ABSTRACT

The emphasis of the history will alter depending on the age of the child. For example, obstetric and birth history are of considerable importance in a young child who presents with delayed development. Antenatal history is of less importance in an adolescent presenting with diabetes mellitus. Family history is universally important in that some diseases run in families, such as kidney problems. Other diseases may start with that particular generation but several siblings or near relatives may have the same problem. Failure to elucidate such familial tendencies reduces the chance of an accurate diagnosis.