Glandular Fever

Question 1

diagnostic test for glandular fever ?

Answer 1

heterophil antibody test (monospot test)

should be carried out on the 2nd week of the illness as well as FBC to confirm glandular fever

Question 2

what are features of glandular fever ?

Answer 2

fever, sore throad and lymphadenopathy 
malaise, anorexia, headache
palatal petechiae
splenomegaly 
hepatitis, transient rise in ALT 
lymphocytosis 
haemolytic anaemia secondary to cold agglutins

Question 3

how would you differentiate between tonsilitis and glanudlar fever on examination ?

Answer 3

glandular fever causes lymphadenopathy in the anterior and posterior traingles of the neck

tonsilitis only causes enlarged lymph nodes on the upper anterior cervical chain

Question 4

describe advice you would give a patient with confirmed glandular fever ?

Answer 4

rest and drink plenty fluids
avoid alcohol
simple analgesia for aches and pains
avoid contact sports up to 8 weeks after the infection to prevent splenic rupture

Question 5

what imunoglobulin is responsible for haemolytic anaemia in glandular fever ?

Answer 5

IgM (cold agglutins)

Question 6

why are patients advised to avoid contact sport up to 8 weeks after glandular fever ?

Answer 6

to reduce risk of splenic rupture