PAEDIATRIC CASE RECORD – Nur Muhammad Bin Mohd Shahrizan
Name: Nur Muhammad Bin Mohd Shahrizan | Age: 13 years 9 months | Sex: Male
Date of Admission: 30 June 2026 | Date of Clerking: 2 July 2026 (4:00 PM)
Informant: Mother (reliable) | 1st Admission: No (multiple prior admissions)
Current Weight: 28.4 kg
PRESENTING COMPLAINTS
Muhammad, a 13-year-old 9-month male with underlying HbE/beta thalassaemia intermedia (now transfusion-dependent) and recurrent syncopal attacks, presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and reduced responsiveness - all since the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
HISTORY OF PRESENTING COMPLAINT
On the afternoon of 30 June 2026, Muhammad developed a sudden onset fever, prompting his teacher to call his parents to pick him up from school. He had one episode of vomiting at school. Diarrhoea began at approximately 12 PM with 3 episodes, last episode at 8 PM. He also complained of headache. Upon returning home, he fell asleep, and when he woke at 7:30 PM, his parents noted he was less responsive and refused to talk, prompting them to bring him to the ED.
A likely source was identified - on 29 June 2026 at 5-6 PM, Muhammad and his siblings ate food purchased from a vendor at Bandar Puteri Jaya (BPJ), specifically nasi ulam, dumplings, and Vietnam rolls. Only Muhammad and his brother ate the food. His sister who also ate reported no illness.
Pertinent negatives: no water-based activity, no jungle trekking, no recent fogging, no recent travel, no URTI, no chest pain, no shortness of breath, no arthralgia, no myalgia, no fitting.
TREATMENT RECEIVED
Muhammad has been on monthly packed cell (PC) transfusions since conversion to transfusion-dependent thalassaemia on 28 May 2025, targeting pre-transfusion Hb > 9 g/dL. His last TCA at the Daycare was 3 December 2025, after which he defaulted. Previous transfusion history: 1 transfusion in 2023, and 2 transfusions on 21 and 25 January 2026 - all uneventful. He was previously followed up at Paediatric Cardiology HPP on 11 February 2026 for recurrent syncopal attacks, after which the mother sought follow-up at Hospital Pantai but this was not completed. A TCA at Daycare HSAH was scheduled for 22 February 2026 with FBC, GXM, LFT, UFEME - however this was defaulted.
At ED on 30 June 2026, he received:
- IV fluid bolus: 270 cc NS (10 ml/kg) x2
- IVD HSD5% 68 cc/H
- IVD NS correction 101 cc/H over 24 hours (10% hydration correction)
- IV Ceftriaxone 1.35 g stat (50 mg/kg)
HISTORY OF ALLERGY
No known drug, food, or environmental allergies.
SYSTEMS REVIEW
Gastrointestinal: fever, vomiting x1, diarrhoea as per HPC - ongoing loose stools during admission. Neurological: headache, transient reduced responsiveness on presentation; no fitting. Haematological: known thalassaemia, pallor noted on examination. Cardiovascular: soft systolic murmur on auscultation, tachycardia on presentation (HR 157-165); known history of recurrent syncopal attacks. Respiratory: no cough, no shortness of breath, lungs clear. No arthralgia, myalgia, or skin rash documented.
PAST MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HISTORY
1. HbE/Beta Thalassaemia Intermedia (converted to transfusion-dependent 28/5/2025)
Diagnosed via Hb analysis in 2023: suggestive of HbE/Beta Thalassaemia (Thalassaemia Intermedia). First transfusion in 2023 for anaemia symptoms. Converted to monthly packed cell transfusion regimen from May 2025. Pre-transfusion Hb target: >9 g/dL. Last TCA defaulted since December 2025.
Family haematology screening:
- Father: Heterozygous beta thalassaemia trait
- Mother: HbE trait
- Sister (Nur Mardhiyah): Normal
- Brother (Nur Muhammad Syakur): HbE trait
2. Recurrent Syncopal Attacks - under investigation to rule out cardiac cause
Multiple syncopal episodes since starting secondary school, occurring only at school, typically at 8-10 AM since March/April 2026. Episodes occur during sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking in hallways. No aura, no post-ictal drowsiness, no neurological deficit. Blood glucose was reportedly normal during each episode per mother. ECG: sinus rhythm, HR 85 bpm, QTc 350 ms (normal). TCA Paediatric Cardiology HPP on 11/2/2026 attended; subsequent follow-up at Hospital Pantai was incomplete.
3. Admission January 2026 (21/1/2026 - 29/1/2026)
- Mycoplasma infection causing haemolytic anaemia: Mycoplasma serology 1:320 positive, Direct Coombs positive / Indirect negative
- Concurrent UTI treated with antibiotics
- Recurrent syncopal attacks under investigation
- Discharged with TCA Daycare HSAH 22/2/2026 (subsequently defaulted)
Surgical History: None documented.
BIRTH HISTORY
Antenatal: Not explicitly detailed. No documented complications.
Natal: Birth details not explicitly stated in notes - to be confirmed from records.
Postnatal/Neonatal: No neonatal complications documented.
FEEDING / DIETARY HISTORY
Muhammad was taking meals regularly at his boarding school. On the day of admission, he had breakfast prior to the syncopal/illness episode at school. Oral intake was minimal on admission. During the admission, oral intake gradually improved from near-nil to approximately 1000 cc by Day 2.
IMMUNISATION HISTORY
Vaccination history up to date for age. Expected immunisations for a 13-year-old male under the Malaysian NIP include BCG, Hepatitis B series, DTP-Hib-IPV series, MMR, and HPV (if applicable for males). (To confirm from records.)
DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY
Muhammad is developmentally appropriate for his age. He is attending secondary school (boarding school - Kolej Agama Sultan Abdul Halim), which reflects appropriate cognitive and social function. No developmental delay documented.
FAMILY HISTORY
Muhammad is the second of three children. Mother is 43 years old with no known medical illness. Father is 43 years old, a known beta thalassaemia carrier. Both parents are carriers of haemoglobinopathy (father: heterozygous beta thalassaemia trait; mother: HbE trait), which explains the patient's HbE/beta thalassaemia genotype. Sibling details as above in PMH.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY
Muhammad resides at a boarding school (Kolej Agama Sultan Abdul Halim) during the school term. He is the second child in the family. No history of jungle trekking, water-based activities, or recent travel. No fogging in the area. The likely exposure for current illness was food purchased from an external vendor at BPJ on 29 June 2026. No smoking history in the household documented.
SUMMARY OF HISTORY WITH PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
Nur Muhammad, a 13-year-9-month-old male with underlying transfusion-dependent HbE/beta thalassaemia and a history of recurrent syncopal attacks, presented with an acute onset of fever, single episode of vomiting, 3 episodes of diarrhoea, headache, and transient reduced responsiveness, approximately 24 hours after consuming food from an external vendor with his siblings. He was haemodynamically compromised on arrival (BP 91/63, HR 157, SpO2 96%, metabolic acidosis on VBG) and required IV fluid resuscitation and empirical antibiotics.
Provisional Diagnoses:
- Food poisoning with moderate dehydration
- Underlying transfusion-dependent HbE/Beta Thalassaemia
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
General Examination
On presentation to ED on 30/6/2026, Muhammad was ill-looking with high fever, tachycardia, and reduced responsiveness. On ward review on 1/7/2026 (morning), he was sleeping but arousable, responding to questions, with a coated tongue. On clerking on 2/7/2026 at 4 PM, he was alert, GCS 15/15, mild pallor, not tachypnoeic, good pulse volume, CRT < 2 seconds, and afebrile at that point.
Vital Signs
| Parameter | ED (30/6) | Ward AM 1/7 | Ward PM 1/7 | Progress 2/7 |
|---|
| Temperature | 38.6°C | High grade fever | 38.8°C | Settling |
| HR | 157 bpm | 165 bpm | 165 bpm | Improved |
| BP | 91/63 mmHg | Stable | 97/67 mmHg | 97/67 mmHg |
| SpO2 | 96% RA | On RA | 98% RA | 98% RA |
| RR | Not documented | Normal | Normal | Not tachypnoeic |
| Dextrostix | 7.3 mmol/L | - | - | - |
Anthropometric Measurements
| Parameter | Value | Centile |
|---|
| Weight | 28.4 kg | ~3rd-10th centile (WHO, male ~14 years) - below average, consistent with chronic thalassaemia |
| Height | Not documented | To be measured |
| BMI | To be calculated | Low weight likely relates to chronic disease/thalassaemia |
(Low weight for age is expected in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia due to chronic anaemia and growth restriction.)
DETAILED EXAMINATION OF CONCERNED SYSTEMS
1. Gastrointestinal System (Primary System)
On inspection, the abdomen was soft and non-distended with no visible peristalsis or distension. The tongue was coated on initial review (Day 1), suggesting dehydration and illness. No sunken eyes, skin turgor was normal, CRT < 2 seconds - indicating moderate rather than severe dehydration clinically.
On palpation: abdomen was soft, non-tender throughout. Crucially, the spleen was palpable at 4 finger-breadths (4 FB) below the costal margin on Days 1-2, consistent with chronic splenomegaly from thalassaemia. By Day 2, spleen was documented at 4 cm. The liver tip was palpable on Day 2 - hepatomegaly likely secondary to extramedullary haematopoiesis and iron loading from transfusions. No rebound tenderness, no guarding.
Bowel sounds not explicitly documented - to be confirmed. No ascites detected clinically.
Stool: Bristol scale 6-7 (loose/watery), large amounts, no blood. Total loose stools: 3 episodes on day of admission, x2 on 1/7 morning, x6 since admission by evening 1/7, x7 on day 2. Improving in consistency by evening of 1/7.
2. Cardiovascular System
On auscultation, a soft systolic murmur was consistently documented across all review points (1/7 AM, 1/7 PM, and 2/7). This is likely a flow murmur secondary to chronic anaemia (Hb 6.6 g/dL on 2/7), which generates increased cardiac output and turbulent flow. Dual rhythm otherwise, no diastolic component, no radiation documented.
On CXR: borderline cardiomegaly - consistent with chronic anaemia-related cardiac remodelling (high output state) rather than structural heart disease. This is expected in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia.
During the ED presentation, the patient had sinus tachycardia on ECG (rate 150 bpm) - consistent with dehydration, fever, and anaemia. Previous ECG (February 2026): sinus rhythm, HR 85 bpm, QTc 350 ms (normal) - no arrhythmia. SBP during January 2026 admission: 96-100 mmHg (low-normal, consistent with chronic anaemia).
3. Respiratory System
Respiratory examination was unremarkable throughout the admission. Lungs were clear bilaterally on all review points with no wheeze, no crepitations, no added sounds. Not tachypnoeic. SpO2 maintained at 96-100% on room air. CXR showed borderline cardiomegaly with no consolidation, no pleural effusion, no pulmonary oedema.
4. Neurological System
On presentation, Muhammad was less responsive and refused to talk - attributed to dehydration, fever, and metabolic acidosis (VBG pH 7.34, HCO3 19, BE -5.7, lactate 3.4) rather than a primary neurological event. No fitting occurred. By the morning of 1/7, he was sleeping but arousable and responding to questions. By 2/7, he was alert, GCS 15/15, oriented, cheerful. No focal neurological deficit documented at any point. No post-ictal drowsiness. This pattern is consistent with toxic/metabolic encephalopathy secondary to dehydration and sepsis, fully resolved with resuscitation.
Examination of Other Systems
Skin/Haematological: Mild pallor noted - consistent with anaemia (Hb 6.6). No jaundice documented on current admission, though haemolysis is a consideration. No petechiae or bruising.
Lymph nodes: Not documented - to be examined.
MSK/Spine: No thalassaemia bone changes documented on clinical examination.
CLINICAL SUMMARY / ANALYSIS
Nur Muhammad, a 13-year-9-month-old male with transfusion-dependent HbE/beta thalassaemia (defaulted from follow-up since December 2025), presented with acute onset fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and transient altered responsiveness following consumption of food from an external vendor. He arrived in ED with haemodynamic compromise (BP 91/63, HR 157), metabolic acidosis (pH 7.34, lactate 3.4), and clinical dehydration. He also has underlying chronic splenomegaly, borderline cardiomegaly, and a soft systolic flow murmur from chronic anaemia, with Hb now 6.6 g/dL - well below his transfusion threshold.
A. PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
1. Food Poisoning with Moderate Dehydration
Points IN FAVOUR:
- Clear food exposure history: vendor food (nasi ulam, dumplings, Vietnam rolls) consumed ~18-24 hours before symptom onset
- Household clustering: brother also ate the same food (though sister reported no illness)
- Classic food poisoning triad: fever, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Moderate dehydration: tachycardia, low BP, metabolic acidosis (pH 7.34, lactate 3.4, BE -5.7)
- Responded to IV fluid resuscitation (VBG improved post-bolus)
- Mild leukocytosis on FBC (TWC 6.07 - actually low-normal, may be masked by thalassaemia)
- CRP 90.9 - elevated, consistent with systemic infection/inflammation
Points AGAINST:
- Relatively low WBC (6.07) - does not show typical bacterial leucocytosis (however, thalassaemia and hypersplenism may cause leucopenia, masking true response)
- Only one sibling affected despite shared food - atypical for common source outbreak
- Cannot exclude other infectious causes (dengue, enteric fever, viral gastroenteritis)
2. Underlying Transfusion-Dependent HbE/Beta Thalassaemia
Points IN FAVOUR:
- Established diagnosis with Hb analysis 2023
- Hb 6.6 g/dL on 2/7 - below transfusion threshold (target pre-tx Hb >9)
- Splenomegaly (4 FB / 4 cm) - chronic extramedullary haematopoiesis
- Borderline cardiomegaly on CXR - high output state from chronic anaemia
- Soft systolic murmur - flow murmur from anaemia
- Defaulted from monthly transfusion since December 2025 - explains current low Hb
Points AGAINST:
- Hb may be additionally lowered by acute illness/haemolysis on top of baseline anaemia
B. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES
| Diagnosis | For | Against |
|---|
| Enteric fever (Typhoid) | High fever, headache, reduced responsiveness, abdominal symptoms, diarrhoea, CRP 90.9 | Blood culture pending; no rash; diarrhoea more prominent than constipation (typhoid classically constipation first) |
| Viral gastroenteritis (Rotavirus/Norovirus) | Age, watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever | Stool rotavirus pending; fever and severity suggest bacterial more likely |
| Dengue fever | High fever, headache, tachycardia | No rash, no thrombocytopaenia (plt 172), no dengue test sent yet - to consider |
| Haemolytic crisis (thalassaemia) | Known thalassaemia, anaemia, splenomegaly, Hb 6.6 | No jaundice documented, no Mycoplasma serology sent yet for this admission; Direct Coombs not repeated |
| Sepsis | High fever, tachycardia, hypotension in ED, metabolic acidosis, CRP 90.9 | Haemodynamic improvement with IV fluids; no obvious source beyond GI |
INVESTIGATIONS
| Investigation | Result | Interpretation |
|---|
| VBG (ED, pre-bolus) | pH 7.34, HCO3 19, BE -5.7, Lactate 3.4 | Metabolic acidosis with elevated lactate - dehydration/early sepsis |
| VBG (ED, post-bolus) | pH 7.33, HCO3 17.9, BE -8.9, Lactate 2.6 | Partial improvement post-resuscitation |
| VBG (1/7 AM) | pH 7.44, HCO3 14.9, BE -8, Lactate 2.1 | Improving lactate; persistent mild metabolic acidosis |
| VBG (1/7 PM) | pH 7.44, HCO3 17.9, BE -7.3, Lactate 1.9 | Continued improvement |
| VBG (2/7) | Mild metabolic acidosis | Resolving trend |
| ECG (ED) | Sinus tachycardia, rate 150 | Consistent with fever and dehydration |
| FBC - TWC | 6.07 x10⁹/L | Low-normal - hypersplenism/thalassaemia effect |
| FBC - Hb | 6.6 g/dL | Significantly below transfusion threshold (target >9) |
| FBC - HCT | 19.9% | Severe anaemia |
| FBC - Platelets | 172 x10⁹/L | Low-normal - hypersplenism |
| RP - Na | 133 mmol/L | Mild hyponatraemia |
| RP - K | 3.3 mmol/L | Low-normal - GI losses |
| RP - Cl | 110 mmol/L | Mildly elevated |
| RP - Creatinine | 37 umol/L | Normal for age |
| RP - Urea | 2.8 mmol/L | Normal |
| LFT - Total Protein | 62 g/L | Low-normal |
| LFT - Albumin | 33 g/L | Mildly low - chronic disease |
| LFT - ALT | 30 U/L | Normal |
| LFT - ALP | 88 U/L | Normal |
| LFT - AST | 88 U/L | Mildly elevated - haemolysis/hepatic involvement |
| CRP | 90.9 mg/L | Significantly elevated - active infection/inflammation |
| CXR | Borderline cardiomegaly | Chronic high-output state from anaemia |
| Dextrostix (ED) | 7.3 mmol/L | Normal |
| Stool Rotavirus | Pending | - |
| Stool C&S | Pending | - |
| Blood Culture | Pending | - |
| Infective screening | Pending | - |
| Iron studies + Ferritin | Pending | - |
| GXM | Pending | For planned packed cell transfusion |
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Supportive:
- Observe under room air, maintain SpO2 > 95%
- Target SBP > 100 mmHg (awake), > 95 mmHg (asleep)
- Strict input/output charting
- Encourage oral intake as tolerated; ORS 250 ml per episode of purging
- IV fluid: HSD5% 68 cc/H (full maintenance) + NSD5% deficit correction (started at 7.5% correction 89 cc/H, weaned to 5% as balance improved)
- Withhold correction during transfusion
Medications:
- IV Ceftriaxone 1.4 g BD (50 mg/kg/dose) - empirical coverage for food poisoning/possible enteric fever
- Syrup/PO Paracetamol 300 mg QID (10 mg/kg/dose) - for fever; escalated to 425 mg QID (15 mg/kg/dose) by evening 1/7
- ORS per purge
Haematological:
- Packed cell transfusion 560-570 cc (20 ml/kg) over 4 hours - planned after fever settles, Hb < 8 g/dL confirmed
- No frusemide required
- Reduce IVD to half maintenance during transfusion
Pending/Follow-up investigations:
- Trace infective screening, iron studies with ferritin, blood culture, stool C&S, stool rotavirus
- FBC, RP, LFT, AST, VBG, GXM at 2 PM 1/7 (sent)
- CRP to be repeated Saturday 4/7/2026
- BG (blood gas) daily monitoring
- If persistent temperature spikes: send NPA for viral panel (TRO influenza)
Appointments:
- USS Hepatobiliary Spleen (HBS): 13 July 2026
- If discharged: new Paeds Daycare TCA 1 month with FBC
- May transfer to AGE cubicle (bed needed)
PROGRESS OF THE PATIENT
30 June 2026 (ED): Muhammad arrived with BP 91/63, HR 157, SpO2 96%, temperature 38.6°C, and altered responsiveness. VBG showed metabolic acidosis with elevated lactate (3.4). He received IV fluid boluses (270 cc NS x2), empirical IV Ceftriaxone, and maintenance IV fluids. Post-bolus VBG showed partial improvement. He was admitted to the ward.
1 July 2026 (AM): Remained febrile with high-grade fever. Minimal fluid intake. Loose stools x2 since admission (Bristol 6-7, large amount). On examination: sleeping but arousable, coated tongue, splenomegaly 4 FB palpable. Soft systolic murmur noted. VBG improving (lactate 2.1). Packed cell transfusion planned after fever settles. Correction increased to 7.5% (89 cc/H) given ongoing losses.
1 July 2026 (5 PM): Persistent high-grade fever (38.8°C), still minimal intake, loose stools x6 since admission with improving consistency by evening. More active. BP stabilised (97/67), tachycardia persisted (PR 165). I/O: 2940/3475 (-535 ml). Correction continued at 7.5%. Antibiotic continued. Plan to review I/O at midnight and reduce correction if positive balance. PO Paracetamol 425 mg QID introduced.
1 July 2026 (10 PM): Loose stools x6 total, latest consistency improving. No vomiting. Tolerating oral intake. Still febrile, more active. BP stable, tachycardia improving. CVS: DRNM (murmur less prominent). I/O: -535 ml. Plan to continue full maintenance + 7.5% correction; review at midnight.
2 July 2026 (AM - Progress): Required 7.5% correction overnight, weaned to 5% correction at 3 AM given improving balance. Loose stools x7 the previous day (Bristol 7, large amount, no blood). Oral intake 1000 cc the previous day, improving further. Not tachycardic, BP normotensive, temperature beginning to settle. VBG: mild metabolic acidosis (resolving trend). Hb 6.5, Urea 2.8. Not lethargic, no palpitations, no abdominal pain. Examination: alert GCS 15/15, mild pallor, spleen 4 cm palpable, liver tip palpable.
2 July 2026 (3-4 PM - at time of clerking): Ongoing packed cell transfusion 570 cc (20 ml/kg) over 4 hours. One temperature spike at 12 noon. Loose stools x2 today, no vomiting, oral intake improving. Alert, GCS 15/15, mild pallor, not tachypnoeic, good pulse volume, CRT < 2 sec. CVS: soft systolic murmur. Abdomen soft, spleen 4 cm, liver tip palpable. I/O: 949/860 (+86 ml) - now in positive balance. Plan: continue full maintenance NSD5% 70 cc/H, continue antibiotics, reduce IVD to half maintenance during transfusion, CRP Saturday 4/7, consider transfer to AGE cubicle, TCA Daycare 1 month with FBC if discharged.
Clerked by: _________________ | Date: 2 July 2026, 4:00 PM