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Mpox: Clinical Variations & Considerations
The Mpox virus (MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that is zoonotic and causes Mpox, a disease that resembles smallpox but is less severe. The first incidence of MPXV was documented in 1970 in a 9-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus was initially characterized in 1958. The three main signs of mpox are fever, lymphadenopathy, and rash. Rare are complications such encephalitis or widespread skin and mucous membrane lesions. As a result, Mpox death rates are comparatively low, with cases recorded after 2000 showing a range of 0 to 10%. The symptoms that were most commonly mentioned were fever, headache, cough, and sore or dry throat. Mpox lesions mostly appeared in the anal or genital regions.
About the Speaker
Dr. Venkat Ramesh
Consultant Infectious Disease, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Dr. Venkat Ramesh, Consultant Infectious Disease, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Upcoming Case Discussions
Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Management review
Respiratory diseases in children, such as asthma, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These conditions often present with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, requiring prompt diagnosis and management. Advances in medical care have improved the treatment outcomes, but disparities in healthcare access still pose challenges. Preventative measures, including vaccination and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these diseases. Early intervention and comprehensive care are essential to enhance the quality of life for affected children.
Tuberculosis Management
Tuberculosis (TB) management involves a comprehensive approach, from diagnosis to treatment, aimed at controlling and curing the infection. Early diagnosis is critical and is often done using sputum tests, chest X-rays, and molecular tests like GeneXpert. Once diagnosed, TB patients are typically treated with a standard regimen of first-line antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, over a course of six to nine months. Drug-resistant TB, particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), requires more complex treatment using second-line drugs for longer periods, often up to two years. Adherence to the treatment regimen is crucial, as incomplete treatment can lead to resistance.
Clinician’s Approach to Opioid Free Anesthesia
Opioids have long been used in general anesthesia to effectively manage pain. However, data suggests that using opioids during surgery may result in postoperative hyperalgesia, which can lead to chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and long-term opioid dependence. Indeed, opioid abuse has become a worldwide concern, with an estimated 40.5 million opioid dependent persons in 2017. Opioid-free anesthesia may thus be an appropriate option. A short time of opioid exposure has been demonstrated to cause epigenetic alterations and a pro-inflammatory state, resulting in nociceptive hypersensitivity. Opioids provided during tissue injury (e.g., surgery) may cause a paradoxical increase in acute postoperative pain and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), both of which contribute to the development of CPSP.
Rehabilitation Techniques for Post-Surgical Recovery
Rehabilitation techniques for post-surgical recovery are designed to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent complications. The process begins with a personalized assessment, followed by a phased approach that often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient education. In the early stages, passive movements and gentle range-of-motion exercises are employed to prevent stiffness and enhance circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots and swelling. As healing progresses, active exercises are introduced to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore balance and coordination.
Nutritional Management of Cardiovascular Health
Nutritional management of cardiovascular health focuses on reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and inflammation. A heart-healthy diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars is essential to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Nutritional interventions, when combined with physical activity and lifestyle changes, significantly contribute to the prevention and management of heart disease and promote long-term cardiovascular health.