Any paediatric drs? I’m beside myself in hospital with 2 yo

[Worriedmummy1244]

My DD 2.5 suddenly started spiking temps and rigors and hallucinations on Sunday night plus 1 vomit. Respiratory rate was very high and extremely lethargic so took her to GP and she sent us to hospital, we were admitted. She’s been on Iv ceftriaxone, she had iv fluids first night but then she’s managed to drink 600mls so they said she didn’t need it. She hasn’t eaten anything since Sunday

Shes constantly spiking temps, very upset lethargic. Calpol is not bringing down temps. Sometimes neurofen does.

Her CRP was 113 and now 163, they didn’t manage to do a blood gas. First FBC clotted so we only have yesterday’s, WCC 19.9 Hb 96. Heart rate is consistently 150+

no other symptoms, no one else is ill. CXR normal. Urine dip ok. We are swaying viral swabs

I feel we are missing something. She’s been on IVABs for 3 days now and we are seeing no improvement, no one knows why she’s unwell

I want a second opinion - what would you advise

That sounds really worrying - I'm so sorry OP have they done a formal sepsis screening? Are they repeating all the bloods? Meningitis?

Do you feel that the care team are not listening to you, or not taking it seriously, or are just at a loss?

There is Martha's Rule you can invoke to have an independent review quickly if you feel she's getting worse and nobody's taking it seriously. I'm not quite sure how it works but something to consider?

You can absolutely ask for a second opinion. It may be that they need to try a different antibiotic or a combination of 2. Ask for today’s Dr to review everything from the beginning and see how that goes then ask for a 2nd opinion. Next time he spikes a temp ask for ibuprofen to be given first before paracetamol as it seems to have a better effect.

Oh no I’m so sorry she’s so poorly.

i would be asking for a second opinion.

Has she had a lumbar puncture? That seems to be the part of a full septic work up that’s missing from your post. Do you know if the raised white count was mostly neutrophils (more commonly bacterial ) or lymphocytes (more often viral)? I presume no wonky joints/painful limbs to suggest septic arthritis? Have they discussed with microbiology?

As per Martha’s Law you can ask and get a second opinion on your child in an NHS hospital.
Has your child had a spinal fluid sample taken (lumbar puncture) as part of their septic screen?
hope they get better soon.

I’m sorry she’s so unwell, have you managed to get a second opinion?

She needs reviewing by outreach/critical care outreach whatever they have available at the hospital. Are you in a city hospital lots of experienced staff? If someone didn't manage to do a blood gas then they need to page an anaesthetist who will.

3 days with no improvement and a worse crp needs immediate review. Best of luck op, so worrying for you