Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic, systemic, immune-mediated condition that develops as a serious complication of rheumatic fever (RF), often following recurrent episodes of acute illness. It is the most significant consequence of acute rheumatic…
Cervical incompetence Cervical incompetence is the inability of the cervix to hold closed during pregnancy. When there is incompetence, the cervix spontaneously opens up leading to spontaneous expulsion of the fetus. Cervical incompetence leads to recurrent preterm birth or second…
Overview Large for gestational age (LGA) refers to a neonate born with a birth weight exceeding 90th centile for gestational age. Risk factors Complications Treatment is according to complications met.
Overview Small for gestational age (SGA) is when a neonate is born weighing less than is expected for their gestational age and is defined as having a birth weight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. Classification of SGA Classification Description Symmetrical…
Overview Birth before 37 completed weeks gestation. Classification of prematurity Predisposing Factors Clinical Presentation Gestational age is best approximated using the New Ballard Score. Complications Management Antenatal care Immediate post-natal care If the baby is large premature (> 2 kg) with no…
Laryngomalacia is caused by an immature, constricted larynx with poor structural support and/or tone. The weak and immature cartilages of the infant collapse on inspiration causing the noisy breathing characteristic of this condition. It is the most common congenital laryngeal…
Overview Stridor is a high pitched monophonic sound produced by irregular flow of air through a narrowed passage. It points to significant airway obstruction. It can generally be classified as inspiratory, expiratory or biphasic depending on the phase of respiration…
Adenoids Adenoids, also referred to as the nasopharyngeal tonsil, are pyramidal-shaped structures with the apex of the pyramid pointing towards the nasal septum and the base situated at the junction of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx. It…
Palatine Tonsils The palatine tonsils are part of the Waldeyer ring which is an annular arrangement of lymphoid tissue in the subepithelial layer of the pharynx. Other lymphoid aggregates that are part of the Waldeyer ring include the include: There…