Question

Stephanie, age 7, was brought to the hospital with fever, fatigue, bone pain, sore throat and bruising apparent in many places in her body. On examination, there was enlargement of the spleen and liver.

1. What lab tests would you ask to be done?

2. What are possible results that you expect to see in these lab results (if needed provide numbers)?

3. What is the possible diagnosis according to your answer to question 2?

4. How would Melody be treated according to your diagnosis?

5. Could this illness have been prevented?

Answer 1

1. The lab test that can be done are; CBC (complete blood count) to check the number of blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the system to identify the causes of these.

USG or CT scan to determine the size of the spleen and liver.

Liver function test and bone marrow biopsy

needle biopsy.

blood culture

2. In the CBC; red cells and white cell disorders are checked. Cytopenia, leukemia, and presence of blood parasites and the presence of any disorders like spherocytosis and hemolytic anemia. blood culture will help to rule out typhoid.

3/. If there is an increased bilirubin level, then the patient has jaundice and should be treated accordingly.identify the underlying cause and diagnosis should be made accordingly.

4. the treatment varies depending upon the causes of disease. lifestyle changes should be done.

rest, hydration, and medication should be provided.

if the underlying cause is cancer, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be advised.

liver transplant or removal of the spleen shoudl be advised as the last treament option.

5.if proper measures are taken at the right time, then it can be prevented.healthy lifestyle, avoidng alcohol, doing exercise and having healthy diet help to prevet.