Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural abnormalities of the heart and intrathoracic great vessels that arise during fetal development. CHDs are the most common congenital disorders, and the most common cause of death in children with congenital malformations. They occur…
Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital disorder characterised by the absence of ganglion cells (aganglionosis) in the Meissner and Auerbach plexus of a segment of the distal colon. This is thought to be due to the failure of neural crest cell…
An imperforate anus is a congenital condition where the normal anal opening is absent. It is often associated with abnormal pelvic muscles, sphincters, and innervation. It may include fistulas opening into the vaginal vault or perineum, colourethral fistulas, or a…
Oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are congenital anomalies, occurring during the 4th week of gestation due to failure of foregut separation into trachea and oesophagus. An oesophageal atresia is a blind-ending oesophagus, while a tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection…
A 17-year-old male with newly diagnosed Burkitt lymphoma is admitted for induction chemotherapy. Two days after starting treatment, he develops nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and confusion. Vitals show tachycardia and mild hypotension. His laboratory results: K⁺ 6.2 mmol/L, phosphate 2.3…
Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis can be acquired when neonates pass through the birth canal.
All mothers should be screened for HBsAg as part of routine antenatal care. 95% of HBV transmissions occur during delivery. Hepatitis B is not a contraindication to breastfeeding.
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is acquired from a mother who is carrying GBS in her vaginal flora, without circulating anti-GBS IgG. The neonate will not have passive immunity against GBS once they are exposed in the birth canal. The sequelae…
Congenital varicella is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is acquired from a mother who contracts the virus for the first time during pregnancy. The time in pregnancy during which the mother contracts VZV has important implications. Primary…
Congenital HSV is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is acquired from a mother with active genital herpes lesions, particularly if there are experiencing their first herpes outbreak during pregnancy, since antibodies will not be sufficiently transferred to…