Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyū no shinpo
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The morbidity of hyperglycemic crises and acute hypoglycemic attacks in patients with diabetes mellitus has been increasing for the past several decades. One of the reasons for this is the increase in the number of patients with diabetes. The increased proportion of aging and isolation in society is another reason. ⋯ Sufficient amount of intravenous extracellular fluid and constant infusion of insulin are essential. The development of LA is not associated with the use of metformin, but with the severity of the pre-existing disease. Early recognition and aggressive treatment is vital to improving the prognosis of hyperglycemic emergencies and severe hypoglycemic episodes.
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Case Reports
[A case of primary erythromelalgia successfully treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy].
Erythromelalgia is a rare condition characterized by constant or paroxysmal burning pain, erythema, and the elevation of skin temperature in the extremities. Recently, the impairment of C-fiber function due to autoimmune system involvement is considered as the primary cause of erythromelalgia. However, a successful treatment has yet not been established. ⋯ She received various antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory drugs, but failed to improve. She finally underwent high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, which dramatically improved her symptoms and normalized cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for the treatment of primary erythromelalgia and the possibility of autoimmune system involvement.
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Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) often develop ICU-acquired weakness, which is characterized by acute or subacute onset diffuse limb weakness, during the early course of their severe illness and is related to prolonged mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, and even increased mortality. The development of generalized weakness or paralysis may be because of critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), critical illness myopathy (CIM), and a combination of both. The basic mechanisms underlying these disorders are complex and poorly understood. ⋯ In addition, muscle biopsy and direct muscle stimulation test can be used to distinguish CIP from CIM. To date, no therapeutic approach has been established for ICU-acquired weakness, and potential preventive measures should be implemented in the daily management of the critically ill patients. Further studies are required to clarify the pathogenesis of these disorders and to identify appropriate therapeutic options.