Biomed Pap
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Case Reports
Arrhythmias and ECG changes in life threatening hyperkalemia in older patients treated by potassium sparing drugs.
Severe hyperkalemia is a life threatening condition that can cause fatal rhythm disturbance and terminal heart arrest. The most common cause of hyperkalemia in older patients is that of iatrogenic medication-related etiology due to associated polymorbidity, polypharmacy and reduced reserve metabolic capacity. The aim of this paper is to increase awareness in the clinicians of the risk of hyperkalemia in elderly patients treated by potassium sparing drugs. ⋯ Potassium sparing drug therapy in older persons requires more frequent monitoring especially when drugs or their doses are changed, or during concomitant acute illness.
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To assess the influence of continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) at a filtration rate of 45 mL/kg/h on vancomycin pharmacokinetics in critically ill septic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). ⋯ CVVH at a filtration rate of 45 mL/kg/h leads to high and rapid extracorporeal removal of vancomycin in critically ill patients. Due to the rapid change in patient clinical status it was impossible to predict a fixed dosage regimen. We recommend blood sampling as early as 6 h after first vancomycin dose with maintenance dose based on vancomycin serum level monitoring.
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To find the simplest method for quantifying pleural effusion volume from CT scans. ⋯ We devised a simple method of conversion of a single planar measurement on CT scan to the volume of pleural effusion. The tabular expression of our equation can be easily and effectively used in routine practice.