used more than a few times 574a week; it should not be used as a controller monotherapy. Those who exercise regularly and develop symptoms of asthma should use controller medication, preferably an inhaled corticosteroid. • Using a scarf or mask around the mouth may decrease exercise-induced asthma (EIA) induced by cold. Table 25-8 identifies the usual dosages for long-term control medications (exclusive of inhaled corticosteroids) used to treat asthma in children. Quick-relief medications are listed in Table 25-9. Practice parameters are guides and should not replace individualized treatment based on clinical judgment and unique differences among children. Acute Exacerbations of Asthma The treatment of acute episodes of asthma is also based on classification of the severity of the episode. Acute episodes  579are classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Signs and symptoms are summarized in Table 25-10. Early recognition of warning signs and treatment should be stressed in both patient or parent education, or both. The initial pharmacologic treatment for acute asthma exacerbations is shown in Figure 25-5. It consists of inhaled SABAs (albuterol), two to six puffs every 20 minutes for three treatments by way of MDI with a spacer, or a single nebulizer treatment (0.15 mg/kg; minimum 1.25 to 2.5 mg of 0.5% solution of albuterol in 2 to 3 mL of normal saline). If the initial treatment results in a good response (PEF/FEV1 > 70% of the patient's best), the inhaled SABAs can be continued every 3 to 4 hours for 24 to 48 hours with a 3-day course of oral steroids at 1 to 2 mg/kg/day to a maximum of 60 mg per day. Reassessment is important to ensure an adequate response and to further assess asthma severity. An incomplete response (PEF or FEV1 between 40% and 69% of personal best or symptoms recur within 4 hours of therapy) is treated by continuing β2 agonists and adding an oral corticosteroid. The β2 agonist can be given by nebulizer or MDI with spacer. Parents should be taught to call their PCP for additional instructions. If there is marked distress (severe acute symptoms) or a poor response (PEF or FEV1 <40%) to treatment, the child should have the β2 agonist repeated immediately and should be taken to the emergency department. Emergency medical rescue (911) transportation should be used if the distress is severe and the child is agitated and unable to talk. If children experience acute asthma exacerbations more than once every 4 to 6 weeks, their treatment plan should be reevaluated. 581 This chapter focuses on the outpatient management of patient with asthma. However, familiarity with other drug options used in more severe asthma is important. They include: • Magnesium sulfate IV is used in emergency settings to decrease the intracellular calcium concentration. It causes bronchodilation due to respiratory smooth muscle relaxation. • Ipratropium oral inhalation is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used to treat bronchospasms. Evidence of its long-term maintenance use to control bronchospasms is lacking (Taketomo et al, 2014) • Epinephrine given subcutaneously or intramuscularly is still an option in severe asthma where the delivery of medication to smaller airways is limited due to bronchoconstriction. • Heliox is a mixture of oxygen and helium, which can improve drug delivery in obstructed airways because helium has a lower density and less airway resistance (Nelson and Zorc, 2013). Complications Complications from asthma can range from mild secondary respiratory infections to respiratory arrest. Unresponsiveness to pharmacologic agents can lead to status asthmaticus and ultimately to death. Chronic high-dose steroid use leads to growth retardation and other related side effects. Patient and Parent Education and Prevention The PCP needs to support self-care management through in-depth education as appropriate. Easy to understand education needs to be tailored to meet the child's individual 582needs, family needs, and cultural beliefs using a “teach back” technique. Correct administration of inhaled medication should be demonstrated during initial training sessions and reevaluated in subsequent visits. Provide instruction on the following: • Basic understanding of what asthma is, what is good asthma control, and what is the child's current level of symptomatology • Environmental control of allergens or triggers, such as smoking and dust • Basic understanding of what different medications do and how to use them: Give clear, written instructions on how to administer, how much and when to give, monitoring side effects, and how long medication should be taken. A written plan is highly recommended based on either symptoms or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). • How to use inhalers, spacer devices, or aerosol equipment (Box 25-4) along with proper cleaning of aerosol equipment Milia Milia are multiple, firm, pearly, opalescent white papules scattered over the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Their intraoral counterparts are called Epstein pearls. Histologically, milia represent superficial epidermal inclusion cysts filled with keratinous material associated with the developing pilosebaceous follicle. No treatment is necessary because milia exfoliate spontaneously in most infants over the first few weeks of life (Fig. 39-6). Vascular and Pigmented Nevi Nevi are a common finding in children. The two most common types are vascular nevi (vascular malformations and hemangiomas) and pigmented nevi (e.g., mongolian spots, café au lait spots, acquired melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and lentigines). Vascular nevi are caused by a structural abnormality (malformations) or by an overgrowth of blood vessels (hemangiomas) and are flat, raised, or cavernous. Flat lesions or vascular malformations include salmon patches (also called macular stains), an innocent malformation that is a light red macule appearing on the nape of the neck, upper eyelids, and glabella. Approximately 60% to 70% of newborns have a salmon patch on the back of the neck. Port-wine stains occur in 0.2% to 0.3% of newborns (Cohen, 2013). At 1 year old, 10% to 12% of Caucasian infants have a hemangioma—females three times more likely than males. There is also an increased incidence of hemangioma in premature neonates. Vascular malformations are always present at birth and do not resolve spontaneously. Precursor lesions of hemangiomas are present at birth 50% of the time. They undergo rapid growth (proliferative stage), stability (plateau phase), and regression (involution phase); 90% are completely resolved in children 9 to 10 years old (Paller and Mancini, 2011). Pigmented nevi are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells. Pigmented nevi most commonly seen are mongolian spots (found in up to 90% of African Americans, 62% to 86% of Asians, 70% of Hispanics, and less than 10% of Caucasians), café au lait spots (found in up to 33% of normal children and in 50% of patients with McCune-Albright syndrome), and acquired melanocytic nevi, the most common tumor of childhood. Atypical nevi, also called dysplastic nevi, are potential precursors for malignant melanoma. Dysplastic nevi are uncommon under 18 years old but have a higher incidence in melanoma-prone families (Paller and Mancini, 2011). Clinical Findings History • Presence from birth, or age first noted • Progression of lesion • Familial tendencies for similar nevi, especially for history of melanoma 1031 Physical Examination Findings include the following (Box 37-8): • Vascular malformations or flat vascular nevi are present at birth and grow commensurate with the child's growth. • Hemangiomas are classified as superficial, deep (cavernous), or mixed. They may or may not be present at birth, but they usually emerge by 2 to 3 weeks of life. They may manifest initially as a pale macule, a telangiectatic lesion, or a bright red nodular papule. After appearing, hemangiomas go through a proliferative phase during which they grow rapidly and form nodular compressible masses, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Occasionally they may cover an entire limb, resulting in asymmetric limb growth. Rapidly growing lesions may ulcerate. The final phase of involution occurs slowly (10% per year) but spontaneously (30% by 3 years old, 50% by 5 years old, 70% by 7 years old, and 90% by 9 to 10 years old). Average involution begins between 12 and 24 months old, heralded by gray areas in the lesion followed by flattening from the center outward. Most hemangiomas appear as normal skin after involution, but others may have residual changes, such as telangiectasias, atrophy, fibrofatty residue, and scarring (Paller and Mancini, 2011). • Pigmented nevi may be present at birth or acquired during childhood. • Atypical nevi are larger than acquired nevi; have irregular, poorly defined borders; and have variable pigmentation. Box 37-8 Common V as cu lar an d P igmen ted Les ion s I. Vascular malformations or flat vascular nevi • Cephalexin: 40 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days • Amoxicillin/clavulanate: 50 to 90 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days • Dicloxacillin: 15 to 50 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days • Cloxacillin: 50 to 100 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days • Clindamycin: 10 to 25 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days • For widespread infection with constitutional symptoms and deeper skin involvement, use an oral antibiotic active against beta-lactamase– producing strains of S. aureus, such as amoxicillin/clavulanate, dicloxacillin, cloxacillin, or cephalexin. • If an infant has bullous impetigo, use parenteral beta-lactamase–resistant antistaphylococcal penicillin, such as methicillin, oxacillin, or nafcillin. • If there is no response in 7 days, swab beneath the crust, and do Gram stain, culture, and sensitivities. Community-acquired MRSA should be considered. This organism is more susceptible to clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (see Chapter 24 for treatment of MRSA). • Educate regarding cleanliness, hand washing, and spread of disease. • Exclude from day care or school until treated for 24 hours. • Schedule a follow-up appointment in 48 to 72 hours if not improved. Complications • Cellulitis may occur with nonbullous impetigo and present in the form of ecthyma (infection involving entire epidermis) or erysipelas (spreading cellulitis with induration). • Lymphangitis, suppurative lymphadenitis, guttate psoriasis, erythema multiforme, scarlet fever, or glomerulonephritis may occur following infection with some strains of Streptococcus. Acute rheumatic fever is a rare complication of streptococcal skin infections. • Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a blistering disease that results from circulating epidermolytic toxin–producing S. aureus. SSSS is most common in neonates (Ritter disease), infants, and children younger than 5 years old. It manifests abruptly with fever, malaise, and tender erythroderma, especially in the neck folds and axillae, rapidly becoming crusty around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Nikolsky sign (peeling of skin with a light rub to reveal a moist red surface) is a key finding. Treatment may include hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics, especially for young children (Berk and Bayliss, 2010). Antibiotics of choice are intravenous (IV) or oral dicloxacillin, a penicillinase-resistant penicillin, first- or second-generation cephalosporins, or clindamycin. Quicker healing without scarring results if steroids are avoided, there is minimal handling of the skin, and ointments and topical mupirocin are used at the infection site (Berk and Bayliss, 2010; Patel and Patel, 2010). Severe cases may need treatment similar to extensive burn care. Patient and Family Education • Thorough cleansing of any breaks in the skin helps prevent impetigo. • Postinflammatory pigment changes can last weeks to months. • The patient should not return to school or day care until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment is completed. Molluscum Contagiosum A benign common childhood viral skin infection with little health risk, molluscum contagiosum often disappears on its own in a few weeks to months and is not easily treated (Fig. 37-18). This poxvirus replicates in host epithelial cells. It attacks skin and mucous membranes and is spread by direct contact, by fomites, or by autoinoculation (typically scratching). It is commonly found in children and adolescents. The incubation period is about 2 to 7 weeks but may be as long as 6 months ( Weston and Morelli, 2013). Infectivity is low but the child is contagious as long as lesions are present. Clinical Findings History • Itching at the site • Possible exposure to molluscum contagiosum Physical Examination • Very small, firm, pink to flesh-colored discrete papules 1 to 6 mm in size (occasionally up to 15 mm) • Papules progressing to become umbilicated (may not be evident) with a cheesy core; keratinous contents may extrude from the umbilication • Surrounding dermatitis is common • Face, axillae, antecubital area, trunk, popliteal fossae, crural area, and extremities are the most commonly involved areas; palms, soles, and scalp are spared • Single papule to numerous papules; most often numerous clustered papules and linear configurations • Sexually active or abused children can have genitally grouped lesions • Children with eczema or immunosuppression can have severe cases; those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or AIDS can have hundreds of lesions Differential Diagnosis Warts, closed comedones, small epidermal cysts, blisters, folliculitis, and condyloma acuminatum are included in the differential diagnosis. Management • Untreated lesions usually disappear within 6 months to 2 years but may take up to 4 years to completely go away. There is no consensus on the management of molluscum contagiosum and no evidence-based literature to show that any treatment is superior to placebo. Therapy may be necessary to alleviate discomfort, reduce itching, minimize autoinoculation, limit transmission, and for cosmetic reasons. Genital lesions may need to be treated to prevent spread to sexual partners. • Mechanical removal of the central core is to prevent spread and autoinoculation. Using eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream (lidocaine/prilocaine) 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure reduces discomfort. Curettage is done with a sharp blade to remove the papule. Piercing the papule and expressing the plug is an option but is painful. • There are reports that irritants (such as, surgical tape, adhesive tape, or duct tape) applied each night can result in lesion resolution. • Topical medications may prove beneficial. Recheck the patient in 1 to 2 weeks to determine need for retreatment. • Liquid nitrogen applied for 2 to 3 seconds (easiest but also painful). • Trichloroacetic acid 25% to 50% applied by dropper to the center of the lesion, followed by alcohol (use with caution). Surround the lesion first with petroleum jelly. • Cantharidin 0.7% in collodion applied by dropper to the center of the lesion, followed by alcohol. Salicylic or lactic acid or KOH or podophyllin can also be used. • Podofilox 0.5% topical solution or gel, or imiquimod 5% applied daily with a toothpick or cotton-tipped swab. • Tretinoin or tazarotene cream or gel applied to lesion each night. • Silver nitrate, iodine 7% to 9%, or phenol 1% applied for 2 to 3 seconds. 1008 • Cimetidine 30 to 40 mg/kg/day in two divided doses orally for 6 weeks if topical treatment fails. • Sexual abuse of children with genitally grouped lesions should be suspected and evaluated. • Evaluate for HIV infection if hundreds of lesions are found. • Wait and see approach—spontaneous clearing occurs over years. Complications Molluscum dermatitis, a scaly, erythematous, hypersensitive reaction, can occur and will respond to moisturizer; avoid hydrocortisone because it causes molluscum to flare. Impetiginized lesions, inflammation of the eyes or conjunctiva, and scarring can occur. Patient and Family Education Patients are contagious, but there is no need to exclude them from day care or school. Children with impaired immunity, atopic dermatitis, or traumatized skin are at greater risk for broader spread. Severe inflammation is possible several hours after application of cantharidin. Scarring is unusual. Warts Warts are common childhood skin tumors characterized by a proliferation of the epidermis and mucosa infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 HPV types, and each one produces characteristic lesions in specific locations (e.g., verruca vulgaris, verruca plana, verruca plantaris, and condyloma acuminatum). Trauma promotes inoculation of the HPV (Koebner phenomenon); as a result, most warts are on the hands, fingers, elbows, and plantar surfaces of the feet. The transmission of warts from person to person depends on viral and host factors, such as quantity of virus, location of warts, preexisting skin injury, and cell-mediated immunity. Transmission is from fomites or skin-to-skin contact, and autoinoculation is frequent. Incubation is from 1 to 6 months, possibly years. Although a large percentage of all warts resolve spontaneously within 3 to 5 years, there is a high recurrence rate. Cutaneous warts are rarely a serious health concern but present cosmetic problems for children and their families (Cohen, 2013). Clinical Findings History The history can include exposure to someone with warts. Though most common on the extremities, warts can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, scalp, and genitalia. Physical Examination • Common warts (verruca vulgaris) are usually elevated flesh-colored single papules with scaly, irregular surfaces and occasionally black pinpoints, which are thrombosed blood vessels. They are usually asymptomatic and multiple and are found anywhere on the body, although most commonly on the hands, nails, and feet. They may be dome shaped, filiform, or exophytic (Fig. 37-19). Filiform warts project from the skin on a narrow stalk and are usually seen on the face, lips, nose, eyelids, or neck. Periungual warts are common, occurring around the cuticles of the fingers or toes. Plantar warts (verrucae plantaris or mosaic) are commonly found on weight-bearing surfaces of the feet. They grow inward and disrupt skin markings. • Flat warts (verruca plana or juvenile warts) are seen commonly on the face, neck, and extremities. They are small, slightly elevated papules and number from few to several hundred. • Condylomata acuminata on genital mucosa and adjacent skin are multiple, confluent warts with irregular surfaces, light color, and cauliflower-like appearance (Fig. 37-20). Differential Diagnosis The differential diagnosis includes calluses, corns, foreign bodies, moles, comedones, and squamous cell carcinoma. Management There is no single effective treatment for warts; watchful waiting is an option. The recurrence rate is high; they typically do not resolve with just a single treatment. No treatment is necessary if the warts are asymptomatic. The decision to treat should be based on location, number and size of lesions, discomfort, and whether they are cosmetically objectionable. Treatment should not be harmful, and scarring should be avoided. Genital warts found in young children or in adolescents who are not sexually active should create suspicion of sexual abuse. Specific treatment options are outlined in Box 37-6. Follow up in 2 to 3 weeks to evaluate response. Complications Scarring from removal can occur. A ring of satellite warts may develop at the edge of the blister following treatment with cantharidin. Immunocompromised hosts can have extensive involvement. 1009 Patient and Family Education A blister, sometimes hemorrhagic, may form 1 to 2 days after liquid nitrogen treatment. Redness and itching may herald regression of a wart. Parents and patients must be warned that multiple or prolonged treatment is often necessary. Herpetic whitlow, occurring on a finger or thumb, is a swollen, painful lesion with an erythematous base and ulceration resembling a paronychia. It occurs on fingers of thumb-sucking children with gingivostomatitis or adolescents with genital HSV infection. Management Management can be guided by considering the host (e.g., age, area and extent of involvement, and immune status) and the drug needed (Table 37-5). Treatment includes: 1. Burow solution compresses three times a day to alleviate discomfort 2. Acyclovir 20 to 40 mg/kg/dose orally five times a day for 5 days, or 200 mg five times a day for 7 to 10 days (maximum pediatric dose 1000 mg/day) may be indicated to help shorten the course and alleviate symptoms for children older than 2 years old with the following conditions: • Any underlying skin disorder (e.g., eczema) • A severe case • An immunocompromised disease • Systemic symptoms with primary genital infection • Occasionally for initial severe gingivostomatitis Acyclovir is most effective if started within 3 days of disease onset. Famciclovir or valacyclovir are additional antiviral agents approved for use in adults. 3. Topical acyclovir ointment may help for initial genital herpes infections but is often not beneficial for recurrent infections. 4. Oral acyclovir 200 mg five times a day for 5 to 10 days may speed healing of herpetic whitlow (see Fig. 37-16). 5. Antibiotics for secondary bacterial (usually staphylococcal) infection: • Mupirocin: Topically three times a day for 5 days • Erythromycin: 40 mg/kg/day for 10 days • Dicloxacillin: 12.5 to 50 mg/kg/day for 10 days 6. Oral anesthetics for comfort; use with caution in children (the child needs to be able to rinse and spit): • Viscous lidocaine 2% topical Clinical Findings History. • Regurgitation and non-projectile vomiting during the first few weeks of life • Projectile vomiting beginning at 2 to 3 weeks old • Insatiable appetite with weight loss, dehydration, and constipation • An association of pyloric stenosis with the administration of erythromycin in the first 2 weeks of life has been demonstrated Physical Examination. • Weight loss • Nonbilious vomitus that can contain blood • A distinct “olive” mass that is often palpated in the epigastrium to the right of midline • Reverse peristalsis visualized across the abdomen Diagnostic Studies. Ultrasound, with measurement of the pyloric muscle thickness, is used in most centers. An upper gastrointestinal series demonstrates a “string sign,” indicating a fine, elongated pyloric canal may be required if ultrasound is unavailable or inconclusive. Management and Prognosis Surgical intervention (pyloromyotomy) is indicated after correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Vomiting can continue for a few days after surgery, although it is not as significant as it was preoperatively; feedings should be introduced gradually. The prognosis is excellent. Intussusception Intussusception involves a section of intestine being pulled antegrade into adjacent intestine with the proximal bowel trapped in the distal segment. The invagination of bowel begins proximal to the ileocecal valve and is usually ileocolic, but it can be ileoileal or colocolic. Intussusception is 859thought to be the most frequent reason for intestinal obstruction in children. Intussusception most commonly occurs between 5 and 10 months of age and is also the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children 3 months to 6 years old; 80% of the cases occur before 2 years of age. In younger infants, intussusception is generally idiopathic and responds to nonoperative approaches. In some children, there is a known medical predisposing factor, such as polyps, Meckel diverticulum, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, constipation, lymphomas, lipomas, parasites, rotavirus, adenovirus, and foreign bodies. Intussusception may also be a complication of CF. Children older than 3 years are more likely to have a lead point caused by polyps, lymphoma, Meckel diverticulum, or Henoch-Schönlein purpura; therefore, a cause must be investigated. The currently approved rotavirus vaccines have not been associated with an increased risk of intussusception (Kennedy and Liacouras, 2011). Clinical Findings History • The classic triad for intussusception, intermittent colicky (crampy) abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody mucous stools, are present in fewer than 15% of cases (Kennedy and Liacouras, 2011): • Paroxysmal, episodic abdominal pain with vomiting every 5 to 30 minutes. Vomiting is nonbilious initially. Some children do not have any pain. • Screaming with drawing up of the legs with periods of calm, sleeping, or lethargy between episodes. • Stool, possibly diarrhea in nature, with blood (“currant jelly”). • A history of a URI is common. • Lethargy is a common presenting symptom. • Fever may or may not be present; can be a late sign of transmural gangrene and infarction. • Severe prostration is possible. Physical Examination • Observe the baby's appearance and behavior over a period of time; often the child appears glassy-eyed and groggy between episodes, almost as if sedated. • A sausage-like mass may be felt in the RUQ of the abdomen with emptiness in the RLQ (Dance sign); observe the infant when quiet between spasms. • The abdomen is often distended and tender to palpation. • Grossly bloody or guaiac-positive stools. Diagnostic Studies • An abdominal flat-plate radiograph can appear normal, especially early in the course and reveal intussusceptions in only about 60% of cases (Fig. 33-5). A plain radiograph may show sparse or no intestinal gas or stool in the ascending colon with air-fluid levels and distension in the small bowel only. • Abdominal ultrasound is very accurate in detecting intussusception and is the test of choice (Ross and LeLeiko, 2010). It shows “target sign” and the “pseudo kidney” sign and can also be used to evaluate resolution following air contrast enema. • An air contrast enema is both diagnostic and a treatment modality. Differential Diagnosis The differential diagnosis includes incarcerated hernia, testicular torsion, acute gastroenteritis, appendicitis, colic, and intestinal obstruction. 860 Management • Emergency management and consultation with a pediatric radiologist and a pediatric surgeon is recommended. • Rehydration and stabilization of fluid status; gastric decompression. • Radiologic reduction using a therapeutic air contrast enema under fluoroscopy is the gold standard. • Surgery is necessary if perforation, peritonitis, or hypovolemic shock is suspected or radiologic reduction fails. • IV antibiotics are often administered to cover potential intestinal perforation. • A period of observation following radiologic reduction is recommended (12 to 18 hours); clear discharge instructions to return with any recurrence of symptoms are required, and close phone follow-up for up to 72 hours is prudent. Complications Swelling, hemorrhage, incarceration, and necrosis of the bowel requiring bowel resection may occur.  Perforation, sepsis, shock, and re- intussusception (reported to typically be less than 10%, usually within 72 hours of radiologic reduction but can occur up to 36 months later) can all occur. Recurrence is associated with the lead points described earlier. Celiac disease is an immune-mediated systemic disorder triggered by dietary exposure to wheat gluten and related proteins in barley and rye. It is characterized by the presence of a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical manifestations, celiac disease–specific antibodies, HLA-DQ2.5 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy. This disease frequently co-occurs with other autoimmune diseases: diabetes mellitus type 1, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune liver disease, IgA nephropathy, and juvenile chronic arthritis (Mubarak et   al, 2012 ). A number of conditions or variables may contribute to the development of celiac disease. It is suggested that demographic changes, such as immigration from developing to developed countries, increase exposure to gluten and an increased incidence of celiac disease follows (Scanlon and Murray, 2011). Celiac disease is greater among infants born by cesarean section; the development of enteric homeostasis in the newborn period may be altered, increasing susceptibility (Decker et   al, 2010 ). Parent reported gastroenteritis occurring at the time gluten was introduced into the child's diet does not appear to be associated with celiac disease (Welander et   al, 2010 ). Celiac disease has a worldwide distribution with overall prevalence of 1% (Mustalahti et   al, 2010 ). The most typical presentation occurs between 6 months and 2 years old. Clinical Findings General History for Malabsorption Syndromes Careful medical and family medical histories are very important in the evaluation of a malabsorption syndrome and are often the key to the diagnosis. In addition, a complete dietary history is needed to distinguish between undernutrition and malabsorption. Important historical findings include: • Past surgical and trauma history • Growth failure (a common symptom of nutritional deficiency and malabsorption) • Delayed puberty can coexist with malabsorption. • A voracious appetite or particular food avoidance is present in small children with malabsorption syndromes • Chronic diarrhea with frequent, large, foul-smelling, pale stools • Excessive flatus with abdominal distention • Pallor, fatigue, hair and dermatologic abnormalities, digital clubbing, dizziness, cheilosis, glossitis, peripheral neuropathy (symptoms of vitamin deficiency seen with malabsorption) Disease-Specific History In addition to the list in the earlier section, the following may stand out. Celiac Disease. • Chronic or intermittent diarrhea, persistent or unexplained GI symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), sudden or unexpected weight loss, and prolonged fatigue Diagnostic Studies • Stool assessment for occult blood, WBCs, and culture; liquid stool for pH and reducing substances; 72-hour fecal fat collection or Sudan stain for stool fat • Spot stool testing for alpha 1-antitrypsin level to establish the diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy • Sweat chloride test (in the presence of steatorrhea to evaluate for CF) • Stool for O&P: Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection causing malabsorption. See later discussion for symptoms suggestive of infestation. • CBC with differential, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), iron, folic acid, and ferritin • Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, serum protein, liver function tests, vitamin D and its metabolites, vitamins A, B12, E, and K • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing (for symptoms of FTT and chronic diarrhea) • Small bowel biopsy helps identify diseases of the small bowel mucosa and obtain material for culture and sensitivity • Plain abdominal radiographs and barium contrast studies as indicated • Abdominal ultrasound can detect masses and stones in the hepatobiliary system • Retrograde studies of the pancreas and biliary tree if indicated • Bone age Specific Tests for Celiac Disease • Serologic testing should be done if there is clinical suspicion of celiac disease, the child has an associated disorder, or there is a first-degree relative with celiac disease. Gluten should be eaten in more than one meal every day for 6 weeks prior to testing. Recommended serologic tests include IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTGA) and IgA endomysial antibody (EMA) because of their high sensitivity and specificity (Guandalini et al, 2014; Tran, 2014). EMA is more expensive and less accurate in children younger than 2 years old (Gelfand, 2013). • Home blood testing is not recommended (NICE, 2010). • If serologic testing is positive, refer for endoscopy with biopsy for a definitive diagnosis, although colonoscopy may not be necessary if the tTGA level is greater than 100 units/mL (Mubarak et al, 2011). • Careful follow-up of growth parameters, tTGA testing after 6 months of gluten-free diet (GFD), and then yearly (Hill et al, 2005). • Bone density testing (bone problems may be first symptom of celiac disease). Management Celiac Disease • A strict GFD for life is currently the only effective treatment for celiac disease. The standard for being gluten-free is a limit of 20 ppm of gluten (Hill et   al, 2005 ). Adding pure oats to a GFD can improve palatability and increase fiber and vitamin B intake without causing a systemic or autoantibody response (Mubarak et   al, 2012 ; Scanlon and Murray, 2011). • Alternative treatments are being explored, including enzyme therapy, developing genetically engineered grains, inhibiting tTGA in the intestine, and correcting intestinal barrier defects (particularly increased permeability). • A lactose-free diet for young children may be helpful. This is generally not the case in adolescents and adults unless they are lactose intolerant (Hill et   al, 2005 ). Complications and Prognosis Celiac Disease Growth failure is the primary complication of celiac disease. With delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment, there is risk for fractures and osteoporosis (due to reduced bone mineral density), lymphoma, autoimmune diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorders), primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Sensory peripheral neuropathy may be related to gluten sensitivity (Hadjivassiliou et   al, 2010 ). Celiac crisis consisting of abdominal distention, explosive watery diarrhea, dehydration with hypoproteinemia, electrolyte imbalance, hypotensive shock, and lethargy, although rare, can be the first indication of celiac disease. Prognosis is improved with lifelong GFD. reactants, and elevated transaminase levels. About 10% of children with SJIA develop a life-threatening macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) with fever, organomegaly, cytopenia, hyperferritinemia (acute phase reactant), hypertriglyceridemia, coagulopathy, and hypofibrinogenemia. 4. Enthesitis-related JIA: This typically entails arthritis of the lower limbs especially the hip and intertarsal joints with the sacroiliac joints involved later in the disease. Enthesitis involves inflammation at the insertion of tendons, ligaments, or joint capsules and is characterized by swelling, tenderness, and warmth. Enthesitis may present with joint or foot pain. There is a risk of anklyosing spondylitis 10 to 15 years later. It tends to occur in late childhood and adolescence and acute symptomatic uveitis occurs in about 7%. 5. Psoriatic arthritis: This is more common between the ages of 2 and 4 and again between 9 to 11 years old. There is usually a family history of psoriasis, or the child has psoriasis; however, the arthritis can precede the psoriasis by years. There can be dactylitis or a sausage-like swelling of the digits; involvement in the small digits is not uncommon. Diagnostic Studies JIA is a diagnosis of exclusion. The diagnosis is based on physical findings and history of arthritis lasting for 6 weeks or longer. There is no diagnostic laboratory test for JIA. Most children with oligoarticular arthritis have negative laboratory markers. Those with polyarticular and systemic-onset typically have elevated acute-phase reactants and anemia of chronic disease. A positive result for RF by latex fixation may be present, but a positive RF occurs in less than 10% of children with JIA and rarely in those with SJIA. ANA may be present in up to 50% of children with oligoarticular disease. A positive ANA helps identify children at higher risk for uveitis. The anti-CCP antibody test can be added to the initial workup of JIA, because citrullinated residues are part of the essential antigenic components that are recognized by autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (Mehta, 2012). The anti-CCP antibodies are associated with more aggressive disease and may be present before the onset of symptoms. The anti-CCP antibody is highly specific, but its precise role has not been established because it is found primarily in children with polyarticular JIA (Mehta, 2012). Useful laboratory tests include a complete blood count (CBC) (to exclude leukemia); ESR, CRP, Lyme titers, and liver function tests. The results may reveal lymphopenia, anemia, elevated transaminases, and hypoalbuminemia; however, laboratory studies may be normal in these children. Imaging studies (MRI) can help in managing joint pathologic conditions. Analysis of synovial fluid is not helpful in the diagnosis of JIA. Differential Diagnosis The various causes of monoarticular arthritis are part of the differential diagnosis. However, Lyme disease must be excluded and other differentials, including tumors, leukemia, cancer, bacterial infections, toxic synovitis, rheumatic fever, SLE, spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease, septic arthritis, and chondromalacia patellae, need to be carefully considered. Management A specialist in pediatric rheumatology should follow children with severe involvement. Ophthalmology referral and evaluation is critical in a child with a positive ANA. Uveitis needs immediate ophthalmologic management.  It is most common in oligoarticular JIA and is highly associated with a positive ANA. Other pediatric subspecialists, such as orthopedists, pain management specialists, and cardiologists, may be consulted as needed. Therapy depends on the degree of local or systemic involvement. The main treatment goals are to suppress inflammation, preserve and maximize joint function, prevent joint deformities, and prevent blindness. Drug therapy is used to control the inflammation responsible for tissue injury with the goal of preventing permanent tissue changes, which is not always possible. Aggressive early treatment to induce a remission is a key consideration in JIA management in order to prevent deformity and improve outcomes and is now the goal of the practice guidelines for both polyarticular JIA and SJIA ( Ringold et al, 2013, 2014). Aspirin therapy has largely been replaced with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pharmacologic agents commonly used in the management of JIA include the following (Gowdie and Tse, 2012): • NSAIDs: Children with oligoarthritis generally respond well to NSAIDs (Taketomo et al, 2014). • Ibuprofen: 30 to 40 mg/kg/day three to four divided doses (maximum single dose is 800 mg; maximum daily dose 2400 mg/day) • Tolmetin: 20 to 30 mg/kg/day divided in three to four doses (maximum dose is 1800 mg/day) • Naproxen: 10 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (maximum dose is 1000 mg/day) • Indomethacin: Older than 2 years old, 1 to 2 mg/kg/day divided in two to four doses (maximum dose is 4 mg/kg/day); adults, 25 to 50 mg/dose two or three times/day (maximum dose is 200 mg/day) • Celecoxib: Older than 2 years old and adolescents (≥10 kg to ≤25 kg), 50 mg twice daily; >25 kg, 100 mg twice daily • Oral, parenteral, intraarticular corticosteroids: • Systemic arthritis: Can be used for 2 weeks as initial therapy for SJIA with involvement of more than four joints and a physician global assessment (using the Provider global assessment tool of disease activity) of 554less than 5 or a Provider global score of more than 5 without care about active joint involvement. Corticosteroids can be used as bridging therapy until other medications take effect (Ringold et al, 2013) • All the other types of arthritis: Prednisone in the lowest possible dose with optional intraarticular steroid injection (Ringold et al, 2014) • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Recent published guidelines vary related to the initiation of these agents depending on type of arthritis, joint involvement, and MD global assessment of functioning • Nonbiologic DMARD treatment: methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide (managed by pediatric rheumatologist) • Biologic DMARD treatment (managed by pediatric rheumatologist) • Short-acting agents: Anti-IL-1 anakinra is the first-line agent for SJIA with significant joint involvement and poor global functioning (Sterba and Sterba, 2013). • Long-acting agents: Rilonacept, canakinumab, and tocilizumab have long-acting activity (Sterba and Sterba, 2013). Rilonacept is a recombinant fusion protein with high affinity for IL-1β, IL-1α, and IL-1 receptors and a half-life of 8.6 days. Canakinumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody effective against IL-β with a half-life of 28 days. Tocilizumab is effective against IL-6 (Sterba and Sterba, 2013). • TNF-α agents: For example, etanercept (Enbrel, infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira) soak up tumor necrosis factor, an immune-system protein, and block the inflammatory cascade. Methotrexate or anakinra is used in severe forms of JIA. • Intraarticular corticosteroid injections are used if there is severe joint involvement. • Pharmacologic therapy for uveitis is given as indicated by an ophthalmologist. Females with ANA-positive oligoarticular JIA are at high risk for uveitis and require slit-lamp examination every 3 to 4 months. The uveitis often does not correspond to the severity of the arthritis (i.e., uveitis may be present despite quiescent arthritis). • Physical therapy—range of motion muscle-strengthening exercises and heat treatments—is used for joint involvement; occupational therapy is beneficial. Rest and splinting are used if indicated. • Ophthalmologic follow-up every 3 months for 4 years (even if the arthritis has resolved) for all ANA-positive JIA children. They have a greater risk of uveitis that may not be clinically apparent but can lead to blindness if not detected and treated. Complications and Prognosis Systemic involvement can include iridocyclitis, uveitis, pleuritis, pericarditis, anemia, fatigue, and hepatitis. Residual joint damage caused by granulation of tissue in the joint space can occur. Children most likely to develop permanent crippling disability include those with hip involvement, unremitting synovitis, or positive-RF test. The course of the disease is variable, and there is no curative treatment. Again, early aggressive treatment is critical; therefore, referral to a specialist is important.  After an initial episode, the child may never have another episode, or the disease may go into remission and recur months or years later. The disease process of JIA wanes with age and completely subsides in 85% of children; however, systemic onset, a positive RF, poor response to therapy, and the radiologic evidence of erosion are associated with a poor prognosis. Onset of disease in the teenage years is related to progression to adult rheumatoid disease. Patient and Parent Education and Prevention The following education and preventive measures are taken: • For children on aspirin therapy (not typically given), educate parents about the risk of Reye syndrome and its signs and symptoms. • Recommend yearly influenza vaccine. • Offer chronic disease counseling and encourage normal play and recreation. • Educate about side effects of medications, in addition to splinting, orthotics, and bracing requirements. • Instruct about need to follow up with an ophthalmologist. Frequency of follow-up for uveitis screening is based on subtype of JIA and is determined by protocol guidelines and ophthalmology. • Ensure parent and child understand that physical therapy is a mainstay of treatment for chronic childhood arthritis and should be part of the child's daily routine. A daily plan should include passive, active, and resistive exercises. • Water therapy and the use of heat or cold reduce pain and stiffness. Swimming is an excellent activity except for children with severe anemia and severe cardiac disease. • Tricycle or bike riding and low-impact dance are other beneficial activities. • Refer to the American Arthritis Foundation and the Juvenile Arthritis Association, which have excellent resources for family members and children. • Instruct on the need to involve school personnel in the identification of required school-related services through an individualized education plan (IEP) or a 504. • Discuss the challenge of pain management and its assessment in children with chronic arthritis and encourage parents to advocate for effective pain control on behalf of their child. Puncture Wounds (Osteomyelitis) Description and Epidemiology Puncture wounds result from penetration of varying levels of skin and underlying tissue. These wounds are typically classified as superficial or deep. Glass, wood splinters, toothpicks, needles, nails, metal, staples, thumbtacks, and bites are common sources of injury. Although the majority of puncture wounds heal without problems, a sizable minority of these injuries are complicated by infections that can lead to cellulitis, fasciitis, septic arthritis, or soft-tissue abscesses. Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci are normal flora of the skin and are common causes of secondary infections in puncture wounds. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonizes on the rubber soles of tennis shoes and is a common pathogen for plantar puncture wounds when the puncture occurs through the sole of a tennis shoe and into the foot.  Osteomyelitis can occur if the puncture wound penetrates a bone or joint and is most commonly caused by P. aeruginosa in nondiabetic patients and is most commonly caused by S. aureus in diabetic patients (Baddour, 2013). Cat and dog bites can cause wound infection from Pasteurella multocida. When considering risk for infection, the location and depth of the wound and the presence of a foreign object are important components. For example, deep penetrating injuries to the forefoot with a dirty object, especially if they involve the plantar fascia, have a higher risk of infection than wounds to the arch or heel area. The forefoot has less overlying soft tissue than other plantar surfaces and is the major weight- bearing area of the foot; therefore, cartilage and bone can be involved. The metatarsophalangeal joint region is also at high risk for infection for the same reasons. Puncture wounds through the soles of tennis shoes can transfer bacteria into the tissue while simultaneously impairing wound drainage, placing the child at higher risk for a secondary infection. Assessment The assessment of a child with a minor wound begins by excluding more serious and sometimes occult injuries. History. Important information to elicit after a report or suspicion of a puncture wound includes the following: • Date and time of injury and history of wound care provided at time of injury and thereafter. • Identification of the penetrating object and the type and estimated depth of penetration. If it is not known what object penetrated the skin, the likelihood of an imbedded foreign body is high. • Location and condition of the penetrating object. Was the object clean or rusty, jagged or smooth? • Whether all or part of the foreign object was removed. • Type and condition of footwear that was being worn (pertinent to injuries to the foot) or if the child was barefoot. • Immunization status for tetanus coverage (see Chapter 24). • Presence of any medical condition that increases the risk for infectious complications. Physical Examination. A good light source is necessary to assess and treat a puncture wound. Note circulation, movement, and sensation of the area next to the injury. Determine the amount of involvement of underlying tissue or bone structures. For plantar puncture wounds, have the patient lie prone with the feet positioned at the head of the examining table and the knees slightly flexed (Buttaravoli and Leffler, 2012). Assess the wound for length and depth, presence of debris or penetrating object, and signs of infection. Examination findings consistent with cellulitis include: • Localized pain or tenderness, swelling, and erythema at the puncture site (may be more obvious at dorsum of the foot for plantar puncture wounds) 1127 • Possible fever • Pain with flexion or extension of the extremity involved • Decreased ability to bear weight • For plantar puncture wounds, pain along the plantar aspect of the foot during extension or flexion of the toes may indicate deep tissue injury, thus a higher risk of infection Examination findings consistent with osteomyelitis-osteochondritis include: • Extension of pain and swelling around the puncture wound and to the adjacent bony structures • Exquisite point tenderness over the bone • Fever • Increasing erythema • Decreased use of the affected extremity Examination findings consistent with pyarthrosis (septic arthritis) include: • Pain, swelling, warmth, and erythema over the affected joint • Decreased range of motion and weight bearing of the affected joint • Fever Diagnostic Studies. Plain film radiograph should be ordered if any of the following occur: • A suspicion of a retained foreign object. • There is a tremendous amount of pain at the site of the wound, localized tenderness is noted over the wound, there is discoloration underneath the skin surface, or there is a palpable mass noted at or near the wound entry site (Baddour, 2013). • There was penetration of a joint space, bone or growth cartilage, or the plantar fascia of the foot. • The puncture site has signs of infection and is from a nail injury. • Most metal and glass foreign bodies can be seen on a plain radiograph. However, if the foreign object is not radiopaque or if the x-ray is negative despite suspicion of foreign object in the wound, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful diagnostic tools (Buttaravoli and Leffler, 2012). If the hips are dislocated bilaterally, asymmetries are not observed. Limited abduction is the primary indicator in this situation (see  Fig. 38-5). Also in subluxation of the hip (not frankly dislocated), limited abduction again is the primary indicator. A waddling gait may also be noted. Diagnostic Studies. Ultrasound is superior to radiographs for evaluating cartilaginous structures and is recommended for infants after 4 weeks of age. Use of ultrasonography prior to 4 weeks old has a high incidence of producing false-positive results. Ultrasound is used to assess the relationship of the femur to the acetabulum and provides dynamic information about acetabular development and stability of the hip. Radiologic evaluation of the newborn to detect and evaluate DDH is recommended once the proximal epiphysis ossifies, usually by 4 to 6 months (Sankar et al, 2011). Radiography prior to this is unreliable, because so much of the hip joint is cartilaginous in the young infant. AP and lateral Lauenstein (frog-leg) position radiographs of the pelvis are indicated. Differential Diagnosis The condition is relatively unique. Management The goal of management is to restore the articulation of the femur within the acetabulum. Many newborns with positive screening tests and abnormal hips resolve without intervention; however, prompt referral to an orthopedist is important. The orthopedist needs to reexamine the newborn to determine whether early treatment is necessary. • The majority of neonatal hip instability cases resolve spontaneously by 6 to 8 weeks old. Close observation of these children is recommended. • The treatment of choice for subluxation and reducible dislocations identified in the early phase is a Pavlik harness. The harness is applied with hips having greater than 90 degrees of flexion and with adduction of the hip limited to a neutral position. The success rate of Pavlik harness treatment is reported to be between 80% and 97%. Radiographic or ultrasound documentation can be used during treatment to verify the position of the hip. If the infant does not respond to treatment with the harness, surgical treatment may be needed. 1062 • The earlier that treatment is started with the Pavlik harness, the better the prognosis for a successful outcome. The harness is worn 24 hours a day, except for bathing. The infant with a Pavlik harness should be seen weekly to ensure it fits properly, to identify complications associated with the use of the harness (e.g., avascular necrosis and femoral nerve palsy), and to ensure the femur is properly seated in the socket. Ultrasonography can be performed while the Pavlik harness is worn to assess hip reduction and acetabular development. The length of time the harness is worn depends on the age of the child, when it was applied, and whether or not reduction is successful. Generally the harness is worn full time for 3 to 6 weeks and then may be required only during waking hours for decreasing periods of time. • For a child in a Pavlik harness or spica cast, cast care, skin care, and car safety when the child cannot easily be placed in a car seat are issues to be addressed. Furthermore, the child needs special attention to maintain developmental stimulation while immobilized. An orthopedist should be immediately consulted for any infant seen in a primary care setting who is in a Pavlik harness and exhibits excessive hip flexion (beyond 100 degrees) or abduction (beyond 60 degrees). • The 6- to 18-month-old infant with a dislocated hip is likely to require either closed manipulation or open reduction. Preoperative traction, adductor tenotomy, and gentle reduction are especially helpful in preventing osteonecrosis of the femoral head. After the closed or open reduction, a hip spica cast is applied in order to maintain the hip in more than 90 degrees of flexion and avoid excessive internal or external rotation (Herring, 2014a). Triple diapering is not helpful, because the musculoskeletal forces far outweigh the force that can be exerted by the diaper material. • Annual or biennial follow-up including radiographs to the point of skeletal maturity is recommended to evaluate for the possibility of late asymmetric epiphyseal closure (Herring, 2014a). Support the child and family through the treatment phases. Explain management goals clearly. Complications The Pavlik harness and other positional devices may cause skin irritation, and a difference in leg length may remain. There may be delay in walking if the child is put in a body cast. The long-term outcomes depend on the age at diagnosis, the severity of the joint deformity, and the effectiveness of therapy. Untreated cases may result in a permanent dislocation of the femoral head so that it lies just under the iliac crest posteriorly. Clinically, the child has limited mobility of this pseudo joint and related short leg. Forceful reduction can result in avascular necrosis of the femoral head with permanent hip deformity. Redislocation or persistent dysplasia can occur. Adult degenerative arthritis is associated with acetabular dysplasia. Prevention The condition cannot be prevented, but early identification resulting in early treatment significantly reduces the long-term consequences of the problem. Screening of all neonates and infants should include full hip abduction; examination for unequal inguinal and gluteal folds and unequal leg lengths; and Barlow, Ortolani, and Galeazzi maneuvers at every examination. The hip can dislocate at any point in early development, even up to the point of first ambulation. In older children, limited abduction, gait, and standing position, including the Trendelenburg position, add important information. Charting should always include notation about hip findings, because these can change at subsequent visits. The Ortolani test should only be used in the first 2 to 3 months of age. Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease LCPD is a childhood hip disorder that results in infarction of the bony epiphysis of the femoral head. It presents as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The basic underlying cause of LCPD is insufficient blood supply to the femoral head. There is an initial ischemic episode of unknown etiology that interrupts vascular circulation to the capital femoral epiphysis. The articular cartilage hypertrophies, and the epiphyseal marrow becomes necrotic. The area revascularizes, and the necrotic bone is replaced by new bone. This process can take 18 to 24 months. There is a critical point in these dual processes when the subchondral area becomes weak enough that fracture of the epiphysis occurs. At this time, the child becomes symptomatic. With fracturing, further reabsorption and replacement by fibrous bone occurs, and the shape of the femoral head is altered. Articulation of the head in the hip joint is interrupted. The bone re-ossifies with or without treatment; but without treatment, the femoral head flattens and enlarges, causing joint deformity. Lateral subluxation of the femoral head is associated with poor outcomes. Etiology is unclear, but certain risk factors have been identified in children. These include gender, socioeconomic group, and the presence of an inguinal hernia and genitourinary tract anomalies. Boys are affected three to five times more often than girls; incidence increases in lower socioeconomic groups and in children with low birth weights. The disease is bilateral in 10% to 20% of children. It affects children 4 to 8 years old. Clinical Findings History. There can be an acute or chronic onset with or without a history of trauma to the hip, such as jumping from a high place. • The most common presenting sign is an intermittent limp (abductor lurch), especially after exertion, with mild or intermittent pain. • The most frequent complaint is persistent pain in the groin, anterior hip region, or laterally around the greater trochanter. 1063 • Pain may be referred to the medial aspect of the ipsilateral knee or to the anterior thigh. • Some children may report limited range of motion of the affected extremity. Physical Examination. Findings may include the following: • Antalgic gait with limited hip movement • Trendelenburg gait resulting from pain in the gluteus medius muscle • Muscle spasm • Atrophy of gluteus, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles • Decreased abduction, internal rotation, and extension of the hip • Adduction flexion contracture • Pain on rolling the leg internally Diagnostic Studies. Routine AP pelvis and frog-leg lateral views are used to confirm the diagnosis, stage the disease, and follow disease progression and response to treatment. Radiographic findings can include smaller epiphysis, increased epiphyseal density, subchondral fracture line, lateralization of the femoral head, and other features. Changes in the epiphysis margin are discerned by the orthopedist and radiologist (Fig. 38-10). However, there may be no radiographic findings early in LCPD. Ultrasonography is useful in the preliminary diagnosis; capsular distention can be seen on sonographic images. Bone scans and MRI allow for precise localization of the bone involvement, but changes seen as bone marrow edema and joint effusions are nonspecific. CT is not typically used on a routine basis to evaluate patients with LCPD (Kim and Herring, 2014). Differential Diagnosis Acute and chronic infections, sickle cell disease, toxic synovitis, Gaucher disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), osteomyelitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and neoplasm are included in the differential diagnosis. Management • Referral to an orthopedist is necessary.  Because age of onset and the severity of LCPD can vary significantly from one child to another, there are various approaches to the management, and treatment remains controversial. Overall, the general approach is guided by the principle of containment of the femoral head within the acetabulum. To be successful, containment must be instituted while the femoral head is still moldable. Non-operative containment can be achieved in a variety of ways and ranges from activity limitation, and protected weight-bearing, use of NSAID and physical therapy to maintain hip motion to bed rest with traction using casts to maintain hip abduction. Surgical approaches involve pelvic and femoral osteotomies of the proximal femur or pelvis. • Support and monitor the child throughout treatment and recovery, including during interruption of school or other activities. Treatment and monitoring of LCPD can last months to years. Complications Osteoarthritis related to femoral head deformity and decreased use of the hip joint may occur, depending on the femoral head remodeling status. Older children have a poorer prognosis owing to the decreased opportunity for femoral head remodeling in the remaining growth period. Females with LCPD also have a poorer prognosis. Prevention The condition is not preventable, but early identification and treatment reduce the long-term complications of the disorder, such as premature degenerative arthritis in early adult life. Idiopathic Scoliosis Adolescent scoliosis can resolve, remain static, or increase. As a result treatment options vary considerably. Treatment decisions are based on the natural history of each curvature. Infantile scoliosis can resolve spontaneously; however, progressive curves require bracing and surgery in an attempt to slow the curve progression and prevent complications (e.g., thoracic insufficiency syndrome). Juvenile scoliosis is found more frequently in girls, and the curves are at high risk for progression and often require surgical intervention. The goal in treatment is to delay spinal fusion, allowing time for the pulmonary system and thoracic cage to have matured and maximum trunk height to be achieved. (See the various surgical procedures described in the following section.) The natural history includes the degree of skeletal maturity or growth remaining, the magnitude of the curve, and any associated diagnoses or medical conditions. Observation is always indicated for curves less than 20 degrees. Bracing or surgery may be indicated for larger curves. Brace treatment may reduce the need for surgery, restore the sagittal profile, and change vertebral rotation. Indications for bracing are a curve more than 30 degrees. Additional indications for brace therapy include skeletally immature patients with curves of 20 to 25 degrees that have shown more than 5 degrees of progression. The efficacy of bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains controversial. Some studies show brace treatment to be effective in preventing curvature progression; however, it has been found that the success of the treatment is proportional to the amount of time that the patient wears the brace. Various brace treatment protocols suggest wearing a brace as much as 23 hours per day; therefore, compliance is a significant factor for this treatment modality (Spiegel and Dormans, 2011). Surgical treatment is indicated for children and adolescents who have progressive spinal deformity that do not respond to bracing and for those with curvature exceeding 45 to 50 degrees (Richards et   al, 2014 ). There are various surgical procedures; all aim to control progressive curvatures. In the past, surgery was limited to arthrodesis (surgical fusion) of the spine. In recent years, several procedures have been developed that are designed to postpone and, in some cases, eliminate the need for early spinal fusion and allow for growth. These include the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR). This procedure is indicated for children with restricted pulmonary function due to the curvature of their thoracic spine. The surgery involves implanting a prosthesis that serves to enlarge the constricted thorax. The prosthesis can be adjusted approximately every 4 to 6 months, thereby allowing for growth. The “growing rod” surgical procedure has shown success in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and involves inserting spinal rods that are used to exert distraction forces that are adjusted approximately every 6 months. The rods serve as an internal brace to control the curvature of the spine while allowing skeletal growth. A more recent procedure involves intervertebral spinal stapling or tethering. Unlike the VEPTR and growing rod procedures, intervertebral spinal stapling does not require repeat adjustments and, therefore, eliminates the need for repeat surgical procedures. Research on this technique is limited, and clinical indications have not been universally agreed upon. Further research is necessary and long-term results are yet to be determined. Referral to an orthopedist or a center that specializes in working with infants and children with scoliosis is essential.   Support must be given to the child and family 1060through the diagnostic and treatment phases, considering school and peer factors. The primary care provider needs to assist the child with psychological adjustment issues that arise if bracing or surgery is recommended and instituted. Some specific concerns of the child can include self-esteem problems, managing hostility and anger, learning about the disease and its care, wondering about the long-term prognosis, and concerns about clothing and participation in sports and other activities. Complications Progressive scoliosis can result in a severe deformity of the spinal column. Severe deformities can result in impairment of respiratory and cardiovascular function and limitation of physical activities and decreased comfort. The psychological consequences of an untreated scoliosis deformity can be severe. Prevention Prevention is not possible; however, screening and early identification of children with scoliosis may help avoid more expensive, invasive care and prevent the long-term consequences of the disorder. Screening is effective, however, only if identified children are referred for care. Parents must be notified, a referral arranged, and follow-up ensured. Scoliosis Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity most commonly described as a lateral curvature of the spine in the frontal plane. There are two types of scoliosis: nonstructural and structural. Nonstructural, also known as functional scoliosis, involves a curve • Approximately 25% of patients give a history of precipitating trauma. Physical Examination. Characteristic findings include the following (Sullivan, 2015): • Pain may be reproduced by extending the knee against resistance, stressing the quadriceps, or squatting with the knee in full flexion • Focal swelling, heat, and point tenderness at the tibial tuberosity • Full range of motion of knee Diagnostic Studies. The diagnosis is based on history and physical examination. Radiographs are not needed unless another pathologic condition is suspected. Differential Diagnosis Other knee derangements, tumors (osteosarcoma), and hip problems with referred pain should be considered. The referred pain of hip problems is diffuse across the distal femur without point tenderness at the tibial tubercle. Management Osgood-Schlatter disease is a self-limiting condition, with symptom management the key consideration. The following steps are taken: • Avoid or modify activities that cause pain until the inflammation subsides. • Ice or cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. • Once the acute symptoms have subsided, quadriceps-stretching exercises, including hip extension for complete stretch of the extensor mechanism, may be performed to reduce tension on the tibial tubercle. Stretching of the hamstrings may also be useful. • Use of NSAIDs is recommended by some but thought ineffective by others. Because this condition may last up to 2 years, their chronic use may be problematic. • A neoprene sleeve over the knee may help stabilize the patella. • A patella tendon strap that wraps around the joint just below the knee reduces the strain on the tibial tuberosity. • Cylinder casting or bracing with limited weight bearing for 2 to 3 weeks may be used in severe cases. Complications In the postpubertal child, a residual ossicle in the tendon next to the bone may cause persistent pain. Surgical removal is indicated and will relieve the pain. Prevention The condition cannot be prevented, but earlier management may decrease the length of disability and the discomfort  1069associated with it. Avoid overuse and encourage balanced training and adequate warm-up before exercise or sports participation. The use of kneepads may help protect the tibial tuberosity from direct injury for those who engage in sports that result in knee contact. Febrile Seizures Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures in children. They are brief, generalized, clonic or tonic-clonic in nature, and can be either simple or complex. A concurrent illness is present with rapid fever rise to at least more than 102.2° F (39° C), but the fever is not necessarily that high at the time of the seizure. It is conjectured that these seizures may be related to peak temperature reached during the febrile episode. Minimal postictal confusion is associated with febrile seizures. Simple febrile seizures last less than 15 minutes and may recur during the same febrile illness period. Complex febrile seizures last longer than 15 minutes, can recur on the same day, and can have focal attributes (even during the postictal phase). Febrile SE is uncommon, rarely stops spontaneously, is fairly resistant to medications, and can persist for a long period of time. Most children in febrile SE require one or more medications to end the seizure. A report found that reducing the time from seizure onset to anticonvulsant medication administration was key to reducing the seizure duration during an episode (Seinfeld et al, 2014). The etiology of febrile seizures is unclear and by definition excludes seizures that are caused by intracranial illness or are related to an underlying CNS problem. The risk is higher in children with a family medical history for febrile seizures or in those with predisposing factors (e.g., neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] stay more than 30 days, developmental delay, day care attendance). The age range associated with febrile seizures is 6 months to 60 months. Male gender is a minor risk factor as is a lower sodium level. Approximately 2% to 5% of neurologically healthy infants and young children experience at least one simple febrile seizure with about 30% of this group experiencing a second episode (Mikati, 2011). Clinical Findings History. Include the following: • Description of seizure duration, type (generalized or focal), frequency in 24 hours • Relationship of the seizure to a febrile episode and level of temperature • Any abnormal neurologic findings noted before the seizure (is not consistent with a febrile seizure) • Family history of afebrile or febrile seizures • Maternal smoking in the perinatal period • Prematurity or neonatal hospitalizations for more than 28 days • Parents' perception of development of child Physical Examination. The physical examination is the same as that described earlier for seizures. Diagnostic Studies. Diagnostic studies include the following: • A lumbar puncture may be done in infants younger than 12 months old and who may also have used an antibiotic prior to seizure onset, and/or in those who have signs of meningeal irritation. • Blood glucose in all children. • CBC, calcium, electrolytes, and urinalysis are optional but frequently included. • EEG if neurologic signs are present or seizure was atypical. • MRI for complex febrile seizure features or if any doubt exists about the diagnosis. Differential Diagnosis Consider sepsis, meningitis, metabolic or toxic encephalopathies, hypoglycemia, anoxia, trauma, tumor, and hemorrhage. Febrile delirium and febrile shivering can be confused with seizures. Breath-holding spells can mimic febrile seizures; however, the former are always related to crying or tantrums. Febrile seizures come at unpredictable times during sleep, eating, play, or other generally calm times and are related to the onset of an illness. Epileptic seizures occur without concurrent illness and at unpredictable times. Management • Protect the airway, breathing, and circulation if the seizure is still occurring. Place the child in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration or airway obstruction. • Do not put anything into the child's mouth during the seizure. • Time the duration of the seizure and observe whether it is focal or generalized. • Reduce the fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (oral or suppository) after the seizure has stopped, although the use of antipyretics will not necessarily prevent another febrile seizure. • The child should be seen shortly after the seizure. Advise transport to an emergency center if the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes. • Most medical providers agree that anticonvulsants are not recommended for febrile seizures, but they may be considered if the child has abnormal neurologic findings or developmental delays; the initial seizure was complex febrile, and there is a family history of afebrile seizures; 683or if the child has recurrent, prolonged simple febrile seizures. Prophylaxis for Recurrent Febrile Seizures Prolonged anticonvulsant prophylaxis is not recommended. In the rare instance that prophylaxis is indicated, diazepam by mouth 0.33 mg/kg every 8 hours (1 mg/kg/24 hours) can be given over the course of the febrile illness (usually for 2 to 3 days). Another approach is to use rectal diazepam in a gel form (dosed at 0.5 mg/kg for children 2 to 5 years of age) at the time of a seizure; this will prevent recurrence for approximately 12 hours. Side effects of diazepam include transient ataxia, lethargy, and irritability that can be decreased by adjusting the dosage. Antipyretics can reduce the discomfort associated with a fever but do not alter the risk of having another febrile seizure. The thought as to why antipyretics are not helpful as prophylactic agents involves the mechanism implicated in a simple febrile seizure which likely takes place when the temperature is either rising or falling (Mikati, 2011). Education The family should receive information about febrile seizures, their risks, and their management. Education should include information explaining the febrile seizure, reassurance that no long-term consequences are associated with febrile seizures, information that febrile seizures recur in some children and that nothing can be done to prevent the seizures, and first-aid information in case another seizure occurs at some time. The decision to use prophylaxis is up to the parents and the PCP on a case-by-case basis. A follow-up phone call after the event is useful. Complications Death or persisting motor deficits do not occur in patients with febrile seizures. No indication has been found that intellect or learning is impaired. An affected child has an increased risk for the development of epilepsy (less than 5%) if the seizure is prolonged and focal; if the child has repeated seizures with the same febrile episode; or if the child has had a prior neurologic deficit, a family history of epilepsy, or both. Two thirds of children who have had one simple febrile seizure will have no more. The younger the age at onset (younger than 18 months old) of the first febrile seizure, the lower the temperature threshold that is needed to cause the child to seize and the more likely the child is to have a recurrence. Testicular Torsion Testicular torsion is the result of twisting of the spermatic cord, which subsequently compromises the blood supply to the testicle. Generally, there is a 6-hour window following a testicular torsion before significant ischemic damage and alteration in spermatic morphology and formation occurs (Elder, 2011b). Normal fixation of the testis is absent, so the testis can rotate and block lymphatic and then blood flow. Torsion can occur after physical exertion, trauma, or on arising. Torsion can occur at any age but is most common in adolescence and is uncommon before 10 years old. The left side 946is twice as likely to be involved because of the longer spermatic cord. Clinical Findings History • Sudden onset of unilateral scrotal pain, often associated with nausea and vomiting. The pain is unrelenting. • History of bouts of intermittent testicular pain. Prior episodes of transient pain are reported in about half of patients. • Minor trauma, physical exertion, or onset of acute pain on arising is possible. • May be described as abdominal or inguinal pain by the embarrassed child. • Fever is minimal or absent. Physical Examination • Ill-appearing and anxious male, resisting movement • Gradual, progressive swelling of involved scrotum with redness, warmth, and tenderness • The ipsilateral scrotum can be edematous, erythematous, and warm • Testis swollen larger than opposite side, elevated, lying transversely, exquisitely painful • Spermatic cord thickened, twisted, and tender • Slight elevation of the testis increases pain (in epididymitis it relieves pain) • Transillumination can reveal a solid mass • The cremasteric reflex is absent on the side with torsion • Neonate—hard, painless, non-transilluminating mass with edema or discolored scrotal skin Diagnostic Studies • UA is usually normal and pyuria and bacteriuria indicate UTI, epididymitis, or orchitis. • Doppler ultrasound: Testicular flow scan considered if Doppler ultrasound within normal and time allows. Differential Diagnosis Torsion of the testicular or epididymal appendage, acute epididymitis (mild to moderate pain of gradual onset), orchitis, trauma (pain is better within an hour), hernia, hydrocele, and varicocele are included in the differential diagnosis. Management Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency, and identification with prompt surgical referral must occur immediately.  Occasionally manual reduction can be performed, but surgery should follow within 6 to 12 hours to prevent retorsion, preserve fertility, and prevent abscess and atrophy. Contralateral orchiopexy may be done because of a 50% occurrence of torsion in nonfixed testes. Rest and scrotal support do not provide relief. Patient and Family Education, Prevention, and Prognosis Testicular atrophy, abscess, or decreased fertility and loss of the testis as a result of necrosis can occur if the torsion persists more than 24 hours. patterns. An estimate of the expected stature (±2 standard deviations where 1 standard deviation equals 2 inches [4.5  cm]) for a particular child can be made by calculating a mid-parental target height: • Target height for boys: (Mother's height + 5 inches [13 cm]) + (Father's height)/2 • Target height for girls: (Father's height − 5 inches [13 cm]) + (Mother's height)/2 Growth disorders may be classified as primary or secondary. Primary growth disorders include skeletal dysplasias, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner syndrome), and genetic short stature. Secondary growth disorders may result from undernutrition, chronic disease, endocrine disorder, and idiopathic (constitutional) growth delay (CGD) (Box 26-1). The following discussion focuses on growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and CGD (Table 26-1). Karyotype to rule out Turner syndrome in girls: Girls with Turner mosaicism may not manifest the typical clinical findings of Turner syndrome (e.g., cubitus valgus, webbing of the neck), thus highlighting the importance of karyotyping all females presenting with short stature (Milbrandt and Thomas, 2013) (see Chapter 41). Early Puberty/Precocious Puberty Early puberty is divided into four categories: premature thelarche, premature adrenarche, isolated menarche, and true precocious puberty. Premature thelarche, isolated breast development without any other features of puberty, occurs in infant and toddler girls and is sometimes present at birth. This breast development, likely due to estrogens produced during the mini puberty of infancy or increased responsiveness of the breast primordia, resolves over time and rarely progresses to true precocious puberty. Premature adrenarche is the early onset of pubic or axillary hair in either boys (prior to 10 years old) or girls (prior to 8 years old) not associated with other features of true puberty. Bone and height age may be slightly advanced in relation to chronologic age in children with premature adrenarche and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) values may be slightly elevated (Loomba-Albrecht and Styne, 2012). Premature adrenarche may be caused by a mild form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), exposure to topical testosterone, or rarely, adrenal tumor. Most often, the condition is idiopathic. Children with idiopathic premature adrenarche are at increased risk for polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome (Bordini and Rosenfield, 2011b). Isolated menarche is an uncommon condition in which girls have one to a few episodes of vaginal bleeding without breast development. In this condition, sexual abuse, vaginal tumor, a functional estrogen-producing ovarian cyst, and primary hypothyroidism all need to be excluded. 602 True precocious puberty refers to the onset of multiple features of puberty earlier than the normal range. It is defined as thelarche or pubarche (appearance of pubic hair) before 8 years old in girls and before 9 years old in boys, except in the case of non-Hispanic African American and Mexican American girls where thelarche is considered within the normal range after 7 years old (Bordini and Rosenfield, 2011b). Features of precocious puberty may include accelerated linear growth, breast development or penile enlargement, and pubic hair development. Depending on the duration of symptoms, the bone age may be advanced. Precocious puberty can be divided into two broad categories: (1) central, gonadotropin dependent; or (2) peripheral, gonadotropin independent (Box 26-4). Prolonged exposure to exogenous sex hormones (mother's birth control pills or father's topical testosterone) (Rodriquez and Dougan, 2013) and exposure to chemicals that disrupt endocrine function (see Chapter 42) can cause precocious puberty (Ozen and Darcan, 2011). In the United States, the incidence of precocious puberty is 0.01% to 0.05% per year. Precocious puberty is more common in females compared to males and in African American children compared to Caucasian children (Rodriquez and Dougan, 2013). Any lesion that disrupts the normal connections between the brain and the hypothalamus can cause central precocious puberty. This condition is most often idiopathic in girls. Boys have a 30% incidence of CNS tumors in situations of central precocious puberty. Clinical Findings Many children who present with features of early puberty do not require treatment. All children who exhibit signs of puberty at a younger age than normal, however, should have an evaluation as to the etiology. Those children who start to develop signs of puberty at the early end of the normal range should be evaluated if they have rapid progression of pubertal signs resulting in a bone age more than 2 years ahead of chronologic age, or new CNS-related findings (e.g., headaches, seizures, and/or focal neurologic defects). History. Evaluation includes the following: • Age of onset • Type, duration, and progression of pubertal symptoms (i.e., breast tissue, pubic hair, phallic enlargement, acne, body odor, oily scalp) • Pattern of growth • Any symptoms suggestive of a CNS lesion • Family pattern of pubertal changes • Exposure to topical estrogens or testosterone, oral estrogens, or environmental hormone disruptors Physical Examination. Physical examination should include: • Assessment of stature and growth velocity • Description of the child's Tanner stage: • Breast development: Breast development should be evaluated by palpation rather than inspection to differentiate between the presence of true breast tissue versus fat deposition • Presence of pubic and axillary hair (girls) • Penile length, testicular volume, and pubic and axillary hair (boys) (see Chapter 8) Diagnostic Studies. Diagnostic studies should include: • Premature thelarche: No laboratory studies are necessary in the infant or toddler girl unless she has other features of true puberty or continued increase in breast size. • Premature adrenarche: Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) to exclude CAH and a 24-hour urine collection for 17-ketosteroids or imaging of the adrenal glands to exclude an adrenal tumor. • Isolated menarche: Thyroid function tests to exclude primary hypothyroidism, and pelvic ultrasound to rule out the presence of an ovarian cyst or pelvic tumor. • True precocious puberty: • Bone age x-ray of left wrist • LH, FSH, and estradiol or testosterone: Use a laboratory with a sensitive assay that will detect early pubertal values at the lower end of the range. • If LH and FSH are high (in pubertal range: indication of central etiology), an MRI is indicated to exclude CNS tumor. • If LH and FSH are low (in prepubertal range: indication of peripheral puberty), complete a GnRH stimulation test to distinguish central from peripheral puberty. • If etiology is peripheral puberty: • Pelvic ultrasonography of girls • Testicular ultrasonography of boys • Serum 17-OHP to rule out a severe form of CAH 603 Management Treatment of early puberty depends on the etiology and should always be done with the guidance of a pediatric endocrinologist. Management depends on the underlying disorder, age of the child, degree of advancement of the bone age, and the child's and family's emotional response to the condition. Radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy is indicated in the case of CNS tumors. A long-acting GnRH agonist may be used to bring serum sex steroids to prepubertal levels. Treatment of precocious puberty is important to increase final adult height. Female Stages (Menarche) Females enter puberty earlier than males do, and their puberty usually progresses sequentially in the following pattern: • Ovaries increase in size; no visible body changes occur. • Breast budding (thelarche) traditionally occurs between 9 and 10 years old, with 97% of girls having initial breast development by 12 years old (Cabrera et al, 2014) (Fig. 8-3). Evidence indicates that adolescent girls are entering and completing puberty younger than girls did 50 years ago, with the average age decreasing by 1 year in the past few decades (Biro et al, 2012; Cabrera et al, 2014). Most girls (85%) experience the development of breast buds approximately 6 months before the appearance of pubic hair. African American girls, on average, reach thelarche and onset of menstruation (menarche) approximately 6 months prior to their Caucasian peers (Cabrera et al, 2014). The timing of the onset of breast development in females has no relationship to breast size at the completion of puberty. • Rapid linear growth usually begins shortly after the onset of breast budding and reaches its peak about 1 year later. Ninety-five percent of females reach peak height velocity (PHV) between the ages of 10 and 14 years, and most girls experience PHV about 6 to 12 months before menarche, generally between 11 and 12 years old (Busscher et al, 2012). Early developers may experience a height 122spurt between 9 and 10 years old, whereas late developers may not experience a height spurt until between 13 and 14 years old. Final height is determined by the amount of bone growth at the epiphyses of the long bones. Growth stops when hormonal factors shut down the epiphyseal plates. • Appearance of pubic hair (adrenarche or pubarche) commences at about   years old and is related to adrenal rather than gonadal development, not to thelarche; therefore, it is less valid than other secondary sex characteristics in assessing sexual maturation (Fig. 8-4). • The first menstrual period (menarche) occurs, on average, at   years old. More than 95% of girls experience menarche between  and   years old. The mean age of menarche is highly dependent on ethnic, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors. Menarche generally occurs approximately   years after thelarche (Cabrera et al, 2014). It may be 18 to 24 months after menarche before females establish regular ovulatory cycles. To some degree, menstrual cycles can be affected by athletic activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) recommend that health care providers recognize the menstrual cycle as a “vital sign” because of the need for education regarding normal timing and characteristics of menstruation and other pubertal signs (ACOG Committee on Adolescent Health Care, 2006; Hagan et al, 2008). Changes in the body composition of females occur during puberty, and adolescent girls benefit from the primary health care provider's reassurance that these changes are normal. Initial breast development usually begins as a unilateral disk-like subareolar swelling, and many adolescents and parents may initially present with concerns about breast tumors. Girls often have asymmetric breasts and need  123assurance that breasts become more or less the same size within a few years after the onset of breast budding. The female body shape changes as girls progress through puberty, with broadening of the shoulders, hips, and thighs. Girls experience a continuous increase in proportion of fat to total body mass during puberty. They enter puberty with approximately 80% lean body weight and 20% body fat. By the time puberty ends, lean body mass drops to about 75%. Body fat is an important mediator for the onset of menstruation and regular ovulatory cycles. An average of 17% of body fat is needed for menarche, and about 22% is needed to initiate and maintain regular ovulatory cycles. Dysmenorrhea Painful menstruation with cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis is the most common gynecologic problem seen in adolescence. Primary dysmenorrhea has no pelvic pathologic condition identified, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is due to a pelvic pathologic condition. 968 Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menses caused by an exaggerated production of prostaglandins, primarily prostaglandin F 2α, in the secretory endometrium. This causes uterine contractions and vasoconstriction leading to ischemia and pain. The elevation of prostaglandins is brought about by falling progesterone levels during the luteal phase of ovulatory cycles. Secondary dysmenorrhea may be prompted by endometriosis; complications of pregnancy; outflow obstruction; ovarian cysts, fibroids, or other uterine abnormalities; or infection. Dysmenorrhea is present in more than 50% of adolescents and has been reported in up to 93%. It is the leading cause (greater than 10%) of absenteeism from school or work, with increasing incidence in those who describe the pain as severe (Laufer, 2012). Clinical Findings History For primary dysmenorrhea, ask about the following: • Menstrual history • Attitudes and beliefs about menstruation • Onset—usually 6 to 24 months after menarche • Location—lower midabdominal area radiating to back, thighs • Duration and timing of pain—usually begins with menses and lasts less than 2 days • Character—mild to severe cramping • Associated symptoms—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, urinary frequency, lower back or thigh pain • Ameliorating or aggravating factors • Treatments or medications tried, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) • Sexual activity • Number of days of school or activities missed • Cigarette smoking • Family history of dysmenorrhea For secondary dysmenorrhea, the following history should be further explored: • Onset (with menarche or 2 to 3 years postmenarche) • Pelvic pain at times other than menstruation (worsens over time) • Character of pelvic pain (dull and constant rather than crampy) • History of infection, menorrhagia, intermenstrual bleeding, or abnormal vaginal discharge • Dyspareunia • History of sexual abuse • Family history of endometriosis Physical Examination A complete physical examination is recommended and required for secondary dysmenorrhea. A speculum and bimanual examination may be deferred if the adolescent is not sexually active, if the dysmenorrhea is mild, if it does not interfere with daily activities, or if the coarctation. Other procedures, including bypass grafting, may be necessary with unusually long coarcted segments. Surgical mortality is rare. Some centers choose balloon valvuloplasty or stent procedures for initial coarctation management (Park, 2014). • In older children with long-standing hypertension, antihypertensive medication may be required for several months after repair. Long-term prognosis is excellent unless there are associated intracardiac defects. BP should be monitored postoperatively for recoarctation. • Children with previous coarctation repairs may participate in any competitive sport if residual BP gradient between arm and legs is less than 20 mm Hg and peak systolic BP is normal at rest and with exercise. However, during the first year after surgery, high-intensity static exercises, such as weight lifting and wrestling, should be avoided (Park, 2014). • Lifelong follow-up is necessary due to risk of recoarctation, residual hypertension, and often associated bicuspid aortic valve. • SBE prophylaxis is no longer considered necessary except in the 6-month postoperative period or if prosthetic material is used (see Box 31- 3). Aortic Stenosis and Insufficiency Aortic stenosis or narrowing may occur at the aortic valvular, subvalvular, or supravalvular level. Valvular stenosis is the most common form (Fig. 31-15). The stenotic aortic valve is usually bicuspid rather than tricuspid. Stenosis causes increased pressure load on the left ventricle leading to LVH and, ultimately, ventricular failure. The imbalance between increased myocardial oxygen demand of hypertrophied myocardium and coronary blood supply may lead to ischemia and fatal ventricular arrhythmias. The bicuspid aortic valve generally becomes more stenotic and often regurgitant (insufficient) over time. Some infants are born with critical aortic stenosis and require urgent intervention, usually a balloon valvuloplasty early in life. Children with only a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and no stenosis or 778regurgitation are at risk of developing symptoms by adolescence. Aortic stenosis occurs in 3% to 8% of all CHDs with a male to female ratio of approximately 4 : 1 (Schneider and Moore, 2013).Thirty percent of females with Turner syndrome have obstruction at some level of the left heart outflow tract (Richards and Garg, 2010). FIGURE 31-15 Aortic stenosis. (From Hockenberry M, Wilson D: Nursing care of infants and children, ed 10, St. Louis, 2015, Mosby/Elsevier.) Clinical Findings History. • Growth and development may be normal. • Activity intolerance, fatigue, chest pain (angina pectoris), or syncope can develop or increase with age. • CHF, low cardiac output, and shock may be evident in newborns with severe aortic stenosis. • Sudden death, presumably due to arrhythmias, can occur with increasing severity of stenosis and exertion. Physical Examination. • BP may reveal a narrow pulse pressure. The apical impulse may be pronounced with moderate to severe stenosis. • A grade III to IV/VI, loud, harsh systolic crescendo-decrescendo murmur is best heard at the upper right sternal border with radiation to the neck, LLSB, and apex. • With a valvular lesion, a faint, early systolic click at the LLSB may be heard. • With aortic insufficiency, an early diastolic blowing murmur is heard at the LLSB to apex. • In the most severe lesions, S2 is single or closely split; S3 or S4 heart sounds may also be heard. • A thrill may be present at the suprasternal notch. Diagnostic Studies. • Chest radiographs are usually normal or may show LVH. Adults frequently develop radiographic evidence of calcification on the aortic valve over time. • ECG can be normal or reveal LVH and inverted T-waves. • A 24-hour Holter monitor or 30-day event monitor demonstrates ventricular arrhythmia. • Echocardiogram is the diagnostic examination of choice. Management • The type and timing of treatment depends on the severity of the obstruction. • Balloon valvuloplasty of the stenotic valve is the initial palliative treatment in the newborn. However, the aortic valve generally needs further intervention. • In older children, surgical division of fused valve commissures may relieve stenosis but often valve replacement is necessary for severe aortic stenosis and/or insufficiency. Unfortunately, none of the current replacement options are ideal or enduring for children. Mechanical valves are prothrombotic and require anticoagulation with warfarin. Heterograph and homograft valves have limited durability in the aortic position, and the Ross procedure requires placement of the homograft in the pulmonic position, leading to future replacements of that valve as it becomes stenosed. • Children with subaortic stenosis require surgical resection when the gradient is greater than 35 mm Hg. • Patients with supravalvar aortic stenosis require resection of the narrowed area with patch material. • Children with mild aortic stenosis can participate in all sports but should have annual cardiac examinations.  Those with moderate aortic stenosis should choose low-intensity sports (such as, golf, bowling, table tennis, or softball) as guided by their cardiologist. Children with severe aortic stenosis or moderate aortic stenosis with symptoms should avoid competitive or intensive sports because of the risk of sudden death from ventricular arrhythmias (Park, 2014) (see Chapter 13, Table 13-6). • Any aortic root dilation (commonly seen with bicuspid or stenotic aortic valves) may require intervention to prevent aortic dissection. • SBE prophylaxis is necessary for 6 months after surgery. • Anticoagulation is necessary with mechanical valve replacement (Park, 2014). Mitral valve prolapse Positive family history Midsystolic click; thin; thoracic skeletal abnormalities Inverted T waves in aVF Normal except skeletal anomalies Headaches Headaches of all types are one of the most common reasons parents seek medical care for their children (Raieli et   al, 2010 ). They are common during childhood, increasing in frequency and incidence during adolescence. Headaches fall into two classifications—acute and chronic. Box 28-4 lists the more common types found in these classifications. A person may experience different types of headaches, and migraines may be particularly difficult to diagnose because they can be expressed differently and incompletely during childhood. The exact physiologic mechanism and etiology for many headaches have not been conclusively determined. Headache pain occurs when pain-sensitive intracranial structures are activated. Such structures include the arteries of the circle of Willis and some of their branches, meningeal arteries, large veins and dural venous sinuses, and part of the dura near blood vessels. Muscles around the head, neck, scalp, eyes, jaw, teeth, sinuses, and the external carotid artery and its branches are pain sensitive structures external to the skull. Stimulation of these structures results in more localized pain that is carried by CN V, CN VII, CN IX, and CN X. In contrast, intracranial stimulation refers pain imprecisely (e.g., occipital lobe tumor). Studies indicate that 40% of children will experience a headache by 7 years old and 75% by 15 years old (Rubin et al, 2010). Prevalence rates for migraine headaches are reported to be: age 3 (3% to 8%), age 5 (19.5%), age 7 (37% to 51%), and 7 to 15 years old (57% to 82%). Before 10 years old, the incidence is higher in males than females. During teenage years, females have a higher headache incidence. The mean age at onset of migraine is 7.2 years old for males and 10.9 years old for females (Lewis et al, 2004). The provider must discern between symptoms that suggest that a headache is primary (e.g., tension-type, cluster, migraine type) or due to a secondary cause (e.g., tumor, hydrocephaly, infection, intoxication [lead, carbon monoxide], idiopathic intracranial hypertension, increased intracranial pressure). Key historical questions and a thorough workup are mandatory in order to exclude secondary headache etiology. In the absence of findings suggestive of a secondary headache, a more certain diagnosis of a primary headache disorder can be made. The International Headache Society (IHS) provides succinct clinical criteria (available at www.ihs-classification.org/en/) to help the provider evaluate, delineate between, and classify primary headaches (e.g., including migraines with or without aura and migraine subtypes) and secondary headaches. Clinical Findings History. Headache diaries may be used to gather history and track symptoms over time. Some useful ones are available for downloading at www.achenet.org/resources/headache_diaries/. Important questions to ask the child and parent(s) include: • Duration: Recent severe onset is worrisome. • Frequency and triggers: Children with recurrent, low-intensity headaches, with no neurologic changes, and who recover completely between episodes are unlikely to have serious intracranial etiology. Triggers can include ovulation or menstruation, exercise, food or odors, and stress. Other triggers can include chocolate, processed meats, aged cheeses, nuts, altered amounts of caffeine intake, dairy products, shellfish, and some dried fruits. Consistent findings such as perimenstrual exacerbation, food triggers, and a stable pattern to the headache with intervals of wellness over a long time period are reassuring symptoms that suggest a primary headache. 686In most cases, a specific trigger or etiology is not ever identified. • Location: Occipital or consistently localized headaches can indicate underlying pathology. Facial pain might be sinusitis. Ocular motor imbalance can produce a dull periorbital discomfort, whereas temporomandibular joint pain tends to localize around the periauricular or temporal areas. • Quality and severity of pain: Sharp, throbbing, or pounding pain is vascular (migraine). Dull and constant pain may be tension or organic. Severity can be assessed by asking about limitations to activities and missed school days, although there are other factors that contribute to missed school and limited activities. How many “different kinds of headaches” are experienced? • Age of onset: Progression of the headaches over time and longest period of time without symptoms. • Home management and medication dosages, including dosage and self-management activities. • Associated symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, visual changes, dizziness, paresthesia, neck/shoulder pain, back pain, otalgia, abdominal pain, hypersomnia, food cravings, confusion, ataxia, pallor, photophobia, and phonophobia. Changes in gait, personality, vision, mentation, or behavior that do not occur at the same time as the headache are worrisome and merit further evaluation with referral.  There are some precursor symptoms and conditions that can indicate a predisposition to migraines. These include cyclic vomiting (see Chapter 33), abdominal migraine (see Chapter 33), and BPV. Alone, they do not warrant extensive or expensive workups unless the diagnosis is unclear. These conditions may evolve into migraine without aura in later childhood (Hershey, 2011; Lewis et al, 2008a). • Head trauma: If associated with headache, a subdural hematoma or postconcussive syndrome must be considered. • Psychologic symptoms: Evaluate for the presence of depression, school stressors, or concerns about family functioning. Additional things to consider include bullying or peer issues at school, “over programming” and family expectations, and meal, hydration, and sleep status. • Family history: Some children with headache, especially migraine, have a family history of headaches. Distinguishing Features of Headache Types • Migraine and migraine with aura: These can be differentiated by the presence or absence of aura symptoms (Table 28-6). Characteristics of migraines include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, unilateral pain, pulsating pain, relief with sleep, an aura, visual changes such as dark or blind spots, and a history of a family member (usually on the maternal side) with migraine without aura. Dizziness and motion sickness may be described. Infants and toddlers may present with irritability, sleepiness, and pallor. In preadolescents, common migraine symptoms are more likely. Nausea and vomiting might not occur, and the pain can be more frontal. Lethargy and sleep can follow. Visual changes are rare, and the pain quality is variable. Times between headaches are pain free. • Abdominal migraine: This is rare and is a somewhat controversial diagnosis; symptoms include midline pain, nausea, and vomiting with minimal or no headache. 687Such symptoms can also be suggestive of complex partial seizures. • Muscle contraction or tension headaches: The pain is dull and bifrontal or occipital, with nausea and vomiting occurring only rarely; there is no prodrome. Tension headaches can last for days or weeks but generally do not interfere with activities. In children, it can be difficult to differentiate migraine and tension-type headaches. Psychosocial stress seems to be a major factor in tension and chronic daily headaches in both children and adolescents. • Secondary headaches (or those headaches that have a pathologic process): Key historical markers are sudden onset of hyperacute or increasing pain severity or accompanying neurologic signs. These require prompt referral. Box 28-5 presents red flag warnings of a pathologic process indicating immediate referral.  Presenting symptoms of these headaches include the following (Lewis et   al, 2008b ; Sprague-McRae et   al, 2009 ): • Headache pain that is worse in the morning on awakening and standing up, and then fades; increases in frequency and severity over a period of only a few weeks; persistent and unilateral • Pain that wakens the child from sleep • Vomiting but not nausea; vomiting may relieve the headache • Visual disturbances, diplopia, edema of the optic disc (papilledema) • Increased pain with straining, sneezing, coughing, defecation, or changes in position