Many skin findings in childhood are benign and self-limited conditions. Other dermatologic complaints may be the first manifestation of a systemic disease or associated condition, recognition of which facilitates appropriate evaluation and treatment. History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Procedures History…
Rashes ( Table 60.1 ) Papules and Pustules—Diffuse or Scattered Erythema toxicum is a benign condition that occurs in 30–70% of White full-term infants. Erythema toxicum occurs less frequently in premature infants. The eruption is characterized by blotchy, erythematous macules…
The presence of an acid–base or an electrolyte disorder may explain a patient’s symptoms or may lead to a specific diagnosis. Acid–Base Balance Normal acid–base balance is maintained by the lungs and kidneys. Carbon dioxide, a by-product of normal metabolism,…
Polyuria and Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence is a normal developmental stage. When present beyond a certain age defined by parental and societal expectations, it can cause concern and anxiety in the patient and family. Urinary incontinence can also be a…
Hypoglycemia, although rare in children beyond the newborn period, is an acute, life-threatening medical emergency that may result in seizures, permanent brain injury, or even sudden death. Hypoglycemia may represent a serious underlying disorder due to hormonal deficiencies, metabolic defects,…
Short stature (usually defined as height >2 standard deviations [SD] below the mean for age) and growth failure (a subnormal height velocity that leads to decline in growth percentiles, usually height velocity >1.5 SD below the mean for age) are…
Puberty is defined by both biologic and social standards. Puberty is the time when there is an increase in sex steroid production, resulting in physical changes such as breast development in females and testicular enlargement in males, as well as…
The immune system functions to prevent and impede the local establishment or systemic dissemination of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This highly complex system has to recognize the pathogen, initiate inflammation, and generate antibodies and T-cell responses with the goal…
The coexistence of fever and rash suggests a relatively wide spectrum of pathologic entities for diagnostic consideration. This spectrum includes local or systemic infection with a wide range of microbial pathogens; toxin-mediated disorders, including those associated with bacterial superantigen production;…
Fever is a common symptom associated with a range of infectious and noninfectious etiologies. Two-thirds of all children visit a physician for fever before they reach the age of 2 years. The appropriate evaluation for fever depends on age, duration…