Somali Medical Forums
Medical Student Forums => Problem-Based Learning Center => Topic started by: Dr.A.al-sheeq on February 06, 2010, 03:00:49 AM
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A 50ys old femal with chronic asthma is admitted with nausea -vomiting and shortness of breath .she had been treated with erythromycin by her GP for chest hnfection as she was allergic to penicilllin . Her usual medication is a long acting beta-2 agonist an inhaled steroid and theophyllin
On examination she is shaking and anxious but able to complete full sentences . she has a respiration rate of 28|min pulse of 120|min blood pressure 140|70 mmhg and temperture of 36c ....O2 saturation 97% on air . Examination of her chest reveals equal air entry with little evaidence of wheez . Her peak flow is 400 (best 450)
blood gas (on air)
pH 7.36
PO2 11.4 kpa
PCO2 4.3 kpa
HCO3 25 mmol|l
what is likely cause of her symptoms ?
what is the most important test ?
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1. Cause of symptoms is theophylline toxicity secondary to erythromycin course as erythromycin is an enzyme inhibitor.
2. Test serum theophylline levels.