scholarly journals Fifteen-minute consultation: Initial management of suspected acute leukaemia by non-specialists

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Sam Behjati ◽  
Amy Ruffle ◽  
Anne Kelly ◽  
Emmy Dickens
Keyword(s):  
Acute Leukaemia ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Tumour Lysis ◽  
Common Cancer ◽  
Treatment Centre ◽  
General Paediatrician ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
New Diagnosis

Leukaemia is the most common cancer of childhood. Most children with a new diagnosis of leukaemia are clinically stable at initial presentation. However, there are a number of life-threatening complications that have to be considered and monitored for. These complications include sepsis, tumour lysis syndrome, mediastinal masses, bleeding and pain. The aim of this article is to equip the general paediatrician with a framework for managing children with suspected leukaemia, prior to transfer to the primary treatment centre. The presentation, diagnosis and definitive treatment of acute leukaemia is not in the remit of this article.

scholarly journals Fifteen-minute consultation: A general paediatrician’s guide to oncological abdominal masses

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-134
Author(s):  
Lena Uzunova ◽  
Helen Bailie ◽  
Matthew J Murray
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Mass ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Abdominal Masses ◽  
The Family ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
General Paediatrician ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Oncology Centre ◽  
Structured Approach

The identification of an abdominal mass in a child, either coincidental or symptomatic, may be due to a tumour. An abdominal tumour may present with life-threatening symptoms, requiring prompt assessment and management. Although the discovery of such a finding usually warrants inpatient transfer or outpatient referral to the tertiary oncology centre, the initial evaluation, management and communication with the family by the general paediatrician is crucial. A thorough history and examination, which includes an organised, structured approach to abdominal masses, is paramount. The anatomical location of the mass, age of the patient and the presence of any associated symptoms or signs must be considered together in order to formulate a list of potential differential diagnoses and guide the next appropriate investigations. This article aims to guide general paediatricians through the assessment and initial management of a child presenting with an abdominal mass suspected to be a tumour.

scholarly journals Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Presenting with Shoulder Mass

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Cosphiadi Irawan ◽  
Rahmat Cahyanur ◽  
Reyhan Eddy Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Chemotherapy ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Cancer ◽  
Bone Tumour ◽  
Undifferentiated Carcinoma ◽  
Neck Mass ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Unknown Primary ◽  
Common Cancer ◽  
Stage Ivb ◽  
The Right

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is the most common cancer among head and neck cancer that usually presented with unilateral neck mass. Unusual symptoms of NPC can lead us to diagnosis misleading and delayed definitive treatment. We present a case of NPC with bone metastasis in the shoulder. A 33-year-old female presented with right shoulder mass caused by undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary, based on biopsy of shoulder mass. After four months, she was complaining painless neck swelling, headache, and hearing impairment in the left ear. Bone MRI showed malignant bone tumour in the right humerus. Neck CT scan showed mass in the nasopharyngeal and bilateral lymphadenopathy. Biopsy in nasopharyngeal revealed undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal cancer (WHO-3 type A). The patient was diagnosed as NPC stage IVb and thus was treated with palliative chemotherapy. After three cycles of cisplatin docetaxel, patient condition improved.

scholarly journals Report of a Rare Case of Trauma-Induced Thyroid Storm

2002 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 570-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil M. Vora ◽  
Fred Fedok ◽  
Brendan C. Stack
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Hepatic Dysfunction ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Thyroid Storm ◽  
Vehicle Accident ◽  
Hyperthyroid State ◽  
Life Threatening

Thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening endocrinologic emergency characterized by an exacerbation of a hyperthyroid state. Several inciting factors can instigate the conversion of thyrotoxicosis to thyroid storm; trauma is one such trigger, but it is rare. Patients with thyroid storm can manifest fever, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal or hepatic dysfunction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or jaundice), and arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities. Treatment of thyroid storm is multimodal and is best managed by the endocrinologist and medical intensivist. Initial medical and supportive therapies are directed at stabilizing the patient, correcting the hyperthyroid state, managing the systemic decompensation, and treating the underlying cause. Once this has been achieved, definitive treatment in the form of radioactive ablation or surgery should be undertaken. We describe a case of thyroid storm in a young man that was precipitated by a motor vehicle accident.

scholarly journals Organophosphorus Poisoning

2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (172) ◽  
Author(s):  
Buddhi Prasad Paudyal
Keyword(s):  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Acute Poisoning ◽  
The Body ◽  
Organophosphorus Insecticides ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Organophosphorus Poisoning ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of

Acute poisoning by organophosphorus (OP) compounds is a major global clinical problem, withthousands of deaths occurring every year. Most of these pesticide poisoning and subsequentdeaths occur in developing countries following a deliberate self ingestion of the poison. Metacid(Methyl parathion) and Nuvan (Dichlorovos) are commonly ingested OP pesticides; Dimethoate,Profenofos, and Chlorpyrifos are other less frequently ingested compounds in Nepal. The toxicityof these OP pesticides is due to the irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymeleading to accumulation of acetylcholine and subsequent over-activation of cholinergic receptorsin various parts of the body. Acutely, these patients present with cholinergic crisis; intermediatesyndrome and delayed polyneuropathy are other sequel of this form of poisoning. The diagnosisdepends on the history of exposure to these pesticides, characteristic manifestations of toxicityand improvements of the signs and symptoms after administration of atropine. The supportivetreatment of OP poisoning includes the same basic principles of management of any acutelypoisoned patient i.e., rapid initial management of airways, breathing, and circulation. Gastriclavage and activated charcoal are routinely used decontamination procedures, but their valuehas not been conclusively proven in this poisoning. Atropine is the mainstay of therapy, andcan reverse the life threatening features of this acute poisoning. However, there are no clearcut guidelines on the dose and duration of atropine therapy in OP poisoning. Cholinesterasereactivators, by regenerating AChE, can reverse both the nicotinic and muscarinic effects;however, this benefit has not been translated well in clinical trials. All these facts highlight thatthere are many unanswered questions and controversies in the management of OP poisoningand there is an urgent need for research on this aspect of this common and deadly poisoning.Key Words: poisoning, organophosphorus insecticides, decontamination, antidotes

scholarly journals Endoscopic stent insertion for anastomotic leakage following oesophagectomy

2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Schweigert ◽  
N Solymosi ◽  
A Dubecz ◽  
RJ Stadlhuber ◽  
H Muschweck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anastomotic Leakage ◽  
Stent Implantation ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Stent Insertion ◽  
Endoscopic Stent ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Life Threatening Complication

Introduction Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following oesophagectomy is a crushing condition. Until recently, surgical re-exploration was the preferred way of dealing with this life threatening complication. However, mortality remained significant. We therefore adopted endoscopic stent implantation as the primary treatment option. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and results of endoscopic stent implantation as well as potential hazards and pitfalls. Methods Between January 2004 and December 2011, 292 consecutive patients who underwent an oesophagectomy at a single high volume centre dedicated to oesophageal surgery were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 38 cases with anastomotic leakage were identified and analysed. Results A total of 22 patients received endoscopic stent implantation as primary treatment whereas a rethoracotomy was mandatory in 15 cases. There were no significant differences in age, frequency of neoadjuvant therapy or ASA grade between cases with and without a leak. However, patients with a leak were five times more likely to have a fatal outcome (odds ratio: 5.10, 95% confidence interval: 2.06–12.33, p<0.001). Stent migration occurred but endoscopic reintervention was feasible. In 17 patients (77%) definite closure and healing of the leak was achieved, and the stent was removed subsequently. Two patients died owing to severe sepsis despite sufficient stent placement. Moreover, stent related aortic erosion with consecutive fatal haemorrhage occurred in three cases. Conclusions Stent implantation for intrathoracic oesophageal anastomotic leaks is feasible and compares favourably with surgical re-exploration. It is an easily available, minimally invasive procedure that may reduce leak related mortality. However, it puts the already well-known risk of stent-related vascular erosion on the spot. Awareness of this life threatening complication is therefore mandatory.

Left Stellate Ganglion Block for Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 506-511
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmia ◽  
Stellate Ganglion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Stellate Ganglion Block ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Ganglion Block ◽  
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices ◽  
Left Stellate Ganglion ◽  
Life Threatening

Ventricular arrhythmias are usually well controlled with medical management, cardiac implantable electronic devices, or catheter ablation. However, the refractory ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (VT/VF) is life threatening and challenging. The authors reported a case series of left stellate ganglion blocks (LSGB) in patients with refractory VT/VF, who failed pharmacological treatment and multiple traditional cardiac interventions. Five patients underwent six LSGB. Four patients had significant decreased in ventricular arrhythmia burden. Among the responders, the LSGB suppressed significant VT/VF for three to seven days. Blocks did not only temporary suppress ventricular arrhythmia, but also stabilized the condition and served as a bridge to definitive treatment such as EP ablation or heart transplantation. There was no significant hemodynamic change or devastating side effects. The outcome from the present case series suggested that LSGB could be an effective treatment and a lifesaving intervention frintractable VT/VF. Keywords: Stellate ganglion block, Refractory ventricular tachycardia, Sympathectomy

scholarly journals Occurrence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Young Pregnant Women

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. CMBD.S823
Author(s):  
Juliane Menezes ◽  
Mariana Emerenciano ◽  
Flávia Pimenta ◽  
Gilson Guedes Filho ◽  
Isis Q. Magalhães ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Acute Leukaemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Fusion Genes ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Acute Myeloid ◽  
In Pregnancy

Although acute leukaemia is rare in pregnancy its importance lies in its life-threatening potential, both to the child and the mother. The possibility of vertical transmission of leukemic cells increases the attention devoted to these patients and their offspring. Three cases of pregnant young women (15-17 years of age) with AML are presented. This series of cases is the first report where gene abnormalities such as ITD mutations of the FLT3 gene and AML1/ETO fusion genes were screened in pregnant AML patients and their babies, so far. Unfortunately, very poor outcomes have been associated to similar cases described in literature, and the same was true to the patients described herein. Although very speculative, we think that the timing and possible similar exposures would be involved in all cases.

Increase in Use of Vancomycin for Clostridium difficile Infection in US Hospitals

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 867-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Pakyz ◽  
Norman V. Carroll ◽  
Spencer E. Harpe ◽  
Michael Oinonen ◽  
Ronald E. Polk
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Epidemic Strain ◽  
First Line ◽  
Oral Vancomycin ◽  
Treatment Practices ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Serious Disease

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a potentially serious disease for which the epidemiology has recently changed, because of an emerging drug-resistant strain of the pathogen. Metronidazole and oral vancomycin are the primary treatment agents.2 Metronidazole has been historically favored as the first-line agent, partly to reduce the selection pressure for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), although metronidazole can also select for VRE. Vancomycin was traditionally reserved for metronidazole treatment failure or life-threatening disease. In a study conducted before emergence of the epidemic strain, vancomycin was reported to be superior for the initial treatment of severe CDI and for treatment of CDI that does not respond to metronidazole. Expert opinion calling for the use of vancomycin as first-line therapy, especially for severe CDI emergence of the epidemic strain, and reports of decreased metronidazole efficacy may have impacted CDI treatment practices. The purpose of this study was to characterize trends in CDI treatment in US hospitals.

Initial Management of Simulated Life-threatening Emergencies by Nurse Anesthetists and Anesthesiologists.

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Bernadette Henrichs ◽  
Michael Avidan ◽  
David Murray ◽  
Julie Woodhouse ◽  
Joseph Kras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Anesthetists ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Life Threatening

Management of Acute Contrast Reactions—Understanding Radiologists' Preparedness and the Efficacy of Simulation-Based Training in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler M. Coupal ◽  
Anne R. Buckley ◽  
Sanjiv Bhalla ◽  
Jessica L. Li ◽  
Stephen G.F. Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Initial Management ◽  
Mandated Training ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Correct Dose ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Life Threatening

Purpose Acute radiologic emergencies, primarily severe contrast reactions, are rare but life-threatening events. Given a generalized paucity of formalized or mandated training, studies have shown that radiologists and trainees perform poorly when acutely managing such events. Moreover, skill base, knowledge, and comfort levels precipitously decline over time given the infrequent occurrence of these events during one's daily practice. The primary aim of this study was to assess radiologists' preparedness for managing acute radiologic emergencies and to determine the efficacy of a high-fidelity simulation based training model in an effort to provide a rationale for similar programs to be implemented on a provincial or national level. Methods This was a prospective, observational study of radiology residents and attending radiologists throughout the province who were recruited to attend a full-day simulation-based course presenting various cases of acute radiologic emergencies. Participant demographics were collected at the time of commencement of the workshop. Course materials were disseminated 4 weeks prior to the workshop, and a 17-question knowledge quiz was administered before and after the workshop. Likert-type questionnaires were also distributed to survey comfort levels and equipment familiarity. The knowledge quiz and questionnaire were redistributed at 3- and 6-month intervals for acquisition of follow-up data. Results A total of 14 attending radiologists and 7 residents attended the workshop, with all participants completing the preworkshop questionnaire and 90.5% (19 of 21) completing the post-workshop questionnaire. Participants' principle locations of practice were as follows: academic institutions (50%), community hospitals (36.9%), and private clinics (13.1%). A significant increase in knowledge was demonstrated, with average scores of 10 out of 17 (59%) and 14.5 out of 17 (85%) ( P < .001) before and after the workshop, respectively. A significant increase in participants' comfort levels in recognizing acute anaphylactic reactions (3.5; 4.7, P < .001), commencing initial management for acute radiologic emergencies (3.3; 5.0, P < .001), and administering the correct dose for anaphylactic reactions (2.5; 4.8, P < .001) was also demonstrated. Moreover, participants became increasingly familiar with the contents and equipment found within contrast reaction kits (2.8; 3.8, P < .01). Repeat evaluations at 3 and 6 months found an average knowledge test score of 13.8 out of 17 (81%) and 10.8 out of 17 (64%), respectively. Comfort levels were also reassessed in recognizing acute anaphylactic reactions (4.5; 4.1), commencing initial management (4.0; 3.9) and administering the correct dose of medication (4.0; 3.7) at 3- and 6-month intervals. Conclusions Acute radiologic emergencies are rare but life-threatening events that require rapid diagnosis and treatment to mitigate associated morbidity and mortality. Simulation-based workshops are a highly efficacious training model to increase knowledge, comfort levels, and equipment familiarity for radiologists and trainees alike; however, retraining at regular intervals is required.

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