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Palliative care in cancer
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses, including cancer. It can be provided at any stage of cancer, and it can be offered alongside curative treatment. For cancer patients, it often includes pain management, symptom control, and support for emotional and psychological needs. It improves the overall quality of life for cancer patients, and may even extend their life expectancy. Palliative care is an important component of comprehensive cancer care, and should be considered as an essential part of a patient's treatment plan.
About the Speaker
Dr. Vijay Kumar Kontham
Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Pain and Palliative Care Physician Yashoda Hospitals
Upcoming Case Discussions
H. pylori Treatment with PYELRA®: Best Practices
PYLERA® is a medication used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a common cause of stomach ulcers and gastritis. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline. This combination works synergistically to eradicate H. pylori bacteria and reduce associated symptoms. Treatment with PYLERA® typically involves taking multiple capsules four times a day for a specified duration, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the treatment regimen as directed and to discuss potential side effects
Oral Cancer Awareness: Strategies for Prevention
Promoting oral cancer awareness through educational campaigns aimed at informing the public about risk factors, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Encouraging individuals to quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption significantly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer, as these are major contributing factors. Emphasizing a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, can help reduce the risk of oral cancer and support overall oral health. Routine dental visits for oral examinations and screenings play a vital role in detecting precancerous lesions or early-stage oral cancers, enabling prompt intervention and treatment. Encouraging vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), a known risk factor for oral cancer, especially among adolescents and young adults, can reduce the risk of developing HPV-related oral cancers. Teaching individuals how to perform self-examinations of their oral cavity to identify any changes or abnormalities, such as persistent sores or lumps, encourages early detection and timely medical evaluation.
Osteoporosis: Basic Facts
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant complication following childbirth, characterized by excessive bleeding within 24 hours of delivery. It's a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. PPH can occur due to various factors, including uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract), trauma during childbirth, retained placental tissue, or coagulation disorders. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent severe consequences. Management typically involve uterine massage, administration of uterotonic medications, uterine artery embolization, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions like hysterectomy. Timely and effective management strategies are essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with PPH. Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and structural deterioration, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the spine, hips, and wrists. It often develops silently over years, with no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition (especially calcium and vitamin D deficiency), sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications contribute to its development. Prevention and management strategies include weight-bearing exercises, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors, and sometimes medication to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Early detection through bone density testing and proactive intervention are crucial in mitigating its impact on individuals' health and quality of life.
Case Scenario: Role of Point Care Ultrasound in NICU
Point-of-care ultrasound in the NICU allows for early diagnosis of various conditions such as respiratory distress, intraventricular hemorrhage, and congenital heart defects, aiding in timely interventions. POCUS enables real-time bedside monitoring of neonatal patients, providing immediate feedback on cardiac function, lung status, and fluid balance without the need for transportation to a separate imaging facility. Unlike traditional imaging modalities such as X-rays and CT scans, POCUS uses ultrasound waves that do not involve ionizing radiation, making it safer for frequent use in critically ill neonates. POCUS helps assess hemodynamics, including cardiac output, systemic and pulmonary blood flow, and evaluation of ductus arteriosus patency, guiding treatment decisions in hemodynamically unstable infants. Lung ultrasound provides rapid assessment of lung aeration and helps differentiate between different lung pathologies, aiding in the management of respiratory distress syndrome and other respiratory conditions. POCUS devices are portable and easy to use at the bedside, allowing neonatologists and intensivists to obtain immediate diagnostic information during rounds or emergent situations.
Fluid Management and Hemodynamic Optimization
Fluid management and hemodynamic optimization are crucial components of patient care in various clinical settings, particularly in critical care, perioperative care, and the management of sepsis and shock. The goal of fluid management is to achieve an optimal balance between fluid administration and removal, ensuring adequate tissue perfusion while minimizing complications associated with fluid overload or depletion. This involves assessing the patient's fluid status, monitoring hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and oxygen delivery, and tailoring fluid therapy accordingly. Strategies for hemodynamic optimization may include the use of fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, inotropes, and other interventions aimed at maintaining organ perfusion and function. However, it's essential to individualize treatment based on the patient's specific condition, comorbidities, and response to therapy, while also considering potential risks such as pulmonary edema, renal impairment, and tissue ischemia. Effective fluid management and hemodynamic optimization require a multidisciplinary approach, close monitoring, and ongoing reassessment to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing complications.