ID/Haem/Imm/Genetics Flashcards
What causes multiple myeloma?
Malignant proliferation of plasma cells
What is seen on serum electrophoresis in multiple myeloma?
The presence of a monoclonal protein
Where do you see the Philadelphia chromosome?
CML
How does Lyme disease present?
Erythema migrans
Late: neurological, joint or skin involvements (e.g. wrist stiffness)
How does paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobulinuria present?
Acquired haemolytic anaemia
Thromboses in large vessels
Deficient haematopoeisis
What is TACO/TRALI?
Acute onset of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
TRALI = hypotension
TACO = htn
What is Hartnup disease?
Hartnup disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to absorb amino acids from food:
How does Hartnup disease present?
Mostly asymptomatic
Skin rash, especially when exposed to sunlight
Sensitivity to light
Diarrhea
Mood changes
Nervous system problems, such as abnormal muscle tone or uncoordinated movements
How do we treat Hartnup disease?
Attacks can be treated with oral nicotinamide.
High protein diet.
What is maple-syrup urine disease?
Autosomal recessive deficiency of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex, leading to a build-up of the branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine & valine). Accumulation of these amino acids leads to encephalopathy & progressive neurodegeneration.
How does maple-syrup urine disease present?
Infants with this disease seem healthy at birth but quickly deteriorate, developing poor feeding & vomiting in the first week of life. Lethargy & coma may develop in a few days often with severe brain damage, which may be permanent. If untreated, death often occurs within the first five months.
How do we diagnose and treat maple-syrup urine disease?
- Diagnosis is often suspected because of the sweet odour of maple syrup found in urine & sweat.
- Treatment is with a diet low in foods that contain branched chain amino acids.
How does Turner’s syndrome present?
Short stature
Gonadal dysgenesis - 1o and 2o amemorrhoea
Lymphoedema
What is the karyotype seen in Turner’s syndrome?
45XO
How does cryptococcosis present?
A 30-year-old man with HIV presents with headache, neck stiffness, vomiting and photophobia. Lumbar puncture reveals an organism that stains positive with India Ink dye. He is commenced on Amphotericin & Flucytosine.
How does cryptosporidia present?
A 25-year-old woman with HIV presents with diarrhoea. Zeil-Neilsen stained stool sample shows characteristic cysts.
Which type of infections is the spleen important for?
Encapsulated bacteria
SHiN SKiS
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcus)
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Salmonella typhi
How do we diagnose malaria?
Giemsa- stained thick and thin blood films
P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae
Where do you see Reed-Sternberg cells?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Which sexual behaviour has the most likely risk of HIV transmission?
Receptive anal sex (bottoming) is the highest-risk sexual behaviour, but one can also get HIV from insertive anal sex (topping).
The bottom’s risk is very high because the lining of the rectum is thin and may allow HIV to enter the body
during anal sex.
What is perennial allergic rhinitis?
Caused by house dust mites, present all year round
For which allergy can we use hyposensitisation?
Specific allergen immunotherapy is useful for wasp venom anaphylaxis
What is hereditary spherocytosis?
Autosomal dominant disorder of the red cell membrane, leading to haemolytic anaemia
How does hereditary spherocytosis present?
Anaemia, splenomegaly, jaundice
Usually in young age
What is shown on blood film in hereditary spherocytosis?
Spherocytes (small cells which have lost their central pallor) and increased reticulocytes
Why is the ESR low in sickle cell anaemia?
Inability to form rouleaux. A rouleau is a stack of red blood cells (RBCs) that clump together. The flat surfaces of RBCs allow them to stick together and form a stack, similar to a stack of coins
How long do we observe pts who have recovered from anaphylaxis?
At least 6hrs, before review by senior clinician
What is anaemia of chronic disease?
Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a common syndrome in which anaemia is due to an inflammation-mediated reduction in red blood cell (RBC) production and sometimes in RBC survival. Commonly found in acute and chronic infections; autoimmune disorders; chronic diseases; malignancy; after major trauma, surgery, or critical illness; and among older adults.