Postgraduate medical journal
-
Trauma remains a leading cause of death, both for individuals under 40 in North America, and globally, where it contributes to ~10% of deaths annually. Thoughtful, timely, balanced resuscitation, especially in the peri-operative period for unstable injured surgical patients, is vital for optimizing outcomes. The advanced trauma life support protocol plays a pivotal role in early evaluation and management, emphasizing hemorrhage control and resuscitation strategies. ⋯ This review serves as an educational resource for surgical trainees, equipping them with a robust understanding of evidence-based trauma resuscitation. By integrating historical context, modern practices, and emerging technologies, the review aims to enhance both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for managing unstable trauma patients. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary teamwork, continuous education, and personalized resuscitation strategies to improve clinical outcomes.
-
This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the antidepressant and antisuicidal efficacy of ketamine in patients with unipolar depression, with a focus on the clinical evidence and safety profile. ⋯ The findings of this study are in line with those from previous research that demonstrated the rapid and robust antidepressant effects of ketamine, even in individuals with severe, treatment-resistant depression. Moreover, the observed reduction in suicidal ideation is particularly noteworthy, given the critical need for interventions that can provide rapid relief in acute suicidal crises. Key message What is already known on this topic - Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, demonstrating significant symptom relief within hours of administration. What this study adds - This study provides additional evidence supporting ketamine's rapid efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, highlighting statistically significant improvements observed at 4 and 24 hours post-treatment. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy - The findings may encourage broader clinical adoption of ketamine for acute depressive episodes and suicidality, emphasizing the need for controlled medical settings to manage potential side effects, and could influence future research on optimizing dosing protocols and long-term safety.
-
Health systems are striving to improve delivery of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischaemic stroke. With the move to 24/7 provision, we aimed to assess (1) the change in referral and procedural frequency and timing, (2) reasons referrals did not proceed to MT, and (3) nocturnal procedural efficacy and safety. ⋯ 24/7 MT provision has resulted in a rapid rise in the number of patients who may benefit from MT. This service can be provided with an acceptable safety profile during nighttime hours in a high-volume comprehensive UK centre.
-
Transatlantic guidelines endorse quality metrics for timely reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Compliance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is largely unknown. ⋯ Among STEMI patients in Kerala, India, only one in 10 eligible patients received timely reperfusion. Longer total ischemic times and delayed fibrinolysis were associated with 1-year MACE. Improving timely reperfusion is critical to enhancing STEMI outcomes in LMICs. What is already known on this topic Given the established link between delay to reperfusion and worse major adverse cardiac events (MACE), global efforts have concentrated on minimizing different components of the total ischemic time to improve ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) outcomes. Compliance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is largely unknown. What this study adds In this cohort of STEMI patients in Kerala, India, total ischemic time and first medical contact-to-needle time correlated with long-term MACE rates, whereas other timeliness indicators did not. How this study might affect research, practice or policy Our study highlights the significant barriers to accessing STEMI care that are prevalent in LMICs despite incremental growth in the number of PCI-capable hospitals. The pre-hospital phase within total ischemic time is the most important quality improvement metric of STEMI care in LMICs, especially for patients chosen for fibrinolysis.
-
The objective of this study was to elucidate the spectrum of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression in hemodialysis patients with euvolemic status and investigate its prognostic significance. ⋯ Predialysis measured BNP levels correlate with volume status, and the common range is from 500 to 902 pg/ml in dialysis patients with euvolemic status. Patients with upregulated BNP expression showed an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Key messages What is already known on this topic The volume management of hemodialysis patients should be judged comprehensively by clinical manifestations and objective examinations. The parameters involved in the evaluation need to be further optimized. What this study adds In hemodialysis patients, BNP serves as an indicator of volume status. Properly hydrated hemodialysis patients typically exhibit BNP levels ranging from 500 to 902 pg/ml, while persistent BNP elevation is associated with increased mortality. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy In clinical practice, BNP can be routinely monitored in hemodialysis patients to provide information for volume adjustment and to identify patients with high mortality risk. The potential advantages of implementing targeted BNP management warrant further investigation through intervention studies.