Respiratory Disorders Flashcards
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding asthma therapy in infants and children?
a) Adult doses of inhaled medication may be required in children
b) Formoterol, a LABA, has a similar onset of action to salbutamol
c) Children on ICS therapy have restricted height as adults
d) Montelukast may allow a lower dose of an ICS
e) Use of salbutamol >4 times per week indicates suboptimal asthma control
C. Drug deposition with an MDI and spacer device can be as little as 10 to 20% of that in adults, resulting in adult doses. There is an initial decrease in growth rate, but it is not sustained with long-term therapy; ICS use doesn’t affect final adult height. Formoterol, though it is long-acting, has a rapid onset and can be used as prn therapy. Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs) such as zafirlukast and montelukast, have steroid-sparing properties allowing improved control of asthma at a reduced dose of ICS (page 633, CTC, 7th edn). Use of salbutamol on a prn basis provides valuable information on asthma control and use of 4 or more times per week indicates suboptimal control.
Which of the following is CORRECT regarding the treatment of asthma in children?
a) Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can be safely stopped once symptoms are under control
b) Salbutamol prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm for up to 10 hours
c) Formoterol can be used to treat bronchospasm
d) Montelukast will allow an ASA-sensitive asthmatic to take ibuprofen safely
e) Long-acting theophylline is an effective agent for routine maintenance in asthma
C. Regular use of an ICS reduces mortality and asthma exacerbations, improves pulmonary function and controls symptoms; cessation may result in the return of airway hyperactivity to previous levels (page 633, CTC, 7th edn). Salbutamol is a SABA that only prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm for 2-4 hours. Formoterol is a LABA that has a rapid onset of action similar to salbutamol which makes it an effective treatment for bronchospasm. Even though montelukast may provide bronchoprotection in an ASA-sensitive asthmatic, NSAIDs should still be avoided in these patients. Theophylline is only used as add-on therapy because of its potential for toxicity and the large number of drug interactions involving this agent (page 632, CTC, 7th edn).
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Allergic Rhinitis
ANTIHISTAMINES (1ST GEN)
Avoid in narrow-angle glaucoma (↑ IOP), urinary obstruction, bladder neck obstruction, urinary retention, GI obstruction. Observe children for paradoxical excitation.
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Allergic Rhinitis
INT Antihistamines –
1st Gen (Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine)
● Additive CNS depressant (alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates)
● ↑ Anticholinergic effects of TCAs, scopolamine
● If combined w/phenothiazines (anti-emetics, antipsychotics, antihistmaines), monitor for ventricular arrhythmia
● Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may ↑ levels (grapefruit, erythromycin)
● AVOID w/strong inhibitors (clarithromycin, ketoconazole)
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Allergic Rhinitis
INT DECONGESTANTS (Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
- ↓ Antihypertensive effect of ß-blockers
- DO NOT use w/MAOI, or w/in 14days of discontinuation
- SNRIs may ↑ tachycardic and vasopressive effects
● Hyperthyroidism
● Ischemic ht dz
- SNRIs may ↑ tachycardic and vasopressive effects
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Allergic Rhinitis
INT DEXTROMETHORPHAN
- Caution w/CNS depressants
- Do NOT use with MAOI, or for 2 weeks following discontinuation
- SSRIs may enhance adverse effects (nausea, drowsiness, dizziness) and serotonin syndrome
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Allergic Rhinitis
Decongestants
Use with caution in those with HTN, hyperthyroid or ischemic heart disease (although may be fine if the condition is controlled)
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Asthma
Theophylline
Very narrow therap window; therap drug monitoring
Theophylline (10-20mcg/ml – therap. range)
Serum concentrations should be monitored when cimetidine, propranol, allopurinol, erythromycin, phenytoin caused by drug pharmacokinetics
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Asthma
Theophylline INTX WITH QUINOLONES
Ciprofloxacin will increase the level or effect of theophylline by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Serious - Use Alternative. Concomitant use of theophylline and ciprofloxacin has decreased theophylline clearance and increased plasma levels and symptoms of toxicity. Serious and fatal reactions have included cardiac arrest, seizure, status epilepticus, and respiratory failure. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor theophylline levels and adjust dosage as needed
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Asthma
THEOPHYLLINE INTX WITH FLUVOXAMINE
fluvoxamine will increase the level or effect of theophylline by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Serious - Use Alternative
Red Flags by condition and drug induced conditions: Asthma
Drug induced
Asthma/ SOB
● Aspirin
● NSAIDs (cyclooxygenase inhibitors)
● Sulfites
● benzalkonium chloride
β-blockers
What is the main cause of COPD?
Smoking
What are the manifestations of COPD?
-partially reversible airway limitation
-increasing frequency and severity of exacerbations
-acute SOB
-activity limitation
T/F: exercise should be limited in a COPD patient?
F: they should increase exercise and use SABA if needed prior to activity
What are the goals of therapy for COPD?
-prevent progression
- decrease breathlessness
-reduce exacerbations
-improve QOL
-reduce disability
-reduce mortality
Which of the following is a risk factor for COPD?
a. smoking
b. exposure to occupational dust/chemicals/pollution
c.alpha1-antityrpsin deficiency
d. family history
e. all of the above
E – all of the above
Which of the following is NOT a co-morbidity or suggestive of systemic manifestation of COPD?
a. CVD
b. Osteoporosis
c. Pulmonary embolism
d. Malignancy
e. Anxiety
e- anxiety (depression is a co-morbidity) also:
- altered nutrition, metabolic syndrome, pneumonia
T/F: physical exam is the gold standard for diagnosis for COPD?
F – it is an insensitive method of dx
Which of the following is INCORRECT?:
a. Early clinical findings of COPD are hyperinflation, hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension
b. Spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosis
c. Post-bronchodilator of FEV1 <80% & FEV1/GVC <0.7 are both necessary to diagnose COPD
d. Chest x-ray should be done to rule out lung cancer, TB, bronchiectasis
e. CBC should be done for polycythemia indicated anemia or chronic hypoxia
A – these are LATE clinical findings
What should be tested in COPD patients <45 yoa or with a strong family history of COPD?
Alpha1-antitrypsin
T/F: if a patient has COPD, there is no point in recommending smoking cessation?
F: always recommend and look at using Nortryptline (SSRIs are ineffective)
What should NOT be used as a monotherapy for COPD patients?
a. LABA
b. SABA
c. ICS
d. All of the above
C: ICS may increase risk of pneumonia and should be combined with a LABA (although CTC says there is still an increased risk)
* Recall in asthma that a LABA can’t be used on it’s own
What is the best initial drug therapy for COPD?
a. LABA (salmeterol/formoterol)
b. SABA (salbutamol)
c. ICS
d. oral steroids
e. LAMA/tiotropium
B: SABA should be used as needed and supplemented with LABA
T/F: ICS has the same anti-inflammatory effects in COPD patients as it does in asthma patients
F: it does not affect the neutrophilic response as significantly as in asthma and should be combined with a LABA
T/F: a SABA (salbutamol) is recommended in all stages of disease for symptom relief
True
What is the duration of action of a SABA?
4-6hrs
What has a slower onset, but lasts up to 8hrs and can be 2x-3x dose without notable side effects?
a. LAMA/tiotropium
b. LABA
c. Ipratropium bromide (short acting anticholinergic)
C
T/F: combining Ipratropium + Salbutamol produces a greater degree of bronchodilation, but has increase side effects
F: it does produce greater benefit than monotherapy, BUT has lower or similar incidence of S/E of either drug alone
T/F: oral B2-agonists (vs inhaled) are a good treatment option for COPD
F: increased side effects and NO role in COPD
Name the 2 classes of Long Acting bronchodilators that are available
- Long acting muscarinic antagonists (anti-cholinergics) – LAMA
- Long-acting B2 agonists (LABA)
What is the first line for managing persistent symptoms and moderate to severe airflow
a. Tiotropium bromide (LAMA)
b. Salbutamol (SABA)
c. Budenoside
d. amoxicillan
a. compared with ipratropium, it deposits well in airway and 1 dose lasts for 24hrs
What are the concerns when using LAMAs (tio and ipratropium)?
* further study concluded these were not risks, but did find that ipratropium has increased cardiovascular events*
Increased risk of CV death, MI or stroke
Which LAMA has a faster onset than tiotropium and is in phase III of studies?
Glycopyrronium bromide
T/F: Inhaled LABA’s offer sustained improvements in pulmonary function, dyspnea and QOL compared with SABAs
T
Which LABA (salmeterol or formoterol) has the advantage of a rapid onset and 12 hrs duration?
a. Salmeterol
b. Formoterol
c. Indacterol
B. formoterol (Fast acting)
Salmeterol (Slow acting)
T/F: Indacaterol is a rapid acting, ultra long acting B2-adrenergic agonist and requires BID dosing
F: it is the first to ONLY require QD dosisng
-use for those who can’t adhere to BID dosing or can’t tolerate anticholinergics
Which of the following is false regarding the LAMA+LABA combo therapy?
a. It should be used if disability persists despite monotherapy in mod/severe disease and persistent symptoms with infrequent exacerbations (<1/year for 2 consec. Years)
b. It has an unacceptable safety profile
c. It offers superior bronchodilation vs. monotherapy
d. Cardiovascular safety was questionable after a 24 and 52 week study
e. Both b & d
e.it has an acceptable safety profile and cardiovascular studies showed safety
T/F: ICS is not recommended as a monotherapy, but the combination of LABA + ICS is safe
F: there was also an increase in pneumonia, but no increase in morbidity and mortality – so they do recommend this combo
What are the drugs used in triple therapy for those with severe symptoms and repeated exacerbations (>1/year for 2 consec years
ICS/LABA added to tiotropium
Which of the following is TRUE regarding triple therapy
a. It is commonly prescribed
b. There is strong evidence to support its use clinically
c. It is clinically superior to dual bronchodilator therapy or ICS/LABA therapy
a-it IS commonly prescribed, but there is insufficient evidence proving that it is superior
Which of the following statements is false regarding Rofumilast
a. It suppreses the release of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting cAMP breakdown
b. It is an add-on therapy with bronchodilators for severe COPD
c. It improve quality of life and decreases exacerbations by 23%
d. It is CONTRAINDICATED in those with history of depression or suicidal ideation
e. It can cause weight loss, nausea and diarrhea
c.while it does decrease exacerbations, it has NO impact on QOL
T/F: theophylline is not often used because of its narrow therapeutic index, significant drug interactions and required serum monitoring to minimize adverse effects
True
Theophylline serum levels shoud be kept between _______ to minimize adverse effects
55-85 umol/L
Which of the following is false regarding oxygen therapy?
a. Does not reduce the risk of death in patients
b. It may prolong life by 6-7 years
c. Flow rates should be increased by 3or4 L/min during exercise and sleep
d. It may worsen hypercarbic hypoxia in patients with hypoventilation a-it does reduce the risk of death
c. Flow rates should be increased by 1-2L /min
What is the overall benefit for the influenza vaccine in COPD patients
a. 0.5 RR
b. 0.25RR
c. 0.75RR
C. 0.75RR (reduces chances by 25%)
T/F: the pneumococcal vaccine should be given to COPD patients to prevent pneumonia and repeated every 5-10years in high risk patients
T: although our class notes say NO DIFFERENCE in RR of exacerbations per year, and NO difference in MORTALITY
T/F: ICS has only modest benefit in preventing exacerbations and its effects have been overstated in regards to prevention of exacerbations
T: in course notes pack
T/F: each agent on its own has benefit and the benefit increases when you continue to add new, proven therapies
F: on their own, have benefit, but the benefits decrease as you add in more therapies
Which of the following is true regarding acute exacerbations:
a. they are the most frequent cause of med visits, hospitalizations, & death in COPD
b. it is not advised to increase the dose/frequency of existing bronchodilator treatment during an exacerbation
c. antibiotics offer no benefit in an acute exacerbation
d. systemic corticosteroids should be avoided in COPD patients due to the risk of fracture
a. true
b. it IS advised to increase doses/frequency of SABA/ipratropium
c. ABX help with purulent discharge
d. Use systemic corticosteroids short term
T/F: systemic corticosteroids should always been weaned vs. abrupt discontinuation
F: no need to wean if used <2 weeks (textbook), <3 weeks (course notes)
Which is FALSE regarding Oral-steroids
a. a 14 day course of 30-40mg/day is recommended during exacerbations
b. a 5 day course offers equivalent benefit
c. it improves lung function, shortens hospital stay and reduces risk of relapse
d. it can be used as maintenance therapy for COPD patients
D. there is NO role for oral CS in maintenance therapy for COPD
Which of the following is FALSE regarding antibiotic therapy:
a. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of exacerbations
b. Viruses are the most common cause and should be treated with anti-virals for the flu in flu season
c. Routine use of acute exacerbations is NOT recommended because of inconclusive evidence and ABX resistence
d. ABX is indicated if pt requires invasive mechanical intervention, or has
a. Viruses are the most common cause of exacerbations
When are ABX is indicated for COPD patients?
indicated if pt requires invasive mechanical intervention, or has 2/3 of:
increased dyspnea
increase sputum
increase sputum purulence
What are the most common bacterial infections in COPD?
H. influenza
Moraxella catarrhalis
S. pneumonia
When should you re-evaluate a COPD patient on ABX and consider a change in your prescription?
If no change in 24-36 hours
What antibiotics are recommended for H. influenza, M. catarrhalsi or s.pneumoniae?
a. Amoxicillin
b. Doxycycline
c. TMP/SMX
d. Extended spectrum macrolide
e. All of the above
E. all of the above
What is the gold standard test to assess oxygenation during an acute exacerbation
Arterial blood gas
What is the therapeutic order of treatment suggested by James?
- SABA for sx
- LABA or tiotrop.
Then: - ICS or ABX
What does James recommend for an exacerbation
- Salbutamol (SABA)
- Steroids (prednisone)
- Any ABX
What does James recommend for an exacerbation
- Salbutamol (SABA)
- Steroids (prednisone)
- Any ABX
T/F: continuous macrolides are recommended in severe COPD to prevent exacerbations
F: not recommended d/t ABX resistance and s/e such as hearing loss
What does the evidence show to be the best long acting treatment for COPD?
a. LAMA
b. LABA
c. SABA
d. Tiotropium
D – tiotropium
T/F: Salbutamol (SABA) has little effect vs. placebo on dyspnea and wheezing
F: 57% of patients preferred SABA vs. 9% of placebo.
Absolute difference of 48%
A diagnosis of acute bronchitis is made when a cough persists for
a. 2 weeks, with prurulent sputum
b. less than 3 weeks, with or without prurulent sputum
c. 4 weeks, without prurulent sputum
d. all of the above
b
T/F antibiotics are the first line treatment for acute bronchitis
F, not recommended if uncomplicated