Current 2024 Dx & Rx

Anemia is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Platelet disorders involve abnormalities in the number or function of platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. These disorders increase the risk of bleeding.

Coagulopathies are a group of disorders characterized by abnormal blood clotting, leading to an increased risk of both bleeding and thrombosis (blood clots).

Hypercoagulable states are conditions where the blood is more likely to clot, increasing the risk of thrombosis (blood clots) in the blood vessels.

Disorders of leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, involve abnormalities in the number or function of these cells, which are essential for fighting infections. These disorders can compromise the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

Transfusion therapy involves the administration of blood or blood products to replace lost blood or correct blood disorders.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that involve the abnormal development of bone marrow cells, leading to a decreased production of healthy blood cells.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms involve the uncontrolled growth of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of certain blood cells.

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a measure of blood flow in the lower limbs, calculated by dividing the ankle systolic blood pressure by the brachial systolic blood pressure. It is a common test for PAD.

If the ABI is abnormal, segmental ABI with pulse volume recording should be performed to localize PAD.

If there are positive symptoms for PAD, such as claudication, but a normal ABI, then look for a decrease in lower extremity blood pressure after exercise.

Risk factor modification for PAD entails addressing factors like smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Patients with PAD who are symptomatic or asymptomatic with an ABI ≤ 0.90 should receive antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of death, MI, and stroke.

A type of asthma where eosinophils are elevated in the airways.

A monoclonal antibody that blocks the actions of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, used in the treatment of severe asthma.

Yearly vaccinations against the influenza virus are recommended for all asthma patients.

A quick-relief medication used to relieve asthma symptoms as needed.

Using a higher dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to quickly control a worsening asthma episode.

A measure of lung function, used to assess asthma severity and control.

A non-invasive ventilation technique to support breathing in patients with severe asthma.

A procedure used to assist breathing in patients with severe asthma, involves inserting a tube into the trachea.

ST elevation (STE) in leads V1-V3, often associated with T wave inversion (TWI) in leads V1-V4, right axis deviation (RAD), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and S1Q3T3 pattern. Suggestive of a STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction).

Elevated ST segment in lead aVR, often associated with increased mortality in STEMI. Also indicates left main disease if STE in aVR is greater than STE in V1.

Increase in QRS duration, discordant ST elevation (STE) compared to the QRS complex. Consider this in the context of ACS (acute coronary syndrome) to differentiate from MI in LBBB (left bundle branch block).

Increased QRS amplitude, suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Characterized by typical ECG pattern of rightward ST elevation (rSR′) particularly in leads V1-V2 and downsloping ST segment in leads V1-V2. May lead to VT or sudden cardiac death.

Elevated ST segments, particularly in V2-V5 in young adults. Often involves a notch or a slurred downstroke of the R wave (J point). May also have ST elevation and elevated T wave (Tw), leading to a high STE/Tw ratio.

Sharp, pleuritic pain, often associated with dyspnea, fever, cough and sputum. Chest X-ray typically shows an infiltrate.

Sudden onset of sharp, pleuritic pain. Usually involves hyperresonance (increased air in the chest) and decreased breath sounds. Chest X-ray will show pneumothorax.

A condition where the heart's electrical signals travel abnormally through the left ventricle. This can cause the QRS complex on the ECG to be wider than normal, and the electrical axis of the heart to shift to the left.

A condition where the heart's electrical signals travel abnormally through the right ventricle. This can cause the QRS complex on the ECG to be wider than normal, and the electrical axis of the heart to shift to the right.

A condition where the heart's electrical axis is shifted to the left, beyond -30 degrees. This can be caused by a number of factors, including left ventricular hypertrophy, left bundle branch block and inferior myocardial infarction.

A condition where the heart's electrical axis is shifted to the right, beyond +90 degrees. This can be caused by a number of factors, including right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary embolism and COPD.

A condition where the electrical signals travel abnormally through the left anterior fascicle, a part of the left bundle branch. This can cause a specific pattern on the ECG, with a left axis deviation and a qR pattern in aVL.

A condition where the electrical signals travel abnormally through the left posterior fascicle, a part of the left bundle branch. This can cause a specific pattern on the ECG, with a right axis deviation and a rS pattern in I and aVL.

A pattern on the ECG that suggests a prior myocardial infarction. This pattern typically shows a loss of R wave progression in the precordial leads (V1-V3), an R wave in V3 that's less than 3mm, and sometimes persistent ST elevation.

A condition in which the heart muscle is abnormally thickened. This can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic predisposition, high blood pressure and diabetes.

A condition in which a blood clot travels to the lungs, obstructing the blood flow through the pulmonary arteries.

A condition in which the heart's electrical signals travel abnormally through the ventricles. This can cause a wide QRS complex on the ECG, and may be a sign of underlying heart disease.

A type of mechanical ventilation where air pressure is delivered through a mask or nasal prongs, improving lung function and breathing.

An increase in the pressure required to deliver a breath, indicating potential lung problems.

A period of time where the patient is disconnected from the ventilator to assess their ability to breathe independently.

Inflammation of the lungs caused by the ventilator itself. It's a serious complication.

An infection of the lungs that develops in a person on mechanical ventilation.

A condition where the larynx swells due to prolonged intubation. It can lead to difficulty breathing.

A surgical procedure to create a permanent opening into the windpipe, making breathing easier for long-term ventilation.

A type of drug used to prevent or treat stomach ulcers that can develop in critically ill patients.