Infections Flashcards
Describe the most common cause of meningitis in children
Strep. Pneumonia
What is the most important sign in meningitis?
Neck stiffness
What is the first test in a child suspected of having meningitis with not rash?
Blood culture
If rash - antibiotics
What is the first-line treatment for viral meningitis?
Supportive care
Define the main line of treatment for herpes encephalitis
IV acyclovir
How do you manage TB meningitis?
Steroids and antituberculous drugs
Describe the most common neurological sequelae after meningitis
Deafness
What is the main symptom of herpes encephalitis?
Confusion
What does the CSF analysis of herpes encephalitis typically show?
++ lymphocytes & ++ RBCs
What is the treatment for acute adrenal crisis?
Steroids
Management** of adrenal crisis is with parenteral administration of corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone is the drug of choice for patients with known diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, while dexamethaosne is the preferred medication for those without a previous diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, because it is not measured in serum cortisol assays.
Do you give Rifampin or Ciprofloxacin as the first-line prophylaxis to close contacts of meningitis cases?
Rifampin
Describe the presentation of a child with acute sinusitis
Fever, headache, pain, and tenderness at the sinus
Describe the treatment for bacterial pharyngitis with strep pneumonia as the causative agent.
Treatment of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate for 10 days.
What is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis?
Strep pneumonia is the most common cause.
How is a peri-tonsillar abscess diagnosed in a patient with bacterial URTI?
Presence of a deviated uvula during examination.
Define the first step in the treatment of a peri-tonsillar abscess.
Aspiration is the initial step, followed by tonsillectomy after 4 months if needed.
What is the recommended treatment for PCP pneumonia in an HIV patient?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the treatment of choice.
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is characterized by several distinct symptoms. Here are the key ones:
- Cough: Usually dry and non-productive.
- Shortness of breath: Gradually worsening over days to weeks.
- Fever: Often low-grade but persistent.
- Chest discomfort: May be mild or severe.
- Fatigue: A significant drop in energy levels.
- Weight loss: Unintentional and noticeable over time.
- Night sweats: Common, especially in severe cases.
In severe cases, patients might experience hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and require oxygen therapy, as depicted in the illustration.
Describe the management of HIV during pregnancy.
Antiretroviral therapy is taken by the mother during pregnancy, a cesarean section is performed during labor, and the baby is given zidovudine for 6 weeks after birth. Breastfeeding is not recommended.
How can perinatal transmission of HIV be most effectively prevented?
By ensuring the mother receives antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy.
What is the second most common route of HIV transmission?
Perinatal transmission.
What is the best screening test for HIV?
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).
Describe the treatment for Influenza after the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Only symptomatic treatment is recommended after 48 hours.
What is the first step in managing a peri-tonsillar abscess in a patient with severe respiratory distress?
Intubation is the initial step.
How is a diagnosis of viral pharyngitis confirmed?
Based on good general condition with a red, swollen throat and tonsils.
