Acute Illness Materials


about

 

These acute illness material are guidelines for healthcare professionals treating newborns and children at risk for serious metabolic defects, including urea cycle disordersfatty acid oxidation disorders, and organic acid disorders.  The materials were developed at Boston Children’s Hospital under the direction of Dr. Harvey Levy, Senior Physician in Medicine/Genetics and Dr. Jonathan Picker, Fragile X Program Director.

For each condition, the materials contain:

  • An introduction to the metabolic disorder

  • A description of the pathophysiology involved

  • Presentation of symptoms in the patient

  • Assessments needed for correct diagnosis

  • Detailed therapeutic strategies and potential side effects

  • A description of recovery in the patient

Metabolic crises in infants and children with inborn errors of metabolism are complex medical emergencies and must be treated as such to avoid death or serious brain injury. These materials are intended as guidelines only and should not be used for definitive treatment without metabolic consultation. It is essential to call or page the on-call genetics/metabolism fellow, or failing this, the on-call metabolic attending at your hospital or nearest pediatric tertiary care center, as rapidly as possible. Please read our Terms of Use.

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NOTE: The acute illness materials are currently undergoing review, and some of the materials may be temporarily unavailable until the review is complete.