scholarly journals Double Trouble of Severe Hyperkalemia: Syncope and No Significant ECG Changes

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima Chaddad
Keyword(s):  
Electric Activity ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Ecg Changes ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contractility ◽  
Electrolyte Disorder ◽  
Impulse Generation ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Severe Hyperkalemia ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg

Potassium is an important ion capable to maintain intra-extracellular electric gradient. Hyperkalemia is a common and potential life-threatening electrolyte disorder in patients presenting to the emergency setting. Variations in the intra-extracellular ionic flow may alter cells functions, skeletal and smooth muscle contractility and electric activity of myocardial cells. Hyperkalemia can be difficult to diagnose clinically because symptoms may be vague. Patients may be asymptomatic or report non-specific symptoms such as generalized fatigue, weakness, paralysis or palpitations. Syncope is unusual neurological manifestation. An increase in serum potassium levels is followed by progressively severe electrophysiological derangements in cardiac impulse generation and conduction, which are reflected in the electrocardiogram (ECG).

A Review on the Use of Reversal Agents of Direct Oral Anticogulant Drugs in Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Ojetti ◽  
Angela Saviano ◽  
Mattia Brigida ◽  
Luisa Saviano ◽  
Alessio Migneco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Bleeding ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Reversal Agents ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Andexanet Alfa

Background : Major bleeding is a life-threatening condition and a medical emergency with high mortality risk. It is often the complication of anticoagulant’s intake. Anticoagulants are commonly used for the prevention and the treatment of thrombotic events. The standard therapy with vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) has been frequently replaced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The latter agents (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, betrixaban) showed a better efficacy and safety compared to standard warfarin treatment and they are recommended for the reduction of ischemic stroke. Literature data reported a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with DOACs, in particular with dabigatran and rivaroxaban. In case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, these patients could benefit from the use of reversal agents. Methods: We performed an electronic search on PUBMED of the literature concerning reversal agents for DOACs and gastrointestinal bleeding in the Emergency Department from 2004 to 2020. AIM: This review summarizes the current evidences about three reversal agents idarucizumab, andexanet alfa and ciraparantag, and the use of the first two in the emergency setting in patients with an active major bleeding or who need urgent surgery to offer physicians indications for a better management approach in order to increase patient’s safety. Conclusion: Although these agents have been marketed for five years (idarucizumab) and two years (andexanet alfa) respectively, and despite guidelines considering antidotes as first-line agents in treating life-threatening hemorrhage when available, these antidotes seem to gain access very slowly in the clinical practice. Cost, logistical aspects and need for plasma level determination of DOAC for an accurate therapeutic use probably have an impact on this phenomenon.. An expert multidisciplinary bleeding team should be established so as to implement international guidelines based on local resources and organization.

scholarly journals Time Course of ECG Depolarization and Repolarization Changes during Ischemia in PTCA Recordings

2004 ◽  
Vol 43 (01) ◽  
pp. 43-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. García ◽  
G. Wagner ◽  
R. Bailón ◽  
L. Sörnmo ◽  
P. Laguna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Wave Amplitude ◽  
Temporal Evolution ◽  
Delayed Response ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Ecg Changes ◽  
T Complex ◽  
Karhunen Loeve Transform ◽  
Low Amplitude ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg

Summary Objectives: In this work we studied the temporal evolution of changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a consequence of the induced ischemia during prolonged coronary angioplasty, comparing the time course of indexes reflecting depolarization and those reflecting repolarization. Methods: We considered both local (measured at specific points of the ECG) and global (obtained from the Karhunen-Loève transform) indexes. In particular, the evolution of Q, R and S wave amplitudes during ischemia was analyzed with respect to classical indexes such as ST level. As a measurement of sensitivity we used an Ischemic Changes Sensor (ICS), which reflects the capacity of an index to detect changes in the ECG. Results: The results showed that, in leads with low-amplitude ST-T complexes, the S wave amplitude was more sensitive in detecting ischemia than was the commonly used index ST60. It was found that in such leads the S wave amplitude initially exhibited a delayed response to ischemia when compared to ST60, but its performance was better from the second minute of occlusion. The global indexes describing the ST-T complex were, in terms of the ICS, superior to the S wave amplitude for ischemia detection. Conclusions: Ischemic ECG changes occur both at repolarization and depolarization, with alterations in the depolarization period appearing later in time. Local indexes are less sensitive to ischemia than global ones.

Effect of Undertriage on the Outcomes of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia, Sepsis, and Septic Shock

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382199968
Author(s):  
Anas Alsharawneh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Septic Shock ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Febrile Neutropenia ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Extended Length ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock ◽  
Timely Treatment

Sepsis and neutropenia are considered the primary life-threatening complications of cancer treatment and are the leading cause of hospitalization and death. The objective was to study whether patients with neutropenia, sepsis, and septic shock were identified appropriately at triage and receive timely treatment within the emergency setting. Also, we investigated the effect of undertriage on key treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all accessible records of admitted adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia, sepsis, and septic shock. Our results identified that the majority of patients were inappropriately triaged to less urgent triage categories. Patients’ undertriage significantly prolonged multiple emergency timeliness indicators and extended length of stay within the emergency department and hospital. These effects suggest that triage implementation must be objective, consistent, and accurate because of the several influences of the assigned triage scoring on treatment and health outcomes.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical characteristics and psychological status in internet consultation respondents

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110146
Author(s):  
Han Ouyang ◽  
Jian Wen ◽  
Wenyong Gu ◽  
Huaying Shen ◽  
Kai Song
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Education Groups ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Severe Anxiety

COVID-19 is a sudden, infectious disease that can be life-threatening and may cause people to feel panic and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and psychological status of a specific population using an internet consultation platform during the outbreak of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey included questions regarding basic information (e.g. area, sex, age, occupation, and education level), clinical characteristics, and cognitive and psychological status concerning COVID-19 from January 31, 2020 to March 31, 2020. There were 277 patients (43.49%) with three or more symptoms, 121 (12.11%) with a clinical questionnaire score ≥8, and 6.81% who lived in Hubei in the previous 14 days. Of the respondents, 4.9% had contact fever or were confirmed to have COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. The respondents were mostly aware that COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person and via the respiratory tract, but awareness of general susceptibility and specific symptoms of COVID-19 was low. Multivariate analysis showed that urban residents, clerk/students and higher education groups were well aware of COVID-19. Regarding mental health, the anxiety score of the respondents was 7.12 ± 2.32, and the proportion of anxiety was 54.15%. Younger women were more likely to have anxiety when they experienced positive symptoms. Individuals with a Hubei residence history and those who had contact with an individual with a fever or were confirmed patients in the previous 14 days were more likely to have moderate or severe anxiety. The COVID-19-related knowledge of the respondents was generally good but still could have been improved. Their psychological status was also affected by the pandemic. The internet consultation platform played a positive role in spreading pandemic-related information, providing medical help and psychological counseling, and strengthening early warning to the potential high-risk population.

scholarly journals Diagnosing gastric volvulus in chest X-ray: report of three cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narendra Pandit ◽  
Abhijeet Kumar ◽  
Tek Narayan Yadav ◽  
Qamar Alam Irfan ◽  
Sujan Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Acute Abdomen ◽  
Gastric Volvulus ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pain Abdomen ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Abstract Gastric volvulus is a rare abnormal rotation of the stomach along its axis. It is a surgical emergency, hence requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening gangrenous changes. Hence, a high index of suspicion is required in any patients presenting with an acute abdomen in emergency. The entity can present acutely with pain abdomen and vomiting, or as chronic with non-specific symptoms. Chest X-ray findings to diagnose it may be overlooked in patients with acute abdomen. Here, we report three patients with gastric volvulus, where the diagnosis was based on the chest X-ray findings, confirmed with computed tomography, and managed successfully with surgery.

scholarly journals Postoperative ‘STEMI’ in Intracerebral Hemorrhage due to Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ravinder Datt Bhanot ◽  
Jasleen Kaur ◽  
Shitiz Sriwastawa ◽  
Kendall Bell ◽  
Kushak Suchdev
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformation ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Fibrinolytic Agents ◽  
Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage ◽  
Ecg Changes ◽  
St Segment ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes suggestive of cardiac ischemia are frequently demonstrated in patients with ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, little is known of such changes particularly acute ST segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially after neurosurgery. We present a patient with intraparenchymal hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) who exhibited acute STEMI after neurosurgery. Serial cardiac biomarkers and echocardiograms were performed which did not reveal any evidence of acute myocardial infarction. The patient was managed conservatively from cardiac stand point with no employment of anticoagulants, antiplatelet therapy, fibrinolytic agents, or angioplasty and recovered well with minimal neurological deficit. This case highlights that diffuse cardiac ischemic signs on the ECG can occur in the setting of an ICH after neurosurgery, potentially posing a difficult diagnostic and management conundrum.

scholarly journals A case with massive hemobilia long-term after internal drainage surgery for congenital biliary dilation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunryo Minezaki ◽  
Takeyuki Misawa ◽  
Makoto Watanabe ◽  
Hideki Takahashi ◽  
Takashi Koenuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bile Duct ◽  
Gastrointestinal Bleeding ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Extrahepatic Bile Duct ◽  
Pathological Examination ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Internal Drainage ◽  
Bile Duct Resection ◽  
Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection ◽  
Life Threatening

Abstract Background Currently, there is an unwavering consensus that the standard surgery for congenital biliary dilation (CBD) is extrahepatic bile duct resection and choledochojejunostomy. However, decades prior, choledochocyst–gastrointestinal anastomosis without extrahepatic bile duct resection (internal drainage surgery, IDS) was preferred for CBD because of its simplicity. Currently, there is almost no chance of a surgeon encountering a patient who has undergone old-fashioned IDS, which has been completely obsolete due to the risk of carcinogenesis from the remaining bile duct. Moreover, the pathological condition long after IDS is unclear. Herein, we report a case of life-threatening bile duct bleeding as well as carcinoma of the bile duct 62 years after IDS in a patient with CBD. Case presentation An 82-year-old Japanese woman with hemorrhagic shock due to gastrointestinal bleeding was transferred to our hospital. She had a medical history of unspecified surgery for CBD at the age of 20. Based on imaging findings and an understanding of the historical transition of the surgical procedure for CBD, the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding was determined to be rupture of the pseudoaneurysm of the dilated bile duct that remained after IDS. Hemostasis was successfully performed by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in an emergency setting. Then, elective surgery for extrahepatic bile duct resection and choledochojejunostomy was performed to prevent rebleeding. Pathological examination revealed severely and chronically inflamed mucosa of the bile duct. Additionally, cholangiocarcinoma (Tis, N0, M0, pStage 0) was incidentally revealed. Conclusion It has been indicated that not only carcinogenesis, but also a risk of life-threatening bleeding exists due to long-lasting chronic inflammation to the remnant bile duct after IDS for CBD. Additionally, both knowledge of which CBD operation was performed, and an accurate clinical history are important for the diagnosis of hemobilia.

scholarly journals Acute Peritonitis: A Rare Complication Revealing Intestinal Tuberculosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-17
Author(s):  
Sabbah M ◽  
Trad D ◽  
Jemmali C ◽  
Jouini R ◽  
Elloumi H ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rare Complication ◽  
Intestinal Tuberculosis ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Acute Peritonitis ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Tuberculosis Diagnosis ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Life Threatening Complication ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Disease Free

Intestinal tuberculosis diagnosis is often difficult because of non-specific symptoms, miming many other conditions such as malignancy, infectious disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Free intestinal perforation is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of intestinal tuberculosis, associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document