Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Impact of Workplace Violence among Physicians.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of objective data and studies pertaining to the prevalence and consequences of workplace violence against physicians in Nepal. This study aims to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and implications of workplace violence on Nepalese physicians. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March 2021 to August 2021. Nepal Medical Council-certified physicians currently working in Nepal were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, types of violence experienced, patterns, psychosocial impacts, and changes in patient management were collected. RESULTS: Out of 318 responses received, 302 responses met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. One-hundred and ninety (62.9%) respondents had ever faced workplace violence. Madhesh Province had the highest prevalence (81.5%). Verbal abuse (93.2%) was the most common type of violence encountered. We found a significant association between workplace violence and hours worked each week. We also found an association between workplace violence and years of experience. Our study found a significant increase in stress/depression/anxiety/idea of persecution, sense of defeat, job turnover, and loss of productivity/income with the increase in severity of workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace violence is largely prevalent among Nepalese physicians. In the aftermath of workplace violence, a physician can undergo a multitude of adverse psychosocial consequences leading to a further decrease in productivity. More insights through research, formal training, and policy implementation are necessary to overcome this largely ignored problem of the medical fraternity in Nepal.

Indomethacin-Induced Hypertensive Crisis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat pain, and are easily available over the counter in lower dosages. NSAID use is associated with various side effects and elevated blood pressure is one of them. NSAIDs vary considerably in their effect on blood pressure with indomethacin being one of the NSAIDs associated with a significant increase in blood pressure. We present a case of a 58-year-old woman who developed a hypertensive crisis after a single dose of prescription indomethacin.

Emerging Treatments of Cardiorenal Syndrome: An Update on Pathophysiology and Management.

Cardiorenal syndrome refers to combined cardiac and renal dysfunction that adversely impacts both organs and is also associated with severe clinical outcomes. The pathophysiology is believed to be multifactorial and complex. Increased central venous pressure and intra-abdominal pressure, overactivation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), systemic illnesses like sepsis, amyloidosis, diabetes are important factors in developing the cardiorenal syndrome. Our review article attempts to review the pathophysiology and treatment aspect of cardiorenal syndrome and explores potential therapeutic strategies that can be adopted for the management. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar for relevant articles using different keywords and Medical Subject Headings, and finalized 38 articles to be included in our study. Cardiorenal syndrome management aims to eliminate venous congestion and fluid retention, which leads to improved cardiorenal status. This is usually achieved using pharmacologic agents like diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), neprilysin inhibitors, and extracorporeal methods like ultrafiltration. The use of therapeutic agents such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and tolvaptan (a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist), and cardiac resynchronization therapy has also been shown to have potential benefits in managing the disease. These agents can be instrumental in the management and require large-scale clinical trials specifically aimed at improving cardiorenal outcomes based on severity and type of cardiorenal syndrome.