Articles
Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Bordatella pertussis. Transmission is via respiratory droplets, and the incubation period is approximately 7-21 days. The disease is highly contagious...
Anticholinergic Poisoning
Anticholinergic poisoning is a potentially life-threatening toxidrome that occurs following exposure to substances that block acetylcholine at muscarinic and, to a lesser extent, nicotinic receptors. It can result in profound central and peripheral effects, ranging...
Understanding Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant concern in clinical practice, impacting patient safety and treatment outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an ADR as “A response to a drug which is noxious and unintended, and which occurs at doses...
Myxoedema Coma
Myxoedema coma is an extreme manifestation of untreated hypothyroidism and is a life-threatening condition characterised by hypometabolism and altered mental status. It commonly affects elderly patients with long-standing hypothyroidism, often precipitated by...
Levels of Evidence and Grading Systems
Levels of evidence A hierarchical system of classifying evidence is an essential part of evidence-based medicine. This hierarchy is commonly referred to as the levels of evidence. When attempting to find the answer to a clinical conundrum, a clinician should actively...
Togo and the Diphtheria Serum Run
Thanks to modern childhood vaccination programs, diphtheria is now a rare illness in Western Europe and the United States. It is still common, however, in developing countries where vaccination rates are low. It is a terrifying illness caused by the airborne bacterium...
Addisonian Crisis
An Addisonian crisis, also known as an adrenal crisis, is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that arises due to acute adrenal insufficiency. It is a rare condition with an estimated prevalence of around 600 per million, but it does present to the...
Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy: Critical Considerations
The management of cardiac arrest during pregnancy presents unique challenges that demand specialised knowledge and swift action. Maternal cardiac arrest is a rare but high-stakes scenario that requires a comprehensive understanding of resuscitation techniques tailored...
Thyroid Storm
Thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxic crisis, is a rare but life-threatening condition characterised by an extreme exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis symptoms. It occurs in approximately 1-2% of patients with established hyperthyroidism. This medical emergency demands...
Antifreeze Poisoning
Ethylene glycol, a component commonly found in antifreeze, presents a serious toxicological emergency. Though it initially acts like ethanol, its metabolism leads to highly toxic acid by-products, resulting in multiorgan damage if not recognised and treated early....
