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ARDS : Clinical Diagnosis and Management
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid onset of severe respiratory failure, often resulting from underlying illnesses like pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma. Clinical diagnosis of ARDS is based on criteria including acute onset of respiratory distress, bilateral lung infiltrates on chest imaging, and impaired oxygenation not fully explained by cardiac failure. Early recognition and management are essential in ARDS to prevent further lung damage and improve patient outcomes. Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation are typically necessary to provide adequate oxygen levels while minimizing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is commonly used to maintain lung recruitment and improve oxygenation. Management strategies focus on treating the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for infections or addressing fluid balance issues. Prone positioning, a technique where the patient lies face down, can improve oxygenation in some cases. Low tidal volume ventilation, which involves using smaller breath volumes, is a recommended ventilatory strategy to prevent further lung injury.
About the Speaker

Dr. Dharanindra Moturu
Consultant Critical care medicine at Aster Ramesh Hospital, Vijayawada
Upcoming Case Discussions
Acne: Disorders and Treatment Approaches
Acne is a common dermatological condition caused by clogged pores, excess sebum production, bacterial growth, and inflammation. It can manifest as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, or cysts, often leading to scarring if untreated. Various factors, including hormonal changes, diet, stress, and genetics, influence its severity. Treatment approaches range from topical and oral medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal therapy, to advanced procedures like chemical peels and laser therapy. A personalized skincare regimen, along with lifestyle modifications, plays a crucial role in managing and preventing acne.
Congenital Uterine Anomalies
Congenital uterine anomalies are structural abnormalities of the uterus resulting from improper fusion, canalization, or resorption of the Müllerian ducts during fetal development. These anomalies include septate, bicornuate, unicornuate, and didelphys uterus, among others. They can be asymptomatic or associated with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth, or abnormal menstruation. Diagnosis is typically made using imaging modalities like ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the anomaly, with surgical correction such as hysteroscopic septum resection often indicated in symptomatic cases. Early detection is crucial for optimizing reproductive outcomes and guiding appropriate management strategies.
Management of Postoperative Pain: Best Practices for GP’s
Effective management of postoperative pain is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing complications. General practitioners should start by assessing pain severity using appropriate scales, then tailor the treatment plan based on the patient's medical history and the type of surgery. A combination of pharmacological approaches, such as non-opioid analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) and opioids when necessary, should be used to minimize pain while reducing the risk of addiction. Multimodal strategies, including physical therapy and non-pharmacological techniques like cold therapy or mindfulness, can further enhance pain relief. Close follow-up is essential to adjust the treatment as needed and ensure the patient's pain is well-controlled.
Diabetes and Stem Cells: What Does the Future Hold?
The future of diabetes treatment may be revolutionized by stem cell research, offering hope for a long-term cure. Scientists are developing stem cell therapies that could regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, potentially restoring natural insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients reducing or eliminating their need for insulin injections. While challenges like immune rejection and long-term efficacy remain, continued advancements suggest stem cell therapy could significantly change diabetes management in the coming years.