Status Epilepticus This is a protracted seizure. By definition, status epilepticus is a seizure that has lasted for > 30 minutes without intervening consciousness (but in reality, it is considered if a seizure lasts > 5 minutes). The most common…
Febrile Seizures Febrile seizures are common in children aged 6 months – 5 years old. It peaks at 12 – 18 months. It is associated with temperatures higher than 38 C and is NOT the result of CNS infection or…
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) AEDs should only be commenced by a specialist after the diagnosis of epilepsy has been confirmed. The choice of AEDs depends on seizure types, comorbidities, lifestyle and the patient’s preference. All AEDs are teratogenic. Valproate is the…
Epilepsy Epilepsy is characterized by chronic seizures. It is characterized by Idiopathic (75%), Recurrent (2 or more), unexplained seizures. Epilepsy is the chronic condition of recurrent seizures (a single seizure does not diagnose epilepsy, not drug/substance/infection induced). The choice of…
Overview Prerenal failure is azotemia caused by poor perfusion of the nephrons. Low perfusion reduces glomerular pressure, which reduces the pressure difference between afferent arterioles and Bowman’s spaces. This ultimately leads to reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Reduced perfusion is…
Overview Chronic kidney disease is defined as kidney damage or decreased kidney function of < 60ml/min for > 3 months. It may be caused by glomerular, tubular or vascular injury which may be detected on urinalysis, ultrasound or renal biopsy.…
Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection AKA Mycobacterium avium intracellular infection (MAI). Infection is similar to TB (primarily in the lungs, but can disseminate to cause systemic infections). If a patient presents with symptoms and CD4 is in double digits, treat presumptively…
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) Previously Pneumocystis carinii. A yeast-like, human-specific fungus that cannot be cultured in vivo.
Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS Any patient with a CD4 count <200 (or who develops any of these infections) will be considered to be in the state of AIDS. CD4 Count (per uL) Opportunistic Infection <500 Thrush, Tuberculosis activation, Kaposi sarcoma…
Overview Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It is one of the few pulmonary infections that can disseminate to other organs if not treated (or contained). It is spread by airborne particles which may be expelled through coughing,…