Week 6 - A young woman with jaundice Flashcards
1
Q
What extra questions would you like to ask this young woman?
A
2
Q
What preliminary investigations would you perform on this patient?
A
3
Q
What are the important points in the history for each of the causes of hepatitis?
A
4
Q
Interpret these blood results. What other investigations should be performed?
What is the diagnosis (A, B, C, D or E)?
- A. Previous infection with hepatitis B (HBV)?
- B. Chronic HBV?
- C. Acute hepatitis C (HCV?
- D. Acute HBV?
- E. Chronic HCV?
A
- These tests suggest a ‘hepatic’ cause for her jaundice with predominant elevation of her transaminases (ALT and AST). The only true markers of liver function are the bilirubin, prothrombin time (INR) and albumin.
- She has a thrombocytosis which is likely to represent an acute-phase reaction.
- Lymphocytosis and the presence of atypical lymphocytes raise the possibility of viral infection.
5
Q
How would you manage this patient with an acute HBV infection?
- A. Commence antiviral medications
- B. Start an infusion fo N-acetylcysteine?
- C. Start HBV immunoglobulin?
- D. Consider interferon therapy?
- E. Ensure good hydration and nutrition?
A
6
Q
How would you interpret these results?
A
7
Q
A
