What are the differences between cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility and cost-minimisation analyses?
Which sensory modalities are lost in syringomyelia?
Pain and temperature (dissociated sensory loss), with preserved vibration and proprioception
Which joints are affected by neuropathic (Charcot) arthropathy in syringomyelia?
Shoulder joints
Which acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is licensed for Parkinson’s-related dementia?
Rivastigmine
Are extraocular muscles usually involved in motor neurone disease?
No they are typically spared
What is the BNP threshold for echocardiogram within 6 weeks?
400–2000 pg/mL.
What BNP level warrants urgent (2-week) echocardiogram and cardiology review?
> 2000 pg/mL.
Do ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers improve mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
No they do not
What drug class should be added for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%)?
Aldosterone antagonist (e.g. spironolactone).
What are the effects of aromatase inhibitors (e.g. anastrozole, letrozole) on bone health?
Increased risk of osteoporosis
What is the most common inherited thrombophilia?
Factor V Leiden (Activated protein C resistance).
What defines osteopenia on DEXA scan?
T score between -1 and -2.5
What does the Z-score represent?
Bone density adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity.
When should bisphosphonates be started in a patient aged ≥50 on ≥7.5 mg prednisolone for ≥3 months?
Immediately, no tests needed
What should be prescribed immediately for postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures?
bisphosphonate
What is the diagnostic test for primary hyperaldosteronism?
Aldosterone-renin ratio
Features of primary hyperaldosteronism?
Hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis.
What are the classical triad of Graves’ disease?
Ophthalmopathy, pretibial myxoedema, thyroid acropachy
What is the initial levothyroxine dose in adults under 65 with no heart disease? What about those with heart disease?
1.6 mcg/kg/day.
In heart disease start with 25-50 mcg/day
What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer?
Obesity, HRT, family history, tamoxifen, nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause.
What are protective factors against endometrial cancer?
Coffee/tea drinking, COCP use, progesterone-releasing IUD.
What is first line for infertility in PCOS? What is second?
1st = Clomifene
2nd = metformin
Up to what gestation can a woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy fly?
36 weeks
When is anti-D prophylaxis given in pregnancy?
28 & 34 weeks