scholarly journals Emerging Optical Techniques for the Diagnosis of Onychomycosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Petrokilidou ◽  
Georgios Gaitanis ◽  
Ioannis D Bassukas ◽  
Aristea Velegraki ◽  
Edgar Guevara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Optical Techniques ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Rational Therapy ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Nail Infection

Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail infection. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it impacts the quality of life for many patients and often imposes a challenging diagnostic problem. The causative agents are dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophytic moulds. Accurate and early diagnosis, including the identification of the causative species, is the key factor for rational therapy. Still, early diagnosis is not optimal as the current gold standard for the differentiation of the infectious agents is culture-based approaches. On the other hand, noninvasive optical technologies may enable differential diagnosis of nail pathologies including onychomycosis. When light penetrates and propagates along the nail tissue, it interacts in different ways with the components of either infected or healthy nail segments, providing a wealth of diagnostic information upon escaping the tissue. This review aims to assess alternative optical techniques for the rapid diagnosis of onychomycosis with a potential to monitor therapeutic response or even identify the fungal agent non-invasively and in real time in a clinical setting.

Effectiveness of a Dispatcher-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program Developed by the Thailand National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEMS)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Chuenruthai Angkoontassaneeyarat ◽  
Chaiyaporn Yuksen ◽  
Chetsadakon Jenpanitpong ◽  
Pemika Rukthai ◽  
Marisa Seanpan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Chest Compressions ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Abstract Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening condition with an overall survival rate that generally does not exceed 10%. Several factors play essential roles in increasing survival among patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Previous studies have reported that implementing a dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) program increases bystander CPR, quality of chest compressions, and patient survival. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a DA-CPR program developed by the Thailand National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEMS). Methods: This was an experimental study using a manikin model. The participants comprised both health care providers and non-health care providers aged 18 to 60 years. They were randomly assigned to either the DA-CPR group or the uninstructed CPR (U-CPR) group and performed chest compressions on a manikin model for two minutes. The sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method was used for randomization in blocks of four with a ratio of 1:1. Results: There were 100 participants in this study (49 in the DA-CPR group and 51 in the U-CPR group). Time to initiate chest compressions was statistically significantly longer in the DA-CPR group than in the U-CPR group (85.82 [SD = 32.54] seconds versus 23.94 [SD = 16.70] seconds; P <.001). However, the CPR instruction did not translate into better performance or quality of chest compressions for the overall sample or for health care or non-health care providers. Conclusion: Those in the CPR-trained group applied chest compressions (initiated CPR) more quickly than those who initiated CPR based upon dispatch-based CPR instructions.

The effects of animal-assisted interactions on quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions and their parents

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 524-530
Author(s):  
Haley Walker ◽  
Mary Chapman Miller ◽  
Brittany Cowfer ◽  
Terrah Akard ◽  
Mary Jo Gilmer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Background: Children with advanced cancer and their primary caregivers may experience severe stress and anxiety in coping with their life-threatening condition. As a way to help reduce these stressors and increase overall quality of life, research suggests that animal-assisted interactions may be beneficial when integrated into palliative care. Aims: This pilot study aims to provide evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a randomised clinical trial using animal-assisted interactions to help improve the quality of life for children with an advanced life-threatening condition and their primary caregivers. This protocol paper outlines the basis of the research, goals, experimental design and methodology.

scholarly journals Considerations for Continuing Semielective and Emergency Otolaryngological Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Sarina K. Mueller ◽  
Maximilian Traxdorf ◽  
Konstantinos Mantsopoulos ◽  
Antoniu-Oreste Gostian ◽  
Matti Sievert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emergency Surgery ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Life Threatening

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, worldwide over 600,000 human beings died due to the cause of the disease. In order to deescalate the transmission rate and to avoid crush loading the countries medical health systems social distancing, face masks, and lockdowns have been considered essential by the majority of governments. Whereas some countries have highly reduced or completely stopped otorhinolaryngological procedures, other countries have continued selected surgeries. The objective of this study was to analyze procedures and outcomes of continuing semielective and emergency surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective analysis of n = 750 patients who received semi-elective or emergency surgery between March 26 and June 16, 2020, in the Otolaryngology Department of the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. All patients were screened for COVID symptoms and swabbed for SARS-CoV-2 prior to surgery. Results: Of the n = 750 patients, n = 699 patients received semielective surgery and n = 51 emergency surgery. For 27 patients, the swab result could not be awaited due to a life-threatening condition. In these cases, surgery was performed in full protective equipment. No patient was tested positive during or after the surgery (follow-up 45 to 127 days). No member of the medical personnel showed symptoms or was tested positive after contact with patients. Due to the continuation of surgeries, patients’ lives were saved and improvement of long-term quality-of-life and outcomes is anticipated. Conclusions: Continuing selected otorhinolaryngological surgeries is crucial for patients’ health, survival, and long-time quality of life, yet, the protection of the medical personnel has to be granted.

scholarly journals Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis in a golf player

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Janse van Rensburg
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Secondary Damage ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition that deserves the attention of medical professionals and sport scientists. Early diagnosis is vital in minimising the secondary damage caused by rhabdomyolysis. This case of rhabdomyolysis highlights the severity of symptoms and the importance of decisive treatment. Clinicians should be familiar with the most common symptoms of acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis to enable early diagnosis and efficient management of this condition.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in an infant with Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 030006052110434
Author(s):  
Yue Song ◽  
Changqiang Yang ◽  
Hua Wang
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Complete Resolution ◽  
Pulmonary Nodules ◽  
Hirschsprung Disease ◽  
Abdominal Radiograph ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Pull Through ◽  
Small Pulmonary Nodules

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a serious and life-threatening condition, and atypical tuberculosis (TB) associated with HAEC is even more serious. A male newborn aged 4 days was diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease and transanal Soave pull-through was performed at 4 months old. Six months later, he suffered from enterocolitis. Although he was treated with multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics for 2 weeks, he developed a fever without any other symptoms for TB infection. We found numerous, bilateral, uniformly distributed, small pulmonary nodules in the lower lobes in an abdominal radiograph by chance. He was then discharged with complete resolution of all symptoms after anti-TB therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB can effectively improve the prognosis of children with HAEC.

scholarly journals Post-transplant pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis in a non-endemic area: Early diagnosis, the cornerstone for treatment of a life-threatening condition

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Leyva-Córdova ◽  
Omar Gabriel Torres-Valencia ◽  
Guillermo Cárdenas-Membrila ◽  
Paulino R. Leal Villalpando ◽  
Luis M. Argote-Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Symptom Management in Pediatric Palliative Care

2019 ◽  
pp. 699-707
Author(s):  
Joan “Jody” Chrastek ◽  
Camara van Breemen
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Disease Treatment ◽  
Disease Trajectory ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

Pediatric symptom management can be complex and challenging, but, when done well, it improves quality of life significantly. Assessment of symptoms should be started at the diagnosis of a life-threatening condition and continued throughout the trajectory of the condition or disease. Treatment methods of each symptom depend on the reversibility of the symptom, disease trajectory, and family goals of care. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions should be employed. Decisions should be made jointly between the healthcare team and the parents/caregivers. Cultural norms and traditions need to be respected and adhered to when possible. Palliative care should be holistic, addressing not only the physical but also the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects. This chapter provides an overview of managing common symptoms of dyspnea, excessive secretions, nausea/vomiting, constipation, and neurological issues. A list of websites, guidelines, and sample algorithms are included for further information.

The usefulness of the virtual patient program in the nursing care of patients with anaphylactic shock – case report

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-224
Author(s):  
P. Więch ◽  
P. Rozborska ◽  
D. Bazaliński ◽  
I. Sałacińska ◽  
P. Januszewicz
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Anaphylactic Shock ◽  
Virtual Patient ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Progressive Course

Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a severe and rapid course causing disorders in the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The paper presents a virtual patient program. It allows to analyze each phase of the shock safely, which is often impossible in the real situation due to the fast and progressive course. Right actions and proper patterns of care by nursing staff will help to reduce the risk of death and increase the quality of care.

scholarly journals Traumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation in Adult: Case Report

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Campos Alcântara ◽  
Jacks Alan Tenório de Souza ◽  
Andrei Fernandes Joaquim
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Nonoperative Management ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Adult Case ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Rotatory Subluxation

AbstractTraumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) is generally found in pediatric patients, rarely found in adults, being a life-threatening condition especially when early diagnosis is not possible, which can lead to severe late neurological deficits. We describe a 38-year-old patient, victim of physical aggression caused by strangulation attempt who developed AARS, an uncommon traumatic cause. During the hospital care, the early diagnosis allowed us to institute a conservative treatment, which made the case uncommon, since most of the time surgical treatment is imperative. With the patient awake and under analgesia, a closed reduction was performed that promoted immediate pain relief, followed by a prescription of wearing a Philadelphia-type collar for 8 weeks. During the follow-up, cervical spine radiographies demonstrated no subluxation after removing the cervical collar. The patient was asymptomatic after 6 months of treatment. This case supports the importance of nonoperative management of AARS in selected cases.

scholarly journals Place of bronchoscopy in the diagnostics and follow-up of patients with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis

Folia Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-585
Author(s):  
Ivanka P. Karavelikova
Keyword(s):  
Iron Deficiency ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Iron Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Chest Radiography ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Pulmonary Hemosiderosis ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis

The idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is a rare, life-threatening condition observed mainly in children and characterized by recurrent episodes of diffuse alveolar hemorrhages. The disease is characterized by the triad of hemoptysis, alveolar infiltrates in chest radiography, and iron-deficiency anemia. The recurrent episodes of alveolar hemorrhage can lead to chronic iron-deficiency anemia and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the outcome of the disease.The idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is a rare, life-threatening condition observed mainly in children and characterized by recurrent episodes of diffuse alveolar hemorrhages. The disease is characterized by the triad of hemoptysis, alveolar infiltrates in chest radiography, and iron-deficiency anemia. The recurrent episodes of alveolar hemorrhage can lead to chronic iron-deficiency anemia and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the outcome of the disease.

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