Fetal distress can be caused by a host of factors; most notably, hypoxemia and hypovolemia are dangerous for the viable fetus. It is not uncommon for a pregnant patient to be affected by critical illness. Examples of nonobstetric maladies that lead to intensive care unit admission among pregnant women are hematologic issues (venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolus,
Virtually all burn patients have elevated core body temperatures and even a leukocytosis. Thus, fever after burn patients is not a reliable indicator of infection. One study in children found that fever had no predictive value for the presence of infection and physical examination was a more reliable source of information about wound infection and
Heterotopic ossification may occur following head or spinal cord trauma, burns, or major surgery on the musculoskeletal system. A heterotrophic bone may cause severe physical impairment by surrounding a joint such as the hip or the elbow and fixing the joint in a nonfunctional position (i.e., contracture). Heterotopic ossification is also very common following open
Chronic oxygen deficiency is defined as a prolonged lack of oxygen to the body as that occurs in living in high altitudes or by having severe chronic lung disease. Chronic oxygen deficiency have the following effects : There is decreased mental efficiency due the prolonged deficiency of oxygen Sleepiness, headache, lassitude and fatigubility are also common Euphoria is also
Cyanide Toxicity can occur with sodium nitroprusside. Hypertension is commonly seen in the perioperative setting as well as the intensive care unit (ICU). There are many agents to lower blood pressure with different mechanisms of action. One of the most potent vasodilators is sodium nitroprusside, which causes arteriolar and venous smooth muscle relaxation via nitric oxide-mediated
Unstable pelvic fractures include disruption of the ring anteriorly at the symphysis pubis or through a pubic bone and are broadly categorized into three types: anterior-posterior open book pelvic fracture, lateral compression fracture, and vertical shear malgaigne pelvic fracture. Pelvic fractures from blunt force trauma are broadly categorized as either stable or unstable based on
Open book pelvic fracture and Malgaigne pelvic fracture Read More »
Dural tear is a known complication of spinal surgeries, such as laminectomies, spinal fusions, and disc excisions. It most commonly occurs in the lumbar region. In general, the tear is noted at the time of operation when leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is noted by the surgeon. A tear in the dura results in decompression
Acute Systemic lupus erythematosus (Acute SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes. The disease affects primarily women and has a higher prevalence among African Americans. A series of clinical findings is associated with acute SLE. These include a characteristic malar rash, photosensitivity, arthritis, serositis, and a discoid
Ketamine receptors have GABAA receptor agonistic properties. Subanaesthetic doses of Ketamine receptors inhibits tonic convulsions induced by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. The GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, potentiates ketamin induced anesthesia whereas, bicuculline antagonizes it. Opioid Receptors : Ketamine receptors has been reported to interact with opioid receptors in clinically relevant concentration. Other studies have suggested
The components of blood are frequently used for transfusion, separately in different medical conditions. Many times whole blood may not be indicated and one component is sufficient for treating the patient. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Among the components of blood, Packed Cell Volume is the most important and commonly transfused component. These are used when
