Thursday [07/10/2021] Flashcards
What would be a sign that kidney failure was chronic and not acute? [1]
Hypocalcaemia
Why are calcium levels reduced in chronic renal failure? [1]
ia. This is because renal failure can result in reduced levels of metabolised vitamin D/1,25(OH)2D. This results in reduced calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.
What is the best way to differentiate between chronic and acute renal failure? [1]
Renal ultrasound scan -> most patierns with CRF have bilateral small kidneys
Exceptions to bilateral small kidneys in CRF on USS? []
autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
diabetic nephropathy
amyloidosis
HIV-associated nephropathy
How common is DDH? [1]
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is gradually replacing the old term ‘congenital dislocation of the hip’ (CDH). It affects around 1-3% of newborns.
RFs for DDH [7]
female sex: 6 times greater risk
breech presentation
positive family history
firstborn children
oligohydramnios
birth weight > 5 kg
congenital calcaneovalgus foot deformity
How to screen for DDH [3]
the following infants require a routine ultrasound examination
- first-degree family history of hip problems in early life
- breech presentation at or after 36 weeks gestation, irrespective of presentation at birth or mode of delivery
- multiple pregnancy
all infants are screened at both the newborn check and also the six-week baby check using the Barlow and Ortolani tests
How to examine DDH [3]
Barlow test: attempts to dislocate an articulated femoral head
Ortolani test: attempts to relocate a dislocated femoral head
other important factors include:
symmetry of leg length
level of knees when hips and knees are bilaterally flexed
restricted abduction of the hip in flexion
What is generally used to confirm Dx of DDH [2]
ultrasound is generally used to confirm the diagnosis if clinically suspected
however, if the infant is > 4.5 months then x-ray is the first line investigation
Mx of DDH [3]
most unstable hips will spontaneously stabilise by 3-6 weeks of age
Pavlik harness (dynamic flexion-abduction orthosis) in children younger than 4-5 months
older children may require surgery
What is organophosphate insecticide poisoning? [2]
This question involves a classic presentation of organophosphate poisoning. Organophosphate poisoning tends to be seen in the context of exposure to organophosphate pesticides, as is likely to be the case for this gardener, or, rarely, secondary to bioterrorism attacks with organophosphate ‘nerve agents’ such as VX and sarin
MoA of organophosphate insecticide poisoning [2]
One of the effects of organophosphate poisoning is inhibition of acetylcholinesterase leading to upregulation of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic neurotransmission. In warfare, sarin gas is a highly toxic synthetic organophosphorus compound that has similar effects.
Features of organ. insecticide poinsoning [6]
Features can be predicted by the accumulation of acetylcholine (mnemonic = SLUD)
Salivation
Lacrimation
Urination
Defecation/diarrhoea
cardiovascular: hypotension, bradycardia
also: small pupils, muscle fasciculation
Mx of insecticide poisoning [2]
atropine
the role of pralidoxime is still unclear - meta-analyses to date have failed to show any clear benefit
At birth, what can lead to elevated bilirubin levels in a newborn bonr by forceps delivery? [1]
Bruising can lead to hemolysis
When is jaundice always pathological? [1]
Jaundice in the first 24h is always pathological
What are the 4 causes of jaundice in the first 24h of being born? [4]
rhesus haemolytic disease
ABO haemolytic disease
hereditary spherocytosis
glucose-6-phosphodehydrogenase
When is jaundice in the neonate commonly physiological? [1]
Jaundice in the neonate from the c. 2-14 days is common (up to 40%) and usually physiological. It is more commonly seen in breastfed babies
Which tests are done if jaundice is prolonged after 14d? [5]
conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin: the most important test as a raised conjugated bilirubin could indicate biliary atresia which requires urgent surgical intervention
direct antiglobulin test (Coombs’ test)
TFTs
FBC and blood film
urine for MC&S and reducing sugars
U&Es and LFTs
Causes of prolonged jaundice [5]
biliary atresia
hypothyroidism
galactosaemia
urinary tract infection
breast milk jaundice
congenital infections e.g. CMV, toxoplasmosis
RFs for gestational diabetes [3]
BMI of > 30 kg/m²
previous macrosomic baby weighing 4.5 kg or above
previous gestational diabetes
first-degree relative with diabetes
family origin with a high prevalence of diabetes (South Asian, black Caribbean and Middle Eastern)
Screnning for gestational diabetes [2]
women who’ve previously had gestational diabetes: oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be performed as soon as possible after booking and at 24-28 weeks if the first test is normal. NICE also recommend that early self-monitoring of blood glucose is an alternative to the OGTTs
women with any of the other risk factors should be offered an OGTT at 24-28 weeks
Diagnostic thresholds for gestational diabetes [2]
fasting glucose is >= 5.6 mmol/L
2-hour glucose is >= 7.8 mmol/L
If fasting glucose is below 7, what should be offered to pregnant mother? [3]
if the fasting plasma glucose level is < 7 mmol/l a trial of diet and exercise should be offered
if glucose targets are not met within 1-2 weeks of altering diet/exercise metformin should be started
if glucose targets are still not met insulin should be added to diet/exercise/metformin
gestational diabetes is treated with short-acting, not long-acting, insulin
If fasting glucose is above 7mmol/l, what hsould be offered to pregnnat mother? [1]
if at the time of diagnosis the fasting glucose level is >= 7 mmol/l insulin should be started
if the plasma glucose level is between 6-6.9 mmol/l, and there is evidence of complications such as macrosomia or hydramnios, insulin should be offered
Mx of pre-existing gestational diabetes [5]
weight loss for women with BMI of > 27 kg/m^2
stop oral hypoglycaemic agents, apart from metformin, and commence insulin
folic acid 5 mg/day from pre-conception to 12 weeks gestation
detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks including four-chamber view of the heart and outflow tracts
tight glycaemic control reduces complication rates
treat retinopathy as can worsen during pregnancy
A 26-year-old gentleman presents to the GP with a two week history of a tongue lesion. It is not painful. He has a past medical history of asthma, gonorrhoea and syphilis. He does not smoke. On examination, the lesion is a white, streaky plaque that is present only the side of the tongue. It cannot be scraped off.
What is the most appropriate next step?
HIV test:
Hairy leukoplakia is an EBV-associated lesion on the side of the tongue, and is considered indicative of HIV. Has history of unprotected sex.
Malignancies associated with EBV infection [4]
Burkitt’s lymphoma*
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
HIV-associated central nervous system lymphomas
What is the monospot test done for? [1]
Infectious mononucleosis
A 40-year-old man presents to his GP with dysuria and urinary frequency since yesterday. He has also noticed his urine is cloudy and foul-smelling. He has no flank pain and is systemically well. He has never experienced similar symptoms before.
His urinalysis is positive for nitrites and leucocytes.
What is the most appropriate first-line treatment?
Has lower UTI, men with lower UTI should have nitrofurantoin/trimethoprim for 7d unless prostatis is suepcted
A 78-year-old nursing home resident with a long term catheter presents to general practice with a positive urine culture. This reveals an E coli sensitive to amoxicillin, trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin. He is otherwise well and denies any dysuria. He is apyrexial with normal vital signs.
What is the best management of this patient?
Do not treat asymptomatic bacteria in catheterised patients
Metabolic SE of antipsychtoics [3]
Dysglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, DM
MoA of typical antipyschotics [1]
Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, blocking dopaminergic transmission in the mesolimbic pathways
MoA of atypical antipyschotics [1]
Act on a variety of receptors (D2, D3, D4, 5-HT)
Adverse effects of typical vs atypical antipsychotics [2]
Typical
- Extrapyramidal side-effects and hyperprolactinaemia common
Atypical
- Extrapyramidal side-effects and hyperprolactinaemia less common
- Metabolic effects
Exmaples of typical AP [2]
Haloperidol
Chlopromazine
Example atpypical AP [3]
Clozapine
Risperidone
Olanzapine
What are ESPEs? [4]
Parkinsonism
acute dystonia
- sustained muscle contraction (e.g. torticollis, oculogyric crisis)
- may be managed with procyclidine
akathisia (severe restlessness)
tardive dyskinesia (late onset of choreoathetoid movements, abnormal, involuntary, may occur in 40% of patients, may be irreversible, most common is chewing and pouting of jaw)
Other SE of antipsychotics [5]
antimuscarinic: dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation
sedation, weight gain
raised prolactin
may result in galactorrhoea
due to inhibition of the dopaminergic tuberoinfundibular pathway
impaired glucose tolerance
neuroleptic malignant syndrome: pyrexia, muscle stiffness
reduced seizure threshold (greater with atypicals)
prolonged QT interval (particularly haloperidol)
Increase risk of antipyshcotics in elderley patietns why? [2]
increased risk of stroke
increased risk of venous thromboembolism
Which are UTIs more in common in in paediatrics? [2]
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are more common in boys until 3 months of age (due to more congenital abnormalities) after which the incidence is substantially higher in girls. At least 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have a UTI in childhood
Presentation of UTI in infants vs younger childre vs older childre vs upper UTI [4]
infants: poor feeding, vomiting, irritability
younger children: abdominal pain, fever, dysuria
older children: dysuria, frequency, haematuria
features which may suggest an upper UTI include: temperature > 38ºC, loin pain/tenderness
Urine collection method for UTI [4]
clean catch is preferable
if not possible then urine collection pads should be used
cotton wool balls, gauze and sanitary towels are not suitable
invasive methods such as suprapubic aspiration should only be used if non-invasive methods are not possible
Mx of UTI [4]
infants less than 3 months old should be referred immediately to a paediatrician
children aged more than 3 months old with an upper UTI should be considered for admission to hospital. If not admitted oral antibiotics such as cephalosporin or co-amoxiclav should be given for 7-10 days
children aged more than 3 months old with a lower UTI should be treated with oral antibiotics for 3 days according to local guidelines, usually trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporin or amoxicillin. Parents should be asked to bring the children back if they remain unwell after 24-48 hours
antibiotic prophylaxis is not given after the first UTI but should be considered with recurrent UTIs
Age should infant be referred to hospital for UTI Sx [1]
less than 3m
What is shoulder dystocia associated with? [1]
Shoulder dystocia is a cause of both maternal and fetal morbidity. It is associated with postpartum haemorrhage and perineal tears with respect to the former, and brachial plexus injury with respect to the latter, amongst other complications. Neonatal death occasionally occurs.
Key RFs for shoulder dystocia [3]
Key risk factors for shoulder dystocia include fetal macrosomia, high maternal body mass index, diabetes mellitus and prolonged labour.
How to Mx shoulder dystocia [2]
help should be called as soon as shoulder dystocia is identified and McRoberts’ manoeuvre should be performed
How does McRObert’s manoeuvre work? [2]
This manoeuvre entails flexion and abduction of the maternal hips, bringing the mother’s thighs towards her abdomen. This rotation increases the relative anterior-posterior angle of the pelvis and often facilitates a successful delivery.
What should doctor do if patient comes in ill at the time of his influenza vaccine? [1]
The seasonal flu vaccine should be postponed if the patient is acutely unwell until they have recovered
What are the three types of influenza? [1]
A, B and C
Why are there different CI for children and elderly for the influenza vaccine? [2]
Remember that the type of vaccine given routinely to children and the one given to the elderly and at risk groups is different (live vs. inactivated) - this explains the different contraindications
How is the influenza vaccein delivery to children, and when is it given? [2]
it is given intranasally
the first dose is given at 2-3 years, then annually after that
it is a live vaccine (cf. injectable vaccine below)
CI to the influenza vaccine [5]
immunocompromised
aged < 2 years
current febrile illness or blocked nose/rhinorrhoea
current wheeze (e.g. ongoing viral-induced wheeze/asthma) or history of severe asthma (BTS step 4)
egg allergy
pregnancy/breastfeeding
if the child is taking aspirin (e.g. for Kawasaki disease) due to a risk of Reye’s syndrome
SE to influenza vaccein [3]
blocked-nose/rhinorrhoea
headache
anorexia
Who is given the influenza vaccine in adulthood? [5]
The Department of Health recommends annual influenza vaccination for all people older than 65 years, and those older than 6 months if they have:
chronic respiratory disease (including asthmatics who use inhaled steroids)
chronic heart disease (heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, including hypertension if associated with cardiac complications)
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease: cirrhosis, biliary atresia, chronic hepatitis
chronic neurological disease: (e.g. Stroke/TIAs)
diabetes mellitus (including diet controlled)
immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (e.g. HIV)
asplenia or splenic dysfunction
pregnant women
adults with a body mass index >= 40 kg/m²
Features of the influenza vaccine [5]
it is an inactivated vaccine, so cannot cause influenza. A minority of patients however develop fever and malaise which may last 1-2 days
should be stored between +2 and +8ºC and shielded from light
contraindications include hypersensitivity to egg protein.
in adults the vaccination is around 75% effective, although this figure decreases in the elderly
it takes around 10-14 days after immunisation before antibody levels are at protective levels
Obstructive lung disease pulmonary function test results [3]
FEV1 - significantly reduced
FVC - reduced or normal
FEV1% (FEV1/FVC) - reduced
Restrictive disease pulmonary function test results [3]
FEV1 - reduced
FVC - significantly reduced
FEV1% (FEV1/FVC) - normal or increased
Obstructive lung disease diseases [3]
Asthma
COPD
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiolitis obliterans
Restrictive lung disease diseases [3]
Pulmonary fibrosis
Asbestosis
Sarcoidosis
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Infant respiratory distress syndrome
Kyphoscoliosis e.g. ankylosing spondylitis
Neuromuscular disorders
Severe obesity
AS
Conditions which all pregnant women should be offered screening [5]
Anaemia
Bacteriuria
Blood group, Rhesus status and anti-red cell antibodies
Down’s syndrome
Fetal anomalies
Hepatitis B
HIV
Neural tube defects
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia
Syphilis
The following should be offered depending on the history:
Placenta praevia
Psychiatric illness
Sickle cell disease
Tay-Sachs disease
Thalassaemia
Conditions for which screening should not be offered? [5]
Bacterial vaginosis
Chlamydia
Cytomegalovirus
Fragile X
Hepatitis C
Group B Streptococcus
Toxoplasmosis
What is the most important component of Mx of haemorrhoids? [1]
Fibre supplementation
Clinical features of haemorrhoids [4]
painless rectal bleeding is the most common symptom
pruritus
pain: usually not significant unless piles are thrombosed
soiling may occur with third or forth degree piles
What are haemorrhoids an enlargement of? [2]
Haemorrhoidal tissue is part of the normal anatomy which contributes to anal continence. These mucosal vascular cushions are found in the left lateral, right posterior and right anterior portions of the anal canal (3 o’clock, 7’o’clock and 11 o’clock respectively). Haemorrhoids are said to exist when they become enlarged, congested and symptomatic
DIfferentiate between external and internal haemorrhoids [2]
External
originate below the dentate line
prone to thrombosis, may be painful
Internal
originate above the dentate line
do not generally cause pain
Compare grades of internal haemorrhoids [4]
Grade I Do not prolapse out of the anal canal
Grade II Prolapse on defecation but reduce spontaneously
Grade III Can be manually reduced
Grade IV Cannot be reduced
Mx of haemorrhoids [5]
soften stools: increase dietary fibre and fluid intake
topical local anaesthetics and steroids may be used to help symptoms
outpatient treatments: rubber band ligation is superior to injection sclerotherapy
surgery is reserved for large symptomatic haemorrhoids which do not respond to outpatient treatments
newer treatments: Doppler guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation, stapled haemorrhoidopexy
Presentartion of acutely thrombosed external haemorrhoids [3]
typically present with significant pain
examination reveals a purplish, oedematous, tender subcutaneous perianal mass
if patient presents within 72 hours then referral should be considered for excision. Otherwise patients can usually be managed with stool softeners, ice packs and analgesia. Symptoms usually settle within 10 days
What is the vaccination Mx for HF? [2]
offer annual influenza vaccine
offer one-off pneumococcal vaccine
adults usually require just one dose but those with asplenia, splenic dysfunction or chronic kidney disease need a booster every 5 years
First-line Mx for HF [3]
The first-line treatment for all patients is both an ACE-inhibitor and a beta-blocker
generally, one drug should be started at a time. NICE advise that clinical judgement is used when determining which one to start first
beta-blockers licensed to treat heart failure in the UK include bisoprolol, carvedilol, and nebivolol.
ACE-inhibitors and beta-blockers have no effect on mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Second-line Mx of HF [2]
Second-line treatment is an aldosterone antagonist
these are sometimes referred to as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Examples include spironolactone and eplerenone
it should be remembered that both ACE inhibitors (which the patient is likely to already be on) and aldosterone antagonists both cause hyperkalaemia - therefore potassium should be monitored
Third-line Tx for HF [5]
Third-line treatment should be initiated by a specialist. Options include ivabradine, sacubitril-valsartan, hydralazine in combination with nitrate, digoxin and cardiac resynchronisation therapy
ivabradine
criteria: sinus rhythm > 75/min and a left ventricular fraction < 35%
sacubitril-valsartan
criteria: left ventricular fraction < 35%
is considered in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who are symptomatic on ACE inhibitors or ARBs
should be initiated following ACEi or ARB wash-out period
digoxin
digoxin has also not been proven to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure. It may however improve symptoms due to its inotropic properties
it is strongly indicated if there is coexistent atrial fibrillation
hydralazine in combination with nitrate
this may be particularly indicated in Afro-Caribbean patients
cardiac resynchronisation therapy
indications include a widened QRS (e.g. left bundle branch block) complex on ECG
What is hyperthyroidism associated with in terms of periods? [1]
Hyperthyroidism is associated with oligomennorhoea, or amennorhoea
WHat is hypothyoidism associated with in terms of periods? [1]
hypothyroidism is associated with menorrhagia
What are the 3 types of hypothyroidism? [3]
primary hypothyroidism: there is a problem with the thyroid gland itself, for example an autoimmune disorder affecting thyroid tissue (see below)
secondary hypothyroidism: usually due to a disorder with the pituitary gland (e.g.pituitary apoplexy) or a lesion compressing the pituitary gland
congenital hypothyroidism: due to a problem with thyroid dysgenesis or thyroid dyshormonogenesis
Most common cause of hypothyroidism [4]
most common cause in the developed world
autoimmune disease, associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Addison’s or pernicious anaemia
may cause transient thyrotoxicosis in the acute phase
5-10 times more common in women
Most common cause of thyrotoxicosis [2]
most common cause of thyrotoxicosis
as well as typically features of thyrotoxicosis other features may be seen including thyroid eye disease
Other causes of hypothyroidism [5]
causes Subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s)
associated with a painful goitre and raised ESR
Riedel thyroiditis
fibrous tissue replacing the normal thyroid parenchyma
causes a painless goitre
Postpartum thyroiditis
Drugs
lithium
amiodarone
Iodine deficiency
the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developing world
Other causes of hyperthyoidism [2]
Toxic multinodular goitre
autonomously functioning thyroid nodules that secrete excess thyroid hormones
Drugs
amiodarone
What would high T4, low TSH indicate? [1]
Thyrotoxicosis
What would high TSH and low T4 indicate? [1]
Primary hypothyroidism
What would low TSH and low T4 indicate? [2]
Either secondary hypothyroidism or sick euthyroid syndrome
WHat is sick euthyroidism syndrome? [1]
Common in hospital inpatients. Changes are reversible upon recovery from the systemic illness and no treatment is usually needed
What would high TSH and normal T4 indicate? [2]
Either subclinical hypothyroidism or poor compliance with thyroxine
Features of subclinical hypothydoism [2]
This is a common finding and represents patients who are ‘on the way’ to developing hypothyroidism but still have normal thyroxine levels. Note how the TSH levels, as mentioned above, are a more sensitive and early marker of thyroid problems
Features of poor compliance with thyroxine [2]
Patients who are poorly compliant may only take their thyroxine in the days before a routine blood test. The thyroxine levels are hence normal but the TSH ‘lags’ and reflects longer term low thyroxine levels
Tx for thyrotoxicosis [3]
propranolol: this is often used at the time of diagnosis to control thyrotoxic symptoms such as tremor
carbimazole: blocks thyroid peroxidase from coupling and iodinating the tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin → reducing thyroid hormone production. Agranulocytosis is an important adverse effect to be aware of
radioiodine treatment
A 60-year-old male is admitted to A&E with a fall. He lives with his wife and still works as a restaurant manager. He has a past history of benign prostatic hypertrophy and is currently taking tamsulosin. He is otherwise fit and healthy. On examination there is right hip tenderness on movement in all directions. A hip x-ray confirms an intertrochanteric fracture.
The correct answer is: Dynamic hip screw67%
The blood supply to the femoral head may be intact and the fracture should heal with compression type devices such as gamma nails or dynamic hip screws. The latter device being the most commonly performed therapeutic intervention.
An 86-year-old retired pharmacist is admitted to A&E following a fall. She complains of right hip pain. She is known to have hypertension and is currently on bendrofluazide. She lives alone and mobilises with a Zimmer frame. Her right leg is shortened and externally rotated. A hip x-ray confirms a displaced intracapsular fracture.
Hemiarthroplasty71%
Hemiarthroplasty is offered to older, less mobile individuals compared to fracture reduction and fixation in younger patients.
A 74-year-old male is admitted to A&E with a fall. He is known to have rheumatoid arthritis and is on methotrexate and paracetamol. He lives alone in a bungalow and enjoys playing golf. He is independent with his ADLs. He complains of left groin pain, therefore has a hip x-ray which confirms a displaced intracapsular fracture.
Total hip replacement68%
This patient has pre-existing joint disease, good level of activity and a relatively high life expectancy, therefore THR is preferable to hemiarthroplasty.
Features of a hip fracture [3]
pain
the classic signs are a shortened and externally rotated leg
patients with non-displaced or incomplete neck of femur fractures may be able to weight bear
What are the two locations for hip fractures? [2]
intracapsular (subcapital): from the edge of the femoral head to the insertion of the capsule of the hip joint
extracapsular: these can either be trochanteric or subtrochanteric (the lesser trochanter is the dividing line)
Which system is used to classify hip fractures? Go through the 4 types [4]
The Garden system is one classification system in common use.
Type I: Stable fracture with impaction in valgus
Type II: Complete fracture but undisplaced
Type III: Displaced fracture, usually rotated and angulated, but still has boney contact
Type IV: Complete boney disruption
In which fracture types is blood supply disrupted? [2]
Types 3 and 4
Mx of undisplaced fracture [2]
internal fixation, or hemiarthroplasty if unfit.
Mx of displaced fracture [3]
NICE recommend replacement arthroplasty (total hip replacement or hemiarthroplasty) to all patients with a displaced intracapsular hip fracture
total hip replacement is favoured to hemiarthroplasty if patients:
were able to walk independently out of doors with no more than the use of a stick and
are not cognitively impaired and
are medically fit for anaesthesia and the procedure.