This issue is the second part of our discussion of sudden vision loss, stressing conditions that present to the emergency department. You will note the utility of ocular ultrasound in diagnosing many of these conditions. This review was helpful to me as a practicing emergency physician.
-- J. Stephan Stapczynski, MD, FACEP, Editor
HIV may be acquired either vertically or horizontally. Vertical, or perinatal, transmission occurs when the virus is transmitted from mother to child in utero, during labor and delivery, or through breastfeeding. Horizontal transmission occurs when the virus is acquired behaviorally through the exchange of bodily fluids, typically through sexual contact or needle sharing.
Most infections of the uvula are viral.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of isolated uvulitis.
Group A Streptococcus is the most common organism causing bacterial uvulitis.
In cases of isolated uvular edema, think of the possibility of hereditary angioedema.
Because thermal or chemical burns of the uvula are often associated with illegal activity, patients may not be forthcoming with this history.
Early-onset sepsis occurs within 72 hours of birth and is often related to maternal infection at the time of birth.
