purpura Flashcards
1
Q
how big do the spots have to be to be called purpura?
if the purpura are tender what does this suggest?
A
> 1 cm
- an inflammatory process
2
Q
what are the non- thrombocytopenia causes of purpura?
A
- Allergic: HSP, SLE, RA
- severe infections: septicaemia, meningococcal infections, measles
- congenital: TORCH
- drug induced: steroids, sulphonamides
3
Q
what are the thrombocytopenia causes?
A
- Impaired production of platelets: bone marrow failure (leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, myeloma)
- Excessive platelet destruction:
immune thrombocytopenia post infection - coagulation problems: DIC, Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
4
Q
what infections are most commonly associated with purpura?
A
- meningococcal, pneumococcal and streptococcal septicaemia can all cause it
5
Q
how does allergic reactions cause purpura?
What is HSP most commonly preceded by?
where does HSP most commonly present?
A
- causes vasculitis and HSP
- precede by URTI due to GBS.
- buttocks and legs
6
Q
what other symptoms does HSP commonly present with?
A
- Joint pains (arthritis)
- GI pain (inflammation)
- proteinuria (nephritis)
7
Q
what may occur as a complication of HSP?
A
- CNS bleeding
- intussusception
- AKI
8
Q
what what kind of pattern of bleeding will you see in DIC?
A
- ecchymosis
- symmetrical pattern
9
Q
how do steroids cause purpura?
A
- atrophy of collagen fibres, no support of blood vessels in skin
- similar in senile purpura
10
Q
when would the patient require an urgent transfusion?
A
- platelet count <20
