Adrenal crisis or insufficiencyis a life threatening emergency due to the lack of glucocorticoid. Adrenal crisis can be primary due to destruction of the adrenal cortex (Addison’s), or secondary due to down regulation (chronic steroid use) Read more
Nose bleeds are a bloody common problem (bad pun intended) – most originating at the front to the nose where there is a cluster of blood vessels – Little’s Area.
In the young the bleeding often starts after trauma (e.g. picking or punching noses). In the elderly however, it is commonly a manifestation of underlying vascular disease. Read more
LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Device) are becoming more common and there are patients in our region with them as a bridge to transplant or recovery and in some cases a destination therapy.
The patient and their family will likely know more about this device than you and should have brought spare parts. Our local LVAD centre is Wythenshaw however, there are other units around the country the patient may direct you to.
The patient may not have a palpable pulse, the blood pressure will be low and the heart pump sounds like a buzz when you listen.
If patient is unresponsive or has a history of collapse its important to troubleshoot the device and resusitation may be required
Avian flu is droplet spread and can sometimes effect humans as well as birds. Severity varies in human cases varies widely from mild to severe and deaths have been reported.
Case Definition = Clinical Criteria + Exposure Criteria