Makindo Medical Notes.com |
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Cause | Diagnostic Tests | Management |
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Trauma/Injury |
- Clinical diagnosis based on history of injury
- X-ray: To rule out fractures (if necessary) |
- RICE therapy: Rest, ice, compression, elevation
- Analgesics: NSAIDs for pain relief - Monitor for healing |
Platelet Disorders (e.g., Thrombocytopenia) |
- Complete blood count (CBC): Low platelet count
- Peripheral blood smear: To assess platelet morphology - Bone marrow biopsy: In unexplained cases |
- Platelet transfusions: For severe thrombocytopenia
- Immunosuppressive therapy: If immune-mediated (e.g., ITP) - Treat underlying cause: In cases of secondary thrombocytopenia |
Coagulation Disorders (e.g., Haemophilia) |
- Coagulation profile: Prolonged PT or aPTT
- Factor assays: To identify specific clotting factor deficiencies - Genetic testing: In hereditary cases |
- Factor replacement therapy: For hemophilia
- Desmopressin (DDAVP): For mild cases of hemophilia A - Avoidance of trauma: To prevent further bleeding |
Liver Disease |
- Liver function tests (LFTs): Elevated ALT, AST, bilirubin
- Coagulation profile: Prolonged PT/INR due to reduced clotting factor production - Ultrasound/CT: To assess for liver damage or cirrhosis |
- Treat underlying liver condition: Manage cirrhosis, hepatitis
- Vitamin K supplementation: To improve coagulation - Possible liver transplantation: For end-stage liver disease |
Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy) |
- Clinical diagnosis based on dietary history
- Plasma ascorbic acid levels: Low in vitamin C deficiency |
- Vitamin C supplementation: Oral or IV ascorbic acid
- Dietary modifications to increase vitamin C intake (fruits, vegetables) |
Medications (e.g., Anticoagulants) |
- Clinical history of anticoagulant use (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
- Coagulation profile: Prolonged PT/INR or aPTT |
- Adjustment of anticoagulant dose: To maintain therapeutic levels
- Vitamin K: For warfarin reversal - Protamine sulfate: For heparin reversal |
Vasculitis |
- Biopsy of affected tissue: Shows inflammation of blood vessels
- Inflammatory markers: Elevated ESR, CRP - ANCA testing: For certain types of vasculitis |
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation
- Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate, azathioprine for severe cases - Monitor for organ involvement: Regular follow-up testing |
Leukaemia |
- Complete blood count (CBC): Abnormal white blood cells, anaemia, thrombocytopenia
- Bone marrow biopsy: To confirm diagnosis and subtype |
- Chemotherapy: To treat leukaemia cells
- Bone marrow transplantation: In selected cases - Supportive care: Transfusions for anaemia or thrombocytopenia |
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) |
- Coagulation profile: Prolonged PT, aPTT
- Platelet count: Low - D-dimer: Elevated - Fibrinogen levels: Low |
- Treat underlying cause: Infection, trauma, cancer
- Blood product replacement: Platelets, fresh frozen plasma - Heparin: In select cases to control excessive clotting |
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) |
- Clinical diagnosis based on characteristic purpuric rash, joint pain, and abdominal pain
- Urinalysis: May show haematuria or proteinuria - Biopsy: In atypical cases, shows IgA deposition |
- Supportive care: Hydration and pain management
- Corticosteroids: For severe abdominal pain or renal involvement - Monitor kidney function for long-term complications |