Paediatrics
Browse 190 topics in paediatrics, including presentations, diagnoses, procedures, tools, and exam links.
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Use the filters below to move between emergency clusters, core pathways, exam topics, procedures, and the most relevant clinical atlas pages.
Absence Seizures (Paediatric)
Absence seizures are generalized onset non-motor seizures characterized by sudden, brief lapses in consciousness (typically 5–20 seconds) without loss of postural tone. They are the hallmark of Childhood Absence...
Achondroplasia
While patients have normal intelligence and a near-normal life expectancy, the condition is associated with significant neurological and orthopaedic complications. The most critical period is infancy, where foramen...
Acute Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency worldwide, with a lifetime risk of 7-8% and an incidence of app... MRCS exam preparation.
Acute Appendicitis (Paediatric)
Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children, affecting approximately 1-8% of children presenting with acute abdominal pain to the emergency department. It has a peak incidence between 10-12...
Acute Bronchiolitis - Paediatric
Bronchiolitis is an acute viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, primarily affecting infants aged 2-12 months. ... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Acute Dehydration - Paediatric
Acute dehydration in children represents a deficit in total body water resulting from fluid losses exceeding intake. It ... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
ADEM is predominantly a disease of childhood (median age 5–8 years). The primary clinical challenge is differentiating it from the first presentation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or MOG Antibody-Associated Disease...
Acute Epiglottitis
Management is defined by a fundamental safety principle: Secure the Airway First . Any intervention that disturbs the child—including throat examination, venipuncture, or radiological investigation—can precipitate...
Acute Epiglottitis
Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening inflammatory condition of the epiglottis and supraglottic structures that can p... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Acute Kidney Injury in Children
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in children represents a sudden decline in kidney function characterised by rising serum creat... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Acute Nephritic Syndrome
Acute Nephritic Syndrome is a clinical constellation resulting from inflammatory injury to the glomerulus. It is charact... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Osteomyelitis (Paediatric)
Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis (AHO) is a bacterial infection of the bone marrow, primarily affecting the rapidly growing metaphyses of long bones in children. It represents one of the most important paediatric...
Acute Otitis Media (Child)
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is an acute bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear , representing one of the most common childhood infections and the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in children ....
Acute Respiratory Distress - Paediatric
Acute respiratory distress in children represents increased work of breathing or inadequate ventilation resulting from a... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Acute Rheumatic Fever
Key Facts Definition : Post-infectious inflammatory syndrome following Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, affecting heart, joints, brain, and skin Global Incidence : 8-51 per 100,000 in developing countries; 1-3 per...
Acute Sepsis - Paediatric
Sepsis in children is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Anaesthesia for Pyloric Stenosis
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a medical emergency requiring correction of hypochloraemic hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis BEFORE surgery - it is NOT a surgical emergency. Presentation is typically...
Anaesthesia for Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy presents unique anaesthetic challenges due to the shared airway with the surgeon, risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) , and frequent paediatric population. Key considerations include:
Angelman Syndrome
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Asthma - Paediatric
Acute paediatric asthma is a reversible obstructive airway disease characterised by bronchospasm, airway inflammation, a... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Ataxia Telangiectasia
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic muta... MRCP, MRCPCH, FRACP exam preparation
Atopic Eczema
The underlying pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of epidermal barrier dysfunction (commonly associated with filaggrin mutations), type 2 immune dysregulation (Th2-predominant response with IL-4, IL-13,...
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The global prevalence has increased substantially over recent decades to approximately 1 in 36 to 1 in 100 children , likely reflecting improved awareness, broadened diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), and enhanced...
Bacterial Meningitis - Paediatric
Never delay antibiotics for lumbar puncture - Draw blood cultures, give antibiotics, then perform LP if safe... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary Viva exam
Bartter's and Gitelman's Syndromes
These conditions are distinguished by their site of tubular dysfunction: Bartter's syndrome affects the thick ascending limb of the Loop of Henle (mimics loop diuretics such as furosemide) Gitelman's syndrome affects...
Biliary Atresia
The hallmark presentation is conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia with persistent jaundice beyond the physiological neonatal period, accompanied by acholic (pale) stools and dark urine. Early diagnosis is critical because...
Both Bone Forearm Fracture (Paediatric)
Both bone forearm fractures (BBFF) represent one of the most common fracture patterns in the paediatric population, acco... FRCS Orth exam preparation.
Bronchiolitis in Children
Evidence-based diagnosis and management of acute viral bronchiolitis in infants and young children
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), also known as Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity (CLD), is the most common serious re... MRCPCH, DCH exam preparation.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture, attributed to non-progressive ... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Cervical Lymphadenopathy in Children
Cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the most common clinical presentations in paediatric practice, representing a diagnos... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Chiari Malformations
The classification encompasses four types, though Type I and Type II account for the vast majority of clinical presentations:
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious primary infection caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the ... MRCPCH, RCPCH Progress Test exam pre
Childhood Asthma
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to diagnosis, acute exacerbation management, and chronic stepwise therapy in paediatric asthma
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CLP) represents the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly, arising from failure of fusion of the facial prominences during embryogenesis between weeks 4-12 of gestation. The defect...
Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), represents one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal deformities, affecting approximately 1-2 per 1,000 live births worldwide. The deformity comprises four...
Coarctation of the Aorta
CoA accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart disease with an incidence of approximately 4 per 10,000 live births. The condition represents a paradigm of duct-dependent physiology in severe cases: neonates may appear...
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
21-Hydroxylase Deficiency (21-OHD) accounts for 95% of all CAH cases and is the most common cause of: Ambiguous genitalia in genetic females (46,XX) Life-threatening salt-wasting crisis in neonates Primary adrenal...
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a major neonatal surgical emergency characterized by a developmental defect in ... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
CDH is a developmental defect where abdominal contents herniate into the thorax through a defect in the diaphragm, causing pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Key anaesthetic principles:
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent mucous membrane that covers the white of the... MRCP exam preparation.
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to croup in children: diagnosis, Westley score, dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine management for MRCPCH and emergency medicine
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Answer: Croup is acute viral laryngotracheobronchitis causing subglottic airway oedema in children aged 6 months to 3 years. Classic triad: barking seal cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness. Severity assessed using...
Cystic Fibrosis in Children
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting autosomal recessive disorder affecting Caucasian populations, with... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (Child)
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) represents a spectrum of abnormalities affecting the developing hip joint, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia through subluxation to complete dislocation of the femoral...
Diabetic Emergencies in Children
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to diagnosis and management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia in pediatric patients
DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome)
DiGeorge Syndrome, now more accurately termed 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS), is the most common chromosomal microd... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Diphtheria
The diphtheria exotoxin is absorbed systemically and causes serious complications including myocarditis (Heart failure, Arrhythmias, Complete Heart Block) and neuropathy (Cranial nerve and peripheral nerve paralysis)....
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal chromosomal abnormality and the leading genetic cause of intellectual di... MRCPCH, USMLE exam preparation.
Drowning
Key Facts Definition : Respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid (WHO 2002) Global burden : 236,000 deaths annually; 90% in low- and middle-income countries Primary injury mechanism : Hypoxia from...
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
The condition carries a grave prognosis, with an estimated 50-95% of affected fetuses dying in utero, and median survival of liveborn infants ranging from 3-15 days depending on the study population. However, the...
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of hereditary connective tissue ... MRCPCH, FRACP exam preparation.
Ewing's Sarcoma
Histologically, Ewing's sarcoma belongs to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) , characterized as a "small round blue cell tumour" with a pathognomonic molecular signature: the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene resulting...
Exomphalos (Omphalocele)
Exomphalos (also known as omphalocele) is a congenital anterior abdominal wall defect in which abdominal contents (bowel, liver, spleen, and occasionally other organs) herniate through the umbilical ring and are...
Factitious Disorder (Munchausen Syndrome)
Factitious Disorder is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by the intentional production, feigning, or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms with the primary motivation being to assume the "sick...
Febrile Convulsion (Febrile Seizure) in Children
Febrile convulsions are seizures occurring in children aged 6 months to 5 years, associated with fever (temperature ≥38°... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Febrile Seizures in Children
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to diagnosis, classification, investigation, and management of febrile seizures in the paediatric population
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
FASD represents the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability in the developed world. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy — the safest approach is complete abstinence. The...
Foreign Body Airway Obstruction - Paediatric
Immediate Action : If conscious with ineffective cough → Call for help, 5 back blows, 5 chest thrusts (infants: chest thrusts only, no abdominal thrusts). If unconscious → Start CPR, check mouth for visible object...
Foreign Body Aspiration - Acute Upper Airway Obstruction and Bronchoscopy
Foreign body aspiration is the inhalation of objects into the airway, most commonly affecting children aged 1-3 years (peak incidence). It is a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention....
Foreign Body Nasal - Paediatric
Nasal foreign bodies are common paediatric emergencies, peaking at 2-5 years. Immediate airway assessment is critical, e... ACEM Fellowship Written, ACEM Fellow
Fragile X Syndrome (Child)
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the Most Common Inherited Cause of Intellectual Disability and the Most Common Single-Gene Cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . It is an X-Linked Dominant Disorder caused by a CGG...
Freiberg Infraction
Key Facts The Victim : The classic patient is a 14-year-old female athlete (dancer, gymnast, or runner) presenting with insidious onset forefoot pain. The Site : Second metatarsal head in 68% of cases, third...
Gastroschisis
Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect characterised by herniation of abdominal viscera through a full-thic... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Greenstick Fracture in Children
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture of long bones unique to the paediatric skeleton, characterized by cortical breach on the tension (convex) side while the compression (concave) side remains intact. The...
Growth Failure (Short Stature)
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to evaluation and management of growth failure in children, covering auxological assessment, differential diagnosis, investigation protocols, and growth hormone therapy indications...
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS)
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by the classic triad of:... MRCPCH exam preparation.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Child)
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness predominantly affecting children under 5 years of age , characterised by the classical triad of painful oral ulcers , vesicular rash on hands...
Head Lice (Paediatric)
Head lice infestation (Pediculosis Capitis) is caused by Pediculus humanus capitis , a small obligate ectoparasitic insect that lives exclusively on the human scalp and feeds on blood. Head lice are extremely common...
Headache in Children
Headache is one of the most common neurological complaints in childhood, affecting up to 75% of children by age 15 years. While parental anxiety frequently centres on the possibility of brain tumours, more than 90% of...
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis)
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), now formally known as IgA Vasculitis (IgAV) , is the most common systemic vasculitis in children , with an incidence of 10-20 per 100,000 children per year. It is a small vessel...
Hirschsprung's Disease
A comprehensive, evidence-based guide to Hirschsprung's Disease covering molecular genetics (RET proto-oncogene), neural crest migration failure, diagnostic approaches including rectal suction biopsy and anorectal...
Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Examination demonstrating 'olive' mass and gastric peristaltic waves... ACEM Fellowship Written, ACEM Fellowship OSCE exam preparation.
Hypospadias
A comprehensive guide to Hypospadias, covering the classic triad, classification, surgical repair (TIP/Snodgrass urethroplasty), and the 'double diaper' post-operative care technique.
Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE represents the leading cause of acquired neonatal brain injury worldwide, accounting for 23% of the estimated 2.5 million global neonatal deaths annually and affecting 1-3 per 1000 live births in high-income...
IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura)
IgA Vasculitis (IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), is the most common systemic vasculitis in childhood, with an annual incidence of 10-20 per 100,000 children. It is an immune-complex mediated...
Impetigo (Child)
Impetigo is a highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection that represents the most common bacterial skin infection in children worldwide , with peak incidence in 2-5 year olds . The condition is...
Infantile Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)
Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (ISD), commonly known as "cradle cap," is a benign, self-limiting inflammatory skin condition affecting infants primarily in the first 3 months of life. It presents characteristically...
Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)
Infantile Spasms (IS), also known as West Syndrome or Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS) , is a severe age-specific epileptic encephalopathy predominantly affecting infants between 3-12 months of age . It...
Intraventricular Haemorrhage (Neonatal)
Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH), also termed Germinal Matrix Haemorrhage-Intraventricular Haemorrhage (GMH-IVH), repr... MRCPCH exam preparation.