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Physical examination and child’s case record are crucial for the final diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the newborn child. The article describes the characteristics of the newborn regarding the gestational age and growth parameters and presents the physical examination which is based on the evaluation of vital signs, observation of the child (breathing, colour of the skin, mucosal membranes and … Preberite več >>

Necrotizing enterocolitis comprises ischemic and inflammatory bowel necrosis and occurs predominantly in premature neonates. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units. Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease: genetic predisposition, intestinal immaturity, ischemic episodes, infections, enteral feeding and bacterial translocation. The diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis is based on clinical examination, … Preberite več >>

Slovenia, unfortunately, ranks top in the European and world suicide rates. In the group of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years, there are 15–20 suicides a year. Suicides are extremely rare in childhood. In the majority of adolescents who committed suicide the decision was impulsive, although one could also find an undiagnosed and/or untreated psychiatric disorder in … Preberite več >>

The importance of hypertension lies in the fact that it represents one of the most significant risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is still the main cause of mortality in developed countries as well as in some parts of underdeveloped world. Since essential hypertension has its roots in childhood, its prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment also … Preberite več >>

This paper presents normal growth of children and adolescents and the etiology of short stature. Diagnostic approach to short stature and the possibilities of therapy are discussed.… Preberite več >>

Approximately 2,500 children in Slovenia have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when unprovoked seizures recur. The etiologies and natural courses of epilepsies are variable. Prognostically, epilepsies are divided into four major groups (benign, pharmacosensitive, pharmacodependent and pharmacoresistant). Epilepsies are most commonly treated with antiepileptic drugs. Prompt response to antiepileptic drugs is a good prognostic sign for remission, regardless of the etiology. … Preberite več >>

The author emphasizes the most frequently used clinical and functional contemporary approaches in diagnostics of neonatal seizures and presents all four newborn epilepsies which can already occur also in during this period. It includes all the drugs used and those mentioned in the current literature as successful remedies for refractory seizures. The lidocaine as well as benzodiazepine use is recommended … Preberite več >>

Among a large group of neonates with common gastrointestinal problems is a significant number that have serious surgical diagnoses. This article concentrates on a few of the most common that we encounter in our practice and discusses a few of the potentially devastating congenital anomalies that may appear in neonatal period. Our intent is to give a more in-depth discussion … Preberite več >>

Inborn errors of metabolism must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acutely ill newborn when there is no obvious alternative diagnosis. In addition to a thorough assessment of the medical history and clinical examination of the patient, the diagnosis requires specialised diagnostic testing, including biochemical and molecular tests. The basic diagnostic tests of blood (full blood counts, … Preberite več >>

Disorders of sex development are caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Their diagnosis is most frequently made either immediately after birth or in small children and adolescents. These disorders are manifested as ambiguous genitalia, a mismatch between anatomic structures of the internal and external genitals, sex chromosome abnormalities or disorders of gonadal development. The article first discusses normal gender … Preberite več >>