Sunday, 30 May 2021

Medicine blended assignment (M)




  


Medicine online blended bimonthly assignment for the month of May 2021



  I have been given the following cases to solve in an attempt to understand the topic of 'Patient clinical data analysis' todevelop my competency in reading and comprehending clinical data including history, clinical findings, investigations and diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan.

This is the link of the questions asked regarding the cases:

http://medicinedepartment.blogspot.com/2021/05/online-blended-bimonthly-assignment.html?m=1



Below are my answers to the Medicine Assignment based on my comprehension of the cases. 

           

              

  1.   Pulmonology


Case 1.

1)A 55-year-old female with shortness of breath ,pedal Edema ,and facial puffiness.


https://soumyanadella128eloggm.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-55-year-old-female-with-shortness-of.html


a. Evolution of symptomology



  • the anatomical localization of the problem is at the bronchioles.
  • etiology-its is due exposue of dust /allergens in paddy feilds or indoor burning                                          coal kitchens

b.  Pharmacological interventions 

  • head end elevation
           MECHANISM:In an intervention study involving early mobilization of intubated abdominal surgery patients, it was  observed that high thoracic positions, such as sitting upright for 20 minutes, led to an improvement in transthoracic pressure, with consequent improvement in the Cst, rs. This gain enabled a reduction in the driving pressure required for the generation of a similar lung volume.
  • BiPAP
          MECHANISMDuring systole, CPAP induced increase in intrathoracic pressure reduces the venous return, decreasing the right and left ventricular preload, thereby improving mechanics in an overloaded ventricle, whereas in diastole, CPAP increases pericardial pressure, reduces transmural pressure, and thus decreases afterload.
  • Agumentin(amoxicillin+calvulanic acid)
          MECHANISMAmoxicillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins within the bacterial cell wall and inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Clavulanic acid is a β-lactam, structurally related to penicillin, that may inactivate certain β-lactamase enzymes
  • Azithromycin
         MECHANISMAzithromycin binds to the 23S rRNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. It stops bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting the transpeptidation/translocation step of protein synthesis and by inhibiting the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit 
  • inj.lasix
        MECHANISMFurosemide, like other loop diuretics, acts by inhibiting the luminal Na-K-Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, by binding to the chloride transport channel, thus causing sodium, chloride, and potassium loss in urine.
nel, thus causing sodium, chloride, and potassium loss in urine.
  • tab.Pantop
         MECHANISMThe mechanism of action of pantoprazole is to inhibit the final step in gastric acid production. In the gastric parietal cell of the stomach, pantoprazole covalently binds to the H+/K+ ATP pump to inhibit gastric acid and basal acid secretion. The covalent binding prevents acid secretion for up to 24 hours and longer.
  • inj. hydrocortisone
        MECHANISM:Hydrocortisone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor leading to downstream effects such as inhibition of phospholipase A2, NF-kappa B, other inflammatory transcription factors, and the promotion of anti-inflammatory genes. Hydrocortisone has a wide therapeutic index  and a moderate duration of action.
  • Neb. with ipravent ,budecortisone
          MECHANISM: 
 *Ipravent belongs to a group of medicines known as anticholinergic bronchodilators. Anticholinergic bronchodilators work by relaxing the bronchial tubes (air passages) that carry air in and out of your lungs. This makes breathing less difficult.
*Budesonide is a potent topical anti-inflammatory agent. [19] It binds and activates glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the effector cell (e.g., bronchial) cytoplasm that allows the translocation of this budesonide-GR complex in the bronchi nucleus, which binds to both HDCA2 and CBP
  • tab.pulmoclear
       MECHANISMPulmoclear Tablet is a combination of two mucolytic medicines: Acebrophylline and Acetylcysteine. It thins and loosens mucus (phlegm) making it easier to cough out.
  • chest physiotherapy
       MECHANISM:The aims of ACTs in patients with COPD are to assist sputum clearance in an attempt to reduce symptoms and paroxysmal coughing, slow the decline in lung function, reduce exacerbation frequency and hasten the recovery from exacerbations.
  • inj.thiamine
         MECHANISM:thiamine may augment aerobic metabolism in the critically ill, even in the absence of absolute deficiency. We hypothesized that the administration of intravenous thiamine to critically ill patients would cause an increase in oxygen extraction and V.o2
  • BP,PR,SPO2,Temp
          MECHANISM: All 3 vital signs acquired from a pulse oximeter (pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) are predictive of COPD exacerbation events, with oxygen saturation being the most predictive, followed by respiratory rate and pulse rate.

  • I/O charting
      MECHANISM: Fluid overload or pulmonary/vascular congestion is a common clinical feature in patients with heart failure and is associated with adverse outcomes. Maintaining records of patients' fluid intake and output (I&O) has long been considered an important aspect of nursing care to assess hydration status.

C. 

The acute exacerbation could be due to the infection of upper respiratory tract or it could be due to the smoke from the continuous usage of indoor chulha.

D.

ATT could have effected the patient’s condition by causing generalised weakness.

ATT  has affected her symptoms. Rifampicin has a side effect of nephrotoxicity causing pedal edema and facial puffiness.
         https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860413/

E.

  Hyponatraemia in COPD develops due to many reasons such as worsening of hypoxia, hypercapnia ,respiratory acidosis and right-sided heart failure with development of lower limb oedema ,it could also be due to renal insufficiency.

*respiratory acidosis with metabolic alkalosis( owing to renal compensation) in patients with COPD with hypercapnia is the usual cause of hypochloremia.



    2.     Neurology 


CASE 1

40years old male complaining of irrelevant talking.


A. Symptomology 










   Anatomical localization- Ethanol in brain acts through altering the amounts of the neurotransmitters like GABA, Glutamate.
     Alcohol acts to increase GABA activity in the brain through acting on GABA releasing neurons and decreases glutamate release.
     Alcohol produces euphoria and behavioral excitation at low blood concentrations due to increased glutamate binding to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors; at higher concentrations, it leads to acute intoxication by potentiation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects, particularly in receptors with delta subunits. The local distribution of these subunits explains why the cerebellum, cortical areas, thalamic relay circuitry, and brainstem are the main networks that mediate the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
     Continued excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of dependence. For some people the fear of withdrawal symptoms may help perpetuate alcohol abuse.Many neurobiological and environmental factors influence motivation to drink.
  Primary etiology- When an alcohol-dependent individual abruptly terminates or substantially reduces his or her alcohol consumption, a characteristic withdrawal syndrome ensues.
        Abrupt cessation of chronic alcohol consumption unmasks these changes with a glutamate-mediated CNS excitation resulting in autonomic overactivity and neuropsychiatric complications such as delirium and seizures. The latter are usually of generalized tonic–clonic type and are mediated largely in the brainstem by abrogation of the tonic inhibitory effect of the GABAergic delta subunits.
     Primary etiology- Alcohol causes deficiency of vitamin b1 called thiamine. There may be decreased conversion of thiamin to the active coenzyme, reduced hepatic storage of the vitamin in patients with fatty metamorphosis, ethanol inhibition of intestinal thiamin transport, and impaired thiamin absorption secondary to other states of nutritional deficiency.
        Wernicke encephalopathy. This condition presents in well-defined steps starting with nausea and vomiting, followed by horizontal nystagmus, ocular nerve palsy, fever, ataxia, and progressive mental impairment, eventually leading to the korsakoff syndrome.


B. Pharmacological interventions

1.INJ. THIAMINE- As chronic alcoholics are more prone for development of thiamine deficiency, thiamine is administered to improve the condition of Wernicke's encephalopathy to prevent the progression towards korsakoff's syndrome 

                    How thiamine work in the brain?

                    Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps the body's cells change carbohydrates into energy. The main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system. Thiamin also plays a role in muscle contraction and conduction of nerve signals. Thiamin is essential for the metabolism of pyruvate acting through thiamine pyrophosphate.

2.INJ LORAZEPAM- It is a benzodiazepine which enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA. Benzodiazepines are cross-tolerant with alcohol and modulate anxiolysis by stimulating GABA-A receptors.


      "They are proven to reduce withdrawal severity and incidence of both seizures and delirium tremens"

3. Inj. Lorazepam
mechanism:Lorazepam binds to benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA-A ligand-gated chloride channel neuron at several sites within the central nervous system (CNS). It enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA, which increases the conductance of chloride ions into the cell.

4. T. Pregabalin 
mechanism: Pregabalin is structurally related to the antiepileptic drug gabapentin and the site of action of both drugs is similar, the alpha2-delta (alpha2-delta) protein, an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. Pregabalin subtly reduces the synaptic release of several neurotransmitters, apparently by binding to alpha2-delta subunits, and possibly accounting for its actions in vivo to reduce neuronal excitability and seizures.

5. Inj. HAI S.C.- premeal
mechanism:Regulates glucose metabolism

Insulin and its analogues lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production; insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis; targets include skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue

6. GRBS 
mechanism:Regular blood glucose monitoring is an essential tool to help you take control of your diabetes. By identifying and recording changes in your blood sugar levels, you'll have more information about how food, exercise, stress, and other factors affect your diabetes.

7. glucose monitoring
mechansm:Regular blood glucose monitoring is an essential tool to help you take control of your diabetes. By identifying and recording changes in your blood sugar levels, you'll have more information about how food, exercise, stress, and other factors affect your diabetes.

8. Inj  ampoule KCl 
mechanism:Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes, including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity; the transmission of nerve impulses; the contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle; and the maintenance of normal renal function.

9. Syp Potchlor 
mechanism:It helps to maintain potassium balance in the body by restoring normal potassium levels in patients with a low level of potassium


C. 
Long-term abuse can damage the nervous system liver and other organs this damage maybe is reversible drinking too much alcohol can also alter the level of certain nutrients in the body including
* thiamine
* folate
* vitamin B6 and B 12
vitamins are needed for proper no function and can also cause alcohol related neurological diseases.

D. 

Thiamine is a coenzyme that is essential for intricate organic pathways and plays a central role in cerebral metabolism. It acts as a cofactor for several enzymes in the Krebs cycle and the pentose phosphate pathway. It's deficiency can cause metabolic imbalances leading to neurologic complications including neuronal cell death.

E.

The sudden removal of alcohol can also cause kidney failure. Alcohol has to be broken down and cleared from the body as urine. This needs water, as the products of the breakdown have to be in solution.

Alcohol also inhibits the production of an anti-diuretic hormone, so large quantities of alcohol make you urinate a lot and become dehydrated. Electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium, are usually in solution (water) and excessive amounts of alcohol can cause an imbalance in these electrolytes as well as an acid-base imbalance. These imbalances can eventually lead to acute kidney failure.


F. 

The probable cause is kidney failure and the reasons for the anemia is

                1) a moderately reduced red cell life span,
                2)blood loss, and
                3) an inadequate increase in erythropoiesis relative to the fall in hemoglobin (Hb).


g) 
excessive alcohol can cause nutritional deficiency and alcohol toxicity these in turn can cause poor nutrition leading to poor wound healing and problems with nerves (neuropathy) when sensory nerves in the foot stops working the foot can get injured and this leads to foot ulcers 



A. Timeline of the patient is as follows-

7 days back- Patient gave a history of giddiness that started around 7 in the morning; subsided upon taking rest; associated with one episode of vomiting

4 days back- Patient consumed alcohol; He developed giddiness that was sudden onset, continuous and gradually progressive. It increased on standing and while walking.

H/O postural instability- falls while walking

Associated with bilateral hearing loss, aural fullness, presence of tinnitus

Associated vomiting- 2-3 episodes per day, non projectile, non bilious without food particles

Present day of admission- Slurring of speech, deviation of mouth that got resolved the same day


Anatomical localization: The localization lies in the cerebral blood vessels where there is the either rupture of blood vessels or blockage of blood vessels.
           Primary Etiology:  The etiology would be the combined effects of DENOVO HYPERTENSION, SMOKING AND ALCOHOLISM.


B.pharmacological interventions 

   aa) Tab Vertin 8mg- This is betahistine; It is an anti- vertigo medication

MOA- It is a weak agonist on H1 receptors located on blood vessels of the inner ear. This leads to local vasodilation and increased vessel permeability. This can reverse the underlying problem.

Indications- Prescribed for balance disorders. In this case it is used due to patients history of giddiness and balance issues.

  b) Tab Zofer 4mg- This is ondanseteron; It is an anti emetic

MOA- It is a 5H3 receptor antagonist on vagal afferents in the gut and they block receptors even in the CTZ and solitary tract nucleus.

Indications- Used to control the episodes of vomiting and nausea in this patient.

 c) Tab Ecosprin 75mg- This is aspirin; It is an NSAID

MOA- They inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 thus decreasing the prostaglandin level and thromboxane synthesis

Indications- They are anti platelet medications and in this case used to prevent formation of blood clots in blood vessels and prevent stroke.

D)     d) Tab Atorvostatin 40mg- This is a statin

MOA- It is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor and thus inhibits the rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. It decreases blood LDL and VLDL, decreases cholesterol synthesis, thus increasing LDL receptors in liver and increasing LDL uptake and degeneration. Hence plasma LDL level decreases.

Indications- Used to treat primary hyperlipidemias. In this case it is used for primary prevention of stroke.

E)      e) Clopidogrel 75mg- It is an antiplatelet medication

MOA- It inhibits ADP mediated platelet aggregation by blocking P2Y12 receptor on the platelets.

Indications- In this case it decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke by preventing clotting

F)      f) Thiamine- It is vitamin B1

It is naturally found in many foods in the human diet. In this case, the patient consumes excess alcohol- so he may get thiamine deficiency due to poor nutrition and lack of essential vitamins due to impaired ability of the body to absorb these vitamins.

Indications- Given to this patient mainly to prevent Wernickes encephalopathy- that can lead to confusion, ataxia and opthalmoplegia.

G)     g) Tab MVT- This is methylcobalamin

Mainly given in this case for vitamin B12 deficiency.


C. c. Did the patients history of denovo HTN contribute to his current condition?

Ans: Hypertension causes alterations in cerebral artery structure and function that can impair blood flow, particularly during an ischemic insult or during periods of low arterial pressure. Hypertensive artery remodeling results in reduction in the lumen diameter and an increase in the wall-to-lumen ratio in most cerebral arteries; this is linked to reduced blood flow postischemia and increased ischemic damage. Hypertension causes blood-brain barrier breakdown by mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoactive circulating molecules. This exposes neurons to cytotoxic molecules, leading to neuronal loss, cognitive decline, and impaired recovery from ischemia.

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpheart.00490.2012


Q4. Does the patients history of alcoholism make him more susceptible to ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke?

 ANS. Meta analysis of the relation between alcohol consumption and increased risk of stroke has mainly weighed in to the formation of two types- ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.

Ischaemic stroke- this is more common. This Is caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and preventing oxygen from reaching the brain

Haemorrhagic stroke- occurs when an aneurysm bursts or when a weakened blood vessel leaks, thus causing cerebral haemorrhage

According to a Cambridge study, heavy drinkers have 1.6 more chance of intracerebral haemorrhage and a 1.8 increased chance of subarachnoid haemorrhage. The adverse effect on BP that is seen due to increased drinking is a major stroke risk factor and increase the risk of heart stroke.

Many studies show that with mild and moderate drinking . the risk of ischaemic stroke decreases due to decreased level of fibrinogen which helps in the formation of blood clots. However, heavy alcohol intake is associated with impaired fibrinolysis, increased platelet activation and increased BP and heart rate.

So In this case, his history of alcoholism, coupled with his hypertension definitely could be a causative factor of his current condition 



CASE 3


http://bejugamomnivasguptha.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-45-years-old-female-patient-with.html

Q1. What is the evolution of the symptomatology in this patient in terms of an event timeline and where is the anatomical localization for the problem and what is the primary etiology of the patient's problem?


A. Timeline of symptomology 

1) 10 years back – episode of right and left upper limb paralysis

2) 1 year back- right and left paresis due to hypokalemia

3)  8 months ago- bilateral pedal edema, gradually progressing, present in both sitting and                                                            standing position, relieved on taking medication

4)  7 months ago – diagnosed with infection in the blood

5)   2 months ago – visited our hospital for neck pain and received medication

6)   6 days ago – pain in the left upper limb, radiating along the upper limb, dragging type, nocturnal increase in the pain, aggravated during palpitations and relieved on medication

7)   5 days ago –

i)  Palpitations, sudden in onset, more during night time, aggravated by lifting weights and speaking continuously, relieved by drinking more water, medication

ii)  Dyspnoea during palpitation ( NYHA class 3)

iii) Chest pain associated with chest heaviness

Anatomical location- Cervical spine

Etiology- The patient experienced episodes of palpitations, paresis, paralysis and edema because of hypokalemia

Neck pain is due to cervical spondylosis


Q2.  What are the reasons for recurrence of hypokalemia in her? Important risk factors for her hypokalemia?

ANS. Since the patient complains of edema, the drugs used to relieve it such as diuretics can cause hypokalaemia.

The risk factors include-

  1.          Excess Alcohol use
  2.          Chronic kidney disease
  3.          Diabetic ketoacidosis
  4.          Diarrhoea
  5.   5.    Diuretics
  6.          Excessive laxative use
  7.          Folic acid deficiency
  8.          Vomiting


Q3. What are the changes seen in ECG in case of hypokalemia and associated symptoms?

ANS. The earliest electrocardiogram (ECG) change associated with hypokalemia is a decrease in the T-wave amplitude. As potassium levels decline further, ST-segment depression and T-wave inversions are seen, while the PR interval can be prolonged along with an increase in the amplitude of the P wave. The U wave is described as a positive deflection after the T wave, often best seen in the mid-precordial leads.


Symptoms of hypokalemia: fatigue and weakness
                                                    Muscle cramps,
                                                    Palpitations,
                                                    Anxiety, Pyschosis, Depression.





CASE 4

A 55 years old male patient with seizures.


a. Is there any relationship between occurrence of seizure to brain stroke. If yes what is the mechanism behind it?
Ans: Cells in the brain send electrical signals to one another. The electrical signals pass along your nerves to all parts of the body. A sudden abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain can lead to the signals to the nerves being disrupted, causing a seizure. This electrical disturbance can happen because of stroke damage in the brain.
A seizure can affect you in many different ways such as changes to vision, smell and taste, loss of consciousness and jerking movements.

Seizures after stroke
You’re more likely to have a seizure if you had a hemorrhagic stroke (bleed on the brain). Seizures can also be more likely if you had a severe stroke, or a stroke in the cerebral cortex, the large outer layer of the brain where vital functions like movement, thinking, vision and emotion take place.
Some people will have repeated seizures, and be diagnosed with epilepsy. The chances of this happening may depend on where the stroke happens in the brain and the size of the stroke.

Pathogenesis 
There are several causes for early onset seizures after ischemic strokes. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ and Na+ with a resultant lower threshold for depolarization, glutamate excitotoxicity, hypoxia, metabolic dysfunction, global hypo perfusion and hyper perfusion injury ,(particularly after carotid end arteriotomy) have all been postulated as putative neurofunctional etiologies. Seizures after hemorrhagic strokes are thought to be attributable to irritation caused by products of blood metabolism. The exact pathophysiology is unclear, but an associated ischemic area secondary to hemorrhage is thought to play a part. Late onset seizures are associated with the persistent changes in neuronal excitability and gliotic scarring is most probably the underlying cause. Hemosiderin deposits are thought to cause irritability after a hemorrhagic stroke. In childhood, post‐stroke seizures can occur as part of perinatal birth trauma.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585721/

b. In the previous episodes of seizures, patient didn't loose his consciousness but in the recent episode he lost his consciousness what might be the reason?
Ans: Normally the “consciousness system”—a specialized set of cortical-subcortical structures—maintains alertness, attention and awareness. Diverse seizure types including absence, generalized tonic-clonic and complex partial seizures converge on the same set of anatomical structures through different mechanisms to disrupt consciousness.



CASE  5 

https://nikhilasampathkumar.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-48-year-old-male-with-seizures-and.html?m=1

 Q1. What could have been the reason for the patient for developing ataxia in the past 1 year?

 ANS. This patient has a history of alcohol abuse for the past three years. Excessive alcohol consumption can be a major risk factor for development of cerebellar dysfunction or cerebellar ataxia.

A potential mechanism for this is alteration in GABA-A receptor dependent neurotransmission. Ethanol is shown to disrupt molecular events at the mossy fibre-granule cell-golgi cell synaptic site and the granule cell fibre-Purkinje cell synaptic site, which is mainly responsible for ethanol induced cerebellar ataxia.

Another mechanism is the relation between age related effect of ethanol on the endoplasmic reticulum of purkinje cells of dendrite causing dendritic regression, and the effect of ethanol withdrawal that causes mitochondrial damage in the cerebellum.

Ethanol also causes neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity in the cerebellum.

These can all affect the cerebellum, which is the motor coordination centre of the central nervous system, and also involved in cognitive processing and sensory discrimination. These can all result in altered hand movements, impaired postural stability and balance, loss of fine movements etc.

 

Q2. What was the reason for his IC bleed? Does alcoholism contribute to bleeding diathesis?

ANS.  This patient has a history of excessive alcohol consumption for the past three years. According to a Cambridge study, heavy drinkers have 1.6 more chance of intracerebral haemorrhage and a 1.8 increased chance of subarachnoid haemorrhage. The adverse effect on BP that is seen due to increased drinking is a major stroke risk factor and increase the risk of heart stroke. Heavy drinking is a major cause of the acute cerebral hemorrhage of frontal, parietal and temporal lobes in this patient.

Bleeding diathesis is an unusual susceptibility to bleed (hemorrhage) mainly due to hypercoagulability. Heavy drinking can cause thrombocytopenia, as well as impact shape and functions of platelets. Impaired platelet function, together with reduced platelet count, can contribute to this condition associated with chronic alcoholism. This can also cause an increased incidence and recurrence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with excessive alcohol intake.



CASE 6  

http://shivanireddymedicalcasediscussion.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-30-yr-old-male-patient-with-weakness.html

Q1. Does the patient’s history of road traffic accident have any role in his present condition?

ANS.  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.STR.14.4.617

The above study is similar to the case discussed where an accident occurring years ago has eventually led to an infarct. Similarly, the accident that occurred in our patient 4 years ago can be the reason for his present condition.

Q2. What are warning signs of CVA?

ANS.

  1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
  3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
  5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

    Q3. What is the drug rationale in CVA?

    ANS. 1Thrombolytics- Thrombolytics restore cerebral blood flow in some patients with acute ischaemic stroke and may lead to improvement or resolution of neurologic deficits.

    2) Antiplatelet therapy- Due to the thrombotic origin of AIS and the involvement of platelet aggregation in the development of said thrombus, antiplatelet drugs are indicated. The most commonly used one is aspirin (NSAID).

    3) Anticoagulant therapyAnticoagulants are a heterogeneous group of pharmacological agents that by interacting with the coagulation cascade disrupt the formation of the fibrin mesh that forms the scaffold of the clot, thus preventing the formation of a blood clot in situ, or thrombus, inside the blood vessels.


    Q4. Does alcohol has any role in his attack?

    ANS.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007300/

    According to the above study, patients who consume 1-21 drinks a week, have a lower chance of developing ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke than those who are heavy drinkers. The patient is an occasional alcohol drinker, so the chances of alcohol affecting his attack is improbable. In heavy drinkers, alcohol can increase the chances of both types of strokes.

     

    Q5.Does his lipid profile has any role for his attack?

    ANS. The patient has an overall normal lipid profile except for the HDL count. The HDL is 33mg/dl which is lower than the normal range (40-60 mg/dl).

    HDL is known as the good cholesterol. Any decrease in the count is an indicator that there can be a cardiovascular disorder.

    Studies have demonstrated a trend toward a higher risk of stroke with lower HDL-C. Some see HDL-C as an important modifiable stroke risk factor. In patients with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack and no coronary heart disease, only lower baseline HDL-C predicted the risk of recurrent stroke.




    CASE 7 

     https://amishajaiswal03eloggm.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-50-year-old-patient-with-cervical.html

    Q1.What is myelopathy hand?

    ANS. A characteristic dysfunction of the hand observed in various cervical spinal disorders, there is loss of power of adduction and extension of the ulnar two or three fingers and an inability to grip and release rapidly with these fingers. These changes have been termed "myelopathy hand" and appear to be due to pyramidal tract involvement. 







    b. What is finger escape ?
    Ans: Finger escape
    Wartenberg's sign is a neurological sign consisting of involuntary abduction of the fifth (little) finger, caused by unopposed action of the extensor digiti minimi. . This finding of weak finger adduction in cervical myelopathy is also called the "finger escape sign".



    c.What is Hoffman’s reflex?
    Ans:Hoffman's sign or reflex is a test used to examine the reflexes of the upper extremities. This test is a quick, equipment-free way to test for the possible existence of spinal cord compression from a lesion on the spinal cord or another underlying nerve condition.








    CASE 8  

    https://neerajareddysingur.blogspot.com/2021/05/general-medicine-case-discussion.html?m=1

    Q1. What can be the cause of her condition?   

    ANS. The patient’s GTCS episodes can be due to acute cortical vein thrombosis as seen in her MRI. Seizures are the most common symptoms of CVT.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771304/

    This case report illustrates that CVT can occur in the setting of anaemia and thrombocytopenia. 

    The above case is similar to our patient. Though neurological manifestations are not common in iron deficiency anaemia our patient presented with CVT. Also, our patient had thrombocytopenia which one would have expected to cause a bleeding tendency but paradoxically could have contributed to the development of the venous thrombosis as explained in the article above.

    The associated symptoms such as headache and vomiting can be explained by the midline shift.

    Q2.  What are the risk factors for cortical vein thrombosis?

    ANS.

    1. Birth control or excess oestrogen use.
    2. Dehydration.
    3. Ear, face, or neck infection.
    4. Protein deficiencie
    5. Head trauma or injury.
    6. Obesity


    Q3. There was seizure free period in between but again sudden episode of GTCS why? Resolved spontaneously why?      

    ANS. The patient developed high grade fever (the patient had thrombophlebitis) with could have been the cause of the seizures. The decrease in the fever could have resolved the seizures.


    Q4. What drug was used in suspicion of cortical venous sinus thrombosis?

    ANS. The approach to treatment includes anticoagulation (intravenous heparin or subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin), thrombolytics (systemic or local), and symptomatic treatment (including antiepileptic therapy, lowering intracranial pressure, decompressive craniotomy).




    Cardiology             


    CASE 1 

     https://muskaangoyal.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-78year-old-male-with-shortness-of.html

    Q1.What is the difference btw heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and with reduced ejection fraction?

    ANS. Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction.

    - HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is also known as diastolic HF. In this, muscles of the heart contract normally and the heart may seem to pump a normal proportion of the blood that enters it. However, heart muscle thickening may cause the ventricle to hold an abnormally small volume of blood (chamber hypertrophy)

    Therefore, although the heart’s output may still appear to be in the normal range, its limited capacity is inadequate to meet the body’s requirements.

    Causes- Coronary artery disease, Aortic stenosis, High blood pressure

     - HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is also known as systolic HFIn this, the heart muscle is not able to contract adequately(chamber dilatation) and, therefore, expels less oxygen-rich blood into the body. Patients with this form of the disease will have lower-than-normal left ventricular ejection fraction on an echocardiogram.

    Causes- Diabetes, Hypertension, valvular heart disease


    Q2.Why haven't we done pericardiocenetis in this patient?  

    ANS. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart (pericardium). 

    It's done using a needle and small catheter to drain excess fluid.

    There are 3 approaches for needle entry - left parasternal, subxyphiod approach, left apical approach. All these require a lot of precision as they might damage the surrounding pleura, diaphragm , liver.

    Pericardial effusion is mild - moderate in this patient , so symptomatic treatment was given rather than opting for an invasive procedure like pericardiocentesis which requires a lot of precision. 

    Risks of pericardiocentesis include- Puncturing the heart, which may require surgery to repair, Puncturing the liver, Excess bleeding, which might compress the heart and affect its normal function, Air in the chest cavity, Infection etc. if the procedure is not done properly

    Also this patient has pleural effusion, this might make fluid extraction difficult without inflicting and damage as the needle is inserted very close to the lungs.    


    Q3.What are the risk factors for development of heart failure in the patient?

    ANS. 

    A) Cigarette smoking

    The patient is a chronic smoker (30years), which is a habit known to increase the risk of heart failure.

    Mechanism-  Cigarette smoking leads to impaired endothelial function via decreased nitric oxide production, pro-thrombotic state, increased oxidative stress, and activated inflammatory pathways.

    Smoking, via increased oxidative stress and inflammation, directly effects on the myocardium leading to systolic and diastolic dysfunction. 

     It also promotes other heart failure (HF) risk factors including blood pressure, increased heart rate, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. 

    B) Chronic alcohol consumption 

    Patient consumes 90ml per day for the past 30 years

    Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with alcoholic cardiomyopathy, characterized by left ventricular dilation, increased left ventricular mass, and reduced or normal left ventricular wall thickness among patients with a long-term history of heavy alcohol consumption.

    Based on studies alcoholic patients with symptomatic HF had 10 years or more of exposure to heavy drinking .

    C) Hypertension and Diabetes

    Diabetes results in changes in myocardial structure and function by causing disproportionate left ventricular hypertrophy and perivascular and interstitial fibrosis

    These changes result in diastolic and systolic dysfunction and increase risk of heart failure.

    Hypertension increases work load on the heart and a result there is left ventricular hypertrophy — risk of heart failure

    D) ECG reports of the patient indicate first degree AV block.

    This is associated with an increased risk of heart failure.

    Among patients with heart failurefirst-degree atrioventricular block is present in anywhere between 15% and 51%. 

    E) 2D ECHO of the patient shows pericardial effusion

    This increases pressure on the heart and if left untreated will lead to heart failure.


    Q4.What could be the cause for hypotension in this patient?

    ANS. Hypotension in this patient could be due to combination of pericardial effusion and use of diuretic LASIX (furosemide). 

    The pumping ability of the heart in this patient is compromised already. Along with this he is on a loop diuretic (causing sodium, potassium and chloride loss in the urine) and is on anti hypertensive medication (Telma 40 mg), along with fluid restriction. All these factors might result in Hypovolemia and thereby Hypotension


     

    CASE 2 

    A 73 YEAR OLD MALE PATIENT WITH PEDAL EDEMA, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND DECREASED URINE OUTPUT.


    a. What are the possible causes for heart failure in this patient?
    Ans: The possible causes are: 
    •  high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease: High blood pressure increases the force of blood through your arteries and can damage artery walls
    • High blood pressure: Damaged kidneys may release too much of an enzyme called renin, which helps to control blood pressure. This increases the risk for heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke.
    •  The narrowing and blocking of blood vessels caused by high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) increases your risk of developing heart failure
    • as a complicaion of COVID
    b.what is the reason for anaemia in this case?
    Ans: Diabetes in this patient may have caused kidney damage. The damaged kidneys do not produce enough erythropoietin and cause anemia.
        Alcohol also cause reduction in red blood cells by reducing the precursor cells in bone marrow.
    c. What is the reason for blebs and non healing ulcer in the legs of this patient?
    Ans: As the patient is having diabetes there would be delayed healing which cause non healing ulcer.
             Although there is no clear evidence why blisters would occur, there are some risk factors
    • shoes that do not fit correctly
    • reduced circulation
    • Candida albicans, a fungal infection
    • other injury or irritation in the feet or hand.
    d. What sequence of stages of diabetes has been noted in this patient?
    Ans: STAGE 1: insulin resistance
        STAGE 2: prediabetes
        STAGE 3:diabetes type 2
        STAGE4: microvascular complications


    CASE 3 

    https://preityarlagadda.blogspot.com/2021/05/biatrial-thrombus-in-52yr-old-male.html

    Q1. What is the evolution of the symptomology in this patient in terms of an event timeline and where is the anatomical localization for the problem and what is the primary etiology of the patients problem?

    ANS. Timeline of the patient is as follows-

    ·         1 year ago- History of shortness of breath (Grade II- SOB on exertion); He visited the hospital where he was diagnosed to be hypertensive (on medication)  

    ·         2 days ago- Patient was apparently asymptomatic 2 days ago when he developed Shortness of breath Grade II (on exertion) which progressed to Grade IV (at rest) for which he visited local RMP and was referred to our hospital. Patient also complains of decreased urine output since 2 days.

    ·         Present day- Patient came to the hospital with SOB grade IV (on rest) and anuria for the past one day.

    Anatomical Location- Patient has an issue that was localized as an issue in the cardiac region.

    Etiology- Congestive heart failure is a chronic progressive condition that affects the pumping power of the cardiac muscle. It occurs if the heart cannot pump (systolic) or fill (diastolic) adequately. Loss of atrial contraction and left atrial dilation in this case cause stasis of blood in the left atrium and may lead to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage. This predisposes to stroke and other forms of systemic embolism.

     

    2)    Q2. What are the mechanism of action, indication and efficacy over placebo of each of the pharmacological and non pharmacological interventions used for this patient?

    ANS.  

    a)      INJ. Dobutamine-

    MOA- It is a synthetic catecholamine, that acts on B1, B2 and alpha 1 receptors.

    Indications- It is a potent inotropic agent but only causes a slight increase in heart rate. It is given to patients with acute heart failure as iv infusion.  3.6ml/hr was given to maintain the falling BP up to a MAP of 55 mmHg in this case.

    b)       TAB. Digoxin-

    MOA- It acts on the digitalis receptor and inhibits NA-K-ATPase, thus increasing cardiac output.

    Indications- Digitalis is used in patients with low output failure especially when associated with atrial fibrillation, as indicated in this case.

     c)      INJ. Unfractionated Heparin 5000-

    MOA- At low concentration, heparin selectively inhibits the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, thus preventing thrombus formation. High dose heparin has antiplatelet action and prolongs bleeding time.

    Indications- Patient had a biatrial thrombus and in this case it was used to prevent further thrombus formation.

     d)      TAB. Carvediol 3.125mg BD

    MOA- It blocks B1, B2, Alpha 1 adrenergic receptors and no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity.

    Indications- Used as a long term drug to reduce mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.

     e)      TAB. Acetyl cysteine 600mg PO TID

     f)        TAB. Acitrom 2mg OD 

    MOA- It is an anticoagulant that functions as a vitamin K antagonist.

    Indications- oral anticoagulant which helps to prevent formation of harmful blood clots in the legs, lungs, brain and heart. It is used for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke prevention.

     g)      TAB. Cardivas 3.125mg PO/BD

    MOA- It is carvediol. It blocks B1, B2, Alpha 1 adrenergic receptors and no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity.

    Indications- Used as a long term drug to reduce mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.

     h)      TAB. Dytor 10mg PO/OD

    MOA- It is torsemide, a loop high ceiling diuretic. It acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of henle, increases Na, K and Cl excretion in the urine.

    Indications- preferred in cases of hypertension associated with CCF and renal failure.

    i)        TAB Pan D 40mg PO/OD

    MOA- It is a combination of domperidone and pantaprazol. It is a proton pump inhibitor and helps decrease acid production in the stomach.

    Indications- used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux) and peptic ulcer disease by relieving the symptoms of acidity such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, or irritation.

    j)        TAB. Taxim 200mg PO/OD

    MOA- It is cefixime. They are beta-lactam antibiotics that inhibit synthesis of bacterial cell wall and produce a bactericidal effect.

    Indications- Given mainly to prevent development of bacterial infections.

     k)      INJ. Thiamine 100mg in 50ml NS IV/TID

    It is vitamin B1. It is naturally found in many foods in the human diet. In this case, the patient consumes excess alcohol- so he may get thiamine deficiency due to poor nutrition and lack of essential vitamins due to impaired ability of the body to absorb these vitamins.

    l)        INJ. HAI S.C 8U-8U-6U

    Insulin given in this case to treat the patients denovo diabetes mellitus.

    Q3. What is the pathogenesis of renal involvement due to heart failure (cardio renal syndrome)? Which type of cardio renal syndrome is this patient? 

    ANS. Cardio renal syndrome is basically defined as “any acute or chronic problem in the heart or kidneys that could result in an acute or chronic problem of the other.”

    The leading cause of CHF includes ischemic heart diseases and myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus (DM), the metabolic syndrome and hypertension. CHF evolves due to a single cause, such as myocardial infarction or a cumulative process of multiple minor effects. Often one entity is poorly controlled and causes significant system stress. There is immediate stress on the kidney through pathophysiological connections when CHF develops. The connectivity of the vascular bed, and its regulation by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and renin-angiotension-aldosternone system (RAAS), continues the stress on the nephron. The long-term process results in scarring and fibrosis to both organs.

     CHF as a syndrome occurs due to the over expression of biologically active molecules that are capable of deleterious effects. The cells such as the myocardial myocytes, are capable of producing these potentially toxic effectors within close vicinity of the injury with the capacity for ongoing autocrine and paracrine activity. The spill over of this toxic milieu reaches the kidney, which has to regulate salt and water retention to compensate for loss of cardiac output. Finally, an important source of renal stress is increased cardiac preload.

    The kidneys receive 25% of blood flow, where the majority goes to the cortex, which also has the greatest neural innervations to regulate changes acutely. The medulla receives only 10% of the blood supply. The renal microvascular bed however is continuous throughout. Thus, disease in any glomeruli could have implications when placed under supraphysiological stress from SNS or RAAS and matched with early disease in vascular endothelium and nitric oxide systems.

    ( Reference- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542305/ )

    In this case the patient has Type 4 cardiorenal syndrome: a chronic decline in kidney function that results in chronic cardiac dysfunction.


    4)       Q4. What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis in this patient?

     ANS. In this case, the risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis include:

    a)      Patient has Diabetes mellitus type 2, which can accelerate atherosclerosis by driving inflammation and slowing down blood flow.

    b)      Patient has history of alcohol abuse that can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of stroke.

    c)      Patient has a history of NSAID abuse, which can change the vessels ability to relax and also stimulate growth of smooth muscle cells inside the arteries, thus leading to the clogging of the arteries.

    d)      Patient also has a history of hypertension- effect on the arterial wall also results in the aggravation and acceleration of atherosclerosis, particularly of the coronary and cerebral vessels. Moreover, hypertension appears to increase the susceptibility of the small and large arteries to atherosclerosis.


    5)       Q5. Why was the patient asked to get those APTT, INR tests for review?

            ANS. APTT- Activated partial thromboplastin time; this is a blood test that characterizes coagulation of blood. The patient has a propensity for thrombus formation, which needs to be monitored by keeping check on the aPTT levels which is an indicator for the coagulability of the blood.

    INR- It is international normalized ratio; it is also a measure of the ability of the blood to clot. This is an important test for patients who are on blood thinners (ie) anticoagulants. The patient in this case was taking heparin, so everyday reports of his INR value were needed.




    CASE 4

    67 year old patient with acute coronary syndrome 





    Timeline of events- 

             - 12 years ago- Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (on medication)
       -  Last 1 yearHeart burn like episodes since, relieved without medication
       - 7 months agoDiagnosed with pulmonary TB; Completed full course of treatment; presently sputum negative.
        - Past 6 months - Hypertension diagnosis (on medication)
        - Since half an hour- Shortness of breath, Grade IV (SOB even at rest)

    Anatomical localisation - Cardiovascular system

    EtiologyThe patient is both Hypertensive and diabetic, both these conditions can cause atherosclerosis (there is build up of fatty and fibrous material inside the wall of arteries)

     

     Q2. What are mechanism of action, indication and efficacy over placebo of each of the pharmacological and non pharmacological interventions used for this patient?

     ANS. Pharmacological interventions:

     a) TAB MET XL 25 MG/STAT

    Contains Metoprolol as active ingredient

    MOA: Metoprolol is a cardioselective beta blocker

    Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Beta blockers cause your heart to beat more slowly( negative chronotropic effect) and with less force (negative inotropic effect). Beta blockers also help open up your veins and arteries to improve blood flow.

    Indications: it is used to treat Angina, High blood pressure and to lower the risk of hear attacks .

    Efficacy studies- Patients were randomized to one of four treatment arms: placebo or ER metoprolol (0.2 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg). Data were analyzed on 140 intent-to-treat patients.

    Non pharmacological interventions - Advised to this patient is PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION.

    Percutaneous Coronary Intervention  is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter (a thin flexible tube) to place a small structure called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).

     

    Q3. What are the indications and contraindications for PCI?

    ANS. Indications:

    1. Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
    2. Non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)
    3. Unstable angina.
    4. Stable angina.
    5. Anginal equivalent (eg, dyspnea, arrhythmia, or dizziness or syncope)    

      Contraindications:

    1. Intolerance for oral antiplatelets long-term.
    2. Absence of cardiac surgery backup.
    3. Hypercoagulable state.
    4. High-grade chronic kidney disease.
    5. An artery with a diameter of <1.5 mm


    Q4. What happens if a PCI is performed in a patient who does not need it? What are the harms of overtreatment and why is research on overtesting and overtreatment important to current healthcare systems?

     ANS. Although PCI is generally a safe procedure , it might cause serious certain complications like 

    1. Bleeding 
    2. Blood vessel damage
    3. Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used
    4. Arrhythmias
    5. Need for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting .

    Because of all these complications it is better to avoid PCI in patients who do not require it. Research on over-testing and over-treatment is important as they are more harmful than useful.

    Harm to patients

    • Performing screening tests in patients with who at low risk for the disease which is being screened.
    • For example: Breast Cancer Screenings Can Cause More Harm Than Good in Women Who Are at Low Risk. A harmless lump or bump could incorrectly come up as cancer during routine breast screenings. This means that some women undergo surgery, chemotherapy or radiation for cancer that was never there in the first place.
    • Overuse of imaging techniques such as X-rays and CT Scans as a part of routine investigations. 
    • Overuse of imaging can lead to a diagnosis of a condition that would have otherwise remained irrelevant
    • Over-diagnosis through overtesting can psychologically harm the patient.
    • Hospitalisations for those with chronic conditions who could be treated as outpatients can lead to economic burden and a feeling of isolation.
    • The use of expensive technologies and machineries are causing economic burden on health care systems.



    CASE  5

    CASE DISCUSSION ON ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION


    a.  What is the evolution of the symptomatology in this patient in terms of an event timeline and where is the anatomical localization for the problem and what is the primary etiology of the patient's problem?
    Ans: 3 days ago developed pain on right side of the chest.
            the anatomical location of etiology is BLOOD VESSELS.
            myocardial infarction is usually due to thrombotic occlusion of a coronary vessel caused by rupture of a vulnerable plaque. Ischemia induces profound metabolic and ionic perturbations in the affected myocardium and causes rapid depression of systolic function

    B. What are mechanism of action, indication and efficacy over placebo of each of the pharmacological and non pharmacological interventions used for this patient?
    • TAB. ASPIRIN- Aspirin inhibits platelet function through irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. Until recently, aspirin has been mainly used for primary and secondary prevention of arterial antithrombotic events.
    • TAB ATORVAS -Atorvastatin competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. By preventing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, statin medications decrease cholesterol production in the liver.
    • TAB CLOPIBB -The active metabolite of clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y12 receptor and the subsequent ADP- mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. This action is irreversible.
    • INJ HAI- Regulates glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogues lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production; insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis; targets include skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.
    • ANGIOPLASTY: Angioplasty, also known as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins, typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis.
    c. Did the secondary PTCA do any good to the patient or was it unnecessary?
    Ans: The second PCI was NOT necessary in this patient.
                PCI performed from 3 to 28 days after MI does not decrease the incidence of death, reinfarction or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure but it is associated with higher rates of both procedure-related and true ST elevation reinfarction.3 A retrospective analysis of the clinical data revealed The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Score of 4 predicting a 30-day mortality of 7.3% in this patient. Late PCI leads to the increased risks of periprocedural complications, long-term bleeding, and stent thrombosis.

               The high incidence of CAD and the increasing need for PCI provides an opportunity to evaluate its appropriate use and highlight potential overuse. PCI is frequently reported to be overused and inappropriately recommended. Behnke et al defined overuse as ‘use of unnecessary care when alternatives may produce similar outcomes, resulting in a higher cost without increased value’.8Overuse causes a heavy financial burden on people living in countries, where fee-for-service and ill-regulated private healthcare provides much of the patient care. As a result, cost of healthcare increases and causes potential harm to the patients.



    CASE 6

    https://kattekolasathwik.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-case-of-cardiogenic-shock.h

    Q1. How did the patient get relieved from his shortness of breath after i.v fluids administration by rural medical practitioner?

    ANS. The patient presented with rapid breathing, which is an indicator of cardiogenic shock, if the patient also presents along with other signs such as cold, clammy extremities.

    In cardiogenic shock, there is hypovolemia, which causes reduced perfusion to major organs in the body. When there is decreased perfusion, the body slows starts shutting down. To halt this process, iv fluids are given rapidly to continue the perfusion of fluids at the normal rate. Fluid resuscitation helps restore lost blood volume, regain tissue perfusion, and reduce mortality.

    When this patient was given fluids, the perfusion returns to normal which helps abate the shortness of breath.

     

    Q2. What is the rationale of using torsemide in this patient?

    ANS.  In patients who have cardiorenal syndrome, there is a renal dysfunction along with cardiac abnormalities. In such patients there is a volume overload and heart failure, the combination of which causes increased pulmonary artery or central venous pressure with low systemic pressure that may lead to a severe compromise of the net renal perfusion pressure.

    Furosemide is a commonly used diuretic to treat volume overload state in heart failure, yet it is particularly prone to the problem of diuretic resistance because of its particular pharmacokinetics. Alternatives to furosemide, such as torsemide, have been shown to have a slight advantage in selected studies because of somewhat more favourable pharmacokinetics, such as longer half life and increased bioavailability of the drug.

     

    Q3. Was the rationale for administration of ceftriaxone? Was it prophylactic or for the treatment of UTI?

    ANS.  Patients with cardiorenal syndrome are known to have systemic inflammation which can be drawn parallel to end stage kidney disease. Here there is an inflammation of monocytes and other inflammatory cells. This puts the patient in a immune suppressive state.

    Due to this state, to reduce the chances of infection, as a prophylactic measure, ceftriaxone might have been started.




    4) GASTROENTEROLOGY (& Pulmonology) 

     

    CASE A 

    https://63konakanchihyndavi.blogspot.com/2021/05/case-discussion-on-pancreatitis-with.html

    Q1. What is the evolution of the symptomatology in this patient in terms of an event timeline and where is the anatomical localization for the problem and what is the primary etiology of the patient's problem?

    ANS. Timeline of events-

    5 years ago-  An episode of pain abdomen and vomiting, treated conservatively at a local hospital.

     Stopped alcohol consumption.

     Symptom free for almost 3 years

    2 years ago- Patient started consuming alcohol, this lead to recurrent episodes of pain abdomen and vomiting.

    1 year ago- 5-6 episodes of pain abdomen and vomitings

                             Treated by a RMP.

    1 week ago- Binge of alcohol 

    Since 1 week- Following this he had pain abdomen and vomiting 

    Since 4 days- High grade fever with chills and rigors, Developed constipation, burning micturition associated with subrapubic pain, increased frequency and urgency.

    Anatomical localisation- Pancreas and left lung

    Etiology- The patient is a chronic alcoholic, episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting are following alcohol consumption. Therefore it is heavy drinking that has led to the above condition in the patient.

    Alcohol and its metabolites produce changes in the acinar cells, which may promote premature intracellular digestive enzyme activation thereby predisposing the gland to autodigestive injury. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated directly by alcohol and its metabolites and also by cytokines and growth factors released during alcohol-induced pancreatic necroinflammation. Activated PSCs are the key cells responsible for producing the fibrosis of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis

     B.pharmacological interventions 

    • ING. MEROPENAM: Meropenem is bactericidal except against Listeria monocytogenes, where it is bacteriostatic. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis like other β-lactam antibiotics. In contrast to other beta-lactams, it is highly resistant to degradation by β-lactamases or cephalosporinases.
    • ING. METROGYL :Metronidazole diffuses into the organism, inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA and causing a loss of helical DNA structure and strand breakage. Therefore, it causes cell death in susceptible organisms.
    • ING. AMIKACIN The primary mechanism of action of amikacin is the same as that for all aminoglycosides. It binds to bacterial 30S ribosomal subunits and interferes with mRNA binding and tRNA acceptor sites, interfering with bacterial growth.
    • TPN ( Total Parenteral Nutrition ): the early administration of enteral nutrition must be the standard therapeutic approach in patients with severe acute pancreatitis it decreases the risk of infection; TPN is only required in a few patients.
    •  IV NS / RL Patients with acute pancreatitis lose a large amount of fluids to third spacing into the retroperitoneum and intra-abdominal areas. Accordingly, they require prompt intravenous (IV) hydration within the first 24 hours. Especially in the early phase of the illness, aggressive fluid resuscitation is critically important.
    •  ING. OCTREOTIDE Like somatostatin, octreotide also decreases the release of growth stimulating hormones, decreases blood flow to the digestive organs, and inhibits the release of digestive hormones such as serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide.Octreotide is useful in overdose management of sulfonylurea type hypoglycemic medications, when recurrent or refractory to parenteral dextrose. Mechanism of action is the suppression of insulin secretion.
    •  ING. PANTOP The mechanism of action of pantoprazole is to inhibit the final step in gastric acid production. In the gastric parietal cell of the stomach, pantoprazole covalently binds to the H+/K+ ATP pump to inhibit gastric acid and basal acid secretion. The covalent binding prevents acid secretion for up to 24 hours and longer.
    • ING. THIAMINE Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is indispensable for normal function/health of pancreatic cells due to its critical role in oxidative energy metabolism, ATP production, and in maintaining normal cellular redox state.
    • ING. TRAMADOL Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic with a multimode of action. It acts on serotonergic and noradrenergic nociception, while its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol acts on the µ-opioid receptor. Its analgesic potency is claimed to be about one tenth that of morphine.


    CASE B 

    https://nehae-logs.blogspot.com/2021/05/case-discussion-on-25-year-old-male.html

    Q1. What is causing the patient's dyspnoea? How is it related to pancreatitis?

    ANS. Pancreatitis is associated with shortness of breath. Acute pancreatitis can cause chemical changes in your body that affect your lung function, causing the level of oxygen in your blood to fall to dangerously low levels.  

    Acute pancreatitis is associated with release of inflammatory factors which the lungs, fluid accumulation which is also associated with pancreatitis (the patient was diagnosed pleural effusion) results in shortness of breath.


    Q2.  Name possible reasons why the patient has developed a state of hyperglycaemia.

    ANS. Hyperglycemia in the early phase of AP may arise from mechanisms such as uncontrolled pre-existing DM, damage to the endocrine pancreas due to severe attack of AP, and metabolic stress associated with critical illness

    1. Pancreatitis damages cells that produce insulin and glucagon which are hormones that control the levels of blood sugar. Insufficiency of these hormones can lead to hyperglycaemia.

    2. Patient is a known alcoholic with increased consumption since 2 months (2 litres of toddy everyday) which could also be a cause of diabetes in the patient. But the patient was never tested before he came to our OPD and did not recall any notable signs.

     

    Q3. What is the reason for his elevated LFTs? Is there a specific marker for Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease?

    ANS. Excess alcohol consumption is known to elevate LFT’s. 

    Alcohol is a known hepatotoxin which effects liver functioning and there is no certain linear relation between the amount consumed and the stage of liver damage.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155359/

    Sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers in detecting harmful or heavy alcohol consumption

    Biomarker

    AST

    ALT

    MCV

    CDT

    CDT + GGT

    CDT + GGT + MCV

    Sensitivity

    47%-68%

    32%-50%

    45%-48%

    63%-84%

    83%-90%

    88%

    Specificity

    80%-95%

    87%-92%

    52%-94%

    92%-98%

    95%-98%

    95%

    AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; MCV: Mean corpuscular volume; CDT: Carbohydrate-deficient transferring; GGT: Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase

    (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155359/ )

    GGT and CDT are usually taken as specific markers for ALD

     

    Q4. What is the line of treatment in this patient?

    ANS. Plan of action and Treatment:

    Investigations:

     24 hour urinary protein 

     Fasting and Post prandial Blood glucose 

     HbA1c 

     USG guided pleural tapping 

    Treatment:

    • IVF: 125 mL/hr 

    • Inj PAN 40mg i.v OD 

    • Inj ZOFER 4mg i.v sos 

    • Inj Tramadol 1 amp in 100 mL NS, i.v sos

    • Tab Dolo 650mg sos 

    • GRBS charting 6th hourly 

    • BP charting 8th hourly 



          

    CASE C 

    https://chennabhavana.blogspot.com/2021/05/general-medicine-case-discussion-1.html

    Q1) What is the most probable diagnosis in this patient?

    ANS.  Differential Diagnosis:

    1.         Ruptured Liver Abscess.
    2.         Organized collection secondary to Hollow viscous Perforation.
    3.         Organized Intraperitoneal Hematoma.
    4.         Free fluid with internal echoes in Bilateral in the Subdiaphragmatic space.

    The most probably diagnosis is an abdominal hemorrhage. This will give reasoning to the abdominal distention, and the blood which is aspirated.

    Common symptoms include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, bruising around your navel or on the sides of your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine etc.

     

    Q2) What was the cause of her death?

    ANS. After leaving the hospital, the patient went to Hyderabad and underwent an emergency laparotomy surgery. The patient passed away the next day. Cause of her death can be due to complications of laparotomy surgery such as, hemorrhage (bleeding), infection, or damage to internal organs.

     

    Q3) Does her NSAID abuse have something to do with her condition? How?

    ANS.  NSAID-induced renal dysfunction has a wide spectrum of negative effects, including decreased glomerular perfusion, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and acute renal failure. Chronic NSAIDs use has also been related to hepatotoxicity. 

    While the major adverse effects of NSAIDs such as gastrointestinal mucosa injury are well known, NSAIDs have also been associated with hepatic side effects ranging from asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels and hepatitis with jaundice to fulminant liver failure and death.




    5)NEPHROLOGY 



    CASE 1


    POST TURP WITH NON OLIGURIC ANT DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY

    a. What could be the reason for his SOB ?
    Ans: he reason for SOB was- metabolic acidosis .
    b. Why does he have intermittent episodes of  drowsiness ?
    Ans: Acidosis has also been suggested to decrease muscle performance during fatigue by inhibiting Ca2+ release from the SR. Such inhibition will decrease the degree of activation of the contractile machinery and hence lead to decreased force production.
            Another mechanism by which intracellular acidosis may induce fatigue is by inhibition of energy metabolism. Key enzymes in glycogenolysis and glycolysis are phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase, respectively.
    c. Why did he complaint of fleshy mass like passage in his urine?
    Ans: plenty of pus cells in his urine passage  appeared as
     fleshy mass like passage to him
    d. What are the complications of TURP that he may have had?
    Ans:  Difficulty micturition
            Electrolyte imbalances
             Infection


    CASE 2

    An Eight year old with Frequent Urination



    a. Why is the child excessively hyperactive without much of social etiquettes ?
    Ans: The exact pathophysiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not clear. With this said, several mechanisms have been proposed as factors associated with the condition. These include abnormalities in the functioning of neurotransmitters, brain structure and cognitive function.
            Due to the efficacy of medications such as psychostimulants and noradrenergic tricyclics in the treatment of ADHD, neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline have been suggested as key players in the pathophysiology of ADHD.

    b.    Why doesn't the child have the excessive urge of urination at night time ?
    Ans: The child doesn’t have the excessive urge of urination at night time because ADHD is a psychosomatic disorder.


    6.INFECTIOUS DISEASES &(HEPATOLOGY)



    CASE A 

    https://kavyasamudrala.blogspot.com/2021/05/liver-abscess.html

    Q1. Do you think drinking locally made alcohol caused liver abscess in this patient due to predisposing factors present in it? What could be the cause in this patient?

    ANS. Patient is toddy drinker since for the past 30 years and by occupation he is a palm tree climber.

    Toddy is a locally brewed beverage, which is cultivated from the fruit of the palm tree and left to ferment in clay pots. If the conditions are unhygienic it gets contaminated with bacteria, fungi, parasites.

    Of particular contamination with Entamoeba Histolytica is known to cause liver abscess.

    Based on his occupation the patient belongs to low socio economic group - so chances of malnutrition is more, which further favours the survival of the parasite.


    Q2. What is the etio-pathogenesis of liver abscess in a chronic alcoholic patient ? 

    ANS. The patient has a history of consumption of alcohol ( 1 bottle per day for the past 30 years). Alcohol causes Amoebic liver abcesses (ALA) through a multitude of mechanisms:

    Alcohol induced hepatic dysfunction

    It lowers body resistance and suppresses immune mechanisms in the habitual consumers.

    Locally prepared alcohol (toddy) when brewed in unhygienic conditions may be contaminated by pathogens (In this case, E Histolytica) 

    Toddy has very less alcoholic content (< 5%) - this favours the survival of Entamoeba and promotes the conversion of latent forms to virulent forms resulting in more symptomatic cases.

    Alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction and possible suppression of amoebistatic immune mechanisms by substances in the beverages could also be attributed in the mechanism [6].

    Socioeconomic factors and poor sanitary conditions are the primary culprits that casually link alcohol to ALA.

    (Reference- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6077556/ )


    Q3. Is liver abscess more common in right lobe?

    ANS. Liver abscess is more common in right lobe than left lobe (The involvement of right lobe to left lobe is in the ratio of 2: 1)

     Liver abscess is more common in the right lobe than left lobe because-

    The right hepatic lobe receives blood from both the superior mesenteric and portal veins, whereas the left hepatic lobe receives inferior mesenteric and splenic drainage

    It also contains a denser network of biliary canaliculi and overall more hepatic mass.


    Q4.What are the indications for ultrasound guided aspiration of liver abscess?

    ANS. Indications for aspiration of a liver abscess include the following:

    Presence of a left lobe abscess of more than 10cm in diameter. 

    Pain and impending rupture.

    Abscess that does not respond to medical treatment within 3-5 days. 

    Others include to differentiate pyogenic from amebic abscess, false-negative results of serologic tests, noncompliance with medical treatment etc. 



    CASE B 

    https://63konakanchihyndavi.blogspot.com/2021/05/case-discussion-on-liver-abcess.html

     Q1. Cause of liver abscess in this patient ?

    ANS.  Amoebic liver abscess (ALA ) seen commonly in the tropics is predominantly confined to adult males, especially those who consume locally brewed alcohol, although intestinal amoebiasis occurs in all age groups and in both genders.

    It has been argued that socioeconomic factors and poor sanitary conditions are the primary culprits that casually link alcohol to ALA.

    However , there has emerged an abundance of data that implicates alcohol in a more causal role in facilitating the extra intestinal invasion of the infective protozoan and the subsequent development of ALA. (Ref- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6586571/ , https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6077556/ )

    Hence the consumption of locally made alcohol (toddy) is the most likely cause of Liver abscess in this patient.

    Another theory is that these pathogens though portal circulation reach the liver and might result in Abscess formation in the patient.


    Q2. How do you approach this patient ?

    ANS. When patient presents with chief complaints of abdominal pain, fever -

    1. Detailed history regarding each of the symptom should be taken.

    2. General examination to know the overall health status should be carried out.

    3. Following general examination, systemic examination should be done.

    Patient’s symptoms point out to the involvement of Gastrointestinal system, therefore special emphasis should be on per abdominal examination.

     4. Through history and examination , we arrive at provisional diagnosis.

     5. To confirm the diagnosis, investigations, imaging tests should be taken.

     6. For this patient based oh his symptomatology , the following investigations should be done.

           CBP, LFT, RFT, Urine analysis

     7. Imaging tests- CXR, USG abdomen.

     Based on the results of these the diagnosis can be confirmed, treatment can be initiated.

    This patient is diagnosed with Liver Abscess (by the above approach).

    The following treatment can be given.

    1. In practice an empirical treatment is given to treat both amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess 
    2. This includes use of Broad spectrum antibiotics( for pyogenic liver abscess) , Metronidazole ( for amoebic liver abscess)
    3.  Analgesics and anti inflammatory drugs -to relieve pain and fever.
    4.  Multivitamin supplements
    5.  Saline infusion- to maintain fluid levels. 

    All the above medicines should be given for  7- 10 days.

    Following this review the patient and see if there is any improvement.

    USG abdomen should be done se if the abscess is resolving.

    Investigations ( CBP, LFT , RFT ) should be done to check for the improvement.

    If the abscess did not resolve Ultrasound guided aspiration should be done.


    Q3. Why do we treat here both amoebic and pyogenic liver Abscess? 

     ANS. The presentation for both amoebic , pyogenic liver abscess is the same (ie) pain abdomen, fever, constitutional symptoms like nausea and vomiting , loss of appetite, in some cases there may be pulmonary symptoms.

    Investigations-

    There is leucocytosis, elevated alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST  

    USG-a hypo echoic mass for both type of abscess.

    Amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess can be differentiated only by culture and sensitivity of the aspirate obtained by USG guided aspiration of abscess.

    USG guided aspiration has the following risk factors associated with it:

    1) If abscess is thin walled there is a risk of rupture.

    2) If abscess is on the posterior aspect of the liver, it will not be accessible.

    3) There is also a risk of bleeding.

    Blood culture taken prior to the administration of antibiotics is helpful for identifying the causative organism but  as this patient had already taken antimicrobials before he came to the hospital, there is severe abdominal pain treatment is started immediately without a blood culture report.

    Considering that it is difficult to distinguish amoebic liver abscess from pyogenic liver abscess,

    We treat both forms of Liver abscess empirically using-

    Broad spectrum antibiotics- a combination of penicillin , cephalosporin, aminoglycosides

    Metronidazole- has both antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity.

    ( Reference- https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/132/1/45/5677141 )


    Q4. Is there a way to confirm the definitive diagnosis in this patient?

    ANS. Liver abscess can be confirmed by USG Abdomen.

    It presents as single/ multiple, round/ oval, hypoechoic- hyper echoic mass more commonly is the right lobe of the liver.

    However USG cannot differentiate an amoebic liver abscess from pyogenic liver abscess.

    For this 

    Blood culture 

    USG guided aspiration of the abscess should be done.

    This aspirate should be subjected to antigen testing for –

    Subjected to microbiological culture and sensitivity to identify pyogenic organisms.

    ( Reference- https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/132/1/45/5677141 )



    7. INFECTIOUS DISEASES(HI VIRUS, MYCOBACTERIA, GASTROENTEROLOGY, PULMONOLOGY)


    CASE 1


    A 40 YEAR OLD LADY WITH DYSPHAGIA, FEVER AND COUGH




    a. Which clinical history and physical findings are characteristic of tracheo esophageal fistula?
    Ans: the clinical history and physical finding in this paient that suggest tracheoesophageal fistula is that ,Cough occurs on taking food and liquids (which was initially non productive then associated with sputum which is white in color , moderate in quantity and non foul smelling).

    b. What are the chances of this patient developing immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome? Can we prevent it? 
    Ans: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurs in two forms:
                 "unmasking" IRIS refers to the flare-up of an underlying, previously undiagnosed infection soon after antiretroviral therapy (ART) is started; 
                "paradoxical" IRIS refers to the worsening of a previously treated infection after ART is started.
        Patients with mycobacterial disease at the time of initiation of ART are at higher risk of developing IRIS with an approximate risk of 15%. Patients originating from endemic areas for tuberculosis and cryptococcal disease are at higher risk of developing IRIS.

    How can immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome be prevented?
        The most effective prevention of IRIS would involve initiation of ART before the development of advanced immunosuppression. IRIS is uncommon in individuals who initiate antiretroviral treatment with a CD4+ T-cell count greater than 100 cells/uL.

        Aggressive efforts should be made to detect asymptomatic mycobacterial or cryptococcal disease prior to the initiation of ART, especially in areas endemic for these pathogens and with CD4 T-cell counts less than 100 cells/uL.

        Two prospective randomized studies are evaluating prednisone and meloxicam for the prevention of paradoxical TB IRIS.



    8) Infectious disease (Mucormycosis, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Neurology)


    CASE A 

    http://manikaraovinay.blogspot.com/2021/05/50male-came-in-altered-sensorium.html

    Q1. What is the evolution of the symptomatology in this patient in terms of an event timeline and where is the anatomical localization for the problem and what is the primary aetiology of the patient's problem?

    ANS.  

    3 years ago- diagnosed with hypertension

    21 days ago- received vaccination at local PHC which was followed by fever associated with chills and rigors, high grade fever, no diurnal variation which was relieved on medication

    18 days ago- complained of similar events and went to the the local hospital, it was not subsided upon taking medication(antipyretics) 

    11 days ago - C/o Generalized weakness and facial puffiness and periorbital oedema. Patient was in a drowsy state

    4 days ago-  

    a. Patient presented to casualty in altered state with facial puffiness and periorbital oedema and weakness of right upper limb and lower limb

    b. Towards the evening patient periorbital oedema progressed

    c. Serous discharge from the left eye that was blood tinged

    d. Was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus

    6. Patient was referred to a government general hospital 

    7. Patient died 2 days ago

    Patient was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and was unaware that he was diabetic until then. This resulted in poorly controlled blood sugar levels. 

    The patient was diagnosed with acute oro rhino orbital mucormycosis. Rhino cerebral mucormycosis is the most common form of this fungus that occurs in people with uncontrolled diabetes. The fungus enters the sinuses from the environment and then the brain.

    The patient was also diagnosed with acute infarct in the left frontal and temporal lobe. Mucormycosis is associated with the occurrence of CVA.  

    (Reference- https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(19)33482-8/fulltext#:~:text=There%20are%20few%20incidences%20reported,to%20better%20morbidity%2Fmortality%20outcomes)


    Q2. What is the efficacy of drugs used along with other non-pharmacological treatment modalities and how would you approach this patient as a treating physician?

    ANS. The management of the patient was-  

    1. Inj. Liposomal amphotericin B 

    2. 200mg Iatraconazole was given as it was the only available drug which was adjusted to his creatinine clearance.

    3. Deoxycholate was the required drug which was unavailable

    Along with the above mentioned treatment for the patient managing others symptoms is also done by-

    I. Management of diabetic ketoacidosis – 

    (a) Fluid replacement-  The fluids will replace those lost through excessive urination, as well as help dilute the excess sugar in blood.

    (b) Electrolyte replacement-The absence of insulin can lower the level of several electrolytes in blood. Patient will receive electrolytes through a vein to help keep the heart, muscles and nerve cells functioning normally.

    (c) Insulin therapy-  Insulin reverses the processes that cause diabetic ketoacidosis. In addition to fluids and electrolytes, patient will receive insulin therapy


    Q3. What are the postulated reasons for a sudden apparent rise in the incidence of mucormycosis in India at this point of time? 

    ANS. Mucormycosis may be being triggered by the use of steroids, which are life-saving drugs for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients. 

    Steroids reduce inflammation in the lungs for Covid-19 and appear to help stop some of the damage that can happen when the body's immune system goes into overdrive to fight off coronavirus. But they also reduce immunity and push up blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients. 

    With the COVID-19 cases rising in India the rate of occurrence of mucormycosis in these patients is increasing.

    Reference-  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7599039/

    https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-covid-19-surge-is-related-to-a-black-fungus-outbreak#Use-of-steroid-drugs-to-treat-COVID-19-set-stage-for-mucormycosis





    9) Infectious Diseases (COVID- 19) 

    For this question that contains details of many of the hospitals Covid 19 patients documented over this month I have collected information adhering to the following points-

    http://medicinedepartment.blogspot.com/2021/05/covid-case-report-logs-from-may-2021.html?m=1

    1) Sort out these detailed patient case report logs into a single web page as a master chart 

    2) In the master chart classify the patient case report logs into mild, moderate severe  

    3) Indicate for each patient, the day of Covid when their severity changed from moderate to severe or vice versa recognized primarily through increasing or decreasing oxygen requirements 

    4) Indicate the sequence of specific terminal events for those who died with severe Covid (for example, altered sensorium, hypotension etc). 

     I have compiled all the data collected in the form of an excel spreadsheet, so as to be able to draw a comparative analysis about the progression of disease and the outcome in various patients.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kltJgtrvB1pfk21ebBBGspZ1t_Wn5xHs/view?usp=sharing



     

    10. Medical education 




    As a final year medical student in Covid 19, doing the education online currently, a lot has changed as far as the learning and studying aspect is concerned. We were in fear that the part of medicine that is the most important was in jeopardy of getting affected- because it seemed impossible to do clincals online. This experience of telemedicine has truly changed that for us. After picking up cases personally to make e logs, we were able to chart every aspect of the patient profile- from taking history, to reading investigation and analysing treatment options. This experience of studying the work of our peers in a way that will both enable us to learn and correlate different aspects of medicine from a clinicians perspective, has made us all the more confident that we will be able to do clinicals as best as we can from our homes.












































































































































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