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 an enlargement of the spleen and liver. (Answer in detail)

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

2. What are the 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. Imaging and blood tests to help identify the defects in the liver and spleen. Blood test is used to count the number of platelets, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). In order to detect the enlargement of spleen, further testing is needed.

2. The above tests provide the information about the blood cells and blood drawn from a vein. If the spleen is enlarged it is infected. Enlarged spleen cause risk of injury, internal bleeding and liver diseases.

3. An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease. Ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan helps to determine the enlargement of spleen and Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) used to detect blood flow through the spleen. Bone marrow examination and liver function test may also require confirming the disease.

4. If the spleen enlargement is due to bacterial infection, antibiotics are preferred. Splenectomy is another option, which is the removal of spleen by surgery.

5. The disese if prevented by avoiding contact with body fluids from infected individuals. It can prevent by vaccination. Splenectomy is another option, which is the removal of spleen by surgery.