Infections life-threatening

Because of its acidity phenol was known as carbolic acid when Joseph Lister intro duced It as an antiseptic in 1865 to prevent postopera tive bacterial infections that were then a life threatening hazard in even minor surgi cal procedures... 

Metastasis Metastasis is the spread of a disease (usually cancer) from an original site of infection to other parts of the body. This usually happens when cancer cells break off from the original tumor and travel through the blood vessels to a new site. This kind of cancer is called malignant, meaning that it is life-threatening and usually fatal. 

Like the other anti-infectives, bacterial or fungal superinfections and pseudomembranous colitis (see Chap. 7) may occur with the use of these drags. The administration of the aminoglycosides may result in a hypersensitivity reaction, which can range from mild to severe and in some cases can be life threatening. Mild hypersensitivity reactions may only require discontinuing the drug, whereas the more serious reactions require immediate treatment. 

Promoting an Optimal Response to Therapy Because these dru may be used in the treatment of certain types of severe and sometimes life-threatening viral infections, the patient may be concerned about the diagnosis and prognosis. The nurse should allow the patient time to talk and ask questions about methods of treatment, especially when the drug is given IV. It is important to explain the treatment methods to the patient and family members. 

Lack of efficacy in critical situations may also be reported, such as failure of antibiotics to treat life-threatening infections, or vaccine or contraceptive failures. 

In severe cases, or those refractory to treatment, truncal and limb weakness may be accompanied by involvement of masticatory, bulbar, and respiratory muscles. However the most life-threatening clinical manifestations are those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, since stomach ulceration can occur and death from perforation and peritonitis are not unknown. Medication with steroidal antiinflammatory agents is necessary but weakens the childrens resistance to infection, so that systemic spread of usually self-limiting disorders, such as candidiasis, may occasionally occur. 

Rhinoviruses cause a significant fraction of the common colds suffered by the human population. However, members of the Rhinovirus genus (Picomaviridae family) include 100 different serotypes that infect humans, making a vaccine strategy impractical. Thus, alternative strategies are needed to intervene in these non-life-threatening but inconvenient infections. 

The most serious and life-threatening complication is recurrent pulmonary infections due to overgrowth of various pathogens in the viscous secretions of the respi-... 

Employed as the hydrochloride and administered by dilute intravenous injection, vancomycin is indicated in potentially life-threatening infections that cannot be treated with other effective, less toxic, antibiotics. Oral vancomycin is the drug of choice in the treatment of antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis associated with the administration of antibiotics such as clindamycin and lincomycin (section 9.3). 

A wider spectrum of cover may be obtained, which m be (a) desirable as an emergency measure in life-threatening situations or (b) of use in treating mixed infections. 

Heart transplantation represents the final option for refractory, end-stage HF patients who have exhausted medical and device therapies. Heart transplantation is not a cure, but should be considered a trade between a life-threatening syndrome and the risks associated with the operation and long-term immunosuppression. Assessment of appropriate candidates includes comorbid illnesses, psychosocial behavior, available financial and social support, and patient willingness to adhere to lifelong therapy and close medical follow-up.1 Overall, the transplant recipient s quality of life may be improved, but not all patients receive this benefit. Posttransplant survival continues to improve due to advances in immunosuppression, treatment and prevention of infection, and optimal management of patient comorbidities. 

In patients presenting with acute adrenal crisis who have not been diagnosed previously with adrenal insufficiency, immediate treatment with injectable hydrocortisone and intravenous saline and dextrose solutions should be initiated prior to confirmation of the diagnosis because of the life-threatening nature of this condition. Determine and correct the underlying cause of the acute adrenal crisis (e.g., infection). 

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon, rapidly progressive, life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. Its associated mortality rate is approximately 25% and is nearly 70% in patients who present with septic shock.3,19... 

Malaria is transmitted by the bites of the Anopheles mosquitoes which introduce into the bloodstream one of four species of sporozoites of the plasmodia (Plasmodium falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax or P. malariae). Initial symptoms of malaria are nonspecific and may resemble influenza and include chills, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, rigors, and nausea. The onset of the symptoms is between 1 to 3 weeks following exposure. Fever may appear 2 to 3 days after initial symptoms and may follow a pattern and occur every 2 or 3 days (P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae). Fever with P. falciparum can be erratic and may not follow specific patterns. It is not unusual for patients to have concomitant infections with P. vivax and P. falciparum. Falciparum malaria must always be regarded as a life-threatening medical emergency. 

Mucocutaneous candidiasis is generally not life-threatening nor invasive and can be treated with topical azoles (clotrimazole troches), oral azoles (fluconazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole), or oral polyenes (such as nystatin or oral amphotericin B). Orally administered and absorbed azoles (ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole solution), amphotericin B suspension, intravenous caspofungin, or intravenous amphotericin B are recommended for refractory or recurrent infections.20... 

Although more invasive, esophageal candidiasis does not typically evolve into a life-threatening infection. However, topical therapy is ineffective. Azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole solution, or voriconazole), echinocandins, or intravenous amphotericin B (in cases of unresponsive infections) are effective treatment options. Parenteral therapy should be used in patients who are unable to take oral medications.20... 

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