Anthrax laboratory findings

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Anthrax Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Anthrax from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Anthrax laboratory findings On the Web

Most recent articles

cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anthrax laboratory findings

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Anthrax laboratory findings

CDC on Anthrax laboratory findings

Anthrax laboratory findings in the news

Blogs on Anthrax laboratory findings

Directions to Hospitals Treating Anthrax

Risk calculators and risk factors for Anthrax laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

Laboratory abnormalities common in systemic anthrax include: 1) anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis, particularly in latter stages of the disease; 2) decreased sodium level and increased BUN,;3) elevated transaminase levels and hypoalbuminemia; 4) inflammatory pattern with a low CRP, typical of injection anthrax; 5) identification of the organism, and possibly toxins, in cell cultures from blood, CSF, pleural fluid, among others; 6) and elevated troponin levels. A normal PT/PTT at admission does not exclude coagulopathy nor DIC.

Laboratory Findings

The following tests are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic anthrax:[1]

Laboratory findings
Test Initial Findings Serial Monitoring
CBC Hemoconcentration
Possible thrombocytopenia
Leukocyte count commonly normal
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Leukocytosis (late in disease)
Electrolyte
Renal Panel
Decreased sodium level
Increased BUN
Liver Enzymes
Serum Albumin
Elevated transaminase levels
Hypoalbuminemia
PT
PTT
D-dimer
Fibrinogen
Normal PT/PTT does not exclude DIC or coagulopathy Low threshold for hypercoagulability workup:
Haptoglobin
LDH
Fibrin split products
ADAMTS 13 if hemolytic anemia
C-Reactive Protein Characterization of inflammatory response
Typically low CRP in injection anthrax
Gram stain
Cultures
Toxic Assays
Blood
Serum
CSF
Pleural fluid
Ascites
Wound exudate
Bronchial exudate
Cultures usually negative after antibiotics
Toxins may be detected
Cardiac Enzymes
BNP
Troponin leak caused by increased cardiac demand from infection
(particularly if atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response)

References

  1. Hendricks, Katherine A.; Wright, Mary E.; Shadomy, Sean V.; Bradley, John S.; Morrow, Meredith G.; Pavia, Andy T.; Rubinstein, Ethan; Holty, Jon-Erik C.; Messonnier, Nancy E.; Smith, Theresa L.; Pesik, Nicki; Treadwell, Tracee A.; Bower, William A. (2014). "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Expert Panel Meetings on Prevention and Treatment of Anthrax in Adults". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 20 (2). doi:10.3201/eid2002.130687. ISSN 1080-6040.