Haem, Immunology and ID Flashcards
(163 cards)
Sx of Polycythaemia Vera?
Pruitis particularly after a hot bath, splenomegaly, HTN, hyperviscosity (due to the increase in RBCs) and haemorrhages (due to abnormal platelet function)
What is seen on investigation of polycythaemia vera?
Jak 2 mutation
Increased Hb and haematocrit, WCC and platelets may be high
Low ESR
Mx of polycythaemia?
Low dose aspirin daily
Venesection = 1st line
Mx of chlamydia?
1st line = 7 days PO Doxycycline
2nd line/if pregnant = Azithromycin PO single dose
What should you always do with any under 24 year old presenting with unexplained petechiae or hepatosplenomegaly?
Immediately refer for specialist assessment to rule out leukaemia
When should we test for HIV? What test do we use?
Test at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the possible exposure with a combination of antibody and antigen testing.
If positive after 4 weeks start on antiretrovirals immediately but still do confirmation test at 12 weeks
How should you treat adults over 50 for meningitis? When should you consider using vancomycin?
All adults >50 should be managed with IV cefotaxime and amoxicillin
Consider Vanc in any patient who has been outside the UK in the previous 3/12 or has used other antibiotics in the last 3/12
What is a syphilis chancre?
A single painless, indurated ulcer in the anus, mouth, vagina or penis.
What causes syphilis? How do we treat?
Treponema Pallidum
Mx = IM benzathine benzylpenicillin
Which conditions are spherocytes seen in? How can you differentiate clinically between the 2?
Hereditary spherocytosis and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Hereditary spherocytosis = mild chronic anaemia
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia = severe acute anaemia
Describe Hereditary Spherocytosis?
Most common inherited form of haemolytic anaemia. AD.
Sx = jaundice, gallstones, splenomegaly and aplastic crisis in the presence of Parovirus B19
Ix = raised MCHC on FBC, spherocytes seen, increased reticulocytes
Mx = folate supplementation and splenectomy
Describe G6PD deficiency?
X-linked recessive
Sx = jaundice, anaemia, splenomegaly and gall stones secondary to illness, broad (fava) beans and drugs e.g. anti-malarials
Ix = Heinz bodies seen on blood film
Describe Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia?
Autoimmune destruction of RBCs. Warm type is the most common and is idiopathic. Cold type is usually secondary to something e.g. HIV
Ix = Direct antiglobulin (Coombe’s) test positive, increased spherocytes and reticulocytes, isolated raised bilirubin (prehepatic)
Mx = Steroids, Rituximab, Blood transfusions an d splenectomy
Describe Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria?
A genetic mutation within the bone marrow
Sx = red urine in the morning containing haemoglobin and hemosiderin. Thrombosis and smooth muscle dystonia (e.g. oesophageal spasm or erectile dysfunction)
Mx = Eculizumab or bone marrow transplant
How does primary HSV infection often present (oral)?
Gingivostomatitis. Painful ulceration of the mouth and tongue
How do we manage HSV infections?
Primary oral HSV infection = oral acyclovir and chlorhexidine mouth wash
Cold sores = TOP acyclovir
Genital warts = oral acyclovir
What should you do if a primary HSV infection occurs >28 weeks of pregnancy?
Offer elective C-section and give oral acyclovir until delivery
Which Herpes virus causes oral and which causes genital herpes?
HSV 1 = oral
HSV 2 = genital
Under what circumstances should you NOT do an LP before giving antibiotics in bacterial meningitis?
If it can not be done in under 1 hours
If there are Sx of severe sepsis or a rapidly evolving rash
If there is a significant bleeding risk
If there is raised ICP
Sx of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Contiguous and asymmetrical lymphadenopathy which is painless except when drinking alcohol.
B symptoms
Ix of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Ix = Normocytic anaemia and eosinophilia
Reed Sternberg cells aka large multinucleated cells with eosinophilic nuclei, mirror image nuclei, bilobed nuclei or owl eye appearance
Hyposplenism can be seen secondary to coeliac disease. What will be seen on blood film?
Howell-Jolly bodies and siderocytes seen on blood film
What is seen in primary, secondary and tertiary syphillis?
Primary = chancre and lymphadenopathy
Secondary = systemic illness, rash, buccal ulcers, condylomata lata
Tertiary = gummas, ascending aortic aneurysms, Argyll-Robertson pupil
What are the causes of a false negative on a Mantoux skin test?
FAILS
Fever, Anaemia, Immunosuppression, Lymphoma, Sarcoidosis