Lab testing overload: a comprehensive analysis of overutilization in hospital-based settings.

Overuse of laboratory tests has been a growing problem in the inpatient hospital setting for years, which adds to the rising cost of care. Various factors come into play, such as clinical routines, lack of cost transparency, and the convenience of electronic health record-based ordering. The financial ramifications of the overuse are significant, as lab costs drive most medical decisions. Eliminating unnecessary testing with clinical decision support and best practices is associated with marked cost savings, improved outcomes, and decreased patient distress. The excessive use of laboratory tests highly affects patients, resulting in hospital-induced anemia, low patient satisfaction, and poor outcomes. Tackling lab overuse requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, technology, and policy changes. In the era of precision healthcare, optimizing test utilization can reduce costs, decrease waste, and improve patient care.

Overlapping Phenotypes of Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy and Left Ventricular Non-compaction: A Case Report and Discussion of Converging Cardiomyopathies.

Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, often known as LVNC, is a form of congenital cardiomyopathy that is extremely uncommon. It is a condition that may be identified by an elevated number of endomyocardial trabeculations as well as an increase in their prominence. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy, also known as ACM, is a non-ischemic form of dilated cardiomyopathy that is characterized by contractile failure and an enlargement of the heart ventricles. It is not entirely known whether or not there is a clinically significant overlap in phenotypic characteristics between the two illnesses. We report a patient who had previously been diagnosed with ACM and who had cardiac MRI results that fit the criteria for both LVNC and ACM.

Covid- 19 Vaccine-induced Myocarditis.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are rare adverse reactions, more commonly seen in young males after receiving the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. However, the benefits of vaccination heavily outweigh the risk of these side effects. In addition, vaccination boosters are effective against the newest, more infective variants. Therefore we expect more vaccines to be administered in the following years. The objective of this study is to review the current understanding of the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of myocarditis and pericarditis. Proposed mechanisms include molecular mimicry against the S protein and hypersensitivity reactions with mRNA vaccines and platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in cardiac blood vessels with adenoviral vaccines. Diagnosis of myocarditis is based on clinical findings, cardiac enzymes, ECG, MRI, and echocardiographic findings. Management includes NSAIDs and cardiovascular support in selected cases with ventricular dysfunction. Most patients have a mild presentation with preservation of cardiac function and recover entirely within seven days; the average hospital stay is three days. Long-term complications are infrequent.

When Breathing Becomes a Challenge: A Case of Congenital Myasthenia Gravis in an Indian Neonate With a DOK-7 Gene Mutation.

A rare neuromuscular condition known as congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG) affects some people from birth or very soon after. It results in fatigue and muscle weakness because of genetic abnormalities that interfere with the neuromuscular junction's ability to function, where the nerves and muscles connect. Even among those who have the same genetic mutation, the severity of CMG symptoms might differ considerably. The most typical signs of CMG include eyelid drooping, breathing issues, muscle weakness and weariness, and difficulties swallowing. Clinical examinations, neurophysiologic tests, and genetic analyses are frequently combined to make the diagnosis of CMG. Although there is no known treatment for CMG, many patients may control their symptoms and lead relatively normal lives with the right care. A newborn with CMG due to a DOK-7 gene mutation is described in this article, along with its very early onset. The DOK-7 mutation is a rare variant in the Indian population that causes CMG and usually manifests as 'limb girdle' weakness. However, due to muscle weakness, the neonate in this case developed severe respiratory distress and later died despite rigorous life-saving measures.

A Case of Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma Treated With Wide Local Excision With Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Systemic Therapy.

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) is a rare tumor of the soft tissue that looks the same as skeletal Ewing sarcoma (ES). A male in his 50s was diagnosed with extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) of the right shoulder, which had infiltrated the muscles around the shoulder joints. Although uncommon, all members of the ES family of tumors, including EES, were treated following the same general protocol for sarcoma tumors. Due to the significant tumor size in this patient and local invasion, wide local excision and a latissimus dorsi flap were required. This case highlighted the management of EES, including the surgical removal of the mass on the right shoulder, followed by chemotherapy, which led to a successful outcome.

Is Coffee and Tea a Threat or Ally to Cardiovascular Health?

Tea and coffee have become ingrained in our daily lives and have become the most widely consumed drinks after water. Their effects vary on an individual basis depending upon the amount of daily consumption, genetic polymorphisms, and the presence of comorbidities. Non-habitual individuals experience an initial, brief increase in blood pressure due to caffeine's vasoactive effects. Caffeine also appears to be protective against arrhythmias and heart failure. Along with having a generally cardioprotective profile, they have also demonstrated to have a favorable impact on insulin resistance and reduced risk of diabetes mellitus. Physicians often practice caution and advise patients with known cardiovascular diseases to refrain from drinking caffeine; however, studies have shown that drinking two to three cups a day has either no or some beneficial effects on both patients with or without cardiac disorders like arrhythmias. This article focuses on the effects of tea and coffee on the cardiovascular system as well as the potential mechanisms involved.

Surgical Conundrum: A Case of Giant Renal Angiomyolipoma Abutting Inferior Vena Cava With Haemorrhage.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is not only uncommon but often an accidental diagnosis, as it is frequently asymptomatic and affects females disproportionately. Although they may exhibit symptoms of tuberous sclerosis complex and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the vast majority are sporadic. Due to its vascular nature, AML is prone to bleeding, and AML that bleeds typically belongs to the tuberous sclerosis complex. AMLs are mostly benign, but they can proliferate and invade locally, necessitating a strict management strategy. We hereby delineate the manifestations of a 32-year-old man who complained of increased abdominal size and pain without any history of injury. On examination, abdominal distension was demonstrated, and a palpable mass was detected in the right hypochondrium and right lumbar area. All findings from various diagnostic methods indicated that it was a classic kind of renal AML. We are keeping track of this case because it is rare and quite uncommon in males. The case presented a challenging time for the surgeons to plan the line of treatment.

Cranioplasty for a Growing Fracture of the Skull: A Case Report.

Pediatric growing skull fractures are complications that usually occur due to delays in management. In this report, we present the case of a three-year-old girl who was brought to the outpatient department with a complaint of swelling in her scalp. The patient had a history of swelling after suffering a head injury at the age of six months. There was no history of specific neurological impairments or seizures, despite the swelling being reported to have grown gradually in size. The current case is being reported since early evaluation of pediatric patients with a head injury, regardless of any neurological shortfalls, should be thoroughly worked up to prevent any progressively growing cranial defects. The subtlety of these pediatric head injury cases tends to cause misdiagnosis, which can delay management and can cause complications, as with this patient. Extended observation, intensive supportive care, and neurosurgery are considered when dealing with these seemingly innocuous cases.

Retroperitoneal Ancient Neurilemmoma: A Nervous Rarity.

Neurilemmomas are tumors of neural origin that comprise Schwann cell proliferation in a characteristic pattern. They are benign in nature. Ancient neurilemmomas are usually longstanding growths that exhibit degenerative features that could be mistaken for malignancy. We report a case of ancient neurilemmoma in a 70-year-old male patient in the retroperitoneal area. Retroperitoneal schwannomas are extremely uncommon along with ancient neurilemmoma features making it worth reporting.