Clinical Medicine & Pharmacology Flashcards

A 55-year-old Emirati male presents with central obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, and fasting blood glucose of 6.2 mmol/L. Which condition best describes his presentation?

Answer: Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when central obesity co-exists with at least two of: raised triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension, or raised fasting glucose — this patient meets criteria.

Which antidiabetic drug class is associated with cardiovascular and renal protective benefits frequently recommended in UAE clinical guidelines for type 2 diabetes?

Answer: SGLT-2 inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renoprotective outcomes, making them preferred agents in UAE/international guidelines for T2DM with co-morbidities.

A patient is prescribed metformin 500 mg BD. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to its use?

Answer: Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)

Metformin is absolutely contraindicated when eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m² due to the risk of lactic acidosis from drug accumulation.

Which vaccine is part of the UAE National Immunisation Schedule given at birth to protect against a disease with high prevalence historically in the region?

Answer: BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine

BCG vaccine is given at birth in the UAE National Immunisation Schedule to provide protection against severe forms of tuberculosis, which remains a public health consideration in the region.

What is the first-line antihypertensive drug class preferred for a 45-year-old diabetic patient with proteinuria according to standard clinical guidelines applied in Abu Dhabi?

Answer: ACE inhibitors or ARBs

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are first-line for hypertensive diabetic patients with proteinuria due to their proven renoprotective effect beyond blood pressure control.

A child in Abu Dhabi presents with fever, cough, and Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Answer: Measles

Koplik spots — small white lesions on the buccal mucosa — are pathognomonic for measles (rubeola), preceding the classic maculopapular rash.