Episode 196: The Critically Ill Infant

We discuss an approach to the critically ill infant.

Hosts:
Ellen Duncan, MD, PhD
Brian Gilberti, MD

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Show Notes

The Critically Ill Infant: THE MISFITS

Trauma

• ‘T’ in the mnemonic stands for trauma, which includes both accidental and intentional causes.
• Considerations for Non-accidental Trauma:
  • Stresses the importance of considering non-accidental trauma, especially given that it may not always present with obvious external signs.
• Anatomical Vulnerabilities:
  • Highlights specific anatomical considerations for infants who suffer from trauma:
    • Infants have proportionally larger heads, increasing their susceptibility to high cervical spine (c-spine) injuries.
    • Their liver and spleen are less protected, making abdominal injuries potentially more severe.

Heart

• 5 T’s of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: Introduces a mnemonic to help remember key right-sided ductal-dependent lesions:
  • Truncus Arteriosus: Single vessel serving as both pulmonary and systemic outflow tract.
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries: The pulmonary artery and aorta are switched, leading to improper circulation.
  • Tricuspid Atresia: Absence of the tricuspid valve, leading to inadequate development of the right ventricle and pulmonary circulation issues.