22/10/2024 Flashcards
Examples of drugs that can cause myelosuppression?
Sulfasalazine
Azathioprine
Trimethoprim
Methotrexate
Cyclophosphamide
Cisplatin / carboplatin
Mercaptopurine
Fluorouracil
Tacrolimus
Linezolid
Clozapine
Carbomazepine
Topoisomerase inhibitors such as etoposide
Anthracyclines e.g. doxorubicin
What causes roseola infntum?
Human herpes virus type 6B
What are the features of the rash in roseola infantum?
Appears on days 3-5 when fever subsides..
Typically small rose-pink or red raised spots that blanch. Mainly affects trunk. Nagayama spots on soft palate and uvula. Non-itchy, painless.
Explain what a positive result in reversibility testing in asthma is?
in adults, a positive test is indicated by an improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more and increase in volume of 200 ml or more
Outline management of subclinical hypothyroidism?
If TSH >10 on 2 occasions 3 months apart - consider offering levothyroxine
If TSH is 5.5-10 on 2 occasions 3 months apart and pt is <65 & symptomatic then consider a 6 month trial of levothyroxine
If older then watch and wait
If asymptomatic then observe and repeat TFTs every 6 months!
Vaccines recommended for a pt post-splenectomy?
Pneumococcal
Haemophilus type B
Meningococcal type C
Annual influenza
Most common causes of post-splenectomy sepsis?
Encapsulated bacteria e.g….
H. Influenzae
Strep pneumoniae
Meningitis
What is the most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism?
B/L idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia
Features of primary hyperaldosteronism?
Hypertension
Hypokalaemia - may present as muscle weakness, fatigue
Metabolic alkalosis
First line investigation for primary hyperaldosteronism?
Aldosterone:renin ratio - should show high aldosterone and low renin - negative feedback due to sodium retention & hypertension from aldosterone (if renin is high too consider secondary hyperaldosteronism)
Following this - high resolution CT abdo to look for adrenal tumour or hyperplasia
If CT is normal then adrenal vein sampling from both veins is done to determine if U/L or B/L sources of aldosterone excess
What is conns syndrome?
When an adrenal adenoma produces too much aldosterone
What is secondary hyperaldosteronism?
Excessive renin stimulating release of excessive aldosterone
Usually due to disproportionately lower bp in kidneys e.g. renal aretry stenosis, HF, liver cirrhosis
What is chvosteks sign?
tapping over parotid causes facial muscles to twitch in hypocalcaemia
What is trousseaus sign?
carpal spasm if the brachial artery occluded by inflating the blood pressure cuff and maintaining pressure above systolic - wrist flexion and fingers are drawn together
Seen in hypocalcaemia
Features of hypocalcaemia?
Tetany e.g. muscle twitching, cramping and spasm
Perioral paraesthesia
Chvosteks and trousseaus sign positive
If chronic it can lead to depression and cataracts
Causes of hypocalcaemia?
Osteomalacia - vit D deficiency
CKD
Hypoparathyroidism
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Rhabdomyolysis initially
Magnesium deficiency
Acute pancreatitis
Massive blood transfusions
ECG changes in hypocalcaemia?
QTc prolongation
Features of toxoplasmosis?
Most infections are asymptomatic. If symptomatic its usually self-limiting and often resembles infectious mononucleosis with fever, malaise and lymphadenopathy
If immunocompromised it can cause cerebral toxoplasmosis - headaches, confusion, drowsiness. They may also develop chorioretinitis
What is toxoplasmosis?
A disease caused by the protozoan toxoplasma gondii which infects the body via the GIT, lung or broken skin. Its locusts release trophozoites which migrate widely around the body.
Usual reservoir is the cat and its transmitted by oocysts in cat faeces. Rats can also carry the disease
What is functional neurological disorder?
1 or more Sx of altered voluntary movement or sensory function but incompatibility between Sx and recognised neurological/medical conditions (but not factitious or seeking material gain!)
What features of ED favour an organic cause?
Gradual onset of Sx
Lack of tumescence - spontaneous erections during sleep/when waking
Normal libido
Investigations for erectile dysfunction?
All men should have serum lipids and HbA1c measured to calculate Qrisk (as ED increases risk of CVD)
A fasting serum total testosterone between 9-11am -> if low then repeat with FSH, LH, prolactin -> if any abnormal refer to endocrinology as hypogonadism likely
You may consider additional investigations depending on clinical judgement e.g. PSA< TFTs, LFTs, U&Es
What should you do if a young male presents with difficulty achieving an erection all his life?
Refer to urology
Management of ED?
Lifestyle
1. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil regardless of cause - can be purchased OTC
2. Intracavernosal, intraurethral or topical application of alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) is recommended as second-line therapy under careful medical supervision
3. Vacuum erection devices