Misc for test 1 Flashcards
what is the key manifestation of spinal muscular atrophy
progressive degeneration of anterior horn cells
genetic disease
what is the infantile form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
SMA type 1 (Werdnig -Hoffmann disease)
what is the late infantile and more slowly progressive form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
SMA type 2 (Kugelberg-Welander syndrome)
what is the more chronic, juvenile form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
SMA type 3
what type of disease is spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
genetic
one of the most frequent autosomal recessive diseases
with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the earlier it presents the _____ the progression
more severe
what are fasciculations
quivering muscle movements that typically best seen on the lateral aspect of the tongue
seen easiest when child is asleep
talked about in the Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) section
prognosis of SMA type 1
most infants with this genetic disease die within the first 2 years
Prognosis of SMA type 2
may survive to adulthood
Prognosis of SMA type 3
can initially appear normal with slower progression of weakness and a normal life expectancy
clinical manifestations of SMA type 1
severe hypotonia
generalized weakness
facial involvement
fasciculations
absent deep tendon reflexes
normal cognitive, social and language skills and sensation
with disease progression -> breathing becomes rapid, shallow, and predominantly abdominal
resp compromise leads to atelectasis, pulmonary infection and death
labs and diagnostic studies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
genetic testing
creatine phosphokinase (CK) may be normal or mildly elevated
Electromyelogram (EMG) shows fasciculations, fibrillations and other signs of denervation
muscle biopsy specimens show grouped atrophy
treatment for Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
no specific treatment delays progression
nusinersen (antisense oligonucleotide) is being studied
symptomatic therapy is directed toward minimizing contractures, preventing scoliosis, optimizing nutrition, avoiding infections
manage resp infections aggressively - pulmonary hygiene, oxygen and abx
in SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) what gene is missing
SMN1 gene and do not produce a protein necessary for the survival of the motor cells
what drug has recently been approved for SMA and how does it work
Nusinersen - injected intrathecally and modifies mRNA from a nearly identical gene (SMN2) to increase SMN protein production.
an acute post-infectious demyelinating disorder of the spinal cord
transverse myelitis
how to treat transverse myelitis
high dose steroids
symptoms of an epidural abscess
fever
spinal pain
neurological deficits
lesions of the spinal cord are best seen in what imaging
MRI
flaccid, areflexic paralysis
think…
acute spinal cord lesions
may mimic lower motor neuron disease
timeline for transverse myelitis symptom progression
1-21 days
on spinal fluid - WBC normal; no OCB
neuro paralysis like symptoms
not inflammatory causes
Think infarct dural AVF spondylosis tumor check B12 level
On spinal fluid - increased WBC, +/- OCBs
neuro paralysis like symptoms
think inflammatory causes
MS
NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder)
MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorders)
infectious
sarcoid
on spinal fluid - markedly increased CSF protein, normal cell count
neuro paralysis like symptoms
Think
Spinal block (tumor/spondylosis)
Guillain - Barre
on spinal fluid - decreased glucose
neuro paralysis like symptoms
think meningomyelitis
what can transverse myelitis cause
aggressive damage to the spinal cord without warning leading to varying degrees of weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation and bladder dysfunction
causes of transverse myelitis
usually postinfectious or idiopathic
secondary transverse myelitis is caused by other autoimmune diseases (ie multiple sclerosis), infection, paraneoplastic disorders
clinical features of transverse myelitis
motor: rapidly progressing weakness of the legs (+ arms if cervical cord affected), initially flaccid
sensory: pain, dysesthesia, and paresthesia below the level of the lesion
autonomic: urinary urgency or retention, constipation, bladder or bowel incontinence
diagnosis for transverse myelitis
MRI total spine with and without contrast
-will also r/o compressive myelopathy
Lumbar Puncture
-cell count and diff, protein, glucose, VDRL, oligoclonal bands, IgG index, and cytology (looking for cancer)
-Normal CSF, or elevated CSF lymphocytosis (<100) or elevated protein level
what deficiencies can cause symptoms similar to transverse myelitis
Vit B12
Vit E
serum copper
Ceruloplasm
what infections can cause a similar picture to transverse myelitis
HIV
enterovirus
Syphilis
what autoimmune disease can cause transverse myelitis
MS
what disorder triggered by cancer can attack the cells in the nervous system - transverse myelitis
Paraneoplastic syndromes - abnormal immune system response to a neoplasm.
T cells mistakenly attack normal cells in the nervous system
(you can look at Anti-Hu and anti-CRMP5 labs)
a group of genetic muscle diseases characterized by progressive myofiber degeneration and the gradual replacement of muscle by fibrotic tissue
muscular dystrophies
what is the most common muscular dystrophy and one of the most common genetic disorders of childhood
duchenne muscular dystrophy
what gene for duchenne muscular dystrophy
X-linked disorder (Xp21) that arises from a mutation in the dystrophin gene
autosomal recessive disorder of the anterior horn cells in the brainstem and spinal cord
Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
Degenerative disease characterized by progressive denervation of the muscle, leading to progressive hypotonia and muscle weakness.
Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
what gender are more commonly affected in spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
Males
SMA type one presents by what age in most cases
6 mos
Floppy infant. Unable to achieve milestones of rolling or sitting independently. Weakness is greater in proximal muscle groups vs. distal and lower extremities are more severely affected. Infants have poor head control. Demonstrate a weak cry or cough and have difficulty with feeding, swallowing, or handling oral secretions due to bulbar dysfunction. Paradoxical breathing due to intercostal muscle weakness with sparing of the diaphragm. Often have characteristic bell-shaped trunk and abdominal protrusion. When supine, assume the frog-legged position Areflexia, fine tremor (most notably in the hands), tongue fasciculations, facial weakness, and normal sensation are reported.
clinical manifestations of SMA type 1
normal development for the first 6 mos
may sit independently and demonstrate head control but never able to stand or walk independently
fine motor tremor of hands
tongue fasciculations
diaphragmatic breathing
difficulty swallowing
prone to scoliosis and contractures
SMA type 2
weakness is greater in proximal muscle groups vs distal
lower extremities more severely affected than the upper
pt typically achieve ability to walk independently but many are wheelchair bound by the 4th decade of life
SMA type 3
what does EMG show in SMA
acute denervation due to malfunction of motor neurons
motor and sensory conduction velocities are normal
serum CK in SMA vs Muscular dystrophy
CK in SMA may be normal or slightly elevated
Muscular dystrophy CK is classically elevated
what teams would be involved in an SMA pt
neurology pulmonology orthopedics physical and occupational therapy genetic counseling
labs in SMA
chemistry studies - can provide info on metabolic disease, electrolyte imbalances, liver and kidney functions and drug levels
if they are on antiepileptic meds - watch liver and kidney functions
lactate - may identify resulting acidosis after prolonged seizures or in presence of septic shock in meningitis
ammonia - determine presence of metabolic disease with seizures
CBC with diff - infectious process or looking for anemia while managing increased ICP
newborn screening test - inborn errors of metabolism
infectious disease titers or levels
Looking for lyme, herpes, rubella, EBV, toxoplasmosis and other viral orgins
what are the anti-epileptic drugs that require drug level monitoring
Fosphenytoin
Phenobarbital
valproic acid
carbamazepine
when would you need to check levels for anti-epileptic drugs
initiation of drug to establish therapeutic level or range
breakthrough seizures in a previously stable pt
monitor adherence to meds
measure changes in levels with addition of second med with known interactions
when should you draw trough levels for antiepilepic meds
30 min prior to dose administration
goal level for phenytonin
total (protein and non protein bound phenytoin)
10 - 20 ug/ml
free (non protein bound)
1-2.5 ug/mL
calculation for correction of phenytoin level with low albumin
Fosphenytoin is protein bound
corrected level = measured phenytoin level/ {(albumin x 0.1) + 0.1}
goal level for phenobarbital
15-40 ug/ml
goal level for valproic acid
50-100 ug/Ml
goal level for carbamazepine
4-12 ug/mL
when would you order a EEG
evaluation of events suspected to be seizures
seizure localization
assessment of subclinical seizures
evaluation of altered LOC
Adjunct diagnostic test in the determination of brain death
contraindications to EEG
scalp infection
scalp skin breakdown
Hz for brain waves
1-3 Hz - Delta
4-7 HZ - Theta
8-12 Hz - Alpha
13-20 Hz - Beta
Brain wave Frequency ____ from birth to adulthood
increases
EEG - single or repetitive spikes that can be focal, multifocal or generalized
Epileptiform waves
Brain or head CT images are used in the clinical evaluation of
Bony abnormalities
hydrocephalus
ICH
Cerebral edema
Space occupying lesions
intracranial calcifications
Brain MRI is used in the clinical evaluation of
Ischemia or infarct
Degenerative diseases
Congenital anomalies
Arteriovenous malformations
Lesions in the posterior fossa and spinal cord
type of MRI that uses pulses of radio wave energy to provide images of blood vessels inside the body
MRA
MRA images are useful in the clinical evaluation of
reduced blood flow
aneurysm
arteriovenous malformations
Uses xenon-133, a radioactive dye which is injected prior to scan
cerebral perfusion scan
which imaging is more sensitive in detecting blood which makes it ideal for trauma eval
CT scan
what is the advantage of MRI
does not use ionizing radiation - eliminates exposure risk
higher level or gray/white differentiation
provides higher resolution detail at skull base and orbits
disadvantage of CT
radiation exposure
disadvantages of MRI
pt with metallic devices are unable to enter
longer imaging time, usually sedation required
cerebral perfusion scan may be considered in the clinical evaluation of
brain death
acute stroke
what does a lumbar puncture evaluate
can be therapeutic also
CNS infection
malignancy
autoimmune disease
inflammatory process
when is LP indicated
suspected infectious, immunologic or inflammatory process involving CNS
measure opening pressure
administration of intrathecal meds (anesthesia or chemo)
Therapeutic CSF removal to relieve increased ICP due to pseudotumor cerebri
contraindications for LP
increased ICP
platelet dysfunction
bleeding disorder
resp or hemodynamic instability
skin infection near site of entry
spinal cord trauma or compression
posterior spinal cord fusion in lumbar region
focal neuro deficit
Potential complications of LP
bleeding
infection
back pain
headache
CSF leak
Epidural or subdural spinal hematoma
Herniation (rare)
lab studies for LP
White and red blood cell counts
culture
gram stain and sensitivities
PCR and certain titers
what should you get prior to an LP on any pt with suspected increased ICP or suspected space occupying lesion
Head CT
negative CT does not completely exclude possibility of increased ICP
preferred device for monitoring ICP and can also be used for draining CSF
Ventriculostomy
for a ventriculostomy what is it connected to for monitoring
an external pressure transducer and monitor
what does a waveform indicate during ventriculostomy monitoring
resp variations and pulse pressure as well as ICP
Goals of ICP monitoring (ventriculostomy)
ICP and CPP numbers
Maintain ICP <20 -25 mmHg in older children
<15-20 in children <1 yr
Maintain CPP by maintaining adequate MAP; goal CPP >60mmHg in adolescents, >50mmHg in children and >40 mmHg in infants
factors to avoid that aggravate or precipitate elevated ICP
agitation
pain
obstruction of venous return (keep head in neutral position)
rep insufficiency such as airway obstruction, hypoxia or hypercapnia
fever HTN hyponatremia anemia seizures
what is anisocoria
unequal size of eyes pupils
what is the most appropriate imaging for a 3 week old to look for brain hemorrhage - unstable pt
Ultrasound is the most appropriate imaging modality for an unstable neonate with an open fontanel
6 yr old with no med history comes to ED with generalized tonic clonic seizures. what is the initial management
give lorazepam (ativan) to control seizure activity
what can you do for a intubated child to help decrease the blood flow to the brain which decreases blood volume in the cranial vault -> lowers the ICP
mild hyperventilation (PaCO2 32-35mmHg)
what diagnostic imaging is the most important technique to show an exact depiction of the AVM, its feeder vessels, nidus and draining veins
cerebral angiography
in a symptomatic, unstable pt, what diagnostic study is best to identify the presence of an AVM
CT - immediate viewing of the general location and will show if there is hemorrhage and edema
infant with a progressive, neuromuscular disease which typically presents with poor feeding, weakness, constipation, weak cry and other neurologic symptoms
infant botulism
what practice is most important to minimize infection rate in a child with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in place
antibiotic prophylaxis with individually tailored specifications following a shunt placement
what is the most common cause of shunt failure in pediatrics
obstruction
how is a bacterial infection in CSF identified
Elevated WBC count (>1,000)
Elevated protein (>100mg/dL)
decreased glucose (<60% of serum glucose)
Normal WBC (0-5 cells/UL) Normal protein (15-60 mg/dL) Normal glucose (50-80mg/dL)
Disseminated encephalomyelitis often occurs following what?
a viral illness
clinical presentation for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
behavioral changes AMS fatigue fever headache nausea vomiting seizures
Asymmetric smile on exam post ischemic stroke located in pons. What CN is affected
Facial nerve (CN VII)
what can happen if you perform an LP on a pt with increased ICP
can result in transtentorial herniation or herniation of the cerebellar tonsils
gold standard study for a child suspected of arteriovenous malformation
Cerebral angiography
at what age do most boys become symptomatic for for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, what is their clinical presentation at this age
2-3 years old
develop an awkward gait and inability to run properly
some may have antecedent history of mild delay in attaining motor milestones or of poor head control during infancy
Gower sign
Duchenne muscular dystrophy sign
The child arises from a lying position on the floor by using his arms to climb up his legs and body (pushing off of thighs)
exam finding of
firm calf hypertrophy
mild to moderate proximal leg weakness with a hyperlordotic, waddling gait
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
other manifestations - cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, resp decline, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction
in Duchenne muscular dystrophy arm weakness is evident by what age
6 years old
Duchenne muscular dystrophy most boys are wheelchair dependent by what age
12 years old
Prognosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
many live into adulthood
most die in their 20s or early 30s usually as a result of progressive resp decline or cardiac dysfunction
labs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
serum CK - always markedly elevated (10,000-50,000 international units)
Aldolase is elevated
diagnosis - genetic testing (looking for dystrophin gene mutation)
muscle biopsy shows muscle fiber degeneration and regeneration accompanied by increased interfascicular connective tissue
treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
chronic oral steroid therapy to slow pace of disease, delay motor disability and improve longevity (prednisone)
Supportive care - physical therapy, bracing, proper wheelchairs, treatment for cardiac dysfunction or pulmonary infections
what does the gene for dystrophin do
connects the contractile protein actin to the cell membrane
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
females and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
usually are asymptomatic carriers or exhibit only mild symptoms - there are rare cases of severely affected females
muscular dystrophies commonly present with what (gait)
gait disturbance due to a hip girdle weakness
what are some things a caregiver might report for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (early signs)
a child who is mildly late to learn to walk (13-18 mths)
moves more slowly than other toddlers
displays toe walking
rolling gait or waddle
large calves (pseudohypertrophy)
Gower sign (pushing off thigh when arising from the ground
weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is progressive and starts with _____ muscles and those of the ___ and ____ ____
volunteer muscles
hips and pelvic girdle
pattern of progressive weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
proximal leg involvement -> loss of ambulation -> arms and hands -> spinal support -> resp function
for Duchenne muscular dystrophy with exon 51 skipping what treatment options
weekly IV infusions of eteplirsen
results in small amount of dystrophin which slows progression of disease
Duchenne muscular dystrophy with stop codons (nonsense mutations) can be treated with
Ataluren - oral drug which also restores a small amount of dystrophin - results in slower weakness progression
this is only approved in European Union and still experimental in US
for Duchenne muscular dystrophy when should they see cardiology and obtain first echo
6-7 years
generally asymptomatic during first decade
may also get a cardiac MRI for greater detail
What cardiac problems are commonly seen developed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
arrhythmias
cardiomyopathy from myocyte hypertrophy
atrophy
fibrosis
what cardiac meds may be considered with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
by age 10
ACE inhibitors or ARBS to reduce cardiac afterload and help with adding more years of normal ejection fraction before overt cardiac decline
Corticosteroids for similar and additive effect to ACE/ARB
B blockers, digoxin, furosemide and others may be required
As the child moves out of the plateau phase with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, what service should be consulted
pulmonology
progressive chest wall and paraspinal muscle weakness lead to impaired ventilator excursion, restrictive lung disease perhaps spine and chest deformities
ability to cough and clear secretions is impaired
common reasons for ED visits for a pt with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
resp insufficiency triggered by upper or lower resp infection
fractures secondary to osteopenia
Arrhythmias
heart failure
treating pain in a pt with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
be very careful in using narcotics due to resp depression in a child with a fragile ventilatory system
The incidence of _____ _____ is higher in those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy then with other muscle disorders
what anesthetic can cause this
malignant hyperthermia
succinylcholine
type of severe reaction that occurs in response to particular medications used during general anesthesia, among those who are susceptible
Malignant hyperthermia
symptoms of malignant hyperthermia
high fever muscle rigidity rhabdomyolysis tachycardia tachypnea acidosis increased Carbon dioxide production
drug to treat malignant hyperthermia
Dantrolene
dystrophin is present in what type of muscle
smooth
late complications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
constipation
gastroesophageal reflex
gastroparesis
chewing becomes weak - gastrostomy feeding often required
Pressure ulcers
Low bone density (occurs with diseases of weakness and made worse by steroids)
what should be monitored for a pt with Duchenne muscular dystrophy related to bone density and what type of meds should be considered to help with this
monitor Calcium and vit D
Bisphosphonates
Xp21.2-p21.3 deletion
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
which muscular dystrophy is worse
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
or Beckers muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne is Devestating
Pogressive myofiber damage ->loss of dystrophin -> muscle necrosis
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
in Duchenne muscular dystrophy there is progressive ______ muscle weakness
proximal
how often should a Duchenne muscular dystrophy receive an echo
every 1-2 years
autoimmune condition where antibodies block the acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction which decreases the number of effective receptors
Myasthenia Gravis
3 childhood varieties of Myasthenia Gravis
juvenile myasthenia gravis (late infancy and childhood)
Transient neonatal myasthenia
Congenital myasthenia
variable ptosis (drooping eye)
diplopia (double vision)
ophthalmoplegia (paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles)
facial weakness
are the presenting symptoms for what?
Juvenile Myasthenia
(Myasthenia Gravis)
dysphagia, poor head control and extremity weakness may occur
what distinguishes Myasthenia Gravis from other neuromuscular disorders with progressive worsening over the day or with repetitive activity
rapid fatigue of muscles
prognosis for Juvenile Myasthenia
for some it never progresses past eyes (ophthalmoplegia and ptosis - ocular myasthenia)
Others have a progressive and potentially life threatening illness that involves all musculature to include resp and wallowing
treatment for Juvenile Myasthenia
pyridostigmine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) and depending on severity - various forms of immunosuppression
what type of Myasthenia Gravis develops in the first hours to days after birth to almost all newborns whose mother has myasthenia gravis
Transient neonatal Myasthenia Gravis
they have maternal anti-AChR antibodies (they all have them but only 10-20% will become symptomatic)
signs of transient neonatal myasthenia gravis
ptosis ophthalmoplegia weak facial movements poor feeding hypotonia resp difficulty variable extremity weakness
treatment for transient neonatal myasthenia gravis
cholinesterase inhibitors and supportive care for a few days to weeks until the weakness remits
Myasthenia Gravis that is due to gene mutations in the components of the neuromuscular junction
Congenital myasthenia gravis
typically present in infancy with hypotonia, ophthalmoparesis, facial diplegia and extremity weakness - can present throughout childhood.
Congenital myasthenia gravis
Prognosis for Congenital myasthenia gravis
lifelong disability
some might respond to pyridostigmine or other drugs that improve neuromuscular junction function
most children with MG will lead normal lives with treatment, with temporary or permanent remission
in autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis, the majority of individuals have antibodies to
AChR (Acetylcholine receptors)
for autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis, what med can be used for diagnostic verification?
administration of a cholinesterase inhibitor, edrophonium chloride can result in transient improvement in strength, particularly of ptosis, and can be used for diagnostic verification
(Tensilon test)
Edrophonium is a rapid onset (30-90 seconds) and short acting (5 min)
what is the bottom line problem in myasthenia gravis
production in of ACh is normal and the neural function is intact but there are not enough receptors on the muscle to allow for an adequate contraction
Myasthenic crisis is a rapid deterioration of neuromuscular and respiratory function and can occur due to
infection
stress
changes in medications (anticholinesterase inhibitors)
Diagnosis for myasthenia gravis
physical exam
pulmonary function tests
serological testing for AChR antibodies
EMG with repeated nerve stimulation (causing the pt to become weak)
Treatment for myasthenia gravis
mechanical ventilation
anticholinesterase meds (to inhibit breakdown of ACH) so it remains bound to the muscle and produces a sustained contraction (Pyridostigmine, neostigmine)
Immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine,
cyclophosphamide , cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and tacrolimus
IVIG
other therapies
plasmapheresis
y globulin
thymectomy (if have a thymoma, may relieve symptoms in some pt without thymoma)
diaphoresis emesis fecal incontinence urinary frequency tearing drooling bronchorrhea miosis hypotension bradycardia weakness tremors paralysis hypoventilation dysrhythmias
Organophosphate poisoning (insecticide)
prevents metabolism of ACH -> leads to accumulation at muscarinic and nicotinic sites -> produces cholinergic toxicity
Organophosphate poisoning management
decontamination
supportive care
reversal of nicotinic and muscarinic effects
treat with atropine (competitive inhibitor of Ach) and pralidoxime which breaks up the organophasphate-Achase bond and restores normal Achase activity
chronic neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness and fatigability of the skeletal muscles
myasthenia gravis
myasthenia gravis that is AChR negative
Congenital myasthenia gravis (not autoimmune)
should you use immunosuppressants in congenital myasthenia gravis
no, it is not autoimmune so will not help
is pupillary response effected in ocular myasthenia gravis
no
acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
post-infectious autoimmune peripheral neuropathy that can occur
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
How many days post infection does Guillain-Barre Syndrome usually present
(what type of infections)
about 10 days after a resp or gastrointestinal infection
what bacterial culprits are classic for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Mycoplasma pneumonia
or
Camylobacter jejuni
what ages does Guillain-Barre Syndrome occur
all ages
most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
characteristic symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
areflexia
flaccidity
symmetrical ascending weakness
areflexia
flaccidity
symmetrical ascending weakness
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
how fast does progression of Guillain-Barre Syndrome occur
can occur rapidly in hours or more indolently over weeks
typically symptoms for Guillain-Barre Syndrome start where and progress to where
numbness or paresthesia in hands and feet
then heavy, weak feeling in legs.
Weakness ascends to involve the arms, trunk and bulbar muscles (Tongue, pharynx, larynx)
deep tendon reflexes for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
absent even when strength is relatively preserved
what associated autonomic problems r/t Guillain-Barre Syndrome
blood pressure changes tachycardia other arrhythmias urinary retention or incontinence stool retention