A lumbar puncture is the insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space to measure intracranial (opening) pressure, drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and administer intrathecal medications. Classic CSF patterns Condition WBC / differential Protein Glucose Opening pressure Normal CSF 0–5/µL 15–45 mg/dL…
Thoracocentesis is the insertion of a needle or catheter into the pleural space to remove fluid or air. Classification Classification Description Diagnostic thoracocentesis Performed to determine the cause of pleural effusion and exclude infection Therapeutic thoracocentesis Performed to relieve symptomatic effusions Common causes of pleural effusion Category Causes Transudative…
A paracentesis is the insertion of a needle or catheter into the peritoneal cavity to remove ascitic fluid Classification Classification Description Diagnostic paracentesis Performed to determine the cause of ascites and exclude spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) Therapeutic paracentesis Performed to relieve tense or refractory ascites
Mycobacteria belong to the order Actinomycetales, family Mycobacteriaceae, and Genus Mycobacterium. There are more than 80 species of mycobacteria. The two major pathogens are: The rest are environmental organisms that are collectively known as Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). NTM are responsible for opportunistic infections especially in immunosuppressed…
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when the permeability of alveolar capillaries increases, leading to fluid (hyaline) accumulation in the alveoli. This type of fluid accumulation is known as non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. It peaks between 60 and 70 years of age and has…
Overview Ventilator-associated Lung Injury (VALI) is acute lung injury caused or worsened by mechanical ventilation. ****It can be caused by both invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Mechanisms of VALI Mechanism Description Oxygen toxicity Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produces during prolonged…
Overview Mechanical ventilation is any means by which physical devices or machines are used to either assist or replace spontaneous respiration. It is one of the main interventions offered in the ICU. Ventilation vs oxygenation Term Definition Nota bene Ventilation Ventilation is the removal of…
Overview Renal tubular acidosis is a non-anion gap hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis that is caused by impaired renal HCO3- handling or increased H+ excretion. Summary of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) Classification Causes Pathophysiology K+ Urine pH Type 1 (distal) Sjogren syndrome, SLE, chronic…
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Diagnostic criteria (at least 3 of the following should be identified) Criterion Threshold Waist circumference >40 inches (102 cm) in men; >35 inches (88…