REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
P. O. Box 84 Kigali
www.moh.gov.rw

PAEDIATRIC
EMERGENCIES
CLINICAL TREATMENT
GUIDELINES

September 2012
Foreword

T he guidelines presented in this document are designed to provide a useful resource

for healthcare professionals involved in clinical case management. They were
developed taking into consideration services provided at different levels within the
health system and resources available. These guidelines are intended to standardize
care at both tertiary and secondary levels of service delivery across different socio-
economic stratifications of our society.

The clinical conditions included in this manual were selected based on facility reports
of high volume and high risk conditions treated in each specialty area. The guidelines
were developed through extensive consultative work sessions, which included health
experts and clinicians from different specialties. The work group brought together
current evidence-based knowledge in an effort to provide the highest quality of
healthcare to the public. It is my strong hope that the use of these guidelines will greatly
contribute to improved diagnosis, management and treatment of patients. And, it is my
sincere expectation that service providers will adhere to these guidelines/protocols.

The Ministry of Health is grateful for the efforts of all those who contributed in various
ways to the development, review and validation of the National Clinical Treatment
Guidelines.

We would like to thank our colleagues from district, referral and university teaching
hospitals, and specialized departments within the Ministry of Health, our partners and
private health practitioners. We also thank the Rwanda Professional Societies in their
relevant areas of specialty for their contribution and technical review, which enriched
the content of this document. We are indebted to the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Belgium Technical Cooperation (BTC) for their support in developing
this important document.

We would like to especially thank the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) for both financial and technical support through the
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Integrated Health System Strengthening
Project-(IHSSP) and Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services
(SIAPS).

Finally, we wish to express thanks to all those who contribute to improving the quality
of health care of the Rwanda population.

Dr Agnes Binagwaho

Minister of Health

Kigali-Rwanda
Contents
1. PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES .........................................................7

1.1. TRIAGE........................................................................................7

1.2. PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN.....................................10

2. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS..............................................15

2.1. GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT EMERGENCIES...................15

2.1.1. Bleeding Oesophageal Varices............................................15

2.1.2. Acute Gastroenteritis..........................................................17

2.1.3. Persistent Diarrhea...........................................................22

2.1.4. Bloody Diarrhea..................................................................23

2.1.5. Upper GIT Bleeding............................................................25

2.1.6. Peptic Ulcer Disease............................................................29

2.2. POISONING EMERGENCIES..................................................31

2.2.1. Acute poisoning....................................................................31

3. RESPIRATORY DISEASES..............................................................47

3.1. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS.......................................................47

3.2. PNEUMONIA............................................................................50

3.3. WHEEZING CHILD/ASTHMA AND BRONCHIOLITIS.......55

3.3.1. Wheezing child ....................................................................55

3.3.2. Acute Bronchiolitis..............................................................55

3.3.3. Asthma....................................................................................57

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 1

4. EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS....................................71

4.1. ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA............................................................71

4.2. CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA............................73

4.3. TONSILLITIS ............................................................................75

4.4. ACUTE MASTOIDITIS.............................................................77

4.5. EPISTAXIS.................................................................................79

4.6. LARYNGITIS.............................................................................81

4.7. EPIGLOTTITIS..........................................................................82
5. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.....................................................87

5.1. CARDIO-VASCULAR EMERGENCIES...................................87

5.1.1. Cardiac failure.......................................................................87

5.1.2. Shock......................................................................................89

5.2. HEART FAILURE (CONGESTIVE CARDIAC FAILURE).......94

5.3. CARCINOGENIC SHOCK........................................................97

5.4. PULMONARY OEDEMA...........................................................98

5.5. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES...........................................99

5.5.1. Non Cyanotic Heart Diseases................................................99

5.5.2. Cyanotic heart diseases .......................................................100

5.5.3. Tetralogy of Fallot................................................................101

5.6. ACQUIRED HEART DISEASES............................................104

5.6.1. Acute rheumatic fever........................................................104

2 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 5.6.2. Rheumatic Heart Diseases.................................................109

5.6.3. Infective endocarditis........................................................110

5.7. CARDIOMYOPATHIES........................................................114
5.7.1. Dilated cardiomyopathy.................................................114

5.7.2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy......................................115

5.7.3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy...........................................117

5.7.4. Pericarditis/Pericardial Effusion...................................118

5.8. HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN........................................120

5.9. CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS IN CHILDREN.......................126

5.10. BRADYARRHYTHMIAS....................................................131
6. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM......................................................135

6.1. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EMERGENCIES...................135

6.1.1. Convulsions..........................................................................135

6.1.2. Coma....................................................................................138

6.2. EPILEPSY.................................................................................141

6.3. CONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS..................................149

7. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM CONDITIONS..........................................157

7.1. DIABETES MELLITUS (TYPE I AND TYPE II).........................157

7.2. DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS.................................................162

7.3. HYPOGLYCEMIA...................................................................166
8. NEONATOLOGY EMMERGENCIES.............................................171

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 3

 8.1. PERINATAL HYPOXIA/HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC
ENCEPHALOPATHY...............................................................173

8.2. NEONATAL INFECTION........................................................180

8.3. NEONATAL MENINGITIS (BACTERIAL).............................188

8.4. NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA...............................................192

9. HYPOCALCAEMIA........................................................................199

9.1. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME................................201

9.2. APNEA AND BRADYCARDIA FOR LBW (<1500 KG) OR

PREMATURE INFANTS (<33 WEEKS GESTATION)..............207

9.3. HYPOTHERMIA......................................................................211

9.4. NEONATAL JAUNDICE..........................................................213

9.5. CONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA...........................217

9.6. PROLONGED NEONATAL JAUNDICE.................................219

9.7. PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSIS (PDA) IN A NEWBORN....221

9.8. NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS ........................................223

9.9. ANEMIA IN A NEWBORN......................................................226

10. APPENDIX................................................................................231
11. REFERENCES............................................................................235
12. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS..........................................................237

4 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 1:Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Bleeding inASSESSMENT
1: OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Assessment
Emergency
C HAPTER 1
EMERGENCY
ASSESSMENT

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 5

 Chapiter 1: PAEDIATRIC
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding in lateEMERGENCIES
pregnancy and intra-partum period

6 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 1:Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Bleeding inASSESSMENT
1: OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

1. PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Assessment
Emergency
1.1. TRIAGE
Definition: Triage is the process of rapidly screening sick children soon
after their arrival in hospital in order to identify:
• Those with emergency signs, who require immediate emer-
gency treatment
• Those with priority signs, who should be given priority while
waiting in the queue so that they can be assessed and treated
without delay
• Non-urgent cases, who have neither emergency nor priority
signs

Emergency signs

Airway & 4. Obstructed breathing  

Breathing 5. Central Cyanosis
6. Severe respiratory distress
7. Weak / absent breathing

Cold Hands with any of: Immediate transfer to emergency area:

Circulation 1. Capillary refill > 2   3seconds 1. - Start Life support procedures
2. Weak + fast pulse 2. - Give oxygen
3. Slow (<60bpm) or absent pulse 3. - Weigh if possible

Coma / convulsing / confusion: AVPU = ‘P or U’ or Convulsions

Priority signs
- Tiny – sick infant aged < 2 months  
- Temperature-very high > 39.50C
- Trauma- major trauma
- Pain – child in severe pain
Front in the queue – Clinical review
- Poisoning – mother reports as soon as possible:
poisoning - Weight
- Pallor - severe palmar pallor - Baseline
- Restless/irritable/floppy - Observations
- Respiratory distress
- Referral – has an urgent referral  
letter
- Malnutrition – Visible severe
wasting
- Oedema of both feet
- Burns – severe burns

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 7

 Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding ASSESSMENT
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Assessment of emergency
Assessment prior to a full history and examination
Observations Actions
-- Observe -- Safe -- Eye contact / movements
-- Stimulate – if not -- Shout unless obviously alert
alert
-- Shout for Help – if -- Place on resuscitation couch
not alert
-- Setting for further -- It is better to continue evalua-
evaluation If alert tion while child is with parent
-- AIR -- Assess for obstruc- -- Position to open airway only if
tion by listening not alert and placed on couch
for stridor / airway
noises
-- Look in the mouth -- Suction (to where you can see)
if not alert if indicated (not in alert child)

-- Position – if not -- Use Guided airway only if

alert (appropriate minimal response to stimula-
for age) tion
-- Breath -- Assess adequacy of -- Decide:
breathing:
• Cyanosis • Is there a need for oxygen?

• Grunting • Is there a need for immediate

bronchodilators?
• Head nodding
• Rapid or very slow
breathing
• In-drawing
• Deep sighing (aci-
dotic) breathing
• If signs of respira-
tory distress, listen
for wheezing or
crackles.

8 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 1:Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Bleeding inASSESSMENT
1: OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

-- Cilculation -- Assess adequacy of --Decide:

Assessment
Emergency
circulation:
• Large pulse very • Does this child need fluids
fast or very slow for shock?

• Coldness of hands • If shock treatment is re-

and line of demar- quired, does the child have
cation severe malnutrition?

• Capillary refill • Does the child need immedi-

ate blood transfusion?
• Peripheral pulse
weak or not • If there is circulatory com-
palpable promise but no shock does
the child need Step 1 fluids
• (Note initial for severe dehydration? (If
response to stimu- not severely malnourished)
lation / alertness)
• Check for severe
pallor
• If signs of very
poor circulation:
• Check for severe
malnutrition
• If not shock but
significant circula-
tory compromise:
• Check for severe
dehydration

-- Drugs -- Assess AVPU --Decide:

• (If a bolus of • Does the child need 10%
fluid is being dextrose?
given for shock
assess AVPU and
prepare glucose to
follow bolus)

N.B.: It is important to start with resuscitation and stabilization

of patient before investigation and specific treatment

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 9

 Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding ASSESSMENT
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

1.2. PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN

Pain definition: Unpleasant somatic or visceral sensation associated with

actual, potential or perceived tissue damage.

Classification of pain severity

-- Self-reporting: use of number or faces scale
-- Observational: based on behaviors (crying, shaking, etc.) or clini-
cal signs (facial expression, elevated Blood Pressure or heart rate
etc.)

Management

Non Drug Treatment

• Treat the underlying condition without increasing the pain
• Use non medical support such as:
ȘȘ Emotional support
ȘȘ Physical methods such as touching, stroking, massage
and applying ice or heat
ȘȘ Cognitive method such as preparing for procedures,
distraction with music or imagery, play, etc.
ȘȘ Non harmful traditional practices
ȘȘ Address psychosocial issues
ȘȘ Continue to assess the pain

Drug Treatment
Note: Respiratory depression with morphine is not a problem in
children over 1 year old if treatment is started in standard doses
and thereafter increased or reduced according to needs.

10 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 1:Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Bleeding inASSESSMENT
1: OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Pain Medication

Assessment
Emergency
Pain Severity Medication Dosing

Mild pain -Acetaminophen/ -10-15 mg/kg/dose every

Paracetamol 4-6 hours (Maximum 90
mg/kg/day)
-Over 40 kg: 0.5 – 1
gram every 4-6 hours.
(Maximum 4 grams/day)
-Ibuprofen -10 mg/kg/dose every
6-8 hours
-Over 40 kg: 400-800
mg every 6-8 hours
(Maximum dose 2.4
grams/day)
-Diclofenac -Over 40 kg: 25-75 mg
every 12 hours
Moderate pain -Codeine -0.5-1 mg/dose every 4-6
hours
-Over 40 kg: 15-60 mg/
dose every 4-6 hours
(max dose. (Maximum
dose 240 mg/day)
-Tramadol -Over 40 kg: 25-75 mg
every 6 hours
Severe pain -Oral morphine -0.15-0.3 mg/kg/dose
every 4 hours -Titrate to
patient comfort
-Over 40 kg: 2.5-10
mg every 4 hours. May
give double dose at
bedtime. No maximum
dose. Titrate to patient
comfort.

Neuropathic Amitriptyline -0.1 mg/kg/dose once per

pain day. Increase as needed
by 0.2-0.4 mg/kg every
2-3 days until good
effect or a maximum
dose of 2 mg/kg/day
-Over 40 kg: 10-25 mg
once/day

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 11

 Chapiter 1: EMERGENCY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding ASSESSMENT
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Adjuvant Therapy for pain in children

SYMPTOMS MEDICATIONS DOSAGE

Itching -Antihistamines -0.1mg/kg every
(chlorpheniramine) 8hours
Muscle spasms -Benzodiazepines (e.g. -0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg
diazepam) every 24hours in 3 to
4 divided doses
General pain -Feeding, sucking, and eating are part of children’s
development and provide comfort, pleasure and
stimulation

12 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
CHAPTER 2
GASTROINTESTINAL
DISORDERS

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 13

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

14 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

2. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

2.1. GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT EMERGEN-

CIES

2.1.1. Bleeding Oesophageal Varices

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
Management
Non Pharmaceutical

• Fluid resuscitation especially fresh frozen plasma and blood

transfusion if necessary
• For secondary prophylaxis after a bleed, endoscopic injec-
tion sclerotherapy or variceal banding every 2 weeks until
eradicated
• If either or both treatments fail then surgical over-sewing is
done
• For local control of acute bleeds that are not controlled with
medicine treatment,
• Sengstaken tube is used

Pharmaceutical

• Octreotide, IV bolus, 1–2 mcg then 1–5 mcg/kg/hour by infu-

sion. Specialist initiated.
• Post bleed prophylactic management.
ȘȘ Omeprazole, oral
■■ Neonate 0.5–1 mg/kg, every 12– 24 hours
ºº 1 month–2 years 2.5mg, every 12 hours
ºº 2–6 years 5 mg, every 12 hours
ºº 7–12 years 10 mg, every 12 hours
AND

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 15

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

ȘȘ Propranolol oral, 2–8 mg/kg/24 hours in 3 divided doses.

Aim to reduce the pulse rate by 25%.

• Previously bled but not actively bleeding

ȘȘ Surgical oversewing if endoscopy and sclerotherapy or
banding has failed

• Never bled
ȘȘ Expectant management only
ȘȘ Neither prophylaxis nor elective endoscopy/sclerotherapy

Recommendations
-- Refer all to establish diagnosis and initiate treatment
-- Bleeding varices - only after commencement of resuscitation (and
octreotide, if available)

16 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

2.1.2. Acute Gastroenteritis

Definition: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and
intestines that causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and other symptoms of
digestive upset.
Diarrhea is the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day. It
can be watery, bloody or containing mucus.

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
Causes
-- Viral gastroenteritis: Rotaviruses are the most likely cause of infec-
tious diarrhea in children under the age of 5
-- Bacterial gastroenteritis : Campylobacter, Salmonella or E. coli
-- Intestinal parasites: Giardia lamblia
-- Other causes include life threatening conditions including: Intus-
susception; Appendicitis which may be initiated by diarrhea

Signs and Symptoms

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF DEHYDRATION

Mild dehydration : 3 - 5% No signs of dehydration

(Plan A)
Able to drink plus 2 or more of:

Moderate dehydration : 6-9% Sunken Eyes and / or

(Plan B) Skin pinch 1 - 2 seconds

Restlessness / irritability
Severe dehydration : 10-15% Pulse fine but unable to drink plus:

(Plan C) Sunken eyes

Skin pinch ≥ 2 seconds

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 17

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Complications
-- Hypovolemic shock (Tachycardia, cold hands, weak or absent
pulse, capillary refill > 2 sec, not alert)
-- Electrolytes imbalance: severe hyponatremia (<130mmol/L),
severe hypernatremia (>150mmol/L), severe hypokalemia
(<3mmol/L)
-- Cerebral œdema (headache, convulsions, vomiting, nausea, weak-
ness) due to rapid rehydration with hypotonic solutions
-- Intracerebral haemorrhage (due to severe dehydration in infants
and young children)

Investigations
-- Stool exam: Direct/culture (if blood or pus in stool )
-- FBC, CRP, Hemoculture if suspicion of bacterial blood stream
-- Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium )
-- Glyceamia, urea/Creatinine if shock

Note: Qualitative evaluation of dehydration (according to Natremia)

- Isotonic dehydration: Na 130 to 150 mmol/L
- Hypertonic  dehydration: Na > 150 mmol/L
- Hypotonic dehydration : Na < 130 mmol/L

Management
-- Admit the child
-- Absolute criteria of admission
• Profuse diarrhea (> 8 stools/24h) with vomiting
• Incoercible vomiting
• Severe dehydration
• Failure of home oral rehydration

-- If dehydration and shock are accompanied without signs of mal-

nutrition, give appropriate treatment as follows:
• Consider CABD
• 20ml/kg of Normal saline (NS) or Ringers Lactate(RL) as

18 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

quickly as possible IV or IO in 15 minutes (see table below for

estimation of required volume for 20ml/kg):
• Repeat the bolus of NS or RL 3-4 times if signs of shock
persists
• Treat as severe dehydration after correction of shock

-- If severe dehydration without shock (Plan C):

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
Full Strength Ringers Age < 12 months Age ≥ 12
months to 5
(Normal Saline if years
unavailable)
Step 1 30 mls / kg over 1 30 mls / kg over
hour 30 minutes
Step 2 70 mls / kg over 5 70 mls / kg over
hours 2.5 hours
Then reassess the child – if still signs of severe dehydration repeat
step. If signs improving treat for moderate dehydration

-- If moderate dehydration (Plan B)

• Best treated with ORS 75ml/kg during 4 hours
• Give Ringers Lactate 75ml/kg during 4 hours in case of inco-
ercible diarrhea and/or vomiting
• After 4 hours
ȘȘ Reassess the child and classify the child for dehydration
ȘȘ Select the appropriate plan to continue treatment
ȘȘ Begin feeding the child in clinic

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 19

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

HOW TO ADMINISTER ORS

By bottle - Give 1/3 during 1st h, then 2/3 during 3
following h.

- E.g.: 10 kg; dehydrated 7%. Should receive

75 ml/kg = 750 ml SRO in 4 hours

- Give 60 ml every 15 min during 1st hour

- Then 170 ml every hour during for 3 hours

- Very efficacious if vomiting +++

Spoon or seringues - Allows important volumes

E.g.: 5 ml every 1 to 2 min à 300 to 150 ml

in 1 hour
Naso-gastric tube -Vomiting +++

-Fatigue +++

NB: ORS is Contra-indicated if ileus or alteration of conscience

-- If the mother must leave before completing treatment

• Show her how to prepare ORS solution at home
• Show her how much ORS to give to finish 4-hour treatment
at home
• Give her enough ORS packets to complete rehydration
ȘȘ Explain the 4 rules of home treatment
■■ Give extra fluid: give to the child more to drink as
he/she wants
■■ Give Zinc supplements for 10–14 days
ºº Up to 6 months: 1/2 tablet (10 mg) per day, 6
months and more 1 tablet (20 mg) per day
ºº Continue feeding: initial 4hour rehydration
period, breastfed children should continue to
breastfeed frequently throughout
ºº Give advice on when to return for review

20 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

-- When the child has to be returned to the health facility

• Drinking poorly or unable to drink or breastfeed
• Becomes sicker
• Develops fever
• Has blood in the stool

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
-- If no dehydration (Plan A)
• Treat the child as an outpatient; give ORS 10ml/kg after each
watery stool
• Counsel the mother on the 4 rules of home treatment (See
above)

Particular forms of dehydration

Type Intervention Comment
Hyponatremia Na Deficit = 0.6 x W in Do not correct too
kg x (Na+d - Na+m) during quickly to avoid
(Na < 4 hours CNS lesion
130mmol/L)
W= weight

d = desired sodium

m = measured sodium
Hypernatremia Slowly correct dehydration Risk of convulsions
over 48 hours in case of rapid
(Na > correction
150mmol/L)
Hypokalemia If Potassium< 2.5 mmol/L Give KCl if urine
give KCl 30-40 mmol/
L/24hours

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 21

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

2.1.3. Persistent Diarrhea

Definition: Persistent diarrhea is a diarrhea, with or without blood, which

begins acutely and lasts for 14 days or longer.

Causes

AGE AETIOLOGIES
Infancy - Postgastroenteritis malabsorption
syndrome
- Cow’s milk/soy protein tolerance
- Secondary disaccharidase deficiencies
- Cystic fibrosis
Childhood - Secondary disaccharidase deficiencies
- Giardiasis
- Postgastroenteritis malabsorption
syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- HIV
- Malnutrition
Adolescence - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- HIV
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Complications
-- Dehydration
-- Failure to thrive, malnutrition
-- Immunosuppressant

Investigations
(Will vary according to the suspected etiology)

-- Stool examination: PH, White Blood Count, fat, ova, osmolarity,

culture
-- FBC, CRP, electrolytes, urea and creatinine
-- Sweat chloride if suspicion of cystic fibrosis
-- Barium study

22 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

-- Small bowel biopsy

-- Endoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy or coloscopy with biopsy

Management
-- Oral rehydration
-- Treat the cause (see algorithm)

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
2.1.4. Bloody Diarrhea
Definition: Frequent (>3/day) passage of blood and/or mucus in the stool

Causes
-- Amoebic dysentery is the most common serious cause in children
-- Bacterial infections (e.g. Shigella, salmonella)
-- Parasitic infestations (e.g. amoebic dysentery)
-- Milk allergy
-- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Signs and symptoms

-- Sudden onset
-- Abdominal cramps
-- Peritonism urgency, fever and diarrhea with blood and mucus in
the stool
-- meningismus and convulsions may occur
-- Exclude intussusceptions which includes:
• Pain or abdominal tenderness
• Bile-stained vomitus
• Red currant jelly-like mucus

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 23

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Complications
-- Dehydration
-- Convulsions
-- Shock
-- Toxic megacolon
-- Acidosis
-- Rectal prolapse
-- Renal failure
-- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

Investigations
-- Stool culture to confirm diagnosis of Shigellosis
-- Stool microscopy reveals many polymorphs and blood
-- Immediate microscopy of warm stool to diagnose amoebic
dysentery

Management
Non-pharmacological
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration

Pharmacological
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement (see Acute Diarrhea)
• Ciprofloxacin, oral, 15 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours for 3 days
OR
• Ceftriaxone, IV, 20–80 mg/kg as a single daily dose for 5
days(If hospitalised or if unable to take oral antimicrobial
agents)
• Metronidazole, oral, 15 mg/kg/dose 8 hourly for 7 – 10 days (if
amoebic dysentery, seen on stool microscopy)

Recommendation
-- Refer patient to the specialist, if dysentery with complications,
e.g. persistent shock, haemolytic uraemic syndrome and toxic
megacolon
24 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

2.1.5. Upper GIT Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (arising proximal to the ligament of Treits
in the distal duodenum) commonly manifested by hematemesis and/or
melena.

Causes

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
-- Neonates
• False bleeding (maternal blood swallowed)
• Vit K1 deficiency
• Stress gastric/ ulcer
• Coagulopathy (infection, liver failure, coagulation disorder)
• Hemangioma
-- Infants and toddlers
• Malory Weiss Syndrome
• Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
• Oesophagitis
• Caustic ingestions, iron poisoning
• Oesophageal varices bleeding
-- Old children and adolescent
• Malory Weiss SyndromePeptic ulcer/gastritis
• Rendu Osler Syndrome
• Gastric polypes
• Oesophagal varices

Clinical manifestations
-- Hematemesis
-- Melena
-- Other signs according to the causative agent

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 25

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Assessment
-- History: The clinical history should include information concern-
ing
• The time course of the bleeding episode
• Estimated blood loss, and any associated symptoms
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including dyspepsia, heartburn,
abdominal pain, dysphagia, and weight loss. In infants, these
features may be reflected in poor feeding and irritability
-- The history should also include information about the following
symptoms or signs which may provide clues to an underlying
disorder
• Recent onset of jaundice, easy bruising or change in stool
color, which may suggest underlying liver disease
• Recent or recurrent epistaxis, to investigate the possibility of a
nasopharyngeal source of bleeding
• History of easy bruising or bleeding, which suggests a disor-
der of coagulation, platelet dysfunction, or thrombocytopenia
• Personal or family history of liver, kidney or heart disease, or
coagulation disorders
• A drug history is important to assess potential contribu-
tions from medication that may induce ulceration (such as
NSAIDs and corticosteroids); Tetracyclines, may cause a pill
esophagitis
• If the patient has been taking drugs or has a cardiac condition
that affects homeostatic responses (such as beta-adrenergic
antagonists), these may mask tachycardia associated with life-
threatening hypovolemia and shock.

-- Physical examination :The physical examination should include

the following elements
• The skin for cutaneous signs of generalized vascular malfor-
mations/disorders (cutaneous hemangiomas, mucocutaneous
telangiectasia)
• Evidence of portal hypertension, (splenomegaly , prominent
abdominal and hemorrhoid vessels)

26 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

• Inspection of the naso-pharynx

• Check for hemodynamic failure (signs of shock)

Differentials diagnosis
-- Swallowed maternal blood during delivery or while nursing
-- Ingested epistaxis – naso-pharynx bleeding

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
Investigations
Depending on suspected cause and magnitude of the blood loss, labo-
ratory assessment should include:
-- FBC, cross-match blood in case transfusion is required , LTF,
blood urea nitrogen, aserum creatinine, coagulation tests
-- Upper digestive endoscopy (diagnosis and interventional)

Management

Main objectives
• Relieve or treat hemorrhagic shock if present
• Stop bleeding
• Treat the causative agent Emergency treatment
• ABC ( include blood transfusion if necessary
• Assess to causative agent and treat according if there is a need
of endoscopy then refer to center where it’s available

NB: The most common cause according to age and treatment

Neonates (Stress ulcers secondary to severe illness)

• Cimetidine IV 5-20mg/kg divided in 2 doses OR Ranitidine
IV 2mg/kg/24 divided in 2-3 doses
• Omeprazole, PO 0.5–1 mg/kg, every 12– 24 hours

Infants and toddlers (common cause is gastric ulcers and other

causes can be evaluated after endoscopy)

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 27

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

• Octreotide, IV bolus, 1–2 mcg then 1–5 mcg/kg/hour by

infusion, initiated by the specialist in case of cases of variceal
bleeding (difficult to control, to help control bleeding before
endoscopy, or when endoscopy is unsuccessful, contraindi-
cated, or unavailable)
• Omeprazole, PO
ȘȘ 1 month–2 years 2.5mg, every 12 hours
ȘȘ 2–6 years 5 mg, every 12 hours initiated by the specialist
for post bleed prophylactic management

Old children and adolescents (common cause is gastric ulcers

and other causes can be evaluated after endoscopy)
• Omeprazole, PO
ȘȘ < 20 kg: 10 mg QD
ȘȘ >20 kg: 20 mg QD

Recommendations
-- Refer all cases to the specialist for appropriate diagnosis and treat-
ment
-- Refer all bleeding varices - after commencement of resuscitation
and octreotide, if available

28 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

2.1.6. Peptic Ulcer Disease

Definition: This refers to ulceration of gastric or duodenal mucosa that
tends to be chronic and/or recurrent

Causes
-- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in developing nations, the majority

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
of children are infected with H. pylori before the age of 10 and
adult prevalence peaks at more than 80% before age 50

Signs and Symptoms

-- Most common: ulcer-like or acid dyspepsia (burning pain; epigas-
tric hunger-like pain; relief with food, antacids, and/or antisecre-
tory agents)
-- Peptic ulcers may be present with dyspeptic or other gastrointes-
tinal symptoms or may be completely asymptomatic, sometimes
until complications such as hemorrhage or perforation occur.
The symptoms associated with peptic ulcers are not sensitive or
specific and the differential diagnosis is broad.
-- Food-provoked dyspepsia or indigestion (postprandial epigas-
tric discomfort and fullness, belching, early satiety, nausea, and
occasional vomiting) food-stimulated acid secretion persists for
three to five hours; thus classic symptoms occur two to five hours
after meals
-- Reflux-like dyspepsia

Complications
-- Acute or chronic blood loss or perforation
-- Iron deficiency anaemia
Investigations
-- Stool analysis for occult blood
-- FBC
-- For HP
• It is recommended that the initial diagnosis of H. pylori infec-
tion be based on positive histopathology plus positive rapid
urease test, or positive culture.

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 29

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

• A validated ELISA for detection of H. pylori antigen in stool

is a reliable non-invasive test to determine whether H. pylorus
has been eradicated.
-- Tests based on the detection of antibodies (IgG, IgA) against H.
pylori in serum, whole blood, urine and saliva are not reliable for
use in the clinical setting

Management
Non Pharmaceutical
• Avoid any foods that cause pain to the patient (e.g. acidic
foods, cola drinks, etc.)
• Avoid gastric irritating drugs (NSAIDs)
• Give magnesium-based antacids or combined magnesium-
aluminium
Pharmaceutical
• First line H pylori eradication regimens are
ȘȘ Triple therapy with a PPI + Amoxicillin + Imidazole
OR
ȘȘ PPI + Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin
OR
ȘȘ Bismuth salts + Amoxicillin + Imidazole
OR
ȘȘ Omeprazole PO
ȘȘ 15-30 kg: 10 mg twice daily
ȘȘ 30 kg: 20 mg twice daily
OR
ȘȘ Cimetidine 20–40mg/kg/day
+
ȘȘ Clarithromycin : 500mg BID
+
ȘȘ Amoxicillin 1g twice daily

30 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

OR
ȘȘ Metronidazole 500 mg (15–20mg/kg/day ) BD
■■ Duration: 10 – 14 days, a reliable non-invasive test
for eradication is recommended at least 4 to 8 weeks
following completion of therapy

Recommendations

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
-- Refer to a specialist, if there is severe haemorrhaging
-- Stabilize the patient before transfer
-- Infuse IV fluids/blood to maintain normal volume/pulse
-- Ensure continuous assessment of further blood loss (Persistent
tachycardia, postural hypotension, continuing haematemesis)
-- Definitive treatment/Eradication of H. pylori

2.2. POISONING EMERGENCIES

2.2.1. Acute poisoning

Definition: A poison is any substance that is harmful to the body. It might

be swallowed, inhaled, injected or absorbed through the skin. Poisoning
can be acute or chronic.

Causes
-- Foods : Some mushrooms, polluted drinking water, certain im-
properly prepared or handled food
-- Drugs : Sometimes drugs may be toxic and even deadly when
taken in excess e.g. analgesics, vitamins, cardiovascular drugs,
herbal medications
-- Other causes : Contact or ingestion of products such as cyanide,
pesticides, paint thinners, household cleaning products

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of acute poisoning depend on the agent ingested and
therefore vary widely

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 31

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

ODOR Possible Poison

Bitter almonds Cyanide
Acetone Isopropyl alcohol,
methanol; paraldehyde,
salicylate
Alcohol Ethanol
Wintergreen Methyl salicylate
Garlic Arsenic, thallium,
organophosphates
Violets Turpentine
OCULAR SIGNS Possible Poison
Miosis Narcotics (except
meperidine);
organophosphates,
muscarinic
mushrooms, clonidine,
phenothiazines,
chloral hydrate,
barbiturates (late), PCP
(phencyclidine)
Mydriasis Atropine, alcohol,
cocaine, amphetamines,
cyclic antidepressants,

Cyanide, carbon
monoxide
Nystagmus Phenytoin, barbiturates,
ethanol, carbon
monoxide
Lacrimation Organophosphates,
irritant gas or vapors
Retinal hyperemia Methanol
Poor vision Methanol, botulism,
carbon monoxide
CUTANEOUS SIGNS Possible Poison
Needle tracks Heroin, PCP,
amphetamine
Bullae Carbon monoxide,
barbiturates
Dry, hot skin Anticholinergic agents,
botulism

32 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Diaphoresis Organophosphates,
nitrates, muscarinic
mushrooms, aspirin,
cocaine
Alopecia Thallium, arsenic, lead,
mercury
Erythema Boric acid,
mercury, cyanide,

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
anticholinergics
ORAL SIGNS Possible Poison
Salivation Organophosphates,
salicylate, corrosives,
strychnine
Dry mouth Amphetamine,
anticholinergics,
antihistamine
Burns Corrosives, oxalate
containing plants
Gum lines Lead,mercury,arsenic
Dysphagia corrosives, botulism
INTESTINAL SIGNS Possible Poison
Cramps Arsenic, lead, thallium,
organophosphates
Diarrhea Antimicrobials, arsenic,
iron, boric acid
Constipation Lead, narcotics, botulism
Hematemesis Aminophylline,
corrosives, iron,
salicylates
CARDIAC SIGNS Possible Poison
Tachycardia Atropine, aspirin,
amphetamine, cocaine,
cyclic antidepressants,
aminophylline/
théophylline
Bradycardia Digitalis, narcotics,
mushrooms, clonidine,
organophosphates,
ß-blockers, calcium
channel blockers

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 33

Chapiter 1: Chapiter 2: GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISORDERS
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Hypertension Amphetamine,
LSD (lysergic acid
diéthylamide), cocaine,
PCP
Hypotension Phenothiazines ,
barbiturates, cyclic
antidepressants, iron,
ß-blockers, calcium
channel blockers
RESPIRATORY SIGNS
Depressed respiration Alcohol, narcotics,
barbiturates, cyanide
Increased respiration Amphetamines, aspirin,
ethylene glycol, carbon
monoxide
Pulmonary edema Hydrocarbons, heroin,
organophosphates,
aspirin
CENTRAL NERVOUS

SYSTEM SIGNS Possible Poison

Ataxia Alcohol,
antidepressants,
barbiturates,
anticholinergics,
phenytoin, narcotics
Coma Sedatives, narcotics,
barbiturates, PCP,
organophosphates,
salicylate, cyanide,
carbon monoxide,
cyclic antidepressants,
lead.
Hyperpyrexia Anticholinergics,
quinine, salicylates,
LSD, phenothiazines,
amphetamine, cocaïne
Muscle fasciculation Organophosphates,
théophylline
Muscle rigidity Cyclic antidepressants,
PCP, phenothiazines,
haloperidol
Paresthesia Cocaine, camphor, PCP,
MSG

34 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Peripheral neuropathy Lead, arsenic, mercury,

organophosphates,
Altered behavior LSD, PCP,
amphetamines,
cocaine, alcohol,
anticholinergics,
camphor

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
*LSD: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. MSG: Monosodium Glutamate. PCP:
Phencyclidine.

Investigations
-- FBC
-- Glycemia
-- Urea and creatinine
-- Liver function
-- Electrolytes (Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium)
-- Chest x- ray (Hydrocarbons and corrosives)

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Maintain airway, establishing effective breathing and oxygen
where necessary
• Support circulation and correct hypoglycaemia
• Gastric lavage: activated charcoal (0rganophosphate if present
within 1 hour of ingestion, Phenobarbital, Theophylline)

Amount of activated charcoal per dose

Children up to one year of age 1g/kg

Children 1 to 12 years of age 25 to 50 g/kg

Adolescents and adults 25 to 100 g/kg

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 35

 • Provide supportive care (IV fluids, oxygen etc.)

36
• Use specific antidote where applicable
Clinical features and treatment of common acute poisonings
Substance Clinical features Recommended action
1. Household agents and industrial chemicals
Chapiter 1: Chapiter

Kerosene Nausea, vomiting, cough, pulmonary irritation, - Remove contaminated clothing; wash
difficulty breathing, headaches, loss of consciousness exposed skin with water and soap
(paraffin)
- Activated charcoal, maintain airways
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

and respiratory support.

- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING or

perform gastric lavage
2: GASTROINTESTINAL

Carbon Headache, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, - 100% oxygen

in late pregnancy

convulsions, coma, symptoms vary with percentage

monoxide, e.g. of carboxyhaemoglobin - Hyperbaric oxygen

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

DISORDERS

car exhaust or house

fire
and intra-partum period
 Corrosives e.g. Excruciating pain in the mouth, the pharynx, - Liberal water or milk orally
epigastric area,dysphagia, drooling, vomiting and
acids, alkalis, haematemesis, later develops laryngeal oedema and - Analgesic injection to relieve pain
obstruction, oesophageal perforation
hydrogen - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
Long-term: Stenosis of oesophagus
peroxide - DO NOT PERFORM LAVAGE
Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter

Methanol Intoxication, drowsiness, muscle, weakness, blurred - IV sodium bicarbonate

2:

vision, photophobia, papilloedema blindness, coma,

cerebral oedema, cardio-respiratory depression, - 10% Ethanol in 5–10% dextrose as
1: OBSTETRIC/

seizures, oral or IV infusion

DEATH - Loading dose 0.7g/kg over 1 hour.

Maintain at 0.1–0.2g/kg/hour up to
ethanol level of 100mg/dl
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1:GASTROINTESTINAL

Alcohol Lethargy, coma - Treat hypoglycemia

Bleeding in first in
term

Slurred speech - IV fluids

pregnancy
DISORDERS

Hypogylcemia

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

of pregnancy

Depressed respiration

37
Disorders
Gastrointestinal
 2. Pharmaceuticals

38
Paracetamol Nausea, vomiting, altered mental - Gastric lavage within 1 hour
status, abdominal pain, evidence
of liver failure (elevated - Activated charcoal
transaminases, abnormal
coagulation profile) - Antidotal therapy with N-acetylcysteine for up to
Chapiter 1: Chapiter

72 hours
Chloroquine Convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia, - Gastric lavage
cardiogenic shock and cardiac
arrest - IV diazepam for convulsion Epinephrine
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

- Refer if in coma
Digoxin Arrhythmias, ventricular - Discontinue drug, administer potassium
2: GASTROINTESTINAL

fibrillation, anorexia,nausea,vom
iting,confusion, amblyopia - Treat arrhythmias with lidocaine OR Phenytoin
in late pregnancy

- Antidigoxin FAB fragments

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Iron tablets, e.g. Vomiting, abdominal pain, - Gastric lavage
DISORDERS

pallor, cyanosis, diarrhoea,

FeSO4, vitamins shock, GI bleeding - Desferoxamine 15 mg/kg/hour IV max 6 grams in
24 hours
with iron
and intra-partum period
 Opiates, narcotics (drugs Drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, - Do not give emetics
shallow respiration, spasticity,
of abuse) respiratory failure - Gastric lavage

- Activated charcoal

- Naloxone 5μg/kg IV to awaken and improve

Chapiter

respiration
Chapiter
Chapiter

- IV fluids to support circulation

2:

Isoniazid CNS stimulation, seizures, coma - Emesis, gastric lavage

1: OBSTETRIC/

- Diazepam

- Pyridoxine (1mg for 1mg ingested up to 200mg)

- Sodium Bicarbonate for acidosis

OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
Bleeding in first in

Warfarin Generalized bleeding, with - Vitamin K 10mg IV STAT + OD for 5 days

intracranial haemorrhage being
term

most serious - Transfuse fresh frozen plasma

pregnancy
DISORDERS

- Packed red blood cells if hemorrhagic shock

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

of pregnancy

39
Disorders
Gastrointestinal
 3. Pesticides

40
Organo-phosphates, Headache, weakness, vomiting, - Decontaminate (see above).

e.g. colicky abdominal pain,profuse - Remove contaminated clothing; wash exposed

skin with water and soap. DO NOT INDUCE
diazinon, cold sweating, hypersalivation, VOMITING
Chapiter 1: Chapiter

dimethoate muscular twitching, - IV atropine 2–4mg STAT, repeat after 10–20 min
fasciculations, diarrhea, until full atropinization (pulse 100–120, dilated
tenesmus, convulsions, dyspnoea pupils) and maintain on SC/IV atropine 4–6 hours
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

with bronchoconstriction, miosis, x 24–48 hours.

bilateral crepitations
- Pralidoxime (PAM) 1–2g (children 30mg/
kg) STAT, repeat every 4 hours, 12–24 hours
2: GASTROINTESTINAL

depending on response
Rodenticides, Severe abdominal pain, nausea, - Supportive
in late pregnancy

e.g. zinc vomiting and diarrhea; strong - Maintain airways

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

DISORDERS

phosphide garlic smell; severe respiratory - Assist ventilation

distress; myocardial injury - Observe for pulmonary oedema

and intra-partum period
 Rodenticide Generalized bleeding, with - Vit. K 10mg IV STAT

(anticoagulant intracranial haemorrhage being - Transfuse fresh blood/fresh frozen plasma

most serious
based)
Acaricides, e.g. Weakness, difficulty breathing, - Remove contaminated clothing; wash exposed
convulsions, coma. skin with water and soap. DO
Chapiter

Amitraz
NOT INDUCE VOMITING
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:

- IV Sodium Bicarbonate
Herbicides, e.g. Oral/pharyngeal inflammation, - Lethal dose as low as 10ml
1: OBSTETRIC/

Paraquat later multi-organ failure within - Gastric lavage with 50–100g activated charcoal
every 4 hours until patient improves
hours or days depending on
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
Bleeding in first in

dose. Later interstitial pulmonary

term

oedema and fibrosis. Multi-organ

failure or pulmonary oedema
pregnancy
DISORDERS

invariably leads to death

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

of pregnancy

41
Disorders
Gastrointestinal
 Organochlorines Excitement, tremors, convulsions - IV diazepam for convulsions

42
with respiratory failure due to
e.g. DDT, aldrin, convulsions - Gastric lavage if within 1 hour

dieldrin - Survivors beyond 48 hours almost invariably

recover
Chapiter 1: Chapiter

4. Others
Lead: e.g. lead Thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, - Eliminate source of poisoning
diarrhea, encephalopathy following
salts, solder, ingestion of suspicious substance - Chelation with Dimercaprol (BAL) Inj 4mg/
OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

kg and combined with calcium sodium editate

toys, paints, and (EDTA) with close monitoring for renal function
DMSA
painted surfaces
2: GASTROINTESTINAL

Mercury Acute: gastroenteritis,vomiting, - Gastric lavage

in late pregnancy

nephritis, anuria, delayed GI

motility Chronic: gingivitis, - Activated charcoal
mental disturbances, neurodeficits,

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

DISORDERS

pneumonitis - Penicillamine

- Haemodialysis for renal failure

- Look out for GIT perforation

and intra-partum period

- Lungs: supportive care

 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 2:
1:GASTROINTESTINAL
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ DISORDERS
term
Bleeding in first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

Specific management
• Ingested poisons
ȘȘ Check the child for emergency signs and check for
hypoglycemia
ȘȘ If possible identify the specific agent and remove or
adsorb it as soon as possible.

Disorders
Gastrointestinal
ȘȘ If the child has swallowed kerosene, petrol or petrol-
based products or if the child’s mouth and throat have
been burned, then do not make the child vomit but give
water orally, do not send the child home without observa-
tion of 6 hours
ȘȘ Never use salt as an emetic as this can be fatal
ȘȘ Do the gastric lavage where applicable
ȘȘ If the child has swallowed other poisons: Do not induce
vomiting and give activated charcoal by mouth or NGT
according to table below.
• Poisons in contact with skin or eyes
ȘȘ Skin: Remove all clothing and personal effects and
thoroughly flush all exposed areas with copious amounts
of tepid water.
ȘȘ Eye: Rinse the eye for 10–15 minutes with clean running
water or saline, ensuring that the run-off does not enter
the other eye.
• Inhaled poisons
ȘȘ Remove from the source of exposure
ȘȘ Administer supplemental oxygen if required
ȘȘ Apply intubation accompanied with bronchodilators in
case of inhalation of irritant gases that cause bronchospas

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 43

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Respiratory Diseases
C HAPTER 3
RESPIRATORY
DISORDERS

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 45

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

46 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

3. RESPIRATORY DISEASES

3.1. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

Definition: It is a condition characterised by difficulty in breathing

Causes
-- Upper airway obstruction: Foreign body, tracheolaryngitis, ret-
ropharyngeal abscess, choanal atresia
-- Lower airway obstruction: Bronchiolitis, asthma, pneumonia,
trachea-esophageal fistula
-- Cardiac disease: Congestive heart failure (left to right shunt, left

Respiratory Diseases
ventricular failure, pulmonary embolism)
-- Pleural disorders: Pleural effusion, empyema, pneumothorax
-- Neurological disorders : Increased intracranial pressure, neuro-
muscular disorders
-- Other causes: Diaphragmatic hernia, massive ascites, severe sco-
liosis, severe anemia, electrolyte imbalance (DKA)
-- HIV infection: Pneumocystis pneumonia, Lymphocytic Interstitial
Pneumonia (LIP)

Signs and symptoms

-- Cyanosis (central or peripheral) /hypoxia (check oxygen satura-
tion)
-- Grunting
-- Head nodding
-- Rapid or very slow breathing (according to age)
-- Chest muscles In-drawing
-- Deep sighing (acidotic) breathing
-- Wheezing
-- Stridor
-- Absent breath sounds (i.e. with pneumothorax)

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 47

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Complications
-- Respiratory failure
• Apnea
• Lethargic
• Reduced alertness
• Restlessness
• Sweating
-- Paradoxical pulse
-- Coma

Investigations
-- Chest x-ray
-- Urea and Electrolytes
-- Blood glucose
-- Full blood count
-- Laryngoscopy, Bronchoscopy where applicable
-- Cardiac investigation (ultrasound)

Management
-- Admit the child
-- Keep the child in semi-sitting position
-- Maintain clear airway
-- Administer oxygen

48 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Oxygen administration by mask or nasal prongs

Oxygen Administration
Flow rate and inspired O2 concentration
Device

-- Neonate – 0.5 L/min

-- Nasal prong
or short nasal -- Infant / Child – 1 – 2 L/min
catheter
-- O2 concentration – approx 30-35%

-- Neonate – not recommended-

-- Naso-pharyngeal
-- Infant / Child – 1 – 2 L/min
(long) catheter
-- O2 concentration – approx 45%

-- Plain, good fit- -- Neonate / Infant / Child – 5 - 6 L/min

Respiratory Diseases
ting oxygen face (check instructions for mask)
mask -- O2 concentration – approx 40 - 60%
-- Oxygen face -- Neonate / Infant / Child – 10 - 15 L/
mask with reser- min
voir bag -- O2 concentration – approx 80 - 90%

-- Keep the child calm (minimal handling)

-- Give antipyretics (Paracetamol) if temperature > 39.50C
-- Nil Per Os (NPO) for severe respiratory distress
-- Insert a naso-gastric tube, empty the stomach and allow free
draining
-- IV line for fluids and specific medication ( antibiotics, steroids) as
necessary
-- Nebulisation with β-2 agonists (salbutamol) in case of asthma
-- Refer to ENT after stabilization when foreign body in airway is
suspected/confirmed
-- Give Sodium Bicarbonate or Ringer lactate in case of Kussmauls
breathing

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 49

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

3.2. PNEUMONIA
Definition: Pneumonia is an inflammation of the parenchyma of the lungs
classified according to the infecting organism.

Causes
-- Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common at
all ages followed by Chlamydia pneumonia and Mycoplasma
pneumonia (over 5 year old age), Chlamydia trachomatis (infant)
Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenza (in case of no
vaccination), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (in immunocompromised
patients), Klebsiella pneumonia
-- Viral: Respiratory Synctitial Virus, Adenovirus, Influenzae A and
B, Parainfluenzae types 1 and 3, Metapneumovirus
-- Fungal Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus spp
-- Mycobacterial: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium
avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare
-- Parasites: Pneumocystis jiroveci

Signs and symptoms

-- Fever
-- Tachypnea
-- Respiratory distress (inter-costal, sub-costal recession)
-- Nasal flaring
-- Use of accessory muscles
-- Cyanosis and respiratory fatigue (in severe case especially for
infants)
-- Crackles and wheezing in auscultation
-- bronchial breathing

50 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Findings suggestive of viral and bacterial pneumonia

Findings Viral Pneumonia Bacterial Peumonia
Initial signs Upper respiratory tract Upper respiratory tract
infection infection (in case of
super infection)
Fever Low High
Pulmonary sign Tachypnea Tachypnea
Bronchial, crackles Crackles
Clinical signs
WBC <20000 15000-40000
Lymphocytes predomi- Granulocytes predomi-
nance nance
Inflammatory Low High
test(CRP and

Respiratory Diseases
ESR)
Chest X-Ray Perihilar changes Alveolar pneumonia
Diffuse findings on Bronchopneumonia
chest exam are common usually bilateral
Often peribronchial Lobar pneumonia
thickening Lung abscess

N.B It is often not possible to distinguish viral pneumonia from

disease caused by bacterial pathogens.

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 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Clinical staging of pneumonia

Type Signs Symptoms
Very severe Cyanosis
pneumonia
Inability to drink/
breastfeed
History of cough
AVPU = V, P or U or difficulty of
breathing
Grunting
Severe Lower chest in-drawing Fever
pneumonia
Nasal flaring Abdominal/chest
pain (sometimes)
Grunting
Non severe Fast breathing
Pneumonia
presence or absence of
crackles

Complications
-- Empyema
-- Pleural effusion
-- Pneumothorax
-- Sepsis/ meningitis / arthritis

Investigations
-- FBC
-- Chest x-ray
-- Blood culture
-- HIV test

52 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Management
Factors for admission of children with pneumonia:

-- Age < 6 months

-- Sickle cell anaemia with acute chest syndrome
-- Multiple lobe involvement
-- Immunocompromised state
-- Toxic appearance
-- Very severe or severe pneumonia (clinical staging)
-- Severe respiratory distress:
• Supplemental oxygen

Respiratory Diseases
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• No response to appropriate oral antibiotic therapy

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 53

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Management summary of pneumonia

Type Management Comments
Very severe Hospitalization Duration 10 days
pneumonia
Oxygen Switch to oral treatment
with amoxicillin if
Correct shock, improvement in clinical
hypoglycaemia and symptoms
dehydration

Fluid maintenance

Ampicillin 200mg/
kg Q6hr or Benzyl
penicillin 50,000 units/
kg IM/IV Q6hr Plus
Gentamycine IV 7.5mg/
kg IV over 3-5 minutes
Q 24 hours

OR

Cefotaxime 50mg/kg/
dose Q 8 hours

(second line)
Severe Hospitalization Duration 7 days
pneumonia
Oxygen

Correct hypoglycaemia
and dehydration

Fluid maintenance

Ampicillin 100mg /kg/

day ( 33 mg/kg/dose Q8
hours)
Non severe Amoxycilline 5025mg/ Duration 5 days
Pneumonia kg/dose Q 12 hours
Note: If pneumonia due to staphylococcus is suspected give Cloxa-
cillin 100mg/kg/day for 7days in 3doses and Gentamycine IV
7.5mg/kg IV twice daily.

54 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

3.3. WHEEZING CHILD/ASTHMA AND

BRONCHIOLITIS
3.3.1. Wheezing child

Definition: A wheeze is a musical and continuous sound that originates

from oscillations in narrowed airways. Wheezing is heard mostly in expira-
tion as a result of critical airway obstruction.

Causes/ differential diagnosis

-- Bronchiolitis
-- Asthma

Respiratory Diseases
-- Oesophageal foreign bodies
-- Aspiration Syndrome (gastro-oesophageal reflux diseases)

3.3.2. Acute Bronchiolitis

Definition: Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchiole tubes due to

viral organism resulting in wheezing. In children under 2 years old, it may
lead to fatal respiratory distress. Occurs with seasonal variations and has
epidemic potential.

Causes
-- Acute bronchiolitis is a predominantly a viral disease
-- Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the most common (>50% cases)
-- Other agents: parainfluenza, adenovirus, Mycoplasma, and, oc-
casionally, other viruses especially human metapneumovirus

Clinical signs
-- Dyspnea with cough (both day and night)
-- distension of the thorax
-- Low-grade fever
-- Prolonged expiration with diffuse wheeze on pulmonary ausculta-
tion:

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 55

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

-- Occasionally fine, diffuse, bilateral late inspiratory crepitations

-- Signs of serious illness include tachypnea, central cyanosis (tongue
and gingiva), nasal flaring, chest in-drawing, Periods of apnoea,
altered level of consciousness, difficulty drinking or breastfeed-
ing, and silence on auscultation (corresponding to an intense
bronchospasm)

Complications
-- Bacterial secondary infection
-- Atelectasis
-- Apnoea especially in neonatal and infant period

Investigations
-- FBC
-- CRP (less contributory as viral infection)
-- Chest x-ray: show hyperinflated lungs with patchy atelectasis
-- Viral testing (usually rapid immunofluorescence, polymerase
chain reaction, or viral culture) is helpful if the diagnosis is uncer-
tain or for epidemiologic purposes

Management
Non Pharmaceutical
• Hospitalize children if signs of serious illness
• Administer high humidified oxygen at 8L/min in 30 to 40 %
oxygen
• Attention to pulmonary toilet including suctioning, percus-
sion and postural drainage
• IV fluid > maintenance
• Tube feeding when the child is in improved respiratory
distress state
• In case of respiratory failure, use non-invasive naso CPAP or
mechanical ventilation

56 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Pharmaceutical
-- Antibiotic treatment only indicated for children with secondary
infection according to severity of clinical signs, high fever > 39°C,
purulent sputum, aggravation of respiratory symptoms
-- Give oral or parenteral antibiotics for 5 days based on severity
and/or condition of the patient as follows:
• Amoxicillin 25mg per dose/kg/day Q12hr PO
OR

• Ampicillin IM: 100 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses or injections

-- Alternative treatment:
• Erythromycin 30 -50 mg per dose/kg/day x3/day/7-10days

Respiratory Diseases
Recommendations
-- Treatment of bronchospasm:
Data does not support routine use of bronchodilators, steroids or
antibiotics. If bronchodilators to be used, closely monitor effect
as it might worsen respiratory distress.

3.3.3. Asthma

Definition: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lung air-

ways resulting in episodic airflow obstruction.

Causes
-- Unknown but the following factors have been identified
• Allergens (e.g. house dust, perfumes, food, animal airs, mites)
• Medicines (e.g. propranolol and aspirin)
• Environmental (e.g. change of weather, pollutants), infections
(viral or bacterial)
• Emotions
• Family history (genetic factors)
• Gastro-esophageal reflux

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 57

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Signs and symptoms

-- Breathlessness
-- Wheezing/ prolonged expiratory
-- Cough (chronic nocturnal cough)
-- Exercise induced cough
-- Chest tightness
-- Sputum production

58 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Severity of Asthma Exacerbation
Parameter Mild Moderate Severe Respiratory
arrest
imminent
Breathless Walking Talking At rest
Can lie down Infant - softer, shorter cry; difficulty Infant stops
feeding feeding
Prefers sitting Hunched
forward
Talks in Sentences Phrases Words
Alertness May be agitated Usually agitated Usually Drowsy or
agitated confused
Respiratory rate Increased Increased Greatly
increased
Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

59
Respiratory Diseases
 Normal rates of breathing in awake children

60
< 2 months : < 60/min
2-12 months : < 50/min
1-5 years : < 40/min
6-8 years : < 30/min
Accessory muscles and Usually not Usually Usually Paradoxical
suprasternal retractions thoraco-
abdominal
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

movement
Wheeze Moderate, often Loud Usually loud Absence of
Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY

only and expiratory wheeze

in late pregnancy
DISEASES

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

and intra-partum period
 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Severity of Asthma Exacerbation (cont.)

Parameter Mild Moderate Severe Respiratory
arrest imminent
Pulse/min. <100 100 - 200 >120 Bradycardia
Guide to limits of normal pulse rate in children
Infants : 2-12 months : < 160/min
Preschool : 1-2 years : < 120/min
School age : 2-8 years : < 110/min

Pulsus Absent May be Often present> Absence suggests

paradoxus < 10 mm present 10 25 mm Hg respiratory muscle
Hg - 25 mm (adult) 20 - fatigue

Respiratory Diseases
Hg 40 mm Hg
(children)

PEF after Over 80% Approx. < 60% predicted

initial 60-80% or personal best
bronchodilator or response lasts
% predicted < 2 hrs
or % personal
best
PaO2 (on air)† Normal
 >60 mm < 60 mm Hg
Hg
and/or < 45 mm > 45 mm Hg
paCO2† Hg < 45 mm
Possible
Hg
Test not cyanosis and
usually respiratory
necessary failure
SaO2% (on >95% 91 - 95% <90%
air)†
Hypercapnia (hyperventilation) develops more readily in young children
than adults and adolescents
*Note: The presence of several parameters, but no necessarily all,
indicates the general classification of the exacerbation.
Note: Kilopascals are also used internationally; conversion would
be appropriate in this regard.

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 61

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

Diagnosis

-- Asthma can often be diagnosed on the basis of a patient’s symp-

toms and medical history
-- Presence of any of these signs and symptoms should increase the
suspicion of asthma
• Wheezing high-pitched whistling sounds when breathing
out-especially in children. (A normal chest examination does
not exclude asthma)
• History of any of the following
ȘȘ Cough, worse especially at night
ȘȘ Recurrent wheeze
ȘȘ Recurrent difficult breathing
ȘȘ Recurrent chest tightness
ȘȘ Symptoms occur or worsen at night, waking the patient
ȘȘ Symptoms occur or worsen in a seasonal pattern
ȘȘ The patient also has eczema, hay fever, or a family history
of asthma or atopic diseases
ȘȘ Symptoms occur or worsen in the presence of
■■ Animals with fur
■■ Aerosol chemicals
■■ Changes in temperature
■■ Domestic dust mites
■■ Drugs (aspirin, beta blockers)
■■ Exercise
■■ Pollen
■■ Respiratory (viral) infections
■■ Smoke
■■ Strong emotional expression

62 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

■■ Symptoms respond to anti-asthma therapy

■■ Patients colds “go to the chest” or take more than 10
days to clear up

Complications
-- Uncontrolled/poorly controlled asthma can lead to severe lung
damage
-- Severe asthma exacerbation can cause respiratory failure and
death

Investigations
-- Lung function to confirm diagnosis and assess severity

Respiratory Diseases
-- Peak expiratory flow rate can help diagnosis and follow up
-- Additional diagnostic tests
• Allergy testing (where applicable)
• Chest x-ray (for differential diagnosis)
• FBC for exclusion of super-infection

Management
-- Treatment of asthma exacerbation (see algorithm below)
-- Definition: Asthma exacerbation (asthma attacks) are episodes of
a progressive increase in shortness of breath, cough, wheezing or
chest tightness or a combination of these symptoms.
Asthma attack requires prompt treatment
• Bronchodilators
ȘȘ Salbutamol: begin with 2-4 puffs/20 min first hour then
depending on severity:
■■ Mild: 2-4 puffs/3 hours
■■ Moderate: up to 10 puffs / hour
■■ Alternatively (especially in severe cases), use nebuli-
zation of Salbutamol 2.5mg in 2 ml of normal saline
/20 min first hour

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 63

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

• Glucocorticosteroïds: early if moderate or severe attack

ȘȘ Prednisolone per os 0.5 to 1 mg/kg or equivalent over 24
hour period
ȘȘ Alternatively, Hydrocortisone IV, 5 mg / kg (Adult 400
mg), repeat every 6 hours during 24 hours
• Oxygen: Very efficient bronchodilator to achieve SaO2 ≥ 95 %
if hypoxemic patient

Alternative treatment
ȘȘ Ipratropium bromide (if available): nebulization increases
effect of salbutamol
ȘȘ Theophylline can be used if salbutamol not available but
causes many side effects
ȘȘ Adrenaline in case of anaphylaxis but not indicated for
asthma attack (10µg/kg IM then infusion 0.1µg/kg/min)

• Monitor response to treatment

ȘȘ Clinical evolution (signs of respiratory distress)
ȘȘ Peak flow if possible
ȘȘ Oxygen saturation
ȘȘ Arterial blood gas (severe cases)
• Maintenance treatment: (see tables below)
ȘȘ Clinical initial check- up
ȘȘ Check risk factors
ȘȘ Patient education: discuss the management plan, impor-
tance of adherence to treatment
ȘȘ Medication: inhaled corticosteroids
ȘȘ Example: start with Beclomethasone inhaled 250μg, once
to twice a day with inhalation chamber then step up or
step down according to the evolution (close follow up
after discharge)
ȘȘ Treatment of co-morbid conditions (Rhinits, sinusitis,
gastroesophagial reflux)

64 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Stepwise approach for maintenance treatment

Level of control Treatment action
Controlled Maintain and find lowest controlling
step
Partially controlled Consider stepping up to gain control
Uncontrolled Step up until controlled
Exacerbation Treat exacerbation

Respiratory Diseases

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 65

66
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
Asthma education environmental control.
(If step-up treatment is being considered for poor symptom control, first check inhaler technique, check adherence, and confirm
symptoms are due to asthma).
As needed rapid As needed rapid acting ß2-agonist
acting ß2-agonist
Controller Select one Select one To step 3 , select one or To step 4
option
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding

more Add either

Low doses Low doses ICS plus Medium or high doses ICS Oral
ICS (inhaled long acting ß2-agonist plus long acting ß2-agonist glucocorticostréroids
Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY

costicostreroid) (lowest dose)

Leucotriène modifier Medium or high doses Anti IgE treatment
ICS
in late pregnancy

Low doses ICS plus

DISEASES

leukotriene modifier

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Low doses ICS plus
sustained release
theophylline
and intra-partum period
 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Estimated equipotent dose of inhaled glucocorticostreroids

Medium Daily High Daily
Drug Low Dose (μg)
Dose (μg) Dose (μg)
Beclomethasone > 1000 -
200 – 500 > 500 - 1000
dipropionate - CFC 2000
Beclomethasone > 500 -
100 – 250 > 250 - 500
dipropionate - HFA 1000
> 800 -
Budesonide 200 – 400 > 400 - 800
1600
> 320 -
Ciclesonide 80 – 160 > 160 - 320
1280
Flunisolide 500 – 1000 > 1000 - 2000 >2000

Respiratory
Respiratory Diseases
Fluticasone
100 – 250 > 250 - 500 >500 - 1000
propionate
Mometasone
200 >400 >800

Diseases
furoate
Triamcinolone
400 – 1000 >1000 - 2000 >2000
acetonide

NB: The most important determinant of appropriate dosing is

the clinician’s judgment of the patient’s response to therapy. The
clinician must monitor the patient’s response in terms of clinical
control and adjust the dose accordingly. Once control of asthma
is achieved, the dose of medication should be carefully titrated to
the minimum dose required to maintain control, thus reducing the
potential for adverse effects.

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 67

 Chapiter 3: RESPIRATORY
Chapiter 1: OBSTETRIC/Bleeding DISEASES
in late pregnancy and intra-partum period

ALGORITHM  FOR  MANAGEMENT  OF  ASTHMA  EXACERBATION

INITIAL  ASSESSMENT INITIAL  TREATMENT  

• History   • O2  to  achieve  SaO2  ≥  95%  
• Physical  Examination   • Inhaled  rapid  acting  ß2-­‐
� Auscultation   agonist  
� Use  of  accessory   • Systemic  
muscles   glucocorticosteroids  if  
� Hearth  and   severe  or  if  no  immediate  
Respiratory  rate   response  
• Peak  Flow  (PEF)   • Sedation  is  contra-­‐
• Oxygen  saturation   indicated  
• Blood  gas  in  severe  cases  

REASSESS  AFTER  1  HOUR

Physical  Examination,  PEF,  O2  saturation,  other  tests  as  needed  (Chest  X-­‐ray,  lab  test,  blood  
gas  …)

MILD   MODERATE  EPISODE  (see  table) SEVERE  EPISODE  (see  table)

EPISODE • O2  to  achieve  SaO2  ≥  95%    or  history  of  previous  severe  
(see  table) • Inhaled  rapid  acting  ß2-­‐ episode
Go  to  next   agonist,  up  to  10  puffs/hour   • O2  to  achieve  SaO2  ≥  95%  
step (combine  with  anti-­‐ • Inhaled  rapid  acting  ß2-­‐
cholinergic  if  available)   agonist,  up  to  10  puffs/hour  
• Oral  glucocorticosteroids   (combine  with  anti-­‐
• Continue  for  1-­‐3  hours,  assess   cholinergic  if  available),  
improvement   consider  continuous    
• Oral  glucocorticosteroids  
• Consider  IV  Magnesium  

REASSESS  AFTER  2-­3  HOUR

Physical  Examination,  PEF,  O2  saturation,  other  tests  as  needed  (Chest  X-­‐ray,  lab  
GOOD  RESPONSE:  Criteria  for   test,  blood  gas  …)
discharge
• Sustained  60  min  after  last   INCOMPLETE  OR  POOR  RESPONSE
treatment   • Risk  factor  for  near  fatal  asthma  
• Normal  Physical  examination  :   • Admit  to  Intensive  Care  Unit  
NO  DISTRESS   • IV  Glucocorticosteroids  
• PEF  >  70%  
• Consider  IV  ß2  agonist,  IV  
• SaO2  ≥  95%  at  room  air  
theophylline  
HOME  TREATMENT: • Possible  mechanical  ventilation  
• Continue  inhaled  rapid  acting  ß2-­‐
agonist  
• Consider  oral  
glucocorticosteroids  (most  cases)  
• Increase  control  treatment  
• Patient  education   REASSESS  AT  INTERVALS
� Takes  medication  
correctly  
� Review  action  plan  
� Close  follow  up  

68 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

CH APTER 4
EAR NOSE AND
THROAT CONDITIONS Conditions
Ear Nose and Throat

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 69

 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

70 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

4. EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

4.1. ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA

Definition: It is the inflammation of the middle ear cavities

Causes
-- Viral
-- Bacterial (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae,
Moraxella catarrhalis etc.)
-- Predisposing factors include poor living conditions, adenoids,
sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, asthma etc.

Signs and symptoms

-- Fever
-- Retroauricular pain
-- Crying with ear scrubbing
Conditions
-- Gastro intestinal signs Ear Nose and Throat
-- Otalgia
-- Cervical lymphadenopathy
-- Otorrhea (if tympanic membrane perforated)
-- Impaired hearing
-- Redness of eardrum
-- Sometimes bulging of the eardrum

Complications
-- Secretory otitis media (ear glue)
-- Chronic otitis media with perforation
-- Acute mastoiditis sometimes with periosteal abscess
-- Intracranial (meningitis, brain abscess, subdural abscess, etc.)
-- Facial paralysis
-- Labyrinthitis

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 71

 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

Management
General measures: Elimination of risk factors
Pharmaceutical
Treatment of first choice
• Amoxicillin, Po 30mg/kg/dose P.O. Q every 8 hours for 7-10
days
• When associated with rhinitis add Xylometazoline (Otrivine)
0.5% nose drops or simple argyrol drops 1% , 0.05%
• Paracetamol 10-15mg/kg/dose Q every 6 hours if high fever
or pain
Alternative treatment
• Amoxi-clav (Augmentin) 50mg/kg/day P.O , Q every 8 hours
for 7 -10 days
OR

• Cefadroxyl (Oracefal): 25mg/kg/dose Q every 12 hours for 7

days
• Cefuroxime (Zinat): 15mg/kg /dose Q every 12 hours for 7
days
• Azithromycine 5mg/kg/dose Q every 24 hours for 3 days
• Erythromycine 20 mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours for 10 days
Surgical:
Myringotomy if necessary

Recommendation
-- Avoid getting in the inside of the wet ear

72 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

4.2. CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA

Definition: It is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear with recurrent
ear discharges or otorrhoea through a tympanic perforation for more than
2 weeks.

Predisposing risk factors

-- Inadequate management of otitis media
-- Frequent upper respiratory tract infections
-- Anatomic factor: Short Eustachian Tube
-- Poor living conditions, poor housing, hygiene and nutrition
analphabetism
-- Immunosupression (e.g.: HIV infection)

Causes
-- Tuberculosis
-- P. aeruginosa
-- S.pneumoniae Conditions
Ear Nose and Throat
-- Staphyllococcus aureus
-- H. Influenza

Signs and symptoms

-- Recurrent pus ear discharge
-- Large perforation of the eardrum on examination
-- Progressive hypoacousia with impaired hearing
-- Buzzing (acouphene)
-- History of recurrent otitis media
-- Loss of transparency of tympanic membrane

Complications
-- Subperiosteal abscesses
-- Facial nerve paralysis
-- Lateral sinus thrombophlebitis

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 Chapiter 4: EAR NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS

-- Suppurative labyrinthitis
-- Brain abscess
-- Meningitis
-- Mastoiditis
-- Extradural and subdural empyema
-- Otitic hydrocephalus
-- Hearing impairment
-- Deafness

Investigations
-- Bacterial Cultures
-- Search for predisposing factors
-- Audiogram
-- CT-scan

Management
Non pharmacological management
• Dry mopping
• Aural toilet by medicines’ droppers ( with hydrogen peroxide
or polyvidone iodine saline solutions)
• Avoid getting the inside of the ear wet e.g. bathing and swim-
ming
Pharmacological management
• Topical quinolones ( Ciprofloxacin ear drops Q12h for 7 days)
• Systemic treatment: Ceftazidime IV or IM 50mg/kg/dose Q
every 8 hours (max:6gr/day) for 7 days
• In case of mastoiditis: Mastoidectomy

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Recommendations
-- Proper management of acute otitis media
-- Avoid getting the inside of the ear wet e.g. bathing and swimming
-- Refer to the tertiary health facility for further management

4.3. TONSILLITIS
Definition: It is an inflammation of the tonsils

Causes
-- Bacterial infection (Group A β-hemolytic streptococcal, staphylococ-
cal)
-- Viral infection (Rhinoviruses, influenza)
-- Fungal infection

Signs and symptoms

-- Difficult and painful swallowing (Dysphagia)
Conditions
-- Refusal of breastfeeding Ear Nose and Throat

-- Fever, chills
-- Headache
-- Vomiting
-- Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
-- Enlarged and tender submandibular lymph nodes
-- Swollen red tonsils with white spots

Complications
-- Rheumatic heart disease
-- Acute glomerulonephritis
-- middle ear infections
-- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
-- Abscess of the pharynx

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-- Sinusitis
-- Septicaemia
-- Bronchitis or pneumonia
-- Airway obstruction

Investigations

-- Swab for laboratory analysis

-- Complete blood count if signs of sepsis
-- Streptococcal screen
Management
-- Ensure enough fluids to avoid dehydration
Pharmaceutical:
Antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory
Treatment of first choice
• Amoxicillin 15-30 mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours for 10 days
OR
• Penicillin V tabs: 15mg/kg/dose Q every 12 hours for 10days
• In case of allergy to penicillin use:
• Erythromycine 15-20mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours for 10 days
OR
• Azithromycine 5mg/kg/dose Q every 24 hours for 3 days
• If fever or pain, give Ibuprofen: 2-3mg/kg/dose Q8h o r Par-
acetamol 10-15mg/kg Q6h, max 60mg/kg/day
If no response with the first choice,
• Amoxi-clav ( Augmentin) 15-20mg/kg/dose P.O , Q every 8
hours 7 -10 days
OR
• Cefuroxime (Zinat): 15mg/kg /dose Q every 8 hours for 7 days
Surgical treatment

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• Tonsillectomy indicated in:

ȘȘ Chronic repetitive tonsillitis
ȘȘ Obstructive tonsils

Recommendations
-- Systematically give Antibiotherapy for children > 3 years in order
to prevent rheumatic heart disease
-- For chronic and obstructive tonsillitis refer to the ENT specialist

4.4. ACUTE MASTOIDITIS

Definition: Acute mastoiditis is sudden onset bacterial infections of the
mastoid bone

Causes
-- Spread of pathogens causing acute otitis media to the mastoid
bone
Conditions
Signs and symptoms Ear Nose and Throat
-- Fever
-- Pain, tenderness, discomfort and swelling behind the ear
-- In some instances, the ear on the affected side seems pushed out
and quite prominent. This is caused by a high concentration of pus
in the mastoid
-- Sometimes associated suppurative otitis media
-- Tympanic membrane is usually perforated with otorrhoea
-- Occasionally, pus breaks through the mastoid tip and forms an
abscess in the neck (Bezold’s abscess)
-- Headache
-- Hearing loss

Diagnosis
-- Clinical
-- X-Ray of the mastoid bone

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In selected cases
-- CT-scan of the middle ear
-- Culture of the pus from the mastoid bone
-- Hemoculture
-- LP if signs of meningitis

Complications
-- Facial paralysis
-- Brain abscess
-- Meningitis
-- Neck abscess
-- Extradural abscess
-- Septicemia
-- Subdural abscess

Management
Pharmacological
• Cephalosporine 3rd generation
ȘȘ Cefotaxime IV 30-50 mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours for
7-10 days
OR
ȘȘ Ceftriaxone IV 100mg/kg/dose Q every 24 hours for 7-10
days

• If 3rd generation cephalosporine not available,

ȘȘ Ampicillin iv 50mg/kg/dose Q every 6 hours for 7-10 days
ȘȘ and Gentamycin iv 5mg/kg/dose Q every 24 hours 5 days
ȘȘ If fever or pain, give Ibuprofen: 2-3mg/kg/dose Q every 8
hours or Paracetamol 10-15mg/kg Q every 6 hours, max
60mg/kg/day

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Surgical
• Mastoidectomy
• Incision of abscess
• When anaerobic infection is suspected : add metronidazole
IV 15-20 mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours and culture sensitivity
where possible

4.5. EPISTAXIS
Definition: Epistaxis is nose bleeding

Causes
-- Local (trauma, inflammation, foreign bodies, tumours of the nose
and rhinopharynx, chronic using of nasal steroides, intra nasal
growth like polyps,)
-- Systemic (cardiovascular diseases, blood diseases, liver diseases,
kidney diseases, febrile diseases)
-- Upper respiratory disease ( sinusitis, allergic rhinitis ) Conditions
Ear Nose and Throat
-- Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma if profuse unilateral
epistaxis associated with a nasal mass in adolescent boys
-- Idiopathic (causes not known)

Signs and symptoms

-- Blood coming from the nose or the rhinopharynx
-- History of recurrent nasal bleeding

Complications
-- Hypovolemic shock
-- Anaemia

Investigations in complicated or recurrent cases

-- Full Blood Count, clotting time, bleeding time, prothrombin time
-- CT scan and MRI if Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

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-- Other investigations should be requested based on general exami-

nation findings

Management
Non pharmaceutical treatment
• Sit the patient up to avoid aspiration
• Cleaning of blood clots from the nose
• Direct pressure applied by pinching the soft fleshy part of the
nose applied for at least five minutes and up to 20 minutes
• Application of cold compresses on the nose
• Room humidifier
• Pack with ribbon gauze impregnated with topical ointments
(Vaseline) and remove it after 12-24 hours.
Pharmaceutical treatment
• Application of a topical antibiotics ointment to the nasal mu-
cosa has been shown to be an effective treatment for recurrent
epistaxis
• Topical vasoconstrictor: Xylometazoline spray (otrivine)
0.5mg/ml
• Cauterization of the bleeding site with Silver nitrate or 20% of
solution Trichloracetic acid under topical anesthesia
• Electro coagulation
• If severe bleeding with shock/or anemia, immediate blood
transfusion is recommended

Recommendations
-- Investigate for underlying causes
-- Refer cases of severe and recurrent epistaxis
-- Refer to ENT specialist for otolaryngologic evaluation if bilateral
bleeding or hemorrhage that not arise from Kiesselback plexus

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4.6. LARYNGITIS
Definition: Laryngitis: is the inflammation involving the vocal cords and
structures inferior to the cords
Causes

-- Viral respiratory tract infection (Parainfluenza Virus Type 1 and 2,

Rhinoviruses, Syncytial Viruses, adenoviruses)

Signs and Symptoms

-- Progressive Laryngeal dyspnea
-- Sore throat
-- Hoarseness of voice
-- Stridor
-- Barking cough
-- Fever
-- Erythema and Edema of larynx
Conditions
Investigations Ear Nose and Throat

-- Unless there are signs of secondary infection

Complications
-- Severe respiratory distress
-- Secondary infection
-- Airway obstruction

Management
Non Pharmacological management
• Leave child in caregiver’s arms as much as possible (except if
near respiratory arrest) as you manage the child
• Humidified O2 therapy
• Plenty of fluids

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Pharmacological treatment
• Adrenaline Nebulisation 0.5ml/kg [of diluted 1:1000 (1 mg/
ml)] in 3 ml Normal saline. Maximum dose 2.5ml for ≤ 4yrs
old and maximum 5ml for > 4yrs old.
• Dexamethasone IM 0.3-0.6mg/kg per dose x 2/day/2days or
Prednisolone PO 1-2mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses ( maximum
dose 50mg in 24 hours)

Recommendation
-- Patient who doesn’t improve on treatment should be intubated

4.7. EPIGLOTTITIS
Definition: Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency due to respi-
ratory obstruction. It is due to intense swelling of epiglottis and surround-
ing tissues with septic signs.

Cause
-- Haemophilus influenza type b

Signs and symtomes

Signs/symptoms Croup (laryngitis) Epiglottitis

Onset Over days Over hours

Preceding coryza Yes No
Cough Severe, barking Absent or slight
Able to drink Yes No
Drooling saliva No Yes
Appearance Unwell Toxic, very ill
Fever <38,5°C >38,5°C
Stridor Harsh, rasping Soft, whispering
Voice, cry Hoarse Muffled, reluctant to
speak

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Management

-- Urgent hospital admission and treatment

-- Move the child only when ready for intubation under anesthaesia
-- Intubation by senior anesthaesist, paediatrician and ENT in surgi-
cal room
-- Urgent tracheostomy if intubation impossible
-- Antibiotic treatment
• Cefotaxime IV 30-50 mg/kg/dose Q every 8 hours for 7-10
days
OR
• Ceftriaxone IV 100mg/kg/dose Q every 24 hours for 7-10 days

Conditions
Ear Nose and Throat

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

CHAPTER 5
CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASES Diseases
Cardiovascular
Diseases
Cardiovascular

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

5. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Most cardiac diseases in young children are congenital, while those in older
children may be acquired or congenital.

5.1. CARDIO-VASCULAR EMERGENCIES

5.1.1. Cardiac failure

Definition: It is the inability of the heart to deliver adequate cardiac output

to meet the metabolic needs of the body.

Causes
-- Congenital heart disease: Aortic valve stenosis, coarctation, septal
defect (atrial or ventricular)
-- Acquired heart disease: Rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease,
myocarditis, infective endocarditis, pericarditis/tamponade
-- Other causes: severe anaemia, fluid overload, acute hypertension
etc

Signs and symptoms

-- Signs due to congestion
-- Polypnea, cough
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Exercise induced dyspnoea and orthopnoea on lying flat

-- Enlarged, tender liver
-- Basal crackles on auscultation
-- Elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP)
-- Weight gain due to oedema
-- Peripheral or central cyanosis
-- Cold extremities
-- Capillary refill time > 2 sec

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-- Tachycardia (heart rate >160/minute in a child under 12 months

old/gallop rhythm, >120/ minute in a child aged 12 months to 5
years)
-- Weak pulse
-- Decreased Blood Pressure
-- Oliguria
-- Agitation/ altered consciousness

Complications
-- Failure to thrive
-- Cardiogenic shock and death

Investigations
-- FBC (Full Blood Count), ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate),
CRP
-- ASOT (Anti Streptolysine - O - titre)
-- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), creatinine, creatinine clearance,
urine analysis
-- Liver function tests (ASAT and ALAT)
-- Serum electrolyte test (sodium, potassium)
-- Chest x-ray
-- Ultrasound (cardiac, abdomen)
-- ECG

Management

Non Pharmaceutical
• Admit the child
• Keep the child in semi-upright position
• General measures and resuscitation
• Oxygen therapy
• Restrict fluid intake even in cardiogenic shock

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• Limit salt intake but supply adequate calories

• Limit strenuous activities
• Monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxime-
try, urine output), liver size and body weight
Pharmaceutical
• Diuretics (Frusemide inj. IV 1-4 mg/kg/day divided into 2-3
doses. Maximum dose 8 mg/kg/day)
• Supplementary Potassium if Frusemide is given for more than
5 days
• Treating the underlying cause (surgical treatment): refer to a
specialized centre. See section on cardiology for more details
on diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

5.1.2. Shock

Definition: It is an acute dramatic syndrome characterized by inadequate

circulatory provision of oxygen, so that the metabolic demands of vital
organs and tissues are not met.

Causes
-- Hypovolemic causes: Severe dehydration (diabetes, burns, diar-
rhea and vomiting), severe haemorrhage,
-- Septic causes: Bacterial, fungal and viral infections
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Cardiogenic causes: Congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy,

ischemia, dysrrhythmias
-- Distributive causes : Anaphylaxis (drugs, food, plants, insects, and
snake bites)
-- Obstructive causes : Large pulmonary embolism, Coarctation of
aorta, tension pneumothorax, pericardial tamponade

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Signs and symptoms

-- Low Blood Pressure for age
-- Weak or undetectable pulses
-- Cold extremities, prolonged capillary refill (more than 2 seconds)
-- Skin moist and clammy
-- Altered mental status, confusion, coma
-- Low urine output, anuria
-- Heart failure
-- Irregular heart beat

Note: All of the above signs are exaggerated in uncompensated

very severe shock

Complication
-- Immediate death

Investigations
-- Hemoculture for bacterial, fungal or viral infections
-- Full Blood Count
-- Other investigations according to suspected diagnosis

Management
General measures
• CABD
• Put patient in left lateral position, maintain airway and give
oxygen
• Empty the stomach; maintain free drainage via naso-gastric
tube and NPO
• Intubation and mechanical ventilation if patient is apneic or
agonal breathing/gasps
• IV line (0-5 min) if not possible, put Intraosseous and draw
blood for emergency laboratory investigations

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• Evaluate for signs of infection

• Evaluate for the signs of malnutrition (need different fluids
management)
• Patient usually needs high care

Shock in children without malnutrition

• Hypovolemic shock
ȘȘ Attach Ringer’s lactate or normal saline and make sure
the infusion is running well
ȘȘ Infuse 20mL/kg as rapidly as possible

Volume of Ringer’s lactate

Age/weight or normal saline solution
(20 ml/kg)

2 months (<4 kg) 75 ml

2–<4 months (4–<6 kg) 100 ml

4–<12 months (6–<10 kg) 150 ml

1–<3 years (10–<14 kg) 250 ml

3–<5 years (14 – 19 kg) 350ml

Diseases
Cardiovascular

ȘȘ Reassess child after each infusion

■■ Reassess after first infusion: If no improvement,

repeat 20ml/kg as rapidly as possible.
■■ Reassess after second infusion: If no improvement,
repeat 20 ml/kg as rapidly as possible.
■■ Reassess after third infusion: If no improvement,
give blood 20 ml/kg over 30 minutes (if shock is
not caused by profuse diarrhea, in this case repeat
Ringer’s lactate or normal saline)

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

■■ Reassess after fourth infusion: If no improvement,

see disease-specific treatment guidelines. You should
have established a provisional diagnosis by now.

ȘȘ After improvement at any stage (pulse slows, faster

capillary refill, urine output) continue management as in
severe dehydration without shock (Plan C)
• Septic shock
ȘȘ General measures (see above)
ȘȘ Blood transfusion if haemoglobin is < 10g/dl
ȘȘ Broad spectrum antibiotics (usually combination de-
pending on the type of suspected bacterial infection
■■ Third-generation cephalosporin preferred. Cefotaxi-
me 150-200 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses per day
or Ceftriaxone 100 mg/kg/day given once per day)
ȘȘ If no improvement on fluid therapy
■■ Give Inotropic drugs (Dopamine 5-15μg/kg/min
■■ Dilution: 200 mg in 50 ml of normal saline
ȘȘ Abscess, if present should be drained
• Cardiogenic shock
ȘȘ See section on management of cardiac diseases
• Anaphylactic shock

ȘȘ General measures as above

ȘȘ Place patient in Tredelenberg position with head at 30
degree angle below the feet.
ȘȘ Rapid fluid resuscitation with IV bolus 20 mL/kg. Repeat
if needed.
ȘȘ Give supplemental oxygen
ȘȘ Give Adrenaline solution 1/1000 (1ml = 1mg IV slowly
0.25 mg in 10ml of normal saline. Or 0.01 mL/kg of
adrenaline solution 1/1000 given intramuscular or
subcutaneous in the lateral thigh. Maximum dose 0.5 mL.
(Repeat every 15 minutes as needed.)

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ȘȘ Hydrocortisone 5mg/kg IV divided in three daily doses

ȘȘ H 1 antagonist (Chloramphiramine or Diphenhydramine
1-2 mg/kg IV, IM or PO. Maximum dose 50 mg)
ȘȘ Salbutamol nebulization 2.5-5 mg inhaled if wheezing
Shock with severe malnutrition
• Give treatment only if the child has signs of shock and is
lethargic or has lost consciousness
ȘȘ Insert an IV line (and draw blood for emergency labora-
tory investigations)
ȘȘ Weigh the child (or estimate the weight) to calculate the
volume of fluid to be given
ȘȘ Give IV fluid 15 ml/kg over 1 hour. Use one of the follow-
ing solutions (in order of preference) and according to
availability
■■ Ringer’s lactate with 5% Glucose (dextrose) or
■■ Half Normal saline with 5% Glucose (dextrose) or
■■ Half-strength Darrow’s solution with 5% Glucose
(dextrose) or if these are unavailable give Ringer’s
lactate
ȘȘ Measure the pulse and breathing rate at the start and
every 5–10 minutes thereafter. If there are signs of
improvement (pulse and respiratory rates fall, Blood
Pressure normalizes):
Diseases
Cardiovascular

■■ Switch to oral or nasogastric rehydration with ReSo-

Mal 10 ml/kg/h up to 10 hours
■■ Initiate refeeding with starter F-75

• If the child fails to improve assume the child has septic shock
and treat as follows
ȘȘ Give maintenance IV fluid (4 ml/kg/h) and start anti-
biotic treatment (see section on septic shock above for
details on antibiotics) while waiting for blood

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

ȘȘ When blood is available, transfuse fresh whole blood

at 10 ml/kg slowly over 3 hours (use packed cells if in
cardiac failure) then
■■ Initiate refeeding with starter F-75

ȘȘ If the child deteriorates during the IV rehydration

(breathing increases by 5 breaths/min or pulse by 15
beats/min or other signs of respiratory distress), stop the
infusion because IV fluid can worsen the child’s condi

5.2. HEART FAILURE (CONGESTIVE CARDIAC

FAILURE)
Definition: It is a clinical syndrome reflecting the inability of the myocardi-
um to meet the oxygen and nutritional metabolic requirements of the body.

Causes
-- In normal heart anatomy
• Anemia
• Infection/sepsis
• Volume overload
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathies
• Hypertension
• Renal failure
• Acquired valvulopathies
• Hypothyroidism
• Kawasaki disease

-- In Congenital heart disease

• Left to Right shunt (Ventricular Septal Defect, Patent Ductus
Arteriosus)
• Aortic coarctation

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

• Aortic valvular stenosis

• Supra valvular aortic stenosis
• Mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation
• Pulmonary veins stensosis
• Single ventricle

Signs and Symptoms

-- Tachypnea/dyspnea
-- Cough
-- Sweating
-- Excessive weight gain/oedema
-- Poor feeding/ failure to thrive
-- Tachycardia
-- Gallop rhythm with or without heart murmur
-- Weak pulses
-- Hypotension
-- Pallor
-- Cold extremities
-- Prolonged capillary refill > 2seconds
-- Oliguria
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Hepatomegaly / increased jugular vein pressure

-- Crepitations (in older children) / wheezing

Investigations
-- FBC, Electrolytes, Urea and Creatinine, Blood Gas if available.
-- Chest X-ray 
-- ECG 
-- Echocardiogram

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Management
Non pharmacological treatment
• Oxygen therapy
• Semi- Sitting position (cardiac bed)
• Restrict fluids to 2/3 of maintenance ( aim at urine output of
2ml/kg/h)
• Low sodium diet
• Strict bed rest
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Recognize and treat the underlying conditions e.g. fluid over-
load, hypertension, infection
• Monitoring of vital signs: RR, HR, BP, O2 saturation, urine
output
Pharmacological treatment
• Frusemide IV 1-4mg/kg divided in 2 doses (to be increased
progressively)
• Digoxin per os 0.01mg/kg/day (no loading dose)
• Captopril 1-4mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses if normal creati-
nine (to be increased progressively, beware hypotension)
• Carvedilol for stable older children > 30 kg: initiate with
3.125mg BID, increase every 15 days if good tolerance. Maxi-
mum dose: 12.5mg BID.

Recommendations
-- If isolated right sided heart failure: use furosemide (see dosage
above) and aldactone 2mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses.
-- Administration of carvedilol and aldactone should be discussed
with the cardiologist.
Note : Any patient with heart failure due to heart disease must be
referred to the cardiologist

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5.3. CARCINOGENIC SHOCK

Definition: It is a dramatic syndrome characterized by inadequate circula-
tory provision of oxygen due to cardiac pump failure secondary to poor
myocardial function, so that the metabolic demands of vital organs and
tissues are not met.

Signs and symptoms

-- Hypotension
-- Tachycardia
-- Gallop rhythm
-- Hepatomegaly
-- Crackles/wheezes
-- Weak and fast pulses (or absent)
-- Cold extremities/ pallor
-- Capillary refill > 2 seconds
-- Oliguria/anuria

Management
Non pharmacological management
• Avoid excessive IV fluids, the patient is fluid overloaded in
this case, give 2/3 of maintenance (aim at urine output of 2ml/
kg/h)
Diseases
Cardiovascular

• Oxygen therapy: 10-15l/min with mask and reservoir bag

• Semi-sitting position (cardiac bed)
• Low sodium diet
• Strict bed rest
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Correct hypoglycemia with 3-5ml/kg IV of Dextrose 10%
Pharmaceutical treatment
• Dopamine IV 5-10 microgram/kg/min, may increase to 20
microgram/kg/min OR

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

• Dobutamine IV 2 to 20 microgram/kg/min
• Furosemide IV 2mg/kg/dose if adequate peripheral perfusion.
Repeat the dose according to estimated fluid overload up to
8mg/kg/day
• Correct arrhythmia if present with digoxin 0.04mg/kg/day in
3 divided doses (maintenance: 0.01mg/kg/day)
• Monitor: Heart rate, respiratory rate, BP, urine output, pulse
oxymetry for oxygen saturation

5.4. PULMONARY OEDEMA

Definition: Pulmonary oedema is the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli
due to an increase in pulmonary capillary venous pressure resulting from
acute left ventricular failure.

Causes
-- Heart not removing fluid from lung circulation properly (cardio-
genic pulmonary edema)
-- A direct injury to the lung parenchyma

Signs and symptoms

-- Breathlessness/ Respiratory distress
-- Sweating
-- Cyanosis (decreased oxygen saturation)
-- Frothy blood-tinged sputum
-- Ronchi and crepitations/wheezes

Investigations
-- Chest x-ray shows loss of distinct vascular margins, Kerley B lines,
diffuse haziness of lung fields, pleural effusion.
-- Blood gas if possible
-- ECG
-- Echocardiography

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Management
-- Maintain patient in a semi sitting position
-- Oxygen by facial mask with reservoir bag if available
-- IV Furosemide 2mg/kg/dose, maximum 8mg/kg/day
-- Inotropic support with Dopamine or Dobutamine if signs of shock
-- Transfer to cardiologist for further management

5.5. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES

Definition: Congenital heart disease refers to a problem with the heart’s
structure and function due to abnormal heart development before birth.
Often divided into two types, non-cyanotic and cyanotic (blue discolor-
ation caused by a relative lack of oxygen).

5.5.1. Non Cyanotic Heart Diseases

Common lesions
-- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) most common congenital heart
disease
-- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
-- Atrio-ventricular septal defect (AVSD) or endocardial cushion
defect (common in trisomy 21)
-- Atrial septal defect (rarely causes heart failure)
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Coarctation of aorta

Signs and symptoms

-- Tachypnea, dyspnea,
-- Tachycardia
-- Sweating
-- Feeding difficulties / failure to thrive
-- Recurrent chest symptoms
-- Hepatomegaly
-- Increased jugular venous pressure
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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Complications
-- Failure to thrive
-- Infective endocarditis
-- Pulmonary vascular obstructive disease (pulmonary hyperten-
sion) which can lead to
-- Eisenmenger Syndrome

Investigations
-- Chest x-Ray
-- ECG
-- Echocardiogram
-- Cardiac catheterization/angioscan in special cases.

Management
Treatment depends on the specific condition. Some congenital heart
diseases can be treated with medication alone, while others require
one or more surgeries.
-- Lasix 2mg/kg/day
-- Captopril 1-3mg/kg/day (start with 1mg/kg)
-- Increase calories in feeding
-- Iron if Hb less than 10g/dl (preferably reach 15g/dl)
-- Surgical repair generally before 1 year if possible

5.5.2. Cyanotic heart diseases

Definition: Cyanotic heart disease is a heart defect, present at birth (con-

genital), that results in low blood oxygen levels (< 90 % even with oxygen).

Common lesions
-- Decreased flow to the lungs (does not cause heart failure)
• Tetralogy of fallot
• Pulmonary atresia

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-- Increased flow to the lungs (does cause heart failure and failure to
thrive)
• Transposition of great vessels (TGA)
• Truncus arteriosus
• Single ventricle / Tricuspid atresia

5.5.3. Tetralogy of Fallot

Definition: Tetralogy of Fallot refers to a type of congenital heart defect

comprising of:
-- Large ventricular septal defect
-- Narrowing of the pulmonary outflow tract (pulmonary stenosis)
-- Overriding aorta
-- Right ventricular hypertrophy

Signs and symptoms

-- Progressive cyanosis with pulmonary systolic murmur
-- Digital clubbing occurs after long time
-- Hallmark: Paroxysmal hyper cyanotic attacks (blue spells) with the
following manifestations:
• Hyperpnea and restlessness
Diseases
Cardiovascular

• Increased cyanosis
• Gasping respiration
• Syncope or convulsions
• Spontaneous squatting position is frequent (in older children)
• Heart murmur disappears

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Complications
-- Delayed development/growth
-- Polycythemia
-- Hypercyanotic attack, sometimes associated with seizures and
death
-- Infective endocarditis
-- Brain abscess

Investigations
-- Chest x-ray
-- Complete blood count (CBC)
-- Echocardiogram
-- Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Management
-- Avoid dehydration and stress (treat early infections, quite environ-
ment)
-- Propanolol 0.5-1mg/kg every 6 hours to prevent hypercyanotic
attacks
-- Iron 5mg/kg /day to prevent microcytosis
-- Surgical repair, urgent as soon as spells begin
-- In case of Hypercyanotic attacks
• Squatting position (hold the infant with the legs flexed on the
abdomen)
• Oxygen 6l/min with mask
• Diazepam 0.3mg/kg IV or 0.5mg PR if convulsing
• Normal saline 10-20ml/kg/ 30 minutes
ȘȘ Sodium Bicarbonate 8.5% 1ml/kg to correct acidosis
• Morphine 0.1mg/kg IV if persistent attacks (but risk of res-
piratory depression)
• Propranolol IV 0.1 – 0.2 mg/kg slowly then continue oral
maintenance to relax the infundibular spasms

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Common causes of heart failure in Neonates

Clinical manifestations Likely lesions

Very poor pulses - Hypoplastic Left Ventricle Syn-
drome
- Critical aortic stenosis
Poor femoral pulses - Coarctation of aorta
- Patent ductus arterious (PDA)
- Troncus arteriosus
Bounding pulses - Severe anemia

Recommendations
-- All children with cyanotic heart diseases who come with diarrhea
and vomiting should be admitted for closer observation. Furosem-
ide is contra-indicated
-- All new born babies with suspected cyanotic heart disease should
be referred to a cardiologist/tertiary hospital immediately

Diseases
Cardiovascular

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5.6. ACQUIRED HEART DISEASES

5.6.1. Acute rheumatic fever

Definition: This is an acute, systemic connective tissue disease in children

related to an immune reaction to untreated group A Beta haemolytic strep-
tococcus infection of the upper respiratory tract .The initial attack of acute
rheumatic fever occurs in most cases between the ages of 3 and 15 years.

Causes
-- Auto-immune disease

Signs and symptoms (Revised Jones Criteria)

Major Minor Group A
manifestations: manifestations: Strep(GAS)
Infection:
Carditis Fever GAS on throat
swab (culture)
Arthritis Arthralgia Raised Anti-
streptolysin O titre
(ASOT)
Sydenham’s Prolonged P-R Raised Anti-
Chorea interval on ECG deoxyribonuclease
B (Anti-DNase B)
Erythema Raised ESR or
marginatum CRP
Subcutaneous
nodules

Criteria for ARF diagnosis according to the WHO

-- The first episode of ARF can be confirmed if:
• MAJOR, or 1 MAJOR and 2 MINOR manifestations are pre-
sent plus there is evidence of preceding Group A streptococ-
cal infection.
-- Recurrent ARF (with no RHD) can be confirmed if:
• MAJOR, or 1 MAJOR and 2 MINOR manifestations are pre-
sent plus there is evidence of preceding Group A streptococ-
cal infection.

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-- Recurrent ARF (with existing RHD) can be confirmed if

• MINOR manifestations are present plus there is evidence of
preceding Group A streptococcal infection.

Complication
-- Rheumatic heart disease

Investigations
-- Throat swab for culture (positive throat culture of group A Strep-
toccocal infection)
-- Raised ASOT/ASLO antibodies titre (Anti-streptolysin-0-titre –
ASOT of 1:300)
-- Anti DNase B
-- FBC/ ESR/CRP
-- Chest x-ray – Features of cardiomegaly
-- ECG
-- Echocardiogram

Management
-- Admit the patient
N.B: Persons with symptoms of ARF should be hospitalized to
ensure accurate diagnosis, and to receive clinical care and educa-
tion about preventing further episodes of ARF
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Give
• A single injection of Benzathine penicillin G (Extencilline):
25,000–50,000 units/kg/dose STAT; maximum 1.2 mega units
dose
OR
• Oral Penicillin (Pen V) 25–50mg/kg/day in divided 3 doses
for 10 days (Erythromycin 30-50mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses
if penicillin allergy)

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-- Relieve symptoms
• Arthritis and fever
ȘȘ Aspirin 75–100mg/kg/day in 4–6 divided doses. Treat-
ment continued until fever and joint inflammation are
controlled and then gradually reduced over a 2-week
period
ȘȘ Add an antacid to reduce risk of gastric irritation
ȘȘ Prednisolone 1-2mg OD for 2 weeks then taper for 2
weeks with good response begin
ȘȘ Aspirin in the 3rd week and continue until 8th week taper-
ing in the final 2 weeks
• Chorea
ȘȘ Most mild-moderate cases do not need medication
ȘȘ Provide calm and supportive environment (prevent ac-
cidental self-harm)
ȘȘ For severe cases:
■■ Carbamazepine per os:
ºº <6 years: 10-20mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses,
ºº 6-12 years: 400-800mg/day divided in 3 doses,
ºº >12 years: 200mg x 2/day
■■ Valproic acid 20-30mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses
ºº Duration: 2 weeks
ȘȘ Carditis
■■ Bed rest if in cardiac failure
■■ Anti-failure medication as above
■■ Anti-coagulation medication if atrial fibrillation is
present
• Management plan when the acute episode is controlled
ȘȘ Administer the first dose of secondary prophylaxis
ȘȘ Register the individual with the local health authority or
RHD Program:

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ȘȘ Provide disease education for the person with ARF and

the family
■■ Understanding of ARF and RHD and risks of ARF
recurrence
■■ Importance of regular secondary prophylaxis and
medical review
■■ Recognising own signs and symptoms of ARF and
RHD
■■ Risks associated with future RHD (e.g. pregnancy,
surgery and high level of aftercare)
■■ Importance of dental health
ȘȘ Include an ARF diagnosis alert on computer systems and/
or medical files (if applicable)
ȘȘ Refer to local health facility for ongoing management
ȘȘ Arrange dental review (and provide advice about endo-
carditis prevention)
• Long-term Management
ȘȘ Regular secondary prophylaxis (refer to 5.5 Table 6 Rec-
ommended Secondary Prophylaxis Regimen)
ȘȘ Regular medical review
ȘȘ Regular dental review
ȘȘ Echocardiogram (if available) following each episode of
ARF, and routine echocardiogram
Diseases
Cardiovascular

■■ Every 2 years for children (sooner if there is evidence

of cardiac symptoms)
• Secondary prophylaxis
ȘȘ Aim
■■ Prevents the occurrence of GAS infections which can
lead to recurrent ARF
■■ Reduces the severity of RHD (and can result in cure
of RHD after many years)
■■ Helps prevent death from severe RHD

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ȘȘ Indications for Use

■■ ARF confirmed by the Jones Criteria
■■ RHD confirmed on echocardiogram
■■ ARF or RHD not confirmed, but highly suspected
ȘȘ Dosage
■■ Benzathine Penicillin G IM every 4 weeks:
ºº 1,200,000 units for all people ≥30kg
ºº 600,000 units for children <30kg
■■ Penicillin V if injections not tolerated or contrain-
dicated
ºº 250mg oral, twice-daily for all children.
■■ Erythromycin if proven allergy to Penicillin: 250mg
oral, twice-daily for all people

Recommended Secondary Prophylaxis Regimens

Disease Classification Duration of Secondary

Prophylaxis
ARF 1. Minimum of 5 years after
last ARF, or
(No proven carditis) 2. Until 18 years of age
(whichever is longer)
Mild-moderate RHD 1. Minimum 10 years after last
ARF, or
(or healed carditis) 2. Until 25 years of age
(whichever is longer)
Severe RHD and Continue medication for life

following Cardiac Surgery

for RHD

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5.6.2. Rheumatic Heart Diseases

Definition: It is an inflammatory damage of the heart valves, as a com-

plication of acute rheumatic fever. The mitral valve is the most commonly
involved valve, although any valve may be affected.

Types
-- Mitral regurgitation/stenosis
-- Aortic regurgitation/stenosis
-- Tricuspid regurgitation
-- Mixed regurgitation and stenosis
-- Multivalvular heart diseases

Signs and symptoms

-- May be asymptomatic when minor lesions
-- Heart murmurs over affected valve

Complications
-- Congestive cardiac failure with pulmonary oedema
-- Bacterial endocarditis.

Investigations
-- Chest x-ray
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- ECG
-- Echocardiography

Management
-- Treat underlying complication e.g. heart failure, pulmonary
oedema
-- Continue prophylaxis against recurrent rheumatic fever
-- Ensure oral hygiene
-- Endocarditis prophylaxis if dental procedures, urinary tract
instrumentation, and GIT manipulations:

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• Above the diaphragm

ȘȘ Amoxicillin 50mg/kg (Max 2gr) 1 hour before the pro-
cedure
ȘȘ OR
ȘȘ Erythromycin 50mg/kg (max 1.5gr) – if allergic to penicil-
lin

• Below the diaphragm

ȘȘ Ampicillin 50mg/kg IV or IM (max 2gr) with Gentamy-
cine,
ȘȘ 2mg/kg (max 120mg) 30minutes before the procedure
then
ȘȘ Amoxycillin per os 25mg/kg (max1gr) 6 hours after the
procedure
-- Ensure good follow up by cardiologist

5.6.3. Infective endocarditis

Definition: Infection of the endothelial surface of the heart. Suspect infec-

tive endocarditis in all children with persistent fever and underlying heart
disease.

Causes/predisposing factors
-- Rheumatic valvular disease
-- Congenital heart disease

Signs and symptom

-- Persistent low grade fever without an obvious underlying cause
-- Fatigue, joint pain, new murmurs, clubbing, splenomegaly and
haematuria

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DUKE CRITERIA IN CHILDREN:

MAJOR CRITERIA MINOR CRITERIA

Positive blood cultures: Predisposing heart condition or
IV drug use:
- Typical micro-organisms
from two separate blood cul- -- Fever ≥ 38ºC
tures; S. viridans, including
nutritional variant strains, -- Vascular phenomena
S. bovis, HACEK group, S. -- major arterial emboli
aureus, or
- Enterococci, in the absence -- septic pulmonary
of a primary focus, or infarcts
- Persistently positive blood
-- mycotic aneurysm
culture with a micro-organ-
ism consistent with IE from -- intercranial haemor-
blood cultures drawn > 12 rhage
hours apart, or
- All 3 or a majority of 4 or -- conjunctival haemor-
more separate blood cultures, rhages
with the first and last drawn -- Janeway lesions
at least one hour apart, or
- Positive serology for Q fever
evidence of endocardial
involvement
- Positive echocardiogram for
IE: oscillating intracardiac
mass, on valve or support-
ing structures, or in the path
of regurgitant jets, or on
Diseases
Cardiovascular

implanted materials, in the

absence of an alternative
anatomic explanation , or
- Abscess, or
- New partial dehiscence of
prosthetic valve, or new
valvular regurgitation

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DEFINITE IE POSSIBLE IE REJECTED

Pathological criteria: - At least one - Alternative
major and diagnosis for
- Micro-organ- one minor manifestation
isms criterion, or 3 of endocardi-
o by culture or minor tis, or
histology in a - At least one - Resolution of
vegetation major and manifestations,
o In a vegetation one minor with antibi-
that has embo- criterion, or 3 otic therapy ≤ 4
lised minor days, or
- At least one - No pathologic
major and evidence of
o in a intracardiac one minor IE at surgery
abscess, or Le- criterion, or 3 or autopsy,
sions minor at least after antibiotic
- Vegetation or one major and therapy for ≤ 4
intracardiac days
abscess present
confirmed by
histology show-
ing active IE
- Clinical criteria
see Table 1
o 2 major criteria
o 1 major and 3
minor
o 5 minor

Investigations
-- Blood cultures (at least 3 cultures) before antibiotics
-- FBC /CRP/ESR
-- Urine test strips – haematuria
-- Echocardiography

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Management
Non-pharmacological management
• Bed rest/limit physical activity
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Maintain haemoglobin > 10 g/dL
• Measures to reduce fever
Pharmacological management
• Paracetamol, oral, 20 mg/kg at once, then 10–15 mg/kg/dose,
every 6 hours as required
• Antibiotics regimen: IV antibiotics are always given, based on
culture and sensitivity results
ȘȘ Native valve endocarditis ( NVE) due to Streptococci:
■■ Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G), IV, 300 000 units/kg/
day divided in 4 doses for 4 weeks
OR
■■ Ceftriaxone 100mg/kg/day as single dose (maximum
2g) for 4 weeks
PLUS
■■ Gentamicin, IV, 3mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses
(maximum 240mg/day) for 2 weeks.
Diseases
Cardiovascular

ȘȘ Patients allergic to penicillin and cephalosporines:

ȘȘ Vancomycine 40mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses (max 2g/
day) for 4 weeks.

ȘȘ NVE due to staphylococci

■■ Cloxacillin 200mg/kg/day divided in 4 doses 6 for
4 weeks
PLUS
■■ Gentamicin 3mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses (maxi-
mum 240mg/day) for first 5 days.

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OR
ȘȘ (Cloxacillin-resistant strains or allergy to penicillin)
■■ Vancomycine 40mg/kg/day divided in 3 doses (max
2g/day) for 6 weeks.

Note: All highly suspected cases of infective endocarditis must

be referred to the cardiologist where blood cultures and proper
management will be done.

5.7. CARDIOMYOPATHIES
Definition: Dilated cardiomyopathy refers to a group of conditions of
diverse etiology in which both ventricles are dilated with reduced contrac-
tility.

Classification
-- Classification based on the predominant structural and functional
abnormalities:
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: primarily systolic dysfunction,
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: primarily diastolic dysfunc-
tion,
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy: primarily diastolic but often
combined with systolic dysfunction

5.7.1. Dilated cardiomyopathy

Causes
-- Infections (e.g. Viral+++, Rickettsia, Chagas disease)
-- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g. Duchenne dystrophy, Becker
dystrophy)
-- Endocrine, metabolic and nutritional (e.g. hyperthyroidism, Fatty
acid oxidation disorders, beriberi, kwashiorkor)
-- Diseases of coronary arteries (e.g. Kawasaki, Aberrant Left Coro-
nary Artery - ALCAPA)

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-- Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Rheumatic carditis, juvenile rheuma-

toid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis,
systemic lupus erythematosus)
-- Drugs toxicity (e.g. doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, IPECA)
-- Hematologic diseases (e.g. anemia, Sickle cell anemia, hypere-
osinophilic syndrome: Löffler Syndrome)

Signs and symptoms

-- See signs of Congestive Heart Failure

Investigations
-- ECG: prominent P wave, LV or RV hypertrophy, nonspecific T-
wave abnormalities
-- Chest X-ray: cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema
-- Echocardiogram: confirm diagnosis and shows LA and LV dila-
tion, poor contractility
-- FBC, Urea and creatinine, Electrolytes (Na, K)
-- Myocardial biopsy, PCR, genetic according to the etiology

Management
-- Refer to principles and medication of congestive heart failure

5.7.2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Diseases
Cardiovascular

Causes
-- Left ventricle obstruction (coartation of aorta, hypertension,
aortic stenosis)
-- Secondary (infants of diabetic mothers, corticosteroids in prema-
ture infants)
-- Metabolic (Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease)
-- Familiar hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
-- Syndromes (Beckwith - Wiedman Syndrome, Friedereich, ataxia)

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Signs and Symptoms

-- Weakness
-- Fatigue
-- Dyspnea on effort
-- Palpitations
-- Angina pectoris
-- Dizziness and syncope
-- Increased risk of sudden death

Investigations
-- ECG: LV hypertrophy
-- Chest x-ray: Mild cardiomegaly
-- Echocardiogram: LV hypertrophy, ventricular outflow tract gradi-
ent
Doppler flow studies may demonstrate diastolic dysfunction before the
development of hypertrophy

Management
-- Prohibit competitive sports and strenuous physical activities
-- Propranolol 0.5 -1mg/kg/day devised in 3 doses or atenolol
-- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator if documented arrhythmias
or a history of unexplained syncope
-- Open heart surgery for septal myotomy: rarely indicated

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5.7.3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Definition: Restrictive cardiomyopathy refers to a group of disorders in

which the heart chambers are unable to properly fill with blood because of
stiffness in the heart muscle. Its prognosis is poor, and clinical deterioration
can be rapid.

Causes
-- Idiopathic, Systemic disease (scleroderma, amyloidosis, or sar-
coidosis)
-- Mucopolysaccharidosis
-- Hypereosinophilic syndrome; malignancies
-- Radiation therapy 
-- Isolated noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium

Signs and symptoms

-- Dyspnea
-- Edema and ascites
-- Hepatomegaly with increased venous pressure
-- Pulmonary congestion

Complications
-- Arrhythmias
Diseases
Cardiovascular

-- Mitral regurgitation
-- Progressive heart failure
-- Tricuspid regurgitation

Investigations
-- ECG: Prominent P waves, ST segment depression, T-wave inver-
sion
-- Chest x-ray: mild to moderate cardiomegaly
-- Echocardiogram: markedly enlarged atria and small to normal-
sized ventricles with often preserved systolic function but highly
abnormal diastolic function

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Management
-- Lasix 2mg/kg divided in 2 doses
-- Aldactone 1-2mg/kg devised in 2 doses
-- Antiarrhythmic agents / biventricular pacing are used as required
-- Aspirin or Warfarin in case of noncompaction LV with an in-
creased risk of mural thrombosis and stroke
-- Cardiac transplantation where possible and indicated

5.7.4. Pericarditis/Pericardial Effusion

Definition: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium. Pericardial

effusion is the abnormal build-up of excess fluid that develops between the
pericardium, the lining of the heart, and the heart itself.

Causes
-- Infection such as viral, bacterial (tuberculosis)
-- Inflammatory disorders, such as lupus
-- Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the pericardium
-- Kidney failure with excessive blood levels of nitrogen
-- Heart surgery (postpericardectomy syndrome)

Signs and symptoms

-- Pericardial tamponade
-- Chest pressure or pain and signs of congestive heart failure with
shock in some cases
Note: Many patients with pericardial effusion have no symptoms.
The condition is often discovered on a chest x-ray or echocardio-
gram that was performed for another reason.

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Investigations
-- ECG
• Small complexes tachycardia
• Diffuse T wave changes
-- Chest x-ray: “water bottle” heart, or triangular heart with
smoothed out borders
-- Echocardiogram
-- Tuberculin skin test
-- Diagnostic pericardiocentesis
• in all patients with suspected bacterial or neoplastic pericardi-
tis and patients whom diagnosis is not readily obtained
-- Cell count and differential, culture, gram stain, PCR

Management
Non-pharmacological management
• Semi-sitting position if tamponnade suspected
• Pericardiocentesis:
ȘȘ preferably under ultrasound guidance
ȘȘ Performed by an experienced person
ȘȘ Indicated in children with symptomatic pericardial ef-
fusion
Diseases
Cardiovascular

Pharmacological management
• If hypotensive, rapidly administer intravenous fluids 20ml/kg
of Normal saline over 30 minutes to 1 hour
• If suspected TB pericarditis: standard anti TB treatment +
steroids
• In case of purulent pericarditis: Cloxacillin, IV 50 mg/kg/dose
every 6 hours for 3 – 4 weeks + Ceftriaxone, IV, 100 mg/kg as
a single daily dose, to adapt according to culture results
• Treat heart failure (See Section on Heart Failure)

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Recommendation
-- All patients with pericardial effusion should be referred to a
cardiologist

5.8. HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN

Definition: Hypertension is defined as systolic and/or diastolic Blood Pres-
sure ≥ the 95th percentile for gender, age and height percentile on at least
three consecutive occasions.
A sustained Blood Pressure of > 115/80 is abnormal in children between 6
weeks and 6 years of age.

Causes
-- Severe hypertension suggests renal disease
-- Coarctation of aorta
-- Rarely pheochromocytoma
-- Long term steroid therapy

Most common causes of secondary hypertension by age

-- New born
• Renal abnormalities
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Renal artery stenosis
• Renal artery or veinal thrombosis
-- First year
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Renal vascular disease
• Tumor
• Medications (steroids)
-- 1-6 years
• Renal vascular diseases

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• Renal parenchymal diseases (glomerulonephritis, hemolytic-

uremic syndrome)
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Medication
• Essential hypertension
-- 6-15 years
• Renal vascular diseases
• Renal parenchymal diseases (glomerulonephritis, hemolytic-
uremic syndrome)
• Essential hypertension
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Endocrine causes
• Nutritional causes (obesity)

Signs and symptoms

-- Headache
-- Convulsions, coma and visual symptoms
-- Oedema, haematuria, proteinuria
-- Acute heart failure and pulmonary oedema
-- Some children may be asymptomatic
Blood Pressure in children correlates with body size and age.
Diseases
Cardiovascular

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95th Percentile of systolic and diastolic BP correlated with Height

Investigations
-- Urea, creatinine, electrolytes (Na+, K+)
-- Fundoscopy
-- ECG
-- Echocardiogram
-- Abdominal ultrasound (focused on kidneys)
-- Others according to the suspected etiology

Management
Acute hypertension (hypertension of sudden onset)
Non-pharmacological treatment
• Admit patient to paediatric high dependence care unit
• Monitor BP every 10 minutes until stable – thereafter every 30
minutes for 24 hours
• Insert two peripheral intravenous drips
• Rest on cardiac bed
• Control fluid intake and output (restriction)
• Restrict dietary sodium
Pharmacological treatment
• Do not combine drugs of the same class
• Frusemide, IV, 1–2 mg/kg as a bolus slowly over 5 minutes

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• Increase up to 8 mg/kg/day oliguric

• Nifedipine 0.25-0.5mg/kg (max: 10mg) sublingual
OR
• Amlodipine, oral, 0.2 mg/kg/dose. May be repeated 6 hours
later, thereafter every 12 hours
• Refer the patient to a specialist when the patient is stable

Recommendations
-- For acute or chronic hypertension Blood Pressure needs to be
lowered cautiously
• Aim to reduce the SBP slowly over the next 24 - 48 hours
• Do not decrease BP to < 95th percentile in first 24 hours
-- Advise a change in lifestyle
-- Institute and monitor a weight reduction program for obese
individuals
-- Regular aerobic exercise is recommended in essential hyperten-
sion
-- Dietary advice
-- Limit salt and saturated fat intake
-- Increase dietary fiber intake

Chronic Hypertension
Diseases
Cardiovascular

Non-pharmacological management
• Introduce physical activity, diet management and weight
reduction, if obese
• Advise against smoking in teenagers
• Follow up to monitor Blood Pressure and educate patient on
hypertension
• If Blood Pressure decreases, continue with non-drug manage-
ment and follow up
• If BP is increasing progressively, reinvestigate to exclude
secondary causes or refer to the specialist

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• If BP is stable but persistently > 95th percentile and secondary

causes have been excluded, start drug treatment after
failed non-drug management for 6 months
• Consider earlier initiation of drug treatment if positive family
history for cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension or
diabetes mellitus

Pharmacological management

Recommended medication and dosage for patients with Chronic

Hypertension

Drug Dosage Side effect/

comment
First line -1-2mg/kg/day once -Hypokalemia
daily (maximum 25mg/
Hydrochlorothiazide day).

Second line - 0.3-1mg/kg/day -Not well studied

divided in 3 doses in children under
Nifedipine 6 years of age
- 0.1mg/kg/day
OR (maximum dose 10mg/
day) once daily
Amlodipine

Third line -0.5 – 4mg/kg/day -Hyperkalaemia

divided in 2 doses -Check renal
Captopril function and
-0.07- 0.6mg/kg daily Serum-K periodi-
cally, not used in
bilateral renal
OR artery stenosis,
contraindicated in
renal failure
-Can cause cough
Lisinopril

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Fourth line

Atenolol -0.5-1mg/kg/day once -Bradycardia

daily (max up to 2mg/
kg/day, do not exceed
/100mg/day)

Furosemide (lasix) -1-4mg/kg/day in 2 to Hyponatremia

if associated edema 4 divided doses
or stage 4 chronic Hypokalemia
kidney disease

Note: Do
not associate
Furosemide with
Hydrochlorothiazide

Recommended hypertension medication for patients with Renal Failure

For CKD 1-3 (GFR>=30, creatinine <2x normal value for age
First- line drug Lisinopril
Second -line drug Hydrochlorothiazide
Third- line drug Amlodipine
Forth- line drug Atenolol ( use half of normal
recommended dose)
For CKD 4 or 5 (GFR < 30, creatinine >=2x normal value for age
First-line drug Furosemide
Diseases
Cardiovascular

Second-line drug Amlodipine

Third-line drug Atenolol (use half of normal
recommended dose).

Recommendations
-- All patients with hypertension and persistent proteinuria should
be treated with an ACE inhibitor
-- Always exclude bilateral renal artery stenosis before treating with
an ACE inhibitor
-- Renal function must be monitored when an ACE inhibitor is
prescribed because it may cause a decline in GFR resulting in
deterioration of renal function and hyperkalaemia

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

-- Patients with hypertension due to a neuro-secretory tumour

(phaeochromocytoma or neuroblastoma), should receive an a-
blocker either as single drug or in combination with ß-adrenergic
blocker
-- For patients with persistent hypertension despite the use of first
line drugs, a second/third drug should be added
-- Specific classes of antihypertensive drugs should be used accord-
ing to the underlying pathogenesis or illness
-- For patients with predominantly fluid overload: use diuretics with/
without ß-blocker

5.9. CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS IN CHILDREN

Definition: Heart rate that is abnormally slow or fast for age or irregular.

Types
-- Heart block
-- Ventricular arrhythmias
-- Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
Type of Causes Signs and
Arrhythmia symptom
Heart block: - Idiopathic and familial - Chest pressure
A delay or - Electrolyte or pain
complete disturbances(hyperkalaemia), - Fainting, also
block of the - digoxin toxicity known as
electrical - Congenital heart disease, par- syncopy, or near-
impulse as it ticularly transposition of the syncope
travels from
great arteries, and especially - Fatigue
the sinus
node to the after surgery - Lightheadedness
ventricles - Myocarditis or dizziness
- Post infective, for example in - Palpitations,
endocardial fibroelastosis or which can be
rheumatic fever skipping, flutter-
ing or pounding
in the chest
- Shortness of
breath

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Type of Causes Signs and

Arrhythmia symptom
Ventricular - Heart attack - May be asympto-
arrhythmias: matic
A rapid heart - Cardiomyopathy
rate, usually - Chest discomfort
with a regular - Heart failure (angina)
rhythm,
originating - Heart surgery - Fainting (syn-
from above cope)
the ventricles - Myocarditis
- Light-headed-
- Valvular heart disease ness or dizziness

- Sensation of
feeling the heart
beat (palpita-
tions)

- Shortness of
breath

- Absent pulse

- Loss of con-
sciousness

- Normal or low
Blood Pressure

- Rapid pulse
Paroxysmal - Palpitation
atrial
- lightheadedness
Tachycardia:
A rapid heart - Weakness
rate, usually
with a regular - Shortness of
rhythm, breath
originating
from above
- Chest pressure
the ventricles.

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

NORMAL HEART RATE/MINUTE FOR AGE

Age Heart rate

Newborn 100–160

< 1 year 110–160

1–2 years 100–150
2–5 years 95–140
5–12 years 80–120
> 12 years 60–100

Signs and symptoms

Infants
Color changes (pale, mottled) Irregular pulse
Irritability Tachycardia
Feeding difficulties Bradycardia

Sweating Signs of cardiac failure

Tachypnoea/apnoeic spells
Children
Dizziness
Tachycardia

Palpitations
Bradycardia

Fatigue
Syncope
Chest Pain
Signs Of Cardiac Failure

Investigations

-- ECG is essential for diagnosis, preferably a 12 lead ECG

-- Echocardiogram
-- Other according to the suspected etiology

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

TACHYARRHYTHMIAS:

Sinus tachycardia

ECG Criteria

Rate: > upper limit for age P wave: present and normal

Rhythm: regular QRS: normal

Supraventricular Tachycardia

ECG Criteria

Rate: usually > 200 beats per minute P wave: abnormal

Rhythm: regular QRS: narrowed

Ventricular Tachycardia
Diseases
Cardiovascular

ECG Criteria

Rate: generally 100–220 beats per minute P wave: mostly not seen

Rhythm: generally regular QRS: abnormal, large with

QRS > 120 millisecond

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Management
Non-pharmacological
• Sinus tachycardia usually requires management of the under-
lying condition
• ABC of resuscitation
• Admit to High Care or Intensive Care Unit
• Monitor ECG, oxygen saturation, Blood Pressure, haemoglo-
bin, Heart Rate, acid–base status and blood gases, respiratory
rate, maintain adequate nutrition and hydration, treat pyrexia
Pharmacological
• Emergency treatment
Narrow Complex Tachycardia (supraventricular tachycardia)

-- Stable patient: Attempt vagal stimulation

• Place icebag on face,
• Infants: immerse face in ice-cold water for a few seconds
• Older children: try a valsalva manoeuvre e.g. asks the patient
to blow through a straw
• Place NGT if other means are not available
Note: Eye-ball pressure and carotid massage is contraindicated in
children.
• Adenosine, IV, 0.1 mg/kg initially, increasing in increments of
0.05 mg/kg to 0.25 mg/kg. Follow with a rapid flush of at least
5 ml normal saline.
-- Unstable patient: Heart failure / shock
• DC synchronised cardioversion in increments of 0.5–1–2 J/kg
• Empty the stomach before cardioversion is attempted
• Amiodarone, IV, 5 mg/kg slowly over 20 minutes (NEVER as
a rapid infusion )

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5.10. BRADYARRHYTHMIAS
Causes
-- Hypoxia
-- Hypothermia
-- Head injuries and increased intracranial pressure
-- Toxins and drug overdose
-- Post operative
-- Congenital excessive vagal stimulation
-- Electrolyte disturbances (Hypo- or hyperkalaemia, Hypocalcae-
mia)
Sinus Bradycardia

ECG Criteria

Rate: < lower limit for age P wave: present, all look the same

Rhythm: regular QRS: normal, 80–120 millisecond

Diseases
Cardiovascular

Heart Block (Complete)

ECG Criteria

Rate: low, usually < 60 beats per minute P wave: independent P waves

QRS’s with no relationship between the two (AV dissociation)

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 Chapiter 5: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Management
-- If syncope and Heart Rate - below 50/min:
• Start IV. Isuprel (Isoprenaline) 0. 05 – 0. 4 microgram/kg/min
OR
• Dobutamine (Dobutrex) 2 - 20 microgram/kg/min
• Insert pacemaker if ineffective

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

CHAPTER 6
CENTRAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
System
Central
System
Central Nervous
Nervous

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

134 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

6. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

6.1. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EMERGEN-

CIES
6.1.1. Convulsions
Definition: Convulsions or seizure are disturbance of neurological
function caused by an abnormal or excessive neuronal discharge.
Causes

Causes Clinical signs/symptoms

Meningitis - Very irritable

- Stiff neck or bulging fontanelles
- Petechial rash (meningococcal meningitis
only)
- Fever

Cerebral malaria (only - Blood smear positive for malaria

in children exposed to P. parasites
falciparum transmission; - Jaundice
often seasonal) - Anaemia/pallor
- Splenomegaly
- Hypoglycaemia
- Fever
- Altered consciousness/coma

Febrile convulsions (not -Prior episodes of short convulsions (< 15

likely to be the cause of minutes) when febrile
unconsciousness) - No signs of meningitis
- Associated with fever
- Age 6 months to 5 years
- Generally grand mal seizures
- Recover consciousness quickly
System
Central Nervous

Hypoglycaemia (always - Blood glucose low; responds to glucose

seek the cause e.g. treatment
severe malaria,
and treat the cause to
prevent recurrence)

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Head injury - Signs or history of head trauma

Poisoning - History of poison ingestion or drug

overdose
Hypertensive - Raised Blood Pressure
encephalopathy - Peripheral or facial oedema
- Blood in urine
- Decreased or no urine
- Visual changes
- Headache

Epilepsy - Prior history of recurrent afebrile convul-

sions
- Uncontrolled on anti-convulsant drugs
- History of birth asphyxia, cerebral palsy/
mental retardation, microcephaly, growth
retardation, hypertonicity
- Hydrocephalus

Complications
-- Aspiration
-- Tongue biting
-- Status epilepticus
-- Hypoxia
-- Severe brain damage (if prolonged convulsions)
-- Cerebral palsy
-- Burns (if convulsions were near cooking fires)

Investigations
-- Blood samples for malaria parasites, FBC, Urea and electrolytes,
blood glucose, hemoculture if suspected meningitis
-- Urinalysis
-- Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis
-- Fundoscopy
-- CT scan/MRI of the brain (if suspected intracranial mass, trauma
or brain abscess)
-- EEG
136 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Management

Children > 1month

Y Y
Child convulsing for more than 5
minutes 1. Ensure safe and check ABC.
2. Start oxygen.
3. Treat convulsion and hypoglycaemia:
  Give IV diazepam 0.3mg/kg slowly over 1
minute OR rectal diazepam 0.5mg/kg.
N Check glucose / give 5mls/kg 10% Dextose
4. Check ABC when convulsions stop.

Child having 3rd convulsion

Lasting < 5mins in < 2 hours*
Convulsion stops by 10 minutes?

N Y N
Check ABC, observe Treatment:
5. Give IV diazepam 0.3mg/kg slowly over 1
and investigate cause.
minute OR rectal diazepam 0.5mg/kg.
6. Continue oxygen.
7. Check that airway is clear when convulsion
stopped.

 
Check ABC, observe and Y Convulsion stops by 15 minutes?
investigate cause.  
 
N
1.Treatment:

4. Give IV phenobarbitone 15mg/kg over 15 minutes diluted in

50 mL of G5% or NS

– DO NOT give more than 2 doses of diazepam in 24 hours once

phenobarbitone used.
* If children have 1 or 2 convulsions 5.Maintenance therapy should be initiated with phenobarbitone 5
lasting <5 mins, they do not require mg/kg/24h OD x 48 hrs
emergency drug treatment
6. Continue oxygen during active seizure

7. Check ABC when seizures stops

8. In case convulsions continue, give phenytoin 15-20 mg/kg IV.

9. If convulsions continue, treat as Status Epilepticus.

10. Investigate cause

System
Central Nervous

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

6.1.2. Coma

Definition: It is a state of extreme unresponsiveness, in which an individual

exhibits no voluntary movements or behaviour and cannot be aroused to
consciousness.

Causes

Causes Clinical signs/Symptoms

Meningitis - Very irritable
- Stiff neck or bulging fontanelles
- Petechial rash (meningococcal meningitis only)
- Fever
Cerebral malaria - Blood smear positive for malaria parasites
(only in children - Jaundice
exposed to P. - Anaemia/pallor
falciparum trans- - Splenomegaly
mission; often - Hypoglycaemia
seasonal) - Fever
- Altered consciousness/coma
Hypoglycaemia - Blood glucose low; responds to glucose treat-
(always seek the ment
cause e.g. severe
malaria,
and treat the
cause to prevent a
recurrence)
Shock - Low Blood Pressure
- Tachycardia
- Delayed capillary refill, cool extremities
- Low urine output
Head injury - Signs or history of head trauma
Poisoning - History of poison ingestion or drug overdose

Hypertensive - Raised Blood Pressure

encephalopathy - Peripheral or facial oedema
- Blood in urine
- Decreased or no urine
- Visual changes
- Headache

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Diagnosis
-- Clinical

• The Glasgow coma scale shown below is applicable to children

over 5 years old

Glasgow Coma Scale

Eye Opening
Spontaneous 4
To loud voice 3
To pain 2
None 1
Verbal Response 
Oriented 5
Confused, Disoriented 4
Inappropriate words 3
Incomprehensible words 2
None 1
Motor Response
Obeys commands 6
Localizes pain 5
Withdraws from pain 4
Abnormal flexion posturing 3
Extensor posturing 2
None 1

• AVPU scale for very young children (< 5 years of age)

ȘȘ Is the child in a coma? Check the level of consciousness
on the AVPU scale:
■■ A…….. Alert
■■ V…….. Responds to voice
System
Central Nervous

■■ P …….. Responds to pain

■■ U……...Unconscious

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

ȘȘ If the child is not awake and alert, try to rouse the child
by talking to him / her or shaking the arm
ȘȘ If the child is not alert, but responds to voices, he is
lethargic
ȘȘ If there is no response, ask the mother if the child has
been abnormally sleepy or has had difficulty waking up
ȘȘ See if the child responds to pain, or if he /she is unre-
sponsive to a painful stimulus. If this is the case, the
child is in a coma (unconscious) and needs emergency
treatment

Complications
-- Aspiration
-- Death

Investigations
-- Blood samples for malaria parasites, Full Blood Count, CRP,
urea/creatinine and electrolytes, glycemia, and hemoculture if
suspected infection/meningitis
-- Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis. (DO NOT perform lumbar
puncture if focal neurologic signs, signs of increased intracranial
pressure, respiratory distress and deep coma (Glasglow coma scale
of 8 or less))
-- Urinalysis
-- Fundoscopy
-- Chest x-ray
-- CT scan/MRI of the brain if indicated

Management
-- CABD assessment, place in recovery position, give oxygen, place
nasogastric tube and urine catheter

Non Pharmaceutical
• Prevent dry cornea - instill Normal saline drops in the cornea,
cover the eyes with a patch

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Maintain adequate nutrition through NGT feeding

• Correct electrolytes imbalance
• Monitor vital signs closely (temperature, HR, RR, urine out-
put, level of consciousness)
• Prevent development of bed sores through frequent re-
positioning
Pharmaceutical
• If signs of increased intracranial pressure/cerebral edema, give
Mannitol inj 20 % (0.25 – 0.5 g/kg in 10 min) and elevate head
off the bed to 30 degrees
• Treat shock if present
• Check blood sugar and treat hypoglycaemia: 2- 5 ml/kg of
10% Glucose
• Fever if present - apply tepid sponge, give Paracetamol 10
-15mg/kg/dose
• Other specific treatment is provided according to aetiology
for example: antibiotic therapy for meningitis

6.2. EPILEPSY
Definition: Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures
associated with abnormal paroxysmal neuronal discharges. When seizures
are recurrent, persistent or associated with a syndrome, then the child may
be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Causes
-- Idiopathic (70-80%)
-- Secondary causes:
• Cerebral dysgenesis or malformation
System
Central Nervous

• Cerebral vascular occlusion

• Cerebral damage like Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
(HIE), intraventicular hemorrhage or ischemia, head injury,
infections

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Cerebral tumors
• Neuro-degenerative disorders

Signs and Symptoms

Type Clinical Signs/Symptoms
Infantile spasms -- Onset is during the child’s first year
(West’s Syndrome)
-- Epileptic spasms (flexion and
extension) associated with hypsar-
rhythmia on the EEG
-- Developmental regression
-- Child appears to stare, with a sud-
den flexion of the trunk and head,
limbs either flung in or out but held
in a tonic spasm for a few seconds
-- Red appearance in the face and may
cry out
Severe Myoclonic -- Occurs in children under 1 year
Epilepsy of Infancy of age
(SMEI)
-- Recurrent clusters of febrile convul-
sions, severe neuro-regression and
other non-febrile seizures by 2 - 3
years of age
Lennox-Gastaut -- Onset between 2 - 3 years of age
syndrome (LGS)
-- Combination of Generalized Tonic
Clonic Seizures (GTCS), atypi-
cal absences, myoclonic seizures,
atonic drop attacks and
-- Occasionally complex partial
seizures
-- Behavioral problems and neuro-
regression

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Benign rolandic -- Onset at ± 6–10 years (can occur

epilepsy with before or after 6 years up to 10
centrotemporal spikes years) of age
(BRECTS)
-- Sleep related events of hemi-facial
clonic spasm
-- Inability to speak with retained
awareness
-- Usually resolves by late adolescence
Primary generalized -- Onset 4 - 6 years of age
absence seizure of
childhood (petit mal) -- Short spells of motor arrest of maxi-
mum 15 seconds duration with
little or no associated movements
and no post-ictal effect
Generalized epilepsy -- Febrile convulsions which persist
with febrile seizures beyond 6 years of age
-- Often family history of febrile
convulsions
-- Occasionally associated with afe-
brile convulsions

Note: Infantile spasms, Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy and

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome are regarded as malignant forms of
epilepsy and are associated with neuro-regression and behavioral
problems.

Complications
-- Status Epilepticus
-- Trauma secondary to loss of consciousness during seizures
-- Mental retardation

Investigations
System
Central Nervous

-- EEG
-- MRI of the brain
-- CT scan of the brain

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Management
Non Pharmaceutical

• Acute management
ȘȘ Manage Airway-Breathing-Circulation-Disability and
continue to monitor throughout seizures
ȘȘ Place patient on side at 20 – 30° head up to prevent
aspiration
ȘȘ Monitor Heart Rate, respiratory rate, Blood Pressure,
oxygen saturation (SaO2), neurological status, fluid bal-
ance
ȘȘ Monitor laboratory values including blood glucose, elec-
trolytes, blood gases, toxicology screen and if indicated
anticonvulsant blood levels
ȘȘ Control fever with tepid sponging
ȘȘ Administer oxygen to maintain SaO2 of ≥ 95%
ȘȘ If unable to protect airway or poor ventilation, con-
sider use of an oral airway, bag-mask ventilation and/or
intubation
ȘȘ Admit to pediatric ward or to Intensive Care Unit if
indicated
• Long-term management
ȘȘ Minimize the impact of epilepsy by obtaining complete
seizure control to maximize child’s full potential
ȘȘ Educate the patient and caregiver about epilepsy and as-
sociated complications (i.e. learning difficulties)

Pharmacological treatment in children >1 month of age

*Please refer to neonatology protocols for management of convulsions in
children <1 month of age.

• Monotherapy is preferred but combination therapy may be

necessary. Combination therapy should be initiated by or in
close consultation with a pediatric specialist or neurologist.

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Drug levels are rarely indicated unless there is concern about

toxicity or compliance.
• For acute generalized tonic clonic seizures in children > 1
month of age
ȘȘ Diazepam rectal 0.5 mg/kg once OR IV 0.2-0.3mg/kg
once
ȘȘ May be repeated every 5 minutes for a total of 3 doses,
monitor airway and breathing closely with repeat dosing
ȘȘ OR (in the absence of diazepam)
ȘȘ Lorazepam IV 0.05- 0.1 mg/kg once, may repeat in 5 min-
utes for a total of 3 doses
ȘȘ Clonazepam IV 0.1 -0.15 mg/kg loading dose by slow IV
injection
• For refractory status epilepticus
ȘȘ Midazolam IV 0.1-0.3 mg/kg bolus followed by a con-
tinuous infusion starting at 1 ug/kg/minute. The infusion
can be titrated upwards every 5 minutes as needed.

• If persistent seizure activity after benzodiazepines, start

ȘȘ Phenobarbital 15 mg/kg IV or by NG tube loading dose
over 15minutes, may use a dextrose containing solution.
If no response after 30 minutes, repeat a 7.5 -10 mg/kg IV
loading dose.
ȘȘ Phenytoin 15-20 mg/kg IV infused over 30 minutes in a
dextrose-free solution
ȘȘ If seizures persist after loading of dose of either Pheno-
barbital or Phenytoin, please consult a specialist physician
regarding combination therapy and referral for special-
ized care. Phenytoin and Phenobarbital may be used
together but vital signs must be monitored closely and
patient should be referred as soon as possible.
System
Central Nervous

■■ Monitor for bradycardia, arrhythmias, and hypoten-

sion and pause the infusion if they occur and restart
at 2/3 of the initial loading dose.

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 MAINTENANCE DRUG TREATMENT CHOICES FOR DIFFERENT

146
TYPES OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

Treatment Seizure Type

Generalized tonic Partial seizures Infantile Absence Juvenile Myoclonic
and/or clonic with/without spasms Epilepsy
generalization
1st line Levetiracetam, Levetiracetam, Refer to a Ethosuxomide, Refer all suspected
Valproic Acid (*Do Oxcarbamazepine neurologist. Valproic Acid cases to a neurologist
not use valproic Medication for evaluation. First
acid if <2 years; if options depend line medication options
not other first line on the type of include: Levetiracetam,
medication available, infantile spasms Lamotrigine, and Valproic
use Phenobarbital and include Acid.
in those infants.), ACTH and
Lamotrigine Vigabitrin as
2nd line Topiramate, Valproic Acid, first line agents. Refer to a
Oxcarbamazepine; Lamotrigine neurologist.

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Medication
Phenytoin options include:
3rd Line Refer to a Refer to a Second line Valproic Acid,
agents include Lamotrigine
Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

neurologist. neurologist.
Medication Medication prednisone,
options include: options include valproic acid,
Phenobarbital, Lacosamide, topirimate,
Zonisamide, Topiramate, zonisamide, and
Primidone Zonisamide, and benzodiazepines
Phenytoin
 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Drug doses
-- ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone): Optimal dose and dura-
tion of treatment are not established. Regimens include low dose
ACTH 5-40 units/day for short periods (1-6 weeks) or larger
doses 40-160 units/day for longer periods (3-12 months). This
medication should be prescribed by or in close consultation with
a neurologist.

-- Carbamazepine oral 10 mg/kg/24 hours in 2- 3 divided doses. May

increase by 10 5 mg/kg/day weekly to a maximum dose of 30 mg/
kg/day. Do not use in myoclonic seizures or absence seizures as
it may exacerbate it. It may cause leukopenia and the NFS should
be monitored. If the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) falls below
1000, the medication should be stopped.
-- Ethosuxamide 15 mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses with a maximum
initial dose of 250 mg per dose. May increase dose weekly to
maximum to 40 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses with a maximum
dose of 1.5 g/day
-- Lamotrigine oral is a third line adjunctive agent that should be
prescribed by a specialist physician. 0.2 mg/kg/day, use as a third
line agent. Increase dose to 5 mg/kg/day slowly in combination
with sodium valproate. It is given as add-on therapy for many
seizure types drug-resistant pediatric epileptic syndromes, such as
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
-- Levetiracetam: Dosing not established for children <4 years. Initial
dose 10-20 mg/kg/dose divided in 2 doses. May increase weekly
by 10 mg/kg/day to effect to a maximum dose of 60 mg/kg/day.
-- Phenobarbital maintenance oral dose 3–5 mg/kg/day as single
dose at night. This should be the drug of choice for generalized
seizures in children <2 years. It is not recommended as mainte-
nance therapy for children older than 2 years due to side effects
such as sedation, behavioral disturbances, hyperkinesia and
dependence, except in situations where there is poor adherence to
other drugs. It should not be used in absence seizures because it
may exacerbate them. A loading dose (see above) is indicated.
System
Central Nervous

-- Oxcarbamazepine: Not approved for children < 2 years. Initial

dose is 8-10 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses (maximum: 600 mg/
day). Children ages 2-4 years may metabolize the medication
more quickly, as such for children <20 kg, consider initial dose
of 16-20 mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses. Increase the medication

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 Chapiter 6 :CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

every 2-4 weeks. Target doses are: 20-29 kg: 900 mg/day divided
in 2 doses; 29.1 9 39 kg: 1200 mg/day divided in 2 doses; >39 kg:
1800 mg/day in 2 divided doses. The maximum dose is 60 mg/
kg/day.
-- Primidone: <8 years: Initial dose is 50-125 mg/day at bedtime,
increase by 50-125 mg/day weekly. Usual dose is 10-25 mg/kg/day
in 3-4 divided doses. If >8 years: initial dose is 125-250 mg/kg day
at bedtime and may be increased weekly by 125-250mg/day to the
usual dose of 750-1500 mg/day in 3-4 divided doses. Maximum
dose of 2 grams/day.
-- Topiramate: No dosing information for children <2 years. Initial
dose 1-3 mg/kg/day (maximum 25 mg) given at bedtime for 1
week. Increase every 2 weeks by 1-3 mg/kg/day given in 2 divided
doses and titrate to response. Usual maintenance dose is 5-9 mg/
kg/day in 2 divided doses.
-- Valproic Acid (Depakene, Sodium Valproate) 15 mg/kg/day in 2-3
divided doses. May increase weekly by 5-10 mg/kg to a maximum
dose of 30 mg/kg/day. Not recommended for children <2 years
due to risk of fatal hepatotoxicity. Do not use if concurrent liver
disease. Monitor liver function tests at baseline every 3 months.
Post-pubertal female patients must be informed about neural tube
defects and family planning methods should be encouraged.
-- Vigabatrin: Used for treatment of specific forms of infantile
spasms and should be prescribed by a neurologist or in close con-
sultation with neurology. Initial dosing: 50 mg/kg/day divided in
2 doses. May increase ever 3 days by 25-50 mg/kg/day depending
on response. Maximum dose 150 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses.
Medication should be tapered off; decrease by 25-50 mg/kg/day
every 3-4 days.
-- Zonisamide: This medication should be used by neurologists or in
close consultation with neurology due to concerns for its use in
patients <16 years. Dosing is 1-2 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses.
May increase every 2 weeks by 0.5-1 mg/kg/day. The usual dose is
5-8 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. The maximum dose is 12 mg/
kg/day. In infantile spasms a higher initial dose may be used.

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Recommendations
-- The following conditions require referral for specialized services
-- All cases of suspected infantile spasms or myoclonic seizures.
-- If there is concern for a secondary cause of epilepsy requiring
further evaluation (examples include brain tumors, tuberous scle-
rosis, brain abscess, cysticercosis, etc.). This is particularly true in
partial seizures where there may be a focal neurological problem.
-- Seizures that are not controlled on first-line medication within 1
month.
-- Seizures associated with neuro-regression.
-- Mixed seizure types within one patient.

6.3. CONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS

Definition: Status epilepticus is a convulsion that persists for > 30 minutes
or is repeated frequently enough to prevent recovery of consciousness and
return to baseline between attacks.

Causes
-- Epilepsy syndromes may be present first as status epilepticus or
status epilepticus may occur with inadequate anti-epileptic drug
levels
-- CNS infection
-- Hypoxic ischemic insult
-- Traumatic brain injury
-- Cerebrovascular accidents
-- Metabolic disease including severe hypoglycemia and inborn er-
rors of metabolism
-- Electrolyte imbalance
System
Central Nervous

-- Intoxication
-- Cancer including primary brain tumors and metastatic disease

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Clinical Signs and Symptoms

-- Seizure lasting > 30 minutes or repetitive seizure activity without
return to baseline consciousness.

Complications
-- Death
-- Neurologic morbidity including persistent seizures or encepha-
lopathy
-- Respiratory depression or failure due to neurologic status or
aspiration
-- Blood Pressure disturbances including severe hypotension or
severe hypertension
-- Hyperthermia
-- Metabolic derangement including hypoglycemia, alterations in
sodium, and acidosis
-- Rhabdomyolysis
-- Renal failure

Investigations
-- Carefully evaluate vital signs as alterations in Blood Pressure or
hypoxia may play a role
-- Laboratory evaluation for underlying cause may include blood
glucose, electrolytes, NFS, arterial blood gas, toxicology screen,
and anticonvulsant drug levels if indicated
-- If there is no contraindication, a lumbar puncture should be per-
formed to exclude infectious etiology
-- EEG
-- CT scan of the brain
-- MRI of the brain

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Management
Non-pharmaceutical Acute Management
• Manage Airway-Breathing-Circulation-Disability and con-
tinue to monitor throughout seizures
• Place patient on side at 20 – 30° head up to prevent aspiration
• Monitor Heart Rate, respiratory rate, Blood Pressure, oxygen
saturation (SaO2), neurological status, fluid balance
• Monitor laboratory values including blood glucose, electro-
lytes, blood gases, toxicology screen and if indicated anticon-
vulsant blood levels
• Control fever with tepid sponging
• Administer oxygen to maintain SaO2 of ≥ 95%
• If unable to protect airway or poor ventilation, consider use of
an oral airway, bag-mask ventilation and/or intubation
• Admission to Intensive Care Unit if possible

System
Central Nervous

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Pharmacological treatment
A flowchart showing medical management of Status Epilepticus

Manage the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

Administer oxygen.
Check blood glucose

If seizure ≥ 5 minutes

First: AED:
If no IV:Diazepam 0.5 mg/kg/dose PR (maximum 20 mg/dose)
If IV: Lorazepam 0.05-1 mg/kg IV (maximum 5 mg IV over 1-4 minutes) May repeat
benzodiazepine dosing every 5 minutes x2 if persistent seizure activity.

If no response after 10 minutes:

Second: AED:
- Phenytoin 15-20 mg/kg IV infused over 30 minutes in a dextrose free solution.
- If phenytoin unavailable, give : Phenobarbital 20mg/kg IV over 15 minutes.
Monitor for arrhythmias including bradycardic and hypotension. If they occur, stop
infusion, stabilize patient, then restart at 2/3 the initial rate.

If no response after infusion:

Repeat dose of the second AED:

- Phenytoin 5-10 mg/kg IV over 30 minutes in dextrose free solution OR
- Phenobarbital 15-20 mg/kg IV infused over 15 minutes.

If no response after infusion:

Third AED:
- if Phenobarbital not yet given: Phenobarbital 20 mg /kg IV over 15 minutes.
- If previously given Phenobarbital, start: Levetiracetam or Valproic Acid. If not available,
pass to next step

If no response after infusion:

Fourth AED:
- Midazolam 0.1-0.3 mg/kg bolus followed by infusion of 1 mg/kg/minute.
- Pentobarbital 3-15 mg/kg bollus followed by countinuous infusion of 1-5 mg/kg/hour.
Alternatives include general anesthetics such as thiopental or propofol.
⃰This will require intubation and intensive care unit management.

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• While following medication flow sheet above, it is important

to continue to address and manage the following
ȘȘ ABCs
ȘȘ Hypoxia: Administer oxygen, oral airway, bag-mask
ventilation or intubation.
ȘȘ Hemodynamic: Assess for shock or hypertension and
manage accordingly.
ȘȘ Hyperthermia: Treat with paracetamol 10-15 mg/kg
orally or rectally every 4-6 hours as required.
ȘȘ Hypoglycemia: Treat with IV dextrose solution.
ȘȘ Hyponatremia: Assess etiology and manage accordingly.
ȘȘ If cerebral edema and normal renal function, consider
Mannitol IV 0.5-1 gram/kg administered over 30–60
minutes.
ȘȘ If there is a known space-occupying lesion, consider
dexamethasone IV 1-2 mg/kg IV as a single dose then
1-1.5 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses.

Recommendations
-- Once status epilepticus is resolved, consider maintenance therapy
with an appropriate anti-epileptic drug depending on the etiology
of seizure.
-- Referral to a specialist is always appropriate in the case of status
epilepticus. If possible, control seizures and stabilize the patient
before referral. If status epilepticus has resolved, further work-up
by a neurologist may be indicated.
System
Central Nervous

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Late
Conditions
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Pregnancy
CHAPTER 7
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
CONDITIONS

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7. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM CONDITIONS

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7.1. DIABETES MELLITUS (TYPE I AND TYPE II)

Definition: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of absolute or relative insulin

deficiency that results in increased blood glucose and disruption of energy
storage and metabolism. Diabetes Mellitus is generally divided into two
classifications: Diabetes Mellitus I and Diabetes Mellitus Type II.
-- Diabetes Mellitus Type I: This results from the destruction of the
pancreatic beta cells that leads to absolute insulin deficiency. Type
IA is secondary to the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells.
Type IB is secondary to non-autoimmune destruction of the beta
cells. Type I diabetes accounts for approximately 2/3 of the new
diagnosis of diabetes in patients < 19 years old. There is a compo-
nent of genetic susceptibility and close relatives of patients with
type I DM are at higher risk of developing the disease.
-- Diabetes Mellitus Type II: This is secondary to varying degrees
of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency and is related to both
genetic and environmental influences including predisposing
medication such as steroids and some ARVs. It is the most com-
mon type of diabetes mellitus in adults.
-- Neonatal diabetes: This is defined as persistent hyperglycemia oc-
curring in the first months of life that lasts for more than 2 weeks
and requires insulin therapy for management. It is a rare cause
of hyperglycemia in the neonate and has an estimated incidence
of 1/500,000 births. The majority of affected infants are small
for gestational age experiences weight loss, volume depletions,
hyperglycemia and glucosuria with or without ketonuria and
ketoacidosis.

Signs and Symptoms

-- Polyuria: This occurs when the serum glucose concentration rises
above 180 mg/dL exceeding the renal threshold for glucose and
leads to increased urinary glucose excretion and a subsequent
osmotic diuresis. This may be present as nocturia, bedwetting, or
daytime incontinence in a previously toilet trained child, or heavy
diapers.

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-- Polydipsia: This is secondary to increased thirst from increased

serum osmolality and dehydration.
-- Polyphagia: This is due to an increased appetite that occurs
secondary to loss of calories from glycosuria. These symptoms are
not always present.
-- Weight loss: This is due to hypovolemia and increased catabolism.
-- Weakness/lethargy with ultimate progression to coma: This is
secondary to hypovolemia and electrolyte disturbances including
progressive acidosis.
-- Visual disturbances: This is secondary to osmotic changes in the
lens.

Diagnosis
-- Clinical: The diagnosis should be suspected based on the signs
and symptoms described above. Any of the above signs or symp-
toms should prompt further testing.

Investigations
-- Blood sugar: The diagnosis is made based on abnormalities of the
blood glucose. See diagnostic criteria below.
-- Additional studies to evaluate severity and complications of the
disease:
-- Blood gas if concern for diabetic ketoacidosis
-- Electrolytes
-- Renal function tests (urea and creatinine) to evaluate for diabetic
nephropathy and dehydration
-- Urine analysis to check for glycosuria, ketones, and protein
-- HbA1c: This can be used for diagnosis (see below) or to assess
severity of disease and to assess response to therapy
-- Lipid profile
-- Fundoscopy: This is to evaluate for diabetic retinopathy
-- Foot examination: This is to evaluate for diabetic neuropathy and
assess for wounds that may already be present
-- Further history and physical examination to exclude other co-

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existing autoimmune disease such as hypothyroidism, vitiligo,

rheumatoid arthritis, etc and to further inquire about a family

Late Pregnancy
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Endocrine
history of endocrinopathies or autoimmune diseases
-- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This should be performed in
type I diabetics as autoimmune diseases may occur together

Diagnosis criteria for diabetes mellitus

DIABETES MELLITUS (DM)

• Symptoms of DM plus random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL

(11.1 mmol/L)
Or
• Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L). Fasting is
defined as no oral intake for at least 8 hours.
Or
• Two-hour plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL during an Oral Glu-
cose Tolerance Test (OGTT) as described by the WHO.
Or
• HgA1C > 6.5% This test should be performed in a certified
laboratory with an assay standardized to the diabetes control
and complications trial (DCCT).

Complications
Short-term complications
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Occurs more frequently in type
I diabetes mellitus, but can also occur in some forms of type I
diabetes mellitus.
• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS): Occurs in type II
diabetes mellitus.
• Insulin resistance secondary to hyperglycemia: This occurs in
both type I and type II diabetes mellitus.
• Infections due to immunosuppression and commonly include
oral and vaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections.

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• Death: Patients presenting with DKA or HHS have a high

mortality rate.
Long Term complications
• Vascular complications including both micro-angiopathy and
macro-angioapthy:
ȘȘ Nephropathy
ȘȘ Retinopathy
ȘȘ Neuropathy
ȘȘ Cardiovascular disease
ȘȘ Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Growth retardation or obesity depending on the insulin
therapy. Patients may also have delayed puberty secondary to
poor growth.
• Psychiatric disorders including depression related to their
chronic disease.

Management
General Objectives
• Maintain normal glycemia with insulin therapy or oral
medication (in type II diabetes mellitus) to prevent both the
signs and symptoms of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and the
complications mentioned above.
Non- Pharmaceutical Management
• Assess A-B-C-D (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability)
• If patient has signs or symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, this is an emer-
gency and treatment must be initiated immediately.
• The patient and family should be counselled on the cause and
treatment of diabetes as well as its management. The patient
and family should be taught how to monitor blood glucose,
record the test results, administer and adjust insulin doses
based on blood glucose values and food intake.

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• The family should be counselled on the complications of dia-

betes mellitus and how to manage them. In particular, they

Late Pregnancy
Conditions
Bleeding inSystem
Endocrine
should know the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia
and its management. They should also understand the im-
portance of maintaining normoglycemia to avoid long-term
complications. They should be instructed on how to manage
acute illnesses in the context of diabetes mellitus, for example
how to manage an insulin dose if the patient is unable to
tolerate an oral intake of it.
• Diet modification is important in both type I and type II dia-
betes mellitus. A nutritionist should be involved in providing
individualized recommendations.
Pharmaceutical management:
• The majority of children with diabetes mellitus have type I
diabetes and may have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The
management of DKA is detailed below.
• Diabetes Mellitus Type I: Children with diabetes mellitus
type I require insulin therapy. The patient is insulin depend-
ent and while the insulin therapy may be adjusted based on
the clinical condition and blood glucose results; the insulin
therapy should NEVER be stopped completely as this could
result in the development of DKA and death.

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7.2. DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

Definitions: It is defined as an increase in the serum concentration of
ketones greater than 5 mEq/L, a blood glucose level greater than 250 mg/
dL (although it is usually much higher), and blood (usually arterial) pH less
than 7.3. Ketonemia and ketonuria are characteristic, as is a serum bicar-
bonate level of 18 mEq/L or less (< 5 mEq/L is indicative of severe DKA).
Mainly occurs in patients with type I diabetes, however it is not uncommon
in type II diabetes

Causes
-- Previously undiagnosed diabetes
-- Interruption of insulin therapy
-- Underlying infection and intercurrent illness
-- Poor management of DM type I
-- Stress
-- Medication like corticosteroids, clozapine etc.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms Signs
Polyuria Dehydration with dry skin, reduced
skin turgor or sunken eyes
Polydypsia Deep and fast breathing (Kussmal
respiration) with acetone (ketotic)
breath odor
Nausea, vomiting Low Blood Pressure

Abdominal pain Fast and weak pulse

Relatives may report Confusion, stupor or unconsciousness
alteration in sensorium or
collapse

Investigations
-- Blood glucose
-- Urine glucose
-- Urine ketones
-- Blood urea and electrolytes

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-- Blood film for malaria parasites ( Unconscious in highly endemic

area)

Late Pregnancy
Conditions
Bleeding inSystem
Endocrine
-- Full Blood Count
-- Blood and urine culture
-- Electrocardiography

Management
Principles:
• Manage A,B
• Admission in ICU if possible
• Correction of fluid loss with intravenous fluids
• Correction of hyperglycemia with insulin
• Correction of electrolyte disturbances, particularly potassium
loss
• Correction of acid-base balance
• Treatment of concurrent infection, if present

Rehydration
AGE 1st hour Next 7 Next 16hours
hours
< 1 yr 20 ml/kg 15 ml/kg 7 ml/kg
1 - 7 yrs 20 ml/kg 10 ml/kg 5 ml/kg

8 – 14 yrs 20 ml/kg 9 ml/kg 5 ml/kg

> 15 yrs 20 ml/kg 8 ml/kg 4 ml/kg

• Correction of hydro-electrolytic disorder: initial correction of

fluid loss is either by isotonic sodium chloride solution or by
lactated Ringer solution
• If blood glucose falls to < 14mmol/l (250mg/dl) before DKA
has resolved (PH < 7.3) add 5% glucose and continue with
insulin

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Emergency Insulin Therapy

• Delay insulin until serum K+ is known to be > 3,5 mmol/l
• Insulin should only be started after ½ - 1 hour of fluid
therapy, provided shock has been treated.
Doses and route
• Low dose hourly regimen
ȘȘ Regular (neutral, soluble) Insulin (Actrapid or Humulin
R), give 0.1 unit/kg per hour IV
ȘȘ hourly;
■■ Giving hourly bolus doses ensures regular medical
and nursing supervision of the patient
■■ If glucose fall inadequate, i.e. a fall of < 4 mmol/l/
hr - double the dose
■■ If glucose fall is excessive, i.e. a fall of > 5,5 mmol/l/
hr - half the dose
■■ Continue with hourly insulin until blood glucose
and ketoacidosis are controlled. If blood glucose is
stable and urine ketones negative, then start standard
insulin regimen
-- POTASSIUM (K+);
• If hyperkalaemia (serum K+ or ECG) withhold potassium
supplementation
• If serum K+ is normal or low and patient is passing urine:
Start K+ supplementation immediately
• K+ replacement will be necessary in all cases (even with
initial hyperkalaemia)
-- DOSES:
SERUM POTASSIUM POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENT (as
KCl add to each litre of iv fluid)
<3,0 mmol/l 40 mmol
3,0 - 4,0 mmol/l 30 mmol
4,1 - 5,0 mmol/l 20 mmol
5,1 - 6,0 mmol/l 10 mmol
6,0 mmol/l None

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Transitional insulin therapy (- Sliding Scale)

Monitor Blood Glucose every 4hours and give the corresponding

Late Pregnancy
Conditions
Bleeding inSystem
Endocrine
amount of Soluble/Regular insulin subcutaneously

Amount of Soluble/Regular
Blood Glucose Result
Insulin to be given
Less than 6 mmol/L No Insulin
6.1 − 9.0 mmol/L 0.06 units/kg body weight
9.1 − 12.0 mmol/L 0.09 units/kg body weight
12.1−15.0 mmol/L 0.12 units/kg body weight
15.1−18.0 mmol/L 0.15 units/kg body weight
• For transitional therapy consider patient
ȘȘ No coma (still some clouding of consciousness), no
acidosis
ȘȘ Continue the sliding scale, making appropriate adjust-
ments to the insulin dosage, until the patient is eating
normally and urine is free of ketones. This may take on
average between 12 − 24 hours.
Maintenance of insulin therapy
• Determine dose on normal requirement: 1 units/kg/day
• 2 Injections regimen:
• Administer subcutaneously in the form of 50% intermediate−
acting insulin (NPH or Lente) and 50% rapid insulin. Total
dosage divided in 2 doses:
ȘȘ 2/3 before breakfast (1/2 Rapid insulin and 1/2 Interme-
diate acting insulin)
ȘȘ Remaining 1/3 before the evening meal( 1/2 Rapid insu-
lin and 1/2 intermediate acting insulin)
OR

4 Injections regimen (Prandial regimen)

• Total dosage divided in 4 doses
ȘȘ 50% of intermediate−acting insulin at bed time
ȘȘ 50% of rapid acting insulin dived in 3 doses – 20% before
breakfast, 10% before lunch and 20% before dinner

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• Treatment of intercurrent infection:

ȘȘ Start empiric antibiotics on suspicion of infection until
culture results are available
■■ Cefotaxime 100mg/kg/day/7days

Recommendations
-- Regular follow-up of all individuals with diabetes is important to
assess their metabolic control
-- Dietary education
-- Physical activity
-- Diabetes education
-- Keep urine free of ketones

7.3. HYPOGLYCEMIA
Definition: Blood glucose levels below the lower limit of the normal range
(blood glucose < 2.2 mmol/L, for malnourished children <3 mmmol/L).

Causes/Risk factors
-- Individuals with diabetes
-- Excessive dose of medication anti−diabetic medication
-- Omitted or inadequate amount of food
-- Unaccustomed physical over activity
-- Alcohol intake

Signs and symptoms

- Dizziness - Sweating
- Blurred vision - Tremors
- Headaches - Tachycardia
- Palpitation - Confusion
- Irritability and abnor- - Unconsciousness
mal behavior - Convulsions

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Investigation
-- Blood glucose

Late Pregnancy
Conditions
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Endocrine
Management
-- 10% Glucose, IV, 2−4 ml/kg body weight 1 to 3 minutes through a
large vein followed by 5−10% Glucose, IV, according to total daily
fluid requirement until the patient is able to eat normally
Alternatively,
• Glucagon, IV, IM or subcutaneous,
• Over 8 years of age (or body weight over 25 kg);
ȘȘ Give 1 mg stat IM if available
• Under 8 years of age (or body weight less than 25 kg);
ȘȘ Give 500 microgram stat IM if available

Recommendation
-- Control blood glucose 30 minutes after 10% bolus of glucose

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OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

NAL
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
DISORDERS
C HAPTER 8
NEONATOLOGY
EMMERGENCIES

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first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

8. NEONATOLOGY EMMERGENCIES

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology

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pregnancy

Reference taken from ETAT Manual (Rwanda) 2011

taken from ETAT Manual (Rwanda).

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8.1. PERINATAL HYPOXIA/HYPOXIC-ISCH-

EMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

Definition: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is characterized by clinical

and laboratory evidence of acute or subacute brain injury due to asphyxia
(i.e. hypoxia, acidosis). Asphyxia is not a diagnosis derived from a poor
Apgar score alone. It is the result of compromised gas exchange resulting in

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
cardio-respiratory depression.

Cause
-- Inadequate pre-, peri- intra- and/or post-partum oxygen delivery
and blood flow ischaemia

Risk factors

-- Failure of gas exchange across the placenta

-- Interruption of umbilical blood flow
-- Inadequate maternal placental perfusion, maternal hypotension/
hypertension
-- Compromised fetus (anemia, IUGR)
-- Failure of cardio respiratory adaptation at birth
-- Decreased blood flow from the placenta to the fetus
• Impaired gas exchange across placenta or fetal tissues
-- Increased fetal oxygen requirement

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Signs and symptoms

Characteristic stages of disease

MODIFIED SARNAT STAGE*

STAGE Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Level of Consciousness Hyperalert Letheargic or Stupor or coma
obtunded

Activity Normal Decreased Absent

Neuromuscular Controls
Muscle Controls Normal Mild hypotonia Flaccid
Posture Mild distal flexion Strong distal Intermittent
flexion decebration
(exetension)
Stretch Reflexes Overactive Overactive Decreased or absent
Complex / Primitive reflexes
Suck Weak Weak or absent Absent
Moro (startle) Strong, low weak, incomplete Absent
threshold high threshold
Tonic neck Slight Strong Absent
Autonomic Function
Pupils Mydriasis miosis Variable; often
unequal, poor
light reflex; fixed;
delated
Heart Rate Tachycardia Bradycardia variable
Seizures None Common; Focal uncommon
or multfocal (excluding
decerebration)
* Sanat H B, Smart MS: Neonatal encephal opathy following fetal distress.
Arch Neurol 33: 698-705 1976

-- In mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

• Muscle tone may be slightly increased and deep tendon
reflexes may be brisk during the first few days
• Transient behavioral abnormalities, such as poor feeding, ir-
ritability, or excessive crying or sleepiness, may be observed
• The neurologic examination findings normalize by 3-4 days
of life
-- In moderately severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy:
• Lethargy, with significant hypotonia and diminished deep
tendon reflexes
• The grasping, moro, and sucking reflexes may be sluggish or
absent
• Occasional periods of apnea
• Seizures within the first 24 hours of life
• Full recovery within 1-2 weeks associated with a better long-
term outcome

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• An initial period of well-being or mild hypoxic-ischemic

encephalopathy followed by sudden deterioration, suggesting
ongoing brain cell dysfunction, injury, and death; during this
period, seizure intensity might increase
-- In severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
• Typical stupor or coma
• Not responding to any physical stimulus

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
• Irregular breathing
• Generalized hypotonia and depressed deep tendon reflexes
• Neonatal reflexes (e.g. sucking, swallowing, grasping, moro)
are absent
• Disturbances of ocular motion, such as skewed deviation
of the eyes, nystagmus, bobbing, and loss of “doll’s eye” (i.e.
conjugate) movements
• Dilated pupils, fixed, or poorly reactive to light
• Seizures occur early and often, initially resistant to conven-
tional treatments
• Subsided seizures with isoelectric EEG
• Wakefulness deterioration, with fontanelle bulge (increasing
cerebral edema)
• Irregularities of Heart Rate and Blood Pressure (BP)
• Death from cardio respiratory failure

Diagnosis
-- History of

• Fetal distress and/or meconium stained amniotic fluid

• Profound metabolic acidosis (pH <7.0, BE >12mmol/L)
• Persistence of an Apgar score of 0-3 for longer than 5 minutes
• Neonatal neurological sequelae (e.g. seizures, coma, hypoto-
nia
• Multiple organ involvement (e.g. kidney, lungs, liver, heart,
intestines)

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• A significant hypoxic event immediately before or during

labor or delivery

 Complications
-- Cardiovascular (Heart Rate and rhythm disturbances, cardiac
failure and hypotension)
-- Pulmonary (respiratory distress/respiratory failure, pulmonary
hypertension and pulmonary haemorrhage)
-- Renal (renal failure, acute tubular/cortical necrosis and urinary
retention)
-- Gastrointestinal tract (Ileus and necrotizing enterocolitis)
-- Central nervous system (increased intracranial pressure, cerebral
oedema, encephalopathy, seizures, inappropriate antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) secretion, hypotonia and apnoea)
-- Metabolic (hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypocalcaemia,
hypomagnesaemia and metabolic acidosis)
-- Hypothermia/hyperthermia
-- Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Investigations
-- Serum electrolyte levels
-- Renal function studies
-- Cardiac and liver enzymes
-- Coagulation system evaluation
-- Arterial Blood Gases
-- Brain MRI
-- Cranial ultrasonography
-- Head CT scanning

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Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Resuscitate
• Admit to neonatal high care or Intensive Care Unit, if avail-
able
• Maintain body temperature at 36.5-37.50
• Keep Sat O2 88–92% (normal range)

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
• Maintain
ȘȘ Blood glucose at 2.6–6mmol/L
ȘȘ Haematocrit at ≥ 40% – packed red cells, IV, 10mL/kg

• Give IV Fluids
• Restrict fluids with D 10% to 50–60 mL/kg in the first 24–48
hours
• Give Nutrition
ȘȘ No enteral feeds for at least the first 12–24 hours
ȘȘ Enteral milk feeds only after ileus has been excluded
Pharmaceutical
• If infection is suspected or confirmed (See table under sepsis
3.6a + 3.6b for empiric antibiotics for sepsis/meningitis)
• If hypotension
ȘȘ Give Sodium Chloride 0.9% IV, 20 mL/kg over 1 hour +
Dopamine, IV, 5–15 mcg/kg/minute. Alternatively give
Dobutamine(if available), IV, 5–15 mcg/kg/minute until
Blood Pressure is stable

• If Convulsions
ȘȘ Give Phenobarbital
■■ Loading dose: 20 mg/kg IV slow push. May repeat 10
mg/kg after 20-30 minutes if seizures continue
■■ Maintenance: 3-5 mg/kg/day IV if seizures persists

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ȘȘ Phenytoin IV
■■ Loading dose: 15 mg/kg diluted in 3 mL Sodium
Chloride 0.9% given over 30 minutes by slow IV
infusion
■■ Maintenance: IV/oral, 5–10 mg/kg/24 hours as a
single dose or 2 divided doses
■■ Flush IV line with Sodium Chloride 0.9% before and
after administration of the phenytoin

• If Cardiac failure
• Restrict fluids
ȘȘ Give Furosemide IV/oral/nasogastric tube, 1 mg/kg/24
hours as a single daily dose

• If Hypocalcaemia with Serum total calcium < 1.7mmol/L or

ionized calcium < 0.7 mmol.L
ȘȘ Give Calcium gluconate 10%, slow IV, 1–2 mL/kg over 15
minutes under ECG control

• If Hypomagnesaemia with Serum magnesium < 0.7 mmol/L

ȘȘ Give Magnesium sulphate 50%, IV, 0.2 mL/kg as a single
dose
• If Hypoglycaemia with Blood glucose < 2.6 mmol/L
ȘȘ Give Dextrose, IV as bolus, 250–500 mg/kg
■■ Do not repeat
■■ Dilute dextrose 50% solution before use to 10%
strength
■■ 0.5–1 mL of dextrose 50% = 250–500 mg
■■ OR
■■ 2.5 mL of dextrose 10% = 250 mg

• If inappropriate ADH: Cerebral oedema/raised intracranial

pressure:

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ȘȘ Moderate fluid restriction of 50–60 mL/kg/24hours for

the first 24–48 hours
ȘȘ Raise head of cot by 10–15 cm
ȘȘ Moderate hyperventilation to lower PaCO2 to 30–35
mmHg, if ventilation facilities are available
ȘȘ Steroids are not considered to be of value

Recommendations

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
-- Monitor neurological status, fluid balance, vital signs, temperature,
blood glucose acid-base status, blood gases, electrolytes, SaO2,
minerals, Blood Pressure(where available) and renal function
-- Newborns with stage 3 Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy should
not be ventilated
-- Refer survived child for neurological assessment 3 months
-- Phenytoin must not be given in glucose/dextrose- containing
solutions
-- To minimize risk of precipitation administer phenytoin in 0.9%
Sodium Chloride solution
-- Do not administer phenytoin intramuscularly

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8.2. NEONATAL INFECTION

Definition: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome of systemic illness ac-

companied by bacteremia occurring in the first 28 days of life. Bacterial or
fungal invasion of blood before or after birth may spread to involve other
organs/systems leading to, e.g. meningitis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and
pyelonephritis.

Causes/risk factors
-- Maternal fever (temp >38ºC) during labor or within 24 hours after
delivery
-- Maternal urinary tract infection in current pregnancy or bacte-
ruria
-- Rupture of membranes > 18 hours before delivery
-- Uterine tenderness or foul smelling amniotic fluid
-- Obstetric diagnosis of chorioamnionitis
-- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
-- Resuscitation at birth
-- Invasive procedures
-- Home delivery

Signs and symptoms

-- Tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnoea, lethargy, hypotonia, ir-
ritability– (always look at trends in the observation chart over last
24 hours.)
-- Abdominal distension (+/- skin + colour changes, e.g. shiny,
darkened skin)
-- Feeding problems –( e.g. poor feeding, stopped feeding, increasing
residuals, vomiting)
-- Organomegaly
-- Jaundice
-- Signs of respiratory distress
-- Petechiae haemorrhages, anaemia

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-- Diarrhea
-- Convulsions
-- Temperature instability – including HYPOTHERMIA or HYPER-
THERMIA
-- Apnoeas, desaturations or cyanosis
-- Sclerema
-- Bulging fontanelle

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
Complications
-- Dehydration
-- Septic shock
-- Hypoglycaemia
-- DIC and/or thrombocytopenia
-- Osteomyelitis +/- septic arthritis
-- Anaemia
-- Respiratory failure
-- Meningitis
-- Necrotising enterocolitis
-- Bronchopneumonia
-- Cardiac failure
-- Renal failure
-- Multi-organ failure

Investigations

-- Blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid cultures

-- Blood Count and differential count (WBC< 5000 or > 20000;
Neutrophils > 70%)
-- C-reactive protein
-- Chest x-ray (if signs of respiratory distress

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ALL babies with suspected sepsis should have a lumbar

puncture, urine and blood culture

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Admit to neonatal high dependency or Intensive Care Unit,
if available
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Enteral feeding where possible, via oro/nasogastric tube after
ileus, obstruction, or other contraindications to enteral feed-
ing have been excluded (e.g. shock)
• If enteral feeding is not possible or is contra-indicated, com-
mence IV fluids, e.g. neonatal maintenance solution (See
chapter on neonatal nutrition)
• Insert naso/orogastric tube, open free drainage.
• Oxygen to maintain saturations 90-95%.
• CPAP if available and meets criteria (See separate criteria in
unit)
• Monitor infants for the following:
• Ensure that temperature of baby is 36.5-37.5oC
• Blood glucose level greater than 2.6 mmol/L (45mg/dl)
• Haematocrit of 40–45%
• Vital signs within their normal physiological ranges (see
appendix):
ȘȘ If sick/unstable – every 1 hour
ȘȘ If stable and improving – every 3-4 hours

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Pharmaceutical
• If suspected sepsis
ȘȘ Give Ampicillin + Gentamicin
• If suspected meningitis, first-line therapy
ȘȘ Ampicillin + Cefotaxime (preferred)
OR
ȘȘ Ceftriaxone

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
• If the infant has adequate urine output (1ml/kg/hr)
ȘȘ Do not stop Gentamicin before Ampicillin
• If the infant does not have adequate urine output,
ȘȘ Use a third generation Cephalosporin (Cefotaxime or
Ceftriaxone) instead of Gentamicin.

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 183

 Table 3.6a Antibiotic Dosing Chart for Newborns

184
Medication Dose/Frequency Comments
Age < 14 days Age> 14 days
< 35 weeks PMA* > 35 weeks PMA*
(if PMA not known use (if PMA not known
current weight < 2.0 kg) use current weight >
2.0 kg)
Chapiter

Ampicillin or If meningitis suspected :150 mg/kg IV every 12 hours 50 mg/kg IV every 6 -

If meningitis ruled out: 50 mg/kg IV every 12 hours hours
Chapiter
Chapiter

Cloxacillin Meningitis: 100 mg/kg

IV every 6 hours.
Gentamicin 3 mg/kg IV once a day 5 mg/kg IV once > 1 month: Use newborn dose
1: OBSTETRIC/

a day 7.5 mg/kg IV once through first month.

a day
Cefotaxime 50 mg/kg IV every 12 hours 50 mg/kg IV every 8 50 mg/kg every 6 Preferred over
81:: NEONATOLOGY

hours hours Ceftriaxone due to

improved safety profile
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

first in

Ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for sepsis/meningitis Contraindicated in

term

50 mg/kg x1 IM for pus draining from eye setting of jaundice or

For IM injection, dilute to 350 mg/mL. Max dose ½ mL = 175 mg within 48 hours of IV
calcium administration
pregnancy
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIESof pregnancy
 Metronidazole 7.5 mg/kg IV every 24 hours 7.5 mg/kg IV every 7.5 mg/kg IV every 8 Anaerobic coverage
12 hours hours including treatment of
necrotizing enterocolitis
Acyclovir 20 mg/kg IV every 12 hours 20 mg/kg IV every 8 hours Treatment of  herpes
20mg/kg PO every 6 hours if IV acyclovir not available simplex infection:
14 days if localized,
Chapiter

21 days if disseminated
Chapiter
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Table 3.6b Duration of antibiotic therapy

1: OBSTETRIC/

Antibiotic Coverage Summary by Condition for infants < 1 month of age

Condition Clinical Condition Laboratory Results Treatment Duration of Comments
Recommendation Therapy
81:: NEONATOLOGY

Sepsis Normal vital signs, Normal WBC, Ampicillin 48 hours

OBSTETRIC/Diabetes

Evaluation: differential, CRP, CXR

first in

negative well appearing Gentamicin

term

Sepsis/ Abnormal vital Abnormal WBC, Ampicillin 7 days

Pneumonia signs, differential, CRP, CXR
pregnancy

Gentamicin
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIES

ill appearing

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

of pregnancy

185
NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
 Sepsis/ Abnormal vital Abnormal WBC, Ampicillin 7 to 14 days Cefotaxime

186
Pneumonia: signs, differential, CRP, CXR preferred
Not improving Add Cephalosporin over
ill appearing, ceftriaxone
Stop gentamicin
poor response to
antibiotics after 48
hours
Chapiter

Meningitis Abnormal vital Abnormal WBC, Ampicillin 14 days if gram Cefotaxime

signs, differential, CRP, CXR, positive preferred
Chapiter
Chapiter

CSF Cephalosporin over

ill appearing, 21 days if gram ceftriaxone
abnormal negative
1: OBSTETRIC/

neurological exam (see 3.7-

meningitis
protocol)
81:: NEONATOLOGY

Urinary Tract Abnormal vital Urinalysis concerning Ampicillin 7 days Generally

Infection signs, for urinary tract Gentamicin considered
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes

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infection in infants ³ 7
first in

ill appearing days

term
pregnancy
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIESof pregnancy
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pregnancy

Inotropic support if septic shock

-- If correct Blood Pressure cuff available, mean Blood Pressure

should not be less than the gestational age (weeks) of the infant
plus 5–10 mmHg. (e.g. a 34 week gestation) infant should have a
mean Blood Pressure of 34mmHg
-- If Blood Pressure is < 60/40 mmHg in term infant, < 50/35 mmHg
in pre-term infant

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
• Give Dopamine, IV, 5–15 mcg/kg/minute as a continuous
infusion
• Continue with Dopamine as long as it is necessary to maintain
the Blood Pressure

Recommendations
-- Refer all patients to NICU with:
• Septicaemia with complications
• Septicaemia not responding to treatment
-- Cefotaxime: To replace Gentamicin in the treatment of sepsis in
the setting of renal dysfunction, or to treat presumed meningitis
due to poor CNS penetration of gentamicin, preferred to Ceftriax-
one, especially in setting of hyperbilirubinemia
-- Ceftriaxone: Do not use in setting of hyperbilirubinemia because
it displaces bilirubin from albumin, do not administer within 48
hours of IV calcium in infants < 28 days of age due to risk of lethal
precipitation

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8.3. NEONATAL MENINGITIS (BACTERIAL)

Definition: A bacterial infection of the meninges in the first month of
life. Meningitis should be considered in any neonate being evaluated for
sepsis or infection as most organisms implicated in neonatal sepsis and
neonatal meningitis.

Causes/Risk factors
-- Gram positive: Group B ß-haemolytic streptococcus, S. epider-
midis, S. aureus, Listeria,
-- Gram negative: E. Coli, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, enterobacter
-- Open defects or with indwelling devices such as VP shunts

Signs and symptoms

-- Tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnoea, lethargy, hypotonia , ir-
ritability– (always look at trends in the observation chart over last
24 hours)
-- Temperature instability
-- Altered level of consciousness
-- Hypoglycaemia
-- Bulging/full fontanel
-- Vomiting
-- Convulsions
-- Feeding problems
-- Apnoea (+/- desaturations)

Complications
-- Cerebral oedema
-- Convulsions
-- Raised intracranial pressure
-- Hydrocephalus
-- Vasculitis, with haemorrhage
-- Subdural effusions

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-- Ventriculitis
-- Brain abscess
-- Ischaemia and infarctions of the brain
-- Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
-- Neurological sequelae
• Blindness

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
• Deafness
• Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
• Mental retardation

Investigations
-- Lumbar puncture
• The CSF appears cloudy
• Protein concentration is increased
• Leucocyte count is increased with a predominance of poly-
morphonuclear leucocytes
• Glucose concentration is low, < 2/3 of blood glucose
• Gram stain, microscopy, culture and sensitivity of CSF
-- Blood cultures: for microscopy, culture and sensitivity

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Admit to high dependency or Intensive Care Unit, if available
• Maintain infant temperature between 36.5 – 37.5oC
• Monitor neurological status including
ȘȘ Pupil reaction to light and size of pupils
ȘȘ Neurological exam (reflexes and tone)
ȘȘ Note any seizures
ȘȘ Head circumference (once per day during the acute ill-
ness, once per week when stable)

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• Vital signs
• Blood glucose
• Haematocrit
• Fluid balance (hydration)
• Blood gases (if available)
• Ensure adequate nutrition
ȘȘ Enteral feeding where possible, use nasogastric tube, if
necessary
ȘȘ If enteral feeding is not possible, IV fluids, e.g. neonatal
maintenance solution (See chapter on neonatal nutrition
and fluid management)
ȘȘ Limit total daily fluid intake, IV and oral, do not exceed
the daily requirements for age to prevent fluid overload –
monitor daily weight
Pharmaceutical
DO NOT DELAY ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT: Start
antibiotics immediately after lumbar puncture. If lumbar
puncture has to be delayed, start the antibiotics.

• Empiric antibiotics
ȘȘ Ampicillin and Cefotaxime (See table under sepsis 3.6a +
3.6b for empiric antibiotics for sepsis/meningitis)
ȘȘ Review the empiric antibiotics prescribed, based on
results of blood and CSF cultures or when the child does
not improve within 72–96 hours (See table under sepsis
3.6a + 3.6b for empiric antibiotics for sepsis/meningitis)
ȘȘ If unconfirmed but suspected meningitis, continue
empiric antibiotics for at least 14 days and review clinical
response
ȘȘ Antibiotic choice based on culture result
■■ Group B β-haemolytic streptococci
ºº Cefotaxime for 14 days (See table 3.6a for
dosage)

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■■ Listeria monocytogenes
ºº Ampicillin for 21 days and gentamicin for the
1st 7 days only (See table 3.6a for dosage)
■■ Gram negative bacteria
ºº Cefotaxime for 21 days
• For patients with no response to empiric antibiotics after
5-7 days and a negative CSF culture, or patients intolerant of

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
ampicillin and cephalosporins, consider anaerobic bacteria
ȘȘ Metronidazole (Refer to table 3.6a and 3.6b for dosage
and duration)
• Methicillin resistant staphylococci, treat with
ȘȘ Vancomycin, IV, 15 mg/kg loading dose followed by 10
mg/kg for 14 days
■■ ≤ 7 days 10 mg/kg, every 12 hours
■■ 7 days 10 mg/kg, every 8 hours
• Sensitive staphylococci, treat with
ȘȘ Cloxacillin, IV, 50–100 mg/kg/dose for 14 days
■■ ≤ 7 days 50–100 mg/kg, every 12 hours
■■ > 7 days 50–100 mg/kg, every 6 hours
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa, treat with
ȘȘ Ceftazidime, IV, 30 mg/kg/dose for 14-21 days
■■ ≤ 7 days 30 mg/kg/dose, every 12 hours
■■ > 7 days 30 mg/kg/dose, every 8 hours
-- For fever
• Give Paracetamol, oral, 10 mg/kg/dose, every 6 hours when
needed until fever subsides
-- Convulsions: See Neonatal Seizures
• Raised intracranial pressure or cerebral oedema
ȘȘ Avoid fluid overload (monitor daily weight)
ȘȘ Limit total daily intake, IV and oral.
ȘȘ Do not exceed the maintenance requirements for age

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Recommendation
-- Refer neonates with meningitis not responding to adequate treat-
ment, with meningitis

8.4. NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA

Definition: Neonatal hypoglycemia is low blood sugar (glucose) in the first

few days after birth
-- Moderate Hypoglycemia: Glucose is 1.4 – 2.5 mmol/L (25 - 45
mg/dL)
-- Severe Hypoglycemia: Glucose is < 1.4 mmol/L (25 mg/dL)

Causes/Risk factors
-- Prematurity/Low Birth Weight /large baby
-- Infant of diabetic mother
-- Sepsis
-- Postmaturity
-- Hypothermia/ hyperthermia
-- Feeding difficulties
-- Respiratory distress
-- Birth asphyxia
-- Rhesus iso-immunisation
-- Hyperinsulinism

Signs and symptoms

-- Lethargy
-- Poor feeding
-- Hypotonia
-- Respiratory distress
-- Apnoea
-- Jitteriness

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-- Convulsions
-- Irritability
-- Metabolic acidosis
-- Coma
-- Cardiac failure

Investigations

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
-- Blood tests for monitoring blood glucose (heel prick) < 2.6
mmol/L
-- Newborn screening for metabolic disorders

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Determine and treat the underlying cause
• Enteral feeding, oral or via oro/nasogastric tube, after exclusion of
vomiting, ileus or obstructionSource: Neonatal protocols Rwanda.
2011
Severe Hypoglycemia Protocol

Glucose < 1.4 mmol/L (25 mg/dL)

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 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 81:: NEONATOLOGY
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIES
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

  Able to attain
IV access?

Yes No
   

� Give G10% bolus 2 mL/kg

� Start maintenance IV fluids
Start enteral nutrition
� Recheck glucose 30 minutes after bolus

Glucose Able to
>2.6 orally feed?
mmol/dL

Yes No Yes No
       

Provide maintenance Breast or bottle feed. If Give feeds by NG

glucose Repeat bolus of G10% breast, supplement with 10 mL/kg
    bottle if < 3 days old  
   
Respiratory
distress or
RR> 70? � Re-measure glucose ½
hour after feeding.
� If glucose still < 25 mg/dL,
Yes give additional enteral
  No feeds and/or re-attempt IV
access.
  � If glucose 25-45 mg/dL,
follow moderate
� Start maintenance IV fluids � Start enteral nutrition hypoglycemia protocol
G10% at 100 mL/kg/day � If able to orally feed, start
� Adjust to keep glucose 50- breastfeeding or bottle.
100 mg/dL � If unable to feed orally, start
NG feeds 10mL/kg

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 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 81:: NEONATOLOGY
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIES
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

  Able to attain
IV access?

Yes No
   

NAL DISORDERS
Emmergencies
GASTROINTESTI-
Neonatology
� Give G10% bolus 2 mL/kg
� Start maintenance IV fluids
Start enteral nutrition
� Recheck glucose 30 minutes after
bolus

Able to
Glucose orally feed?
>2.6
mmol/dL

Yes No Yes No
       

Provide maintenance Breast or bottle feed. If Give feeds by NG

glucose Repeat bolus of G10% breast, supplement with 10 mL/kg
    bottle if < 3 days old  
   
Respiratory
distress or
RR> 70? � Re-measure glucose ½
hour after feeding.
� If glucose still < 25 mg/dL,
Yes give additional enteral
feeds and/or re-attempt IV
  No access.
  � If glucose 25-45 mg/dL,
follow moderate
� Start maintenance IV fluids � Start enteral nutrition hypoglycemia protocol
G10% at 100 mL/kg/day � If able to orally feed, start
� Adjust to keep glucose 50- breastfeeding or bottle.
100 mg/dL � If unable to feed orally, start
NG feeds 10mL/kg

Notes:
Glucose conversion: 1mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
If unable to measure blood sugar for high risk but asymptomatic
newborn, follow moderate hypoglycemia protocol
ȘȘ High risk: Required resuscitation, concern for sepsis,
premature (<35 weeks) or LBW (<2kg), poor feeding
• If unable to measure blood sugar for infant with symptoms of
hypoglycemia,

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 Chapiter
Chapiter
Chapiter 81:: NEONATOLOGY
Bleeding inEMMERGENCIES
OBSTETRIC/Diabetes
1: OBSTETRIC/ term
first in of pregnancy
pregnancy

ȘȘ follow severe hypoglycemia protocol Symptoms of hypo-

glycemia: jittery, lethargic, seizures
• If breast milk is not available,
ȘȘ Use artificial milk. If neither breast nor artificial milk is
available, G10% IV fluid may be given enterally

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

Hypocalcaemia
C HAPTER 9
HYPOCALCAEMIA

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9. HYPOCALCAEMIA
Definition: Hypocalcaemia = when blood level of calcium is less than
80mg/L (2mmol/L)

Causes
-- Maternal factors
• Diabetes
• Toxaemia
• Severe dietary calcium deficiency
-- Intrapartum factors
• Asphyxia

Hypocalcaemia
• Prematurity
• Maternal magnesium administration
-- Postnatal factors
• Hypoxia
• Shock
• Asphyxia
• Poor intake
• Sepsis
• Exchange transfusion
• Respiratory metabolic acidosis
-- Neonatal hypocalcaemia usually resolves in 2 to 3 days
-- Three days after birth, other causes may be
• High phosphate diet
• Mg deficiency
• Renal disease
• Hypoparathyroidism

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Diagnosis
-- Serum calcium < 2.2 mmol/L, or
-- Ionised calcium < 1.2 mmol, equivalent to <3.8 mEq/L, or
-- Ionized calcium < 4.0 mg/dL

Management
Pharmaceutical
• Symptomatic hypocalcaemia
ȘȘ Calcium gluconate 10%, IV/oral, 1–2 mL/kg 6–8 hourly,
1 mL of calcium gluconate 10% = 100 mg calcium gluco-
nate = 9 mg elemental calcium = 0.45 mEq/mL
ȘȘ Correct hypomagnesaemia, acute hypocalcaemia with
seizures
■■ Calcium gluconate 10%, IV, 1–1.5 mL/kg over 5–10
minutes, administer slowly at a rate of 1 mL/minute.
Rapid infusion causes bradycardia/arrhythmia
■■ Repeat in 15 minutes
■■ Electrocardiographic monitoring is advised
■■ Monitor the Heart Rate

Recommendation
-- Refer child with persisting or recurrent unexplained hypocalcae-
mia to a specialist for consultation

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9.1. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

Definition: Newborn experiencing difficulty breathing

Respiratory Distress Syndrome hyaline membrane disease / surfactant
deficiency is a specific pathology of premature infants which is due to
surfactant deficiency in the lungs, causing alveolar collapse, poor gas
exchange and respiratory distress.

Causes
-- Pulmonary
-- Extra pulmonary

Hypocalcaemia
Pulmonary Causes Extra pulmonary Causes
- Hyaline membrane disease - Sepsis
(surfactant deficiency)
- Cardiac failure
- Meconium aspiration irrespective of cause

- Pneumonia - Pulmonary
hypertension
- Pneumothorax
- Hypothermia/
- Wet lung syndrome ( Transient hyperthermia
tachypnea of the newborn
(TTN)) - Hypoglycaemia

- Pulmonary haemorrhage - Anaemia

- Hypoplastic lungs - Polycythaemia

- Diaphragmatic hernia - Hypovolaemic shock

- Perinatal hypoxia

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Signs of breathing problems

-- The baby’s respiratory rate is more than 60 breaths per minute
-- The baby’s respiratory rate is less than 30 breaths per minute
-- The baby has central cyanosis (blue tongue and lips)
-- The baby has chest in-drawing
-- The baby is grunting on expiration.
-- The baby has apnoea (spontaneous stopping of breathing for more
than 20 seconds).

Investigations
-- Chest x-ray
-- Oxygen saturations measure (aim saturations at 90-95% in infants
if using oxygen)
-- FBC, CRP, Hemoculture if infection is suspected
-- Echocardiography (to exclude cardiac causes of respiratory
distress)
-- Blood gas (if available)
General Management
• Establish the classification of breathing problem

Respiratory distress syndrome results in breathing difficulty with chest in-drawing and
grunting often associated with apnoea. The general progression of RDS is to worsen
within the first two days, remain constant for the next few days and then improves
over the next 7 days. It is most common in babies less than 37 weeks gestation and less
than 2.5Kg and starts within hours of birth. If the baby fits these criteria, treat as per
moderate breathing difficulty due to RDS

• Nurse in a neutral thermal environment (incubator or infant

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crib with overhead heater) and aim for the baby’s temperature
to be between 36.5-37.4C
• Admit to neonatal high care/intensive care facility, if available
but stabilize infant first
• Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, pulse rate, and
Blood Pressure (if available)
• Maintain saturations of haemoglobin at 90–95%
• Monitor the concentration or flow of oxygen being provided
(if any)
• Monitor for Apnoea
ȘȘ Stimulate the baby to breathe by rubbing the baby’s back
for 10 seconds
ȘȘ If the baby does not begin to breathe immediately, resus-

Hypocalcaemia
citate the baby using a bag and mask.
ȘȘ (See specific management of apneas in chapter 10)
• Measure blood glucose and treat if less than 2.6mmol/l
(45mg/dl) – See specific treatment chapter 7
• If the baby has breathing >60/min and is cyanosed (even
with oxygen), and has NO grunting or in-drawing, suspect a
congenital heart abnormality
• With the classification of breathing difficulty according to the
WHO table above, treat baby as follows:
Specific Management
Severe breathing difficulty

• If saturations are less than 90%, give oxygen if available to

maintain saturations 90-95%
• Give CPAP if available and meets criteria (See under CPAP
criteria)
• Insert a gastric tube to empty the stomach of air and secre-
tions
• Commence IV fluids.
• Treat for sepsis
• Monitor and record the baby’s respiratory rate, presence of

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chest in-drawing or grunting on expiration, and episodes of

apnoea every three hours until the baby no longer requires
oxygen and then for an additional 24 hours
• When the baby begins to show signs of improvement: give
expressed breast milk by gastric tube
• When oxygen is no longer needed, allow the baby to begin
breastfeeding
• If the baby cannot be breastfed, give expressed breast milk
using an alternative feeding method
• If the baby’s breathing difficulty worsens or the baby has
central cyanosis give oxygen at a high flow rate
• If breathing difficulty is so severe that the baby has central
cyanosis even in 100% oxygen, organize transfer and urgently
refer the baby to a tertiary hospital or specialized centre capa-
ble of assisted ventilation, if possible.
• Observe the baby for 24 hours after discontinuing antibiotics
• If the baby’s tongue and lips have remained pink without oxy-
gen for at least two days, the baby has no difficulty breathing
and is feeding well and there are no other problems requiring
hospitalization – discharge the baby

Moderate breathing difficulty

• Give oxygen if saturations <90%

• Give CPAP if available and meets criteria (see under CPAP
criteria)
• Establish an IV line and give only IV fluid at maintenance
volume according to the baby’s age for the first 12 hours
• Monitor and record the baby’s respiratory rate, presence of
chest in-drawing or grunting on expiration, and episodes of
apnoea every three hours until the baby no longer requires
oxygen and then for an additional 24 hours
• If the baby’s breathing difficulty does not improve or worsens
after
• Two hours, manage for severe breathing difficulty
• Monitor the baby’s response to oxygen

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• When the baby begins to show signs of improvement give

expressed breast milk by gastric tube
• When oxygen is no longer needed, allow the baby to begin
breastfeeding.
• If the baby cannot be breastfed, give expressed breast milk
using an alternative feeding method

Mild breathing difficulty

• Give expressed breast milk by gastric tube or alternative
method e.g. cup feed.
• Monitor and record the baby’s respiratory rate, presence of
chest in-drawing or grunting on expiration, and episodes of
apnoea every three hours until the baby no longer requires
oxygen and then for an additional 24 hours

Hypocalcaemia
• Only provide oxygen if saturations are less than 90% and
maintain saturations 90-95%
• Monitor the baby’s response to oxygen
• When oxygen is no longer needed, allow the baby to begin
breastfeeding
• If the baby cannot be breastfed, continue giving expressed
breast milk using an alternative feeding method
• If the breathing difficulty worsens at any time during the
observation period
• If the baby does NOT have the typical pattern of RDS, look
for signs of sepsis and treat if found
• If the baby’s tongue and lips have remained pink without oxy-
gen for at least one day, the baby has no difficulty breathing
and is feeding well, and there are no other problems requiring
hospitalization, discharge the baby
• Feeding and fluids with breathing difficulty, refer to chapter 6
for feeding a sick term or preterm baby.

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Management of other specific causes of respiratory distress

Anaemia

• Hct < 40 % and Hb <13 g/dL

ȘȘ Give red cells, packed, IV, 10mL/kg over 1–2 hours

Polycythaemia
• Treat with isovolaemic dilutional exchange transfusion using
sodium chloride 0.9% if the venous haematocrit is Hct > 65%:
Hb >22 g/dL and the baby is symptomatic.
ȘȘ Formula taking
ȘȘ Desired Hct = 50:
ȘȘ Volume to be exchanged (mL) = [Baby’s Hct – desired
Hct (i.e. 50) x body mass (kg)] x 90 ÷ Baby’s Hct

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Hyaline membrane disease /

Surfactant deficiency)
• Refer to specific management of breathing difficulty according
to classification
• Ensure baby is maintained at correct temperature(36.5-37.4C)
• If baby stable, obtain CXR and look for
ȘȘ Air bronchiograms
ȘȘ Hyper expanded chest
ȘȘ Ground glass appearance of lung fields
• Treat baby for presumed sepsis with Ampicillin and Gen-
tamicin (See chapter on sepsis management)
• Co-manage other problems associated with prematurity
• Baby may likely require CPAP see the following
• If Infection
ȘȘ Bronchopneumonia, is present or suspected, give antibi-
otics based on antibiogram and/or blood culture results

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Breathing difficulty due to congenital heart abnormality:

-- The diagnosis of a heart abnormality is made by exclusion of other

diagnoses or by echo when baby is stable (if expert and machine
is available)
ȘȘ Give oxygen at a high flow rate. In cyanotic heart disease,
there will be no response to maximum oxygen
ȘȘ Give expressed breast milk by gastric tube
ȘȘ If the baby cannot tolerate feeding, establish an IV line
and give IV fluid at maintenance volume according to the
baby’s age
ȘȘ Organize transfer and refer the baby to a tertiary hospital
or specialized centre for further evaluation, if possible

Hypocalcaemia
9.2. APNEA AND BRADYCARDIA FOR LBW
(<1500 KG) OR PREMATURE INFANTS (<33
WEEKS GESTATION)
Definitions
-- Apnea: Pause in breathing for > 20 seconds
-- Bradycardia: Abnormally slow HR; <100 beats/minute in the
preterm infant

Causes by type
-- Central apnoea
• Prematurity
• Intraventricular haemorrhage
• Hypoxia
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Sepsis
• Hypoglycaemia
• Acidosis
• Hypermagnesaemia

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• Meningitis
• Sedatives
• Temperature disturbances
• Atypical convulsions
• Rough handling
-- Obstructive apnoea
• Choanal atresia
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Micrognathia
• Macro glossia
• Secretions (milk, meconium, blood, mucus) lodged in the
upper airway
-- Reflex apnoea or vagally mediated apnoea
• Endotracheal intubation
• Passage of a nasogastric tube
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Overfeeding
• Suction of the pharynx or stomach
-- Mixed apnoea
• Apnoea caused by a combination of the above causes

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Small baby
Small babies are prone to episodes of apnoea, which
are more frequent in very small babies (less than 1.5
kg at birth or born before 32 weeks gestation) but
they become less frequent as the baby grows.
ȘȘ Teach the mother to observe the baby closely for further
episodes of apnoea. If the baby stops breathing, have
the mother stimulate the baby to breathe by rubbing the
baby’s back for 10 seconds. If the baby does not begin to

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breathe immediately, resuscitate the baby using a bag and

mask
ȘȘ Review the general principles of feeding and fluid man-
agement of small babies
ȘȘ Encourage the use of Kangaroo Mother Care if possible.
Babies cared for in this way have fewer apnoeic episodes,
and the mother is able to observe the baby closely.
ȘȘ If the apnoeic episodes become more frequent, treat for
sepsis

• Term baby
ȘȘ If a term baby has had only a single episode of apnoea:
■■ Observe the baby closely for further episodes of

Hypocalcaemia
apnoea for 24 hours,
■■ Teach the mother how to do so.
■■ If the baby does not have another apnoeic episode in
24 hours, is feeding well, and has no other problems
requiring hospitalization,
■■ discharge the baby
ȘȘ - If apnoea recurs,
■■ Manage for multiple episodes of apnoea, below.
ȘȘ If a term baby has had multiple episodes of apnoea
■■ Treat for sepsis
• For all forms of neonatal apnoea
ȘȘ Identify and treat the underlying cause
ȘȘ Maintain the temperature at 36.5–37.5°C
ȘȘ Maintain oxygen Saturation at 90–95%
ȘȘ Maintain haematocrit at 40%
ȘȘ A baby with apnoeas may benefit from stimulation with
Nasal CPAP. See criteria under CPAP

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Pharmaceutical
• Start respiratory stimulant (Caffeine or Aminophylline) when
birth weight <1.5 kg or GA <33 weeks

ȘȘ Caffeine
■■ Loading dose: 20 mg/kg NG/PO on day 1 then,
■■ Maintenance dose 10 mg/kg/day NG/PO

OR
ȘȘ Aminophylline
■■ Loading dose: 10mg/kg IV x1 on day 1 then
■■ Maintenance dose
ºº < 7 days of age: 2.5 mg/kg/dose IV or NG/PO
every 12 hours
ºº 7 days of age: 4 mg/kg/dose IV or NG/PO
every 12 hours

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9.3. HYPOTHERMIA

Definition: Temperature less than 36.5o

Hypocalcaemia
Risk factors

-- Low Birth Weight and/or premature newborns

-- Septic newborns 
-- Newborn with asphyxia at birth
-- All newborns who do not receive heat loss prevention measures

Signs and symptoms

-- Lethargy and refusal to breastfeed
-- Dyspnea and apnea
-- Cyanosis and pallor
-- Shock and sclerema
-- Hemorrhage and hypoglycemia

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Complications
-- Increase in oxygen consumption
-- Increase in glucose utilization and decrease of glycogen reserves
-- Increase in brown fat metabolism
-- Increase in metabolism leads to growth impairment, lethargy,
hypotonia and feeding difficulties
-- Decrease of surfactant production which can lead to respiratory
distress
-- Difficulties with extra-uterine adaptation because of hypoxia
-- Thermal shock which can lead to death

Management
-- Immediately after birth or arrival to hospital:
• Dry infant and keep under warming light
• Obtain temperature within first hour of life
• Normal temperature range 36.5-37.5°C

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9.4. NEONATAL JAUNDICE

Definition: Yellow staining of the skin and mucous membranes due to

hyperbilirubinaemia.

Types of jaundice
-- Physiological jaundice
• Does not appear before 24hours after birth
• Rarely lasts more than 10 days in the full term infant and 14
days in the pre-term infant
• Only the unconjugated bilirubin fraction is increased
• Total peak serum bilirubin concentration is usually below 275

Hypocalcaemia
micromol/L in the term infant
• Total bilirubin concentration does not rise by more than 85
micromol/L/24 hours
• The baby thrives and shows no signs of illness or anaemia
treatment is unnecessary
-- Pathological jaundice
• Appears within the first 24 hours of birth but may also appear
at any other time after birth
• Persists for longer than 10 days in the full term infant or 14
days in the pre-term infant
• The unconjugated and/or conjugated fractions of bilirubin are
increased
• The conjugated bilirubin level exceeds 10% of the total
bilirubin value, or the conjugated bilirubin fraction is 30
micromol/L or more
• Total bilirubin concentration rises by more than 85
micromol/L/24 hours
• The total serum bilirubin level is above physiological level
• There are signs and symptoms of illness in the baby
• Stool is pale in conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (obstructive
jaundice)

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Signs and symptoms

-- Yellow color in the eyes and on skin on physical examination
-- Changes in muscle tone, seizures, or altered cry characteristics
-- Hepatosplenomegaly
-- Petechiae
-- Hemolytic anemia
-- Signs of Sepsis

Investigations
-- Measurement of Bilirubin level
-- Blood type and Rh determination in mother and infant
-- Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in the infant (direct Coombs test)
-- Hemoglobin and hematocrit values
-- Ultrasonography

Causes of Unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

Excessive haemolysis Defective conjugation

-- ABO incompatibility
-- Prematurity
-- Rhesus disease
-- Infection
-- Enclosed haemorrhages
-- Hypoxia
-- Polycythaemia
-- Hypoglycaemia
-- Infections
-- Hypothyroidism
-- Spherocytosis
-- Breast milk jaundice
-- G6PD deficiency

Management
Non-pharmaceutical
• Treat the underlying cause
• Monitor the infant’s body temperature
• Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration

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• Correct factors known to increase the risk of brain damage in

babies with jaundice. Examples:
ȘȘ Hypoxia
ȘȘ Prematurity
ȘȘ Hypoglycaemia
ȘȘ Hypothermia
ȘȘ Acidosis
ȘȘ Hypoalbuminaemia and haemolysis

Guideline for Initiating Phototherapy

Unconjugated
Body mass
bilirubin (micromol/L)

Hypocalcaemia
1 000 g or less 85–100
> 1 000–1 500 g > 100–150
> 1 500–2 000 g > 150–200
> 2 000–2 500 g > 200–250
> 2 500–3 000 g > 250–275
> 3 000 g with jaundice caused by
haemolysis
> 275
or an identifiable serious disease process,
e.g. sepsis)
300
> 3 000g without any identifiable cause for
jaundice
After exchange transfusion irrespective of body mass and unconjugated
bilirubin level

• Determine phototherapy when the unconjugated bilirubin

level is lower than the recommended phototherapy initiat-
ing level, and the cause of jaundice has been determined and
adequately addressed. The skin color of the baby receiving
phototherapy doe not reflect the degree of jaundice (bilirubin
blood level) or the efficacy of the phototherapy
• Undress the baby and cover the eyes with gauze pad

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• Position the phototherapy unit (fluorescent light bulbs of

400-500nm wavelength) not higher than 45 cm above the
baby, a rebound increase in bilirubin may follow termination
of phototherapy
• Monitor bilirubin levels ± 6 hours after phototherapy has
been stopped
• Exchange transfusion is indicated when the risk of bilirubin
encephalopathy and kernicterus is significant

Diagnosis
History of Rh incompatibility

At birth Cord unconjugated bilirubin level > 85 micromol/L

Cord haemoglobin level 10 g/dL or lower

Within 24 A rise in the serum unconjugated biliruin level
hours exceeding 20 micromol/L/hour despite phototherapy
Unconjugated
After 24 hours
bilirubin
Body mass
(micromol/L)
1 000 g or less 200

>1 000–1 500 g 250

>1 500–2 500 g 300

>2 500–3 000 g 340

> 3 000 g with jaundice

caused by haemolysis or 340

an identifiable serious
disease process, e.g. sepsis
> 3 000 g without any
425
identifiable cause of jaundice

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Management
Pharmaceutical
As soon as the diagnosis is confirmed

• Give Gammaglobulin, IV, 500 mg/kg over 1 hour, for ABO

incompatibility, repeat once after 6–8 hours
• Mothers of babies with Rh incompatibility as soon as possible
after birth but within 72 hours of birth
• Give anti D immunoglobulin, IM, 100 mcg

9.5. CONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA

Causes

Hypocalcaemia
-- Hepatocellular disease bile duct obstruction
-- Hepatitis
-- Total parenteral nutrition
-- Syphilis
-- Other congenital infections
-- Galactosaemia
-- Bile duct hypoplasia/atresia
-- Choledochal cyst
-- Cystic fibrosis

Signs and symptoms

-- Cholestasis in the second week of life or later
-- The baby has a green yellow skin discoloration, dark bile stained
urine and pale acholic stool
-- Hepatomegaly is commonly present
-- Infant often fails to thrive
-- Neonatal hepatitis
-- Prolonged total parenteral nutrition and biliary atresia or hypo-
plasia

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Management
Non -pharmaceutical
• Treat the underlying cause
• Dietary modifications to counteract the malabsorption of fat
and fat soluble vitamins (A,D,K) that may occur in patients
with a prolonged conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia
• Avoid lactose containing feeds, i.e. breast milk and lactose
containing formula, when galactosaemia is suspected
Pharmaceutical
• Fat soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K
Surgical
• Conditions amenable to surgery e.g. biliary artresia
• Hepatoporto-enterostomy for biliary atresia done before 60
days of age for optimal outcome

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9.6. PROLONGED NEONATAL JAUNDICE

Definition: Jaundice for more than 10 days in a term infant and 14 days in
a preterm infant (Static or rising bilirubin).

Causes
-- Breast milk jaundice
-- Hypothyroidism
-- Hepatitis
-- Galactosaemia, and
-- Infections, e.g. UTI’s
Note:

Hypocalcaemia
-- Breast milk jaundice may be confirmed by substituting breast
feeding with formula feeds for 24–8 hours
-- The bilirubin level will always drop to a lower level and increase
again when breastfeeding is resumed
-- Breast milk jaundice is an unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and
the infant is always well and thriving

Investigations
-- Hepatitis may be confirmed by abnormal liver function tests, i.e.
raised values of:
• AST
• ALT
• Alkaline phosphatase
• Bilirubin, mainly the conjugated fraction
• ɣ-GT

Management
Non - pharmaceutical
• Monitor bilirubin levels
• Treat the underlying cause

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 219

 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

• Dietary adjustment for prolonged conjugated hyperbilirubi-

naemia to neutralize the malabsorption of fat and fat soluble
vitamins (A,D, K)
• Avoid lactose containing feeds, i.e. breast milk and lactose
containing formulae, when galactosaemia is suspected
• Regular follow up until the underlying condition has been
resolved
Pharmaceutical
• Fat soluble vitamins, A, D and K

Recommendations
A patient with the following presentation should be referred for
specialist management

-- Pathological jaundice, unconjugated and/or conjugated, where the

underlying cause cannot be identified
-- Serum unconjugated bilirubin at exchange transfusion level
-- Jaundice, unconjugated and/or conjugated, not improving on
adequate treatment
-- Conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia due to conditions requiring
surgical intervention e.g. biliary atresia
-- Prolonged neonatal jaundice, excluding breast milk jaundice

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9.7. PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSIS (PDA) IN A

NEWBORN
Definition: This is the persistence of the normal fetal vessel that joins the
pulmonary artery to the aorta extra-uterine

Causes
-- Congenital
-- Prematurity
-- Pulmonary hypertension
-- Hypoxia
-- Sepsis
-- Fluid overload

Hypocalcaemia
-- Lung disease
-- Anaemia
-- Congenital cardiac abnormalities

Signs and symptoms

-- Depend on size of PDA
-- Systolic or continuous murmur at left sub clavicular area
-- Hyperactive precordium with easily palpable bounding peripheral
pulses

Complications
-- Cardiac failure
-- Systemic hypotension
-- Pulmonary haemorrhage

Investigations
-- Echocardiography

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Management
Non pharmaceutical
• Identify and treat underlying risk factors
• Restrict fluid intake to 80–120 mL/kg/24 hours
• Maintain haematocrit at ≥ 40% and Hb ≥ 13 g/dL
• Monitor cardiac function, renal function and urinary output
• Provide adequate nutrition
• Nurse in neutral thermal environment
Pharmaceutical
If cardiac failure, give diuretics

• Furosemide, IV/oral, 1 mg/kg/24 hours + Short term digoxin,

IV/oral, 0.005 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours
• Closure of PDA in preterm infant less than 14 days of age
with oral ibuprofen
ȘȘ First dose: 10 mg/kg followed by 2 additional doses after
24 hours
ȘȘ Additional doses: 5 mg/kg each 12–24 hours apart
Note: Contraindications to ibuprofen therapy include thrombo-
cytopenia (<50 000/mm3), bleeding disorders, impaired renal
function, and jaundice approaching exchange transfusion levels
Surgical
• If medicine treatment is contraindicated or failed

Recommendations
-- Refer patients to specialist if
• Complications, e.g. cardiac failure, pulmonary hemorrhage
• PDA which remained patent despite adequate treatment
• Term babies with symptomatic or persistent PDA

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9.8. NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

Definition: It is a syndrome characterized by abdominal distension, bilious

aspirates, bloody stool and intramural air (pneumatosis intestinalis) on
abdominal x-ray. There is inflammation of the bowel wall, which may prog-
ress to necrosis and perforation. It may involve a localized section of bowel
(most often the terminal ileum) or be generalized.

Risk factors
Pathogenesis is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified.
-- Prematurity: The main risk factor
-- Feeding
-- Rapid increase in enteral feeds

Hypocalcaemia
-- Formula feeds >breast milk
-- Hypertonic formula
-- Infection
-- Hypoxia–ischemia to the bowel

Signs and symptomes

Onset is at 1–2 weeks but may be up to several weeks of age, with:

-- Bilious aspirates/vomiting
-- Feeding intolerance
-- Bloody stool
-- Abdominal distension and tenderness, which may progress to
perforation
-- Features of sepsis
-- Temperature instability
• Jaundice
• Apnea and bradycardia
• Lethargy
• Hypoperfusion, shock

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

Diagnosis
-- Lab
• Raised acute-phase reactant (C-reactive protein, CRP or
procalcitonin)
• Thrombocytopenia
• Neutropenia, neutrophilia
• Anemia
• Blood culture positive
• Coagulation abnormalities
• Metabolic acidosis
• Hypoxia, hypercapnia
• Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia
• Increased BUN (blood urea)
• Hyperbilirubinemia
-- Radiologic abnormalities
• Dilated loops of bowel
• Thickened intestinal wall
• Inspissated stool (mottled appearance)
• Intramural air (pneumatosis intestinalis)
• Air in portal venous system
• Bowel periforation:
ȘȘ Gasless abdomen/ascites
ȘȘ Pneumoperitoneum
ȘȘ Air below diaphragm/around the falciform ligament

Complications
-- Peritoxnitis/perforation
• Abdominal tenderness
• Guarding

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

• Tense, discolored abdominal wall

• Abdominal wall edema
• Absent bowel sounds
• Abdominal mass

Management

Non Pharmaceutical

Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

-- Treatment
• Secure airway and breathing

Hypocalcaemia
ȘȘ Maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation
ȘȘ Abdominal distension may compromise breathing
• NPO (nil by mouth)
• Place large-bore naso/orogastric tube
ȘȘ Intestinal decompression, bowel rest
-- Circulation
• Establish vascular access
ȘȘ Infusion of fluids
• Give intravascular volume replacement (saline, blood, fresh
frozen plasma)
ȘȘ Treat hypoperfusion / hypovolemic shock
• correct metabolic acidosis
ȘȘ Improve organ and tissue perfusion
• Treat coagulopathy (fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryopre-
cipitate)
ȘȘ Avoid bleeding complications
• Avoid bleeding complications radiographic and laboratory
investigations
ȘȘ Necrotizing enterocolitis can worsen very quickly

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

Pharmaceutical
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
ȘȘ Gram-positive, negative and anaerobic coverage (Met-
ronidazole)

Surgical

• Indication: Bowel perforation or failure to resolve on medical

treatment
• Option: Laparotomy – resection of non-viable bowel and
anastomosis or ileostomy or anastomosis or ileostomy or
colostomy

9.9. ANEMIA IN A NEWBORN

Definition: Infants are born with a physiologic polycythemia due to relative

hypoxia in utero. Normal haemoglobin of the newborn is between 15 –18,
and normal hematocrit is 45 – 55 for neonate (conversion: haemoglobin
x3= hematocrit)

Causes
-- Anaemia and Jaundice
• Hemolysis
ȘȘ Immune (Rhesus or ABO incompatibility or other red cell
antibodies)
ȘȘ Enzyme (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency)
ȘȘ Red blood cell membrane defects ( spherocytosis)
ȘȘ Acquired (infection, disseminated intravascular coagu-
lopathy)
-- Anemia without jaundice
• Blood loss
ȘȘ Fetal ( Fetomaternal, twin-twin transfusion)

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

ȘȘ Obstetrical (placental abruption, placenta praevia, cord

accidents)
ȘȘ Neonatal (cephalohematoma, subgaleal hemorrhage, in-
tracranial hemorrhage, bleeding into abdominal organs)
ȘȘ Iatrogenic ( Blood sampling, accidental loss from an
arterial line)
• Diminished red blood cell production
ȘȘ Infection: Diamond Blackfan
ȘȘ Congenital: e.g. parvovirus

Clinical features of anemia

-- History
• Blood loss with Pallor

Hypocalcaemia
• Family history
ȘȘ Anemia, jaundice (Jaundice from hemolysis ), Spleno-
megaly from hemolytic disease.
• Obstetric history
ȘȘ Antepartum hemorrhage (Maternal blood type – rhesus
or other red cell antibodies potential for ABO incompat-
ibility (mother O, infant A or B)
• Ethnic origin
ȘȘ Hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency more com-
mon in certain ethnic groups
-- Examination
• Pallor
• Jaundice
• Apnea and bradycardia
• Tachycardia
• Heart murmur – systolic, flow murmur
• Respiratory distress
• Heart failure

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

• Hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly

• Inadequate weight gain from poor feeding

Investigations
-- Laboratory testing including
• Complete Blood Count
ȘȘ Reticulocyte count
ȘȘ Direct antiglobulin (DAT, Comb’s test)
ȘȘ Bilirubin level
ȘȘ Blood smear
ȘȘ Cranial ultrasound

Management
-- Blood transfusion
• Indications for red blood cell transfusion
ȘȘ Significant cardio respiratory distress
• Blood loss more rapid than ability for infant to generate red
blood cells (e.g. rapid bleeding, severe hemolysis)
• Severe anemia (hemoglobin <7) with poor reticulocytosis or
impaired infant growth (e.g. average of <10 gm/day) despite
adequate nutrition.

Transfusion Procedure

• Typical transfusion is 10ml/kg given over 3 to 4 hours.

• May need second transfusion (preferably from same donor) if
anemia not adequately corrected.

Volume of transfusion
• To calculate volume based on observed and desired hema-
tocrit, estimated blood volume of 80 ml/kg

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 Chapiter 9 : HYPOCALCAEMIA

Calculation: (desired hematocrit – observed hematocrit) x

weight x 80 ml Hematocrit of blood to be given (typically
60-90%)
NB. Whole blood should be given to correct the anemia of rapid
blood loss. If hematocrit is not available: give 10ml/kg and moni-
tor

Prevention: Infants at risk of iron deficiency should receive supplemental

oral iron (2-4 mg of elemental iron/kg/day) once they are tolerating full
enteral feeds. At risk infants include those who are premature and those
with substantial blood loss via bleeding or phlebotomy.

Hypocalcaemia

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230 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 APPENDIX

10. APPENDIX
Chart 1

Infant feeding guide: Term Baby

Term baby daily fluid/milk requirements
Age Total daily fluid/milk volume
Always use birth weight to
Day 0 60 ml/kg/day
Day 1 80 ml/kg/day
calculate fluid requirements
Day 2 100 ml/kg/day until baby weighs more than
Day 3 120 ml/kg/day birth weight
Day 4 140 ml/kg/day
Day 5 160 ml/kg/day Weigh baby 2-3 times per
Day 6 180 ml/kg/day week

For IVF from Day 1 use 2 parts 10% dextrose to 1 part Ringers Lactate e.g.200ml
10% D + 100ml RL.
If not able to give, use 10%D with Na+2-3 mmol/kg/day and K+ 1-2mmol/kg/day
Ensure sterility of iv fluids when mixing adding

Titrate iv fluids with milk feeds to keep total volume for appropriate day of life

IV fluid rate (ml/hr) for Sick Term newborns who cannot be fed
Weight (kg) 2.0- 2.2- 2.4- 2.6- 2.8- 3.0- 3.2- 3.4- 3.6- 3.8-
2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9
Day 0 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10
Day 1 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13
Day 2 9 10 10 11 11 13 14 15 15 16
Day 3 11 12 13 14 14 16 17 18 19 20

If clinically stable after 24 hours of iv fluids:

Consider starting feeds at 5 mls every 3 hours or try breast feed
After 24 hours, if tolerated give 10 mls every 3 hours or try breast feed
Increase milk volume as tolerated

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 231

 APPENDIX

Birth Weight < 1.0 kg (ELBW)

(Estimated as 0.9 kg for calculation)
DOL IV Fluid Total Fluid: IV+PO IV Enteral
ml/kg/day ml/kg/24hrs ml/24 hrs ml/kg/24hrs ml/3hrs
0 G10% 80 80 70 0 0
1 G10% 100 90 80 10 1
2 G10% 120 90 80 30 3
3 G10% 140 90 80 50 5
4 G10% 150 80 70 70 8
5 G10% 150 55 50 95 11
6 G10% 150 30 30 120 14
7 G10% 150 0 0 150 17(full)

232 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 APPENDIX

Infant Feeding Algorithm

Term baby Pre-term baby < 37/40

Unable to breast
Well feed? Well Clinically unstable
e.g. respiratory e.g respiratory
distress, asphyxia, distress, sepsis
severe sepsis
Give
Start IV fluids colostrum
Immediate Follow chart 1 /first milk
breast
feeding
Start IV fluids
Reassess after
Follow chart 2
24 hours
(Pre-term Baby)
Always use If clinically
birth weight stable start 5ml
to calculate every 3 hours or
fluid try breast feed Reassess after 24
requirements hours
until baby Reassess every 24
hours
weighs more Increase milk as
than birth Increase milk as
tolerated daily
weight Follow chart 2
tolerated daily
(Pre-term Baby)
Follow chart 1

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 233

 REFERENCES

11. REFERENCES
1. Hadjiloizou and Bourgeois: (2007) Antiepileptic drug treatment
in Children. Expert Rev Neurotherapeutics,. Updated to 2011.

2. Loddenkemper, T., & Goodkin, H. (2011). Treatment of Pedi-

atric Status Epilepticus. In H. S. Singer (Ed.), Pediatric Neu-
rology. In Current Treatment Options in Neurology. Springer
Science + Business Media. DOI 10.1007/s11940-011-0148-3

3. Miller, G. (2009) Clinical Features of Cerebral Palsy. In: UpTo-

Date., Patterson, MC (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.

4. Miller, G. Epidemiology and Etiology of Cerebral Palsy. In Up-

ToDate., Patterson, MC (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.

5. Miller, G., Management and Prognosis of Cerebral Palsy. In

UpToDate., Patterson, MC (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.

6. World Health Organization (2005). Pocket Book of Hospital

Care for Children. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press.

7. Wilfong, A., Management of status epilepticus in children. In

UpToDate., Nordii, D (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA.

8. Wilfong, A. Treatment of seizures and epileptic syndromes in

children. In UpToDate., Nordii, D (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham,
MA.

9. American diabetes association. (2007) Clinical practice recom-

mendations:. Diabetes care.2007 Updated 2010

10. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/801117-overview

11. Hume, Petz LD et al: (1996 ) Clinical Practice of Transfusion

Medicine (eds.) 3rd edition. Published by New York, Churchhill
Livingstone 1996: 705 – 732.

12. European Society of CardiologyL 2004) Guidelines on Preven-

tion, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis Execu-
tive Summary, European Heart Journal (2004) 25, 267–276

13. Gene Buhkman. (2011): The PIH guide to Chronic Care Inte-
gration for Endemic Communicable Diseases. Rwanda Edition

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14. GREGORY B. LUMA et al. (2006): Hypertension in Children

and Adolescents. American Family Physician. Volume 73,
Number 9

15. Brian W. McCrindle. (2010) Assessment and Management of

Hypertension in Children and Adolescent.

16. American Heart Association. Stroke, and Cardiovascular Sur-

gery and Anesthesia,. 2005;111:e394-e434

236 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES

 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

12. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

FIRST
No FAMILY NAME TITLE
NAME
1 Dr. Baribwira Cyprien Pediatrician
2 Dr Nuwagaba Charles Pediatrician
Pediatrician
3 Dr Mucumbitsi Alphonse
Cardiologist
4 Dr. Tuyisenge Lysine Pediatrician

5 Dr Habimana Hassan Ali Pediatrician

6 Dr Kalisa Richard Pediatrician

7 Dr Langer Daniel Pediatrician

8 Dr. Musime Stephen Pediatrician

9 Dr Muganga Narcisse Pediatrician
10 Dr Musafiri Aimable Pediatrician
11 Dr . Mwali Assumpta Pediatrician
12 Ndayambaje Théogène SIAPS/MSH
13 Dr Niyibizi Pretextate Pediatrician
14 Dr Ntigurirwa Placide Pediatrician
Pediatrician
15 Dr Rusingiza Emmanuel
Cardiologist
16 Dr BIRINDWA Philppe Pediatrician
17 Dr TWAGIRUMUGABE Théogène Anesthetist
QI/Technical
18 Dr Butare Richard
Advisor
19 Dr Ahabwe Moses Technical Advisor
Medical
20 Dr Tuyisenge Evelyn
Practioner
21 Mirimo Jean Pharmacist
QI/Senior
22 Atwine Joy
Technical Advisor

CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES 237

 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

QI/Technical
23 Dr Munyampundu Horatius
Advisor
24 Hitayezu Felix Pharmacist
25 Dr Tene Gilbert Pediatrician
Jean Marie
26 Dr Uwurukundo Pediatrician
Claude
27 Alexandra Vinograd PI Butaro
28 Prof Iraka Jwo Pediatrician
29 Mwesigye John Patrick PTF Coordinator
Dr Bangamwabo Medical
30 Clesh
Namwana practitioner
Organization
31 Kakana Laetttia Capacity
Specialist
QI/Technical
33 Dr Manzi Emmanuel
Advisor
34 Dr Buchana Titien Pediatrician
Public Health
35 Dr Nzeyimana Bonaventure
Facilities Expert
36 Furaha Viviane Pharmacist
Laboratory
37 Mutaganzwa Emmanuel
Technologist
38 Ndayambaje Théogène Pharmacist
39 Busumbigabo Albert Pharmacist

238 CLINICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES - PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES