03-07-2010, 09:28 AM
A 51-year-old man with a 4-year history of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is hospitalized for new-onset hypertension associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia. On admission, temperature was normal, pulse rate was 78/min, and blood pressure was 180/105 mm Hg. Neurologic examination was normal, and there was skin thickening over his face, chest, arms, hands, and legs. Lungs were clear to auscultation, and cardiac examination revealed a normal S1 and S2, an S4, and no S3. Abdominal examination was unremarkable. There was 1+ edema of both lower extremities.
Laboratory studies on admission:
Laboratory Studies
Hemoglobin
9.8 g/dL (98 g/L)
Platelet count
101,000/µL (101 × 109/L)
Blood urea nitrogen
32 mg/dL (11.43 mmol/L)
Creatinine
1.4 mg/dL (123.79 µmol/L)
Urinalysis
2+ protein; 3“5 erythrocytes/hpf; no casts
A peripheral blood smear showed 2+ erythrocyte fragments and schistocytes. At the time of admission, therapy with captopril, 6.25 mg every 8 hours, was initiated. Within 24 hours, this dose was increased to 25 mg every 8 hours.
Three days after admission, blood pressure is 140/95 mm Hg. The creatinine level is now 2.1 mg/dL (185.68 μmol/L). Complete blood count is unchanged, and repeat urinalysis reveals 2+ protein with no erythrocytes or leukocytes.
Which of the following is the most appropriate management at this time?
A Discontinue captopril; initiate calcium channel blocker therapy
B Continue to increase captopril dose
C Perform plasmapheresis
D Perform captopril renography
Laboratory studies on admission:
Laboratory Studies
Hemoglobin
9.8 g/dL (98 g/L)
Platelet count
101,000/µL (101 × 109/L)
Blood urea nitrogen
32 mg/dL (11.43 mmol/L)
Creatinine
1.4 mg/dL (123.79 µmol/L)
Urinalysis
2+ protein; 3“5 erythrocytes/hpf; no casts
A peripheral blood smear showed 2+ erythrocyte fragments and schistocytes. At the time of admission, therapy with captopril, 6.25 mg every 8 hours, was initiated. Within 24 hours, this dose was increased to 25 mg every 8 hours.
Three days after admission, blood pressure is 140/95 mm Hg. The creatinine level is now 2.1 mg/dL (185.68 μmol/L). Complete blood count is unchanged, and repeat urinalysis reveals 2+ protein with no erythrocytes or leukocytes.
Which of the following is the most appropriate management at this time?
A Discontinue captopril; initiate calcium channel blocker therapy
B Continue to increase captopril dose
C Perform plasmapheresis
D Perform captopril renography