Exam 1: Malignant emergencies Flashcards
SVC Syndrome can be caused by what type of catheter?
Thrombosis from indwelling catheter (IV cath)
Most common sx of SVC Syndrome?
Dyspnea
Followed by cough and orthopnea
What are the two most frequent signs of SVC syndrome?
Neck vein distension (JVD) AND facial swelling/fullness
What do the arm veins, neck veins, and face look like in SVC Syndrome?
Distended arm and neck veins. Facial swelling/fullness.
What is an ominous sign of SVC syndrome that represents a true emergency?
Papilledema
What is compressed or occluded in SVC Syndrome?
Superior Vena Cava
Dx to confirm SVC Syndrome?
CXR first, confirm with Chest CT with contrast
Tx of SVC Syndrome? (Hint: position? meds? remove?)
- keep in head-up position (to make fluid go down)
- IV steroids (shrinks tumor swelling)
- IV diuretics (Torsemide)
- Anticoagulants or thrombolytics (if clot in SVC)
- Emergent mediastinal radiation
- remove central IV catheter if present
Acute Spinal Cord Compression usually results from extension of what?
Extension of spinal bony metastases
Where do mets most commonly occur in Acute Spinal Cord Compression?
Thoracic spine
What are the 4 most common tumors causing spinal cord compression
Breast Lung Prostate Renal cell All 4 hide in bone
Other tumors include lymphomas, MM and sarcomas which destroy bone
Sx in Acute Spinal Cord Compression?
Localized back pain (most common) +/- tenderness (may be absent with lymphomas)
- paraparesis/paraplegia
- distal sensory deficits
- gait disturbance
- urinary incontinence
Dx of choice for Acute Spinal Cord Compression? What other studies can you do ?
MRI STUDY OF CHOICE
cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine films (but neg films don’t rule out SCC)
radionuclide bone scan (>90% sensitivity, except for multiple myeloma)
Tx for Acute Spinal Cord Compression? What is key tx?
Spine immobilization. Emergent decompressive Laminectomy.
Key tx=radiation!
+/- IV steroids / diuretic / mannitol for swelling
Foley cath for incontinence
What are the most common tumors causing hypercalcemia
Metastatic breast, lung or prostate ca
Multiple myeloma
NHL
Head+neck scc
2 most common types of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
- Humoral hypercalcemi of malignancy via PTHrP
- Local bone destruction
Less commonly Tumor production of Vit D analogues
Sx of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Moans, bones, stones, groans, psych undertones.
Vague malaise/weakness, polydipsia, anoexia, nausea, confusion
Can lead to seizures
Lower the albumin what happens to calcium levels?
Lower albumin, higher calcium
Formula for Corrected Calcium? What is dangerous?
Corrected Ca2+ = Total Ca + {0.8 X (4.0-albumin)}
>12 is dangerous
Low Serum ___ can indicate Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Low Serum Cl-
QT in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Short QT
PR in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy??
Long PR
Voltage in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Low voltage
IV hydration until when in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Voiding 150-200 mL/hr
Once euvolemic what to give in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Loop diuretics
Which diuretic to avoid in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
Thiazide!
What to avoid in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
PO Phosphate
What to discontinue in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy? (hint: 4)
- Calcium
- VitD
- Thiazides
- NSAIDs
Meds to control high Ca2+ in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy?
SC/IM Calcitonin, Bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, dialysis, AVOID ORAL PHOSPHATE
Calcitonin quickly lowers serum calc levels
Bisphosphonattes block osteoclasts bone resorption
Corticosteroids most effective (elevated Vit D)
HD for renal/heart failure
Which bisphosphonates to avoid in renal failure?
Zoledronic acid
Which two bisphosphonates are IV. Which one is SQ
Pamindronate 60-90mg IV over 60 minutes
Zolendronic Acid 4mg IV over 15 minutes
- don’t use in renal failure
Denosumab 120 mg sc
Normal ANC?
> 1000
Neutropenic ANC?
500-1000
Severe neutropenia?
<500
How to calculate ANC?
ANC=(WBC)(% neutrophils + % bands)
What is ANC if WBC=6000; Seg=30%; Band=3%
ANC=(6000)(0.30+0.03)
ANC=2000
When does Febrile Neuropenia most commonly occur?
During nadir after chemo