[11] Health Problems of the Infant

Nutrition & Deficiencies

100

What is the AAP's recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding?

First 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for 1 year or longer. 

Rationale: Breast milk provides complete nutrition and immune protection.

200

Define macrominerals vs. microminerals

Macrominerals: >100mg/day (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl, S) 

Microminerals: <100mg/day (trace elements like iron, zinc)

300

At what age should solid foods be introduced?

4-6 months 

Before 4 months, infants cannot handle solid food safely

400

Which vitamin deficiency can lead to rickets in infants? 

Vitamin D deficiency

Lack of Vitamin D → poor bone mineralization, bowed legs.

500

Define Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

A set of nutrient reference values used to assess and plan dietary intake. 

Rationale: DRIs help standardize nutrition guidelines and prevent deficiencies. 

Malnutrition Disorder

100

Which malnutrition disorder is caused by protein deficiency with adequate calories?

Kwashiorkor 

Protein deficiency → edema, ascites, muscle wasting.

200

What malnutrition disorder is due to both protein and calorie deficiency?

Marasmus 

General malnutrition → sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, no edema. 

300

What does SAM stand for?

Severe Acute Malnutrition 

Includes kwashiorkor, marasmus, and mixed form. 

400

What is the most important complication of SAM to monitor for when reintroducing nutrition?

Refeeding Syndrome

Life-threatening electrolyte imbalance (esp. hypophosphatemia).

500

What are the three management goals for diarrhea in SAM?

Rehydration, antibiotics, and adequate nutrition (breastfeeding/ proper weaning)

Rationale: Prevents dehydration, secondary infections, and malnutrition.

Food Sensitivities & Allergies

100

Define Food Allergy vs. Food intolerance 

Food allergy: Immunological response 

Food Intolerance: Non-immune reproducible reaction

200

What are the most Common allergens in children?

Eggs, cow's milk, peanuts 

300

What is the emergency treatment for severe anaphylaxis in children?

Intramuscular Epinephrine 

400

Define Atopy

A hereditary tendency to develop allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis.

500

Name two GI manifestations of food allergies.

Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping 

Common site of allergic response

Failure to Thrive & Colic

100

Define Failure to Thrive (FTT) 

Weight <80% of expected or a drop of > 2 percentiles on the growth chart. 

200

Name one possible cause of FTT.

Inadequate intake, malabsorption (CF, Celiac), increased metabolism, or genetic/metabolic defects 

300

Define Colic using the "Rule of 3s"

Crying > 3hrs/day, >3 days/week, for >3 weeks in infants > 3 months.

400

What are the Primary goals of nutritional management In FTT?

1. correct deficiencies 

2. Provide catch-up calories 

3. restore body composition

4. Educate caregivers

500

Name two categories of colic

Overfeeding, swallowing excessive air, feeding too quickly, and household stress.

Colic: multifactorial and not due to "bad parenting"

Sleep, SIDS, & Safety

100

What does SIDS stand for?

Sudden Infant Death SYNDROME

200

Name two risk factors for SIDS

Maternal smoking, co-sleeping, prone sleeping, soft bedding, and prematurity.

300

Which sleeping position is recommended to reduce SIDS risk?

Supine (on the back)

400

What is Deformational Plagiocephaly and its cause?

Flattening of one side of the head due to prolonged positioning 

500

define BRUE (brief unresolved unexplained event)  

Sudden, frightening episode (apnea, color change, muscle tone change, gagging/choking) that resolves.