scholarly journals Life-Threatening Cardiac Arrhythmias during Anesthesia and Surgery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuraini Md. Noor

Life-threatening arrhythmias are frequently encountered during anesthesia for cardiac or non-cardiac surgery. They result in a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly patients. Predisposing factors like electrolytes abnormalities, pre-existing cardiac disease, intubation procedure, anesthetic medications, and various surgical stimulation need to be determined. Early diagnosis and commencement of an appropriate treatment protocol may be lifesaving. Treatment usually involves correction of the underlying causes, cardiac electroversion, and the use of one or more antiarrhythmic agents. Although ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, torsade de pointes, and pulseless electrical activity are considered malignant arrhythmias that can lead to cardiac arrest, other types of Brady and tachyarrhythmias are also included in this chapter to enable adopting a more objective approach in the management of arrhythmias intraoperatively, avoiding risks of inappropriate management strategies.

Medicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Gabriele Savioli ◽  
Iride Francesca Ceresa ◽  
Luca Caneva ◽  
Sebastiano Gerosa ◽  
Giovanni Ricevuti

Coagulopathy induced by major trauma is common, affecting approximately one-third of patients after trauma. It develops independently of iatrogenic, hypothermic, and dilutive causes (such as iatrogenic cause in case of fluid administration), which instead have a pejorative aspect on coagulopathy. Notwithstanding the continuous research conducted over the past decade on Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy (TIC), it remains a life-threatening condition with a significant impact on trauma mortality. We reviewed the current evidence regarding TIC diagnosis and pathophysiological mechanisms and summarized the different iterations of optimal TIC management strategies among which product resuscitation, potential drug administrations, and hemostatis-focused approaches. We have identified areas of ongoing investigation and controversy in TIC management.


1979 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-294
Author(s):  
Eve T. Horwitz

AbstractTwo recent cases have raised important questions concerning the appropriateness of state intervention in parental choices of unorthodox medical treatment for children with life-threatening conditions. This Note first discusses whether, and if so, when, state intervention in a child's treatment selection by its parents is appropriate, and then analyzes the tests a court should apply in deciding upon an appropriate treatment. The Note recommends a decision-making approach that requires the appropriate state agency to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the parents' choice of medical treatment either is directly or is indirectly harming their child. Under this approach, if the state meets its burden of proof the court then must apply the ‘best interests’ test, rather than the ‘substituted judgment’ test, to choose an appropriate medical treatment for the child.


2020 ◽  
pp. 197140092097516
Author(s):  
Emil Jernstedt Barkovich ◽  
M Reza Taheri

Hypopharyngeal perforation (HP) is a potentially life-threatening condition most associated with iatrogenic injury and foreign body impaction. Additionally, a number of cases of posterior HP have been reported following blunt cervical trauma. We present a case of a construction accident causing lateral hypopharyngeal rupture. Visceral perforation was initially diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) imaging and managed conservatively. We speculate this region may be particularly vulnerable to injury due to an anatomic transition in adjacent fascial support. A review of 29 prior cases suggests that this may be the first reported case of blunt trauma causing rupture of the pyriform sinus. However, significant heterogeneity exists in diagnostic approach. Radiography and CT are rapid, sensitive modalities for suggesting pharyngeal perforation, while fluoroscopy and endoscopy can better assess injury size and location and monitor resolution. Early radiologic recognition of hypopharyngeal injury is essential to initiate appropriate treatment. In certain cases, including our own, both the presence and specific location of perforation may be identified on initial CT images.


1987 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy A. Settipane

Many systemic diseases are associated with nasal symptoms, Rhinitis associated with asthma is probably the most common with leprosy and fungal infections being the rarest. A careful history and nasal examination in a patient with rhinitis may lead to the discovery of more significant systemic diseases. Proper treatment of systemic disease will often cure or improve the associated rhinitis. Similarly, appropriate treatment of the rhinitis/sinusitis may reduce systemic complaints such as asthma. At times, identification of the cause of rhinitis as in CSF rhinorrhea, Wegeners’ syndrome, etc., alerts one to a life-threatening entity. Thus, it is apparent that the nose is an excellent mirror of some systemic diseases and identifying and understanding the differential diagnosis of nasal symptoms may be a tremendous help in diagnosing the disease and treating the whole patient.


Author(s):  
Virender Malik ◽  
Harshith Kramadhari ◽  
Jawahar Rathod ◽  
Yadav W. Munde ◽  
Uday Bhanu Kovilapu

AbstractThe peripheral high-flow vascular malformation (HFVM) comprises arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and fistula (AVF), shows varied clinical presentation (ranging from subtle skin lesion to life-threatening congestive heart failure), and frequently poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Importance of assigning a specific diagnosis to the vascular malformation cannot be overstated, as the treatment strategy is based on the type of vascular anomaly. Although the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system is the most commonly accepted system for classifying congenital vascular anomalies in clinical practice, the Cho–Do et al classification is of utmost help in guiding optimal mode of treatment in peripheral AVM. Although transarterial approach remains the most commonly employed route for peripheral AVM embolization, the role of transvenous and direct percutaneous approach is ever increasing and the final decision on the approach depends on angioarchitecture of the AVM. In this article, we review various commonly employed classification systems for congenital vascular anomalies, and describe clinical features, imaging and treatment strategies for peripheral arteriovenous malformation (PAVM).


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Hammoudeh ◽  
Hanan Al Rayes ◽  
Adel Alawadhi ◽  
Kamel Gado ◽  
Khalid Shirazy ◽  
...  

Data on spondyloarthritis (SpA) from the Middle East are sparse and the management of these diseases in this area of the world faces a number of challenges, including the relevant resources to enable early diagnosis and referral and sufficient funds to aid the most appropriate treatment strategy. The objective was to report on the characteristics, disease burden, and treatment of SpA in the Middle East region and to highlight where management strategies could be improved, with the overall aim of achieving better patient outcomes. This multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on 169 consecutive SpA patients at four centers (Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia). The data collected presents the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis along with the presence of comorbidities in the region and comparisons between treatment with NSAIDs and biologics. In the absence of regional registries of SpA patients, the data presented here provide a rare snapshot of the characteristics, disease burden, and treatment of these patients, highlighting the management challenges in the region.


Author(s):  
T. M. Bunyatov ◽  
I. A. Kozlov ◽  
B. N. Gurmikov ◽  
Yu. A. Stepanova ◽  
V. S. Shirokov ◽  
...  

Spontaneous liver rupture is rare and highly dangerous, life-threatening condition occurring in 1–2% of pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. There are more than 100 similar case reports in the literature. It is believed that liver rupture is caused by HELLP syndrome as one of the signs of preeclampsia. The results of surgical treatment is still unsatisfactory. Appropriate treatment strategy is absent because of rareness of this condition. It is presented case report of a woman with spontaneous liver rupture associated with HELLP syndrome. Patient underwent perihepatic tamponade, endovascular embolization of right hepatic artery followed by right-sided hemihepatectomy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Ghadah I Alhetheli

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary cutaneous disorder. Although vitiligo is not a life-threatening disease, it seriously affects patients' psychological status and Quality-of-Life (QoL). Moreover, the effect of vitiligo on genital image severely affects sexual function, especially in females. Patients & Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study had targeted patients with vitiligo of both genders. 173 patients who had responded to the given questionnaires were included and their responses were statistically analyzed. Patients’ files were revised for extraction of demographic and clinical data and the previous evaluation of the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score. Results and Discussion: Median VIS-22 score was in the range of 21-49, but 109 patients had a median score of 28. Seventy-eight patients had mild and 15 patients had moderate depression. Regression analysis defined the sense of being unattractive, disappointed in self and discouragement about the future as the most significant underlying causes of depression. Ninety-two patients had sexual dysfunction and scoring of satisfaction by the sexual act was the highest while scoring for the desire was the lowest. Regression analysis revealed that female gender, high ASEX and VASI scores are the significant predictors for high BDI-II. ROC curve analysis defined a high ASEX score as a significant predictor for a high BDI-II score. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated a deleterious effect of vitiligo on patients’ psychological status that may progress to depression. The effects of the disease on body image, especially the genital area, induced sexual dissatisfaction with an impact on sexual function. Altogether, raise a suggested adjuvant role for psychotherapy in patients with vitiligo which might even indirectly lead to improvement of vitiligo.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangyang Lin ◽  
Sam Z. Grinter ◽  
Zhongju Lu ◽  
Xianjin Xu ◽  
Hong Zhan Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractCardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of sudden cardiac death worldwide. Lengthening the ventricular action potential duration (APD) either congenitally or via pathologic or pharmacologic means, predisposes to a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, Torsade de Pointes. IKs, a slowly activating K+ current plays a role in action potential repolarization. In this study, we screened a chemical library in silico by docking compounds to the voltage sensing domain (VSD) of the IKs channel. Here we show that C28 specifically shifted IKs VSD activation in ventricle to more negative voltages and reversed drug-induced lengthening of APD. At the same dosage, C28 did not cause significant changes of the normal APD in either ventricle or atrium. This study provides evidence in support of a computational prediction of IKs VSD activation as a potential therapeutic approach for all forms of APD prolongation. This outcome could expand the therapeutic efficacy of a myriad of currently approved drugs that may trigger arrhythmias.Significance statementC28, identified by in silico screening, specifically facilitated voltage dependent activation of a cardiac potassium ion channel, IKs. C28 reversed drug-induced prolongation of action potentials, but minimally affected the normal action potential at the same dosage. This outcome supports a computational prediction of modulating IKs activation as a potential therapy for all forms of action potential prolongation, and could expand therapeutic efficacy of many currently approved drugs that may trigger arrhythmias.


2022 ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
E. Yu. Plotnikova ◽  
M. N. Sinkova ◽  
L. K. Isakov

Asthenia and fatigue are the most common syndromes in patients with liver disease, which significantly affects their quality of life. The prevalence of fatigue in chronic liver diseases is from 50% to 85%. While some progress has been made in understanding the processes that can cause fatigue in general, the underlying causes of fatigue associated with liver disease remain not well understood. In particular, many data suggest that fatigue associated with liver disease likely results from changes in neurotransmission in the brain against the background of hyperammonemia. Hyperammonemia is a metabolic state characterized by an increased level of  ammonia, a  nitrogen-containing compound. The  present review describes hyperammonemia, which is likely important in the pathogenesis of fatigue associated with liver disease. Ammonia is a potent neurotoxin, its elevated blood levels can cause neurological signs and symptoms that can be acute or chronic, depending on the  underlying pathology. Hyperammonemia should be recognized early, and immediately treated to prevent the development of life-threatening complications, such as, swelling of the brain and coma. The article gives pathophysiological mechanisms of influence of hyperammonemia on state of psychovegetative status of patients with liver diseases, also lists basic principles of treatment. A significant part of the article is devoted to L-ornithine-L-aspartate, which is effective in asthenia and fatigue to reduce the level of hyperammonemia through a variety of well-studied mechanisms in chronic liver diseases.


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