Medical Notes from across the globe
Refeeding syndrome has received much attention among medical professionals of late, particularly the surgeons. Being a rare syndrome, it is seen in 0.8% of hospitalized adults. However, its importance lies in the fact that mortality in hospitalized patients who develop severe hypophosphatemia (serum phosphate <1 mg/dL) is 30%. The syndrome was first described after the…
A novel oxazolidinone antibiotic, Linezolid is effective against all Gram-positive infections, but is considered with reservation only for resistant Gram-positive organisms, especially vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Being orally available, it is sometimes considered if outpatient treatment with oral medicines is required. Linezolid acts by inhibiting the bacterial translation process by binding…
Pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults with about 5 million cases reported annually in the United States itself. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) occurs in 0.5-5% of hospitalized patients, with a higher incidence in certain groups like postoperative patients and patients in ICU. It is also called “Nosocomial Pneumonia” or “Health care-associated…
Enteral feeding is the preferred means of nutritional support. Without any specific surgical contraindication, all patients should receive enteral feeding as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of admission. Enteral feeding provides nutrition and helps to maintain gastrointestinal tract integrity and function. However, not all patients can receive enteral nutritional support due to some…
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Intra-abdominal Hypertension are two sides of the same coin. While Intra-abdominal Hypertension exists when intra-abdominal pressure exceeds the normal level which is set between 20 to 25 mmHg, Abdominal compartment syndrome is said to exist when intra-abdominal hypertension is accompanied by manifestations of organ dysfunction, which dramatically reduces upon abdominal decompression….
Acetaminophen or commonly known as Paracetamol, is the most used antipyretic and analgesic in the whole world. It is readily available over-the-counter as a component of common drugs for fever and headache in most parts of the world. The chemical name of paracetamol is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). Due to its ubiquitous presence, acetaminophen poisoning is a…
Methanol or Methyl Alcohol is a denaturant. It is a component of varnishes, paint removers, windshield wipers, anti-freeze solutions, copy-machine fluid and as a solvent. Acute Poisoning Acute Methanol Poisoning is usually a consequence of ingestion of cheap, adulterated, illicit liquor. Methanol is very toxic and requires as little as 30 ml of 40% solution…