What is the diagnosis for a 7-year-old child presenting with vomiting, proteinuria (Urinalysis (UA) positive for protein) and impaired renal concentration (Specific Gravity (SG) 1.005)?

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Differential Diagnosis for 7-year-old with Vomiting, UA Positive for Protein, and SG 1.005

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Acute gastroenteritis: This is a common condition in children, often presenting with vomiting. The presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) could be transient due to dehydration or vomiting, and a specific gravity (SG) of 1.005 indicates diluted urine, which might be seen in the context of increased fluid intake or vomiting.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Dehydration: Although dehydration itself is not a diagnosis, it's a likely condition given the symptoms. The diluted urine could indicate an attempt by the body to conserve water, and vomiting would exacerbate dehydration.
    • Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs can cause vomiting and proteinuria. However, the SG of 1.005 might not directly correlate with a typical UTI presentation unless the child is also dehydrated.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Although less common, DKA can present with vomiting and would be a critical diagnosis not to miss. Proteinuria can occur, and the SG of urine might be variable depending on the hydration status and the presence of ketones.
    • Acute kidney injury (AKI): This could be a consequence of severe dehydration or another underlying condition. AKI would explain the proteinuria and potentially the SG of the urine, depending on the kidney's ability to concentrate urine.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Nephrotic syndrome: This condition is characterized by significant proteinuria, but it's less likely given the acute presentation with vomiting. However, it's a diagnosis that would need consideration if proteinuria persists.
    • Other renal diseases (e.g., acute glomerulonephritis): These conditions could present with proteinuria and potentially vomiting if associated with significant dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. They are less common but important to consider in the differential diagnosis.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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