Global Burden and Trends in Child Health The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) , also known as the child mortality rate , serves as a reliable gauge of child well-being. It measures the outcome of a country's health system and reflects…
Health and illness are not distributed equally among all members in most societies. Differences exist in risk factors, prevalence and incidence, manifestations, severity, and outcome of health conditions, as well as in the availability and quality of healthcare. When these…
Pediatrics is the only discipline dedicated to all aspects of the care and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents, including their health—their physical, mental, social, and psychological growth and development—and their ability to achieve full potential as adults. Pediatricians must…
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…