Opioids
An opioid is any psychoactive chemical that resembles opiates in their pharmacological effects by binding opioid receptors. They may be endogenous or exogenous compounds, and may be naturally occurring or synthetic
Paracetamol
Paracetamol (acetaminophen): simple analgesic and antipyretic - not an NSAID as it lacks significant anti-inflammatory effects
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine: synthetic alpha 1 adrenoreceptor agonist
Physostigmine
Physostigmine: anticholinesterase; inhibition of anticholinesterase -> increase in cholinergic tone
Quorum sensing
Quorum sensing is the capacity of micro-organisms to detect extracellular, small-molecule signals and to alter gene expression in response to microbial population densities
Genetics and Critical Illness
There is increasing awareness of genetic make up influencing one’s ability to respond in critical illness. It is believed that genetic predisposition influences the risk of serious infection and outcome.
Hiccoughs
Hiccoughs or hiccups refer to frequent involuntary intermittent contraction of the diaphragm, often occurring several times a minute
Supra-physiological Oxygenation Literature Summaries
Supra-physiological Oxygenation Literature Summaries
The long-term ICU Patient
The long-term ICU Patient
Acute Confusion in a Diabetic Patient
Acute Confusion in a Diabetic Patient
Acute Non-Traumatic Weakness
Acute non-traumatic weakness may occur as a result of a wide variety of underlying etiologies, many of which are life-threatening
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis is an under-recognised progressive neurological disorder caused by antibodies against NR1-NR2 NMDA receptors; 60% of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis have the presence of a tumour (most commonly teratoma)