Cauda equina syndrome arises from compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots. Large herniated lumbar intervertebral discs are the most common culprit. Other sources of compression include spinal or sacral fractures or surgery common in ICU trauma patients, lumbosacral neoplasms, spinal stenosis, nonneoplastic masses such as cysts, peripheral neuropathy, and infectious processes. Low back pain is […]
Hemolytic Reactions Hemolytic reactions can be: Acute Hemolytic reactions Delayed Hemolytic reactions: The Delayed Hemolytic reactions are seen after a few days of blood transfusion. Acute hemolytic reactions It is usually due to ABO incompatibility (mismatch reaction). The most common cause of these transfusion reactions is clerical error. There is intravascular hemolysis. Incidence is
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Carbon dioxide was discovered by Von Helmont and was isolated by Joseph Black in 1757. Physical properties of carbon dioxide were shown by Yandell Henderson in 1925 and J S Haldane in 1926. It was frequently used to stimulate respiration and there was provision for carbon dioxide cylinders on old Boyle’s machines. The physical properties of
The principal options for Cerebral vasospasm treatment and treating delayed cerebral ischaemia are haemodynamic augmentation and endovascular therapy. Alternative therapies include intra-aortic counter pulsation (IABC), therapeutic hypothermia dedicated Cerebral vasospasm treatment and barbiturate coma. The concept of haemodynamic augmentation – also referred to as hypertension, hypervolemia, hemodilution or triple-H therapy—in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Acute myopathy has been increasingly recognized as a significant complication of patients cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU). The term critical illness myopathy (CIM) or ICU Myopathy is now used to describe a general syndrome of muscle dysfunction occurring in the critically ill patient, with subtypes of CIM also being defined. The major
Extubation is the process of removal of an Endotracheal tube from a patient. A person is usually put on endotracheal tube if he is unconscious so as to protect his airways or to ventilate the person if he is not breathing adequately. Intubation is also the best method to secure an airway even in the
The preparation of carbon dioxide gas is needed before it is actually stored in cylinders. The preparation of carbon dioxide gas is done though following steps : 1. From fermentation in the brewing of beer 2. By-product of manufacture of hydrogen in petroleum refining 3. Combustion of other fuels 4. By heating magnesium and calcium
Post operative hypoxia is caused by several factors : I. General—patient’s factors Exaggerated preoperative problems such as: • Extreme obesity • Geriatric age • Pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease 2. Diminished inspired oxygen • Lack of oxygen supplementation devices • Excessive suctioning • Diffusion hypoxia after nitrous oxide 3. Impaired ventilatory inefficiency • Obstructed upper airway
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
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
