Respiratory Flashcards
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Progressive irreversible airway obstruction characterised by persistent airflow limitation caused by long term damage to lung tissue.
What are the conditions that are classed as COPD?
Chronic Bronchitis
Emphysema
What is the epidemiology of COPD?
1.2 million people with COPD in the UK
4th leading cause of death globally
Typically diagnosed >45 yrs
More common in males
Strongly related to Smoking.
What are the risk factors for COPD?
Cigarette smoking
Air pollution
Occupational exposure to dusts, chemical agents, and fumes
A1AT deficiency - can lead to early onset COPD
What is the most important cause/aetiological factor for COPD?
Cigarette smoking
Define Chronic Bronchitis?
A inflammatory lung condition that develops over time in which the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed and scarred.
What is Chronic Bronchitis as a clinical definitions?
Chronic Bronchitis is a clinical term relating to a chronic productive cough for at least 3 months over 2 consecutive years.
Alternative explanations for the cough should also be excluded.
What is Emphysema as a pathological Definition?
Refers to abnormal air space enlargement distal to terminal bronchioles with evidence of alveoli destruction and no obvious fibrosis.
What is the pathophysiology of Chronic Bronchitis?
- Initial exposure to irritants and chemicals (cigarette smoke)
- Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of bronchial mucinous glands and goblet cells. There is also ciliary destruction.
- This increases the production of mucus in the lumen causing narrowing and obstruction
- Epithelial layer becomes ulcerated and there is the stimulation of immune cells causing inflammation of the bronchus and bronchioles.
- This leads to scarring and thickening of the walls further narrowing the airways.
- This causes air trapping causing poor exchange of O2 and CO2 and increases risk of infection.
What are the pathological changes that occur in Chronic Bronchitis?
Goblet cell hyperplasia
Mucus hypersecretion
Chronic inflammation and fibrosis
Narrowing of small airways
What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Chronic Cough - high sputum production
Dyspnoea
Wheeze
Recurrent respiratory tract infections - due to mucus plugging
What are the Signs of Chronic Bronchitis?
Wheeze - narrowing of airway creates higher pitch sound.
Crackles - popping open of small airways
Obesity
Hypoxaemia and Hypercapnia - mucus plugs block airflow and lead to partial pressures of CO2 to rise and subsequent decline of O2.
Cyanosis (if hypoxaemia is really bad leading to the term blue bloaters).
Peripheral Oedema
Pulmonary Hypertension - due to Hypoxic vasoconstriction leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance
What is Emphysema?
A lung disease characterised by dilatation and destruction of the lung tissue causing enlarged air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles
What is the Pathophysiology of Emphysema?
Occurs in the ACINUS
Irritants/chemicals lead to damage and destruction of the alveoli wall.
Causes and inflammatory reaction and immune cell infiltration releasing Leukotriene B4, IL-8 and TNF-a
Neutrophil Proteases (elastases and collagenases) are also produced which break down alveolar wall structural proteins.
This leads to permanent enlargement of the alveoli and loss of their elasticity.
Alveolar wall septa break down reducing the total surface area. This leads to gas exchange dysfunction.
Loss of elasticity in the airways means that the airways collapse upon exhalation causing air trapping distally.
What are the different types of Emphysema?
Centriacinar Emphysema
Panacinar Emphysema:
Paraseptal Emphysema:
What is Centriacinar Emphysema?
Most common
Damage to central/proximal acini due to smoking
Typically affects upper lobes
What is Panacinar Emphysema?
Entire acinus affected
Due to A1AT Deficiency (protease inhibitor deficiency) cannot prevent breakdown.
Typically affects Lower lobes
What is Paraseptal Emphysema?
Affects peripheral lung tissue.
Peripheral ballooned alveoli can rupture causing pneumothorax
What are the pathological changes seen in emphysema?
Related to loss of Elastin:
Collapse and bullae formation: the alveoli are prone to collapse leading to bullae formation.
Dilation: alveoli dilate and may eventually join with neighbouring alveoli reducing surface area
How is Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema classified differently?
Chronic Bronchitis is defined by clinical features
Emphysema is defined by structural changes (enlarged alveoli)
What are the symptoms of Emphysema?
Dyspnoea - diminished gas exchange
( can improve this by exhaling slowly through pursed lips giving the name pink puffers)
Hypoxaemia
Weight loss - older and thinner
Cough - with some sputum
Pulmonary HTN
What are the main features of COPD phenotypes (emphysema/chronic Bronchitis)?
Pink puffer - emphysema
- Weight loss
- Breathless
- Emphysematous
- Maintained pO2
Blue bloater – chronic bronchitis
- Cough
- Phlegm
- Cor pulmonale
- Type 2 Respiratory failure
How does Emphysema lead to pulmonary hypertension?
Widespread Hypoxic vasoconstriction.
Too many blood vessels are constricted increasing the pressures in others.
Leads to pulmonary hypertension.
What is the cause of the barrel shaped chest in COPD?
Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema leads to air trapping within the Bronchi/acini.
This leads to Hyperinflation of the lungs giving a barrel chest appearance.
What are the main complications of COPD?
Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections: S. pneumoniae/H. influenzae
Respiratory failure
Pneumothorax: rupture of bullous disease
Polycythaemia or anaemia
Depression
What is a the most serious complication of COPD?
Cor Pulmonale:
Both Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema will lead to pulmonary hypertension due to excessive hypoxic vasoconstriction.
This causes R sided ventricular hypertrophy which will eventually lead to RHF and “Cor Pulmonale”
Who typically presents with COPD?
Older Px
Long term smokers
Occupational exposure: such as dust, cadmium (in smelting), coal, cotton, cement and grain
What are the Symptoms of COPD?
Chronic cough: usually productive
Sputum production
Breathlessness: usually on exertion in early stages
Frequent episodes of ‘bronchitis’: usually in the winter
Wheeze
What are the Signs of COPD?
- Dyspnoea
- Pursed lip breathing: (prevents alveolar collapse by increasing the positive end expiratory pressure)
- Wheeze
- Coarse crackles
- Cyanosis
- Loss of cardiac dullness: due to hyperexpansion of lungs from emphysema
- Downward displacement of liver: due to hyperexpansion of lungs from emphysema
- Signs of C02 retention
Drowsy
Asterixis
Confusion
What symptoms may be concerning in a COPD patient that suggests an alternative pathology?
Weight loss
Haemoptysis
Anorexia
Chest pain
Lymphadenopathy
Finger clubbing
Unexplained fatigue
May suggest cancer
Do patients with COPD typically present with Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema?
Often Px will present with both conditions as COPD due to the same triggers causing both.
What is an acute exacerbation of COPD?
Presents similarly to chronic stable COPD however there is an acute and sustained worsening of symptoms in the patient
Who typically presents with COPD?
Older Px
Long term smokers
Occupational exposure: such as dust, cadmium (in smelting), coal, cotton, cement and grain
How is COPD Diagnosed?
Clinical Dx with Spirometry Test for confirmation
Spirometry shows Obstruction:
FEV1/FVC ration <0.7
FEV1 < 0.8 of predicted
Negative Reversibility Testing: <12% Inc FEV1
Obstruction does not show good response to salbutamol.
CXR - Lung hyperinflation + Bullae + flattened hemidiaphragms
What other investigations may be done in COPD on top of spirometry?
Bloods: FBC (assess for anaemia/polycythaemia)
ABG - for T2RF
A1AT serology
CXR: Hyperexpanded, Bullae, flattened hemidiaphragms, hypodense, Saber sheath trachea
ECHO if Cor Pulmonale Suspected
What features of a Px are supportive of a COPD diagnosis?
Smoker or ex-smoker
Symptoms in older adults (> 35 years old)
Chronic productive cough
Persistent/progressive breathlessness
Night time waking with symptoms uncommon
Variability uncommon (diurnal or day-to-day)
How is Breathlessness assessed in COPD?
Using the MRC Dyspnoea Scale:
- Breathlessness on strenuous exercise.
- Breathlessness on hurrying or slight hill.
- Walks slower than contemporaries on ground level due to breathlessness OR have to stop to catch breath when walking at own pace.
- Stops to catch breath after 100 metres OR a few minutes of walking
- Breathlessness on minimal activity (dressing) or unable to leave the house due to breathlessness
How does Asthma respond to Reversibility testing?
Bronchodilator (salbutamol) will increase FEV1 by >12%
AND
must increase FEV1 by 200ml
What is FVC?
Forced Vital Capacity:
The total amount of air forcibly expired
What is FEV1?
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second
What is an Abnormal FEV1?
- The result is compared with the predicted values, if the FEV1 is 80% or
greater than the predicted value = NORMAL - Thus is the FEV1 is less than 80% of the predicted value = LOW i.e
abnormal
What is an Abnormal FVC?
- The result is compared with the predicted values, if the FVC is 80% or
greater than the predicted value = NORMAL - Thus is the FVC is less than 80% of the predicted value = LOW i.e
abnormal
What does a low FVC suggest?
Airway Restriction
What does a Low FEV1/FVC ratio suggest?
<0.7 = Airway Obstruction
If FEV1/FVC ratio is high/normal but FVC is low (<80%) then airway restriction.
Do patients with COPD typically present with Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema?
Often Px will present with both conditions as COPD due to the same triggers causing both.
What other tests may be done to look for the cause of COPD?
DLCO (diffusing capacity of CO across lung):
Low in COPD, Normal in Asthma
Genetic testing for A1AT Def.
ABG - may show T2RF
ECG - heart function
CXR - flattened diaphragm
Bloods - anaemia
How is the severity of COPD and airflow graded?
Post Bronchodilator when FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%
Stage 1: Mild - FEV1 >80% of predicted
Stage 2: Moderate - FEV1 50-79% of predicted
Stage 3: Severe - FEV1 30-49% of predicted
Stage 4: Very Severe - FEV1 <30% of predicted
What are the management Principles for COPD?
Education
Smoking cessation
Vaccination
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Self-management plans
Management of co-morbidities
Pharmacotherapy
What is the treatment of COPD?
Stop risk factors - smoking
Prophylactic Vaccines - Pneumonia
Medication:
1. SABA (Salbutamol) OR SAMA (Ipratropium Bromide) PRN at all stages
- (a = Non steroid Responsive. B = Steroid Responsive)
a. LABA (Salmeterol) + LAMA (Tiotropium
b. Steroid Responsive = LABA + ICS (Beclometasone)
3.
a. 3 Month Trial of LABA + LAMA + ICS
b. Steroid Responsive = LABA + LAMA + ICS
Long term oxygen therapy if very severe
What management can be provided for severe COPD?
Nebulisers - Salbutamol and/or ipratropium
Long term Oxygen therapy
When should COPD Patients be put on Oxygen?
O2 sats </= 92 on room air
FEV1 <30% predicted
Cyanosis
Polycythaemia
Peripheral Oedema
Raised JVP
What is an Exacerbation of COPD?
What is it often caused by?
worsening of symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sputum production and wheeze. It is usually triggered by a viral or bacterial infection.
Haemophilus Influenzae
How are Exacerbations of COPD treated?
Oxygen - carefully monitored
Nebulised Bronchodilators
Oral Prednisolone 30mg once daily for 7-14 days
Assess Acid-Base status on ABG for T2RF
CPAP - Continuous positive airway pressure
Antibiotics if there is evidence of infection
Physiotherapy
What is the main risk of COPD exacerbations?
Respiratory Failure:
COPD patients are chronic retainers of CO2 and therefore their kidneys adapt to produce extra HCO3 to compensate the acidotic state.
In acute exacerbations the kidneys cannot produce enough HCO3 quickly leading to RF.
What are some Impacts of COPD exacerbations?
Negative impact on quality of life
Impact on symptoms and lung function
Increased economic costs
Increased mortality
Accelerated lung function decline
What are the differential Diagnoses of COPD?
Asthma
Heart Failure
Other causes of SOB:
Bronchiectasis (airways become abnormally widened resulting in build-up of excess mucus making lungs more susceptible to infection)
Allergic fibrosing alveolitis
Pneumoconiosis
Pulmonary Embolus
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
What are the indications for hospital admission in a Px with COPD?
Marked increases in symptom intensity
Severe underlying COPD
Onset of new physical signs
Failure of an exacerbation to respond to initial medical management
Presence of serious comorbidities
Frequent exacerbation
Older age
Insufficient home support
Define Asthma?
Chronic reversible inflammatory airway condition characterised by reversible airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, Bronchial inflammation and airflow limitation from bronchoconstriction
What are the types of Asthma?
Eosinophilic (Allergic) (70%) - Extrinsic IgE mediated T1 Hypersensitivity
Non-Eosinophilic (Non Allergic) (30%) - Intrinsic non IgE mediated.
Explain the pathophysiology IgE mediated asthma?
Environmental trigger against specific allergens leads to sensitisation reaction where IgE Abs against antigen bind to mast cells.
Secondary exposure leads to an immune system activation and activation of Th2 cells.
Th2 cells produce cytokines such as IL3, 4, 5, 13.
IL-4 leads to IgE Crosslinking and degranulation of mast cells releasing histamine and leukotrienes.
IL-5 leads to eosinophil activation and release of proteins
This leads to a Hypersensitivity Rxn which causes Smooth muscle bronchospasm and increased mucus production leading to narrow airways and airway obstruction.
What happens to the airways in chronic asthma?
Initially asthma and inflammation of the airways is reversible.
Over chronic asthma the inflammation in the airways causes irreversible damage such as scarring and fibrosis causing thickening of the epithelial BM causing permanent narrowing of the airways.
What pathological changes are responsible for airway narrowing in Asthma?
- Increased number of and hypertrophy of smooth muscle
- Constriction of smooth muscle cells (bronchoconstriction)
- Increased mucous production
- Swelling and inflammation (of mucosa)
- Thickened basement membrane
- Airway hyperreactivity, cellular infiltration
What is the cause of asthma
Causes are unknown:
Genetics may play a factor
Environmental Factors:
Hygiene hypothesis
What is the Hygiene Hypothesis?
Reduced early exposure of bacteria and viruses when young leads to an altered proportion of immune cells.
This can subsequently lead to later onset asthma
What are the risk factors for asthma?
History of Atopy
FHx of asthma
Allergens - pollen, fur, smoke
Occupation
Obesity
Premature Birth
What are some triggers for asthma?
Infection
Night time or early morning
Exercise
Animals
Cold/damp
Dust
Strong emotions
Drugs
What drugs can trigger asthma?
Aspirin
Beta blockers
How can aspirin trigger asthma?
Aspirin inhibits COX1/2
Shunts more arachidonic acid down LPOX pathway.
Produces leukotrienes (LTB4, 5, 6)
These are proinflammatory
What is the epidemiology of asthma?
5.4 Million in UK receiving treatment
More common in developed countries
More common in children/young people compared to COPD
Commonly starts age 3-5. Peak prevalence age 5-15
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Chest tightness
Episodic Dyspnoea/SOB
Wheeze
Dry Cough (typically but can be wet) - often nocturnal
Diurnal Variation
What are the signs of asthma?
Diurnal PEFR variation
Tachypnoea
Dyspnoea and Expiratory Polyphonic wheeze
Hyper resonant Percussion
Hx of Atopy
Samter’s Triad: Nasal polyps, Aspirin sensitivity, Asthma
What are some addition signs of an acute asthma attack?
Signs of Respiratory Failure
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Inability to complete sentences
Exhaustion
Reduced respiratory effort
Silent chest
Altered conscious level
What may be found in sputum from an asthmatic?
Curschmann spirals:
Mucus plugs that look like casts of the small bronchi
Charcot-Leyden crystals:
From break down of eosiophils.
How may a patient present indicating asthma?
Episodic symptoms
Diurnal variability. Typically worse at night.
Dry cough with wheeze and shortness of breath
A history of other atopic conditions such as eczema, hayfever and food allergies
Family history
Bilateral widespread “polyphonic” wheeze
How may a patient present indicating a different diagnosis to asthma?
Wheeze related to coughs and colds more suggestive of viral induced wheeze
Isolated or productive cough
Normal investigations
No response to treatment
Unilateral wheeze. This suggests a focal lesion or infection.
What are the signs of asthma?
Diurnal PEFR variation
Dyspnoea and Expiratory Polyphonic wheeze
Samter’s Triad: Nasal polyps, Aspirin sensitivity, Asthma
Atopic Triad: Atopic Rhinitis, Asthma, Eczema
What is Samter’s Triad
Nasal Polyps
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity
What is Atopic Triad?
Atopic Rhinitis (Hayfever)
Allergic Asthma (Asthma)
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
How is asthma classified?
According to:
Frequency of symptoms (night/early morning)
FEV1
PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate)
Frequency of medication use
What are the classifications of asthma?
Intermittent
Mild Persistent
Moderate Persistent
Severe Persistent
What are the primary investigations for asthma?
NICE advise to carry out tests and not make a clinical Dx:
1st Line Ix:
- Spirometry w/ Bronchodilator Reversibility
(shows reversible obstruction 200ml AND 12% increase)
- if spirometry normal - do Bronchial challenge
2nd Line:
FeNO3
PEF diary (variation measurements - 2-4 weeks)
Direct bronchial challenge test with histamine or methacholine
Bloods
CXR
What are the targets of treating asthma?
Dampen inflammation:
Corticosteroids
LRTAs
biologics
Macrolides
Relax Smooth Muscle Airways:
Bronchodilators
Antimuscarinics
Theophylline
What is the Treatment algorithm for Chronic asthma in adults?
16+: Avoid Triggers
- SABA (salbutamol)
- SABA + ICS (beclomethasone)
3a. Before adding more drugs assess inhaler technique and compliance
3b. SABA + ICS + Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA = montelukast)
- SABA + ICS + LABA (Salmeterol) +/- LTRA
- Consider change to MART (maintenance and reliever therapy)
- Increase ICS Dose
What is the treatment algorithm for chronic asthma in children?
- SABA (salbutamol)
- SABA + ICS (beclomethasone)
3a. Before adding more drugs assess inhaler technique and compliance
3b. SABA + ICS + Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA = montelukast)
- SABA + ICS + LABA (STOP LRTA)
When should you move asthma treatment from step 1 to step 2?
When the Patient has asthma related symptoms more than 3 times a week or waking up at night!
What are indications for good asthma control?
No Night time symptoms
Inhaler no more than 3 times a week
No breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze most days
Able to exercise without symptoms
Normal Lung Function Tests
What are some side effects of Beclomethasone ICS?
Oral Candida
Stunted Growth
What is the first line treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation?
Oxygen Driven Salbutamol Nebuliser
What are the main side effects of Salbutamol?
Fine Tremor
HYPOKALAEMIA
Headache
Palpitations
Muscle cramps
What are the Severities of Asthma?
Moderate PEFR 50-75%
Acute Severe PEFR 33-50%
Very Severe (life threatening) PEFR <33%
What indicates a Severe Asthma Attack?
Inability to complete sentences
Pulse >110bpm
Respiratory Rate > 25/min
PEF 33-50% predicted
What indicates a severe life threatening asthma attack?
33, 92, CHEST:
PEF < 33% predicted
<92% - Oxygen Stats
Cyanosis
Hypotension
Exhaustion
Silent Chest
Tachycardia
ALSO CONFUSION/AMS
What is the treatment for acute asthma Exacerbations?
ABCDE - OSHITME
ABCDE
Oxygen - maintain Sats 94-98%
Salbutamol (nebulised)
Hydrocortisone (IV)
Ipratropium Bromide
Theophylline
Magnesium Sulphate (IV)
Escalate (intubation and ventilation)
What are the complications of Asthma?
Asthma Exacerbation
Pneumothorax
What is the histological characterisation of asthma?
Characterised by eosinophilic inflammation:
Lots of inflammation
Smooth muscle hypertrophy
Basement membrane thickening
Little fibrosis and little alveolar disruption
What is the Histological Characterisation of COPD?
Characterised by neutrophilic inflammation:
Lots of inflammation
Lots of fibrosis
Lots of alveolar disruption
Little smooth muscle hypertrophy and basement membrane thickening
What are the main conditions that are caused by Lower respiratory Tract Infections (LRTL)?
Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
What is Tuberculosis?
An infectious disease caused by Mycobacteria characterised by caseating granulomas.
What are the organisms classified as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex (MTC)?
MTC organisms = TB causing:
M. tuberculosis
M. africanum
M. microtis
M. bovis (from unpasteurised milk)
What is the morphology of M. TB?
Gram Positive Rod Bacilli
Non motile + non spore forming
Mycolic acid capsule: Acid fast staining (w/ ZN)
Resistant to phagocytic killing.
Slow growing (15-20 hrs)
What is the epidemiology of TB?
1.7Bn people have latent TB
Top infectious killer in the world and in top 10 killers in the world (of anything)
Affects immunocompromised more
More common in South Asia (India, China, Pakistan) and Sub-Saharan Africa
How is TB infection spread?
Via airborne transmission
What are the risk factors for TB infection?
Contact with someone w/ active TB
Country/recent travel to associated countries
Immunocompromised (HIV etc)
IVDU
Homelessness
Smoking and alcohol
Increased age
What are the different types of TB?
Active TB - active infection
Latent TB (95% of cases) - Previous infection where the immune system has encapsulated and prevented progression of TB
Secondary TB - When Latent TB reactivates - often in immunocompromised
Miliary TB - Where immune system cannot control the infection and it becomes disseminated
Extrapulmonary TB - where TB infects other areas
What Extra-pulmonary sites can TB infect?
Lymph nodes
Pleura
Central nervous system
Pericardium
Gastrointestinal system
Genitourinary system
Bones and joints
Cutaneous TB affecting the skin
What is the pathogenesis of TB?
Infection of TB via droplets/aerosol
TB phagocytosed (but resistant to killing). (primary TB)
Over the next few weeks the immune system is activated and will form a granuloma around the infected macrophage which typically occurs in the lung apex.
T cells recruited and Centre of granuloma undergoes caseating necrosis (1’ Ghon Focus)
Ghon Focus spreads to nearby Hilar lymph nodes forming a Ghon Complex
Latent TB:
In most people TB is contained within granuloma will lie dormant and becomes latent TB.
Miliary TB:
If immune system becomes compromised TB can become reactivated.
TB spreads from Ghon complex throughout pulmonary system and then systemically then it becomes Miliary TB
Why does TB typically occur in the Upper lobes of the lung?
Upper lobes are better oxygenated (less perfused due to V/Q mismatch and gravity)
TB is aerobic and therefore perfers this environment.
How does TB resist gram staining?
High lipid content with mycolic acids in cell wall makes mycobacteria resistant to gram stain
Is latent TB symptomatic?
No - ASx as bacteria is contained within granuloma and causes no Sx
What are the symptoms of active TB?
Systemic Sx:
Fatigue
Fever + night sweats + weight loss (characteristic of TB)
Lymphadenopathy
Cough w/haemoptysis >3 weeks
Chest pain
Dyspnoea
Erythema Nodosum
What are the signs of TB?
Auscultation - often normal (may have crackles)
Consolidation in lung
Lung Collapse
Clubbing
What may be symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB?
Lymph Node TB (most common)
CNS - Meningism
Skin rash
Cardiac - TB pericarditis Sx
Bone - Join pain
Spinal Pain (spinal TB)
GU - Epididymitis, LUTS
Abdo - Ascites
What are some screening Tests for TB/diagnosis of latent TB?
Latent Disease - Mantoux Test
Interferon Gamma release assay
(This can distinguish between TB exposure and TB vaccine)
What are the primary investigations for Active TB?
CXR - UPPER LOBE patchy consolidation/cavitation, pleural effusions, Granulomata in chest
Sputum culture and Microscopy:
Microscopy - AFB bright red on ZN stain.
PCR - NAAT/PCR
Culture - Solid Culture on Lowenstein-Jensen Agar
What would you see on CXR in TB?
UPPER LOBE PRIMARILY
Patchy Consolidation
Ghon Complex
Granulomatous Lesions
Hilar Lymphadenopathy
Pleural Effusion
Millet Seeds in millary
What is the Mantoux Test?
Protein derived from organism (Tuberculin)
Inject intradermally
Stimulates type 4 delayed hypersensitivity reaction
- within 2 days the APCs and T cells would be activated if there has been exposure to Tb and an immune response would have occurred
Not sensitive – immunosuppressed or miliary TB won’t react (false negatives)
Only moderately specific (false positives)
Won’t easily distinguish infection from disease
Drawback of Tuberculin skin test:
If patient has had BCG vaccine, there will be a reaction
Cannot tell if patient has latent TB
What is the management of latent TB?
Doesnt necessarily need Tx
If risk of reactivation then:
6 months of isoniazid with pyridoxine (6H) or
3 months of isoniazid (with pyridoxine) and rifampicin (3HR)
What is the Treatment for Active TB?
When would Tx be given for 12 months?
RIPE: Combination Abx for 6-12 months
R – Rifampicin for 6 months
I – Isoniazid for 6 months
P – Pyrazinamide for first 2 months
E – Ethambutol for first 2 months
Tx for 12 months if CNS TB
Why is TB Treatment given for so long?
To ensure the TB is cleared to prevent re-occurrence
Also to prevent Drug resistance developing.
What are the side effects of TB treatment?
Rifampicin - red/orange Urine + Hepatitis
Isoniazid - Peripheral Neuropathy / inhibitor of CYP450/ Hepatitis
Pyrazinamide - Hepatitis and gout
Ethambutol - Optic neuritis/eye problems
What is often Co-Prescribed with Isoniazid and Why?
Pyridoxine (Vit B6)
Helps to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy development
What must be done if TB is diagnosed?
Inform Public Health England
How can TB be prevented?
Vaccination - BCG vaccine for neonates
Detection and Tx of latent TB via Mantoux Test and Treat
What is the treatment for Latent TB?
6 months of isoniazid with pyridoxine (6H) or
3 months of isoniazid (with pyridoxine) and rifampicin (3HR)
What is Pneumonia?
Infection of the lung parenchyma leading to inflammation of the lung tissue and fluid exudation (sputum) collecting in the alveoli.
What is the Epidemiology of Pneumonia?
Incidence 350/100, 000/year (>1 in 300)
20-50% hospitalised, 5-10% require ITU
Hospitalisation average 6-8 days
Mortality
1% in community, 10% in hospital, 30% in ITU
UK 2012, 28,952, 5.1% of all deaths
Costs > £400 million/year to UK
Significant short- and long-term mortality from other causes after pneumonia
Who is at risk of developing pneumonia?
Extremes of age
COPD and other respiratory diseases
Immunocompromised
Nursing home residents
Impaired swallow
Diabetes
Congestive Heart Failure
Alcoholics
IVDU
What are the classifications of Pneumonia?
Classified by the setting in which a Px has contracted infection
Community Acquired Pneumonia
Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
Aspiration Pneumonia
Define Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)?
Pneumonia that develops out in the community or <48hrs after hospital admission
Define Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)?
Pneumonia that develops more than 48 hours after hospital admission.
Define Aspiration pneumonia?
Pneumonia that develops as a result of inhaling foreign material (food etc)
What is the main type of organism that causes pneumonia?
Bacterial infection
Can also be Viral (Influenza/CMV) or fungal (P. jirovecii)
What are the main cause of CAP?
S. pneumonia (50%)
H. influenzae (20%)
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Atypical pneumonia)
H. Influenzae
Legionella
What are some less common causes of CAP?
S. aureus
Legionella (atypical)
Moraxella
Chlamydia pneumoniae (atypical)
Where is legionella caused pneumonia typically from?
Often from Spain/ warmer countries
Recent Travel Hx and staying in hotels with air conditioning.
Or WARM water
What are the risk factors for HAP?
Elderly
Ventilator associated
Post Operative
What are the main causes of HAP?
S. aureus
Gram Neg Enterobacter:
- P. aeruginosa
- E. coli
- Klebsiella
What is the concern of treating HAP?
Most of the causative organisms have multi drug resistance
What is the main cause of aspiration pneumonia?
Klebsiella
What is atypical pneumonia?
How are they Tx?
pneumonia caused by an organism that cannot be cultured in the normal way or detected using a gram stain.
They dont respond to penicillins
Tx with Macrolides, Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines.
What are the causes of atypical pneumonia?
Legionella
Chlamydia psittaci
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Chlamydophila pneumonia
Q fever (Coxiella)
What is the main cause of fungal pneumonia?
Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP)
Occurs in immunocompromised Px
AIDS defining illness
How is PCP treated?
Co-trimoxazole
(combination of Trimethoprim and Sulphamethoxazole)
What are the risk factors for pneumonia?
Extremes of age
Preceding infection (viral)
Immunosuppressed
IVDU
Smoking
CO-Morbidities - DM, HIV
Respiratory conditions - asthma, COPD, CF
What is the pathogenesis of typical pneumonia?
- Bacteria “translocate” to normally sterile distal airway - bacteria from URT that has either came in quickly or colonised for a while are micro-aspirated into lower lung
- Resident host cells become overwhelmed
- Develop an inflammatory response – neutrophils and inflammatory exudate fill alveolar space
- Pus collects in the lung causing consolidation
Resolution phase – when bacteria cleared
- Inflammatory cells removed by apoptosis
- Resolution phase leads to complete recovery
Simple:
Bacteria invades
Infection and inflammation
Exudate forms inside alveolar lumen
Sputum production
What is the pathogenesis of atypical pneumonia?
Bacteria invades
Infection and inflammation
Exudate forms in interstitium of alveoli
Dry cough
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Productive cough w/purulent sputum (classically rusty may suggest S. pneumonia)
Fever, Sweat and Rigors - due to infection
Pleuritic chest pain
SOB
Malaise
May cause confusion in elderly
Dry cough in atypical pneumonia
What are the signs of pneumonia?
Deranged Vital Signs (HR, BP, RR, PP)
Consolidation:
- Reduced Chest Expansion
- Dull Percussion
- Bronchial Breathing
Bronchial Breath Sounds
Focal Coarse Crackles
Dullness to Percussion
What are some classical symptoms of Pneumonia infection?
Fever
Sweats
Rigors
What are the primary investigations of pneumonia?
1st Line:
CXR (diagnostic) shows consolidation
Sputum Microscopy culture and Sensitivities (MC+S) + Gram Stain to ID organism
FBC - Raised WCC
U&E - urea
CRP - raised due to inflammation
Legionella Urinary Antigen - Doesn’t respond well to Abx
How is pneumonia assessed for severity?
CURB65:
C – Confusion
U – Urea > 7
R – Respiratory rate ≥ 30
B – Blood pressure < 90 systolic or ≤ 60 diastolic.
65 – Age ≥ 65
Score 0/1: Consider treatment at home
Score ≥ 2: Consider hospital admission
Score ≥ 3: Consider intensive care assessment
How can CURB65 be used to assess mortality in Pneumonia?
0 = Low risk (<1% mortality)
1-2 = Intermediate risk (1-10% mortality)
3-4 = High Risk (>10% mortality)
What organisms may show multi-lobar pneumonic lesions on CXR?
S. pneumoniae
S. aureus
Legionella
What organisms may show Multiple abscess pneumonic lesions on CXR?
S. aureus
What organisms may show upper lobe pneumonic lesions on CXR?
Klebsiella
(but first exclude TB)
What is the Initial treatment for CAP pneumonia?
Oxygen Saturation 94-98% (If COPD then sats 88-92%)
IV Fluids if dehydrated
Appropriate Analgesia - Paracetamol/NSAIDs
Antibiotics: Initially start on Broad Spec:
- Mild CAP (CURB65 0-1): Amoxicillin PO 5 days (clarithromycin/Doxycycline if allergic)
- Moderate-severe CAP (CURB65 2): Amoxicillin + Macrolide (clarithromycin) PO 7-10 days
- Admit to hospital
- Severe CAP (CURB65 3-5): IV Co-Amoxiclav + IV Macrolide (Clarithromycin) 7-10 days or 14-21 if S.aureus
(If legionella (notify PHE) and Clarithromycin)
After Treating Pneumonia, What should be done in the elderly (>50yrs)
Follow-up CXR to ensure that there is not a lung tumour causing the infection as the consolidation from the pneumonia will hide this.
What is the treatment for pneumonia when the causative organism is known?
S. pneumoniae - Amoxicillin (Clarithromycin/Cefotaxime)
H. Influenzae - Doxycycline/Co-amoxiclav
S. aureus - Flucloxacillin (cefuroxime)
MRSA - Vancomycin
Klebsiella - Cephalosporins (cefotaxime) or carbapenems
P. Aeruginosa - Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Tazocin)
Atypical - Macrolides/Fluoroquinolones
What are the treatments for HAP?
Broader spectrum Empirical Tx first:
Early Onset <5 days - IV aminoglycoside (gentamicin) + Tazocin
Later Onset >5 days -IV Tazocin
Then once cultures ID organism - targeted Abx
What can be done to prevent pneumonia?
- Polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine – protects against 23 serotypes
- Pneumonococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- Influenza vaccination to those >65, immunocompromised or with medical co-morbidities
- Smoking cessation
What are the major complications of pneumonia?
Sepsis - Used to grade severity - CURB65
Parapneumonic Pleural effusion in 57% of CAP
Empyema
Respiratory Failure
Lung abscess
Death
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
An autosomal recessive condition that affects the mucus glands multi-systemically
What are the genetics for CF?
autosomal recessive mutation on Chromosome 7 affecting the CFTR protein.
There are multiple mutations but Del-F508.
(phenylalanine is deleted)
CFTR = Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulatory Gene