Albumin administration is complicated because of its different concentrations and indications. By the end of this unit, you will be equipped to answer a common clinical dilemma: which concentration to use and how fast to give it. What is Albumin & How it Works We have 34-54 grams of albumin per liter of blood inContinue reading “Albumin: What Concentration to Use and How to Administer”
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How to Treat Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Our brains, especially that of a newborn, is dependent on glucose as the primary source of energy. Like most of their other bodily functions, glucose regulation is immature at birth. High glucose demand from rapid growth and high metabolic rates make newborns highly susceptible to neonatal hypoglycemia. Low birthweight babies, preterm babies and babies bornContinue reading “How to Treat Neonatal Hypoglycemia”
Insulin Resistance: Its Role in Infertility, DKA and Obesity
When there is insulin resistance the body begins an internal battle between acute survival and longevity. It is a long, subtle conflict that abruptly manifests itself as chronic conditions far beyond just hyperglycemia. Let me walk you through how we develop insulin resistance and 3 ways it has overwhelmed society via its predominant role isContinue reading “Insulin Resistance: Its Role in Infertility, DKA and Obesity”
3 Habits to Maximize Productivity as a Medical Professional
The healthcare field is challenging because of the variability from day to day but that is also what makes it so enjoyable. If you haven’t intentionally examined your workflow to optimize your performance you probably struggle to meet or even better, stay ahead of expectations. Let me walk you through 3 habits that will setContinue reading “3 Habits to Maximize Productivity as a Medical Professional”
Everything You Need to Know: Edoxaban
Warfarin, the traditional anticoagulant, has drawbacks such as narrow therapeutic range and frequent monitoring. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC) address these limitations. DOACs directly inhibit clotting factors, unlike warfarin which indirectly inhibits them. They are preferred due to easier administration, fewer interactions, and superior efficacy. Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are the available DOACs, each with unique attributes and considerations for administration and interactions.
Everything You Need to Know: Dabigatran
Dabigatran changed the landscape and set a new standard for oral anticoagulation in 2010. It was the first oral alternative to warfarin and the inaugural member of the drug class Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). It is still the only oral anticoagulant in the subclass of Direct Thrombin Inhibitor. Let me walk you through everythingContinue reading “Everything You Need to Know: Dabigatran”
How to Treat: Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment of atrial fibrillation centers reducing the risk of thrombus formation and stroke as well as treatment as disease progresses. Learn how we use validated tools to balance risk of the atrial fibrillation with the risk of treatment.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term used to describe any condition that causes a sudden decrease in blood supply to heart muscles. The heart supplies oxygen and nutrients to all tissues in the body including itself. The heart is wrapped in tiny blood vessels called coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygenContinue reading “Acute Coronary Syndrome: What You Need to Know”
Acute Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Overview of Pathophysiology
The main function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood from the heart, throughout the body, and return oxygen depleted blood to the lungs. This cycle takes only 13 seconds and is interrupted in acute heart failure. The contraction of heart muscles, the resistance of blood vessels and valves all maintain the pressure andContinue reading “Acute Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Overview of Pathophysiology”
How to Assess Renal Function: 3 Blood Markers & Calculations
Normal renal function supports all organs in maintaining homeostasis. The kidneys are responsible for many critical processes in the body. Filtration: the kidneys remove waste products like urea and creatinine which accumulate as a byproduct of normal metabolic processes. Fluid Balance: The kidneys regulate how much water is eliminated and reabsorbed. Which in turn contributesContinue reading “How to Assess Renal Function: 3 Blood Markers & Calculations”