Constipation
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Constipation is a common pediatric disorder, with studies citing a prevalence up to 30% with a median of 9% of children;1 however, in special patient populations…
PEDIATRICS
Dehydration
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Dehydration occurs when there is fluid loss in excess of intake. Although fluid losses can occur for different reasons, gastrointestinal losses are the most common. Dehydration…
Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy
PHYSIOLOGY OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTE REGULATION Print Section Listen DISTRIBUTION OF WATER, CATIONS, AND ANIONS Total body water is distributed as follows: two-thirds in the intracellular space and one-third in…
Disorders of Calcium Metabolism
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is required for proper functioning of numerous intracellular and extracellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve conduction,…
Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen The adrenal gland is responsible for producing two kinds of signaling molecules: steroid hormones, produced in the outer adrenal cortex, and catecholamines, generated in the adrenal…
Skin Disease in Immunosuppressed Hosts
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen A wide variety of cutaneous disorders may affect immunocompromised pediatric patients. Children can be immunocompromised due to an underlying malignancy, immunodeficiency, or secondary to immunosuppressive therapy….
Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Insulin is produced by beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin secretion is regulated by glucose influx into the beta cell, which…
Disorders of Thyroid Hormone
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Thyroid hormone has many effects on the human body. It plays an essential role in growth and development, thermogenesis, oxygen consumption, and the metabolism of carbohydrates,…
Disorders of Pituitary Function
BACKGROUND Print Section Listen The pituitary gland is comprised of two parts with distinct origins. The anterior pituitary is derived embryonically from Rathke’s pouch of oral ectoderm, while the posterior…
