18 month exam revision Flashcards
In patients with ACS, we are looking for raised troponin levels to aid diagnosis. What other conditions could raise troponin?
AF
Poor Renal Function
Drug eluting stents contain antiproliferative agents such as _____ to stop cells growing around the stent
Paclitaxel
What is referred to as high dose ICS in terms of BDP equivalence?
1,200–2,000 micrograms per day in 2 divided doses of Beclomethasone Dipropionate
Budesonide: 1,000–1,600 micrograms per day in 2 divided doses
When critically appraising a randomised control trial using the CASP tool, what is most important to consider?
Whether the results are statistically significant
What is paroxysmal AF as per NICE?
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation spontaneously terminates within 7 days, usually within 48 hours
Which of the following side effects of amiodarone is listed as common?
Nausea + vomitting
Liver toxicity
Thyroid disorders
Corneal microdeposits
Thyroid disorders
In a patient with severe hyperkalemia (K+ of 6.6 & ECG changes present), what is the primary focus for management?
In patients with severe hyperkalemia, treatment focuses on immediate stabilization of the heart using calcium gluconate:
10–20 mL, calcium gluconate 10% over 3-5 minutes
What is the mechanism of action of Aminoglycosides?
bind to the 30s ribosomal sub-unit and inhibit protein synthesis
Patients with CAP and a CURB score of 3-5 are classed as having severe pneumonia. What treatment is indicated here?
IV treatment
Co-amoxiclav 1.2 g tds IV plus
clarithromycin 500 mg bd IV
Patients classed as having moderate severity CAP (CURB score = 2) are treated how?
Amoxicillin 500 mg – 1.0g tds orally plus clarithromycin 500 mg bd orally
alternative: Doxycycline 200 mg loading dose then 100 mg
Rash is considered a Type __ reaction to Phenytoin
Type B
What are the risks with NG tubes? state two potential risks
Infection risk
Dislodging/ aspiration
What happens with grade 4 (severe) hypovolaemic shock?
> 2L of fluids lost
Severe hypotension
Anuria (no unrine output)
Being female and a non-smoker puts you more at risk of what condition?
Post operative nausea and vomitting
These two factors along with history or PONV & post-op opioid administration are all factors in the Apfel scoring system for PONV.
If any opioid is used during surgery, patients are considered high risk
Gynae, abdominal, ear/ ENT surgery all pose a greater risk of what?
Post op nausea and vomitting
What was the name of the case-control study that found 10 different risk factors to account for 90% of strokes?
INTERSTROKE
Alteplase is proven to significantly reduce death and disability at 90 days.
What is the time window in which Alteplase can be administered? The ISHT-3 trial showed similar efficacy if Alteplase is administered to those under 80 years old and also over 80 (showed to be safe). It showed that greatest benefit is seen if Alteplase is administered within __ hours.
Should be administered within 4.5 hours
Greatest benefit if administered within 3 hours
What does the ABCD(^2) tool show?
It estimates the risk of recurrence of stroke at 2 days and 7 days post TIA. Those with scores of over 5 are at 10x greater of having a recurrent stroke than those with scores under 4. Those with scores of >4 should have a same day assessment in the stroke unit (within 24 hours)
What trial supports the use of Aspirin 300mg OD for 2 weeks post stroke?
CAST
IST
What trial supports the use of Aspirin to Clopidogrel switch after 14 days post stroke?
PROFESS
What type of lipoproteins should be reduced in patients with ischaemic stroke or TIA caused by athersclerosis?
Low density Lipoprotein cholesterol
Target LDL: <2mmol/L
Reducing LDL level by 1mmol/L reduces risk of recurrent stroke by 12% and all strokes by 21%
Reducing LDL level by 2-3mmol/L reduces risk of stroke by 40-50%
What statin/ dose should be considered for patients with TIA or ischeamic stroke?
Atorvastatin 80mg
THIS IS SECONDARY PREVENTION
If patients are intolerant to aspirin, then clopidogrel 300mg OD can be used for 14 days post stroke then 75mg OD thereafter
Which Trials support this?
CARESS
CAPRIE
PROFESS
What did the stroke trial ‘INTERACT 2’ show?
ANTIHYPERTENSIVES TRIAL:
In patients with intracerebral heamorrhage, intensive lowering of blood pressure did not result in a significant reduction in the rate of death or severe disability
The PROGRESS Trial involved
Preventing Strokes by Lowering Blood Pressure in Patients with Cerebral Ischemia.
What was the first line ACEi used in this trial?It was shown to be effective in combination with which diuretic to lower BP?
Perindopril
In combo with Indapamide
Why should we hold of antihypertensives in the acute phase of stroke?
IF the clot is still in place, only a tiny amount of blood will be getting through, therefore we dont want to hypoperfuse the brain even further
Can consider starting statins/ BP meds 48 hours after symptom onset/ initial treatment and after imaging confirms clot has gone.
Megans notes: after 10 - 14 days antihypertensive treatment can be started if BP greater than 140/85
What is target BP post TIA?
What class of medicines should be avoided to assist in lowering BP post stroke?
under 130/80
Avoid use of beta blockers
Diltiazem is often seen used in patients with persistent / permanent AF. What type of drug is this?
Why should this never be used in combo with a beta blocker?
Rate limiting calcium channel blocker
Other rate limiting CCB: Verapamil
Beta blocker + Diltiazem/ Verapamil= potential to cause heart block if used together
What is the difference between Paroxysmal, Permanent and Persistent AF?
Paroxysmal: This is an episode of atrial fibrillation that lasts less than a week, usually resolves within 48 hours
Commonly manages with ‘Pill in the pocket’- Flecainide, sotolol, amiodarone
Persistent: Usually, this lasts longer than a week
Permanent: AF symptoms that do not go away
What levels of BP are classified as STAGE 1, 2, and 3 hypertension?
1: BP= 140/90mmHg and above
2: BP= 160/100mmHg and above
3: BP= 180/ 110mmHg and above
Do we ever combine both an ACE inhibitor plus an ARB to control hypertension?
NO- its only either or used
Black afro-carribean: consider using an ARB at step 2 over ACE inhibitor treatment (use a CCB first line)
What are the preferred diuretics of choice used for Hypertension?
Thiazide like diuretics
Namely Indapamide or Chlortalidone
Why are beta blockers contra-indicated in patients with diabetes?
As they may block signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat