CK-MB: creatine kinase dimer of M and B chains; found mainly in myocardial cytosol (also in skeletal muscle); one of three isoenzymes of creatine kinase (CK)
CRP = C-reactive protein OVERVIEW discovered in 1930 by studying Streptococcus pneumoniae infection -> named for its ability to bind to the somatic C-polysaccharide of such bacterial belongs to the family of pentraxins (calcium dependent ligand-binding plasma proteins) Normal range…
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord.
CT Chest: contrast used to highlight mediastinal structures; entire thorax imaged with no skip areas; slices are 5-10mm thick
CT Head scan interpretation and differential diagnosis
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): non-specific marker of inflammation; slower to respond than CRP
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) consist of a series of waves that reflect sequential activation of neural structures along the somatosensory pathways. SSEP of particular interest in critical care, due to their role in neuroprognostication
MRI and the Critically Ill: Restricted access to patients; Remote monitoring; MR compatible equipment; Safety of patients and staff; Getting the highest quality scan possible
Osmolar Gap: Osmolar gap = Osmolality (measured) - Osmolarity (calculated): NOTE: is a pragmatic clinical aid - the units are different (osmolality =mOsm/kg and osmolarity = mOsm/L) so it doesn't make mathematical sense!
Total parental nutrition (TPN) is the complete provision of nutrition intravenously, bypassing the GI tract.
OVERVIEW Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin with dermal synthesis being the major natural source Main clinically significant role is in maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism There is an increasing appreciation for its pleiotropic effects, including immunomodulatory and…
OVERVIEW ACTIONS CAUSES CLINICAL FEATURES Dry Beri-Beri Wernicke encephalopathy Korsakoff encephalopathy Wet Beri-Beri INVESTIGATIONS MANAGEMENT Prevention and treatment of thiamine deficiency Prevention and treatment of thiamine deficiency in severe alcoholics Treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy Supportive care monitoring SHOULD THIAMINE BE…