Protection of respiratory integrity and haemodynamic stabilization.

Protection of respiratory integrity and haemodynamic stabilization. OBJECTIVES: To perform an analysis of the protection of respiratory integrity and haemodynamic stabilization based on the literature review and the experiences and perspectives of emergency and ENT specialists. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken through PubMed and MEDLINE, using the following keywords: [protection of the respiratory integrity], [intubation], [hypotension] and [haemodynamic stabilization]. Articles were selected if the topic was relevant to current ENT and emergency practice. Additional articles were identified through a careful review of reference lists in Uptodate. A critical review of ENT and emergency specialists was carried out. Evidence staging and recommendation levels were established using the Paul Shekelle scale. RESULTS: Firstly, protection of the airway is necessary before starting haemodynamic stabilization. Fibre-optic examination and laryngeal intubation form the gold standard of diagnosis and treatment in the protection of the airway. For circulation, a short catheter with a large size allows the management of intravenous fluids, with vasopressors if necessary. Aetiologic and specific treatments are also very important. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate and collaborative management is necessary with the "ABCDE" approach: Airway and im- mobilization of the neck; Breathing; Circulation; Disability and Exposure. A fibre-optic examination is the gold standard of airway diagnosis. Laryngeal intubation is the most effective treatment for protection of the respiratory integrity. The management of circulation includes the implementation of a venous route to initiate administration of IVFs, preferably with isotonic saline. Vasopressors and inotropes are used as second line agents. A multidisciplinary and team approach is preferred, in order to achieve diagnosis and therapeutics simultaneously.

Tracheal damage.

Tracheal damage. Blunt/penetrating trauma and inhalation injuries to the trachea can result in acute airway compromise, with life-threatening implications. Early assessment, identification, and prompt and appropriate management are of paramount importance in order to reduce patient morbidity and mortality. Signs and symptoms of these injuries are specific and sometimes subtle, and their seriousness may be obscured by other injuries. Diagnosis can therefore be challenging, requiring a high index of suspicion. Indeed, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, resulting in attempted surgical repair months or even years after injury. Laryngoscopy, flexible and/or rigid bronchoscopy and computed tomography of the chest are the procedures of choice for a definitive diagnosis. Airway control and appropriate ventilation represent the key aspects of emergency management. Definitive treatment depends on the site and the extent of injury. Surgery, involving primary repair with direct suture or resection and end-to-end anastomosis, is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from tracheal injuries. A conservative approach must be considered for the paediatric population and selected patients with mainly iatrogenic damage. We present a review of the incidence, mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations, diagnosis, initial airway management, anaesthetic considerations and definitive treatment in the case of tracheal damage from blunt/penetrating trauma and inhalation injuries.

A non-classical cannabinoid syndrome.

Hyperemesis cannabinoid syndrome (HCS) is characterized by cyclic vomiting and compulsive bathing behaviors in chronic cannabis users. This syndrome is not well known in the medical world and is underdiagnosed, despite the increasing use of cannabis. In this case report, physicians should keep in mind the criteria that characterize HCS syndrome. However, non-classical forms of HCS can exist with bradycardia, and pain can be relieved by cold temperature.

A case report with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, what does it mean?

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis (FHC) syndrome, also known as acute perihepatitis, was discovered in 1930 and is a rare disorder characterised by inflammation of the peritoneum and the tissues surrounding the liver. This syndrome can arise as a potential complication from a pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. This syndrome is not well known in the medical community and is often underdiagnosed. In this case report, we revisit FHC syndrome, particularly its noninvasive diagnosis and complications.

A determination of the current causes of hyperkalaemia and whether they have changed over the past 25 years.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperkalaemia is a potentially lethal electrolyte disorder. The objective of this study was to determine if the causes of hyperkalaemia-related visits to the emergency department (ED) have changed since 25 years. METHODS: All patients presenting to the ED with hyperkalaemia between January 2009 and August 2011 were included in this retrospective, single-centre study. Patients were divided into one of these three categories: mild (5·2≤ K(+)<5·8 mEq/l), moderate (5·8≤K(+)<7·0 mEq/l) or severe hyperkalaemia (K(+)≥7·0 mEq/l). The causes of hyperkalaemia were divided into three groups: renal failure (RF), potassium-increasing drugs (PIDs) or others. RESULTS: Overall, 139 patients with hyperkalaemia were included in the study (mean K(+) of 6·2 mEq/l): 35% with mild, 49% with moderate and 16% with severe hyperkalaemia. Eighty-three per cent of patients (n = 115) had RF with creatinine levels ≥1·25 mg/dl or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels ≤60 ml/min/1·73 m(2). Serum potassium levels were significantly related with creatinine and eGFR values (P<0·001). The severity of hyperkalaemia was significantly related with creatinine levels ≥1·25 mg/dl (P = 0·002) and eGFR values ≤60 ml/min/1·73 m(2) (P = 0·005). Seventy-five per cent of patients (n = 105) were taking PIDs. Potassium levels were significantly related with PIDs (P<0·001), in particularly spironolactone (P = 0·001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (P = 0·008). The category 'others' included 7% of patients (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS: RF (83%) and PIDs (75%) remain common causes of hyperkalaemia. Hyperkalaemia is significantly related with four variables: creatinine levels, spironolactone, ACEIs and beta-blocker intake. The causes of hyperkalaemia have not changed in recent years.

A case of transient lymphangiectasis of the penis.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Physicians are likely to encounter patients with penis disorders and can be caught off guard by these uncommon pathologies, especially because they occur in a sensitive anatomical location. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Here, we report the case of a patient presenting with benign transient lymphangiectasis of the penis (BTLP), including its differential diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion headings: BTLP is not an uncommon pathology and diagnosis is based only on medical history and clinical examination. The differentiation between Mondor's disease and BTLP is not necessary for treatment.