From the Guidelines
Type 1 diabetes and syncope are common pediatric conditions.
Common Conditions
- Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in youth 1
- Syncope is common in the pediatric population, with an estimated 30% to 50% of children experiencing at least 1 fainting episode by 18 years of age 1
Key Characteristics
- Type 1 diabetes requires consideration of unique aspects of care and management, such as changes in insulin sensitivity related to physical growth and sexual maturation, and neurological vulnerability to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in young children 1
- Syncope in pediatric population is often neurally mediated, accounting for 75% of cases, and can also be caused by psychogenic or unexplained factors 1
Management
- Diabetes self-management education and support, medical nutrition therapy, and psychosocial support are essential for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes 1
- Management of syncope in pediatric population involves interventions similar to those recommended for adults with similar conditions, such as LQTS, HCM, Wolff-Parkinson-White, Brugada, and ARVC 1
From the Research
Common Pediatric Conditions
- Respiratory distress, dehydration, anaphylaxis, seizures, and trauma are common pediatric emergencies encountered in office practice 2
- Pica is a common condition in childhood that is commonly missed, and it can lead to anemia and lead poisoning 3
- Skin conditions such as acne vulgaris, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema are common in the pediatric and adolescent population 4
- Upper respiratory tract infection, unspecified musculoskeletal pain, and gastroenteritis are common non-trauma related diagnoses in pediatric patients 5
- Common pediatric conditions of the lower limb include disorders affecting the hip, knee, and foot, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip and osteochondritis dissecans 6
Emergency Department Diagnoses
- Non-traumatic conditions are most prevalent in pediatric emergency departments, with upper respiratory tract infection, unspecified musculoskeletal pain, and gastroenteritis being the most common diagnoses 5
- Trauma-related conditions, such as fractures, wounds, and contusions, are also common in pediatric emergency departments 5
- Respiratory conditions, including bronchiolitis, asthma, and bronchitis, are the most common emergent diagnoses in pediatric patients 5
Management and Treatment
- Initial management of pediatric emergencies involves assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation, and providing relevant adequate support 2
- Treatment of common pediatric conditions, such as pica and skin conditions, depends on the underlying cause and may involve iron replacement therapy, antifungals, or topical corticosteroids 3, 4
- Recognition and prompt treatment of complications, such as gastrointestinal obstruction and lead poisoning, are crucial in managing common pediatric conditions 3