Articles
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...
Status Epilepticus in Children
Status epilepticus is the most common childhood medical neurological emergency. The Neurocritical Care Society guidelines define status epilepticus as: “A seizure with 5 minutes or more of continuous clinical and/or electrographic seizure or recurrent seizure activity...
Antifreeze Poisoning
Antifreeze poisoning presents a significant challenge to medical professionals due to its potentially fatal consequences. What is antifreeze? Antifreeze is a liquid used in vehicle radiators to prevent freezing in cold weather. Ethylene glycol is the most common type...
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions are exaggerated or inappropriate immunologic responses occurring in response to an antigen or allergen. Gell and Coombs described four classes in 1963: Type I hypersensitivity reactions Type II hypersensitivity reactions Type III...
Life Threatening Chest Injuries in Trauma – The Killer Six
Trauma remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with chest injuries representing a significant portion of these cases. Whether resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or penetrating trauma, injuries to the chest can lead to immediate compromise of vital...
What Killed George Washington?
George Washington is undoubtedly one of the world's most famous historical figures. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution, was...
The Emergency Treatment of Anaphylaxis: A Quick Guide
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is likely when both of the following criteria are met: Sudden onset and rapid progression of symptoms Life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation...
