Anthrax Author: Sandro Cinti, MD; Barbara Robinson-Dunn, PhD; Niklas Mackler, MD
Module updated - 2009-11-19
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  • Consider therapeutic thoracentesis in patients with pleural effusions due to inhalational anthrax.
  • Provide supportive care as needed in patients with inhalational and GI anthrax, and anthrax meningitis.

Consider therapeutic thoracentesis in patients with pleural effusions due to inhalational anthrax. C

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Provide supportive care as needed in patients with inhalational and GI anthrax, and anthrax meningitis. C

  • For patients with inhalational anthrax provide:
    • Oxygen and ventilator support to patients with respiratory distress.
    • Hydration and nutritional support as needed.
    • Psychological support to patients and family members, especially if the infection has resulted from a bioterrorist attack.
  • For patients with GI anthrax provide:
    • Hydration
    • Blood transfusions as needed
  • For patients with anthrax meningitis provide:
    • Hydration
    • Other supportive measures as needed
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FAQs
Barbara Robinson-Dunn, PhD has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Nicholas John Vietri, MD, MS, editorial consultant, has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Niklas Mackler, MD has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Sandro Cinti, MD has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations.
Darren B. Taichman, MD, PhD, Editor, PIER, has received grant support from Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd , and honoraria for continuing medical education grand rounds and lectures given.

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