General paediatrics for paediatric surgeons

Abstract Children seen by paediatricians and paediatric surgeons present with an enormous range of symptoms, underlying conditions, and potential complications. A good history provides a solid foundation for the diagnostic process, and a period of observation may provide important information about the child’s behaviour. Some specific medical conditions are of particular relevance to the paediatric surgeon because they either coexist with surgical conditions and influence their management or frequently require surgical input or they may cause diagnostic confusion. These include Henoch–Schönlein purpura, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, meningococcal meningitis, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, and bleeding disorders. In addition, certain drugs such as steroids may require special attention.