Diphtheria, Pertussis and Croup

Question 1

What are the three lacks of Diphtheria?

Answer 1

Lack of : Fever, Dysphagia nd Oral mucosal ulcers

Question 2

What is the Bull Neck of Diphtheria?

Answer 2

Soft tissue swelling with enlarged lymph nodes

Question 3

What is the cardiac complication of Diphtheria?

Answer 3

Toxic Cardiomyopathy seen in 25%, seen I n 2nd and 3rd week

Question 4

What is the neuropathy complication?

Answer 4

Soft palat and other cranial neuropathies.

Question 5

What is the dose of antitoxin? What is the antibiotic treatment?

Answer 5

20,000 units to 100,000 units. Erythromycin or PCN are used.

Question 6

What are the three stages of pertussis?

Answer 6

Catarrhal, Paroxysmal and Convalescent each lasts about two weeks

Question 7

What is the usual duration of cough?

Answer 7

6 to 10 weeks

Question 8

What are some morbidities associated with Pertussis?

Answer 8

Apnea, secondary bacterial infections, hernia, rib fx, pneumothorax, CNS and retinal hemorrhages

Question 9

What is the treatment of Pertussis?

Answer 9

Macrolides. The alternative is TMP/SMX

Question 10

What is the pathophysiology of Tetanus infection?

Answer 10

The toxin is an inhibitory protein which binds irreversibly to inhibitory neurons. The condition persists until new ultrasprouting occurs at 3 weeks post infection..

Question 11

What is the treatment of Tetanus?

Answer 11

Abx- Metronidazole or PCN
B Blockesr for Tachycardia and Hypertension
TIG or Tetanus Antitoxin
Antispasmotics: Magnesium, Phenobarbital, Chlorpromazine and Diazepam
Life Support/Mechanical Ventilation

Question 12

What are the 4 things to remember about Diphtheria?

Answer 12

Pseudomembrane formation
ADP binds to EF2
A-B Toxin
Antitoxin
Immunization