Single-Use Surgilube® Packets as an Alternative to Ultrasound Gel Bottles.

Point-of-care ultrasound is widely used in hospitalized patients. Hospital-acquired infections attributed to contaminated multiuse ultrasound gel bottles have been increasingly reported, including Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter species. Surgilube's chemical properties and sterile single-use packaging make it an appealing alternative to multi-use ultrasound gel bottles.

Diagnostic Modalities Used in Diagnosing Gastroparesis: A Clinical Review.

Gastroparesis is associated with abnormal gastric motility characterized by delayed gastric emptying without any obvious mechanical gastric outlet obstruction or blockage. Gastroparesis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is pertinent to make a timely diagnosis of gastroparesis so that prompt treatment can be initiated. The purpose of this clinical review article is to help the internist and the primary care providers to get a better idea of various diagnostic modalities used in diagnosing gastroparesis. We have also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various diagnostic modalities based on the latest evidence.

A Case Report of Wernicke's Encephalopathy Disguised As Limbic Encephalitis: A Clinical Puzzle.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is the presence of neurological symptoms in the central nervous system caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency. It is an acute clinical condition characterized by confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia triad. WE is most commonly observed in chronic alcohol users, while it can also present in non-alcoholics. We present a 33-year-old man with alcohol-induced WE who presented with altered mental status and fever. His initial diagnosis was skewed towards bacterial meningitis and limbic encephalitis, but MRI findings were consistent with WE. The patient responded promptly to intravenous (IV) thiamine infusion, and his mental status changed significantly. Repeat EEG in 15 days shows complete recovery with normal brain wave activity. Untreated WE is a significant cause of permanent neurological morbidity and mortality, easily preventable. High suspicion of WE should always be entertained, especially when patients have a known history of alcohol use. Early initiation of IV thiamine could prevent the consequences. Hence, it is essential to raise awareness of WE to take measures without delay and reduce mortality and morbidity with an improved prognosis.