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• Tricuspid regurgitation
- Pulsatile Hepatomegaly
- +ve abdominojugular reflux sign
- Large systolic v wave with earlobe movement
- PSM the left lower sternal border
• Pulmonary stenosis
- Left parasternal heave
- Large a wave
- Soft wide splitting P2
- ESM in left upper sternal border, 2nd ICS
• Pulmonary Hypertension
- Large a wave
- Loud P2
• Pulmonary Embolism
- Sinus tachycardia (>100bpm)
- RAD
- V1-V3 T inversion (RVH)
- SIQIIITIII - Deep SI, Pathological QIII, Inverted TIII
- Low voltage QRS (<5mm)
• Mitral stenosis
- Tapping apex beat (Palpable S1 )
- Mid-Diastolic murmur at the apex accentuated in the left lateral position best heard with the bell (low pitch
murmur)
- CXR findings;
i) LAE manifested by a density behind the right atrial border (double atrial shadow)
ii) Elevation of the left main stem bronchus
iii) Pulmonary oedema - Redistribution of blood flow to the upper lung fields is frequent, and Kerley B-
lines (short peripheral lines, perpendicular to the pleura); Kerley A-lines (long, dense lines radiating
from the hilum) are seen in patients with severe, chronic mitral stenosis.
iv) Mitral valve calcification
- Significant stenosis exists if the valve orifice is <1cm²/m² body surface area
• Mitral regurgitation
- Heaving apex beat
- PSM at the apex radiating to the left axilla if the posterior valve is involved or towards the tricuspid area if the
anterior valve is involved.
- Soft S1; Wide splitting S2; Loud S3
• Aortic stenosis
- Small volume anacrotic (slow rising) pulse/ Pulsus alternans
- Narrow pulse pressure
- Thrusting apex beat
- Soft A2; Reversed splitting of P2
- ESM at the right upper sternal border, 2nd ICS, radiating to the carotids
• Aortic regurgitation
- Quincke's sign - marked capillary pulsation in the nail bed
- Collapsing pulse
- Wide pulse pressure
- Heaving apex beat
- EDM in the right upper sternal edge, 2nd ICS, when patient is seated; leaning forwards accentuates the murmur
on expiration
Medicine Page 1
• PDA
The aortic end of the ductus is just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery, and the ductus enters the
pulmonary artery at its bifurcation. Commonly associated with maternal rubella infection during early pregnancy
and preterms as a result of hypoxia and immaturity. Closes in the 1st weeks of life failure to which there is ↑ blood
flow to the lungs → pulmonary plethora & congestion → fibrosis of the vessels with narrowing & reduced blood flow
to the lungs leading to cyanosis.
C/P:
- Persistent apnoea for unexplained reasons in an infant recovering from Hyaline Membrane Disease;
- CVS
* Collapsing pulse
* 'Pistol shot' pulse in the femorals (Traube's Sign)
* Wide pulse pressures
* Reversed splitting of P2
* An active heaving praecordium, a continuous systolic or to-and-fro murmur that may be localized
to the 2nd left ICS or radiate down the left sternal border or to the left clavicle
- Carbon dioxide retention - Cyanosis
- Increasing oxygen dependency
- Hepatomegaly
CXR - Cardiomegaly and increased pulmonary vascular markings
Echocardiographic visualization of a PDA with Doppler flow evidence of left-to-right shunting.
Rx:
- Supportive measures, including diuretics and fluid restriction.
- If spontaneous closure does not occur within a few weeks post partum;
* Indomethacin IV, 0.2 mg/kg BD/OD - 3 doses; induces pharmacologic closure by inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis. OR 0.1 mg/kg/d for 6 days.
Contraindications to indomethacin:
- Thrombocytopenia (<50,000/mm3),
- Bleeding disorders
- Oliguria (<0.5ml/kg/d)
- Elevated plasma creatinine level (>80µmol/L)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Indications for surgical closure are failure to close the ductus following indomethacin therapy with
persistent heart failure and ventilator dependence.
• RAE
- P pulmonale - Peaked P waves
• LAE
- P mitrale - Bifid P waves
• ASD
- Left parasternal heave
- Wide fixed splitting of P2
• Atrial fibrillation
- Irregularly irregular pulse
- Absent a wave
- Absent P wave with Irregularly irregular QRS complexes
• Atrial flutter
- Regularly Irregular pulse
- 'Canon' a waves
- Saw tooth baseline (300/s) with Regular QRS complexes
• RVH
- Left parasternal heave
- Dominant RV1
- Deep SV6
- T wave inversion in V1-V3/4
- RAD
- QRS enlargement
Medicine Page 2
• Right Ventricular Failure
- Raised JVP - normal wave form
• LVH
- RV6 >25mm or SV1+RV6= >35mm
- QRS enlargement
- T inversion in V4-V6, I & aVL
• Left Ventricular Failure
- Diffuse apex beat
- Pulses alternans
• Ventricular fibrillation
- 'Canon' a wave
- Irregular rhythm
- No QRS complexes
• VSD
- Heaving apex beat
- PSM in left lower sternal edge
- Single S2; Loud S3
• Myocardial Ischemia
- Prolonged QT interval (in Anterior MI)
- ST depression >0.5mm
- T inversion in V4-V6 & aVL
• Myocardial Infarction
- Acute
* Hrs
▫ Peaked T waves
▫ ST elevation >1mm
* 24hrs
▫ T wave inversion
▫ ST resolution
* Days
▫ T wave inversion or normal
▫ ST normal
▫ Pathological Q waves (Normal Q waves - <0.04s/<2mm)
- Posterior (V1, V2)
* Tall R
* ST depression
- Anteroseptal (V1-V4)
- Anterolateral (V4-V6, I, aVL)
* RAD
- Non Q wave infarcts (Subendocardial) (V2-V5)
* No pathological Q waves
- Inferior (II, III, aVF)
* Sinus bradycardia (<60bpm)
* LAD
• Myocarditis
- Prolonged QT
- Low voltage QRS complex
• Pericardial effusion
- Small volume pulses
- Low voltage QRS complex
• Pericarditis
- High plateau JVP which increases on inspiration (Kussmaul's sign) with deep x & y descents
- Pulsus paradoxicus (systolic pressure weakens in inspiration by >10mmHg)
- ST elevation (saddle shaped)
- Low voltage QRS complex
Medicine Page 3
• HOCM
- Jerky pulses
- Double impulse apex beat
• DCM
- Diffuse apex beat
• HyperK+
- Absent P waves
- Increased P-R interval
- Widened QRS
- Tall, tented T wave
• HypoK+
- Pseudo-P pulmonale
- Prolonged QT
- ST depression
- Prominent U waves
• Digoxin effect (V5-V6)
- ST depression (downward sloping)
- Inverted T wave
• HyperCa2+
- Short QT interval
• HypoCa2+
- Long QT interval
- Small T waves
• Cardiomegaly - Normal CTR;
- Adults - 0.5
- Children - 0.55
• Rate abnormalities;
- Paroxysmal tachycardia - 150-250 bpm
- Flutter - 250-350 bpm
- Fibrillation - >350 bpm
• Complete Heart Block
- 'Canon' a waves - When the atrium contracts against a closed tricuspid valve
- There is dissociation between P waves & QRS complexes
• 1st Degree Heart block
- Prolonged P-R interval
• 2nd Degree Heart block
- Regularly irregular pulse
• RBBB e.g. Pulmonary embolism, Cor pulmonale
- Widened QRS
- M (RSR) pattern in V1 & W pattern in V5
- Dominant RV1
- Inverted T waves in V1-V3/4
• LBBB
- Widened QRS
- W pattern in V1 & M (RSR) pattern in V6
- No septal Q waves
- Inverted T waves in V4-V6, I, aVL
Medicine Page 4
Heart failure
Definition
Cardiac output and BP are inadequate for the body's requirements.
Classification
• LVF
• RVF
• CCF - LVF + RVF
• Low-output cardiac failure - The heart's output is inadequate (e.g. ejection fraction < 0.5), or is only
inadequate with high filling pressures. Causes;
- Diastolic heart failure (2° to reduced filling of the heart in diastole)- Ischemic scarring , Hypertension,
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Amyloidosis
- Valve disorders
- ↑ Alcohol use
Causes
Pump failure due to:
• Heart muscle disease;
- IHD
- Cardiomyopathy
• Restricted filling:
- Constrictive pericarditis
- Tamponade
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
This may be the mechanism of action of fluid overload: an expanding right heart impinges on the LV, so filling is
restricted by the ungiving pericardium (the mechanism invoking a 'hump in the Starling curve' is now said to be an
error based on the artefact)
• Inadequate heart rate:
- β-blockers
- Heart block
- Post MI
• Negative ionotropic drugs: e.g. most antiarrhythmic agents
Excessive preload:
• Mitral regurgitation
• Fluid overload (e.g. NSAIDS causing fluid retention) - Fluid retention may cause LVF in a normal heart if renal
excretion is impaired or big volumes are involved (e.g. IVI running too fast). More commonly if there is
simultaneous compromise of cardiac function and in the elderly.
Chronic excessive afterload - Here, output is normal or increased in the face of much increased needs. Initially there are
features of RVF and later LVF
- AS
- Hypertension
- Heart disease with anaemia or pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Paget's disease
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Beriberi
Causes of Refractory Heart Failure
• Infective Endocarditis
• Infections
• Hypertension
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Anaemia
• Silent AS/MS
• Arrhythmias
• Emboli
• Digoxin toxicity
• Hypovolaemia
• Electrolyte Imbalance
Medicine Page 5
Symptoms
LVF
- Dyspnoea
- Orthopnoea
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
- Nocturnal cough ( ± pink frothy sputum)
- Wheeze (Cardiac 'asthma') 2° to peribronchial cuffing 2° to pulmonary oedema
- Poor exercise tolerance
- Nocturia
- Cold peripheries
- Muscle wasting & Weight loss (Cardiac cachexia)
- Fatigue
RVF
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Epistaxis
- Facial engorgement
- Pulsation in the neck & face (tricuspid regurgitation)
- Abdominal distension (ascites)
- Peripheral oedema (up to thighs, sacrum, abdominal wall)
Depression
Drug-related side effects
Signs
Cardinal
i) Tachypnoea
ii) Cardiomegaly
iii) Tender Hepatomegaly
iv) Oedema
General
- Ill & exhausted
- Cool peripheries
- Peripheral cyanosis
- Peripheral oedema
Medicine Page 6
CVS
- Pulse
Resting tachycardia
Pulsus alternans - alternating strong & weak beats
Systolic BP ↓
Narrow pulse pressure
- Raised JVP
- Praecordium
Displaced apex (LV dilatation)
RV heave (Pulmonary hypertension)
- Auscultation
S3 gallop (LV dysfunction)
Murmurs of mitral and aortic valve disease
R/S
- Tachypnoea
- Bibasilar end inspiratory crackles
- Wheeze (cardiac 'asthma')
- Pleural effusions
P/A
- Hepatomegaly (pulsatile in tricuspid regurgitation)
- Ascites
- Cardiac cachexia (loss of lean tissue ≥10%). The failing heart produces TNF-α which is a key cytokine in
the development of catabolism and possibly of cardiac cachexia. Also mesenteric oedema & immobility
Investigations
CXR - ABCDE
- Alveolar oedema - Classical perihilar 'bat's wing' shadowing
- Kerley B lines - short peripheral lines, perpendicular to the pleura - interstitial oedema
- Cardiomegaly (CTR >50%)
- Dilated prominent upper lobe veins (Upper lobe diversion)
- Pleural Effusion
- Peribronchial cuffing
ECG
New York Heart Association classification of heart failure
I Heart disease present, but no undue dyspnoea from ordinary activity
II Dyspnoea on ordinary activities; Comfortable at rest
III Dyspnoea on less than ordinary activity which is limiting
IV Dyspnoea present at rest; all activity cause discomfort
Management
Treat the cause (e.g. if arrhythmias; valve disease)
Treat exacerbating factors (anaemia, thyroid disease, infection, HTN)
Avoid exacerbating factors, e.g. NSAIDS (cause fluid retention), & verapamil (negative inotrope)
Stop smoking. Eat less salt. Maintain optimal weight & nutrition. Exercise
Drugs
- Diuretics: Loop diuretics e.g. furosemide 40-80mg/d PO; increase dose as necessary. SE: ↓K+, renal
impairment. Monitor U&E & add K+ sparing diuretic (e.g. spironolactone) if K+ < 3.2mmol/l,
predisposition to arrhythmias, concurrent digoxin therapy ( ↓K+ increases the risk of digoxin toxicity),
or pre-existing K+ losing conditions. Spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist; also elprenelone):
Improves endothelial dysfunction (↑ nitric oxide bio-activity) & inhibits vascular angiotensin I→II
conversion.
If refractory oedema, consider adding metolazone
- ACE-i: Especially in LVF; if cough & angioedema is a problem due to blockage of inactivation of
bradykinin leading to increased production of prostaglandins, an angiotensin receptor antagonist may be
substituted (e.g. lorsatan). Also 1st dose hypotension, postural hypotension. Use long acting ACE-i e.g.
Lisinopril in the elderly
Medicine Page 7
- β-blockers reduce mortality (25%) in heart failure especially in LVF e.g. Carvedilol (inhibits α1, β1,2 & has
arteriolar vasodilating actions)
- Digoxin improves symptoms - 0.125-0.25mg/d PO. Monitor U&E & maintain K+ at 4-5 mmol/L
SE; CVS (arrhythmias, heart block), GIT (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal
pain. Also not drug related vomiting; Oedema of the mesentery & Hepatomegaly), CNS (visual
disturbances, headache, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, depression),
gynaecomastia on long term use
- Vasodilators: Long acting Nitrates ↓ preload by causing venodilatation, e.g. isosorbide mononitrate; 2nd line
agents include arterial vasodilators, which ↓ afterload (e.g. Hydralazine SE: drug-induced lupus, tachycardia
unless given with a β-blocker) or α-blockers, which are combined arterial & venous vasodilators, e.g.
Prazosin - improve arterial haemodynamics & ↓ mortality especially if ACE-I is C/I
* Sympathomimmetics (Dopamine, Dobutamine) are indicated in patients with intractable heart failure especially
with an irreversible component e.g. MI, Shock, Pulmonary oedema, Surgery;
▪ Dopamine;
- Dilates renal & mesenteric blood vessels
- Stimulates myocardial β1 receptors with little tachycardia
▪ Dobutamine;
- ↓ Peripheral vascular resistance thus ↑ CO
- Used in severe heart failure without hypotension
Prognosis
Prognosis is poor with 82% of patients dying within 6 yrs of diagnosis.
Medicine Page 8
Hypertension
Major risk factor for;
- Stroke
- MI
Definition
Raised BP on ≥ 2 readings on 2 different visits seated for at least 5mins, feet on the floor, arms at the level
of the heart with 80% arm covering of the cuff & caffeine, exercise, vomiting avoided for at least 30mins
before reading
* 24-H ambulatory BP monitoring may be helpful in some cases e.g. white coat HTN, borderline HTN,
episodic HTN, Autonomic dysfunction.
Definition - Daytime >135/85mmHg &/or Night time >120/75mmHg (BP falls by 10-20% at night)
Classification
i) Essential Hypertension - 1° cause unknown; 95% of cases
ii) Secondary Hypertension - 5% of cases
Causes;
▪ Renal Disease
- Intrinsic renal disease (¾)
* Glomerulonephritis
* PAN
* Systemic sclerosis
* Chronic pyelonephritis
* Polycystic kidneys
- Renovascular disease (¼)
* Atheromatous - elderly male cigarette smokers e.g. with peripheral vascular disease
* Fibromascular dysplasias - young females
▪ Endocrine disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cushing's syndrome
- Conn's syndrome
- Pheochromocytoma
- Acromegaly
▪ Others
- Coarctation of the aorta (radiofemoral delay or weak femoral pulses)
- Pregnancy
- NSAIDS - Cause fluid retention & Papillary necrosis
- Steroids - Cause fluid retention
- MAO-i
- 'The Pill'
- Sleep apnoea
iii) Malignant Hypertension
Diagnostic criteria;
• Severe hypertension (>200/130mmHg)
• Bilateral retinal haemorrhages & exudates ± Papilloedema
May precipitate;
• HF
• ARF
• Encephalopathy (headache, focal CNS signs, seizures, coma)
Pathological Hallmark - Fibrinoid necrosis
S/S - Headache ± visual disturbance
Mx (controlled reduction in BP over days NOT Hrs)
- Oral therapy except in encephalopathy
- Loop + thiazide diuretic
- Encephalopathy - Reduce DBP to 110 mmHg over 4hrs
* Loop diuretic
* β-blocker/Na+ Nitroprusside (SE: cyanide poisoning)
Prognosis - Untreated - 90% die in 1yr; Treated - 70% survive 5yrs
Medicine Page 9
Signs & Symptoms
Usually asymptomatic but may have features of the underlying cause
Signs of end-organ damage which are indications of severity & duration of hypertension & poor prognosis;
- CVS
* LVH/MI/Angina
* HF
* Peripheral vascular disease
* Hypertensive retinopathy - Keith, Wagener, and Barker Classification (PEAS)
I. Tortuous arteries with thick shiny walls (Silver or copper wiring)
II. I + A-V nipping (narrowing where arteries cross veins)
III. II + Exudates;
* Flame haemorrhages (Superficial)
* Cotton wool spots - due to ischemia - look like talc powder particles seen in IV drug
abusers
* Hard exudates - lipid exudates from leaking vessels
IV. III + Papilloedema
- Brain
* Stroke/TIA
* Charcot-Bouchard/Miliary aneurysm - dilatation of small arteries and arterioles secondary to
lipohyalinosis from long-standing hypertension associated with intracerebral haematomas.
- Kidneys
* Progressive RF & Proteinuria - Fibrinoid necrosis
Management
Medicine Page 10
Stage II Hypertension or associated target organ damage
- Diabetes mellitus with associated target organ damage
- Renal dysfunction
Medicine Page 11
• Look for & treat underlying causes
• In isolated pre-hypertension, aim for <120/80 mmHg
• In non-diabetics, the treatment goal is 140/85 mmHg
• In diabetes mellitus & nephrotic syndrome, aim for <130/80 mmHg (<125/75 if proteinuria >1gm/d)
• Lifestyle changes - ↓ concomitant risk factors;
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol & salt intake
- Reduce weight if obese
- Increase exercise
- DASH diet - A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods and low in saturated and total
fats (↓Na+, ↑K+, ↑Ca2+)
• Drugs (ABCD)
` Thiazide diuretics - Bendroflumethiazide; SE: HypoK+, HypoNa+, postural hypotension, impotence,
hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia
+
* ACE-i - 1st choice if coexisting LVF, or in Diabetics with microalbuminuria or proteinuria. SE: cough,
K+ ↑, renal failure, angioedema, 1st dose hypotension; C/I: renal artery stenosis, AS
* β-blockers - SE: bronchospasm, heart failure, cold peripheries, lethargy, impotence; C/I: Asthma, caution in
heart failure
* CCB - SE: flushing, fatigue, gum hyperplasia, ankle oedema. Avoid short acting drugs.; Never use sublingual
nifedipine to reduce BP as it can cause an uncontrollable drop in BP & subsequently stroke as cerebral auto
regulation is poor. SE; Headache & dizziness
* Others - ARBs (e.g. lorsatan), Methyldopa (used in pregnancy), α-blocker (doxazosin). For refractory
cases: clonidine, minoxidil, or hydralazine
Stage I - Thiazide diuretic (± A/B/C)
Stage II - Thiazide diuretic + A/B/C
* Most drugs take 4-8 wks to produce their maximum effect
* 'ABCD rule' - If one drug fails, switch between groups combining A or B with C or D
• Aspirin Prophylaxis (75mg OD)
Reduces the risk of Cerebrovascular events & MI; however an increased risk of bleeding need to be considered.
Indications;
• 1° Prophylaxis;
* Age >50yrs
* Controlled HTN (<150/90mmHg) with end organ damage
* Type 2 diabetes
* A CHD risk ≥15% over 10yrs
• 2° Prophylaxis;
* Patients with cardiovascular complications;
- MI
- Angina
- Non-haemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Atherosclerotic renovascular disease
Medicine Page 12
Hypertensive encephalopathy
An acute or sub-acute potentially reversible cerebral disorder confined to severe cases of hypertension marked by;
- Headache
- Obtundation
- Confusion
- Stupor
- ± Convulsions
Pathogenesis
Involves a breakthrough phenomenon in cerebral auto regulation of blood flow, in which the very high BP is transmitted
directly to the capillary bed with transudation and exudation of plasma into the substance of the brain, causing
cerebral oedema. The pathologic findings include fibrinoid necrosis, thrombosis of arterioles, micro infarcts, and
petechial haemorrhages especially in the brainstem.
C/P
• Rapidly changing neurological abnormalities occur, including;
- Transient cortical blindness
- Hemiparesis
- Hemisensory defects
• DBP > 140mmHg
• Grade III or IV retinopathy
• Elevated CSF pressures
Rx - Reduce DBP to 110mmHg over 4-6hrs
• Loop diuretic
• β-blocker/Na+ Nitroprusside (SE: cyanide poisoning)
Ix
• CXR & BGAs
• ECG - RVH + RAD
• Pulmonary function testing - arterial hypoxemia, hypocapnoea & reduced diffusion capacity.
• V/Q scan - must rule out proximal pulmonary artery emboli
• Pulmonary angiography - should be done if segmental or larger defect on V/Q scan.
• Cardiac catheterization - right heart catheterization is necessary to measure pulmonary artery pressures and
haemodynamics; rule out underlying cardiac disease and response to vasodilator therapy
Rx
• Epoprostenol (prostacyclin) or iloprost therapy, given either as a continuous IVI through a central venous
catheter or via the nebulized route
• Sildenafil (Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor)
• Anticoagulation with warfarin improves prognosis
Medicine Page 13
Hypertensive Crises
Hypertensive emergencies are those rare situations requiring immediate blood pressure reduction (not necessarily to
normal ranges) to prevent or limit target organ damage e.g.
• Hypertensive encephalopathy
• Intracranial haemorrhage
• Acute LVF with pulmonary oedema
• Acute dissecting aortic aneurysm
• Severe hypertension accompanying Unstable angina or Acute MI
• Eclampsia
Causes;
• Pheochromocytomas
• MAOIs interaction with sympathomimetic drugs or food containing tyramine or dopamine
S/S;
• DBP >140mmHg.
• Grade IV retinopathy
• Encephalopathy - Pulsating headache, confusion, somnolence, stupor, visual loss, focal defects, seizures,
or coma.
• Cardiac findings include a hyperdynamic sustained left ventricular impulse, cardiac enlargement, and
pulmonary venous hypertension.
• Oliguria and azotemia are usually present
• Nausea and vomiting.
Mx
• PO β-Blocker (atenolol or labetalol) or a long acting CCB (e.g. amlodipine or modified-release
nifedipine)
Within the first 24hrs, the DBP should be reduced to 100-110 mmHg & over the next 2-3 days blood pressure
should be normalised by using β-Blockers, CCBs, diuretics, vasodilators, or ACE-i.
• If parenteral treatment is necessary - Sodium Nitroprusside
S/E
Very rapid reduction in BP can reduce organ perfusion leading to;
• Cerebral infarction & blindness
• Myocardial ischemia.
• Deterioration in renal function
Medicine Page 14
Rheumatic fever
Epidemiology
Peak incidence: 5-15yrs
Pathogenesis
Pharyngeal infection with Lancefield Group A β-haemolytic streptococci triggers rheumatic fever 2-4 wks later, in
susceptible 2% of the population. A few of the "pharyngeal" serotypes but none of the "skin" strains have been
associated with acute rheumatic fever.
An antibody to the carbohydrate cell wall of the streptococcus cross-reacts with cardiac myosin & sarcolemmal
membrane protein (antigenic mimicry) and may cause permanent damage to the heart valves.
Fibrinoid degeneration can be seen in the collagen of connective tissues of involved organs.
Acute attacks last an average of 3months
B. Minor criteria
i) Previous rheumatic fever
ii) Fever
iii) ↑ ESR/CRP
iv) Arthralgia (but not if arthritis is one of the major criteria)
v) ↑ P-R interval (but not if carditis is a major criterion) in V4 -V6, aVL
Medicine Page 15
Diagnosis
a) Evidence of recent strep infection
* History of Scarlet fever - "Streptococcal sore throat with a rash." A childhood disease
characterized by high fever, pharyngitis, and rash caused by Group A β-haemolytic streptococci
pyogenes that produce erythrogenic toxin. Incubation period 1-7 days, duration of illness 4-10 days.
* Positive throat swab
* Rising or ↑ ASOT >200U/mL (>300U/mL in children)
* ↑ Dnase B titre
+
b) ≥2 major criteria OR 1 major + ≥2 minor
Ix
• Leukocytosis; ↑ ESR, ↑ CRP
• Throat swab culture
• ASOT
• CXR - Cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion
• ECG - T wave inversion; ↓ in QRS voltages
Management
• Bed rest until CRP normal for 2-6 wks (maybe 3 months) - lessens joint pains & ↓ cardiac workload
• Immobilize joints in severe arthritis
• (Benzyl penicillin 0.6-1.2 mg IM/Vancomycin 1gm BD IV/Erythromycin) stat then Penicillin V 250 mg
QID PO for 10 days
• Analgesia for carditis/arthritis - Aspirin for 6wks; SE: tinnitus, hyperventilation, metabolic acidosis
• Steroids have no major impact on the sequelae but improve the symptoms of carditis or severe arthritis
• Haloperidol or diazepam for the chorea
Secondary prophylaxis
• Penicillin V 250mg BD PO/Sulfadiazine until no longer at risk (30yrs). Thereafter give
(Amoxicillin/Vancomycin) + Gentamicin prophylaxis for dental or other surgery
Prognosis
• 60% carditis develop Chronic rheumatic heart disease
• Recurrence may be precipitated by;
- Further streptococcal infections (Reactivated rheumatic heart disease - Causes a more fulminant
infection due to the presence of memory B-cells)
- Pregnancy
- Use of the pill
Medicine Page 16
Infective Endocarditis
Classification
A. According to areas involved;
- Native valve endocarditis
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis
- Endocarditis in IV drug users - Tricuspid valve
B. According to course of the disease;
i) Acute infective endocarditis (50%)
Occur on normal valves
Follows an acute course & presents with acute heart failure; rapidly fatal without treatment (6wks)
Bacteria involved;
* Staph. Aureus
▪ Skin infections
▪ Abscesses
▪ Vascular access sites (e.g. IV & central lines)
▪ IV drug misuse (predisposed to right sided IE)
* Strep pneumoniae
* Neisseria gonorrhoea
* Coagulase negative Staph epidermidis, a normal skin contaminant (especially post-op)
ii) Sub-acute infective endocarditis
Occur on abnormal valves.
Predisposing cardiac lesions;
▪ Aortic or Mitral valve disease
▪ Tricuspid valves in IV drug users
▪ Prosthetic valves - may be 'early' (acquired at the time of surgery, poor prognosis) or 'late'
(acquired haematogenously)
▪ Coarctation of the aorta
▪ PDA
▪ VSD
Bacteria involved;
* Streptococcus viridans (35-50%) - Strep mitis, Strep sanguis, α-haemolytic streptococci;
Commensals in the upper respiratory tract that may enter the blood stream on chewing, teeth-
brushing or at the time of dental treatment
* Enterococcus faecalis
* Enterococcus faecium
* Strep bovis - from bowel or urinary tract; associated with large bowel neoplasms
* Strep milleri - " " " "
* Rarely: HACEK group of Gram -ve bacteria (Haemophilus-Actinobacillus-Cardiobacterium-
Eikenella-Kingella)
C. Others;
- SLE (Libman-Sacks endocarditis)
- Malignancy
- Fungi
Pathogenesis
Any cause of bacteraemia exposes valves to the risk of bacterial colonization.
Vegetations may cause valve destruction, & severe regurgitation, or valve obstruction.
An aortic root abscess causes prolongation of the P-R interval, & may lead to complete AV block.
LVF is a common cause of death.
Medicine Page 17
Clinical features
Fever + new murmur = endocarditis until proven otherwise
• Signs of infection
- Fever, Rigors, Night sweats
- Malaise
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
- Splenomegaly - Tipped smooth tender spleen (DDx - SCD, Salmonellosis, Sepsis)
- Finger clubbing
• Cardiac lesions
- Any new murmur, or a change in the nature of a pre-existing murmur
• Immune complex deposition
- Roth spots (boat-shaped retinal haemorrhages with pale centres)
- Janeway lesions (painless palmar or plantar macules)
- Splinter haemorrhages (on finger or toe nails)
- Osler's nodes (painful pulp infarcts in fingers or toes)
• Vascular signs
- Vasculitis may affect any vessel
- Microscopic haematuria is common; Type 1 mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis 2° to embolic
immune complex deposition and ARF may occur
• Embolic phenomena
- Abscess formation in the relevant organs, e.g. brain, heart, kidney, spleen, GI tract & pulmonary abscess
(in right-sided endocarditis)
Ix
• Blood cultures: take 3 sets at different times & from different sites at peak fever. 85-90% are diagnosed from
the 1st 2 sets; 10% are culture negative
• Blood tests
- High ESR/CRP
- Neutrophil Leukocytosis
- Normochromic, normocytic anaemia
• Urinalysis - microscopic haematuria
• CXR - Cardiomegaly
• ECG - prolonged P-R intervals
• Echo
- Trans-Oesophageal Echo - more sensitive - mitral lesions & aortic root abscess
- Trans-Thoracic Echo - may show vegetations but only if > 2mm
Duke criteria for infective endocarditis
A. Major criteria
i) Positive blood culture:
- Typical organism in 2 separate cultures taken at - different times & from different sites at
peak fever
or
- Persistently +ve blood cultures, e.g. 3, >12hrs apart (or majority if ≥ 4)
ii) Endocardium involved:
- Positive Echocardiogram (vegetation, abscess, dehiscence of prosthetic valve)
or
- New valvular regurgitation (change in murmur not sufficient)
B. Minor criteria
i) Predisposition (cardiac lesion; IV drug abuse)
ii) Fever >38°C
iii) Vascular/immunological signs
iv) +ve blood culture that do not meet major criteria
v) +ve Echocardiogram that does not meet major criteria
Diagnosis - 2 major / 1 major + 3 minor / all 5 minor
Medicine Page 18
Management
• Antibiotics
- Empirical therapy - Benzyl penicillin 1.2gm/4hrs IV + Gentamicin 80mg BD IV; If acute add
flucloxacillin 2gm QID to cover for Staph.
- Prophylaxis - Amoxicillin 3gm PO before procedure followed by amoxicillin 500mg PO 6hrs later
* Acquired valve disease
* Prosthetic valve(s)
* Previous endocarditis
* Septal defects
* Dental procedures
* Upper respiratory tract surgery
* Oesophageal dilatation
* Sclerotherapy for varices
* Surgery/instrumentation of lower bowel, gall bladder, or GUT
- Streptococci - Benzyl penicillin IV for 2-4 wks then amoxicillin 1gm TDS PO for 2 wks; add
gentamicin if resistant
- Enterococci - Amoxicillin + Gentamicin
- Staphylococci - Flucloxacillin + Gentamicin; Treat for 6-8 wks; stop Gentamicin after 1wk
- Fungi - (Flucytosine 3gm QID IVI over 30 mins/Amphotericin B) + Fluconazole 50mg/24hrs PO
• Surgery if;
- Heart failure
- Valvular obstruction
- Repeated embolic fungal endocarditis
- Persistent bacteraemia
- Myocardial abscess
- Unstable infected prosthetic valve
Prognosis
• 30% mortality with Staph.
• 14% with bowel organisms
• 6% with sensitive streptococci
Medicine Page 19
Tetralogy Of Fallot (TOF)
Major:
1. Obstruction to right ventricular outflow (pulmonary stenosis) at both the right ventricular infundibulum
(subpulmonic area) and pulmonary valve.
2. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) that is non-restrictive and large, located just below the aortic valve, and
related to the posterior and right aortic cusps.
Minor:
3. Dextroposition of the aorta with septal override
4. RVH
The main pulmonary artery is often smaller than usual, and there may be various degrees of branch pulmonary artery
stenosis. Pulmonary atresia with VSD is also classified as an extreme form of TOF.
When the right ventricle contracts in the presence of marked pulmonary stenosis, blood is shunted across the VSD into
the aorta. Persistent arterial desaturation and cyanosis result. The pulmonary blood flow, when severely restricted by the
obstruction to right ventricular outflow, may be supplemented by the bronchial collateral circulation (major
aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs)) and, especially in the immediate newborn period, by a PDA.
When obstruction to right ventricular outflow is mild to moderate and there is a balanced shunt across the VSD, the
patient may not be visibly cyanotic (Acyanotic or "Pink" TOF).
Clinical manifestations
a) Often cyanosis is not present at birth, but with increasing hypertrophy of the right ventricular infundibulum and growth,
cyanosis occurs later in the 1st yr of life. It is most prominent in the mucous membranes of the lips and mouth, and in
the fingernails and toenails. In these infants pulmonary blood flow may be dependent on flow through the ductus
arteriosus. When the ductus begins to close in the 1st few hours or days of life, severe cyanosis and circulatory collapse
may occur. Older children with long-standing cyanosis may have extreme cyanosis, with a dusky blue skin surface,
grey sclera with engorged blood vessels (suggesting mild conjunctivitis), and clubbing of the fingers and toes.
b) Dyspnoea on exertion. Characteristically, children assume a squatting position for the relief of dyspnoea and to
increase systemic resistance to facilitate reversal of the Right to Left shunt in the heart especially in patients with significant
cyanosis at rest.
c) Spontaneous and unpredictable Paroxysmal hypercyanotic attacks (Hypoxic, "Blue," or "Tet" spells) which are
associated with a reduction of an already compromised pulmonary blood flow, which when prolonged results in severe
systemic hypoxia and metabolic acidosis are a particular problem during the first 2yrs of life and occur most
frequently:
* In the morning upon first awakening
* Following episodes of vigorous crying
* Defecation
* Increase in systemic vascular resistance
And may last from a few minutes to a few hours but are rarely fatal. Infants who are only mildly cyanotic at rest are
often more prone to develop hypoxic spells because they have not developed the homeostatic mechanisms to
tolerate rapid lowering of arterial oxygen saturation, for example, polycythemia which is as a result of hypoxic
stimulation of the renal system to produce erythropoietin which increases erythropoiesis.
S/S
⋅ Hyperpnoea and restlessness
⋅ Cyanosis increases
⋅ Gasping respirations ensue
⋅ Syncope may follow
⋅ Temporary disappearance or decrease in intensity of the ESM is usual as flow across the right ventricular
outflow tract diminishes.
⋅ Short episodes are followed by generalized weakness and sleep.
⋅ Severe spells may progress to unconsciousness and, occasionally, to convulsions or hemiparesis.
Rx
i) Remove aggravating factors
ii) Placement of the infant on the abdomen in the knee-chest position to increase systemic resistance to facilitate
reversal of the Right to Left shunt, making certain that there is no constricting clothing; Calming the infant, while
holding the child in a knee-chest position, may abort progression of an early spell.
iii) Administration of oxygen
iv) Injection of morphine up to 0.2 mg/kg IV/IM/SC. Reduces anxiety and depresses the respiratory centers.
Also Domical (Amitriptyline) and diazepam.
v) Since metabolic acidosis develops when the arterial PO2 is <5.3 KPa, rapid correction (within several minutes)
with IV sodium bicarbonate 1-2 mEq/kg Stat is necessary if the spell is unusually severe and there is lack of
Medicine Page 20
response to the foregoing therapy.
vi) β-Adrenergic blockade by IV propranolol 0.15 - 0.25 mg/kg PRN has been used successfully in some
patients with severe spells, especially spells accompanied by tachycardia. It reduces the right outflow
obstruction and tachycardia.
vii) Sedate the patient with Ketamine that also depresses the respiration.
viii) Reduce vascular resistance with Phenylephrine.
ix) Put patient under general anesthesia and provide mechanical ventilation.
Medicine Page 21
d) Growth and development may be delayed in patients with severe untreated TOF.
e) BP & Pulse are normal
f) The left anterior hemithorax may bulge anteriorly due to RVH.
g) The heart is usually normal in size, and there is a substernal right ventricular impulse. In 50% of cases a
systolic thrill is felt along the left sternal border in the 2nd ICS - Pulmonary stenosis. The ESM is
frequently loud and harsh; it may be transmitted widely, especially to the lungs, but is most intense at the left
sternal border. The murmur may be either ejection or holosystolic and may be preceded by a click. The
murmur is caused by turbulence through the right ventricular outflow tract -Pulmonary stenosis. It tends to
become louder, longer, and harsher as the severity of pulmonary stenosis increases from mild to moderate;
however, it can actually become less prominent with severe obstruction, especially during a hypercyanotic
spell. The 2nd heart sound is either single or the pulmonic component is soft. Infrequently a continuous
murmur may be audible (PDA).
h) Anemia: Hypoxia stimulates erythropoietin production in the kidneys that leads to increased erythropoiesis in
the bone marrow that depletes iron stores leading to IDA.
Presenting complications
• Cerebral thromboses, usually occurring in the cerebral veins or dural sinuses and occasionally in the cerebral
arteries, are more common in the presence of extreme polycythemia (PCV >65%) and may also be
precipitated by dehydration. Thromboses occur most often in patients <2yrs old. These patients may have
IDA.
Therapy consists of adequate hydration and phlebotomy and volume replacement with fresh frozen
plasma are indicated in the extremely polycythemic patient.
• Bacterial endocarditis occurs in unoperated patients in the right ventricular infundibulum or on the pulmonic,
aortic, or, rarely, tricuspid valves. Endocarditis may complicate palliative shunts or, among patients with
corrective surgery, any residual pulmonic stenosis or residual VSD. Antibiotic prophylaxis is essential prior to
and after dental and certain surgical procedures associated with a high incidence of bacteraemia
• CCF is NOT a usual feature of patients with TOF. It may occur, however, in the young infant with
"pink" or acyanotic TOF (when obstruction to right ventricular outflow is mild to moderate and there is a
balanced shunt across the VSD). As the degree of pulmonary obstruction worsens with age, the symptoms of
heart failure resolve and eventually the patient develops cyanosis, often by 6–12mo of age. These patients
are at increased risk for hypercyanotic spells at this time.
• Convulsions due to frequent hypercyanotic spells.
• Renal infarcts and other infarcts secondary to polycythemia.
• Coagulation disorders
• Arrhythmias and death
Ix
• BGAs
• FBC + ESR: Hb and Hct are raised but MCV is low (IDA)
• U/E/C
• CXR: The cardiac shadow consists of a narrow base, concavity of the left heart border in the area usually
occupied by the pulmonary artery, and normal heart size. The hypertrophied right ventricle causes the
rounded apical shadow to be up tilted so that it is situated higher above the diaphragm than normal.
The cardiac silhouette has been likened to that of a boot or wooden shoe - Coeur en sabot (DDx -
Tricuspid atresia)
• ECG: Demonstrates RAD and evidence of RVH.
• Two-dimensional echocardiography provides information as to the extent of aortic over-ride of the septum,
the location and degree of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, the size of the proximal branch
pulmonary arteries, the side of the aortic arch and determining whether a PDA is supplying a portion of the
pulmonary blood flow.
• Cardiac catheterization demonstrates systolic pressure in the right ventricle equal to systemic pressure, with
a marked decrease in pressure as the catheter enters the pulmonary artery or, in some cases, the infundibular
chamber beyond the obstruction.
The mean pulmonary arterial pressure is reduced, the right atrial pressure is usually normal (5-10mmHg).
• The level of arterial oxygen saturation depends on the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt; in a moderately
cyanotic patient at rest it is usually 75–85%. In the absence of a left-to-right shunt, samples of blood from the
venae cavae, right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery will be similar in oxygen content.
Medicine Page 22
Treatment
• Oxygenation and Normal body temperature maintenance. Prolonged, severe hypoxia may lead to shock,
respiratory failure, and intractable acidosis and will significantly reduce the chances of survival. Cold
increases oxygen consumption and causes vasoconstriction, which places a further stress on the cyanotic
infant, whose oxygen delivery is already limited.
• Blood glucose levels monitoring, as infants with cyanotic heart disease are more likely to develop
hypoglycaemia.
• Prevention or prompt treatment of dehydration is important to avoid haemoconcentration and possible
thrombotic episodes.
• Paroxysmal dyspnoeic attacks in infancy may be precipitated by a relative iron deficiency; iron therapy may
decrease their frequency and also improve exercise tolerance and general well-being. Red blood cell indices
should be maintained in the normocytic range.
• Infants with marked right ventricular outflow tract obstruction may deteriorate rapidly because as the ductus
arteriosus begins to close pulmonary blood flow is further compromised. Administration of prostaglandin E1
(0.05–0.20 µg/kg/min), a potent and specific relaxant of ductal smooth muscle, causes dilatation of the ductus
arteriosus and provides adequate pulmonary blood flow until and after surgery.
• Oral propranolol (1 mg/kg/d QID) is used to decrease the frequency and severity of hypercyanotic spells.
a) Conservative
The modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt, a systemic–to–pulmonary artery shunt, consists of a Gore-Tex
conduit anastomosed side to side from the left subclavian artery to the homolateral branch of the
pulmonary artery and is performed to augment pulmonary artery blood flow to decrease the amount of
hypoxia and to improve linear growth as well as to augment the growth of the branch pulmonary arteries.
After a successful shunt procedure, cyanosis diminishes. The development of a continuous murmur over the
lung fields after the operation indicates a functioning anastomoses. However, a good shunt murmur may not be
heard until several days after surgery.
Complications;
• Congestive heart failure due to a large shunt
• Brain abscess especially in patients with a BT shunt. This is due to the blood not being slowed down in
the lungs and thus is at elevated pressures in the brain, polycythemia and also due to bypassing of
the lung protective alveolar macrophages.
b) Definitive
Total correction is done before 2yrs of age for better healing, to reduce damage to the heart and to enable
pulmonary alveolar growth that is complete at 2yrs.
In several centres, corrective open-heart surgery in early infancy is being performed in critically ill patients as long
as they have normal coronary artery anatomy. For infants who can be maintained until 6–12mo of age, full
correction is a reasonable primary alternative when the pulmonary arteries are of sufficient size and no other
complicating great vessel abnormalities are present.
It consists of;
i) When there is a previously established systemic to pulmonary shunt, it must be obliterated prior to
cardiotomy.
ii) Relief of the obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract by removing obstructive muscle
bundles. If the pulmonary valve is stenotic, a valvotomy is performed. If the pulmonary valve annulus is
very small or the valve is extremely thickened, a valvectomy may be performed and a transannular patch
placed across the pulmonary valve ring.
iii) Patch closure of the VSD.
iv) Right ventriculotomy is performed in most patients, although in some centres a transatrial-
transpulmonary approach reduces the long-term risks of a ventriculotomy.
Post-op Complications
Cardiac;
⋅ Right ventricular failure (particularly in patients with a transannular outflow patch) requires a
positive ionotropic agent such as digoxin.
⋅ Transient heart block
⋅ Residual VSD with left-to-right shunting
⋅ MI from interruption of an aberrant coronary artery
⋅ Disproportionately increased left atrial pressure due to residual collaterals.
Complications following a lateral thoracotomy;
⋅ Chylothorax may require repeated thoracocentesis and, on occasion, reoperation in order to
ligate the thoracic duct.
⋅ Diaphragmatic paralysis due to injury to the phrenic nerve may result in a more difficult
postoperative course. Prolonged ventilator support and vigorous physical therapy may be
required, but diaphragmatic function will usually return in 6wks unless the nerve was completely
di id d S l l f h d h b i di d
Medicine Page 23
divided. Surgical plication of the diaphragm may be indicated.
⋅ Horner syndrome due to lesions affecting the sympathetic fibres of T1 is usually temporary
and does not require treatment.
The surgical risk of total correction is currently under 5%.
Medicine Page 24
Portal Hypertension
Classification of Portal Hypertension
Medicine Page 25
Medicine Page 26
Portal-Systemic Communications (Portacaval Anastomoses)
i) Lower end of the oesophagus - Oesophageal tributaries of the left gastric vein (portal) anastomose with the
oesophageal tributaries of the accessory hemiazygous vein (systemic)
ii) Umbilicus - The left branch of the portal vein (portal) anastomoses with paraumbilical veins (systemic) of the
anterior abdominal wall - Caput Medusae
iii) Anal canal - The superior rectal vein (portal) anastomoses with the middle & inferior rectal veins (systemic)
iv) Bare area of the liver - Hepatic venules (portal) anastomose with the phrenic & intercostal veins (systemic)
v) Posterior abdominal wall - Veins of the retroperitoneal organs (portal) anastomose with the retroperitoneal
veins of the posterior abdominal wall & of the renal capsule (systemic). The splenic vein (portal) anastomoses
with the left renal & azygous veins (systemic)
vi) Liver - rarely ductus venosus remains patent & connects the left branch of the portal vein (portal) directly to the
IVC (systemic)
Mx
a) Devascularization of the lower oesophagus
b) Surgical Shunts
• TIPS - Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic stent Shunt - A stent is placed between the portal vein
and the hepatic vein in the liver
• Warren shunt - involves anastomosing the distal (splenic) end of the transected splenic vein to the side of the
left renal vein
• Total shunts - The portal vein is transected near its bifurcation in the liver hilum and anastomosed to the side of
the IVC.
• The Mesocaval stent shunt interposes a segment of prosthetic graft or internal jugular vein between the
superior mesenteric vein and the IVC
Medicine Page 27
Liver Abscesses (& Amoebiasis)
Liver Abscesses
DDx
i) Amoebic
ii) Pyogenic
iii) Hydatid
iv) Choledochal cysts
v) Necrotic colorectal metastases
C/P
- PUO - High swinging fever sometimes rigors & sweating
- RUQ pain ± radiation to the right shoulder - Tender hepatomegaly on percussion; raised diaphragm,
with diminished movement on the right side
- Jaundice - mild or severe (only when large abscesses cause biliary obstruction)
- Durban sign +ve- Pressure in the 6th ICS elicits tenderness 2° to stretching of the liver capsule
- A large abscess may penetrate the diaphragm & rupture into the lung, from where it's contents may be
coughed up. Abscesses may occur on the left lobe that may rupture into the pericardium → pericarditis
- Cough ± pleuritic pain
Ix
- Abdominal U/S or CT scan
- U/S guided Needle Aspiration
- CXR - A raised right hemi diaphragm & lung collapse or an effusion at the base of the right lung
Mx
- Aspirate if;
* The abscess is large
* The abscess threatens to burst
* There is no response to chemotherapy within 72h - aids penetration of antibiotics & may reduce
the period of disability
- Hepatic resection may be indicated for a chronic persistent abscess or 'pseudotumor'
* A localised granuloma (amoeboma), presenting as a palpable mass in the caecum or a filling defect in the sigmoid
colon on radiography, is a rare complication.
* Cutaneous amoebiasis causes progressive genital, perianal or peri-abdominal surgical wound ulceration
Medicine Page 28
a) Amoebic dysentery
Incubation - 2wks to years
High fever, colic & tenesmus are rare
Chronic course;
* Grumbling abdominal pains & ≥2 unformed stools/d
* Diarrhoea alternating with constipation ± mucous sometimes streaked with blood; Stools may have
offensive odour
* ± Tenderness along the line of the colon especially over the caecum (DDx acute appendicitis) &
sigmoid colon
* ± Superadded pyogenic infection of the ulcers in the aged
Ix
• Stool m/c/s for Trophozoites containing RBCs or Cysts in Chronic amoebiasis
* In endemic areas, ⅓ of the population are symptomless passers of amoebic cysts.
• A warm saline wet mount of stool may reveal Charcot-Leyden crystals, which, although not specific
for amoebic colitis, raise suspicion for amoebiasis (50%).
• Sigmoidoscopy - flask-shaped ulcers which may cause severe haemorrhage but rarely perforate
the bowel wall.
• Immunofluorescence - indicates previous/current infection in 60% cases & may be unhelpful in
acute infection
Mx
• Metronidazole 800mg PO TDS 5d - Active against Trophozoites (vegetative amoeba) - then the
luminal amoebicide Diloxanide furoate 500mg TDS for 10d after treatment to eliminate luminal
Cysts. (SE of metronidazole: Nauseating, metallic taste, reacts with alcohol; use Tinidazole,
Flagantel or Secnidazole instead)
• Diloxanide furoate is also best for Chronic diseases when Cysts, NOT trophozoites, are in stools.
Other luminal agents;
- Iodoquinol
- Paromomycin
• 2nd line agents;
- Tetracycline
- Erythromycin
- Dehydroemetine or Emetine (toxic)
Medicine Page 29
ii) Pyogenic Abscess
Most common in elderly patients (especially 2° to the first 2 causes below)
Common organisms - E. coli, Streptococci especially S. milleri
Causes
• Biliary obstruction (cholangitis) - common cause of multiple abscesses
• Contiguous spread from an empyema of the gallbladder
• Haematogenous
* Portal vein (mesenteric infections) - anaerobes including Streptococci & Bacteroides
* Hepatic artery (bacteraemia)
• Direct extension
• Trauma - Penetrating or non-penetrating
• Infection of liver tumour or cyst
Dx
• Weight loss
• Leucocytosis
• LFTs -↑ ALP, ↓ Albumin
• Blood m/c/s
Mx
• Ampicillin + Gentamicin + Metronidazole
Medicine Page 30
Liver failure
Definition
a) Acute Hepatic failure - Occurs suddenly in a previously health liver
b) Acute-on-chronic Hepatic failure - Occurs as a result of decompensation of chronic liver disease
i) Fulminant hepatic failure - Encephalopathy occurring within 8 wks of symptoms of liver disease
ii) Late-onset hepatic failure - Encephalopathy occurring within 9-26wks of symptoms of liver disease
Causes
• Genetic disorders;
- α1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Haemochromatosis
- Wilson's disease - Presents with hepatolenticular degeneration of the cornea - Kayser-Fleischer
rings characterized by greenish-brown discolouration of the corneal margin appearing first at the upper
periphery & disappear with treatment.
• Infections
- Viral hepatitis
- Yellow fever
- Leptospirosis
• Drugs
- Paracetamol overdose
- Halothane
- Isoniazid
• Toxins
- Amanita phalloides mushrooms
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Bush tea
- Aflatoxins - Aflatoxins have been incriminated, mainly on weak evidence, in Hepatocellular carcinoma,
acute hepatic failure, and Reye's syndrome. Kwashiorkor may be associated with ingestion of
aflatoxins by infants. They cause steatosis, necrosis, cirrhosis & HCC. Acute fatal aflatoxin poisoning
may appear as "hepatitis."
• Vascular
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Veno-occlusive disease
• Autoimmune disorders;
- AIH
- PBC
• Malignancy
• Others e.g. Fatty liver of pregnancy
Clinical features
• Fetor hepaticus - musty sweet odour
• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Hypoglycaemia
• Bleeding;
- Reduced Vitamin K
- Reduced clotting factors II, VII, IX & X
- Oesophageal varices
- Gastropathy
- Thrombocytopenia 2° to Hypersplenism
• Infection;
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- UTI
- Pneumonia
• Signs of chronic liver disease (suggest acute-on-chronic hepatic failure)
i) Finger Clubbing
ii) Leuconychia - white nails with lunulae undemarcated, from hypoalbuminaemia
iii) Terry's nails - white proximally but distal 30% reddened by telangiectasias (Dilation of the
previously existing small or terminal vessels of a part)
Medicine Page 31
previously existing small or terminal vessels of a part)
iv) Palmar erythema (hyperdynamic circulation)
v) Dupuytren's contracture
vi) Parotids enlarged
vii) Spider naevi
viii) Gynaecomastia
ix) Patchy loss of pubic hair
x) Testicular atrophy
xi) Hepatomegaly, or small liver in late disease
Medicine Page 32
• Hepatic encephalopathy
Neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by liver disease - cirrhosis mainly or acute liver failure
Aetiology;
i) An imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters consisting of;
a) ↓Excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate and aspartate) - 2° to ↑ ammonia metabolism
b) ↑GABA tone (an inhibitory effect) due to the presence of a benzodiazepine-like substance
that modulates the GABA receptor NOT due to greater influx of GABA into the brain (as
originally proposed). This receptor (part of a supramolecular complex that also binds
benzodiazepines and barbiturates) may also explain, at least partly, the cerebral sensitivity of
patients with chronic liver disease to such sedatives.
ii) Biochemical 'neurotoxins' - ? Nitrogenous substances (Ammonia) produced in the gut, at least in
part by bacterial action, which are normally metabolised by the healthy liver so that they do not enter the
systemic circulation
iii) False neurotransmitters e.g. amino acids (↑aromatic > branched chain), octopamine,
mercaptans & fatty acids
Precipitating factors;
- Alcohol
- Infection
- Drugs - sedatives, antidepressants, hypnotics
- Increased protein in circulation - Gastrointestinal bleeding, Excess dietary proteins, Constipation
- HypoK+
- Uraemia - spontaneous or diuretic induced
- Paracentesis (volumes >3-5L)
- Trauma (including surgery)
- Portosystemic shunts - surgical or systemic (large)
- Malignancy
Clinical features;
- Asterixis - Involuntary jerking movements, especially in the hands, best elicited by having the patient
extend the arms, dorsiflex the wrists, and spread the fingers; due to arrhythmic lapses of sustained
posture thought to be due to improper integration of peripheral afferent information to the
brainstem reticular formation.
- Constructional apraxia (ask the patient to draw a five-pointed star)
- Hyperreflexia & bilateral extensor plantar responses
- In Chronic hepatic encephalopathy - Cerebellar dysfunction; Parkinsonian syndromes, Spastic
paraplegia & Dementia
Staging
I. Altered mood & behaviour
II. Increasing drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech
III. Stupor, incoherence, restlessness, significant confusion
IV. Coma
Ix
- EEG - Diffuse slowing of the normal α waves with eventual development of δ waves
DDx
- Hypoglycaemia
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
- Delirium tremens
- Wernicke's encephalopathy
- Subdural haematoma
- Neurological Wilson's disease
- Primary psychiatric disorders
Medicine Page 33
Investigations
• Blood tests
- FHG;
* ? Infection - leucocytosis need not mean a secondary infection; hepatitis may itself be the
cause
* ? GI bleed - anaemia
- U/E/C - as urea is synthesized in the liver, its a poor test of renal function in liver failure; use
creatinine instead - ? Renal failure (HRS)
- LFTs;
* ↑Bilirubin
* ↓ Albumin
* ↑AST & ALT; ↑ γ-GT is an indication of cholestasis
- Coagulation profile;
* ↑PTI/INR
- R/O DDx;
* RBS - ? Hypoglycaemia
* Hepatitis serology
* Paracetamol level
* Ferritin
* α1-antitrypsin
* Caeruloplasmin
• Abdominal U/S
• Microbiology - Ascitic neutrophils >250/mm3 indicates spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
• CXR
• EEG - high-voltage slow wave forms
Management & Treating the complications of Acute hepatic failure
• Attempts to correct acid-base balance are often harmful
• Treat cause if known
• Monitor vitals, pupils, urine output hourly
• Daily FHG, U/E/Cs, LFTs & INR (best measure of liver synthetic function)
• If malnourished, give diet rich in carbohydrate- & protein-derived calories, preferably orally. Give thiamine
& folate supplements as needed.
• Reduce acid secretion & risk of gastric stress ulcers, e.g. Ranitidine (Zantac®) or a PPI to reduce the amount
of bleeding & thus the amount of blood converted to ammonia in the GIT
` Hypoglycaemia:
• Give 1L 10% dextrose IVI, BD to avoid hypoglycaemia. Give 50mL 50% dextrose if blood glucose
<3.5mmol/L (do every 1-4h in acute liver failure). Watch plasma K+
` Bleeding
• Vit. K 10mg/d IV for 3d (Vitamin K is not given IM as it may cause haemolysis & haematoma
formation at site)
• Platelet transfusions may be required if thrombocytopenic & bleeding
• Consider N-acetylcystein to improve oxygenation & clotting profiles
• Avoid FFP unless bleeding or undergoing a surgical procedure.
` Infection:
• Ceftriaxone 1-2gm/d IV. Avoid Gentamicin (↑ risk of renal failure)
` Ascites:
• Fluid restriction
• Low-salt diet
• Diuretics
• Daily weights
` Cerebral Oedema
• Especially in acute fulminant liver failure
• Give 20% mannitol IV
• Hyperventilate
Medicine Page 34
` Encephalopathy
• Nurse with a 20° head-up tilt
• Protect the airway - to avoid aspiration
• Insert an NG tube to;
* Decompress stomach to avoid aspiration
* Remove any blood from the stomach (bleeding varices)
• Treat or remove precipitating factors
• Reduce protein intake;
* The patient should be bed ridden to reduce creatinine production which increases the total
protein
* Dietary protein is ↓ to <20g/d & glucose (300g/d) is given orally or parenterally in severe
cases. As it improves, dietary protein is ↑ by 10-20g/d every 48hrs to an intake of 40-60g/d the
limit in cirrhotic patients
* Administration of branched chain amino acids to achieve a positive nitrogen balance - N.
Hepa®, Hepamass® (Ornithine + Aspartate)
• Suppress production of neurotoxins by bacteria in the bowel;
* Emptying the bowel with lactulose (15-30 mL PO TDS) - It reaches the colon intact to be
metabolized by colonic bacteria producing;
▫ Lactose - An osmotic laxative effect
▫ Converted to lactic acid reducing the pH of the colonic content, thereby limiting
colonic ammonia absorption
▫ Promotes incorporation of Nitrogen into bacteria thus reducing ammonia in the
GIT
Also Lactitol or magnesium sulphate enemas. Aim for 2 soft stools/d
* Consider Metronidazole (Flagyl®) (neomycin is too toxic) to reduce number of bowel
organisms
• Avoid sedatives (but diazepam is used for seizures) or other drugs with hepatic metabolism
• Flumazenil may be used to block the Benzo-diazepine like substance that modulates the GABA
receptor
• Chronic or refractory hepatic encephalopathy is an indication for liver transplant
` Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)
An acute, functional and progressive reduction in renal blood flow and GFR 2° to intense renal cortical
vasoconstriction in the setting of decompensated cirrhosis with ascites & normal renal histology.
Occurs in 18% of cirrhotic patients
↑ levels of neuropeptide Y, a renal vasoconstrictor peptide released on stimulation of sympathetic
nervous system, occurs in HRS, worsening renal vasoconstriction.
Liver-kidney interactions;
* In cirrhosis, ↓ hepatic clearance of immune complexes leads to their trapping in the kidney (therefore
IgA nephropathy ± hepatic glomerulosclerosis)
* Viruses
- HBV may cause membranous nephropathy & PAN
- HCV can cause cryoglobulinaemia & MPGN
* α1-antitrypsin deficiency can cause MPGN
Types;
I - is due to a relative hypovolaemia, a poorly understood portorenal reflex in which the kidney is
avidly conserving salt and water despite adequate levels of these constituents.
II - Cardiac index is increased owing to arteriovenous shunting, and perfusion of the kidney falls to
ineffective levels. A useful diagnostic test is the infusion of dopamine, norepinephrine, or
phenylephrine, which increases peripheral vascular resistance and temporarily increases urine output.
These agents can subsequently be used therapeutically.
Rx
- Albumin IV ± haemodialysis
Medicine Page 35
King's College Hospital criteria for Orthotopic liver transplantation
• Paracetamol liver failure
- Arterial pH <7.3 24h after ingestion
or
- ALL of the following
* PTI >100s
* Creatinine >300μmol/L
* Grade III/IV encephalopathy
• Non-paracetamol liver failure
- PTI >100s
or
- 3/5 of the following
* Drug-induced liver failure
* Age <10 or >40yrs old
* >1wk between onset of jaundice & encephalopathy
* PTI >50s
* Bilirubin >300μmol/L
Prognosis
Poor prognostic factors:
- Grade III/IV encephalopathy
- Age >40yrs
- Albumin <30g/L
- Drug induced liver failure
- Late onset > fulminant failure
65% survival post-transplantation
Liver span
In the newborn infant extension of the liver edge > 3.5 cm below the right costal margin in the midclavicular line
suggests hepatic enlargement.
In children, the normal liver edge can be felt up to 2 cm below the right costal margin.
The span ranges from about;
` 1wk of age - 4.5–5 cm
` Adults (>12yrs);
- ♂ 7-8 cm
- ♀ 6–6.5cm
Medicine Page 36
Ascites
Definition
Free fluid in peritoneal cavity
Classification
a) Transudative ascites
- Ascites protein concentration - <25g/L
- Serum-ascites albumin gradient - >1.1
- Causes;
▫ Liver pathology;
* Cirrhosis
* Portal Hypertension
* IVC or portal vein thrombosis
* Portal nodes
▫ Cardiac pathology;
* RHF
* CCF
* Pericarditis
▫ Hypoproteinaemia
* Nephrotic syndrome
* Protein-losing enteropathy
* Malnutrition
▫ Myxoedema
b) Exudative ascites
- Ascites protein concentration - >25g/L
- Serum-ascites albumin gradient - < 1.1
- Causes;
▫ Malignancy (any intra-abdominal organ, e.g. colon, stomach, pancreas, liver, kidney)
▫ Infections - especially TB
▫ Pancreatitis (Ascites amylase activity >1000U/L)
▫ Budd-Chiari syndrome
▫ Hypothyroidism
Pathogenesis
• Overflow theory - 1° renal retention of sodium & water
• Underfilling theory - Compensatory renal retention of sodium & water 2° to splanchnic vasodilatation
Signs (only if ascites fluid >1L)
• Abdominal distension
• Fullness in the flanks
• Shifting dullness
• Fluid thrill
• Distortion or eversion of the umbilicus
• Abdominal striae
• Divarication / Diastasis of the recti (separation of rectus abdominis muscles away from the midline)
• Meralgia paraesthetica - tingling, formication, itching, and other forms of paresthesia in the outer side of the
lower part of the thigh in the area of distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve; there may be pain,
but the skin is usually hypaesthesic to the touch
• Hernia
• Scrotal oedema
• Right sided pleural effusion (10%)
Grades
I- Shifting dullness
II - Fluid thrill
III - Gross ascites
Medicine Page 37
Investigations
• Ascitic tap (paracentesis) with a 21G needle on a 20mL syringe in the RIF - for M/C/S + protein levels
* Ascitic neutrophils >250/mm3 indicates spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
• Abdominal U/S
• Laparoscopy
Management
• Bed rest
• Fluid restriction (<1.5L/d)
• Low-salt diet (40-100mmol/d)
• Spironolactone 100mg/d PO; ↑ dose every 48h, to 400mg/d SE: painful gynaecomastia, HyperK+; if
response is poor + furosemide ≤120mg/d PO - normally S:F - 5:2
• Daily weight; aim for weight loss of ≤1/2kg/d - No more than 900ml can be mobilised from the peritoneum
daily so the body weight should not fall by >1Kg/d if fluid depletion in the rest of the body is to be avoided
• Therapeutic paracentesis up to 3-5 litres over 1-2h/d with concomitant albumin infusion - 6-8g/L fluid
removed may be tried
* Excess tap without concomitant albumin infusion results in the return of the ascites that then leads to
hypovolaemia
• LeVeen Shunt - Non-return valve running subcutaneously from the peritoneum to the internal jugular
vein in the neck
• TIPPS - Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt - Placed between the portal vein and the
hepatic vein in the liver
Prognosis
Ascites is a serious development in cirrhosis as only 10-20% of patients survive 5yrs from its appearance.
Medicine Page 38
Alcoholism
Healthy Drinking
• ♂ - <20U/wk (<80gm/d)
• ♀ - <15U/wk (<40gm/d)
Taken regularly, not in binges, alcohol inhibits platelet aggregation & is an antioxidant (thus cardioprotective);
Benefit accrues only those with LDL cholesterol >5.25mmol/L
Medicine Page 39
Medicine Page 40
The Liver
• Normal in 50% alcoholics
• Stages of alcoholic liver disease;
i) Alcoholic steatosis (Fatty liver) - Acute & reversible, but may progress to cirrhosis if drinking
continues (also seen in Obesity, DM, Amiodarone). Hypertriglyceridemia tends to occur with alcoholism,
probably largely due to an increase in serum VLDL. At times, this can result in lactescent (milky)
serum, with abdominal pain and mild haemolytic anaemia (Zieve's syndrome).
ii) Alcoholic Hepatitis;
Develops acutely following a bout of heavy drinking
- ↑ T, PR, RR - Coagulation profile;
- Anorexia, Nausea, diarrhoea & vomiting * Bleeding, ↓ INR
- Tender hepatomegaly ± jaundice * ↑ MCV
- Ascites - ↑ WCC
- LFTs; - ↑ Urea (Hepatorenal syndrome)
* ↑↑ AST - Twice as high as ALT
* ↑ ALT
* ↑ γ-GT
iii) Alcoholic/Micronodular/Laennec's Cirrhosis - Peri-portal fibrosis
* Biopsy - Mallory bodies ± neutrophil infiltrate
20% progress through the 3 stages through 10yrs (hepatic failure in 10%)
CNS
• Poor memory/cognition - multiple high potency vitamins IM may reverse it
• Cortical atrophy, enlarged ventricles
• Retrobulbar neuropathy
• Fits
• Cerebellar degeneration leads to Falls & Wide-based gait neuropathy
• Wernicke's encephalopathy constitutes the acute phase of two distinct disorders - Wernicke's syndrome and
Korsakoff's syndrome - both of which are caused by thiamine deficiency.
a) Korsakoff's syndrome - The hallmark and sine qua non of Korsakoff's syndrome is a dissociation
between immediate recall and recent recall/recent memory/short-term memory. In addition to
significant problems registering new information, these patients demonstrate long-term memory
problems (retrograde amnesia). One can think of this long-term memory deficit as a reflection of the
difficulty these patients had registering new information at earlier times (anterograde amnesia).
He will confabulate to fill in the gaps in his memory. Petechial hemorrhagic lesions stretch from the
3rd-4th ventricle in the midline along the cerebral aqueduct. Lesions in the mamillary bodies and in
the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus are also predictable findings.
b) Wernicke's syndrome
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, often occurring in alcoholics, with a classical triad of;
i) Eye signs - Nystagmus (horizontal) or Ophthalmoplegia (external recti commonly)
ii) Ataxia
iii) Confusion
± Other signs;
- Ptosis
- Abnormal pupillary reactions
- Altered consciousness
- Headache
- Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting
Causes;
• Alcoholism
• Glucose administration to a thiamine deficient patient
• Eating disorders
• Malnutrition
• Prolonged vomiting associated with chemotherapy
Ix;
- ↓ Red cell transketolase
- ↑ Plasma pyruvate
Medicine Page 41
• Alcoholic Pellagra Encephalopathy - Alcoholic patients who have received thiamine and pyridoxine but
not niacin may develop a secondary pellagra consisting of confusion or an altered state of consciousness,
oppositional hypertonia, and myoclonus. Stimulation of metabolic pathways by pyridoxine and thiamine
may increase the relative deficit of niacin.
GIT
• Obesity
• Varices
• Gastric mucosa: inflammation, ulceration
• Peptic ulcers
• Pancreatitis (acute & chronic) - inflammation, liquefaction necrosis
• Intestine: flattening of villi, loss of enzymes leading to diarrhoea
Blood
• Macrocytosis - MCV (>96fl) usually without any accompanying anaemia
• Anaemia from;
- Marrow depression
- GI bleeds
- Alcoholism associated folate deficiency
- Haemolysis
• Sideroblastic anaemia
Heart
• Arrhythmia
• Hypertension
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy - interstitial fibrosis and myofibril atrophy
• Sudden death in binge drinkers
Immune system
• Depression of granulocyte production, lymphocyte proliferation response, and cell-mediated immunity
Endocrine organs
• Elevated plasma cortisol levels (can influence Cushing's syndrome screening tests)
• Testicular atrophy
• Suppression of reproductive hormones in women
Pellagra
Clinical deficiency syndrome characterized by;
• Dermatitis - Skin lesions appear in area exposed to light and/or trauma due to lack of formation of NAD
• Diarrhoea - 2° to Inflammation of mucus membranes.
• Dementia - Mental symptoms include depression, irritability, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, delusions
and hallucinations.
• Delirium
• Death
Causes;
· Nicotinic acid deficiency
· Tryptophan deficiency
· Folic acid deficiency
· Carcinoma
· Isoniazid
Rx;
· Nicotinic acid
Medicine Page 42
Withdrawal signs
Occurs 2-5d post admission;
• The mild withdrawal syndrome includes tremor, weakness, sweating, hyperreflexia, and GI symptoms.
Some patients have generalized tonic-clonic seizures, usually not more than two in short succession
(alcoholic epilepsy or rum fits).
• Hallucinations (delirium tremens) - may be visual or tactile e.g. of animals crawling all over one
• Anxiety, Insomnia
• Craving - Alcoholics have more glutamate binding sites - so taking alcohol facilitates dopamine
neurotransmission in the mid-brain, which, in the tegmental area mediates alcohol's rewarding effect.
Topiramate facilitates GABA function & antagonizes glutamate activity at kainate receptors - & has been
found to ↓ cravings in alcoholism
• Pulse ↑, BP ↓
• ↑ LFTs
• ↑ MCV
Mx
• Mx hypotension
• Vitals + investigations daily; RFTs to monitor for HRS. HypoNa+ is common, but water restriction may make
matters worse
• Give chlordiazepoxide PO for 1st 3 days, weaning over 7-14d; Alternative, diazepam, lorazepam - DO NOT
use chlorpromazine
• High dose B vitamins IV before glucose
• Glucose
• Optimize nutrition - Prevents encephalopathy, sepsis, death
• Culture ascites & provide necessary antibiotics
• Prednisolone 40mg/d for 5d tapered off over 3wks
Alcohol poisoning
S/S
- CNS; Ataxia, Dysarthria, Nystagmus, Drowsiness, Coma
- CVS; Vasodilatation, Tachycardia
- GIT irritation
- Methanol - visual disturbance, frequently described as "like being in a snowstorm.". A complaint of
blurred vision with a relatively clear sensorium should strongly suggest the diagnosis of methanol poisoning.
* Since much of the toxicity is due to metabolites of methanol, there is often a delay of up to 30 hours
before development of visual disturbances and other signs of severe intoxication.
* In severe cases, the odour of formaldehyde may be present on the breath or in the urine.
* Changes in the retina may sometimes be detected on examination, but these are usually late.
Complications
- Aspiration of vomit
- Hypoglycaemia
- Resistant acidosis
Mx
- Supportive
- Thiamine then Glucose
- Methanol poisoning;
* Suppression of metabolism by alcohol dehydrogenase to toxic products -Give ethanol ± fomepizole
(an alcohol DH inhibitor)
* Dialysis to enhance removal of methanol and its toxic products
* Alkalinization to counteract metabolic acidosis - HCO3-
* Folic acid
Medicine Page 43
Pyelonephritis
Bacteria-induced inflammation of the renal pelvis, calyces & parenchyma. It can occur in acute & chronic forms & can
affect one or both kidneys.
Causes;
• Ascending infection (mostly faecal flora) often in association with VUR
• Septicaemia
Acute Pyelonephritis
Predisposing conditions;
• UTO - PUVs, neurogenic bladder
• VUR
• Instrumentation of the renal tract
• Pregnancy
• Immunosuppression e.g. DM (general susceptibility to infection)
• Pre-existing or acquired renal lesions which may cause intra-renal scarring & obstruction, e.g. gout, interstitial
nephritis
Pathological changes
Acute inflammation of the pelves, calyces & renal parenchyma especially in the upper & lower poles which in
severe cases, may progress to suppuration which may be discrete & focal, involving one or both kidneys. Pale linear
streaks of pus may extend radially from the tip of the papillae to the surface of the cortex, where adjacent lesions may
fuse to produce extensive abscesses. There may be much destruction of the cortex, although there may be remarkable
sparing of glomeruli & blood vessels. When there is virtually total or complete obstruction, pus may accumulate in
the pelves & calyces to produce pyonephrosis. Extension through the renal capsule may produce a perinephric
abscess.
C/P
• Loin pain & tenderness
• High fever often with rigors
• Vomiting
• ± Symptoms of cystitis (frequency, dysuria, urgency, strangury, haematuria, suprapubic pain)
Chronic Pyelonephritis
Predisposed individuals;
• Reflux nephropathy - Those with bacteriuria + ureteric reflux in infancy in whom chronic pyelonephritis
manifests itself in late childhood or early adult life
• Anatomical (PUV) or functional (neurogenic bladder) abnormalities of the urinary tract
• Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis - Unilateral chronic pyelonephritis commonly in females associated
with chronic infection (Proteus spp. in 60% of the cases) & obstruction to urinary flow, often 2° to staghorn
calculus. The kidney is enlarged & dilated calyces contain yellowish friable material which histologically
contains numerous lipid-laden macrophages.
C/P
• History of recurrent UTIs
• History of failure to thrive in early childhood or of nocturnal enuresis
• * In Bilateral cases, the condition usually presents with features of CRF or HTN (15-20% malignant
hypertension)
Ix
• Leucocytes >10/mm3
• IVP - Asymmetrical shrinkage of the kidneys, irregularity of renal outline due to cortical scarring &
dilatation or disturbances of the calyces opposite the scarred area. In contrast to CGN, the renal
parenchyma shows irregular asymmetrical scarring & shrinkage, these scars being in close relationship to
deformed calyces & being found mainly at the upper & lower poles of the kidney
• Heavy proteinuria almost nephrotic & such patients show focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Medicine Page 44
CGN Vs CPN
Chronic Glomerulonephritis Chronic pyelonephritis
Involves both kidneys Involves one or both kidneys
Involves the whole kidney Involves mainly the upper & lower poles of
the kidney
Both kidneys are uniformly & equally There is irregular asymmetrical scarring &
reduced in size shrinkage of the kidneys
The calyces & renal pelvis are not distorted The pelvic & calyceal walls are thickened &
distorted, their mucosa is granular or
atrophic, with also scarring of the pyramids
& usually calyceal dilatation
The capsule is firmly adherent & the Surface is smooth
subcapsular surface uniformly & finely
irregular (‘granular contracted kidney’)
No history of recurrent urinary tract infection History of recurrent urinary infection
Medicine Page 45
Nephrotic Syndrome
Definition
i) Proteinuria (Albuminuria) (>3g/24h)
ii) Hypoalbuminaemia (albumin <25g/L)
iii) Oedema
iv) EMU Protein : creatinine ratio (>200mg/mmol) * more accurate
Pathogenesis
Develops secondary to selective protein loss in the kidneys 2° to damage of the GBM resulting in ↓ albumin, → ↓
plasma oncotic pressure though patients may have a normal or ↑ plasma volume.
Causes
1° Nephrotic Syndrome
GN (nephritic nephrosis);
- Minimal change GN - Children (2.5yrs) & young adults
- Focal segmental GN - Children (6yrs) - +ve IgM, C3
- Membranous GN - Adults - +ve IgG, C3
* In KNH the most common cause is Proliferative GN (PSAGN) - +ve IgG, ↓C3, ↑ ASOT
2° Nephrotic Syndrome
- Infections;
* Streptococcus Group A - A few of the "pharyngeal" strains (e.g., M type 12) have been associated
with proliferative glomerulonephritis, but far more of the "skin" strains (e.g., M types 1, 4, 25, 49,
55, 57, & 60) have been considered nephritogenic.
* Tropical nephropathy;
9 Plasmodium malariae
9 HBV
* HIV
* Syphilis
- DM
- Amyloidosis
- SLE - +ve ANA, RF
- HSP - +ve IgA, C3
- Heavy metal poisoning e.g. mercury
- Hodgkin's disease
Clinical features
Symptoms
- History of acute or chronic infections, drugs, allergies, systemic symptoms (vasculitis, malignancy)
Signs
- Facial swelling/peripheral oedema (Anasarca - ↑ fluid in organs & cavities with severe oedema (+ tissue
hardening); it is also seen in;
* CCF
* Liver failure
* Protein-losing enteropathy
* Foetal hydrops
* Capillary leak syndrome with monoclonal gammopathy
- Pleural effusions
- Ascites
- Hepatomegaly
- Hypertension
- Xanthelasma
- Xanthomata - Widespread yellow nodules or plaques, especially of the skin, composed of lipid-laden histiocytes,
especially on the elbows and knees
Medicine Page 46
Complications
i) ↑ susceptibility to infection (peritonitis, pneumococcus, e.g. in children)
- Stretched skin & oedematous tissue
- Urinary loss of immunoglobulins
- Nephrotic plasma impairs lymphocytic function
- Steroids are immunosuppressive
ii) Thromboembolism (DVT, PE, renal vein thrombosis, CNS vessels)
- ↑ fibrinogen concentration 2° to ↑ protein synthesis due to hypoalbuminaemia
- Urinary loss of Anti-thrombin III
iii) ARF 2° to Hypovolaemia
iv) Hyperlipidaemia 2° to increased liver synthetic functioning
v) Proteinuria - loss of LMWT binding proteins in urine
DDx
• Nephritic syndrome - haematuria, proteinuria, oliguria, HTN
• Kwashiorkor - oedema, hypoalbuminaemia but NO proteinuria
• Allergic reactions - NO proteinuria
• CCF - NO proteinuria, NO hypoalbuminaemia
• Beriberi
• Liver disease - hypoalbuminaemia
• ARF/CRF
Investigations
• Urine
- Dipstick (microscopic haematuria, proteinuria - 3+ or 4+) - False +ve in ↑SGA >1.030 & ↑pH >8
- m/c/s (RBC, casts)
- 24h collection (protein excretion >3g; creatinine clearance)
• Blood
- Cholesterol - ↑
- Immunoglobulins - ↓
- Serum electrophoresis
- Complement (C3, C4);
About ½ of patients who develop immunologically mediated renal disease associated predominantly with
C3 deposition have a serum protein that can directly cleave C3 to active C3b,C3 nephritic factor, is
a heat-stable IgG autoantibody that may be deposited in the phagocytic mesangium of the
glomerulus;
* Normal in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
* ↓ in SLE, PSAGN, MPGN
- Autoantibodies (ANA, ANCA, anti-dsDNA, anti-GBM) - SLE
- HBV serology
- HIV
- ASOT - PSAGN
- RBS - Steroids are diabetogenic
• Imaging
- CXR - for PTB as treatment involves chronic steroid therapy which may reactivate TB
- Abdominopelvic U/S
• Renal biopsy - Indications;
- In all adults
- Steroid non-responding children
- Onset before 6mo age
- ↓ complements
- 2° Nephrotic syndrome
- Persistent hypertension & microscopic haematuria
- Macroscopic haematuria
- Renal failure not attributable to hypovolaemia
Medicine Page 47
Treatment
• Monitor U&E, BP, fluid balance, weight
• Active mobilisation due to hypercoagulable state
• Diet - Normal protein diet as the patient is losing proteins
• Diuresis;
- 0-7/14d - Manage oedema by;
* Fluid restriction - 1-1.5L/d; salt restriction (50mmol/d)
* If NO hypovolaemia - Furosemide ± metolazone / spironolactone;
If hypovolaemic (abdominal pain 2° to mesenchymal ischemia, hypotension, tachycardia,
RF) - Furosemide ± metolazone / spironolactone + IV salt-poor albumin - aim for a loss
of 1Kg/d
- By day 7-14, proteinuria resolves due to use of steroids which cause diuresis
• Prednisolone 2mg/Kg/d PO for 4wks then 1.5mg/Kg on alternate days for 4wks then taper
SE;
- Peptic ulceration (cover with Ranitidine (Zantac®))
- Cushingoid habitus
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis & avascular necrosis of bone
- Growth failure
- Cataract
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Mood & behaviour change
- Reactivation of latent infections e.g. TB
• Hypertension - ABCD
• In chronic nephrotic syndrome - consider drugs to reduce proteinuria e.g. Nifedipine or hydralazine or
cyclosporine (also reduce GFR)
• Prompt treatment of infections - Prophylactic penicillin in children & pneumococcal vaccine (during
remission)
• Prophylactic heparin 5000U SC BD if immobile; warfarin for symptomatic thrombosis
• Hyperlipidaemia usually improves with resolution of nephrotic syndrome. If prolonged, consider treatment with a
statin
Outcome
• Remission - Proteinuria 0/trace on 3 consecutive days
• Relapse - Proteinuria ≥ 2+ on 3 consecutive days having been previously in remission
Continue 2mg/kg/d till remission then 1.5mg/Kg on alternate days for 4wks
• Frequent relapser - ≥ 2 relapses within 6mo or ≥4 relapses in a year
• Steroid dependent - 2 consecutive relapses during steroid treatment or within 14d of stopping treatment
Maintain steroids for 6-12mo on 0.5-1mg/Kg on alternate days
Alternate therapy;
- Levamisole
- Cyclophosphamide
- Cyclosporine
• Steroid resistant - Failure to achieve remission despite 4wks of prednisolone 2mg/Kg/d
Prognosis
Disease goes up to puberty & ESRF is rare - Prognosis is good
Medicine Page 48
Renal vein thrombosis
Causes;
- 6-8% Membranous GN nephrotics
- 1-3% others
C/P
- Loin pain (e.g. acute)
- Haematuria
- Proteinuria
- Renal enlargement
- Deteriorating renal function
Dx
- Doppler U/S
- Renal angiography (venous phase)
- Spiral CT
- MRI
Rx
- Warfarin for 3-6mo (or until albumin >25g/L)
Medicine Page 49
ARF
Definition
A significant deterioration in renal function (↓ GFR by 50% - equivalent to the functioning of 1 kidney) occurring
over hours or days
Causes
i) Pre-renal renal failure
- Renal hypoperfusion
* Diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration
* Salt wasting/adrenal causes
* Burns
* Diabetes insipidus
* 3rd space loss - pleural effusion, ascites 2° to sepsis, nephrotic syndrome
* CCF
- Hypoxia - interferes with synthesis of ATP
* Pneumonia
* ARDS
- Reperfusion of kidney - There is release of reactive oxygen molecules leading to renal injury
ii) Renal/Intrinsic renal failure - Acute Tubular Necrosis
- Shock
- Nephrotoxins;
* Drugs e.g. Aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, tetracyclines, NSAIDS, ACE-i
* Contrast especially in myeloma & DM
* Haemoglobinuria
* Rhabdomyolysis - ribena coloured urine with haemoglobinuria in dipstick but no RBC on
microscopy
- Vascular (acute cortical necrosis, large/small vessel obstruction)
- Glomerulonephritis - MPGN, SLE
- Vasculitis - Petechial rash, nosebleeds, haematuria, ↑ESR, ↑CRP
- Interstitial nephritis - Penicillin, Rifampicin, NSAIDS, Sulphonamides, Herbals
* History of drug use in the last 44d; C/P - Rash, fever, eosinophilia, eosinophiluria
- Haematological (myeloma, HUS, TTP)
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Renal vein thrombosis
- Kidney infiltrating tumours
Pre-renal ATN
Urine Na+ (mmol/L) <20 >40
Fractional Na+ excretion (%) <1 >2
Urine osmolality >500 <350
Urine/plasma urea >8 <3
Urine/plasma creatinine >40 <20
Creatinine is filtered at the glomerulus and is not reabsorbed. Therefore under conditions of avid water
reabsorption, the urine creatinine concentration will rise, but its serum value will remain relatively
constant, resulting in a high urine/plasma creatinine ratio.
Urea, on the other hand, is both filtered and reabsorbed. Its reabsorption is flow dependent; thus during low
flow conditions e.g. dehydration, more urea is reabsorbed, resulting in a high plasma urea/creatinine ratio.
Water is, however, reabsorbed in excess of urea in this setting, and the urine/plasma ratio will still rise -
normal ratio is 8-10
Medicine Page 50
Medicine Page 51
C/P
• Oliguria (<400mL/24h)
Or
• Non-oliguric renal failure
- In cytotoxic therapy (tumour lysis syndrome) - Prevent by proper hydration (150% maintenance
fluid) + Allopurinol
• In ATN;
i) Oliguric phase - lasts 7-10d; Urine output (<400mL/24h) with resultant accumulation of waste
products of protein metabolism in the blood → uraemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperK+, hyperNa+ &
hypervolaemia
ii) Diuretic phase - 2° to osmotic diuretic effect of Urea & creatinine with tubular recovery
iii) Recovery phase
• Oedema
• Hypertension
• Uraemic encephalopathy - vomiting, lethargy, confusion, convulsions, pericardial rub
• ABSENCE of anaemia, ↓ Ca2+, ↑ PO43-
Ix
• Full workup
• U/E/C - Rising plasma urea & creatinine
- Na+ ↓
- K+ ↑
- Ca2+ ↓
- PO43- ↑
• Urinalysis;
- Urinary specific gravity or osmolality reflects the activity of ADH and the sensitivity of the
collecting tubule to its effects, except in situations in which abnormal solutes are excreted by the
kidney, resulting in an osmotic diuresis.
- Proteinuria - DDX Orthostatic proteinuria, fever, or after exercise
- Haematuria - DDx Postural haematuria in normal persons, pregnancy & athletes during training
- Eosinophiluria - in interstitial nephritis
• Also;
- Autoantibodies (ANA, ANCA, anti-dsDNA, anti-GBM)
- ASOT
- Bence Jones proteins
- CXR - pulmonary oedema?
- ECG - HyperK+
- Renal U/S
Management
• Monitor & treat cause & fluid & electrolyte balance accordingly
* Give fluids at the rate of (500mls + previous days output)/d
• Dialysis;
* Persistent HyperK+ (K+ >7mmol/L)
* Severe or worsening metabolic acidosis (pH <7.2 or base excess <-10)
* Refractory pulmonary oedema
* Uraemic encephalopathy
* Uraemic pericarditis
Medicine Page 52
Complications
• Metabolic acidosis
* Aim for a pH of 7.2 & a HCO3- of 12
* Deficit HCO3- * wt (Kg) * volume of distribution (0.6) = HCO3- over 30mins
• HyperK+
- may cause arrhythmias or cardiac arrest
- ECG changes;
* Tall 'tented' T waves
* Small or absent P wave
* ↑ P-R interval
* Widened QRS complex
* 'sine wave' pattern
* Asystole
- Rx;
* 10mL 10% calcium gluconate IV over 2 min - This is cardio-protective
* 0.2U IV insulin + 10mls 10% Glucose (1:5) over 10mins; Insulin stimulates the intracellular
uptake of K+, lowering serum K+ by 1-2mmol/L over 30-60min
* β-agonists e.g. nebulized salbutamol
* Consider calcium resonium PO/PR to bind K+ in the GIT; SE: Constipation
• Pulmonary oedema
- C/P - gallop rhythm, ↑BP,↑JVP, basal crepitations, peripheral oedema
- Mx
* Sit up & give high flow oxygen by mask
* Venous vasodilator, e.g. morphine (+ metoclopromide)
* IV diuretic e.g. furosemide over 1hr
* If no response, urgent haemodialysis or haemofiltration
* CPAP therapy
* Venesection (100-200mL) if the patient is in extremis
* ± IV nitrates
• GIT bleeding 2° to stress ulcers - Ranitidine or Omeprazole
• Coma
Prognosis
Complete recovery of renal function usually occurs within days/weeks. Worse is oliguric
Medicine Page 53
CRF
Definition
Substantial, irreversible, & usually long standing loss of renal function
Causes
• Glomerulonephritis - IgA nephropathy
• Pyelonephritis
• Interstitial nephritis - Penicillin, Rifampicin, NSAIDS, Sulphonamides, Herbals
• DM
• HTN
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Others (rare);
- Myeloma - Nephrocalcinosis
- Amyloidosis - Oxalosis
- SLE - Cystinosis
- Gout - Alport's syndrome
- Vasculitis - Scleroderma
- HUS - Fabry's disease
- Renal tumour
Diagnosis
Suspect CRF if;
- History of chronic ill-health or signs of CRF - Oliguria/Anuria
- Previously abnormal blood tests
- Granular contracted kidneys on U/S - (Normal kidney size - (9-12*6*3)cm; 130-150gm)
Signs/symptoms (uraemia);
• Anaemia - Causes;
- Relative deficiency of erythropoietin
- Reduced dietary intake & absorption of iron & other haematinics
- Diminished erythropoiesis due to toxic effects of uraemia on marrow precursor cells
- Reduced red blood cell survival
- Increased blood loss due to capillary fragility & poor platelet function
• Renal osteodystrophy;
i) Osteomalacia - ↓ activity of renal 1-α-hydroxylase → diminished intestinal absorption of Ca2+→
HypoCa2+ → reduction in the calcification of osteoid particularly in the spine, pelvis, and lower
extremities; the fibrous lamellae become visible on x-rays, and incomplete ribbon like areas of
demineralization (Pseudofractures, Looser's lines, Milkman's syndrome)
ii) Osteitis fibrosa cystica (Hyperparathyroid bone disease) - 2° hyperparathyroidism 2° to
HypoCa2+ & HyperPO43-; - A disease of bone that is characterized by fibrous degeneration of bone
& the formation of cystic cavities & results in deformities of the affected bone & sometimes in
fractures; also 3° or autonomous hyperparathyroidism with HyperCa2+
iii) Osteoporosis - 2° to malnutrition
iv) Osteosclerosis - idiopathic reaction in the base of skull, vertebrae & sacral area
• Proximal myopathy;
- 2° to poor nutrition, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency & disorders of electrolyte
metabolism
C/P;
- Muscle cramps - give quinine sulphate
- Restless leg syndrome - give clonazepam
Medicine Page 54
• Neuropathy - 2° to demyelination of medullated fibres with the longer fibres being involved at an earlier stage
- Sensory neuropathy - Paraesthesia
- Motor neuropathy - Foot drop
- Uraemic autonomic neuropathy - Delayed gastric emptying, diarrhoea, postural hypotension
• Endocrine function
- Hyperprolactinaemia & galactorrhoea- amenorrhoea, loss of libido & sexual function - give bromocriptine
- Hyperparathyroidism
- ↑ insulin half life due to ↓ tubular metabolism; Post-receptor defect in insulin action leading to
resistance
• Cardiovascular disorders;
- Hypertension
* Na+ retention
* Hypersecretion of renin - exaggerated by renal vascular disease leading to hypoperfusion
- Pericarditis 2° to uraemia that may lead to pericardial tamponade & constrictive pericarditis
- Cardiomegaly
- Pleural effusion
- Pulmonary or peripheral oedema
- Atherosclerosis - may be accelerated by hypertension
- Vascular calcification that may lead to limb ischemia
• Metabolic acidosis - if sustained may result in protons being buffered in bone in place of calcium, thus aggravating
metabolic bone disease
• Infection due to impaired immunity - 2nd most common cause of death in dialysis patients after cardiovascular
disease
• Bleeding due to impaired platelet function & prolonged bleeding time 2° to capillary fragility
• Uraemia
* Uraemic fetor is the characteristic fishy odour of the breath due to the conversion of urea to ammonia
in the saliva.
* The skin may appear yellow-brown; occasionally, urea from sweat may crystallize on the skin as uraemic
frost
* Pruritus; Excoriation
* Brown nails
* Hiccoughs
DDx
• Chest disease
• Diaphragmatic disease
• Occlusion of the vertebrobasilar circulation (cerebellum, brain stem, occipital lobes)
Rx - Chlorpromazine
* Pericarditis
* Encephalopathy - especially if levels are >50-60mmmol/L
• PUD - due to increased H. pylori infestations
• ESRF;
- Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
- Pruritus
- Na+ & water depletion
- Kussmaul's respiration (unusually deep respiration related to metabolic acidosis)
- Hiccoughs
- Anaemia
- Arrhythmia
- Muscle twitching
- Encephalopathy; Seizures; Coma
Medicine Page 55
Tests
• Full workup;
- Normochromic normocytic anaemia
- ↑ Urea, ↑ creatinine
- Urate ↑
- Glucose (DM)
- ↓ Ca2+, ↑ PO43-
- ↑ Alkaline phosphate (renal osteodystrophy) - Serum alkaline phosphatase is directly related to
the amount of osteoid in the skeleton (regardless of the type) thus indicates the severity but not the
quality of the bone disease.
- ↑ PTH (hyperparathyroidism)
• Renal U/S - Small granular contracted kidney with thinning of the cortex & loss of the
corticomedullary junction
May be normal or large in;
i) DM
ii) PCKD
iii) Amyloidosis
iv) Myeloma
v) Systemic sclerosis
vi) Asymmetrical renal vascular disease
• IVU/DTPA scan - The latter is only indicative of CRF if renal scarring is still noted 6mo after original
diagnosis
• CXR - Cardiomegaly, pleural/pericardial effusion or pulmonary oedema
• Bone x-rays - renal osteodystrophy - The erosion of cortical bone by osteoclastic resorption accounts for the
roentgenologic finding of subperiosteal resorption, periosteal and endosteal resorption cavities, cortical
striation, and cortical thinning in the following areas;
i) Erosive cortical defects in the skull ("pepper pot skull")
ii) A "rugger jersey" appearance of the spine
iii) Acro-osteolysis of the clavicle
iv) Erosion of the terminal finger phalanges
v) A ground-glass appearance of the skull, ribs, pelvis, and metaphysis of tubular bones reflect
cancellous changes
• Renal biopsy - in patients with normal size kidneys
Management
• Treat reversible causes - relieve obstruction, stop nephrotoxic drugs
• Hypertension - ACE-i; Aim for a BP of <130/80 (especially if >3g proteinuria/d) - In non-diabetic patients
with hypertension, CRF & proteinuria, ACE-i (& ARBs) reduce proteinuria & slow the rate of loss of renal
function
• Oedema - Loop diuretics + metolazone
• Dietary advice - Na+ restriction may help control BP & prevent oedema. K+ restriction is only required in
hyperK+ & acidosis; treat with HCO3- supplements
• Anaemia - Erythropoietin to maintain Hb 10-12g/dL + Ferrous sulphate 200-300mg TDS
• Renal bone disease (osteodystrophy) - treat as soon as ↑ PTH; ↓ dietary PO43- (less milk, cheese, eggs);
phosphate binders (CaCO3, Al(OH)3); 1-α-hydroxylated Vitamin D analogues & Ca2+ supplements to ↓
risk bone disease, & risk of hyperparathyroidism (2° & 3°)
• Hyperlipidaemia - This may contribute to renal damage & increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Treat with statins.
Medicine Page 56
02 February 2005
HUS 21:57
Etiology
• Infection associated HUS - The disease most frequently follows an episode of gastroenteritis caused by an
enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli (0157:H7) transmitted by undercooked meat and unpasteurized
milk. The organism elaborates a toxin, called verotoxin, which is apparently absorbed from the intestines and
initiates endothelial cell injury. Also Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, coxsackievirus,
echovirus, adenovirus
• Sporadic HUS
- Idiopathic
- Drugs - the Pill, cyclosporine, mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, ticlopidine
- Pregnancy
- SLE
- HIV
- Tumours
Characteristics
i) The microangiopathic haemolytic anemia results from mechanical damage to the red blood cells as they pass
through the altered vasculature.
ii) Thrombocytopenia - Damaged red cells and platelets are removed from circulation by the liver and spleen
iii) Acute Renal Failure is due to intrarenal platelet adhesion or damage.
C/P
⋅ The syndrome is most common in children < 4 yr
⋅ The onset is usually preceded by gastroenteritis (fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is
often bloody) or, less commonly, by an upper respiratory tract infection.
This is followed in 5–10 days by the sudden onset of;
⋅ Pallor
⋅ Irritability
⋅ Weakness, lethargy
⋅ Oliguria
⋅ Dehydration
⋅ Edema
⋅ Petechiae
⋅ Hepatosplenomegaly
DDx
Other causes of acute renal failure, especially those that can be associated with a microangiopathic anemia;
⋅ Lupus
⋅ Malignant hypertension
Bilateral renal vein thrombosis - Both disorders may be preceded by gastroenteritis, and in both the children may
present with dehydration, pallor, and evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and
acute renal failure. The marked enlargement of kidneys of the child with renal vein thrombosis helps to distinguish
the disorders.
Medicine Page 57
Ix
The diagnosis of the syndrome is supported by the findings of;
a) microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
⋅ ↓ Hemoglobin
⋅ PBF - helmet cells, burr cells, and fragmented red blood cells
⋅ ↑ Reticulocyte count
⋅ Coombs test is negative
⋅ ↑ White blood cell count
b) thrombocytopenia
⋅ Thrombocytopenia
⋅ = Partial thromboplastin time
⋅ = Prothrombin time
(Their prolongation is more commonly due to vitamin K deficiency than to disseminated intravascular
coagulation)
c) acute renal failure
⋅ On urinalysis - microscopic haematuria and proteinuria.
⋅ ↓ Na+
⋅ ↑ Creatinine
⋅ ↑ Urate
LFTs
- ↑ Bilirubin
- ↑ LDH
- ↓ Haptoglobulin
Management
- Treat hypovolaemia & hypertension
- Dialysis, steroids or plasma exchange may be required
Complications
⋅ Anemia
⋅ Acidosis
⋅ Hyperkalemia
⋅ Fluid overload
⋅ Congestive heart failure
⋅ Hypertension
⋅ Uremia
Extrarenal involvement may include;
⋅ Central nervous system manifestations (irritability, seizures, coma)
⋅ Colitis (melena, perforation)
⋅ Diabetes mellitus
⋅ Rhabdomyolysis
Prognosis and Rx
Peritoneal dialysis - Controls the manifestations of the uraemic state and promotes recovery by removing an inhibitor
of fibrinolysis (plasminogen activates inhibitor-1) from the circulation, thus allowing endogenous fibrinolytic
mechanisms to dissolve vascular thrombi.
Long-term observation is necessary to watch for late development of hypertension or chronic kidney disease.
Medicine Page 58
TTP
02 February 2005
22:11
Incidence
Affects adult females
C/P
i) Fever
ii) Fluctuating CNS signs (microthrombi, e.g. causing fits, hemiparesis, ↓ consciousness, ↓ vision)
iii) MAHA
iv) Thrombocytopenia
v) Renal failure
• Others;
- Purpura
- GI or intracerebral bleeds
- Haematuria
- Proteinuria
- ↑ U&E
Ix
• FBC;
- Anaemia
- Reticulocytosis and occasional circulating nucleated red blood cells
- The hallmark is a microangiopathic blood picture with fragmented red blood cells (schistocytes,
helmet cells, triangle forms) on the smear. One cannot make the diagnosis without significant red
blood cell fragmentation.
- Thrombocytopenia
- White blood cells may show increased band neutrophils.
• Haemolysis may be manifested by increasing indirect bilirubin and occasionally hemoglobinemia and
haemoglobinuria; methaemalbuminemia may impart a brown colour to the plasma. The LDH is
markedly elevated in proportion to the severity of haemolysis; the Coombs test is negative.
• Coagulation tests (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen) are normal unless
ischemic tissue damage causes secondary DIC. Elevated fibrin degradation products may be seen, as in
other acutely ill patients.
• Renal insufficiency may be present, with an abnormal urinalysis.
Management
• Steroids or Vincristine (in steroid non responders)
• FFP & Plasma IVI may be needed for severe mucosal or CNS bleeding
• Plasma exchange
• Splenectomy, if needing repeat plasma exchange
Medicine Page 59
Diabetes mellitus
Definition
Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute (type 1) or relative
deficiency (type 2) of insulin, resulting in decreased anabolic & catabolic effects. The actions of insulin are also
impaired by insensitivity of target tissues.
Classification
MODY (Maturity onset diabetes of the young) - These are subtypes of diabetes which arise from genetic defects
of β cell function & constitute <5% of all cases of diabetes.
LADA (Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) - This is a slow evolving variant of type 1 diabetes in some people
with type 2 who have evidence of autoimmune activity against pancreatic β cells.
Medicine Page 60
Clinical examination of the Diabetic Patient
Observation
- Weight loss (insulin deficiency) or
- Obesity is generally associated with abdominal distribution of fat due to accumulation of fat in the
omental and mesenteric regions, producing an abnormally high waist-to-hip ratio (with high-risk upper
body obesity defined as a ratio of > 1.0 for men and > 0.8 for women). This "visceral" obesity correlates
with insulin resistance; subcutaneous abdominal fat has little if any association with insulin insensitivity.
- White spots on shoes (glycosuria)
- Dry mouth & tongue (dehydration)
- Deep sighing respiration (Kussmaul breathing)
- Skin & mucosal sepsis - boils, candidiasis
- Skin pigmentation - vitiligo, dermopathy
Hands
- Dupuytren's contracture - may include nodules or thickening of the skin & knuckle pads
- Carpal tunnel syndrome - presents with wrist pain radiating into the hand
- Trigger finger/thumb - flexor tenosynovitis
- Limited joint mobility (prayer sign) - cheiroarthropathy - inability to extend (to 180°) the MCP or IP of at
least one finger bilaterally. Painless, may affect the wrists & shoulders
- Wasting of small muscles/Sensory abnormality - Peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy though more common
in the lower limbs
Head - Xanthelasma
Eyes
- ↓Visual acuity
- Cataracts/lens opacity
- Cranial nerve palsy - Ophthalmoplegia, ptosis
Neck
- Carotid pulses, Bruits
- Thyroid enlargement
Axilla - Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches)
Abdomen - Hepatomegaly
Insulin injection sites
- Main areas used;
* Anterior abdominal wall
* Upper thighs/buttocks
* Upper outer arms
- Inspection;
* Bruising
* Lumps (lipodystrophy)
* Subcutaneous fat deposition (lipohypertrophy)
* Subcutaneous fat loss (lipoatrophy; associated with injection of unpurified animal insulins-rare)
* Erythema, infection (rare)
Legs
- Muscle wasting
- Sensory abnormality
- Granuloma annulare
- Hair loss
- ↓ Tendon reflexes
- Necrobios lipoidica - one or more yellow, atrophic, shiny lesions develop on the legs (typically pretibial);
characterized histologically by indistinct areas of necrosis in the dermis.
Feet
- Discolouration of the skin (ischemia)
- Loss of the plantar arch
- Clawing of the toes (a feature of neuropathy)
- Charcot neuroarthropathy
- Callus formation on weight-bearing areas
- Presence of ulcers
Medicine Page 61
- Localised infection
- Fungal infection may affect skin between toes & nails
Medicine Page 62
Glucose metabolism
Normal blood glucose - 3.5-6.5mmol/L
When intestinal glucose absorption declines between meals, hepatic glucose output is increased in response to
the counter-regulatory hormones glucagon & adrenaline, & it falls during starvation as other metabolic fuels
derived from fat become more important.
Insulin is secreted from the pancreatic β cells in response to a rise in blood glucose detected by a receptor in the
portal vein & it lowers the glucose by suppressing hepatic glucose production & stimulating peripheral glucose
uptake in skeletal muscle & fat, mediated by the glucose transporter GLUT 4
Pro-insulin in the pancreatic β cells is cleaved to release insulin & equimolar amounts of inert C-peptide whose
measurement can be used to assess endogenous insulin secretory capacity.
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Investigations
Medicine Page 66
Impaired glucose regulation not amounting to diabetes
a) Impaired fasting glucose (fasting)
- Fasting plasma glucose between 6.1-6.9mmol/L
- Do 2h OGTT to exclude DM
ACE-i can prevent progression to DM in those with heart failure
There is ↑ risk of developing vascular disease
b) IGT (post-prandial)
- Fasting plasma glucose <7mmol/L
- 2h OGTT - 7.8-11.0mmol/L
There may be lower risk of progression to DM in IFG than IGT
Managed by lifestyle advice & regular review
False +ve OGTT
Found in conditions that impose a burden on pancreatic β cells (stress hyperglycaemia);
* Pregnancy
* Infection
* MI
* Severe stress
* Diabetogenic drugs e.g. corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, phenytoin
Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Several minor components of adult haemoglobin (HbA1) are separated from unmodified haemoglobin (HbA0) &
increased in diabetes by the slow non-enzymic covalent attachment of glucose & other sugars (glycation)
The rate of formation of HbA1c is directly proportional to the ambient blood glucose concentration; a rise of 1%
in HbA1c corresponds to an approximate average ↑ of 2mmol/L in blood glucose.
Although HbA1c concentration reflects the integrated blood glucose control over the lifespan of the erythrocyte
(120 days), the estimate is weighted by changes in glycaemic control occurring in the previous 6-8 weeks before
measurement (representing 50% of the HbA1c concentration); a large shift in blood glucose control is rapidly
accompanied by a change in HbA1c , detectable within 2-3wks.
It is usually normal in patients with impaired OGTT.
False -ves;
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy - Glycated serum proteins ('fructosamine') can be measured to give an indication of glycaemic
control over the preceding 2 weeks.
Medicine Page 67
control over the preceding 2 weeks.
Other proteins throughout the body also undergo glycation as a result of hyperglycaemia & thus HbA1c is used as a
predictor of risk for the development of diabetic microvascular complications (e.g., neuropathy, retinopathy,
nephropathy).
Plasma HbA1C >7% ↑ risk of microvascular complications
Medicine Page 68
Major manifestations of disease
Major manifestations of disease (Hyperglycaemia (& its complications) & Acute metabolic complications)
usually begin when up to ≥50% β-cells have been destroyed.
i) Hyperglycaemia
Found in conditions that impose a burden on pancreatic β cells (stress hyperglycaemia);
* Pregnancy
* Infection
* MI
* Severe stress
* Diabetogenic drugs e.g. corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, phenytoin
Type I
Pathogenesis
Medicine Page 69
DM Type II
Pathogenesis
a) ↓ Insulin secretion & insulin resistance associated with;
- Obesity - ↑ rate of release of non-esterified fatty acids causing post receptor defects in
insulin's action
- Calorie excess
- Exercise lack
- Syndrome X
Px
9 Exercise more
9 Weight loss
9 Statins
9 Hypotensives
9 Hypoglycaemics
b) Secondary causes;
- Drugs (steroids, thiazides & phenytoin)
- Pancreatic disease;
* Pancreatitis
* Surgery in which >90% pancreas is removed
* Haemochromatosis
* Cystic fibrosis
* Pancreatic cancer
- Endocrine disease;
* Cushing's disease
* Acromegaly
* Phaeochromocytoma
* Thyrotoxicosis
- Others;
* Acanthosis nigricans
* Congenital lipodystrophy with insulin receptor antibodies
* Glycogen storage diseases
Medicine Page 70
Management
* Thiazolidinediones e.g. Rosiglitazone are added in the management of Type 2 diabetes as they ↑ insulin
sensitivity mainly in adipose tissue
* Sulphonylurea of choice - Glibenclamide - Long acting sulphonylurea associated with greater risk of
hypoglycaemia; Avoid in the elderly.
▪ Global assessment of risk of macrovascular disease & mortality from MI & stroke;
i) Smoking
ii) Hypertension
* DM Type I - Hypertension usually indicates the presence of diabetic nephropathy & ACE-
i/ARBs are used as 1st therapy to maintain BP at <130/80mmHg in the presence of
nephropathy or <140/90mmHg if no nephropathy.
* DM Type II - Treatment of Hypertension in Type 2 patients prevents both macrovascular &
microvascular complications & ABC (dihydropyridine CCBs ) D are used to maintain the BP
at <140/90mmHg
iii) Raised cholesterol - give a statin (↓ cholesterol synthesis in the liver; SE: Rhabdomyolysis thus given
nocte) if LDL >3mmol/l or plasma total [cholesterol] is >5mmol/l or SBP>140mmHg + Aspirin
prophylaxis.
iv) Diabetes (Target HbA1c ≤7%)
▪ Diet;
- Saturated fats ↓
- Sugar ↓
- Starch - carbohydrate ↑
- Moderate protein
- Do not prohibit coffee (may ↑ insulin sensitivity)
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▪ If creatinine ↑ or microalbuminuria;
- ACE-i or ARBs
- Restrict protein
Oral Hypoglycaemics
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* 1° treatment failures - People with type 2 diabetes who fail to respond to initial treatment with
sulphonylureas
* 2° failures (i.e. after a period of satisfactory glycaemic control);
- Late-onset Type I diabetics who develop an absolute deficiency of insulin
- Insulin-deficient diabetics (Type 1) who present as Type2
- Diabetics with significant circulating plasma insulin levels who are usually obese & have failed to lose
weight while supposedly taking a low-energy diet
In diabetic patients who are requiring increasing doses of sulphonylurea or biguanide, either alone or in
combination with each other or with a thiazolidinedone, the introduction of a single dose of an intermediate-
acting insulin (usually isophane) may improve glycaemic control & delay the development of overt pancreatic
β cell failure.
Insulins
The duration of action of short-acting, unmodified insulin ('soluble' or 'regular' insulin), can be extended by;
• Addition of protamine & zinc at neutral pH (isophane or NPH insulin)
• Addition of excess zinc ions (lente insulin)
It is injected SC into;
• Anterior abdominal wall
• Upper arms
• Outer thighs
• Buttocks
Local trophic action of insulin at injection sites (lipohypertrophy) delays absorption, so repeated injection at the
same site should be avoided.
A single dose of insulin consists of short & intermediate-acting insulins in a ratio of 1:2, & the total daily dose
is administered ⅔ in the morning & the remaining ⅓ in the evening
Insulin therapy is used in Type 2 patients;
* After 2° failure
* for it's anabolic effects in patients with additional co-morbid factors e.g. TB, severe wasting & other
infections,
SE;
• Hypoglycaemia
• Weight gain
• Lipodystrophy at injection sites
• Morning Hyperglycaemia
a) Somogyi effect-Patients with Type 1 may develop nocturnal hypoglycaemia, stimulating an
adrenergic and glucagon response and, to a lesser extent, cortisol and growth hormone
hypersecretion to produce hyperglycaemia by 7:00 AM.
Rx - Reducing inappropriately high doses of administered insulin
b) Dawn phenomenon is morning hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance due to predawn surges
in growth hormone and, to a lesser extent, other counter regulatory hormones.
This phenomenon occurs primarily in younger, generally Type I patients, in most Type 2 and
Normal subjects as well.
Ix - 3am glucose monitoring for verification
Rx - Moving evening intermediate insulin shots to bedtime (10pm), thereby producing peak
morning hyperinsulinism at 6am, the peak time of insulin resistance.
Serial blood sugars (6am, 11am & 3pm) are used to confirm above phenomena
• Peripheral oedema (insulin treatment causes salt & water retention in the short term)
• Rare - Insulin antibodies (animal insulins) & Local allergy
Medicine Page 74
Complications of Hyperglycaemia
Mechanisms of Complications
Three major theories, which are not mutually exclusive, have been proposed to explain how hyperglycaemia might
lead to the chronic complications of DM;
i) Increased intracellular glucose leads to nonenzymatic glycosylaton of cellular proteins from the
interaction of glucose with amino groups on proteins forming advanced glycosylation end products
(AGEs) which have been shown to;
• Cross-link proteins (e.g., collagen, extracellular matrix proteins)
• Alter extracellular matrix composition and structure
• Promote glomerular dysfunction
• Induce endothelial dysfunction
• Reduce nitric oxide synthesis
• Accelerate atherosclerosis
ii) Hyperglycaemia increases glucose metabolism via the sorbitol pathway (glucose is converted to
sorbitol by the enzyme aldose reductase). Increased sorbitol concentrations affect several aspects of
cellular physiology (decreased myoinositol, altered redox potential) and may lead to cellular
dysfunction.
iii) Hyperglycaemia increases the formation of diacylglycerol leading to activation of certain isoforms of
protein kinase C (PKC), which, in turn, affect a variety of cellular events that lead to DM-related
complications.
Growth factors appear to play an important role in DM-related complications.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is increased locally in diabetic proliferative
retinopathy and decreases after laser photocoagulation.
• Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is increased in diabetic nephropathy and appears to
stimulate basement membrane production of collagen and fibronectin by mesangial cells.
• Other growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin-
like growth factor I, growth hormone, basic fibroblast growth factor, and even insulin, have
been suggested to play a role in DM-related complications.
Other Possible mechanisms;
• Haemodynamic disturbances
• Haemorrheological & coagulative abnormalities
• Microvascular hypertension
• Endothelial dysfunction
• Increased capillary permeability
Classification of Complications
i) Macrovascular disease - Increased permeability of arterial endothelium + hyperinsulinaemia +
hypertension increases the deposition of artherogenic lipoproteins causing atherosclerosis &
arteriosclerosis leading to;
• CNS disease - Strokes, TIAs
• Cardiac disease - Cardiac failure, Angina & MI
• Peripheral vascular disease - Intermittent claudication, Gangrene
Macrovascular disease develops prematurely in diabetics and is usually severe, with a striking predominance
in diabetic women. BP is normally taken from both arms & ankles.
ii) Microvascular disease, with thickening of the capillary basement membrane & associated increased
vascular permeability. It contributes to mortality by;
• Nephropathy leading to renal failure
• Neuropathy;
- Somatic neuropathy
- Visceral (Autonomic) neuropathy causes;
* Difficulty in walking
* Chronic ulceration of the feet
* Bowel & bladder dysfunction
• Retinopathy leading to blindness
With probably small artery occlusion in the heart as well.
Medicine Page 75
• Proteinuria; microalbuminuria
• Obesity
• Hyperlipidaemia
Medicine Page 76
a) Diabetes Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy develops in about ⅓ of type I DM patients and in fewer of type II DM patients.
Risk factors
• Poor control of glucose
• Long duration of diabetes
• Presence of other microvascular disease
• Ethnicity (e.g. Asians)
• Pre-existing hypertension
• Family history of diabetic nephropathy &/or hypertension
Pathogenesis
Hyperglycaemia causes glycosylation of glomerular proteins, leading to thickening of the glomerular
capillary basement membrane and mesangial expansion. The most nearly pathognomonic lesion is nodular
diabetic glomerular sclerosis, frequently termed the Kimmelstiel-Wilson lesion though the more prevalent, and
perhaps of greater pathophysiologic significance, is the diffuse diabetic glomerular sclerosis.
Stages;
I- Hyperfiltration (GFR>120mL/min) - 0yrs
II- Normal GFR (80-120mL/min) - 10yrs
III- ↓GFR (<80mL/min) - Microalbuminuria → Sustained proteinuria ± Hypertension - 10-14yrs
** Microalbuminuria (albumin excretion 25-250mg/d) is reversible sometimes - & more likely if;
- Recent onset
- HbA1C <8%
- SBP <115mmHg
- Cholesterol <5mmol/L
IV- Nephrotic range proteinuria (>3g/d) - 14yrs
V- ESRF (GFR<5mL/min) - 16yrs
Type 1 DM nephropathy is characterized by macroalbuminuria (albumin excretion >200µg/min
or >300mg/d), ↓ GFR & ↑ BP. It occurs 10-15yrs post diagnosis & ESRF 15-20yrs later (rare after 30yrs)
Type 2 DM ('maturity onset') nephropathy - >10-30% have nephropathy at diagnosis
Patients with diabetes are prone to other renal disease;
• Papillary necrosis
• ARF from contrast material
• Chronic interstitial nephritis
• Type IV renal tubular acidosis (Hyperkalaema; Hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis)
Prevention/Management;
• Improved control of blood glucose - In CRF 2° to Diabetic nephropathy, insulin requirements decrease due
to ↑ insulin half life due to ↓ tubular metabolism & Post-receptor defect in insulin action leading to
resistance
• BP control;
* + proteinuria - 125/75mmHg
* - proteinuria - 130/80mmHg
• Drug prophylaxis
- ACE-i/ARBs prophylaxis SE - ARBs: ↑K+, flushing, myalgia, headaches, dyspepsia, renal
artery stenosis, cough (rare) Or Non-dihydropyridine CCBs - diltiazem, verapamil
- Aspirin
• 6 monthly tests for microalbuminuria;
- Albumin excretion rate of 25-250mg/d
- EMU albumin:creatinine ratio >3
* Have a very poor prognosis once dialysis is begun.
Medicine Page 77
b) Diabetic Neuropathy
Polyneuropathy
i) Symmetrical sensory polyneuropathy
▫ Symptoms
* Pain in the lower limbs (dull, aching &/or lancinating, worse at night, & mainly felt on
the anterior aspect of the legs)
* Paraesthesia in the feet & rarely, in the hands
* Burning sensations in the soles of the feet
* Cutaneous hyperaesthesia
* An abnormal gait (wide based) - associated with a sense of numbness in the feet
* Motor weakness & wasting develop only in advanced cases, but subclinical motor nerve
dysfunction is common
▫ Signs
* Diminished perception of vibration sensation distally but 'Glove-&-stocking' impairment
of all other modalities of sensation
* Loss of tendon reflexes in the lower limbs
* Toes may be clawed with wasting of the interosseous muscle, which results in increased
pressure on the plantar aspects of the metatarsal heads with the development of callus
skin at these & other pressure points
* Foot ulcers
* Charcot neuroarthropathy with disorganisation of joints may cause serious deformity
ii) Asymmetrical motor diabetic neuropathy / Diabetic Amyotrophy - Severe & progressive weakness
& wasting of the proximal muscles of the lower (& occasionally upper) limbs due to ? Infarction of the
lower motor neurons of the lumbosacral plexus
S/S
* Pain in the lower limbs (dull, aching &/or lancinating, worse at night, & mainly felt on the
anterior aspect of the legs); Paraesthesia; Hyperaesthesia
* Marked loss of weight ('neuropathic cachexia')
* Absent tendon reflexes on affected side(s)
* Sometimes there is extensor plantar responses (Babinski +ve)
* CSF protein is often raised
Medicine Page 78
Mononeuropathy - Either motor or sensory function can be affected within a single peripheral nerve. Nerves
commonly affected are;
* CN III & VI - diplopia
* CN VII
* Femoral nerve
* Sciatic nerve
* Truncal radiculopathies - 2° to involvement of other single nerves resulting in paresis & paraesthesia in the
thorax & trunk
* Nerve compression palsies commonly affect the median nerve - carpal tunnel compression syndrome; &
less commonly the ulna nerve;
* Common peroneal nerve compression occasionally causes foot drop.
Autonomic neuropathy
This is not necessarily associated with peripheral somatic neuropathy & either parasympathetic or
sympathetic nerves may be involved predominantly in any one system or more. Involvement tends to be patchy &
development is later than somatic neuropathy, & improved control rarely results in amelioration of symptoms
• Causes
* DM
* GBS
* HIV
* Amyloidosis
• S/S
**Postural hypotension ( faints after standing, eating, exercise, or hot baths) - postural drop of ≥ 30/15mmHg;
variation of <10bpm with respiration
** Erectile dysfunction causes;
• Neuropathy
• Vascular disease
• Psychological factors - Depression, Anxiety, Reduced libido
• Alcohol
• Antihypertensive drugs - thiazide diuretics, β blockers
• Testosterone deficiency
• Prolactinaemia
Medicine Page 79
Management
Medicine Page 80
The Diabetic Foot
Aetiology
i) Neuropathy
ii) Neuro-ischemia
iii) Ischemia
The above lead to a usually painless, punched-out ulcer in an area of thick plaque callus skin beneath which
tissue necrosis has occurred & this eventually breaks through to the surface as a result of trauma (± superadded
infection, pus, oedema, erythema, crepitus, odour)
Management
- Normoglycaemia; normal BP
- Relieve high pressure areas with bedrest ± therapeutic shoes
- Regular chiropody (remove dead tissue)
Medicine Page 81
- If there is cellulites -IV Benzyl penicillin 600mg QID + Flucloxacillin 500mg QID ± metronidazole
500mg TDS
- Surgery;
* Abscess or deep infection; Spreading anaerobic infection
* Suppurative arthritis
* Severe ischemia - gangrene/rest pain
Medicine Page 82
c) Diabetic Retinopathy
Most common cause of blindness in adults 30-65yrs
Risk factors
• Early onset, long duration of diabetes
• Poor glycaemic control
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Pregnancy
• Use of the 'pill'
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Evidence of microangiopathy elsewhere - neuropathy, nephropathy
Pathogenesis
Hyperglycaemia has direct effects on retinal endothelial cells & pericytes, loss of which impairs vascular
autoregulation →;
i) Increased retinal blood flow & metabolism → increased production of vasoactive substances &
growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor which stimulates endothelial cell growth
→ capillary closure → chronic retinal hypoxia & new vessel formation
ii) Increased vascular permeability → exudative changes
Medicine Page 83
Clinical feature Description
Microaneurysms Earliest clinical abnormality detected as tiny, discrete,
circular, dark red spots near to, but apparently separate
from, the retinal vessels arising mainly from the venous end
of capillaries near areas of capillary closure.
Retinal Haemorrhages Occur in the deeper layers of the retina & hence are round
& regular in shape – blot haemorrhages.
Superficial flame-shaped haemorrhages occur in
hypertensive diabetics
Hard Exudates Occur in the perimacular area as a result of leakage of
plasma lipids from abnormal retinal capillaries & overlie
areas of neuronal degeneration
Cotton wool spots Occur within 5 disc diameters of the optic disc &
represent arteriolar occlusions causing retinal ischemia &
hence are a feature of pre-proliferative diabetic
retinopathy; also in uncontrolled hypertension
Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) Dilated tortuous capillaries representing the remaining
patent capillaries in an area where most have been
occluded
Venous changes Venodilatation (? 2° to increased blood flow), ‘beading’
(sausage like changes in calibre) & increased tortuosity
including ‘oxbow lakes’ & loops indicating widespread
capillary non-perfusion, a feature of pre-proliferative
retinopathy
Neovascularisation Arise from the venous circulation on the optic disc - NVD
or elsewhere e.g. the retina - NVE in response to areas
of ischemic retina. They are liable to rupture, causing
haemorrhage which may be intraretinal, pre-retinal
(‘sub-hyaloid’) or into the vitreous. Serous products
leaking from these new vessel systems stimulate a
connective tissue reaction, retinitis proliferans &
retinal detachment (in NVD) can occur due to
contraction of adhesions between the vitreous & the retina.
NVE + Vitreous Haemorrhage - High risk of
Blindness
Ix
• Fundoscopy
• Fluorescine Angiography - Injected into vessels & leaks are seen
Mx
• Retinal Laser Photocoagulation is an effective treatment, provided it is given at a relatively early stage when
the patient is usually symptomless. It;
* Destroys areas of retinal ischemia
* Reduces growth factor production (e.g. VEGF)
* Seals leaking microaneurysms
* Obliterates new vessels directly on the retinal surface (but not on the optic disc) which may
extend to the anterior surface of the iris (rubeosis iridis) obstructing the drainage angle of the eye & the
outflow of aqueous fluid, causing 2° glaucoma
SE - Can cause extensive scarring causing significant visual field loss & reduce night vision
• Vitrectomy may be used where visual loss is due to recurrent vitreous haemorrhage which has failed to
clear, or retinal detachment resulting from retinitis proliferans
Screening
• <30yrs - Annual Ophthalmic Examination starting 5yrs after diagnosis
• >30yrs - Annual Ophthalmic Examination starting at time of diagnosis
Medicine Page 84
Other causes of visual loss in diabetes
Relate to cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia)
• CN III & VI - diplopia
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Retinal vessel occlusion
• Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataract - permanent lens thickness & opacity 2° to;
- Age
- Increased metabolic insult to the lens in people with diabetes (snow-flake cataract) - does not affect
vision
Indication for cataract removal;
- Degree of visual impairment
- When adequate assessment of the fundus, or laser treatment to the retina, is prevented
d) Others
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
• Macrovascular disease causes Angina & Painless myocardial infarction in diabetics are often manifested
by atypical symptoms; recurrence is frequent, and the long-term prognosis is poor, with a higher incidence of
congestive heart failure and ventricular rupture.
• Autonomic neuropathy frequently occurs and results in sympathetic denervation manifested by a fixed
tachycardia with subsequent parasympathetic damage that results in lowering of the heart rate.
Complete autonomic cardiac denervation finally occurs, resulting in a heart rate that is no longer responsive
to such physiologic stimuli as standing (postural hypotension)
Echocardiographic studies show abnormal systolic and diastolic function, with impaired diastolic filling as one of the
earliest manifestations of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Various studies have shown diabetics to have a delay in the opening of the mitral valve, a longer pre-ejection
period, and a shorter left ventricular ejection time, resulting in decreased filling and contractility.
The cause of the left ventricular dysfunction is probably multifactorial, reflecting the effects of both hypertension
and coronary atherosclerosis.
Medicine Page 85
ii) Acute metabolic complications
a) Hypoglycaemia (Blood glucose <3.5mmol/L)
Severe hypoglycaemia - Hypoglycaemia requiring the assistance of another person for recovery.
Occasionally, sudden death occurs during sleep in otherwise healthy young patients with type 1 diabetes
('dead-in-bed syndrome'); hypoglycaemia-induced cardiac arrhythmia or acute respiratory arrest with
impaired baroreflex sensitivity has been implicated.
In a normal person, symptoms are usually experienced when the venous or capillary blood glucose is around
2.5-3mmol/l.
In diabetics who are chronically hyperglycaemic, the same symptoms may develop at a higher blood
glucose level; conversely, patients with strict glycaemic control or who experience frequent
hypoglycaemia may not experience any symptoms even when the blood glucose is well <2.5mmol/l.
Nocturnal hypoglycaemia;
• Poor quality of sleep • Sweating (may be profuse)
• Morning headaches • Restlessness
• 'hangover' • Twitching
• Chronic fatigue • Convulsions
• Vivid dreams/nightmares
PX
- Administration of the evening dose of depot intermediate-acting insulin at bedtime (after 2300hrs)
- Use of a fast acting insulin analogue before the evening meal
- Measure blood glucose before going to bed & take additional carbohydrate if reading is <6mmol/l
Treatment
• Oral carbohydrate if recognised early - A commercial viscous gel solution can be applied into the
buccal cavity in children, although jam or honey may be just as effective, but should not be used if
the patient is unconscious.
• If the patient is unable to swallow;
- IV glucose (Adults - 30-50ml of 50% dextrose / Children - 0.2g/kg)
Or
- Glucagon (1mg IM) - given for acute insulin induced hypoglycaemia.
Medicine Page 86
* Diazoxide (+ a thiazide diuretic to counteract its water retention properties) is useful in the
managements of patients with chronic hypoglycaemia from excess endogenous insulin secretion, either
from an islet cell tumour or islet cell hyperplasia. It has no place in the management of acute
hypoglycaemia.
Medicine Page 87
b) Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hyperglycaemic ketoacidotic coma only occurs in Type 1 diabetes & is caused by insulin deficiency &
an increase in catabolic hormones, leading to hepatic overproduction of glucose & ketone bodies
Precipitants;
- Infection
- Non-compliance
- Wrong insulin dose
- MI
- Surgery
Signs & Symptoms
• Hyperventilation (Kussmaul breathing)
• Ketotic breath
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Abdominal pain
• Hyperglycaemia
- Polyuria
• Dehydration - Initially there is intracellular fluid loss but in later stages, there is marked
contraction of the size of the extracellular space with haemoconcentration, a
decreased blood volume & a fall in BP associated with renal ischemia & oliguria
• Electrolyte loss
* HypoK+ - Metabolic acidosis forces H+ into cells, displacing K+ which may be
lost in urine or through vomiting. Plasma K+ may be raised initially due to
disproportionate loss of water & catabolism of protein & glycogen.
- Polydipsia
• Coma
• Hyperketonaemia
Investigations
• Ketonuria - Does not equate with ketoacidosis; consider alcohol if glucose is normal
• ↑ RBS
• ↑ WCC (in the absence of infection)
• HypoNa+ - due to osmolar compensation for the hyperglycaemia. ↑ or ↔ Na+ indicates severe
water loss. As treatment commences, Na+ rises as water enters cells.
Na+ is also low due to an artefact; corrected plasma [Na+] = Na+ + 2.4[(glucose-5.5)/5.5]
• To estimate Plasma osmolality = 2[Na+] + 2([K+]) + [Urea] + [glucose] mosmol/Kg
• Recurrent metabolic ketoacidosis - blood glucose may return to normal long before ketones are
removed from the blood, & a rapid reduction in the amount of insulin administered may lead to lack of
clearance & return to DKA. This may be avoided by maintaining a constant rate of insulin, e.g. 4-5U/h
IVI, & co-infusing dextrose 10-20% to keep plasma glucose at 6-10mmol/L - the extended insulin
regimen
• Acidosis (Bicarbonate <12mmol/l) - but without gross elevation of glucose may occur, but consider;
* Overdose (e.g. aspirin)
* Lactic acidosis (in elderly diabetics)
• Serum amylase is often raised (up to *10) & a non-specific abdominal pain is common, even in the
absence of pancreatitis
Medicine Page 88
Management
* Dehydration is more life-threatening than hyperglycaemia - so it's correction takes precedence
* Monitor K+, glucose, creatinine & HCO3-, hourly initially. Aim for a fall in glucose of 5mmol/h, &
correction of the acidosis. The use of venous HCO3-, as a guide to progress, may prevent the need for
repeated arterial blood gas sampling. K+ disturbance may cause dysrrhythmias.
* Insert catheter if no urine is passed for >4h
* Treat infection or give prophylactic antibiotics
* Give heparin 5000U SC BD (or low molecular weight version) until mobile
* Change to SC soluble insulin when ketones are ≤1+ & eating
* If acidosis is severe (pH <7), some give IV bicarbonate - 1mL/Kg of 8.4%,over 1h & recheck pH; SE:
Has effects on the Hb-dissociation curve & cerebral circulation leading to cerebral oedema
Complications
• Cerebral oedema - may be caused by;
* Rapid reduction of blood glucose
* Use of hypotonic fluids &/or bicarbonate
• Aspiration pneumonia
• ARDS
• Thromboembolism
• DIC
• Acute circulatory failure
• HypoK+
• HypoMg2+
• HypoPO42-
Medicine Page 89
c) Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Diabetic Coma (HONK)
Chr;
• Severe hyperglycaemia (>50mmol/L) without significant hyperketonaemia or acidosis)
• Severe dehydration
• Pre-renal uraemia
(Plasma osmolality = 2[Na+] + 2([K+]) + [Urea] + [glucose] mmol/L = 280-300mosmol/kg)
Conscious level is depressed when it is high (>340mosmol/kg)
Mx
• 0.45% NS until the osmolality approaches normal, then 0.9% NS
• Thromboembolic complications are common & prophylactic SC heparin is recommended
Medicine Page 90
CNS Lesions
Anatomy
Medicine Page 91
Medicine Page 92
Medicine Page 93
Upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions
Pre-motor cortex → Motor Cortex →Pyramidal tracts →Internal capsule →Ventral Brain stem →Decussate in the
medulla →Cortico-spinal tract in the Lateral columns of cord (synapse with the anterior horn cells (LMN))
Affects muscle groups not individual muscles which are under the uninhibited influence of the spinal reflex
mechanisms.
General;
* Pyramidal lesions
• Paresis (Partial or incomplete paralysis) of arm extensors & leg flexors
• Spasticity (A state of increased muscular tone (clasp-knife feel) with exaggeration of the
tendon reflexes (hyperreflexia)) of arm flexors & leg extensors
* Loss of skilled fine finger movements
* Babinski +ve
- Extension of the Big toe
- Fanning of the other toes
- Withdrawal of the foot
* ± Clonus +ve (elicited by flexing the knee & rapidly dorsiflexing the foot; >3 rhythmic, downward
beats of the foot suggest UMNL
* ± Hoffman's reflex - passive flicking of a finger DIP causes neighbouring digits to flex
* Circumduction
i) Cortical lesion;
* Motor (Precentral gyrus);
- Weakness involving all movements of a hand/foot - Reduced arm swinging during walking &
circumduction
- Normal/↓ tone
- ↑ Reflexes more proximally in the arm/leg
* Sensory;
- 2-point discrimination & stereognosis sensory loss (The appreciation of the form of an
object by means of touch)
ii) Internal capsule →
* Motor;
- Contralateral hemiplegia
- Pyramidal distribution of weakness
* Sensory;
- Contralateral generalised sensory loss
iii) Mid-Brain
* +ve Jaw Jerk reflex
Extrapyramidal signs - CNS motor phenomena relating to the Basal ganglia
Abnormality in initiation & maintenance of movement
• Negative symptoms;
- Bradykinesia/akinesia (slow/absent movement)
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of postural reflexes
• Positive symptoms
- Tremor
- Rigidity/ Tremor + rigidity = Cogwheel rigidity
- Involuntary movements (e.g. chorea, Tics, myoclonus, athetosis, ballismus, & dystonia)
Cerebellar lesions (DASHING)
• Dysdiadichokinesis - Inability to perform rapid alternating movements. Ipsilateral lack of
coordination
• Ataxic gait - disorders of the central vermis of the cerebellum
• Slurred speech
• Hypotonia
• Intention tremor - The initial part of the movement is normal but as the target is approached the
accuracy of the movement deteriorates; Dysmetria - The distances of targets is misjudged resulting in
past-pointing
• Nystagmus
• Gait abnormality - wide based irregular strides; negative tandem gait
• Titubation - A tremor or shaking of the head, of cerebellar origin.
iv) Brainstem
* Motor;
- Ipsilateral CN palsy
Medicine Page 94
Ipsilateral CN palsy
- Contralateral hemiplegia
* Sensory;
- Dissociated sensory loss - contralateral spinothalamic loss with sparing of the dorsal
columns thus there is impairment of appreciation of pain and temperature but
preservation of sensations of vibration and position.
- Crossed sensory loss - Ipsilateral spinothalamic loss on the side of the face with
contralateral spinothalamic loss of the rest of the body
Medicine Page 95
v) Spinal Cord
• The cord ends at the inter vertebral disc between L1 & L2 (L3 at birth)
• The cord is enlarged in 2 areas;
- Cervical enlargement - 50% occupation of the vertebral canal
- Lumbar enlargement - 70% " " " " "
- Thoracic - 75-90%
• Blood supply;
- C1 - T2/3 - Anterior spinal artery from the vertebral artery
- T3 - T8 - Single Radicular artery from T7
- T8 - L1/L2 - Single Radicular artery from T12/L1 junction
* Dorsal column
Transport ipsilateral joint position, vibration sense & accurate touch
Damage may cause hypersensitivity or vibratory feelings
* Lateral spinothalamic tract
Transport contralateral pain, temperature & poorly localised touch sensation
Symptoms are of severe pain 2-3 dermatome levels lower than the affected sensory level
Medicine Page 96
a) Congenital anomalies of the Spinal cord (Spinal Dysraphism)
Embryology;
Most congenital anomalies of the spinal cord are the result of defective closure of the neural tube during the 4th week
(24th-26th day) of development which occurs craniocaudally.
The resulting neural tube defects (NTDs) also involve the tissues overlying the spinal cord;
• Meninges
• Vertebral arch - Spina Bifida
• Muscles & skin
Aetiology;
Most are sporadic but strong familial tendencies occur
• Multifactorial
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Racial, geographic & seasonal factors
• Maternal - Infections (TORCHES); Diabetes; Alcohol abuse
• Teratogens e.g. Na+ valproate
• ? Folate deficiency
• Basement membrane biochemical abnormalities
1. Spina Bifida - is the result of the failure of the embryonic halves of the vertebral arches to grow normally &
fuse in the median plane
a) Spina Bifida Cystica - Involves protrusion of the meninges &/or spinal cord through the defect with a cyst
like sac - Incidence - 1:1000 births
i) Spina Bifida with Meningocele - Meninges + CSF
ii) Spina Bifida with Meningomyelocele - Meningocele + Spinal cord & Spinal roots
* Often associated with marked neurological deficit inferior to the level of the protruding sac due to
incorporation of nervous tissue in the wall of the sac, which impairs development of the nerve
fibres. Skin or a thin easily ruptured membrane may cover it.
* Associated anomalies;
• CNS - Hydrocephalus (80%), agenesis of the corpus callosum, lobar agenesis, polymicrogyria,
rim-cortex (holoprosencephaly), intracranial cysts and lipomas, and encephaloceles.
• Skeletal - Kyphoscoliosis, ribcage malformations, Hip dislocation, Talipes equinovarus, Pes
cavus,
• Genitourinary - Hydronephrosis, Hydroureter, Horseshoe kidney, undescended testes,
hydrocele, Sphincter disturbances
• Gastrointestinal - Malrotation, omphalocele, Meckel's diverticulum, inguinal hernia
iii) Spina Bifida with myelocele/rachischisis - Most severe; The spinal cord is open because the neural
folds failed to fuse. The spinal cord in the concerned area is represented by a flattened mass of
nervous tissue. It may be caused by a NTD that is caused by a local overgrowth of the neural
plate. As a result, the caudal neuropore fails to close at the end of the 4th week. Highly suspected
when ↑α-fetoproteins
b) Spina Bifida Occulta - Occurs in L5 & S1 in about 5-20% of normal individuals. If the skin is closed, it is
indicated by stigmata of dysraphism which indicate the regions of closure of the posterior neuropore;
• Hyperpigmentation
• Simple dimple with a tuft of hair
• Dermal sinus
• Lipoma
The dimple may be connected to the dura matter by a fibrous cord.
Ix
Antenatal detection;
• Maternal serum α-fetoproteins
• Amniocentesis - α-fetoproteins & acetylcholinesterase
• Foetal U/S & X-rays - Sensitivity >80% defects
2. Diastematomyelia - This refers to duplication of the spinal cord. A bony bar divides the two-hemicords, which
may have separate or common dura. The conus may fail to migrate cranially.
Medicine Page 97
b) Spinal Cord Lesions;
(A) Compressive;
i) Intradural;
` Intramedullary;
• Congenital - Syringomyelia
• Tumours
` Extramedullary;
• TBM
• Tumours - Metastatic deposits; Meningioma
• Neurofibromatosis
• Arachnoid cyst
• Arachnoiditis
ii) Extradural - Affect bone
• Congenital;
- Craniocervical abnormalities
- Achondroplasia
• Atlanto-axial sublaxation 2° to trauma
• Cervical spondylosis
• Cervical disc prolapse
• Osteoporosis
• TB - Epidural Abscess
• Metastatic tumours
• Multiple Myeloma
• RA
(B) Non-Compressive;
• Cord infarction e.g. due to;
- Vasculitis (PAN, Syphilis)
- Spinal artery thrombosis
- Trauma
- Dissecting aortic aneurysm
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Fibrocartilagenous embolism - In the elderly especially during activity
• Infections;
- Transverse myelitis
- Post infectious encephalomyelitis
- Zoster myelitis
- CMV myelitis especially in HIV
- Schistosomiasis
- Syphilis
• Metabolic;
- Sub-acute combined degeneration of the cord - B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Adenoleucodystrophy
• Toxic - Cassava poisoning
• Others;
- MS
- MND
- Tropical myelopathies - HTLV - 1
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
- GBS - More progressive
• Connective tissue disorders e.g. SLE
• Familial;
- Friedriech's Ataxia
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
Medicine Page 98
S/S;
* Motor;
- Tetraplegia/paraplegia
- Motor & reflex level;
* Muscles unaffected above the lesion
* LMN signs at level of lesion
* UMN signs below the lesion
NB - Tone & reflexes are reduced in acute cord compression - 'spinal shock' after trauma
- Neurogenic bladder - starts as hesitancy, frequency & later as painless retention
* Sensory;
- Spinal or root pain
- Sensory level i.e. an area of decreased or absent sensation below the lesion with normal sensation
above this level (Vertebrae - Cord segment)
* C2-C7 - +1
* T1-T6 - +2
* T7-T9 - +3
* T10 - Has L1 & L2 levels behind it
* T11 has L3 & L4
* T12 has L5
* L1 has sacral & coccygeal segments
* Localizing symptoms in compressive causes;
• Intradural
- Intramedullary;
* No local pain
* Early involvement of sphincters
- Extramedullary;
* Local pain but NO Local tenderness
* Sphincter involved late
• Extradural;
- Local pain & tenderness
- Radiculopathy
- Sphincter involved late
• Cervical cord lesions; e.g. syringomyelia or cord tumours
* Motor;
- High cervical cord lesions - Respiratory muscles are paralysed
- C5 lesion;
* Tetraplegia
* Reverse/inverse reflex - Tapping of the biceps muscle causes finger flexion instead of
biceps contraction; Biceps - LMN; Fingers - UMN
- Below C5 - Upper limbs are partially spared
* Sensory;
- Dissociated sensory loss - contralateral spinothalamic loss with sparing of the dorsal columns
thus there is impairment of appreciation of pain and temperature but preservation of sensations of
vibration and position.
• Thoracic cord lesions
* T10 - Isolates entire lumbar & sacral cord, with paralysis of the lower limbs & viscera
* The abdominal reflex is assessed by lightly stroking the four quadrants of the abdomen with a pin just a few
centimetres away from the umbilicus. The response is considered normal if the umbilicus moves slightly toward
the direction scratched. Its is only useful when asymmetrical
- Absence may indicate contralateral spinal cord injury in the T9-11 region.
- Beevor's sign - Presence of T9 & T10 roots & absence of T11 & T12 leads to upward movement
of the umbilicus with contraction of the abdominal muscles.
- An asymmetric abdominal reflex is the most common neurologic abnormality noted with an
intrabedullary lesion, such as a syrinx, diastematomyelia, or spinal cord tumour.
This reflex is depressed in;
- Most central lesions
- Obesity
- Lax skeletal muscles (e.g. after pregnancy)
- Ladies
Medicine Page 99
• Lateralized cord lesions (Brown-Séquard syndrome - Syndrome due to damage of lateral half of the spinal
cord)
* Motor
- Ipsilateral paralysis
* Sensory;
- Ipsilateral Dorsal column loss
- Contralateral Spinothalamic loss
* At the neurologic level of injury, there is also ipsilateral flaccid weakness and anaesthesia caused by
damage to the nerve roots and motor and sensory neurons in that area.
• Conus medularis (T10-L1/L2 vertebrae)
Transection causes cord & nerve root lesions
* Motor;
- ± Leg weakness
- Early urinary retention
- Erectile dysfunction
* Sensory;
- Back pain
- Sacral sensory disturbance
• Cauda equina (L2-S4 nerve roots)
Transection causes only nerve root lesions
* Motor;
- Asymmetrical, atrophic, areflexic, paralysis of the ankle & foot
- ↓ sphincter power in the bladder and bowel→ incontinence of urine and faeces
- The Bulbocavernosus, Cremasteric reflexes, plantar responses & knee & ankle jerks are lost
* Cremasteric Reflex - contraction of scrotal musculature in response to pinching of the
medial thigh
* Bulbocavernosus reflex - anal sphincter contraction to penile or clitoral compression or
downward pressure on the bladder trigone by a Foley catheter balloon when the catheter is
gently pulled. It indicates intact sacral motor and sensory pathways when present; absence is
consistent with spinal shock or with sacral spinal cord or nerve root injury.
* Sensory;
- Radicular pain down the legs
- Back pain
- Sensory loss in a root distribution
• Spinal shock
Immediately following severe injury to the spinal cord or conus medullaris, regardless of level;
a) It is characterized by systolic hypotension and bradycardia. The cause is loss of distal sympathetic tone.
b) The striated muscle undergoes flaccid paralysis, with numbness below the level of the injury. Reflex
response is usually present from the time of injury but is suppressed. With time, the reflex excitability of
striated muscle progresses until a spastic state is achieved.
c) The smooth muscle of the detrusor and rectum is affected;
Early Retention with overflow incontinence
Rectal impaction
Spinal shock may last from a few weeks to 6 months (usually 2-3 months).
Ix
• LP - Do not do an LP for compressive causes
• Plain radiography - CXR, SXR
• MRI
• Spinal angiography
• CT scan
• Myelography
Peripheral neuropathy
• Motor - Distal pattern of weakness (e.g. foot-drop or weak hand)
• Sensory - Distal sensory loss
Risk factors
• Alcoholism
• Fish-tapeworm infestation
• Malabsorption syndromes - Crohn's disease
• Pernicious anaemia
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Drugs: oral calcium-chelating drugs, aminosalicylic acid, biguanides
• Gastrectomy
• Vegetarian diet, without B12 supplementation
• Blind loop syndrome
S/S
• CNS
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
They include posterior and lateral column demyelinization in the spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy, difficulty
with balance, loss of deep tendon reflexes, joint-position & vibration sense are often affected first (dorsal
columns) followed by distal paraesthesia (& sensory deficits). If untreated, weakness & stiffness ensue. Pain & T°
sensation may be intact even when joint position sense is severely affected
The classical triad is;
i) Brisk Knee jerks
ii) Absent ankle jerks
iii) Babinski +ve - Extensor plantars
Others;
- Ataxia
- Tinnitus, Vertigo
- Poor finger coordination
- Romberg's sign, positive
- Lhermitte's sign (an electric shock-like sensation radiating down the back and into the legs on flexion of the
neck).
In more advanced cases, cerebral function may be altered as well, and on occasion dementia and other neuropsychiatric
changes - slowing of mental processes, confusion, depression and memory defects may precede haematological
changes.
The biochemical basis for the neuropathy is uncertain. Inappropriate administration of moderate or large doses of
folate (well in excess of 0.1 mg/d in an adult) to vitamin B12-deficient individuals may precipitate or worsen,
subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
• P/A • Others
- Anorexia; weight loss - Fever
- Atrophic glossitis, Sore tongue - Prematurely grey-haired
- Hepatosplenomegaly - Skin pigmentation increased
• CVS - Vitiligo
- Pallor/Weakness - Retinal haemorrhages
- Congestive heart failure - Retrobulbar neuritis
- Tachycardia/Palpitations
- Exertional dyspnoea
- Purpura
Ix
• PBF
- Macrocytic anaemia - ↑- MCV (110-140 fl)
- Anisocytosis - Ovalocytes, Poikilocytes, Howell-Jolly bodies
- Hypersegmented neutrophils
- Pancytopaenia
• Bone marrow;
- Hypercellular, megaloblasts - cytoplasmic & nuclear maturation are out of phase - as nuclear maturation
is slow due to impaired synthesis of thymidine, & hence DNA
- ↑ Iron stores
• ↓ Serum levels of B12 <150 pg/ml
• ↑ Homocysteine level and ↑serum methylmalonic acid level
• The intramedullary haemolysis of megaloblastic erythroid cells is reflected by;
- ↓ Reticulocyte count
- ↑ Bilirubin (<2 mg/dl) level
- ↓ Haptoglobin level
- ↑ LDH (often > 1000 units/ml level)
- ↓ RBC lifespan.
• ↑ Serum ferritin
• Schilling test
Folate Deficiency
Folate is found in green vegetables, fruits, liver & is synthesised by GIT bacteria.
Body stores are sufficient for 3 months.
Causes
• Poor diet (e.g. in alcoholics)
• ↑ needs;
- Pregnancy - deficiency associated with neural tube defects in the foetus
- Haemolysis
- Dyserythropoiesis
- Malignancy
- Long-term haemodialysis
• Malabsorption especially coeliac disease
• Tropical sprue
• Drugs - Phenytoin, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim, methotrexate, barbiturates, alcohol
S/S
• Blunted affect with evidence of depression, irritability, forgetfulness, and sleep deprivation.
• Folate deficiency is indistinguishable from B12 deficiency in regard to peripheral blood and bone marrow findings,
but neurologic lesions (as seen in B12 deficiency) do not occur.
Ix
Tissue folate deficiency develops after hepatic folate stores are depleted (>4 months) and is marked by a decrease in
RBC folate. Thus in folate deficiency both serum and RBC folate levels are low whereas Vitamin B12 levels are
normal. Because RBC folate levels are 30-fold higher than those of serum folate, a haemolysed specimen can
falsely raise serum folate levels.
Diagnostic Criteria
Features required for the diagnosis;
a) Progressive weakness of all 4 limbs
b) Areflexia
Features strongly supporting diagnosis;
- Progression over up to 4wks
- Absence of fever at onset
- Near symmetry of Symptoms
- Sensory symptoms/signs only mild
- Bilateral facial weakness
- Autonomic dysfunction - Labiality of blood pressure and cardiac rate, postural hypotension, episodes of
profound bradycardia and occasional asystole occur.
- Cyto-albuminic dissociation - CSF protein ↑ with CSF WCC <10*106/L
- Typical electrophysiological tests
- Recovery starts 2-3wks after the period of progression has finished. Improvement usually follows a gradient
inverse to the direction of involvement, with recovery of bulbar function first and lower extremity weakness
resolving last & most patients regain full muscular strength, although some are left with residual weakness. The
tendon reflexes are usually the last function to recover.
Rarer features;
- Papilloedema (? From ↓ CSF resorption) - visual impairment is not clinically evident.
- Dysautonomia
Features excluding the diagnosis
- Purely sensory symptoms
- Diagnosis of (DDx);
* Myasthenia
* Botulism
* Poliomyelitis
* Diphtheria
* Porphyria
* Toxic neuropathy
Ix
• CSF;
- ↑ protein (>*2) - present 10 days into disease not before
- Glucose is normal
- No pleocytosis - <10 white cells/mm3 are found
The cyto-albuminic dissociation between high CSF protein and a lack of cellular response in a patient
with an acute or subacute polyneuropathy is diagnostic of the GBS. This is due to leakage of proteins
through the lesions at the nerve roots.
DDx - Froin's syndrome - High protein & low cell count due to CSF block
• Nerve conduction studies - slow in acute phase
• Electromyography - neuropathic
• Vital capacity - Do on admission & 4hrly to asses respiratory function - Normal - 4L
• Serum CK may be normal or mildly elevated.
DDx
• Psychiatric: hysteria
• Brain disease: strokes, encephalitis
• Spinal cord syndromes: transverse myelitis, cord compression, cauda equina syndrome; HIV, Lyme
disease, sarcoid meningoradiculitis
• Peripheral nerve: tick paralysis, diphtheria, porphyria, neurotoxins (heavy meals, shellfish poisoning e.g.
ciguatoxin and saxitoxin, glue sniffing), metabolic (hypophosphatemia), drugs (cholesterol lowering agents,
chemotherapeutics, nitrofurantoin, others), SLE and polymyositis and PAN
• Motor neuron: Polio
• Neuromuscular junction: myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert, toxins (botulism, organophosphates),
hypermagnesaemia
• Muscle disease: toxic myopathy, myositis, metabolic myopathies including HypoK+ periodic paralysis,
polymyositis, critical illness polyneuropathy
Rx
• Patients with slow progression may simply be observed for stabilization and spontaneous remission without
treatment.
• Supportive care, such as respiratory support, prevention of decubiti in children with flaccid tetraplegia, and
treatment of secondary bacterial infections, is important.
• Plasmapheresis may be the most effective treatment. IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an alternative and has
been widely used in the treatment of many autoimmune disorders.
Steroids have no role in therapy of Acute GBS & prolong hospital stay.
• CIDP is treated with plasma exchange, sometimes requiring as many as 10 exchanges daily. Remission in these
cases may be sustained, but relapses may occur within days, weeks, or even after many months; relapses usually
respond to another course of plasmapheresis.
• IVIG may be tried in the treatment of CIDP as well as in the acute or subacute stages. Steroid and
immunosuppressive drugs are an alternative, but their effectiveness is less predictable.
High-dose "pulsed" methylprednisolone given IV is successful in some cases.
Prognosis
Signs
- Commoner on the left as the left common iliac vein is crossed by the right common iliac & left internal
iliac arteries thus increasing resistance to flow.
- Acute phase - Pallor, Dolour, Colour, Tumour
- Mild fever
- Pitting oedema
- Homan's sign (↑ resistance/pain on forced foot dorsiflexion) should NOT be done as it may dislodge
thrombus
Investigations
- Doppler U/S - Gold standard - Not sensitive if there is obstruction e.g. in pregnancy, abdominal tumours
- Coagulation screen - does not have much of a role
- Venogram
- Impedance plethysmography
- 1ds - labelled fibrinogen (C/I - Pregnancy, sensitive patients)
- VDRL - surrogate marker for α-cardiolipins (associated with thrombotic events); if negative, do a specific
test for T. pallidum
- α-phospholipids test
- ↑ D-Dimer, Fibrinopeptides, β-Thromboglobulin - Non-specific
Treatment
- Conservative - Elevate limb, serial measurements, TED Stockings, Analgesia
- Heparin (UFH or LMWH) SC OD/BD 5/7 + Warfarin from Day 4 (Discontinue Heparin when the INR
is >2 for ≥2days)
* 3 mo if cause will go away (e.g. post-op immobility, illness, caffeine thrombosis)
* 6-12mo if no cause is found or in thrombophilic states; Consider indefinite treatment (Reassess
regularly to determine risk)
* 12mo if Anti-phospholipid antibody +ve + ≥ 2 combined factor V of leiden or prothrombin gene
mutation
* Cancer - Anti-coagulate with LMWH (not warfarin) for 3-6mo or ? indefinitely or until the cancer
is resolved
* Lifelong in recurrent DVT, proximal DVT
- Although anticoagulation is management of choice for most patients, fibrinolytics such as urokinase,
streptokinase, & recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA - Alteplase) have been evaluated
clinically.
- Venous thrombectomy still has a role in the management of patients with extensive iliofemoral disease in
which limb loss is imminent, such as in phlegmasia alba dolens.
- IVC filters may be used in;
* Active bleeding
* When anti-coagulants fail
* To minimize risk of PE during venous thrombectomy
Prevention
- Stop the 'Pill' 4wks pre-op
- Mobilize early
- Unfractionated Heparin 5000U SC BD or LMWT Heparin (enoxaparin, dalteparin) - Adv. Less bleeding,
no monitoring needed.
- Support hosiery (C/I: ischemia)
* Development in the mosquito takes from 7-20d while the latent period prior to clinical signs is 7-14d
* Sporozoites inoculated by an infected mosquito disappear from human blood within 30mins & enter the liver
* Rupture of the schizont releases more merozoites into the blood & causes fever, the periodicity of which depends on
the species of parasite (see below)
* Gametocytes appear after about 2wks & persist even after treatment & are harmless, but are the source for
infecting mosquitoes
* P. falciparum does not grow well in red cells that contain Hb F, C or especially S; Hb S heterozygotes (AS) are
protected against lethal complications of malaria in early childhood.
* P. vivax cannot enter red cells that lack the Duffy blood group (West Africans & American Blacks)
* Recrudescences of fever may result from multiplication in the red blood cells of parasites which have not been
eliminated by the treatment & immune processes.
* In blood transfusion transmitted malaria, the patient gets the chills & fever almost immediately - Prevented by
giving antimalarials before transfusion
C/P
- Non-specific flu-like prodrome - headache, malaise, myalgia & anorexia
- Cough
- Fever & chills ± faints
- Vomiting
- Mild diarrhoea
• P. vivax/ovale
* Latent Period - 7-14d
* Cold Stage - 0-2hrs after rupture of the RBC
- Chills & rigors
- Rapid ↑ in T°C
* Hot Stage - 3-4hrs
- Dehydration, Headache, Hot skin & vomiting
- 40°C
* Sweating stage - 2-4hrs
- Profuse sweating
- Gradual ↓ in T°C
• P. malariae
* Mild disease
* Nephritic syndrome in children - Membranous GN
• P. falciparum
* Jaundice (due to haemolysis & hepatic dysfunction)
* Causes of anaemia in Malaria;
Ix
• Blood films;
* Thick - Diagnosis of low level parasitaemia
* Thin;
- Confirm the diagnosis
- Identify the species of parasite
- In P. falciparum, to quantify the parasite load (% of infected erythrocytes)
• Total & differential WBCs
• Blood cultures
• Serology tests for P falciparum (ParaSight F®)
Rx
• Severe malaria
Quinine 20mg/kg in 10ml/kg 10% Dextrose over 4hrs then (after 8hrs) maintenance dose of 10mg/kg infused
over 4hrs TDS + Doxycycline, Tetracycline or Clindamycin (until the patient can swallow tablets to
complete the 7d course - Protect Quinine from development of resistance & cover for any
superinfections). Doxycycline & Tetracycline are C/I in children <8yrs old.
Alternative drug - Malarone (Atovaquone + Proguanil)
* Consider exchange transfusion if;
- the parasite density is >10%
- the patient has altered mental status
- non-volume overload pulmonary oedema
- renal complications
• Uncomplicated malaria
Artemisinin based drugs - Artemether (IM), Artesunate (IV) for 6 days
* Artenam has a rapid parasite clearance rate but is not used for prophylaxis due to it's short half life
Possible combinations;
- Artemether + Lumefantrine - Coartem®
- Artesunate + Amodiaquine
- Artesunate + Fansidar
- Fansidar + Amodiaquine
• Radical cure for malaria due to P vivax & P ovale
* Primaquine 15mg/d 14d - destroys the hypnozoite phase in the liver; SE - Haemolysis may develop
in those who are G6PD deficient, Cyanosis due to the formation of methaemoglobin in the RBCs
is more common but not dangerous.
• Prophylaxis;
* WHO 'Roll back malaria' programme - Provision of permethrin-impregnated bed nets
C/I Drugs
- Corticosteroids (dexamethasone)
- Other anti-inflammatory agents
- Adrenaline
- Heparin
Classification
• Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)
- Smear +ve PTB
- Smear -ve PTB
• Extra-pulmonary TB
• Re-treatment cases
Epidemiology
The commonest affected age group is from 15-45 years with males>females.
Contributing factors to increasing burden;
- HIV epidemic
- Poor socio-economic status leading to overcrowded slums
- Poor nutrition
- Limited access to health services
Primary TB
Initial infection is usually;
a) Pulmonary (by droplet spread).
A peripheral lesion forms (Ghon focus), & its draining nodes are infected (Ghon complex). There is early
distant spread of the bacilli, then an immune response suspends further multiplication at all sites
S/S
- Asymptomatic
Or
- Cough - Phlyctenular conjunctivitis - small, multiple, yellow-grey
- Sputum ± AAFBs nodules near the limbus
- Fever - Lassitude
- Night Sweats - Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Erythema nodosum - An inflammatory disease of the deep dermis and subcutaneous fat
(panniculitis) characterized by tender red nodules, predominantly in the pretibial region but
occasionally involving the arms or other areas.
Or
b) GI - Typically affects the ileocaecal junction & associated lymph nodes following consumption of raw
milk/meat containing M. bovis
Post-primary TB
In normal circumstances, the lifetime risk of development of tuberculosis from latent disease is 10%. This risk increases
to 10 times in immunocompromised states e.g.;
- Malignancy
- Diabetes
- Steroids
- Debilitation (especially HIV or old age)
Mechanisms relevant for the development of TB include;
- Reactivation of existent dormant bacilli
- Progression from recent infection to disease
- Re-infection
The lung lesions, Tuberculomas, contain few AAFBs & are usually located in the upper lobe & may progress &
fibrose & erode into a bronchus, where favourable environment ensures rapid multiplication, rendering the patient
highly contagious (Open TB). Any other site may become the clinical problem.
EXTRAPULMONARY TB
a) Tuberculous lymphadenitis
Slow & painless fluctuant enlargement of lymph nodes especially the cervical, followed by matting & eventually
discharge of pus. Generalised lymph node enlargement is common in HIV.
Tuberculosis resulting from extension into the skin from underlying atypical mycobacterial infection, most commonly
of cervical lymph nodes leads to the formation of scrofuloderma.
h) TB of the Adrenals
The adrenals may become infected with tuberculosis organisms via the bloodstream, causing adrenal masses, or
calcification and adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
j) Bone TB
When primary TB occurs in children while the epiphyses are open and the blood supply to bone ends is rich, bacilli
often disseminate to the vertebrae and ends of the long bones. Infection may spread into the articular capsule,
causing a monarticular arthritis. Weight-bearing joints are commonly involved, but bones of the wrist, hand, and
elbow also may be involved, especially after injury.
C/P
- Localised pain
- Swelling
- Discharge of pus
- Muscle weakness/paralysis
- Joint stiffness
l) HIV & TB
Infection by HIV destroys the immune defence mechanism of the body by targeting the T lymphocytes. In normal
circumstances, the lifetime risk of development of tuberculosis from latent disease is 10% while this risk increases to 10
times in HIV infected people.
* Early HIV infection (CD4 >200cells/mm3) - Smear +ve reactivated upper-lobe open cavitatory PTB. Seen
in 20% HIV patients
* Late HIV stages
- Smear -ve PTB - Miliary & atypical pulmonary TB
- Extrapulmonary TB - Pericardial, abdominal, meningeal
Interactions of HIV & TB;
- Increased reactivation of latent TB
- Presentation may be atypical
- Extrapulmonary & disseminated disease
- Mantoux tests become negative
- Previous BCG vaccination does not prevent development of TB
- Smears may be -ve for AAFBs; +ve smears tend to contain few AAFBs - follow-up sputum examinations @ 2,
5 & 8 months
- Atypical CXR - lobar or bibasal pneumonia, hilar lymphadenopathy
- HAART & anti-TB therapy drug interaction toxicities - ARVs should be deferred until after intensive
(rifampicin containing) phase of treatment - if a decision is made to start ARVs in the intensive phase of
treatment, e.g. in cases where immune suppression is thought to be extreme, & the patient's survival without
ARVs is unlikely, then EFV rather than NVP should be used as Rifampicin ↓ blood levels of NVP OR
Rifampicin should be substituted for Rifabutin or Rifapentin that have less liver stimulation effects.
- Immune reconstitution inflammatory response (IRIS) - ARV reconstitutes CD4 count & immune function,
which may lead to a paradoxical worsening of TB symptoms which are immune mediated.
Rx
• Avoid ARVs during intensive phase
• D4T + 3TC + EFV
Drug prophylaxis;
• Septrin prophylaxis - 960mg/d OD PO
• Isoniazid prophylaxis - 5mg/Kg (max 300mg) for 6months + Pyridoxine
Indications;
- Infants HIV +ve with a sputum +ve TB contact
- Infants born to mother with TB
- PPD +ve HIV children
- 2° prophylaxis
- PPD +ve adults ONLY
Treatment
* In 2 phases, Intensive with DOT & Continuation phase
Diagnosis Therapy
Adult smear +ve + Extra-pulmonary TB 2ERHZ / 6EH
Adult smear –ve + Extra-pulmonary TB 2RHZ / 6EH
Re-treatment for;
• Relapse – Smear +ve TB treated & cured
• Treatment failure – Smear +ve despite 5(8) months 2SERHZ /1ERHZ / 5ERH
on anti-TB treatment
• Resumed – Treatment interrupted now resuming
< 15yrs smear –ve + Extra-pulmonary TB 2RHZ / 4RH
* Rifafor® - ERHZ
* Ethizide® - EH
* Rifater® - RHZ
* Rifinah® - RH
* Steroid therapy (Dexamethasone 8-10mg/d BD) is indicated for 2-4wks in;
- TB meningitis
- Miliary TB
- Moderate pleural effusion
- Endobronchial TB
- Pericardial effusion - 6wks - Prednisolone NOT Dexamethasone
* A sputum +ve patient once started on treatment is considered infective for at least 2wks
* A trial of therapy in patients with pneumonia not responding to antibiotic therapy is indicated for 2wks
Complications of TB
• Breakthrough TB - Recurrence of clinical symptoms of TB after completion of the intensive phase of treatment
• Haemoptysis - Bed rest + sedation (Largactil 25mg BD)
• Spontaneous pneumothorax (collapse of the lung) - expansion of the lung with underwater seal drainage tube
• Pleural effusion;
- Mild - improves after therapy
- Moderate - in the 1st 2-4wks of therapy - Prednisolone 20mg BD to reduce adhesions, pleural thickening
& speed clearance of the fluid
- Severe - aspiration
• Bronchiectasis
• Fibrosis of the lungs
• Lung abscess
• Cardio-pulmonary insufficiency (heart lung disease resulting in cor pulmonale)
• Pericardial effusion - Prednisolone 20mg BD for 6 wks - Prevents pericardial fibrosis & constrictive pericarditis
Clinical Diagnosis
* Persistent generalised lymphadenopathy - Enlarged lymph nodes >1cm at ≥2 extra-inguinal sites for ≥3mo
<file:HIV2.doc>
Laboratory Diagnosis
• ELISA antibody testing for anti- p24, p17, gp120, gp160
* False -ves;
- HIV-2
- Seroconversion - (HIV antibody-negative) - The appearance of specific anti-HIV antibodies
in serum at 3-12wks (median 8wks)
* False +ves - Vertical transmission - HIV maternal antibody-positive
• Western blot - Shows antibodies developing to early proteins
• PCR for HIV-RNA
• CD4 counts (normal - 537-1571 cells/mL)
• CD8 counts (normal - 235-753 cells/mL)
• CD4:CD8 ratio (normal - 1.2-3.8)
* Zerit® - D4T
* Combivir® - ZDV + 3TC
* Stocrin® - Effavirenz (given nocte & every other preparation with EFV due to CNS toxicity)
C/I
- D4T + AZT - Both compete for Thymidine
- DDC + NRTI
- Saquinavir (invirase) except with Ritonavir
Special considerations
• Immune recovery syndrome/Immune reconstitution inflammatory response (IRIS) - ARV reconstitutes
CD4 count & immune function in 6-8wks & patients with advanced disease could present with;
- Skin rash
- Mucocutaneous ulceration
- Massive Cervical Lymphadenopathy
- Immunological response to sub-clinical opportunistic infections e.g. KS & TB
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
Steroids could be used in some of these cases & careful use of antihistamines.
• Acute retroviral syndrome/Seroconversion - 2-6wks
- Fever
- Pharyngitis
- Erythematous maculopapular rash with lesions on the face & trunk
- Lymphadenopathy
- Meningoencephalitis
Follow up
* Subsequently after commencement of therapy, follow up monthly & 6 monthly FHG + ESR, CD4, LFTs, RFTs
unless more frequent monitoring is indicated clinically
Nevirapine;
associated skin rash
Grade 1 Erythema, pruritus <50% body
Grade 2 Diffuse maculopapular rash or dry desquamation >50% body
Grade 3 Vesiculation or moist desquamation or ulceration
Grade 4 Mucous membrane involvement, Steven Johnson, Erythema multiforme
associated hepatotoxicity (ALT - <35UI/L)
Grade 1 40 - 85
Grade 2 85 – 175
Grade 3 175 – 350
Grade 4 >350
Renal
• HIV Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN) - Light microscopy shows focal segmental glomerulosclerosis,
but these patients have more collapsing glomerular lesions.
Presents with Nephrotic syndrome &/or Chronic renal disease
• Drugs;
- Co-trimoxazole
- Indinavir - renal stones
- Pentamidine
- Cidofovir
Cardiac
• Cardiomyopathy - AZT toxicity through drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction
• ↑ Cardiac risk factors;
- HIV - causes dyslipidaemia predisposing to ischemic heart disease
- Protease inhibitor (PI)-related hyperlipidaemia; also EFZ, D4T
b) HIV-associated lymphoma
i) Hodgkin's - 100% EBV +ve
ii) Non-Hodgkin's - B-cell lineage; 50% EBV +ve
- Diffuse large cell
- Small-cleaved cell
- Burkitt's & non-burkitt's
- Large-cell immunoblastic
iii) HHV-8 - Found in body cavity (pleura, pericardium or peritoneum) lymphoma & is a high-grade B-
cell lymphoma
Poor prognostic factors;
- Age >35yrs
- Previous AIDS diagnosis
- CD4<100cells/mm3
- Not being on HAART
- Disseminated disease
- Poor general health
- ↑ LDH
d) HIV-associated dementia
HIV is a neurotopic virus that presents as;
Aseptic meningoencephalitis at seroconversion
↓
Abulia - minor cognitive defects such as slowed mental processing, loss of initiative, poor short-
term memory, apathy, and withdrawal from usual activities as the disease progresses
↓
Subcortical dementia in later-stage disease - This is characterized by global deterioration of
cognitive function, severe psycho-motor retardation, paraparesis, ataxia & urinary & faecal
incontinence. Changes in affect are common & depression or psychosis may occur.
Predictors of HIV-associated dementia;
• Higher plasma & CSF viral load
• Lower CD4 count
• Age
Ix
• CT scan - diffuse cerebral atrophy
Features of cerebral atrophy;
- Widened sulci
- Enlarged ventricles
- Prominent cerebellar folia
• CSF - ↑ protein
• EEG - Features of encephalopathy
Mx
• HAART
e) Patients with AIDS may develop a subacute or chronic vacuolar myelopathy leading to paraparesis or
quadriparesis, sphincter dysfunction, and sensory disturbances.
S/S
• Acute uncomplicated illness
- Fever to 39°C
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache, myalgia
• Protracted disease - Generalised infection;
- Persistent fever * Meningitis
- Hypovolaemia * Pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema
- Arteritis * Endocarditis, pericarditis
- Bone infection; * Hepatic (abscess)
* Osteomyelitis * Splenic (abscess)
* Arthritis, reactive or septic * UTIs
* Sacroilitis * Wound infection, soft tissue abscesses
Pathological findings
• Mucosal ulceration, haemorrhage and necrosis
• Reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and hypertrophy
• Focal organ and soft tissues abscesses
Ix
• Bacteraemia (first 10 days)
- Blood cultures positive
- Stool cultures negative
• Enterocolitis
- Blood cultures negative
- Stool culture positive for Salmonella species
- Faecal leucocytes positive
- WBC normal or decreased - lymphopaenia
• Local infections
- Polymorphonuclear leucocytosis with ↑neutrophils
- Tissue site culture positive
• Asymptomatic carrier state
- Stool culture positive for >1 year
- Urine culture may be positive with certain serotypes
Pathology
Bacteraemia → Localise in the Peyer's patches & Follicles where they swell, ulcerate & heal
S/S
• 1st Week;
- Fever - stepladder fashion for 4-5d
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Relative bradycardia
- Abdominal discomfort/bloating/constipation
- Diarrhoea (& vomiting in children (less common in adults))
• End of 1st Week;
- Dry cough
- Rose spot (transient erythematous maculopapular rash in anterior thorax or upper abdomen)
- Splenomegaly
- Abdominal distension
- Diarrhoea
• End of 2nd Week;
- Delirium, complications, then coma & death (if untreated)
Ix
• First 10d - Blood culture
• 2nd - 3rd Week - Stool m/c/s - Stool culture is not reliable because it may be positive in gastroenteritis
without typhoid fever.
• Cultures of bone marrow occasionally are positive when blood cultures are not.
• Widal test
The interpretation of this test for specific O & H antibodies depends on;
- The level of 'enteric' antibodies in the healthy population
- Previous vaccination
- Previous infection - only H antibodies tend to persist to detectable levels
Peak agglutinin titres occur during the third week of the disease & a fourfold rise in O and H antibody titres
in paired specimens acquired 2 wks apart suggests S. typhi infection.
This test (Widal's agglutination reaction) is only moderately sensitive (30% of culture-proven cases have
negative tests) and lacks specificity;
* Many non-typhoidal Salmonella strains have cross-reacting O and H antigens
* Cirrhosis is associated with non-specific antibody production, causing a falsely positive Widal's
reaction
• Chronic S. typhi carriers can now be identified by a simple passive hemagglutination test using highly purified
Vi antigen.
Rx
• Antibiotics;
- Ceftriaxone and cefoperazone
- Septrin
- Amoxicillin
- Quinolones
• Corticosteroid therapy is recommended for all patients with suspected typhoid fever who are delirious,
obtunded, stuporous, comatose, or in shock.
• S. haematobium
- Painless terminal haematuria
- Frequency due to bladder neck obstruction
- Haemospermia due to disease of the seminal vesicles
- Complications;
9 Frequent UTIs
9 Bladder or ureteric stone formation
9 Hydronephrosis
9 Renal failure with a contracted calcified bladder
* Ectopic deposition of eggs may cause transverse myelitis, paraplegia & skin lesions
* In several endemic areas, there is a strong epidemiological association of S. haematobium infection
with SCC of the bladder
• S. mansoni
- Symptoms begin ≥ 2mo after infection
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea with blood stained mucous
- Rectal polypi
- Early hepatomegaly is reversible but portal hypertension may cause massive splenomegaly,
fatal haematemesis from oesophageal varices, or progressive ascites; Liver function is
initially preserved because the pathology is fibrotic rather than cirrhotic.
* Infection predispose to the carriage of salmonella as the bacteria lodges in the groove
between the male & female leading to recurrent salmonellosis
O/E
• Hepatosplenomegaly
• Lymphadenopathy
• ± Pneumonia
Ix
• Eosinophilia
• S. haematobium;
- Terminal stream urine - Terminal spined eggs
- Dipstick- blood & albumin
- AXR - bladder calcification in chronic S. haematobium infection
- Renal U/S - Bladder wall thickening, hydronephrosis & bladder calcification
- Cystoscopy - 'sandy' patches, bleeding mucosa & later distortion
• S. mansoni;
- Stool m/c/s - Lateral spined eggs
- Rectal biopsy for ova
- Sigmoidoscopy - inflammation or bleeding
- +ve Schistosomiasis serology - useful as a screening test but remain positive after
chemotherapeutic use
Mx
• Praziquantel - in early infection will reverse pathologies such as hepatomegaly & bladder wall thickening
• Oxamniquine - S. mansoni
• Metrifonate - S. haematobium
Sickling disorders are due to the production of abnormal β peptide chains. An amino acid substitution in the gene
coding for the β chain (Glu→ Val at position 6), results in the production of HbS rather than HbA.
HbA2 & HbF are still produced.
The Homozygote (SS) has Sickle-cell anaemia & Heterozygotes (HbAS) have Sickle-cell trait, which causes no
disability except in hypoxia, when veno-occlusive events may occur.
HbAS;
- Provides significant protection against all-cause mortality severe falciparum malaria with high density
parasitaemia (>10%) - genetic resistance appears to be limited to the erythrocytic stage & the possible
mechanisms include;
i) Inhibition of merozoite entry into RBC due to increased membrane rigidity
ii) Intracellular loss of K+ during sickling creates hostile environment, impairing intracellular growth of
parasite
iii) Infected cells are more easily sickled & removed from circulation
iv) Prevents erythrocyte lysis that occurs at the end of parasite maturation thus merozoites are not
released into blood stream.
Symptomatic sickling occurs in Heterozygotes with genes coding other analogous amino acid substitutions (e.g.
HbSC & SD diseases).
Homozygotes (CC;DD) have asymptomatic mild anaemia.
Pathogenesis
HbS polymerizes when deoxygenated, causing RBCs to sickle; Sickle cells are fragile & haemolyse; they also block
small vessels.
S/S
` Early
• Anaemia 2° to;
- Haemolysis → Jaundice
- Splenic sequestration
- Aplastic crisis
HbS gives up oxygen to tissues relatively easily compared to HbA hence symptoms of anaemia are
relatively mild in relation to severity of anaemia.
• Acute sickle dactylitis, presenting as the hand-foot syndrome. Its associated findings include painful,
usually symmetric, swelling of the hands and feet. The underlying abnormality is ischemic necrosis of the
small bones, believed to be caused by a choking off of the blood supply as a result of the rapidly expanding
bone marrow.
• Young children with HbSS may have splenomegaly associated with their haemolytic disease, though splenic
phagocytic and reticuloendothelial functions have been shown to be markedly reduced (functional
asplenia) from 2-4 yrs, a factor leading to their increased susceptibility to meningitis, sepsis, and other
serious infections especially malaria, mainly caused by Pneumococci (leucocytosis, left shift, aplastic
crises, ± DIC) and Haemophilus influenza in the absence of specific antibody to the polysaccharide
capsular antigens of these organisms.
Splenic dysfunction is also caused by sickling of RBC within the spleen & inability of the spleen to filter
micro organisms from the blood stream. With progression to the syndrome of hypersplenism, there may be
worsening anaemia and sometimes thrombocytopenia. Splenomegaly is rare if >10yrs as the spleen infarcts
in children between 6 and 60 mo, causing pain and contributing to the process of "autosplenectomy."
Other factors contributing to increased risk of infection;
- Dysfunctional IgG & IgM antibody responses
- Defects in alternative pathway fixation of complement
- Opsonophagocytic dysfunction
` Late
• Acute painful vaso-occlusive episodes. In young children pain often involves the extremities; in older
patients head, chest, abdominal, and back pain occur more commonly. The joints are red, painful, tender
and swollen. There is associated bossing of the skull due to increased marrow activity (Hair-on-end
appearance on X-ray) and metacarpal shortening due to frequent infections of the bone reducing bone
growth.
• Pulmonary infarction, often occurring in association with pneumonitis or microscopic fat emboli (from
bone marrow infarction) may produce the severe clinical picture of acute chest syndrome. It occurs mostly in
infants & entails pulmonary infiltrates (fat embolism from bone marrow, infection with Chlamydia,
Mycoplasma, or virus, & sickled RBCs) involving complete lung segments, causing pain, fever, tachypnoea,
wheeze & cough. Prodromal painful crisis occur 2.5d before any abnormalities on CXR in 50% of patients.
Mx
- Bronchodilators with those with wheezing or obstructive pulmonary function at presentation
- Antibiotics
- Red cell transfusion/Exchange transfusion
Long term lung complications - hypoventilation, atelectasis, & lung infiltrates - partly preventable by
incentive spirometry - 10 maximal inspirations/2h
• Osteomyelitis is caused by Salmonella (70%), Staph. Aureus (<25% though more common cause),
Pneumococci (15%)
• Lower Leg ulcers 2° to vascular stasis & local ulceration especially around the medial malleolus in
patients >16yrs
• Renal failure 2° to infarction of the medulla with papillary necrosis; failure to concentrate urine leads to
dehydration and nocturnal enuresis is common (drug therapy is inappropriate if <7yrs old)
• Iron overload from many transfusions
• The eye;
- Proliferative retinopathy
- Blunt trauma may cause bleeding into the anterior chamber (hyphaemia) → Sickling of RBCs →
Obstructive glaucoma & blindness
Pathophysiology
Stage 1:
Fe loss exceeds intake, causing progressive depletion of storage Fe (represented by ↓ bone marrow Fe
content). Although Hb and serum Fe remain normal, serum ferritin concentration falls (< 20 ng/mL). As
storage Fe decreases, there is a compensatory increase in absorption of dietary Fe and in the
concentration of transferrin (represented by a ↑ TIBC).
Stage 2:
Exhausted Fe stores cannot meet the needs of the erythroid marrow. While the plasma-transferrin level
increases, the serum Fe concentration declines, leading to a progressive decrease in Fe available for
erythropoiesis. When serum Fe falls to < 9 mmol/L and transferrin saturation to < 16%, erythropoiesis is
impaired. The serum ferritin receptor concentration rises (> 8.5 mg/L).
Stage 3:
Anaemia with normal-appearing RBCs and indices occurs.
Stage 4:
Microcytosis and then hypochromia are present.
Stage 5:
Fe deficiency affects tissues, resulting in symptoms and signs.
Mx
• Oral therapy.
- Ferrous sulphate 200mg (65mg elemental iron) PO TDS for 6mo post recovery to replenish iron stores
- If S/E - GI symptoms;
* Reduce dose to BD or switch to Ferrous Gluconate 300mg BD (70mg elemental iron/d)
• Parenteral therapy;
** Iron dextran (Ferric OH + dextrans)
** Iron sucrose (Ferric OH + sucrose)
- Patient cannot tolerate oral therapy
- Continuing blood loss
- Malabsorption
Prognosis;
• 90% of patients with stage A and over 70% of patients with stages B and C experience long-term remission and
possible cure
• Without treatment, prognosis is grave
* Common to all - Nausea, vomiting, alopecia, bone marrow depression, stomatitis, mucositis
* 5-HT3 antagonists e.g. Ondansetron, Granisetron, are approved for use in the prevention of nausea and vomiting
associated with surgery and with cancer chemotherapy.
Incidence
Median age - 60-70yrs (54yrs in Kenya)
M:F - 2:1
Classification
• IgG - 55%
• IgA - 21%
• Light chain only - 22%
• Others (D, E, non-secretory) - 2%
C/P
Ix
* Boiling test - Precipitation in urine of Bence jones proteinuria on heating (40°-60°) & dissolving on
boiling.
* Plasma viscosity is ↑ & RBCs form rouleaux easily on a slide
Only 5% of patients with an ESR persistently above 100mm/hr have myeloma
* In the absence of fractures or bone repair, the plasma ALP & the bone scan are normal
* Serum β2-microglobulin estimation may provide a useful assessment of prognosis
* The absence of immune paresis (reduction of normal Ig levels to <50% normal) should cast doubt on the
diagnosis
* X-Rays;
• Generalised osteoporosis
• The 'classic' lesions are;
- multiple punched-out defects with 'soft' margins (lack of new bone) in the skull, pelvis &
proximal femur
- a crushed vertebrae
- a solitary lytic tumour in a large-bone metaphysis.
Complications
Death is commonly due to;
• Infection
• Haemorrhage
• Renal failure
Abulia - Apathy, indifference, and diminished arousal with lack of spontaneity and motivation
Causes;
- Frontal lobe injury/tumours or ischaemia/infarction due to occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery distal to its
junction with the anterior communicating artery
- Lesions of the basal ganglia - this may reflect interruption of the circuits that link the striatum to the frontal
cortex
- Hydrocephalus
- Recurrent severe hypoglycaemia
- SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
Rx;
- Amantadine, bromocriptine, methylphenidate, levodopa
Causes;
• Raised intracranial pressure
- Cerebral mass lesion (tumour, abscess)
- Hydrocephalus, haemorrhage, haematoma
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• Obstruction of ocular venous drainage
- Central retinal vein occlusion
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis
• Systemic disorders affecting retinal vessels
- Hypertension
- Vasculitis
- Hypercapnoea
• Optic nerve damage
- Demyelination (optic neuritis/papillitis)
- Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
- Ischemia
- Toxins (e.g. methanol)
- Infiltration of optic disc
- Sarcoidosis
- Glioma
- Lymphoma
FINGER CLUBBING
Caused by hypervascularity and the opening of anastomotic channels in the nail bed.
Not demonstratable before 6 mo age though may still be seen earlier.
GRADES
I. Soft nail bed
II. Angle at the nail plate is lost and may exceed 180o.
III. Parrot beak appearance. Schamroth’s window test negative.
IV. Drum stick appearance
V. Pulmonary osteoarthropathy - Findings in hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy include clubbing of the
fingertips and bony tenderness of the distal radius and ulna caused by underlying periostitis
CAUSES
Cardiac
• Cyanotic congenital heart disease
• Endocarditis
• Atrial myxoma
Gastrointestinal
Pulmonary • Celiac disease
• Chronic lung suppuration; • Chronic dysentery
○ Tuberculosis • Chronic ulcerative colitis
○ pneumonia • Multiple polyposis
○ Abscess • Regional enteritis
○ Empyema • Malignancy
○ Bronchiectasis
○ Cystic fibrosis Hepatic
• Ca Lung • Cirrhosis
• Malignant neoplasms • Liver failure
• Fibrosing alveolitis
Pleural
• Mesothelioma
Other
• Hodgkin disease
• Thyrotoxicosis
• HIV
• Ca Prostate
RFTs
LFTs
BGAs
FHG
MCV 76 - 96 fl
MCH 0 - 32
MCHC 0 - 38
Cardiac Enzymes
CK 24 - 170 U/L
LDH 190 - 360 U/L