3 yr old (fevers, hunger, sweats, leg pain)

[pietiangel]

My daughter is 3 and she has alot of health issues that everyone seems to brush off and I think there is something going on. She has had urinary tract infections since she was 4 months old, hungry all of the time, craves sour and salty stuff, very pale, complains that she has severe pain in front shin area all of the time and cries, short stature, and sweats alot. She seems to stay sick all of the time. Just recently she was hospitalized overnight for 105 fever and headache. They did a spinal tap to check her for Meningitis, but it was clear. They did a viral panel and blood culture which were all clear. They said that they had no idea what it was and it disappeared as fast as it came. I was just referred to an endocrinologist yesterday because finally after 3 years I have had hormonal testing done and it shows that I have such low levels of every hormone in my body that it could explain all of my symptoms. I was wondering if she could also have some kind of problem that she needs to see an endocrinologist about. All of my problems started 3 months after she was born and I have yet to receive a diagnosis for myself. I am worried about my little girl because she is just so sickly all of the time, yet full of life. I have another post on the autoimmune page about myself because I have so many problems going on that I just wonder if they are linked genetically to her as well.

[Deanna L Aftab Guy, MD]

3 yo with history of chronic uti, first things first, has she seen a pediatric urologist? Workup for this is needed, with vcug and renal ultrasound to assess her anatomy and function to see if she has reflux, if there has been reflux and kidney problems with poor kidney function this in itself will lead to poor growth. Autoimmune problems can be familial and if they are first addressing the renal problems then the short stature is next, have her first see her pediatrician and plot her on the curve, if she is under the 3rd percentile and decelerating this is reason to address this next. A pediatric endocrinologist can help with this. Celiac disease, thyroid disease are two important endocrine related autoimmune diseases(well celiac is not really endocrine but can lead to poor growth).

[pietiangel]

Thanks so much! She has had the testing for reflux especially since I had it as a child. They said that it was normal. I recently had the celiac profile done on me and showed elevated antibodies but they were not abnormal. Could this cause constipation and constant hunger? She has both of these problems. She sees a primary care physician and I am trying to switch her over to a pediatrician now. No one has ever mentioned her seeing a ped urologist even though I have mentioned it before. I will ask my endo at my new appt who does pediatric endocrinology around Asheville. I know in my heart that something is not right, but everyone keeps telling me that I am overreacting. I don't know if this has anything to do with it either, but she has constant nose bleeds as well. Thanks so much for the advice and I will try to get her in with a pediatrician soon.

Thanks again,
Melissa