Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Biomarkers in sepsis management. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 1: A 25-day-old male infant presents to the emergency department because his mother states that he has been acting irritable for the past 2 days and has now developed a fever. On exam, the infant appears uncomfortable and has a temperature of 39.1 C. IV access is immediately obtained and a complete blood count and blood cultures are drawn. Lumbar puncture demonstrates an elevated opening pressure, elevated polymorphonuclear neutrophil, elevated protein, and decreased glucose. Ampicillin and cefotaxime are immediately initiated and CSF culture eventually demonstrates infection with a Gram-negative rod. Which of the following properties of this organism was necessary for the infection of this infant?
- A. K capsule (Correct Answer)
- B. M protein
- C. Fimbriae
- D. IgA protease
- E. LPS endotoxin
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***K capsule***
- The K capsule (specifically **K1 antigen**) is a specific virulence factor found in **E. coli** strains, which are a common cause of neonatal meningitis.
- This capsule is **antiphagocytic** and helps the bacteria evade the immune system, allowing it to cross the **blood-brain barrier** and cause meningitis in neonates.
*M protein*
- **M protein** is a major virulence factor associated with **Streptococcus pyogenes** (Group A Strep), playing a role in attachment and immune evasion.
- While *S. pyogenes* can cause infections, it is not typically the Gram-negative rod responsible for **neonatal meningitis** and its M protein is not relevant here.
*Fimbriae*
- **Fimbriae** (pili) are important for bacterial **adhesion** to host cells, often in the initial stages of infection, particularly in urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- While gram-negative rods possess fimbriae, the specific virulence factor critical for **meningitis** caused by *E. coli* in neonates is the K1 capsule, not fimbriae which are more for initial colonization.
*IgA protease*
- **IgA protease** is an enzyme produced by some bacteria (e.g., *N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae*) that cleaves **IgA antibodies**, helping them colonize mucous membranes.
- This enzyme is not a primary virulence factor for the **Gram-negative rod** causing neonatal meningitis, where capsule formation is more critical for invasion.
*LPS endotoxin*
- **Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin** is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for many symptoms of sepsis and **systemic inflammation**.
- While LPS contributes to the overall disease severity, it primarily mediates **inflammation and fever**, and is not the specific factor necessary for **invasion and survival within the central nervous system**, which is facilitated by the K capsule.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 2: A 72-year-old man being treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is admitted to the emergency department for 1 week of dysuria, nocturia, urge incontinence, and difficulty initiating micturition. His medical history is relevant for hypertension, active tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and BPH with multiple urinary tract infections. Upon admission, he is found with a heart rate of 130/min, respiratory rate of 19/min, body temperature of 39.0°C (102.2°F), and blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. Additional findings during the physical examination include decreased breath sounds, wheezes, crackles at the lung bases, and intense right flank pain. A complete blood count shows leukocytosis and neutrophilia with a left shift. A sample for arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) was taken, which is shown below.
Laboratory test
Serum Na+ 140 mEq/L
Serum Cl- 102 mEq/L
Serum K+ 4.8 mEq/L
Serum creatinine (SCr) 2.3 mg/dL
Arterial blood gas
pH 7.12
Po2 82 mm Hg
Pco2 60 mm Hg
SO2% 92%
HCO3- 12.0 mEq/L
Which of the following best explains the patient’s condition?
- A. Metabolic acidosis complicated by respiratory alkalosis
- B. Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis complicated by metabolic acidosis
- D. Respiratory acidosis complicated by metabolic alkalosis
- E. Metabolic acidosis complicated by respiratory acidosis (Correct Answer)
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Metabolic acidosis complicated by respiratory acidosis***
- The patient's pH is significantly low (7.12), indicating **acidemia**. The **HCO3- is markedly low (12 mEq/L)**, and PCO2 is elevated (60 mm Hg), suggesting both a metabolic and a respiratory component to the acidosis.
- The severe infection (fever, elevated heart rate, hypotension, flank pain, leukocytosis, elevated creatinine) and the signs of hypoperfusion contribute to **lactic acidosis (metabolic acidosis)**, while his history of COPD and lung findings (decreased breath sounds, wheezes, crackles) explain the impaired ventilation leading to **respiratory acidosis**.
*Metabolic acidosis complicated by respiratory alkalosis*
- While a **metabolic acidosis** is clearly present due to the low pH and HCO3-, the PCO2 is elevated, indicating **respiratory acidosis**, not alkalosis.
- Respiratory alkalosis would be characterized by a **low PCO2** due to hyperventilation.
*Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis*
- To determine the anion gap, we use the formula: **Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-)**. In this case, 140 - (102 + 12) = 140 - 114 = **26 mEq/L**.
- An anion gap of 26 mEq/L, which is significantly elevated (normal range is typically 8-12 mEq/L), indicates an **anion gap metabolic acidosis**, not a non-anion gap one.
*Respiratory alkalosis complicated by metabolic acidosis*
- The low pH and HCO3- confirm **metabolic acidosis**, but the elevated PCO2 (60 mm Hg) indicates **respiratory acidosis**, not alkalosis, as the respiratory component is also acidotic.
- Respiratory alkalosis would result from **hyperventilation and a low PCO2**.
*Respiratory acidosis complicated by metabolic alkalosis*
- While the elevated PCO2 indicates **respiratory acidosis**, the HCO3- is significantly low (12 mEq/L), which points to a **metabolic acidosis**, not metabolic alkalosis.
- **Metabolic alkalosis** would be characterized by an **elevated HCO3-**.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 3: A patient presents to the emergency room in an obtunded state. The patient is a known nurse within the hospital system and has no history of any medical problems. A finger stick blood glucose is drawn showing a blood glucose of 25 mg/dL.
The patient's daughter immediately arrives at the hospital stating that her mother has been depressed recently and that she found empty syringes in the bathroom at the mother's home. Which of the following is the test that will likely reveal the diagnosis?
- A. Fasting blood glucose
- B. Urine metanephrines
- C. Genetic testing
- D. 24 hr cortisol
- E. C-peptide level (Correct Answer)
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***C-peptide level***
- A **low C-peptide level** in the presence of **hypoglycemia** and high insulin levels confirms the diagnosis of **exogenous insulin administration** (factitious hypoglycemia).
- **C-peptide** is cleaved from **proinsulin** in equimolar amounts with endogenous insulin, making it an excellent marker to differentiate endogenous insulin production from exogenous insulin injection.
- In this case: **Low C-peptide + High insulin + Hypoglycemia** = exogenous insulin administration.
*Fasting blood glucose*
- The patient already has documented **hypoglycemia (25 mg/dL)**, so an additional fasting blood glucose test would not provide further diagnostic information about the **cause** of hypoglycemia.
- A single fasting blood glucose level indicates current glucose status but **does not differentiate** between endogenous insulin overproduction (insulinoma) and exogenous insulin administration.
*Urine metanephrines*
- **Urine metanephrines** are used to diagnose **pheochromocytoma**, a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla.
- Pheochromocytoma presents with **hypertension**, palpitations, headaches, and diaphoresis—**not hypoglycemia**.
- This test is not relevant to the differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia.
*Genetic testing*
- **Genetic testing** might be considered for rare hereditary causes of hypoglycemia, such as congenital hyperinsulinism or genetic insulinoma syndromes (e.g., MEN1).
- Given the clinical context (depressed nurse with access to insulin and empty syringes found at home), **exogenous insulin administration** is far more likely than a genetic condition.
- Genetic testing is not the appropriate initial diagnostic step in this scenario.
*24 hr cortisol*
- A **24-hour urinary cortisol** test is used to diagnose **Cushing's syndrome** (cortisol excess), not hypoglycemia.
- While **adrenal insufficiency** (cortisol deficiency) can cause hypoglycemia, it typically presents with **hypotension**, **hyponatremia**, **hyperkalemia**, and **hyperpigmentation**—features not described in this case.
- The clinical presentation strongly suggests insulin-related hypoglycemia rather than adrenal insufficiency.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 4: A research group is investigating an allosteric modulator to improve exercise resistance and tolerance at low-oxygen conditions. The group has created cultures of myocytes derived from high-performance college athletes. The application of this compound to these cultures in a low-oxygen environment and during vigorous contraction leads to longer utilization of glucose before reaching a plateau and cell death; however, the culture medium is significantly acidified in this experiment. An activating effect on which of the following enzymes would explain these results?
- A. Bisphosphoglycerate mutase
- B. Lactate dehydrogenase (Correct Answer)
- C. Enolase
- D. Malate dehydrogenase
- E. Pyruvate dehydrogenase
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Lactate dehydrogenase***
- Enhanced **lactate dehydrogenase** activity would lead to increased conversion of **pyruvate to lactate**, regenerating **NAD+** for glycolysis to continue under **anaerobic conditions**.
- This process explains the **longer glucose utilization** and the significant **acidification of the medium** due to lactate production.
*Bisphosphoglycerate mutase*
- This enzyme is involved in the synthesis of **2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG)** in red blood cells, which affects **hemoglobin's oxygen affinity**, not direct glucose utilization in myocytes under anaerobic conditions.
- While important for oxygen delivery, its activation would not primarily explain the observed **increased glucose utilization** and **lactic acid accumulation** in myocyte cultures.
*Enolase*
- **Enolase** catalyzes the conversion of **2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate** in glycolysis.
- While crucial for glycolysis, its activation alone without an efficient disposal pathway for **pyruvate** (like lactate formation) would not sustain glucose metabolism and lead to such pronounced acidification under anaerobic stress.
*Malate dehydrogenase*
- **Malate dehydrogenase** is primarily involved in the **citric acid cycle** and the **malate-aspartate shuttle**, operating under **aerobic conditions** to convert malate to oxaloacetate.
- Its activation would not sustain glycolysis or lead to the observed **acidification** in a low-oxygen environment, where the citric acid cycle is inhibited.
*Pyruvate dehydrogenase*
- **Pyruvate dehydrogenase** converts **pyruvate to acetyl-CoA**, shunting carbons into the **citric acid cycle** for **aerobic respiration**.
- In a **low-oxygen environment**, this enzyme's activity would be limited due to reduced oxygen, and its activation would not explain the sustained glucose utilization or the significant **lactic acid accumulation** from anaerobic metabolism.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 5: An 11-year-old male is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department after being a restrained passenger in a motor vehicle accident. His father was driving him to soccer practice when they were hit by a wrong way driver. On presentation, his temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 100/62 mmHg, pulse is 108/min, and respirations are 21/min. He is found to be agitated and complains of nausea, severe epigastric pain, and lower extremity pain. Physical exam reveals lacerations and ecchymosis on his left forehead, right flank, and lower extremities. Radiographs demonstrate an open book fracture of the pelvis as well as bilateral femur fractures. Despite multiple interventions, his condition deteriorates and he passes away from his injuries. Post-mortem pathologic examination of abdominal tissues reveals white deposits containing calcium. Abnormal activity of which of the following proteins is most likely responsible for these deposits?
- A. Proteases
- B. Plasmin
- C. Thrombin
- D. Lipases (Correct Answer)
- E. Immunoglobulin
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Lipases***
- The patient's presentation with **severe epigastric pain**, **agitation**, and **fever** following massive trauma suggests **acute pancreatitis**, which can result from blunt abdominal injury.
- In acute pancreatitis, activated **lipases** degrade adipocytes, leading to the release of fatty acids that combine with calcium to form **calcium soaps**, appearing as white, chalky deposits in the abdominal tissues.
*Proteases*
- While proteases are also involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, their primary role is the **breakdown of proteins** and cell membranes, contributing to tissue destruction.
- They do not directly cause the characteristic **white, calcium-containing deposits** observed in fat necrosis.
*Plasmin*
- **Plasmin** is a key enzyme in the **fibrinolytic system**, responsible for dissolving blood clots.
- While trauma can activate coagulation and fibrinolysis, plasmin's activity is not directly linked to the formation of **calcium deposits** in fat necrosis.
*Thrombin*
- **Thrombin** is a central enzyme in the **coagulation cascade**, converting fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to clot formation.
- Its primary role is in **hemostasis**, and it is not directly responsible for the development of **calcium soaps** in adipose tissue necrosis.
*Immunoglobulin*
- **Immunoglobulins** (antibodies) are part of the immune system, involved in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens or foreign substances.
- They are not directly involved in the enzymatic processes that lead to **fat necrosis** and **calcium deposition** in the context of acute pancreatitis.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 6: A person is exercising strenuously on a treadmill for 1 hour. An arterial blood gas measurement is then taken. Which of the following are the most likely values?
- A. pH 7.56, PaO2 100, PCO2 44, HCO3 38
- B. pH 7.32, PaO2 42, PCO2 50, HCO3 27
- C. pH 7.57 PaO2 100, PCO2 23, HCO3 21 (Correct Answer)
- D. pH 7.38, PaO2 100, PCO2 69 HCO3 42
- E. pH 7.36, PaO2 100, PCO2 40, HCO3 23
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***pH 7.57, PaO2 100, PCO2 23, HCO3 21***
- After 1 hour of strenuous exercise, this represents **respiratory alkalosis with mild metabolic compensation**, which is the expected finding in a healthy individual during sustained vigorous exercise.
- The **low PCO2 (23 mmHg)** reflects appropriate **hyperventilation** in response to increased metabolic demands and lactic acid production. During intense exercise, minute ventilation increases dramatically, often exceeding the rate of CO2 production.
- The **slightly elevated pH (7.57)** and **mildly decreased HCO3 (21 mEq/L)** indicate that respiratory compensation has slightly overshot, creating mild alkalosis, while the bicarbonate is consumed both in buffering lactate and through renal compensation.
- **Normal PaO2 (100 mmHg)** confirms adequate oxygenation maintained by increased ventilation.
*pH 7.36, PaO2 100, PCO2 40, HCO3 23*
- These are **completely normal arterial blood gas values** with no evidence of any physiological stress or compensation.
- After 1 hour of strenuous exercise, we would expect **hyperventilation with decreased PCO2**, not a normal PCO2 of 40 mmHg. This profile would be consistent with rest, not vigorous exercise.
- The absence of any respiratory or metabolic changes makes this inconsistent with the clinical scenario.
*pH 7.56, PaO2 100, PCO2 44, HCO3 38*
- This profile suggests **metabolic alkalosis** (high pH, high HCO3) with inadequate respiratory compensation (normal to slightly elevated PCO2).
- This is **not consistent with strenuous exercise**, which produces metabolic acid (lactate), not metabolic base. The elevated HCO3 suggests vomiting, diuretic use, or other causes of metabolic alkalosis.
*pH 7.32, PaO2 42, PCO2 50, HCO3 27*
- This indicates **respiratory acidosis** (low pH, high PCO2) with **severe hypoxemia** (PaO2 42 mmHg).
- During strenuous exercise, healthy individuals **increase ventilation** to enhance O2 delivery and remove CO2, so both hypoxemia and hypercapnia are unexpected and would suggest severe cardiopulmonary disease or hypoventilation.
*pH 7.38, PaO2 100, PCO2 69, HCO3 42*
- This demonstrates **compensated respiratory acidosis** (normal pH, markedly elevated PCO2 and HCO3).
- The **very high PCO2 (69 mmHg)** indicates severe **hypoventilation**, which is the opposite of what occurs during exercise. This profile suggests chronic respiratory failure with metabolic compensation, such as in severe COPD.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 7: A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department due to an episode of lightheadedness. The patient was working at his garage workbench when he felt like he was going to faint. His temperature is 98.8°F (37.1°C), blood pressure is 125/62 mmHg, pulse is 117/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Laboratory values are ordered as seen below.
Hemoglobin: 7 g/dL
Hematocrit: 22%
Leukocyte count: 6,500/mm^3 with normal differential
Platelet count: 197,000/mm^3
The patient is started on blood products and a CT scan is ordered. Several minutes later, his temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 87/48 mmHg, and pulse is 180/min. The patient's breathing is labored. Which of the following is also likely to be true?
- A. Anaphylactic reaction (Correct Answer)
- B. Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction
- C. Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction
- D. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
- E. Bacterial contamination of blood products
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Anaphylactic reaction***
- The rapid onset of **hypotension**, **tachycardia**, and **respiratory distress** immediately following blood product administration is highly suggestive of an anaphylactic reaction.
- This severe allergic reaction occurs within **minutes** of exposure and can rapidly progress to **shock** and **airway compromise**.
- The profound cardiovascular collapse with respiratory distress is the hallmark presentation.
*Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction*
- Characterized by **fever** and **chills** within several hours of transfusion.
- Typically does **not** cause the profound **hypotension** and severe **respiratory distress** seen here.
- While a slight temperature elevation occurred, the overwhelming cardiovascular collapse is not typical.
*Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction*
- Usually presents with **fever**, **chills**, **flank pain**, **dark urine** (hemoglobinuria), and sometimes hypotension due to **ABO incompatibility**.
- Onset can be rapid but typically includes more evidence of **hemolysis** (jaundice, hemoglobinuria).
- The immediate and severe respiratory compromise is less typical compared to anaphylaxis.
*Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)*
- Presents primarily with **acute respiratory distress**, **hypoxemia**, and **bilateral pulmonary infiltrates** within six hours of transfusion.
- Usually occurs **1-6 hours** post-transfusion, not within minutes.
- While respiratory distress is present, the immediate and profound circulatory collapse with such rapid onset points toward anaphylaxis rather than TRALI.
*Bacterial contamination of blood products*
- Can present with **septic shock**: fever, hypotension, and tachycardia following transfusion.
- However, the **respiratory distress** and **immediate onset** within minutes are more characteristic of anaphylaxis.
- Bacterial contamination typically has a slightly more gradual onset and may show signs of sepsis.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 8: A 27-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services. The patient was an unrestrained passenger in a head-on collision that occurred 15 minutes ago and is currently unresponsive. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 60/33 mmHg, pulse is 180/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. A FAST exam demonstrates fluid in Morrison’s pouch. Laboratory values are drawn upon presentation to the ED and sent off. The patient is started on IV fluids and an initial trauma survey is started. Twenty minutes later, his blood pressure is 95/65 mmHg, and his pulse is 110/min. The patient is further stabilized and is scheduled for emergency surgery. Which of the following best represents this patient’s most likely initial laboratory values?
- A. Hemoglobin: 10 g/dL, Hematocrit: 30%, MCV: 110 µm^3
- B. Hemoglobin: 19 g/dL, Hematocrit: 55%, MCV: 95 µm^3
- C. Hemoglobin: 7 g/dL, Hematocrit: 21%, MCV: 75 µm^3
- D. Hemoglobin: 11 g/dL, Hematocrit: 33%, MCV: 88 µm^3 (Correct Answer)
- E. Hemoglobin: 15 g/dL, Hematocrit: 45%, MCV: 90 µm^3
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Hemoglobin: 11 g/dL, Hematocrit: 33%, MCV: 88 µm^3***
- The patient experienced significant trauma and is experiencing **hemorrhagic shock**, as evidenced by his initial **hypotension** (BP 60/33 mmHg), **tachycardia** (pulse 180/min), and positive **FAST exam** for fluid in Morrison's pouch, indicating intra-abdominal bleeding.
- The initial hemoglobin and hematocrit could be mildly decreased due to acute blood loss, but significant drops are often *not immediately apparent* as plasma volume has not yet moved into the intravascular compartment to dilute the remaining red blood cells. A hemoglobin of 11 g/dL and hematocrit of 33% are consistent with **acute blood loss** before significant hemodilution occurs. MCV of 88 µm^3 is within the normal range for **normocytic anemia** seen in acute hemorrhage.
*Hemoglobin: 10 g/dL, Hematocrit: 30%, MCV: 110 µm^3*
- While a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL and hematocrit of 30% are consistent with anemia due to blood loss, an **MCV of 110 µm^3** (macrocytic) is not typically seen in acute hemorrhage.
- Macrocytic anemia usually results from conditions like **B12 or folate deficiency**, alcoholism, or liver disease, which are not suggested by the acute traumatic scenario.
*Hemoglobin: 19 g/dL, Hematocrit: 55%, MCV: 95 µm^3*
- This indicates **polycythemia** (abnormally high red blood cell count), which is the opposite of what would be expected in a patient experiencing acute hemorrhagic shock.
- These values would suggest conditions like **polycythemia vera** or severe dehydration, which are not relevant in this acute trauma setting.
*Hemoglobin: 7 g/dL, Hematocrit: 21%, MCV: 75 µm^3*
- While a hemoglobin of 7 g/dL and hematocrit of 21% represent significant anemia consistent with major blood loss, these values are typically seen *later* as **hemodilution** occurs, or in cases of chronic blood loss.
- An **MCV of 75 µm^3** (microcytic) is generally indicative of **iron deficiency anemia** or thalassemia, which develops over time and is not characteristic of acute traumatic blood loss.
*Hemoglobin: 15 g/dL, Hematocrit: 45%, MCV: 90 µm^3*
- These values are within the **normal range** for hemoglobin and hematocrit, which would not be expected in a patient presenting with signs of **hemorrhagic shock** and a positive FAST exam indicating significant internal bleeding.
- This would suggest either very minor blood loss or that the values were taken before any bleeding had occurred or before hemodilution had a chance to manifest.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 9: A previously healthy 17-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department because of fever, nausea, and myalgia for the past day. His temperature is 39.5°C (103.1°F), pulse is 112/min, and blood pressure is 77/55 mm Hg. Physical examination shows scattered petechiae over the anterior chest and abdomen. Blood culture grows an organism on Thayer-Martin agar. Which of the following virulence factors of the causal organism is most likely responsible for the high mortality rate associated with it?
- A. Immunoglobulin A protease
- B. Lipooligosaccharide (Correct Answer)
- C. Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1
- D. Lipoteichoic acid
- E. Erythrogenic exotoxin A
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Lipooligosaccharide***
- The patient's presentation with **fever**, **hypotension**, and **petechiae**, along with a positive blood culture on Thayer-Martin agar, points to **meningococcemia** caused by *Neisseria meningitidis*.
- **Lipooligosaccharide (LOS)** acts as an **endotoxin**, triggering an excessive inflammatory response that leads to widespread vascular damage, **capillary leakage**, and **septic shock**, accounting for the high mortality.
*Immunoglobulin A protease*
- While *N. meningitidis* produces **IgA protease** to cleave secretory IgA and evade host defenses on mucosal surfaces, this factor is primarily involved in colonization and initial invasion rather than the systemic severity and mortality of septic shock.
- Its role is to help the bacteria **adhere and penetrate** host mucous membranes, but it does not directly cause the shock and petechiae seen in this severe presentation.
*Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1*
- **Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1)** is a **superantigen** produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* that causes **toxic shock syndrome**, which can present with fever, rash, and hypotension.
- However, the organism grown on **Thayer-Martin agar** is characteristic of *Neisseria meningitidis*, not *Staphylococcus aureus*.
*Lipoteichoic acid*
- **Lipoteichoic acid** is a major component of the cell wall of **Gram-positive bacteria**, acting as a potent proinflammatory molecule and contributing to septic shock in those infections.
- *Neisseria meningitidis* is a **Gram-negative bacterium**, and therefore does not possess lipoteichoic acid.
*Erythrogenic exotoxin A*
- **Erythrogenic exotoxin A** is primarily produced by ***Streptococcus pyogenes*** and is responsible for the characteristic rash of **scarlet fever**.
- While *S. pyogenes* can cause invasive infections, the clinical picture and the specific growth on **Thayer-Martin agar** are not consistent with streptococcal infection.
Biomarkers in sepsis management US Medical PG Question 10: A 38-year-old previously healthy woman develops septic shock from necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity. Despite three debridements, broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin, meropenem, clindamycin), IVIG, and aggressive critical care support, she develops refractory shock requiring norepinephrine 1.2 mcg/kg/min, vasopressin 0.04 units/min, and epinephrine 0.1 mcg/kg/min. Lactate is 15 mmol/L. Surgical team recommends hemipelvectomy as last option for source control. Family is devastated. ICU team notes SOFA score of 18. Synthesize an approach to management and decision-making.
- A. Transfer to ECMO center for consideration of VA-ECMO as bridge to hemipelvectomy
- B. Multidisciplinary meeting with surgery, ICU, palliative care, and family to discuss realistic outcomes, quality of life, and patient values before decision (Correct Answer)
- C. Continue medical management for 24 hours and proceed with hemipelvectomy only if shock improves
- D. Decline surgery based on futility given SOFA score >15 and initiate comfort care
- E. Proceed with hemipelvectomy immediately as only chance for survival with informed consent from family
Biomarkers in sepsis management Explanation: ***Multidisciplinary meeting with surgery, ICU, palliative care, and family to discuss realistic outcomes, quality of life, and patient values before decision***
- In high-acuity cases with refractory shock and high **SOFA scores (>15)**, shared decision-making is essential to align surgical intervention with the patient’s **goals of care**.
- This approach ensures that the **prognosis**, which carries a high risk of mortality and morbidity from **hemipelvectomy**, is transparently communicated by the entire medical team.
*Transfer to ECMO center for consideration of VA-ECMO as bridge to hemipelvectomy*
- **VA-ECMO** is generally not indicated in septic shock with refractory vasoplegia and severe multi-organ failure as it doesn't solve the **source control** issue.
- The logistics and physiological stress of a transfer in the setting of **1.2 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine** would be highly unstable and likely fatal.
*Continue medical management for 24 hours and proceed with hemipelvectomy only if shock improves*
- Delaying source control in **necrotizing fasciitis** while shock is worsening usually leads to death, as medical management alone cannot overcome the focus of infection.
- Waiting for improvement in the setting of a **lactate of 15 mmol/L** and triple vasopressors is unrealistic without definitive surgical intervention.
*Decline surgery based on futility given SOFA score >15 and initiate comfort care*
- While the **SOFA score** indicates a very high mortality risk, unilateral physician declaration of **medical futility** is ethically complex and can damage family trust.
- Comfort care should remain a possibility, but first requires a thorough **interdisciplinary discussion** to ensure legal and ethical standards are met.
*Proceed with hemipelvectomy immediately as only chance for survival with informed consent from family*
- Performing such a **mutilating surgery** without a detailed discussion of the expected **quality of life** and long-term functional loss is poor surgical practice.
- Immediate surgery without addressing the massive **operative mortality** risk ignores the patient's potential preference for a dignified death over a futile procedure.
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