Volume 29, Issue 4 – July 2021

Cover Volume 29, Issue 4

Fatal haemolytic shock

Figure 1. Coronary view of the abdominal computed tomography scan. A 65-year-old man presented to his general practitioner with complaints of progressive abdominal pain, which had started two weeks earlier but had increased in severity…

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Transfusion of a disillusion? When well-meant clinical intuition meets individualised physiology

We all realise that blood transfusions can be beneficial but may also potentially harm our patients. Generally accepted restrictive transfusion thresholds for red blood cells (7 g/dl or 4.3 mmol/l) in a general ICU population…

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POCUS series: ultrasound during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Abstract This article is part of the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) series. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bedside ultrasound has important clinical value for confirming a diagnosis, establishing a prognosis and in therapeutic decision-making. In this article we…

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Physiological nonutility of red blood cell transfusion in acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure

Abstract Purpose: Transfusing red blood cells (RBCs) in non-bleeding critically ill patients once the haemoglobin meets a certain threshold is the standard of care, despite the lack of robust data suggesting improved outcomes with this…

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Extracorporeal rewarming and support in severe hypothermia with cardiac arrest: a return from death

Abstract Severe hypothermia leads to cardiac instability; however, it also has protective effects due to decreased metabolic activity. Therefore, prolonged resuscitation is advised in hypothermic cardiac arrest. We present a case of severe hypothermia without…

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Arytenoid swelling due to inhalation frostbite injury after the recreational use of nitrous oxide

Abstract In this case report, we present a patient with a potentially life-threatening airway obstruction after the recreational use of nitrous oxide. The patient initially presented with a globus sensation and hoarse voice. Flexible nasal…

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Endoscopic treatment of pharmacobezoar caused by slow-release clomipramine and quetiapine overdose

Abstract A pharmacobezoar is a rare entity characterised by an accumulation of undigested pills in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often induced by massive drug consumption, especially slow-release tablets. We describe an 18-year-old female with…

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