TEALE FENNING

toyin2 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 29 Location: London

just need something clarified...hope its ok to write this!!?

spiramycin given to infected mum will reduce risk of transmission to babe by about 60% right?

So mcq asking.." spiramycin is used in the treatment of inutero toxoplasma infections" is that true or false?

if false is it becoz they mean u dont use it to treat an infected fetus per se just to reduce risk of fetus getting it?

am i confused or just being silly

SallyC · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 50 Location: Oxford

I think it's probably false because spiramycin as you say is routinely given to decrease mother to child transmission rates.

If there is evidence of fetal "in utero" infection (usually from PCR detection of T gondii DNA in amniotic fluid) pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are given as well.

So I think the general idea is spiramycin cuts down the risk and the other two treat it.

It's a blooming confusing question though because you usually continue the spiramycin, to cut down the maternal parasitic load, isn't this part of treating it?!! I would still stick with false though.

Ah, who knows what goes through the mind of these MCQ setters Laughing

toyin2 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 29 Location: London

yeah i think its false too.
makes sense...stupid RCOG Twisted Evil

Bryony · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 14 Location: london

I agree that mcq asking.." spiramycin is used in the treatment of inutero toxoplasma infections" should be false.

However, I would say "true" if the question was "spiramycin is used in the treatment of toxoplasma infections in pregnancy"

The tricky wording of these questions is so frustrating. I find that the more I read the question the more I over analyse it and end up changing my answer and getting them wrong!

Deep breaths..... Rolling Eyes

nibbs07 · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Hampshire

Among mothers known to have acquired toxoplasmosis during 1st trismester,the spontaneous abortion rate is above 20%-T

as most of the fetus end with spontaneous miscarriage right?
_________________
Nibbs

Shinelkimo · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 55

F 82. Among mothers known to have acquired toxoplasmosis during the first trimester of pregnancy the spontaneous abortion rate is above 20%. (5

ref: Pickersgill ,2nd edition , p-36/47 Rate of fetal infection- 1st trim. 17%, 2nd trim. 25%, 3rd trim. 65% .It sometimes causes miscarriage but not to the extent of 20%. so the ans. is false)

himanshu · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 11

i will go for true
as u have to wait until delivery to confirm changes of congenital toxoplasmosis
if maternal infection is confirmed, should be commenced to reduce he likelihood of fetal infection
it should be started asap as longer delays increase the risk of fetal damage
a recent study failed to detect a beneficial effect of early or more potent prenatal anti toxoplasma treatment [ pyremethamine- sulfadiazine] on the risks of intracranial or ocular lesions in children with congenital toxoplamosi

so i will go for true