17 Questions
What is one of the primary considerations when discovering sexually transmitted infections in young children?
Exploring potential sexual abuse
Which of the following sexually transmitted infections is not often the primary cause of issues in men and often recurs?
Candidiasis (Thrush)
What is the causative organism of Candidiasis in most cases?
Candida albicans
How is Candidiasis usually treated in cases of vaginal infections?
Antifungal creams and tablets
In what scenarios can Candida infection become systemic?
In immunosuppressed individuals
What is the primary symptom of Candidiasis in women?
Itchiness around the vagina
What is the goal of therapeutic management for HIV patients?
To maintain the CD4 cell count at greater than 500 cells/mm3
What is the consequence of HIV spreading to the brain?
It causes encephalopathy and dementia
What is the purpose of administering protease inhibitors during pregnancy?
To prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV
Why is breastfeeding not recommended for HIV-positive mothers?
Because it increases the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk
What is the recommended dose of Zidovudine during pregnancy?
100 mg p.o. 5x/day
What is the purpose of CD4 cell count testing in HIV assessment?
To measure T4 cells present and functioning
What does a CD4 count below 350 suggest in HIV patients?
The immune system has been damaged
Which mode of transmission is most likely to result in vertical transmission of HIV to a newborn?
Breastfeeding from an HIV-positive mother
What activity during labor increases the risk of transmitting HIV from an infected mother to the baby?
Breaking of the amniotic sac
What is a key HIV prevention measure regarding breastfeeding for an HIV-positive mother?
Exclusive formula feeding instead of breastfeeding
What does a CD4 count above 500 indicate in HIV-positive individuals?
Healthy immune system
Study Notes
HIV and Pregnancy
- HIV can spread to the brain, causing encephalopathy, which leads to dementia, and the severity of dementia symptoms increases with the spread of infection.
- The goal of therapeutic management is to maintain a CD4 cell count above 500 cells/mm³.
- To prevent mother-to-fetus transmission, protease inhibitors like Ritonavir (Norvir) and Zidovudine are administered during pregnancy.
- HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, exposure to infected blood, vertical transmission across the placenta, and breast milk.
Risk Factors and Assessment
- Risk factors for HIV infection include having multiple sexual partners, bisexual partners, using IVF with contaminated materials, and blood transfusions (rare).
- CD4 cell count testing is used to determine the functioning of T4 cells and assess the immune system's ability to resist opportunistic infections.
- A CD4 count above 500 is considered healthy, while a count below 350 indicates significant damage to the immune system.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- STIs range from easily treatable infections like trichomoniasis to life-threatening diseases like HIV.
- STIs can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, and may indicate sexual abuse in young children.
Candidiasis (Thrush)
- Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can occur when the immune system is weakened, and can affect anyone, especially those with diabetes or taking antibiotics.
- Symptoms in women include itchiness around the vagina, thick white discharges, and vaginal dryness.
- Symptoms in men include irritation and itching around the tip of the penis.
- Treatment includes topical creams, vaginal tablets, and oral tablets like Diflucan to prevent Candida infection.
Test your knowledge on how HIV can lead to encephalopathy and dementia, and the therapeutic management strategies involved in treating these conditions. Learn about maintaining CD4 cell count, preventing mother to fetal transmission, and administering antiretroviral medications.
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