PassMed/CAP notes Flashcards
compare the classes of drug that clopidogrel and rivaroxiban and apixiban are?
compare their uses?
clopidogrel - anti platelet
rivaroxiban, apixiban- anti coagulant (specifically, DOACs)
clopidogrel is used for arterial diseases (stroke, PE etc)
DOACs are used for venous diseases (atrial fibrillation)
what can concurrent use of trimethoprim and methotrexate cause
bone marrow suppression and pancytopenia
what is the length of warfarin treatment in both provoked (surgery) and unprovoked VTEs?
provoked: 3 months
unprovoked: 6 months
which skin condition is regarded as a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease?
what HLA subtype is it associated with?
dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy, vesicular rash)
HLA-DR3
what form of UV light is used 1st line in secondary care for psoriasis?
UVB
what is the 1st line treatment for impetigo in patients who are not systemically unwell or at risk of complications?
hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
NICE announced the change in 2020
name the 1st and 2nd line treatments for scabies?
1st: permethrin
2nd: malathion
what is the treatment for dermatophyte nail infections?
oral terbenafine
“T for Toes!”
what dermatological manifestation may be present in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
pyoderma gangrenosum
coeliac = dermatitis herpetiformis
describe the later features of pyoderma gangreonsum?
a painful, purple ulcer with undetermined borders
the ulcer can be deep and necrotic
which medication class has been implicated in the development and exacerbation of periorificial dermatitis?
topical steroids (hydrocortisone)
how can spider naevi be differentiated from telangiectasia?
by pressing down on them and watching how they refill…
telangiectasia: fill from the edge
spider naevi: fill from the centre
what is the most common cause of erythema multiforme?
herpes simplex virus
how does treatment of flexural psoriasis differ from that of extensor psoriasis?
skin in the flexor regions tends to be thinner, so a milder topical steroid should be used
also, there isn’t much evidence that topical vit D treatments are effective in flexural psoriasis
who should tetracyclines be avoided in?
pregnant women and kids <12 y/o
which class of drugs are known to precipitate renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma?
NSAIDs
in which patient groups are CMV packed red cells recommended for?
pregnant patients
neonatal transfusions
which cells are specifically increased in number in chronic myeloid leukemia?
high white cell count
which 2 haematological conditions are associated with the JAK2 mutation?
myelofibrosis
polycythaemia vera
how is polycythaemia vera treated?
aspirin
which cardiovascular drug is known to exacerbate plaque psoriasis?
beta blockers
what happens to the reticulocyte count in patients having a sequestration crisis?
retic count increases
which haematological condition is defined as an isolated low platelet count with normal bone marrow?
how is it treated?
immune (or ideopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura
Tx = oral prednisolone, or if asymptomatic in children and platelet count is >30, then it is self limiting- advice is given to avoid contact sports
how is immune thrombocytopenic purpura treated?
oral prednisolone
what haematological conditions cause abdominal pain and neuro symptoms in 20-40 year olds?
porphyrias
what is the most useful test to establish if someone has polycythemia rubra vera?
JAK 2 mutation
how is the definitive diagnosis made in cases of sickle cell disease?
haemoglobin electrophoresis
what are “mirror image nuclei” more commonly known as?
what condition are they found in?
reed Sternberg cells
hogkin’s lymphoma
which haematological condition predisposes the RBCs to increased oxidative stress?
G6PD deficiency
what condition are bite cells and blister cells typical of on blood film?
G6PD deficiency
name the 2 abnormal findings seen on blood film in coeliac disease?
target cells
Howell-jolly bodies
which test is diagnostic in hereditary spherocytosis?
EMA binding test
sickle cell = Hb electrophoresis
which haematological condition typically presents with abdominal, neuro and psych symptoms?
acute intermittent porphyria
when should the COCP be stopped prior to surgery?
4 weeks
what is the name of the mutated chromosome seen in chronic myeloid leukaemia?
Philadelphia chromasome
t(9;22)
what 3 possible diagnoses do “tear drop” cells on blood film suggest?
myelofibrosis
thalassemia
megaloblastic anaemia
what on a blood film would indicate hyposplenism?
Howell jolly bodies
what is the most common inherited thrombophillia?
factor V leiden (activated protein C resistance)
what is the most common inherited bleeding disorder?
von willebrand’s disease
how is antiphospohlipid syndrome managed in pregnant women or those with previous thrombotic events?
aspirin and LMWH
how is APS managed in patients thought to be high risk, but never having had a thrombotic event before?
aspirin
what is the most likely cause of hair loss in a women who is 10 weeks post partum with no sig PMH?
telogen effluvium
what causes asymptomatic, shiny patches on the lower legs of diabetics, with yellow/red discolouration and associated telangiectasia?
necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticoru
what is the most likely cause of an itchy alopecia measuring 3cm diameter in a 5 y/o?
tinea capitis
do skin scrapings to be sure
what is the most appropriate symptomatic treatment for an old man with generalised itch due to severe kidney disease?
UVB phototherapy
what would be the main histological feature seen on biopsy of acute dermatitis?
spongiosis
what is the most appropriate management for a suspected melanoma?
urgent excision with 2mm margins
what is the most likely diagnosis in someone with short lived itchy lesions
urticaria
the individual itchy lesions dont last for more than 24 hours usually
in which condition is heliotrope rash seen as a cutaneous feature?
dermatomyositis
in which leukaemia is there an increase in granulocytes at different stages of maturation +/- thrombocytosis
chronic myeloid leukemia
name the 4 causes of renal impairment in myeloma?
AL amyloidosis
bence jones neuropathy
nephrocalcinosis
nephrolithiasis
what are the 2 most common causes of hypercalcemia?
malignancy (multiple myeloma)
hyperparathyroidism
In haematology, what does a raised LDH indicate?
RBC lysis
indicative of haemolysis
what condition can be diagnosed with a positive Coombs test?
haemolytic anaemia
what lymphoma can a stable, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia transform to?
what is the name given to this so called transformation?
CLL can transform to a high grade lymphoma
known as richter’s transformation- it makes patients suddenly unwell
what is immune thrombocytopenia ?
an immune mediated reduction in the platelet count
1st line tx: oral prednisolone
which cause of leukaemia often presents worth a sense of fullness? why do these patients feel full?
chronic myeloid leukaemia
massive splenomegaly causes sense of fullness
in a patient who is deficient in both vit B12 and folic acid, which should be treated 1st? why?
treat the vit B12 deficiency 1st
treating the folic acid 1st could result in subacute combined degeneration of the cord
what is the 1st line medication given in PPH?
syntocinon/oxytocin
or
ergometrine
what is the treatment of choice for VTE prophylaxis in pregnancy?
what medications should be avoided for VTE prophylaxis in pregnancy?
1st line: LMWH
avoid: DOACs and warfarin
what is the 1st line medication given for gestational diabetes?
metformin
insulin can be added in if metformin alone does not reduce blood sugars
what is the 1st line medication given in the active management of stage 3 of labour?
oxytocin by IM injection
reduces risk of PPH
in labour, a Bishop’s score less than what suggests that labour is unlikely to start spontaneously?
Bishop’s score <5
A bishops score >9 suggests labour will occur spontaneously
compare what risks are increased when oestrogen only or combined oestrogen and progesterone are given in HRT?
oestrogen: endometrial cancer
Progesterone: breast cancer
what is the investigation of choice for an ectopic pregnancy?
transvaginal U/S
where in the Fallopian tube does an ectopic pregancy have the highest risk of rupture?
The isthmus
what can be used to treat vasomotor symptoms in menopause?
SSRIs
fluoxetine or citalopram
what is the medication of choice for suppressing lactation?
name a drug that has the opposite action to this?
cabergoline
it is a dopamine receptor agonist - dopamine inhibits prolactin production
metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist - it can cause hyperprolactinemia
what condition causes low mood, sleep disturbance and headaches just before the onset of a period? the symptoms resolve just before onset of period…
pre menstrual syndrome
how can pre menstrual syndrome be treated?
1st line = lifestyle - small, balanced diet in complex carb rich meals
COCP
SSRIs can be taken if severe symptoms
when can the copper IUD be used as emergency contraception?
if it is inserted up to 5 days after the UPSI
OR
if it is inserted up to 5 days after the likely ovulation date
what is the most common ovarian cancer?
serous carcinoma
which type of ovarian cancer can be referred to as chocolate cysts due to the external appearance?
endometriotic cyst
what is the most common type of ovarian CYST?
how are they managed?
follicular cyst
they normally regress over several menstrual cycles
what is the investigation of choice for gestational diabetes?
oral glucose tolerance test @24-28 weeks
which form of emergency contraception is:
- safe in severe asthma
- safe in breastfeeding
- can begin hormonal contraception immediately after taking it?
levonorgestrel
what are the SSRIs of choice in breast-feeding women?
sertraline
paroxetine
when is an oral glucose tolerance test carried out in obese pregnant women?
24-28 weeks
compare the drug class of mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid?
mefanamic acid: NSAID
tranexamic acid: antifibrinolytic
what is the 1st line treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea ?
NSAIDs
mefenamic acid, naproxen, ibuprofen
which 2 conditions is cervical excitation found in?
ectopic pregancy
pelvic inflammatory disease
which medication is a cause of folic acid deficiency?
phenytoin
an anti epileptic
what is the most common identifiable cause of postcoital bleeding?
cervical ectropion
what is the causative bacteria in group B streptococcus infections?
strep agalacticae
compare the medications prescribed in stress and urge incontinence ?
stress: duloxetine
urge: oxybutynin
which form of HRT does not appear to increase risk of VTE?
transdermal HRT
what are the 2 main roles of the booking scan that occurs between 11-13 weeks gestation?
- if there is a viable intrauterine pregancy
- the number of babies
which 3 infectious diseases are screened for at the 12 week booking scan?
- HIV
- Hep B
- Syphilis
when is the 1st scan to check the location of the placenta?
the 20 week anomaly scan
if it is low, women are offered another scan at 34 weeks
parity refers to the number of deliveries after how many weeks gestation?
24 weeks
in a patient with pre-eclampsia, what investigations are done to exclude HELLP syndrome?
FBC, LFTs, urine PCR
urinary PCR will help you quantify. the amount of protein in the urine
what is the most accurate measurement for predicting intrauterine growth restrictions?
abdominal circumference
what is the chromosome abnormality seen in Edward’s syndrome?
trisomy 18
why are patients at risk of hypocalcemia during a massive blood transfusion?
due to the citrate preservative
which fetal investigation can detect sickle cell disease in the fetus?
chorionic villous sampling at 11-13+6 weeks
which is the only condition that presents with a bisferiens pulse (a double pulse)?
HOCM
in AF, what is the CHAzDSz-VASc score used to measure?
the risk of stroke in AF
0: no treatment
>2: offer anticoagulation
what are the 1st line anticoagulants offered in AF?
DOACs
(apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran)
warfarin is 2nd line, aspirin is not recommended
compare when carotid sinus massage or valsava manoeuvre would be most appropriate in 1st line SVT tx?
carotid sinus massage: reserved for younger patients who are at a low risk of stroke
valsava manœuvre: older patients who are haemodynamically stable, but at risk of stroke
how does a valsava manoeuvre work?
it aims to increase the blocking at the AV node
what is the next line of tx in SVT if vagal manoeuvres are unsuccessful?
IV adenosine
in which patient group is IV adenosine contraindicated?
asthmatics
which form of haematoma is most common in elderly people? why?
subdural haematoma
cerebral atrophy that occurs with ageing puts more tension on the bridging veins, making them more susceptible to rupture
what is the 1st line treatment for osteoporosis?
what class of drug is this?
alendronate
a biphosphonate
what 2 supplements should those with osteoporosis be given?
vit D supplementation
calcium supplementation
if alendronate cannot be tolerated, what other 2 biphosphonates can be tried?
risedronate or etidronate
what is the method of action of biphosphonates?
they inhibit osteoclasts
this reduces demineralisation in bone
name 5 side effects of biphosphonates?
- oesophageal reactions (oesophagitis or oesophageal ulcers)
- increased risk of stress fractures
- osteonecrosis of the jaw
- acute phase response: fever, myalgia and arthralgia
- hypocalcaemia: due to reduced calcium efflux from the bone
when are US indicated in kids with UTIs?
if recurrent UTI or a complicated UTI in a child <6mths= US in the acute infection
if it is a UTI that isn’t recurrant and responds well to treatment: no US required in acute infection
in which cases is an US required 6 weeks following a peadiatric UTI?
in uncomplicated, non-recurrant UTIs
in which genetic condition are patients short for their age and show no signs of puberty?
turner’s syndrome
chromosome 45
what class of drugs cause Parkinsonism?
anti psychotics
eg: prochlorperazine (1st generation anti psychotics mostly)
which class of drugs cause Parkinsonism and which have anti-cholinergic side effects ?
Parkinsonism: anti psychotics
anti-cholinergic side effects: TCA anti-depressants
what is the most common cause of stridor in infancy?
describe this condition?
laryngomalacia
a congenital softening of the tissues of the larynx
when is stridor due to laryngomalacia usually more noticeable?
when the baby is sleeping on their back, crying or excited
how is laryngomalacia treated?
symptoms usually resolve on their own by 18-24 months of age
which benign laryngeal disease is associated with chronic tobacco abuse and gatrooesophageal reflux disease?
reine’s oedema
it causes a long term, deep, hoarse voice but no dysphagia or haemoptysis
what is infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) caused by?
epstein barr virus
what drug should be avoided in cases of infectious mononucleosis?
amoxicillin: it causes a maculopapular, puritic rash in 99% of patients
which drug used in heart failure can cause a deterioration in renal functioning?
furosemide
it is a powerful loop diuretic which can lead to dehydration and subsequent impaired renal function
what is the “M” rule in primary biliary cholangitis?
IgM
M2 subtype
anti-Mitochondrial antibodies
Middle aged women
which condition has swelling over the extensor pollicis breves tendon and the abductor pollicis longus?
De Quervain tenosynovitis
Finkelstein’s test is also positive
what use do triptans have in migraine management?
triptans = ACUTE phase
name the 2 medications that can be used for migraine prophylaxis?
topiramate or propranolol