J Postgrad Med
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This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile and their antibiotic spectrum in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and investigate the risk factors for VAP and the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. ⋯ The study revealed a high prevalence of Gram-negative among VAP patients. A significant prevalence of MDR pathogens was observed in early and late-onset VAP, along with high resistance to carbapenems. This necessitates a reassessment of the current use of antibiotics and highlights the need for further studies to choose alternative treatments for empirical antibiotic coverage.
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Tricuspid valve pathology is a relatively common anomaly. In patients with mechanical tricuspid valve replacement, implantation of a permanent pacemaker can be challenging due to the risk of valve damage, failure, and lead fracture associated with right ventricular endocardial leads. Epicardial leads may be an option, but they require a surgical procedure and are not preferred in patients with prior thoracotomy. ⋯ Due to the complications and contraindications of traditional approaches, Lead implantation via the CS was utilized. This method allowed for successful pacemaker implantation, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of LV pacing in such complex cases. The use of CS-guiding catheters and specialized leads facilitated effective cannulation and stable, reliable pacing, avoiding the need for further invasive surgeries.
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A 76-year-old male patient, who underwent a post-aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve in 2006, was on oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, maintaining a stable therapeutic level of anticoagulation until 2022. He had a new diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 2022, following which he was started on mesalamine. ⋯ The evaluation revealed severe depletion of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. In this report, we discuss the possible drug-drug interactions between mesalamine and vitamin K antagonists, which went unrecognized leading to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Pharmacology is one of the most dynamic and evolving branches, not only in the concepts but also in teaching methodologies. Many attempts have been made by various colleges all over the world to make the teaching of pharmacology more interesting and relevant. ⋯ There is a need for periodic up-gradation in techniques utilized for teaching pharmacology. Every teaching technique has its strengths and weaknesses. They need to be utilized as per the student's requirement.
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Review Case Reports
Unveiling Balantidium coli: A rare protozoan causing a series of cases of dysentery in Rajasthan and review of literature.
Balantidium coli is the largest, uncommon, and only ciliate parasite that infects humans and is more common in tropics and subtropical regions. It is mostly asymptomatic, but can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain and sometimes leads to perforation of the colon. It is harbored in animals, particularly among pigs in hotter environments and monkeys in the jungles. ⋯ Retrieval of rare parasites was possible only because of prompt stool transport and its early processing. There are only few previous reports regarding the pediatric cases of balantidiasis, and there is a little information about its clinical signs and treatment. Here, we report a case series of B. coli infection presenting as an acute diarrheal disease from Rajasthan.