Respiratory

Question 1

Causes of a pleural effusion

Answer 1

Transudate: CCF, Renal failure, live failure

Exudate: Neoplasm, Infection, inflammatory (RA/SLE)

Question 2

Lights criteria

Answer 2

effusion protein/serum protein > 0.5
effusion LDH/serum LDH > 0.6
Effusion LDH greater than 2/3 of the upper limit of the lab reference range

Question 3

Empyema

Answer 3

Anerobes, staphylococci and gram negatives

Ph <7.2 and low glucose

Question 4

Causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 4

CF
Bronchial carcinoma (if localised)
Childhood infection (TB, measles)
Immune over activity: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, IBD
Immune under activity: Hypogammaglobulinaemia
Aspiration : alcohol excess, gord

Question 5

Causes of pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 5

Apical : Silicosis , TB, ank spond, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis

Basal: Idiopathic, RA, Asbestosis, Connective tissue disorders (systemic sclerosis, SLE, Sjögrens), drugs (nitro, amiodarone, methotrexate

Question 6

Common organisms that cause CAP

Answer 6

Strep pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pnumoniae
Haemophilus influenza (esp COPD)

Question 7

Cystic Fibrosis

Answer 7

Autosomal recessive
Thickened mucus blocks ducts
Lung, GI, Pancreatic, seminal vesicles and fallopian tubes
Screened at birth

Poor prognosis if infected with “Burkholderia Cepacia”