Management of conditions Flashcards
Management
Varicose veins
- Conservative = exercise, elevation of legs at rest and support stockings, lose weight,
- venous telangectasia and reticular veins = laser/radiofrequency ablation, microinjection sclerotherapy (foam sclerotherapy);
- surgical = saphenofemoral ligation, stripping of the long saphenous vein, avulsion of varicosities
Management
DVT
- likely to have it based on Well’s score:
- Take D-dimer, 24hr dose parenteral anticoagulant, USS of proximal leg vein
- Anticoagulation: Heparin/rivaroxaban whilst waiting for warfarin to increase INR to target range, DVT’s not above knee can be observed and anticoag for 3 months, DVT beyond knee need anticoag for 6 months; recurrent DVT need long term warfarin
- IVC filter: if anicoag contraindicated and risk of embolisation
- Prevention: graduated compression stockings, mobilisation prophylactic heparin
Management
Heart Block
- Chronic block: permanent pacemaker in complete, Advance mobitz II and symptomatic Mobitz I;
- Acute: associated with clinical deterioration = IV atropine, with temp external pacemaker
Management
HF
ALVF:
- Tx of cardiogenic shock (severe CF with low BP) = inotropes (dobutamine)
- Tx of pulm oedema = sit up, 60-100% O2 (?CPAP), diamorphine (venodilator and anxiolytic), GTN infusion (venod), IV furosemide (venod and diuretic) -> monitor BP, RR, O2 sats, urine output and ECG
Chronic LVF:
- Treat cause and exacerbating factors
- ACEi, beta blockers, loop diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, Ang receptor blockers, (hydralazine and nitrate), digoxin, N-3 polyunsat Fatty acids, cardiac resynch therapy (biventricular pacing and elegible for cardiac defib implanted) - antiplatelet drug for atherosclerotic disease
management
HTN
- Conservative: stop smoking, lose weight, reduce alcohol intake, reduce dietary Na, stress management
- Investigate 2ry causes
- Medical if >160/100, multiple drug therapy needed:
- <55 - start with ACEi OR ARB
- >55 or black - CCB or thiazide
- Then: ACEi/ARB AND CCB/Thiazide
- Then ACEi/ARB AND CCB AND Thiazide
- Then: low dose spironolactone, high dose thiazide or alpha/beta blocker
- Target BP: <140/90 in non-diabetic, diabetic = <130/80, diabetes with proteinuria = <125/75)
- Severe HTN management (dias >140) = atenolol and nifedipine
- Acute malignant HTN: IV BB (emolol), labetalol, hydralazine Na nitroprusside. NB: lower BP slowly to prevent cerebral infarction
Management
IHD
- Stable angina:
- Stop smoking, cardioprotective dietand exercise
- Minimise cardiac risk factors -> aspirin 75mg a day (unless PAD/stroke, then should already be on clopidrogel)
- Immediate Syx relief = GTN spray
- Long term = beta blockers (not in acute HF, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, heart block, asthma), CCB or if neither tolerated: long acting nitrates
- Percutaneous coronary intervention
- Coronary artery bypass graft
- Unstable angina/NSTEMI (MONABASH)
- Coronary care unit -> O2, IV access, monitor vital signs and serial ECG
- GTN, morphine, metoclopramide (nausea), aspirin (300mg initially then 75mg indefinitely), clopidogrel (300mg initially then 75mg for at least 1 yr), LMWH (enoxaparin), beta blocker, insulin infusion if >11mmol/L, GlpIIb/IIIa inhibitors considered if undergoing PCI
- STEMI: same as above except clopidogrel = 600mg if PCI, 300mg if thrombolysis and <75, 75mg if thrombolysis and >75 annd 75mg daily for 1yr+;
- PCI: IV heparin and GlpIIb/IIIa inhibitor, Bivalirudin. 1ry PCI <90 min, thrombolysis within 12h of chest pain, rescue PCI if continued chest pain/STE after thrombolysis;
- 2ry prevention: aspirin and clopidogrel, beta blockers, ACEi, statins and control risk factors;
- no driving for 1 month after MI, CABG in pts with left main stem/3 vessel disease
management
Infective endocarditis
- ABx for 4-6wks.
- On clinical suspicion: benzylpenicillin, gentamicin;
- strep continue with benzylpenicillin and gentamicin;
- staph: flucloxacillin/vancomycin and gentamicin;
- enterococci: Ampicillin, gentamicin;
- Culture -ve: vancomycin and gentamicin.
- Surgery for urgent valve replacement needed if poor response to ABx
Management
Pericarditis
- Acute: cardiac tamponade = pericardiocentesis;
- Medical = underlying cause and NSAIDs for pain and fever relief;
- Recurrent = low dose steroids, immunosuppressants, colchicine;
- surgical = pericardiectomy (constrictive)
management
SVT
- If haemodynamically unstable -> DC cardioversion;
- if stable -> vagal maneouvres (Valsalva/carotid massage) and chemical cardioversion (adenosine 6mg bolus, verapmil 2.5-5mg (atenolol/amiodarone as alternatives)).
- If unresponsive to above or >250bpm or low BP/HF/low consciousness then sedate and sync DC cardioversion and amiodarone.
- Ongoing Mx:
- AVNRT = radiofrequency ablation of slow pathway, beta blockers (alternative: fleicanide, propafenone, verapmil);
- AVRT = radiofrequency ablation;
- Sinus tachy = exclude 2ry cause and beta blocker/ rate limiting CCB
Management
Venous ulcers
- Graduated compression (exclude diabetes, neuropathy and PVD before attempt),
- debridement and cleaning,
- ABx if infected, topical steroids (surrounding dermatitis)
Management
Ventricular tachycardia
- ABC approach;
- Pulse? NO = ALS;
- unstable VT = reduced cardiac output so defib, correct lectrolyte abnormalities and amiodarone;
- stable VT = no haemodynamic compromise, correct electrolyte abnormalities, Amiodarone, synchronised DC shock;
- implantable cardioverter defib if sustained VT causiing syncope, sustained VT with EF <35%, previous cardiac arrest due to VT/VF, MI complicated by non-sustaned VT
Treatment
Cardiac arrest
- BLS,
- ALS - cardiac monitor and defib,
- assess rhythm = if pulseless V-tachy/V-fib then defib once, resume CPR and then shock again
- if still in pulseless V-T/V-F, admin adrenaline 1mg IV (after 2nd and every 3-5min)
- if shockable rhythm persists after 3rd shock then amiodarone IV bolus 300mg;
- if puseless electrical activity/asystole then CPR for 2, reassess and admin adrenaline (1mg IV every 3-5min), atropine (3mg IV once) if asystole/PEA with 60bpm),
- Tx of reversible causes;
- warm hypothermia slowly,
- correction of electrolyte levels for hypo/erK,
- hypovol use IV colloids/crystalloids and blood products,
- tamponade = pericardiocentesis,
- tenion pneumothorax = aspiration/chest drain,
- TE = treat as PE/MI,
- toxins = antidote
Treatment
AF
- Treat any reversible causes, then rhythm control and rate control:
- Rhythm: >48h onset = anticoagulate for 3-4wks before cardioversion; if <48h = cardioversion, chemical cardioversion (flecainide/amiodarone), contraindicated if IHD Hx; prophylaxis against AF = sotalol, amiodarone and flecainide
- Rate: Chronic = digoxin, verapamil, beta-blockers aiming for ventricular rate of 90
- Stroke risk stratification: Low risk can use aspirin; high risk require warfarin => based on CHADS-Vasc score, RF = previous thromboembolic event, >75yrs, HTN, DM, Vascular/Valvular disease, HF, impaired LV function
Management
asthma
- Acute:
- ABCDE, resuscitate, monitor O2 stats, ABG, PEFR,
- high flow O2, salbutamol nebulizer (5mg, initially continuously then 2-4hrly), ipatropium bromide (0.5mg QDS), steroid therapy (100-200mg IV hydrocortisone;
- followed by 40mg oral prednisolone for 5-7d and if not improved IV MgSO4),
- consider IV aminophylline infusion/salbultamol;
- treat underlying cause (Abx),
- monitor electrolytes (drop in K),
- invasive ventilation in severe attacks
- Discharge when: PEF >75% predicted, diurnal variaton <25%, inhaler technique checked, stable on discharge meds for 24h, pt owns PEF meter and has steroid and bronchodilator therapy -> arrange follow up
- Chronic =>
- Step match severity to pick start =
- inhaled SABA, if needed >1/d then onto step 2
- inhaled SABA and reg inhaled low dose steroids (400mcg/d)
- 2+inhaled LABA; if inadequate control with LABA then increase steroid to 800mcg/day (no control with LABA = stop LABA and up steroid)
- increased inhaled steroid (2000 mcg/d), 4th drug (leukotriene antagonist, slow release theophylline or b2 agonist)
- Regular oral steroids, maintain high-dose oral steroids, refer to specialist
- Advice = teach proper inhaler technique, explain importance of PEFR monitoring and avoid provoking factors

Management
Bronchiectasis
- Acute exacerbations with 2 Abx IV, covering P. aeruginosa;
- prophhylactic Abx if frequent exacerbations;
- inhaled corticosteroids; bronchodilators;
- maintain hydration;
- flu vaccine;
- physio for mucus and sputum clearance;
- bronchial artery embolisation;
- surgical
Management
COPD
- Stop smoking;
- bronchodilators = SABA, LABA, anticholinergics;
- steroids = inhaled beclamethasone (FEV1 <50% or > 2 exacerbations per yr;
- pulm rehab;
- O2 therapy (stopped smoking and pO2 <7.3kpa);
- tx of acute exacerbations = 24% O2 with venturi mask, corticosteroids, abx therapy, resp physio for sputum
Management
Pneumonia
- Assess severity with british thoracic society guidelines (markers).
- Start empirical Abx = oral amoxicillin (0), oral/IV amoxicillin and rythromycin (1), IV cefuroxime/cefotaxime/co-amoxiclav + erythromycin (>1), add metronidazole if aspiration, lung abcess or empyema, and switch based on sensitivity.
- Supportive treatment = O2, IV fluids, CPAP/BiPAP/ITU care for resp failure, surgical drainage for lung abcessess and empyema
- Discharge planning = 2 or more = high temp, tachycardia/pnoea, hypotension, low O2 sats, means high risk of readmission
- Prevention = pneumococcal vaccine, H. influenzae B vaccine
Management
Pneumothorax
- Tension = EMERGENCY so max O2, insert large bore needle into 2nd ICS at MCL, aspirate up to 2.5L of air, stop if cough/resistance is felt; follow up CXR 2hr and 2wks later;
- Chest drain with underwater seal = performed if aspiration fails, fluid in pleural cavity or after decompression of tension, inserted in 4-6th ICS at mid axillary line;
- Recurrent = clhemical pleurodesis (fusing visceral+parietal pleura with tetracycline), surgical pleurectomy.
- Advice = avoid air travel until follow up CXR confirms it resolved, avoid diving

Management
Pulm Embolism
- 1ry prevention: compression stocking, heparin prophylaxis and good mobilisation and adequate hydration
- If haemodynamically stable = O2, anticoag with heparin/LMWH, switch to oral warfarin for at least 3months (INR at 2-3), analgesia
- If haemodynamically unstable = Resuscitate, O2, IV fluids, thrombolysis with tPA if cardiac arrest imminent
- Surgical/Radiological = embolectomy, IVC filters (sometimes for recurrent PEs despite adequate anticoag/anticoag contraindicated
Management
Acute cholangitis
- Resus if in septic shock
- Broad spec Abx: give after culture and those effective against anaerobes and GNB: cefuroxime and metronidazole
- Endoscopic biliary drainage usually required to treat underlying obstruciton
- Depends on severity:
- Stage 1: anti-microbial therapy, percutaneous, endoscopic, operative intervention for non-responders
- Stage 2: early percutaneous or endoscopic drainage (biliary is recommended)
- Stage 3: Severe includes shock, conscious disturbance, acute lung injury, AKI, hepatic injury or DIC;
- tx of organ failure with ventilatory support, VP;
- urgent percutaneous or endoscopic drainage
Management
Alcoholic hepatitis
- Acute: thiamine, vit C and multivits (pabrinex), monitor and correct K/Mg/glucose;
- adequate urine output;
- encephalopathy tx with oral lactulose or phosphate enemas;
- ascites with diuretics (spirono and frusemide);
- therapeutic paracentesis;
- glypressing and N-acetylcysteine for hepatorenal syndrome
- nutrition: via oral/NG feeding;
- protein restriction avoided unless ecephalopathic;
- nutritional supplementation and vit (B group, thiamine and folic acid) should be started parenterally initially and continued orally
- Steroid therapy: reduce short term mortality for severe alcoholic hepatitis
- NB:hepatorenal syndrome (dev of renal failure in pts with advanced chronic liver disease - RAS activated and vasoconstriction of vessels in kidney leads to kidney failure
Management
Anal fissure
- Conservative: high fibre diet, softening the stools (laxative), good hydration
- Medical: lidocaine ointment, GTN ointment and diltiazem (relaxing anal sphincter and promoting healing), botulinum toxin injection
- Surgical: lateral sphincterotomy, relax anal sphincter and promotes healing but has complication, so reserved for non-tolerant pts to non-surgical tx
Management
Appendicitis
Prompt appendicectomy; ABx: cefuroxime, metronidazole; laparoscopy - dx and therapuetic advantages
Investigations
Barrett’s oesophagus
OGD and biopsy: show replacement of squamous epithelium with columnar epithelium
Management
Biliary colic
- Analgesia, IV fluids, NBM;
- surgical: laproscopic cholecystectomy;
- ERCP can also be used to help remove stones or stent a blocked bile duct
Management
Cholecystitis
- Conservative - mild biliary colic, follow low-fat diet
- Medical: NBM, IV fluids, analgesia, anti-emetics,
- Abx; if obstruction: urgent biliary drainage by ERCP or via percutaenous route is necessary
- Surgical: laproscopic cholecytectomy
Management
Cirrhosis
- Tx the cause; avoid alcohol, sedative, opiates, NSAIDs and drugs that affect the liver, nutrition is important, enteral supplements should be given, NG feeding may be indicated;
- Tx complications:
- Encephalopathy: tx infections, exclude GI bleed, use lactulose and phosphate enemas, avoid sedation
- Ascites: Diuretics, dietary Na restriction, therapeutic paracentesis, monitor weight, fluid restrict if plasma Na <120 mmol/L, avoid alcohol and NSAIDs
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Abx, prophylaxis against recurrent SBP with ciprofloxacin
- Surgical: consider Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, helps reduce portal HTN;
- liver transplant is only curable method
Management
Coeliac disease
- Advice: avoid gluten
- Medical: vit and mineral supplements, oral corticosteroids if disease doesn’t subside with avoidance of gluten
Management
Crohn’s disease
- Acute exacerbation: fluid restriction, IV/oral corticosteroids, 5-ASA analogues, analgesia, parenteral nutrition may be necessary, monitor markers of disease activity
- Long term:
- Steroids for acute exacerbation
- 5-ASA analogues - decreases freq of relapses
- Immunosuppression: using steroid sparing agents reduces freq of relapses
- Anti-TNF agents: very effective at inducing/maintaining remission
- General advice: stop smoking, dietician referral
- Surgery indicated if: medical tx fails, failure to thrive in children with complications;
- involves resection of affected bowel and stoma formation
Management
Diverticular disease
- Asyx: soluble high fibre diet, some drugs for preventing recurrent flares of diverticulitis
- GI bleed: PR bleeeding usually managed conservatively with IV rehydration, Abx, blood transfusion if necessary;
- angiography and embolism or surgery if severe
- Diverticulitis: IV Abx, fluid rehydration, bowel rest, abscesses may be drained by radiologically sited drains
- Surgery: pt with recurrent attacks or complications; open: hartmann’s procedure leaving stoma, one-stage resection and anastamosis;
- laproscopic drainage, peritoneal lavage and drain placement can be effective
Management
Gastroenteritis
- Bed rest, fluid and electrolyte replacement with oral rehydration solution;
- IV rehydration may be necessary with severe vomiting;
- most are self-limiting;
- Abx tx only if severe or if infective agent identified
Management
Gastrointestinal perforation
- Resus: correct fluid and electrolytes, IV abx
- Surgical:
- large bowel: Id site of perf with peritoneal lavage, resection of perforated section;
- gastroduodenal: laparotomy, peritoneal lavage, perf closed with omental patch, gastric ulcers biopsied, H pylori eradication if positive
- oesophageal: pleural lavage, repair of ruptured oesophagus
Management
GORD
- Advice: wt loss, elevating head of bed, avoid provoking factors, stop smoking, lower fat meals, avoid large meals in the evening
- Medical: antacids, alginates, H2 antagonists, PPI
- Endoscopy: annual endoscopic surveillance looking for barrett’s, neessary for stricture dilation or stenting
- Surgery: antireflux surgery if refractory to medical tx
- Nissen fundoplication: fundus of stomach is wrapped around lower oesophagus - helps reduce risk of hiatus hernia and reduce reflux
Management
Haemorrhoids
- Conservative: high fibre diet, increase fluid intake, bulk laxatives, topical creams (local anaesthetics)
- Injection sclerotherapy: induces fibrosis of the dilated veins
- Banding: barron’s bands applied proximal to the haemorrhoids, haemorrhoid will fall off after a few days, BUT may be more painful than injection sclerotherapy
- Surgery: reserved for syx 3rd and 4th degree;
- milligan-morgan haemorrhoidectomy: excision of 3 haemorrhoidal cushions;
- stapled haemorrhoidectomy is an alternative method;
- post-op the pt should be given laxatives to avoid constipation
Management
Inguinal hernias
- Surgical: usually elective, mesh repair to reinforce defect in transversalis fascia;
- laproscopic mesh repair;
- emergency: obstructed or strangulated, laparotomy with bowel restriction may be indicated if bowel is gangrenous
Management
Hiatus hernia
- Medical: modify lifestyle factors, inhibit acid production, enhance upper GI motility
- Surgical: necessary in pt minority, usually performed in pts with complications of reflux disease, despite aggressive med tx or pulm complications;
- Nissen fundoplication - stomach pulled down through oesophageal hiatus and part of stomach wrapped 360 degrees around oesophagus to make a new sphincter
- Belsey Mark IV fundoplication: 270 degree wrap
- Hill repair: gastric cardia is anchored to the posterior abdo wall
Management
Intestinal obstruction
- General: gastric aspiration via NGT if pt is vomiting, IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, monitor vital sx, fluid balance and urine output;
- Surgical: emergency laparotomy in acute obstruction
Management
IBS
- Advice: dietary modification;
- Medical: depends on main syx affecting the pt: antispasmodics, prokinetic agents, anti-diarrhoeals, laxatives, low-dose TCA
- Psych therapy: CBT, relaxation and psychotherapy
Management
Liver failure
- Resus ABC, tx cause if possible - N-acetylcysteine: tx of paracetamol ODs
- tx/prevention of complications: monitor - vital sx, PT, pH, creatinine, urine output, encephalopathy
- Manage encephalopathy: lactulose and phosphate enemas
- Abx and antifungal prophylaxis
- hypoglycaemia tx
- coagulopathy tx - IV vitamin K, FFP, platelet infusions
- gastric mucosa protection PPIs, sucralfate
- Avoid sedatives or drugs met by the liver,
- cerebral oedema - decrease ICP with mannitol
- Renal failure: haemodialysis, nutritional support
- Surgical liver transplant
Management
Mallory Weiss tear
- 80-90% of the time, bleeding will stop on its own;
- surgery: only if bleeding doesn’t stop - injection sclerotherapy, coagulation therapy, arteriography;
- anti-reflux meds may be prescribed
Management
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Conservative - control
- RF: BP, DM, cholesterol, weight, smoking, exercise, alcohol (makes it worse)
Management
Acute pancreatitis
- 2 main scales: modified glasgow score (with CRP) and Apache-II score
- Medical: fluid and electrolytes resus, urinary catheter and NGT if vomiting, analgesia, blood sugar control, HDU and ITU care, prophylactic ABx
- ERCP and sphincterotomy: used for gallstone pancreatitis, cholangitis, jaundice or dilated common bile duct - within 72hrs
- Early detection and tx of complications: e.g. persistent syx or >30% pancreatic necrosis or sx of sepsis
- Surgical: necrotising pancreatitis mx by specialists
Management
Chronic pancreatitis
- General: mainly syx and supportive - dietary advice, stop smoking/drinking, tx DM, oral pancreatic enzyme replacement, analgesia; chronic pain may need specialist input
- Endoscopy: sphincterotomy, stone extraction, dilatation and stenting of strictures, ESWL
- Surgical: Lat pancreaticojejunal drainage, panc resection (whipple’s procedure), limited resection of panc head (beger procedure), open panc duct and excavate head of pancreas (Frey)
Management
Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis
- Acute: fluid resus if ulcer perf/bleeding (IV colloids), close monitoring of vital sx, endoscopy, surgical tx; pts with upper GI bleeds treated with IV PPIs at presentation until bleeding ID
- Endoscopy: haemostasis for bleeding ulcer with injection sclerotherapy, laser coag, electrocoag
- Surgery: indicated if ulcer perf/bleeding can’t be controlled
- H pylori eradication: 3x therapy for 1-2wks, 2Abx and PPI
- If not HP: tx with PPIs/H2 antags, stop NSAIDS, use misoprostol if NSAID use necessary
Management
Perineal abscess and fistula
- Surgical tx;
- open drainage of abscess;
- ABx;
- laying open of fistula - dye inserted to find internal opening
- Low fistula = fistulotomy and care with anal sphincter
- High fistula = fistulotomy cause incontinence so NOT performed; seton - suture threaded through fistula to allow drainage
Management
Peritonitis
- Localised peritonitis: depends on cause, some causes may require surgery, some causes can be treated with Abx
- Generalised: may look at risk of death from sepsis or shock, IV fluids/Abx, urinary catheter, NGT, central venous line;
- laparotomy: to remove infected or necrotic tissue, treat cause, peritoneal lavage;
- 1ry tx with Abx
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: quinolone Abx OR cefuroxime and metronidazole
Management
Pilonidal sinus
- Acute pilonidal abscess: incision and drainage;
- chronic pilonidal sinus: excision under GA with exploration;
- prevention: good hygiene, shaving
Management
Portal HTN
- difficult to tx specifically;
- tx mainly focused on tx underlying cause where possible;
- conservative = salt restriction, diuretics
- Tx oesophageal varices
- non-selective b-blocker to reduce portal pressure and reduce risk of variceal bleed
- Terlipressin to reduce portal venous pressure
- TIPS - surgical shunt between hepatic portal vein and hepatic vein to ease congestion in portal vein
- Liver transplant
Management
Ulcerative colitis
- Markers of diseae activity: decreased Hb/albumin, increased ESR/CRP, diarrhoea freq: <4 is mild, 4-6 mod, 6+ severe; bleeding, fever
- Mx of acute exacerbation: IV rehydration/corticosteroids, ABx, bowel rest, parenteral feeding may be necessary, DVT prophylaxis: toxic megacolon - proctolectomy because it has high mortality
- Mx of mild disease: oral/rectal 5-ASA derivatices and/or rectal steroids
- Mx of moderate/severe disease: oral steroids, oral 5-ASA, immunosuppression (azathioprine, cyclosporine, 6-MPU)
- Advice: pt education/support, treat complications, regular colonoscopic surveillance
- Surgical: Proctolectomy with ileostomy, ileoanal pouch formation
Management
Viral Hep A and E
- No specific mx, bed rest, syx tx (antipyretics/antiemetics/cholestyramine)
- Prevention and control:
- public health - safe water,
- sanitation, food hygeine;
- notifiable disease,
- immunisation available for HAV - passive immunisation with IM human Ig (effective for short time),
- active immunisation with attenuated HAV vaccine offers safe and effective immunity for those travelling to endemic areas and high risk individuals
Management
Viral Hep B and D
- Prevention: blood screening, safe sex, instrument sterilisation;
- passive immunisation: hep B Ig following acute exposure and to neonates born to HBeAg+ mothers
- Active immunisation: recombinant HBsAg vaccine for individuals at risk and neonates born to HB
- Acute HBV hepatitis: syx tx (antipyretics, antiemetics and cholestyramine) and bed rest, notifiable disease
- Chronic HBV: Interferon alpha causing side effects: flu-like syx such as fevers, chills, myalgia, headaches, bone marrow suppression and depression;
- nucleoside/sucleotide analogues (adefovir, entecavir, telbivudine, tenofovir
Management
Viral Hep C
- Prevention: screen blood, blood products and organ donors, needle exchange scheme for IV drug users, instrument sterilisation,
- NO VACCINE AVAILABLE
- Medical: Acute - mainly supportive (antipyretics, antiemetics, cholestyramine;
- chronic: pegylated interferon Alpha, Ribavirin for genotype 1/4: 24-48wks, for genotype 2/3: 12-24wks;
- regular USS of liver needed if cirrhosis
Management
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- ABx: cefotaxime IV,
- IV albumin
Management
Acromegaly
- Surgical: transphenoidal hypophysectomy
- RT: adjunctive to surgery
- Medical if surgery refused:
- subcut Somatostatin analogues (e.g. octreotide/lanreotide) with side effects of abdo pain,steatorrhoea, glucose intolerance and gallstones;
- Oral DA agonists (bromocriptine and cabergoline), side effects: N/V, constipation, postural hypotension, psychosis (rare);
- GH antagonist = pegvisomant
- Monitor: GH and IGF1 levels can be used to monitor
Management
Adrenal insufficiency
- Addisonian crisis =
- rapid IV fluid rehydration;
- 50mL of 50% dextrose to correct hypoglycaemia;
- IV 200mg hydrocortisone bolus, followed by 100mg 6hrly hydrocortisone until BP is stable, treat precipitating cause (Abx for infection), monitor
- Chronic:
- replacement of glucocorticoids with hydrocortisone (3/d), mineralocorticoids with fludrocortisone;
- hydrocortisone dosage increased during times of acute illness or stress.
- NB: hydrocortisone before thyroxine if hypothyroidism
- Advice: have a steroid warning card, wear a medic alert bracelet, emergency hydrocortisone on hand
Management
Cushing’s syndrome
- Iatrogenic = discontinue steroids, use lower dose or steroid-sparing agents
- Medical = used pre-op or if unfit for surgery, inhibit cortisol synth with metyrapone or ketoconazole, treat osteoporosis, physio for muscle weakness
- Surgical = pit adenomas (trans-sphenoidal resection), adrenal adenoma/carcinoma (surgical removal), ectopic ACTH (tx directed at the tumour)
- RT = performed in those not cured and have persistent high cortisol after resection of tumour; bilat adrenalectomy may be performed in refractory cushing’s disease
Management
Diabetes insipidus
- Treat the cause;
- cranial DI: give DP and if mild chlorpropamide/carbamazepine to potentiate the residual effects of any residual VP
- nephrogenic DI: Na and/or protein restriction helps with polyuria, thiazide diuretic
Management
T2DM
- Glycaemic control:
- at dx: lifestyle and metformin
- HBA1c >7% after 3m:
- lifestyle + metformin + sulphonylurea (can be monotherapy if metformin not tolerated)
- lifestyle +metformin + basal insulin
- And fasting blod glucose >7: add premeal rapid actign insulin
- NB: pioglitaqzone can be given alongside metformin and sulphonylurea
- Screening for complications: retinopathy, nephropathy, vascular disease, diabetic foot, cardiovascular risk factors
- Pregnancy: requiring strict glycaemic control and planning of conception
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state: mx similar to DKA, except 0.45% saline if serum Na >170mmol/L
Management
Hyperparathyroidism
- Acute hypercalcaemia = IV fluids, avoid factors that exacerbate hyperCa, maintain adequate hydration, moderate ca and vit D intake;
- surgical mx: subtotal/total parathyroidectomy
- 2ry herPTH: treat underlying cause and ca/vit D supplements may be needed
Management
Hypopituitarism
- Hormone replacement:
- hydrocortisone,
- levothyroxine,
- sex hormones: testosterone in males, oestrogen with/out progesterone in females,
- growth hormone,
- desmopressin
Management
Hypothyroidism
- Chronic:
- levothyroxine (25-200mcg/d), important to rule out underlying adrenal insufficiency before starting THR,
- thyroid hormone replacement in the context of adrenal insufficiency can precipitate an addisonian crisis,
- adjust dose based on clinical picture and TFTs
- Myxoedema coma: oxygen, rewarming, rehydration, IV T4/3, IV hydrocortisone, treat underlying disease
Management
1ry hyperaldosteronism
- BAH = spironolactone, eplerenone if spironolactone side effects intolerable, amiloride -> monitor serum K and creatinine and BO, can also add ACEi and CCBs;
- Aldosterone producing adenomas = adrenalectomy;
- adrenal carcinoma = surgery,
- post op mitotane (anti-neoplastic)
Management
Prolactinoma
- Goals: treat cause, relieve syx, prevent complications, restore fertility;
- DA agonists (cabergoline and bromocriptine) effective in most pts, long-term basis and
- if ineffective: surgery and RT
Management
SIADH
- Treat underlying cause,
- fluid restriction,
- VP, receptor antagonists (tolvaptan);
- severe cases = slow IV hypertonic saline and furosemide with close monitoring
Management
Thyroiditis
- Pharm: thyroide hormone replacement - oral levothyroxine sodium, titrate dose based on pts needs
- Surgical: considered if there is a large goitre that is causing syx due to compression of surrounding structures or if there is a malignant nodule
Management
Vit d Deficiency and osteomalacia
- Vit D and Ca replacement,
- monitor 24hr urinary calcium;
- also monitor: serum Ca, PO4, ALP, PTH, Vit D;
- treat underlying Cause
Management
Acute Kidney Injury
- Treat cause and monitor serum creatinine, Na, K, Ca, PO4, glucose, ID and treat infection;urgent relief of urinary tract obstruction;
- refer to nephrology if intrinsic renal disease suspected;
- Renal replacement therapy considered if hyperk refractory to medical management, pulm oedema refractory to medical mx, severe met acidaemia, uraemic complications.
- Mx 4 main components:
- Protect pt from hyperkalaemia
- Optomise fluid balance
- Stop nephrotoxic drugs
- Consider for dialysis
Management
BPH
- Emergency = catheterisation;
- conservative = watchful waiting;
- medical = selective alpha blocker (tamsulosin, relax internal sphincter and prostate capsule) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, reduce prostate size);
- surgery (TURP and open prostatectomy)
Management
Testicular Torsion
- Exploration of scrotum within 6hrs of onset of syx;
- after testicle twisted back into place, a bilat orchidopexy performed, involving suturing the testicle to scrotal tissue to prevent recurrence, if testicle is necrotic orchidectomy may be performed
Management
Urinary tract calculi
- Acute presentation = analgesia, bed rest, fluid rep-placement, urine collection to try and retrieve stone that passed (obstructed and infected kidney is an emergency and treated asap to relieve obstruction;
- removal of calculi = urethoscopy (to remove stone or place a JJ stent), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (break down stone for spontaneous passage, non-invasive), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (large stones, nephroscope inserted allowing disintegration and removal of stones);
- Treat cause;
- advice = increase oral fluid intake
Management
UTI
- For uncomplicated UTI = trimethoprim OR nitrofurantoin, treat for 3-6d (men may need longer course),
- alternatives = co-amoxiclav or cefalexin
Management
Bell’s palsy
- Protection of cornea with protective glasses/patches or artificial tears;
- high dose corticosteroids useful within 72hrs (only if ramsey-hunt syndrome is excluded;
- surgery - lateral tarsorrhaphy
Management
Epilepsy
- Status epilepticus tx = initiated early, ABC approach, glucose check, IV lorazepam or IV/PR diazepam (repeat again after 10 min if seizure doesn’t terminate) - IV phenytoin considered if seizures recurr after next dose, consider also GA, or treat the cause, check plasma levels of anticonvulsants;
- Newly dx epilepsy tx = Start anti-convulsants after >2 unprovoked seizures,
- focal = lamotrigine/carbamazepine,
- generalised = Na valproate, only ONE drug (others inc. phenytoin, levetiracetam, clobazam, topiramate, gabapentin, vigabatrin);
- Pt education = avoid triggers, use seizure diaries, women of child-bearing age (!), drug interactions
Management
Meningitis
- Immediate IV ABx before LP (3rd gen cephalosporins, and benzylpenicillin may be used for initial blind therapy),
- Dexamethasone IV (shortly before/with 1st dose of ABx, reduced risk of complications),
- resus (manage in ITU, notify public heallth services)
Management
Migraine
- Analgesia overuse can cause headaches;
- Acute = NSAIDs, paracetamol, codeine, antiemetis, triptans (5-HT agonists) like sumatriptan
- Prophylaxis = b-blockers, amitriptyline, topiramate, Na valproate, menstrual migraines can be controlled with COCP
- Advice = avoid triggers, rest in a quiet dark room during episodes
Management
Stroke
- Hyperacute = <4.5hrs onset, exclude haemorrhage using head CT, thrombolysis may then be considered
- Acute ischaemic = Aspirin+clopidogrel for further thrombosis, heparin if high risk of emboli recurrence/stroke progression; swallow assessment (NGT for feeding?), GCS monitoring, thromboprophylaxis
- 2ry prevention = aspirin and dipyridamole, warfarin anticoagulation (AF), control RF = HTN, hyperlipidaemia, CAD
- Surgical treatment = carotid endarterectomy
Management
Subdural haemorrhage
- Acute = ALS protocol, cervical spine injury awareness, if ICP raised consider osmotic diuresis
- Conservative tx if small
- Surgical - prompt Burr hole/craniotomy
- Chronic - syx = Burr hole/craniotomy and drainage
- Children = percutaneous aspiration via open fontanelle
Management
Tension headache
- Episodic: reassurance, address triggers, advice on avoinding meds that can cause medication-induced headaches;
- simple analgesia (ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin);
- Tricyclic antidepressants may be considered in frequently recurrent episodic tension headaches or chronic tension headaches
Management
Transient Ischaemic Attack
- Acute neuro syx that resolve completely within 24hrs should be given 300 mg aspirin immediately and assessed urgently within 24hrs;
- pts confirmed TIA: clopidogrel - 300mg loading dose and 75mg thereafter, high-intensity statin therapy (atorvastatin 20-80mg);
- 2ry prevention: anti-platelets, anti-HTN, lipid-modifying tx, management of AF
- Assessment of future stroke risk in TIA pts: ABCD2 score
Management
Giant cell arteritis
- High dose oral prednisilone immediately to prevent visual loss;
- reduce dose of prednisolone gradually;
- many pts need to keep on maintenance dose of prednisolone for 1-2yrs;
- low dose aspirin with PPIs and gastroprotection and reduces risk of visual loss, TIAs and stroke;
- annual CXR for up to 10yrs to look for thoracic aortic aneurysms
Management
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Corticosteroids;
- steroid sparing agents sometimes;
- assistance from PT/OT;
- monitor for adverse effects of steroids
Management
Giant cell arteritis
- High dose oral prednisilone immediately to prevent visual loss;
- reduce dose of prednisolone gradually;
- many pts need to keep on maintenance dose of prednisolone for 1-2yrs;
- low dose aspirin with PPIs and gastroprotection and reduces risk of visual loss, TIAs and stroke;
- annual CXR for up to 10yrs to look for thoracic aortic aneurysms
Management
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Corticosteroids;
- steroid sparing agents sometimes;
- assistance from PT/OT;
- monitor for adverse effects of steroids
Management
Macrocytic anaemia
- Pernicious anaemia: IM hydroxycobalamin for life;
- folate: oral folic acid, and if b12 def present, treated before folic acid def
Management
Microcytic anaemia
- IDA: oral iron supplements;
- sideroblastic anaemia: treat cause, pyridoxine in inherited forms, blood transfusion and iron chelation considered if no response
- Lead poisoning: remove source, dimercaprol, D-penicillinamine
Management
Sickle cell disease
- Acute (painful crises) -> O2, IV fluids, strong analgesia (IV opiates), Abx;
- Infection prophylaxis: penicillin V, regular vaccinations
- Folic acid: severe haemolysis or in pregnancy
- Hydroxyurea/carbamide: increases HbF levels, reduces the frequency and duration of sickle cell crisis
- Red cell transfusion: for severe anaemia, repeated transfusions (with iron chelators), may be required in pts suffering from repeated crises
- Advice: avoid precipitating factors, good hygeine and nutrition, genetic counselling, prenatal screening
- Surgical: bone marrow transplantation; joint replacement in cases with avascular necrosis
Management
Alcohol withdrawal
- Chlordiazepoxide - reduces syx of alcohol withdrawal
- Barbiturates may be used if refractory to BZD
- Thiamine prevents progression to wernicke-korsakoff syndrome
Management
Anaphylaxis
- ABCDE;
- high flow oxygen,
- IM adrenaline,
- chlorpheniramine (antihistamine),
- hydrocortisone,
- if continued resp deterioration,
- may require bronchodilator therapy,
- monitor pulse oximetry,
- ECG,
- BP
Managment
Benign breast disease
- Conservative: symptomatic tx (analgesia for mastalgia), fibroadenoma may be treated conservatively
- Surgery: removal or excision biopsy of a breast lump, wide local incision if any suspicion of the lump not being benign;
- microdochectomy (surgical removal of a lactiferous duct - for Intraductal papilloma)
- Hadfield’s procedure (surgical removal of all lactiferous ducts under the nipple - used for duct ectasia
Management
Breast abscess
- Medical: ABx - lactational: flucloxacillin;
- non-lactational: flucloxacillin + metronidazole
- Surgical: lactational: incision and drainage;
- non-lactational: open drainage should be avoided, involved duct system should be excised once the infection has settled
Management
Abscess
- Some small skin abscesses may disappear by themselves;
- Incision and drainage: first check whether foreign object is causing the abscess;
- abscess cut open and drained
- ABx: alongside incision and drainage
Management
Cellulitis
- Medical: oral penicillins or tetracyclines effective;
- if hospital acquired -> treat empirically based on local guidelines and change depending on the sensitivity of cultured organisms
- Surgical: orbital decompression may be needed in orbital cellulitis (emergency)
- Abscess: aspirate, incision and drainage, excised completely
Management
Infectious mononucleosis
- Bed rest; paracetamol and NSAIDs for fever and malaise
- Corticosteroids in severe cases
- DON’T give amoxicillin/ampicillin if suspected as develop maculopapular rash
- Advice: avoid contact sports for 2wks (rupture spleen)
Management
Varicella zoster
- Chickenpox: children - tx syx;
- adult: consider acyclovir
- Shingles: aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir
- Prevention: VZIg - in immunosuppressed/pregnant
Management
dyslipidaemia
- Lipid modification treatment for people with a 10-year CVD risk of 10% or greater (QRISK)
- Inv: Lipid measurement, creatine kinase (if general muscle pain), LFTs, Renal function inc. eGFR, HbA1c, TSH
- High intensity statin - atorvastatin and combined with lifestyle measures: increased exercise, reduced alcohol, cardioprotective diet
- if contraindiated and 1ry hypercholesterolaemia then can consider ezetimibe
Managment
smoking cessation
- NHS stop smoking services
- Behavioural therapy, advice and support - pharm or non-pharm treatment
- drugs: NRT, buproprion or varenicline; prescribe for 2wks, then review
- High dependence: better to use 2 forms of NRT, like a patch and gum/inhaler/lozenge/nasal spray