Octreotide
Long-acting synthetic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin useful in the control of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycaemia (BSL <4 mol/L) either from overdose or an iatrogenic source. It is also useful in hypoglycaemia induced from Quinine.
Naloxone
This opioid antagonist is a useful adjunct in the management of opioid intoxication, particularly if there is CNS or respiratory depression. Caution is advised in those who are opiate-dependant and naloxone should only be used if there is significant CNS (GCS <12) and respiratory depression (RR <8).
N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the most widely used sulfhydryl donor in the treatment of paracetamol poisoning. Standard therapy consists of a series of three infusions given over 20 hours.
Methylene blue
Methylene Blue is the treatment of choice for symptomatic drug-induced methaemoglobinaemia (signs of hypoxia with chest pain, dyspnoea or confusion) or consider in asymptomatic patients with methaemoglobin (MetHb) levels >20%.
Intravenous lipid emulsion
Intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) is a sterile emulsion of soyabean oil in water, used in parenteral nutrition. It is a novel antidote which requires further study but may have a role to play in the resuscitation of patients with refractory cardiac arrest induced by local anaesthetics that are resistant to standard protocols.
Funtabulously Frivolous Friday Five 157
Funtabulously Frivolous Friday Five 157 - Just when you thought your brain could unwind on a Friday, some medical trivia FFFF.
EMA April 2012
Short editorial comments on articles from Vol. 24 Issue 2 of Emergency Medicine Australasia (EMA Journal) published online in April 2012.
Concussion in Rugby
Concussion in rugby: An overview and ethical considerations
Jean-François Kérandel
Jean Francois Kerandel (1873-1934) was a French physician. Symptoms of African human trypanosomiasis Kerandel sign and symptom
Mannitol
Mannitol: osmotic diuretic; increases the osmolarity of the glomerular filtrate -> increasing urinary volume; decreases CSF volume and pressure
CICM SAQ 2015.1 Q2
Question List the complications and their likely underlying mechanisms specifically related to cardiopulmonary bypass that may be seen in the ICU following cardiac surgery. Answer Pass rate: 63% Highest mark: 8.8 Additional comments: Candidates who failed did not address complications…
CICM SAQ 2015.1 Q4
Question The following list refers to classes of oral anticoagulation regimens for use in chronic atrial fibrillation: i. Antiplatelet agents ii. Vitamin K antagonists iii. Antithrombin agents iv. Anti Xa agents a) Give an example of a drug for each…