Practicing Medicine in Bush Alaska—Some ABCs: Difference between revisions

From Guide to YKHC Medical Practices

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==A GUIDE TO COMMON AND/OR UNIQUE CLINICAL ISSUES==
See [[:Category:YKHC Guidelines|YKHC Clinical Guidelines]] for recommendations on treatment and management of many of these diagnoses through our system.
===Animal Bites:===
With a preponderance of dogs on the Delta, you may be faced with many bites. The important issues concern the fear of rabies and the risk of infection.
Any unprovoked attack, or an attack by an unknown animal or unimmunized animal, should be considered for treatment for rabies. All bites should be reported to OEH. (543-6320)


There are “Rabies Investigation Report Forms” that should be filled out – (all the health aides and ER have) and there is always an OEH person on call if you have questions. (The operator keeps the list.) If the bite is severe it may need to come to Bethel. The rabies vaccine series may need to be given. The animal often needs to be caught and the brain sent for studies. The animal is usually quarantined for 10 days for observation before the decision to send the brain for rabies is made.
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; margin: auto:"
* Local care of any dog bite includes washing with soap and water.
! style="text-align:center;"|CARDIOVASCULAR
* Fox bites are especially rabies prone.
! style="text-align:center;"|INFECTIOUS DISEASE
* The patient should receive a tetanus shot if they haven’t had one within 5 years.
! style="text-align:center;"|NEONATAL
* High-risk
! style="text-align:center;"|PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE
* Bulleted list item
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
*wounds probably require prophylaxis, but this is controversial. Oral flora usually complicate the wound and treatment should be considered for:
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**any wound showing signs of infection
* [[Myocardial Infarction Acute|Acute Coronary Syndrome (Myocardial Infarction)]]
**any would that is difficult to clean
* [[Atrial Fibrillation / Atrial Flutter]]
**any wound in a critical area (face, hand, etc.).
* [[Congestive Heart Failure]]
*Organisms usually include
* [[Hypertension]]
**Streptococci
|rowspan="5"|
**Eikenella Corrodens*
* [[Amoxicillin Allergy Trials]]
**S. Aureus
* [[Botulism]]
**Bacteroids
* [[Chronic Cough/Bronchiectasis – Pediatrics|Bronchiectasis/Chronic Cough]]
**Peptococcus
* [[Bronchiolitis / Wheezing – 3-24 Months|Bronchiolitis/Wheezing]]
**Petostreptococci
* [[Croup/Stridor: Evaluation & Treatment|Croup/Stridor]]
**Pasteurella (14-50% dogs, 50-75% cats)
* [[Fever – Infants 0-90 days|Fever (0-90 days)]]
Penicillin resistant gram-negative rods are infrequent pathogens. *Eikenella is unusual in that it is often sensitive to PCN and Ampicillin, but not to oxacillin/methecillin/nafcillin/clindamicin.
* [[Fish Finger]]
 
*[[Haemophilus influenza type a (Hia)]]
Amoxicillin/clavulanate would be the best choice for prophylaxis if it were needed.  for prophylaxis if it were needed.
* [[Influenza]]
===Botulism:===
* [[Acute Cervical Lymphadenitis Evaluation & Treatment – Pediatrics|Lymphadenitis, Acute Cervical]]
[[link to Botulism Resources]]
* [[Otitis Media 3 months–12 years|Otitis Media, Acute]]
 
* [[Peritonsillar Abscess]]
'''Three types of Botulism'''
* [[Pharyngitis|Pharyngitis (Group a Strep)]]
 
* [[Pneumonia – Adult|Pneumonia (Adult)]]
# Food (preformed toxin ingested) -- The main topic here
* [[Pneumonia – Pediatric More Than 3 Months|Pneumonia (Pediatric)]]
# Wound (organism grown in wound and forms toxin)
* [[ANMC ADULT Procalcitonin (PCT) Utilization Guideline/Clinical Pathway|Procalcitonin (Adult)]]
# Infantile (intestinal tract organism with formation of toxin)
* [[Rabies]]
 
* [[Sepsis – Adult|Sepsis (Adult)]]
'''Background'''
* [[Sepsis – Pediatric|Sepsis (Pediatric)]]
 
*[[Septic Joint]]
Botulism is very common here due to the fermented food that is considered a delicacy. Fish heads will be buried in the tundra for weeks and then dug up and eaten. If they were covered with Saran wrap or in a plastic container – they may be contaminated with botulism. Also seal oil that is sealed tightly is another risky food.
* [[Sexually Transmitted Infections]]
* [[Sinusitis More Than 5 Years|Sinusitis]]
Botulism is a gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that can exist as a spore and resist killing. The toxin it releases interferes with neurotransmission at the peripheral cholinergic synapses preventing acetylcholine release. Fortunately, the toxin, which causes food poisoning, can be killed with boiling for 10 minutes or maintaining T+80c for 30 minutes.
* [[Skin and Soft Tissue Infection|Skin and Soft Tissue Infection (Abscess/Cellulitis)]]
 
* [[Tuberculosis (Active and LTBI)]]
Because lab tests for botulism take several days the initial diagnosis depends on rapid clinical assessment. The incubation period is usually 12-36 hours.
* [[UTI – Adult]]
 
* [[UTI Children 3 Months–5 Years]]
'''Classic diagnostic pentad for botulism symptoms'''
* [[Varicella]]
|
* Diplopia -blurry vision due to eye dilation, 
*[[Newborn GBS & Infection Evaluation and Treatment|Newborn Early-Onset Sepsis/GBS]]
* Dysphagia
*[[Jaundice Neonatal Evaluation & Treatment|Neonatal Jaundice]]
* Dilated Fixed Pupils
*[[Neonatal Glucose Screening Evaluation and Treatment|Neonatal Glucose Screening]]
* Dry Throat or mouth
|
* Nausea or Vomiting
* [[Amoxicillin Allergy Trials]]
The three major areas of clinical symptoms are gastrointestinal, neurological, and muscular:
* [[Breast Cancer Screening]]
 
* [[Lead Evaluation – Pediatrics|Lead Level, Blood (Pediatric)]]
GI: Nausea/vomiting, ileus, diarrhea early, constipation late, and dry mouth.
|-
 
! style="text-align:center;"|GASTROINTESTINAL
'''Neurologic''': symptoms may follow the ingestion by 3 days and include dry mouth, blurry vision, diplopia, dilated or unreactive pupils, dysphagia, decreased gag reflex.
! style="text-align:center;"|NEUROLOGY
 
! style="text-align:center;"|PSYCHIATRY
'''Muscular:''' Symmetrical skeletal muscle weakness, respiratory muscle paralysis, fatigue, dyspnea
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
|
Possible contaminated foods need to be sent to the public health department in Anchorage. As soon as a case of botulism is suspected, the State Epidemiology Lab, Public Health and YKHC’s Office of Environmental Health (OEH) need to be notified IMMEDIATELY. This is considered a public health emergency and therefore contacting people after hours and activating appropriate resources is essential.
* [[Helicobacter pylori in Alaska Natives|Dyspepsia – H. Pylori]]
 
* [[Hepatitis B]]
'''Treatment'''
* [[Hepatitis C]]
 
|
'''Observation''': the patients are followed with observation and Q 1 hour monitoring of their FVC.
* [[Head Injury / Concussion  Under 18 Years]]
 
* [[Ischemic Stroke – Acute| Ischemic Stroke, Acute]]
'''Equine produced antitoxin''': will prevent further deterioration, but not resolve the symptoms. Because of our relatively high incidence of botulism here in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, we have several antitoxin kits available in the pharmacy and additional kits can be gold-streaked out from Anchorage from their stockpile if there is a large outbreak (many members of the same family ate the contaminated food, for example). There is a Botulism step-by-step protocol located in the ER as this is where most of the cases are sent once they are recognized. The protocol has very specific directions that accompany the antitoxin. Read them closely and consult with Anchorage CDC to see if it should be initiated. The instructions also include very specific directions for blood to be drawn PRIOR to administration of the antitoxin.
* [[Pediatric Seizures|Seizures (Pediatric)]]
 
|
Pre-emptive intubation and ventilation management should be considered if FVC falls to less than 80% of predicted or is diminishing over time in those with chronic lung disease. Please consult with an experienced provider when considering the management of botulism.
* [[Alcohol Hangover/Withdrawal]]
=== Cellulitis -- Community acquired MRSA Abscesses ===
* [[Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children|Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children (ADHD)]]
There is a tremendous amount of cellulitis and abscesses in the YK Delta. We have a lot of community acquired MRSA infections here, probably from the lack of running water in many of our villages. I and D is our first line treatment for all boils. Many of the health aides can I and D simple abscesses – but small children and complicated ones we have sent to Bethel – to be seen in clinics or ER. Please culture all abscesses when you do an I&D so we can get a sensitivity on the organism!!!!!! That is the only way we know what we are treating. We have two great cellulitis and abscess guidelines (one for outpatient evaluation and treatment and one for severe) – please refer to them. If the erythema is over 10x10 cm, antibiotics are recommended after I&D. First line is Septra then Doxycycline for po treatment.
*[[Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD)]]
 
* [[Title 47 Hold]]
If the cellulitis is huge – they may be started on IV meds. As the resistance to fluorquinolones is increasing – we have been using mostly IV Vancomycin. If the patients are stable we may have adult patients come back Q12 hours to get their antibiotics on an outpatient basis (pediatric patients must be admitted for IV treatment). If the cellulitis doesn’t seem to be resolving, they will be admitted. Lower extremity cellulitis should have a low threshold for admission.
|-
=== Fish Finger: ===
! style="text-align:center;"|GENETICS/ENDOCRINE
(AKA Seal Finger, Spaek Finger, Speck Finger, Spekk Finger, and Blubber Finger)
! style="text-align:center;"|OBSTETRICS
 
! style="text-align:center;"|TRAUMA/INJURY/INGESTION
Fish finger is an infection that develops after handling fish, fish products, seal, or walrus. It is considered an occupational hazard for wildlife and marine workers and aquarium personnel. It may also occur from handling items exposed to the above such as slime covered nets, knives, etc. In the Delta, the infection may be noted on any extremity that comes into contact with aquatic creatures. Patients may describe both arm and leg exposure to animals such as walruses, ie when kneeling on a carcass while butchering. Fingers, however, are the primary area involved. A complete history is warranted when investigating the presentation of a painful, red, swollen digit. Patients may insisted they have used intact gloves with butchering, yet on later history they reveal gutting lake trout without gloves.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
|
The infection is characterized by an incubation time ranging from hours to 3 – 4 days. Infection may occur in initially intact tissue, although history of seal or fish bite, knife cut, etc may precede infection onset. Fish finger develops rapidly, with severe pain, intense swelling, and often adjacent joint involvement. Ascending lymphangitis and adenopathy may be seen. Without treatment, the joint symptoms may progress for months or years, leading to cellulitis, tenosynovitis, and/or arthritis. Pathological examination has revealed neither necrosis nor abscess formation. Prior to antibiotics, sealers were known to opt for amputation because of the pain and disability resulting from infection.
*[[Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)]]
 
*[[Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)]]
The causative organism is unknown. Three different types of mycoplasm are suspect. Unfortunately these cannot be appreciated on routine culture. Other organisms that may cause similar infection from saltwater organism exposure include erysipelothris rhusiopathiae and vibrio vulnificus. This differential is important because while vibrio and mycoplasm infection are treatable with tetracyclines, erysipeloid infection is treated with penicillins.
*[[CPT1A Arctic Variant]]
 
* [[Type 2 Diabetes|Diabetes (Type 2)]]
With a straightforward presentation of a dull red. hot, swollen, very painful finger with a rapid onset and clear history of fish/walrus/seal exposure, fish finger is suspect and doxycycline is the drug of choice. This will cover the common sources of infection. Erysipelothris is suspect, however, is there is not a good response to doxycycline, if the erythema is intense, and if the infection spreads peripherally with violaceous color and distinct raised borders. Erisipelothris is a serious infection with risk of bacteremia and endocarditis, thus is important to keep in the differential. Erisipeloid may be cultured as well.
* [[HLA-B27]]
*[[Kuskokwim Syndrome (Arthrogryposis-like syndrome)]]
It is wise to keep village patients with fish finger in town for a recheck the following day, in order to observe response to doxycycline. If they return to the village without a recheck, there is the possibility that they will be “weathered in” and be unable to promptly return to Bethel should treatment failure occur. This places them at risk of bacteremia and endocardititis should they be infected with the more serious erysipeloid.
*[[Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)]]
 
*[[Micro-aspiration (in Apparently Neurologically Typical Children)]]
=== Frostbite: ===
* [[Osteoporosis]]
Frostbite is, for obvious reasons, a common problem. If someone is in a village with frostbite and there is a chance of refreezing - DO NOT THAW. If you can guarantee the affected extremity can be kept warm and at body temperature (95-100 degree) a bath can be used to rewarm the affected area. If it’s just blisters, they usually stay in the village with local (pun intended) care there. If you elect to transport the patient in, don’t let the affected area get bumped on the way.
*[[Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency]]
 
*[[Septo Optic Dysplasia]]
Once here, the patient may need daily whirlpools, they will need NSAIDS and avoidance of all pressure to the area. Bear in mind that the longer you wait and treat conservatively, the less tissue damage will occur. A foot that initially looks bad enough that all the toes may be lost will often do much better than expected. (A toe saved, a toe earned - be patient and do no harm). Both clear and hemorrhagic blisters often occur-the books will tell to unroof the hemorrhagic blisters; practical experience shows that keeping them intact until they break on their own is better. Debride as needed to prevent bacterial trapping. Of note, aloe gel is helpful as a dressing. We also have very experienced physical therapists skilled in wound care. Use these resources.
|
 
* [[Anemia in Pregnancy]]
Warn patients that paresthesias are common and they have a high risk of re-injuring the area in future exposures. Avoid all tobacco to increase blood flow.
* [[Anti-D Immune Globulin]]
* [[Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy]]
Update Tetanus vaccination.
* [[Ectopic Pregnancy – Treatment|Ectopic Pregnancy]]
=== Hepatits B===
* [[First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding: Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis & Treatment of Non-Viable Early Pregnancy|First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding]]
Hepatitis B is common here with the probable major mode of transmission being sexual or close contact. There is a high carrier rate and the “Hepatitis B” program does an excellent job in following AFPs and LFTs to screen for hepatomas bi-annually in these carriers. Children not vaccinated at birth and all Alaskans and health care workers working in Alaska should receive the three part vaccination. Pregnant women who are carriers need to have their HepBeAg tested. If it is positive the child at birth should get the Hep B immunization as well as the immunoglobulin. If the mother is just HepBsAg positive – they do not get the immunoglobulin. If the mother is just HepBsAg positive—they do not get the immunoglobulin—Epidemiology per our State recommendations.
* [[Gestational Diabetes]]
 
* [[Gestational Hypertension]]
=== HLA-B27 ===
* [[Group B Streptococcus (GBS) – Maternal]]
This is frequent in this population with all of its associations (Reiters syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are much more common here. We manage patients with rheumatic arthritis on Methotrexate with the assistance of ANMC specialist. Remember the labs that need to be done Q 1-2 months – kidney, liver, and blood count – CBC and Comp Chem.
* [[Intrahepatic Cholestatis of Pregnancy (IHCP)]]
=== Otitis Media/History of Mastoiditis ===
* [[Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)]]
Lots and lots on the Delta. Please refer to our Otitis Media Guideline [[link to guideline]]. If the TMs are red and have no mobility – then recommendation is to treat them. Our antibiotic recommendation include—first line high dose Amoxicillin, second line Augmentin, third line Omnicef, and lastly Rocephin x 3 days. If the child has a long history of ear infections – referral for audiology for hearing eval . Tube placement referral is very common – it is done in Anchorage.
* [[Molar Pregnancy]]
 
* [[Oligohydramnios]]
Many people over the last few decades had mastoiditis and had mastoidectomies to treat it in our population. They should be seen by ENT every 1-–2 years to have their mastoid bowls cleaned out and examined.
* [[Postpartum Hemorrhage]]
=== Pneumonia ===:
* [[Preterm Labor Screening and Prevention|Preterm Labor]]
We have lots of lower respiratory infections in this region. Children who otherwise appear well and have relatively normal vital signs may have large infiltrates on the CXR. We tend to obtain CXRs for all children with a chief complaint of fever and cough and treat if indicated.
* [[Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes]]
 
* [[Vaginal Birth After Cesarian]]
We have 10x the Strep Pneumonia rate of infection, as the rest of the state – so we take additional precautions in our newborns with fever. We have 50x the RSV Bronchiolitis incidence – as the rest of the world. Breastfeeding has been the only positive thing to decrease a child’s risk at this time. We do give Synagis to our high-risk pre-termers or cardiac complicated children.
|
Look at our pneumonia guideline for recommendations for work up and treatment.
* [[Acetaminophen Overdose]]
=== Strep Pharyngitis ===
* [[Burn Evaluation and Treatment]]
This is usually caused by a Group A (strep pyogenes), but can be caused by groups C and G. It usually occurs in children ages 5-10 with peak incidence in the first few years of school. The transmission is through direct contact via respiratory or nasal secretions. There can be food or water borne outbreaks and the incubation period is 2-4 days. We have a great deal of strep throat in the Delta as well as peritonsillar abscesses.
* [[Frostbite]]
 
|}
Clinical onset in older children and adults is abrupt onset of ST, HA, malaise and feverish.
 
The pharynx is usually red and edematous with hyperic/hyperplastic tonsils with white exudate, tender lymphadenopathy, and T>101. Symptoms usually last 3-5 days. It may develop into a peritonsillar abscess with a enlarged asymmetrical tonsil – exquisitely tender. This may need to be drained by needle aspiration.
Exudative pharyngitis in children less than 3 is rarely streptococcal. Type specific antibodies are seen in 4-8 weeks and protect against infection with organisms of the same M-type.
 
'''Treatment'''
 
Positive strep in a patient with no allergies can be treated with LA bicillin x 1 – with age appropriate dosing. If the family requests PO treatment – it is now recommended to give penicillin – 750mg po Q day x 10 days. You can use the daily dosing to increase compliance.
 
Evaluate for dehydration – as some of our severely ill patients require IV fluids – as they are so dehydrated due to decreased oral intake from the pain.
If a peritonsillar abscess looks likely – it will need to be drained with needle aspiration – using hurricane spray for numbing. Ask for assistance with this as it can be tricky.
Be aware that there can many complications from strep – and a review of common complications and management is important.
=== Tuberculosis ===
A large percentage of the elderly on the Delta have had active TB in the past. You’ll see a lot of abnormal x-rays and find a lot of +PPD’s recorded in charts. If a patient doesn’t know if or how they were treated for TB, you can often find a report under the “x-ray” section of the chart on old “TB screening” x-ray reports. The public health nurses may also have a record of the patient’s treatment. The RPMS health summary of ten indicates TB status as well.
 
The most important thing to remember about TB is to remember TB. You may see new “converters”, new disease in a previous converter, reactivation. Be suspicion is the key to diagnosis of. CXR’s should be done on all converters (to determine skin test + vs. disease) and any person with a +PPD and symptoms suspicious for disease. Sputum’s can be sent to the State labs in “cans” x 3 for AFB and culture and sensitivity.
 
Public Health Nursing does most of the screening, follow up, and other investigation. They provide skin testing, and school screening. MWF 1-3 is a good time for them. (907-543-2110)
PPDs can also be placed in villages, or on outpatient units.
 
The hospital has several physicians designated at TB Control Officer (Drs Roll, Bowerman, Chyi and Mondesir) by virtue of their interest and special training - they do all of the prescribing of anti-tuberculosis meds. Please notify this resource.
 
A TB isolation designation should be used for any patient admitted to the hospital for ‘rule-out TB”. Questions about this can be directed to infection control nurse or physician.

Revision as of 22:42, 16 August 2021

See YKHC Clinical Guidelines for recommendations on treatment and management of many of these diagnoses through our system.

CARDIOVASCULAR INFECTIOUS DISEASE NEONATAL PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE
GASTROINTESTINAL NEUROLOGY PSYCHIATRY
GENETICS/ENDOCRINE OBSTETRICS TRAUMA/INJURY/INGESTION