The American journal of case reports
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BACKGROUND Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD-D) is the most common red blood cell enzymopathy disorder. Severe hemolysis due to G6PD-D may rarely manifest as methemoglobinemia. ⋯ Interestingly, the arterial blood gas of the patient showed an elevated methemoglobin level (8.1%). CONCLUSIONS G6PD-D induced hemolysis is conventionally caused by oxidative stress, however, we report here a case of G6PD-D induced methemoglobinemia as a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis that has not been, as far as we know, previously reported.
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BACKGROUND Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique used to provide prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to deliver adequate perfusion or gas exchange to sustain life. It is indicated in patients with severe ARDS, severe hypothermia, and cardiac and respiratory failure when other conventional methods fail. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 22-year-old gravid 2 Para 1 woman who presented to the Emergency Department with pyelonephritis, who subsequently developed sepsis that progressed to ARDS. ⋯ After significant improvement, she was successfully de-cannulated and extubated. CONCLUSIONS The use of ECMO in pregnancy and post-partum can be associated with several complications to both mother and fetus. With appropriate patient selection, good knowledge of the procedure, and early initiation, successful outcomes can be attained.
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BACKGROUND Hiccups induced by steroids administration is not common. Although it is not life-threatening and is always recognized as a transient and minor complication, it can be severely uncomfortable and significantly diminished patient quality of life. In this case report, persistent hiccups were observed in 2 middle-aged Thai men receiving low-dose intravenous dexamethasone. ⋯ Although hiccups are not life-threatening, it should not be neglected since it can be severely uncomfortable and significantly diminish patient quality of life. Termination of dexamethasone can gradually relieve hiccups. Dexamethasone should be used cautiously and clinicians must be aware of this undesirable effect.
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BACKGROUND Beriberi due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has two clinical presentations. Patients with dry beriberi present with neuropathy, and patients with wet beriberi present with heart failure, with or without neuropathy. Dry beriberi can mimic the most common form of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). ⋯ CONCLUSIONS Symptoms and signs of dry beriberi due to thiamine deficiency can mimic those of acute or chronic GBS. However, thiamine repletion leads to rapid clinical improvement and can prevent irreversible neurologic sequelae, including Korsakoff syndrome. Clinicians should consider thiamine deficiency in malnourished patients presenting with symptoms and signs of GBS.
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BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyoma, or uterine fibroid, is the most common gynecologic neoplasm and its management usually results in a good clinical outcome. This report is of a rare case of hemoperitoneum associated with spontaneous hemorrhage from a benign uterine leiomyoma. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old single woman presented with generalized acute abdominal pain and vomiting. ⋯ Five days following admission, the patient was discharged from hospital without further complications. CONCLUSIONS Hemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous hemorrhage from a benign uterine leiomyoma is rare. This case demonstrates that clinical history, imaging, and surgical exploration are required to identify and control the source of bleeding to prevent a potentially fatal outcome.