Paediatric cardiology: Difference between revisions

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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
In paediatrics, cardiology is very different from [[adult cardiology|cardiology]]. In adults, its generally an old age acquired problem, due to [[atherosclerosis]] and the like; in kids it is mostly congenital. Apart from rheumatic heart disease, everything you will see will be congenital heart malformations.
In paediatrics, cardiology is very different from [[cardiology|adult cardiology]]. [[image:kidart.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Rubbish art like this is often seen on children's wards. Apparently it makes children recover from having a quadruple bypass more quickly. If so, there should be dramatically reduced fatalies in the area around the Tate Modern. If the effect on health is proportional to the rubbishness of the art, there are probably miraculous healings near Tracy Emin's house!]] In adults, its generally an old age acquired problem, due to [[atherosclerosis]] and the like; in kids it is mostly congenital. Apart from rheumatic heart disease, everything you will see will be congenital heart malformations.
 
Haematology is much smaller and is only included just in case.


==Cardiology==
==Cardiology==
The functioning of the heart changes rapidly at the point of [[birth]]. This happens due to the [[foramen ovale|closing of the foramen ovale]], which is an important pyhsiological stage to check out. Along with the problems there can be with this process, it is worth reading about congenital heart problems. There are two types: cyanotic and non-cyanotic.
The functioning of the heart changes rapidly at the point of [[birth]]. This happens due to the [[foramen ovale|closing of the foramen ovale]], which is an important pyhsiological stage to check out. The [[ductus arteriosus]] also closes early in life, which combined with the above completes the change of the baby's circulation from the [[foetal circulation]]. Along with the problems there can be with this process, it is worth reading about [[congenital heart defects]], such as Ventricular Septal Defects and the Tetralogy of Fallot.
===Non cyanotic===
This is the type of disorder that, although causes difficulties, doesn't affect the blood oxygen level. They are more common, because they are less serious for the patient.
====Ventricular septal defect====
====Patent ductus arteriosus====
Again, the ductus arteriosis can fail to close. This is more serious however, since the higher pressure in the aorta than the pulmonary artery means that there is a left-to-right shunt, and the child can suffer from laboured breathing and failure to thrive. There is also an high possibility of congestive heart failure if the patent duct is not closed surgically.
 
More more on the [[ductus arteriosus]], check [[ductus arteriosus|this page]]
 
====Pulmonary stenosis====
====Atrial septal defect====
====Coarctation of the aorta====
====Aortic stenosis====


===Cyanotic===
The other key aspect of paediatric cardiology is recognising when an infant is in heart failure, and treating it. This is covered in the page on [[paediatric heart failure]].
In these disorders, the flow of blood round the heart is so messed up that oxygenated blood is not perfused through the body properly, hence the kids can look blue, or be centrally cyanosed.
====Tetralogy of Fallot====
====Transposition of the great arteries====


==Haematology==
==Haematology==
There is one main area in paediatric haemotoloy. It is a common red flag - [[paediatric anaemia|anaemia]]. There are many causes for this in the young, and it can be an important marker for [[haemolysis]]. It can also be caused by [[paediatric bleeding disorders|bleeding]], which in adults can be from cancer, but in children it is much more commonly due to [[bleeding disorders]], such as [[haemophilia]].

Latest revision as of 17:28, 8 September 2008

Introduction

In paediatrics, cardiology is very different from adult cardiology.

Rubbish art like this is often seen on children's wards. Apparently it makes children recover from having a quadruple bypass more quickly. If so, there should be dramatically reduced fatalies in the area around the Tate Modern. If the effect on health is proportional to the rubbishness of the art, there are probably miraculous healings near Tracy Emin's house!

In adults, its generally an old age acquired problem, due to atherosclerosis and the like; in kids it is mostly congenital. Apart from rheumatic heart disease, everything you will see will be congenital heart malformations.

Cardiology

The functioning of the heart changes rapidly at the point of birth. This happens due to the closing of the foramen ovale, which is an important pyhsiological stage to check out. The ductus arteriosus also closes early in life, which combined with the above completes the change of the baby's circulation from the foetal circulation. Along with the problems there can be with this process, it is worth reading about congenital heart defects, such as Ventricular Septal Defects and the Tetralogy of Fallot.

The other key aspect of paediatric cardiology is recognising when an infant is in heart failure, and treating it. This is covered in the page on paediatric heart failure.

Haematology

There is one main area in paediatric haemotoloy. It is a common red flag - anaemia. There are many causes for this in the young, and it can be an important marker for haemolysis. It can also be caused by bleeding, which in adults can be from cancer, but in children it is much more commonly due to bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia.

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