A 7-month-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his 19-year-old mother because of a cold. His weig…

Question

A 7-month-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his 19-year-old mother because of a cold. His weight has crossed from the 50th percentile at 4 months to the 3rd percentile today; his length is on the 25th and his head circumference on the 50th percentile. He is alert and interactive, afebrile, with a clear runny nose, reduced subcutaneous fat over the buttocks and thighs, no organomegaly and no dysmorphic features. His mother separated from her partner three months ago, says she has…

Accepted Answer

Observe a feed and take a feeding history.

Answer

Admit for nasogastric feeding and weighing.

Answer

Arrange coeliac serology, iron studies and faecal elastase.

Answer

Refer to a community paediatric dietitian.

Answer

Send urine for microscopy and culture.

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