Erytheme Multiform Flashcards
1
Q
What condition is this?
A
Erythema Multiforme
2
Q
What is the typical history with someone with erytheme multiforme?
A
They will usually have an URTI then start to develop a rash within 3 days. The rash will spread from the extremities to the trunk.
3
Q
What is the most common cause of Erytheme Multiform?
A
Herpes simplex virus
(50% of cases caused by HSV)
4
Q
What is the second most common cause of erythema multiforme?
A
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
5
Q
What are some viral causes of Erythema Multiforme?
A
- Herpes simplex (most common cause)
- Adenoviruses
- Influenza
6
Q
What are some bacterial causes of erythema multiforme?
A
- Pneumonia - mycoplasma pneumoniae (second most common cause), pneumococcus
- Syphilis
- Typhoid
- Streptococcus
- TB
7
Q
What are some non-cancerous diseases that cause erythema multiforme?
A
- Polycythaemia
- Connective Tissue Disease (e.g. SLE)
- Sarcoidosis
- Vasculitidies
8
Q
What malignancies can cause Erythema multiforme?
A
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukaemia
- Multiple myeloma
9
Q
What drugs can cause erythema multiforme?
A
- Sulphonamides
- Tetracyclines
- Amoxicillin & Ampicillin
- NSAIDs
- Anticonvulsants - carbemazepine
- COCP
- Allopurinol
10
Q
How do you treat Erythema Multiforme & what is its prognosis?
A
- Stop offending drugs
- Treat bacterial infections,
- Give antivirals if recurrent HSV infections. Can give antiseptics to prevent secdonary infections.
- If EM Major (Steve Johnsons Syndrome) then admit, get bloods, and give steroids.
- Prognosis- Usually resolves in 2-3 weeks in EM minor.
- EM Major takes 3-6 weeks to resolve.
- Mortality occurs in 5% of EM Major and usually correlates with increasing age, elevated blood urea and immune compromise.
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12
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