Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Oncologic patients in urgent medical crises frequently are seen in the Emergency Department. Hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, hyperviscosity syndrome, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone are four metabolic complications that have life-threatening implications. This article reviews these conditions from the perspective of the emergency physician. Clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management specific to each entity are discussed.
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DIC is a consumptive thrombohemorrhagic life-threatening disorder resulting in multiple coagulation, platelet, and fibrinolytic abnormalities. The causes are legion. ⋯ Despite aggressive therapy and research, mortality remains high. Recognition of the patient at risk as well as treatment of the underlying disorder is the critical role for the emergency physician.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · May 1993
ReviewPharmacology and toxicology of chemotherapeutic agents.
Emergency physicians often must evaluate symptomatic cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents. When assessing patients being administered such highly toxic agents that have a narrow therapeutic index, fundamental understanding of the pharmacology and recognition of the toxic manifestations is mandatory. This article reviews some of the more commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, with particular emphasis on their indications, mechanisms of action, and toxicity.
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Hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease are the most common hereditary bleeding disorders. A variety of treatment modalities of these disorders are discussed. Common organ system bleeding and its treatment and disposition are outlined. Finally, potential complications of both the disease and treatment are reviewed.