Pediatric Pathology I

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of congenital malformations have an unknown cause?

60-70%

20-30%

10-20%

40-60% (correct)

Which option best describes teratogens?

Infections transmitted from the mother to the fetus

Genetic mutations that lead to malformations

Substances or agents that can induce birth defects (correct)

Environmental agents that always cause birth defects

How do perinatal infections primarily manifest when transmitted transplacentally?

Fever and hepatosplenomegaly (correct)

Anemia and low birth weight

Growth retardation and brain development issues

Chorioamnionitis and funisitis

What factor contributes to children being more susceptible to infections compared to adults?

Children do not have the full complement of antibodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight classification for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW)?

Below 1,500 grams Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common source of perinatal infections?

Maternal smoking during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a malformation?

A structural defect resulting from multifactorial origins. Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of development are congenital anomalies usually identified?

During the embryonic period. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is primarily associated with immune hydrops?

Antibody-induced hemolytic disease Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a deformation from a malformation?

Deformations are a result of extrinsic forces on normally developed structures. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered a common cause of congenital malformations?

Intrauterine exposure to teratogens Signup and view all the answers

When are intrauterine insults most harmful to developing fetuses?

During the first trimester. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical manifestation period for malformations due to teratogenic exposure?

Depends on the stage of gestation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key differences between pediatric and adult tumors?

The types of tumors differ significantly between children and adults. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of respiratory distress syndrome in infants?

It presents with difficulty in breathing immediately after birth. Signup and view all the answers

Which pathogen is commonly associated with perinatal infections?

HIV Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pediatric Pathology Overview

Children exhibit distinct anatomical and physiological characteristics, impacting disease presentation compared to adults.
Immune systems in children are less efficient, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
Children have a different range of tumors compared to adults.

Congenital Anomalies

Malformation: Inherent abnormalities during the embryonic period (e.g., cleft lip), often multifactorial with genetic and environmental influences.
Deformation: Extrinsic forces affecting normally developing structures, often due to restricted fetal movement during the fetal period.
Disruption: Damage to a developing structure caused by destructive forces like amniotic bands, occurring during or after the fetal period.
Approximately 3% of infants are born with a significant malformation.

Causes of Congenital Malformations

Unknown causes account for 40-60% of cases.
Genetic factors often involve chromosomal abnormalities, typically non-hereditary.
Environmental influences include teratogens and infections.
Multifactorial origins, combining genetic and environmental factors.

Teratogens

Teratogens are agents that induce birth defects; examples include alcohol, thalidomide, and isotretinoin.
About 1% of malformations can be attributed to teratogenic exposures.
The timing of exposure during gestation influences the type and severity of malformations:
- Embryonic stage: Most susceptible, impacts organogenesis.
- Fetal stage: Affects growth retardation and brain development.

Perinatal Infections

Severity of perinatal infections is influenced by timing of the infection during gestation.
Two modes of transmission:
- Ascending (Transcervical): Bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus agalactiae), leading to chorioamnionitis and neonatal pneumonia.
- Transplacental: Hematogenous spread from mother, encompassing infections like Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, CMV, herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis.
Symptoms of transplacental infections can include fever, hepatosplenomegaly, chorioretinitis, pneumonia, cerebral calcifications, and developmental impairments.

Birth Weight Classifications

Normal birth weight: Greater than 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs).
Low birth weight (LBW): Less than or equal to 2,500 grams.
Very low birth weight (VLBW): Less than 1,500 grams (3.3 lbs).

Prematurity and Associated Conditions

Prematurity: Defined as birth occurring before term, which can lead to fetal edema due to inadequate oxygen supply.
Hydrops categories:
- Immune Hydrops: Result of antibody-induced hemolytic disease in newborns.
- Nonimmune Hydrops: The most common form, caused by other factors.

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Description

This quiz explores the critical differences in pathophysiology between children and adults, particularly regarding susceptibility to infections. Participants will also delve into congenital problems, their identifiable etiologies, and common causative factors. Get ready to test your understanding of pediatric diseases!