Q&A about health and research

Renal failure and proteinuria are closely associated conditions commonly linked to kidney disorders, particularly in nephrotic syndrome, where they frequently co-occur. Proteinuria , which is the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, serves as a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome. Normally, proteins are too large to pass through the kidney’s filtering system, but when there is kidney damage, proteins can leak into the urine. This symptom is indicative of significant damage to the glomeruli, the kidney's filtering units. Renal failure refers to the kidneys' inability to adequately filter waste products from the blood, leading to the accumulation of toxins and waste materials. This condition can be either acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (progressive and long-term). Chronic kidney damage, which can be a consequence of ongoing nephrotic syndrome, might eventually lead to renal failure if not effectively managed. Nephrotic syndrome itself is characterized by sev

Hyperthyroidism Excessive circulating thyroid hormones , calcitonin Risk Factors : Graves's disease, toxic nodular goiter, exogenous hyperthyroidism Manifestations : Insomnia, hypertension, hyperventilation, hyperactivity Heat intolerance, diaphoresis, weight loss, diarrhea, alopecia Irregular heartbeat, goiter, bulging eyes (exophthalmos), thyroid storm Labs : ↑TSH, ↑T3 & ↑T4 Labs to Check : Serum TSH, T3, T4 Meds : Tapazole, PTU inhibit production of thyroid hormones Beta blockers - treats tachycardia & palpitations Nursing Care : Minimize energy expenditure, calm environment, assess/maintain cardiac status, monitor HR, vital signs, ensure no abrupt changes, avoid excessive iodine or thyroid, admit. Complications : Hypercalcemia, tetany, nerve damage. Hypothyroidism Inadequate amount of circulating thyroid hormones causing a milder metabolism , accumulation of mucinous connective tissue Risk Factors : Hashimoto’s, thyroidectomy, iodide insufficiency, or amiodarone Manifes

Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. They are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the appendix, small intestine, and rectum, but can also occur in the lungs, pancreas, and other parts of the body. These tumors are a subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, which originate from cells that release hormones into the bloodstream in response to a signal from the nervous system. Characteristics Slow-growing : Carcinoid tumors typically grow slower than other forms of cancer. Hormone-producing : They can produce hormones, especially serotonin, which can cause a variety of symptoms known as carcinoid syndrome when released in large amounts. Variable symptoms : Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and whether it produces hormones. Many people with carcinoid tumors have no symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms When symptoms occur, they may include: Flushing : Redness or a feeling of w

ACE2 stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.  It is an enzyme that is attached to the cell membranes of cells located in the lungs, arteries, heart, kidney, and intestines. ACE2 normally plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system—a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Importantly, ACE2 also acts as a receptor for some coronaviruses, including the virus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, facilitating viral entry into cells. Testing for the presence and activity of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) can be approached in several ways, depending on whether you are examining its expression in tissues, its protein levels, or its enzymatic activity. Here’s how these tests are typically conducted: Gene Expression Analysis: RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) : This method is used to detect the mRNA expression of ACE2, indicating how much of the enzyme is being produced at the genetic level. It involves converting RNA i

The formation of "white thrombi," which are primarily composed of platelets and fibrin with few red blood cells, often occurs in high shear rate environments such as arteries. The primary cause of these thrombi is not typically attributed directly to fibrinogen degradation; instead, the mechanisms involved in the formation of white thrombi are more related to platelet aggregation and activation, and the fibrin network formation. However, there are several important factors and conditions that can indirectly relate to fibrinogen's role in thrombosis, including: Platelet Activation : White thrombi are rich in platelets that have been activated by various stimuli, such as exposure to subendothelial collagen at a site of vascular injury or shear stress. Activated platelets release substances like ADP and thromboxane A2, which further promote platelet aggregation. Fibrinogen to Fibrin Conversion : Fibrinogen, a soluble plasma protein, is converted to fibrin strands by the acti

My concern highlights an important tension in evidence-based medicine between adhering strictly to the evidence hierarchy and the practical need to make clinical decisions in the face of incomplete data. My point about patient awareness and education regarding anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin (often known by the brand name Coumadin in the U.S. and as Marcumar in other countries), is extremely important and merits attention within the broader discussion of treating venous thromboembolisms (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). Another concern is about the long term use of aspirin and possible overdose. The broader discussion of patient safety and medication management in the treatment of venous thromboembolisms (like DVT and SVT) is important. Aspirin is sometimes used in a preventive or therapeutic capacity for various cardiovascular conditions, and understanding the risks. "If a person takes a very large dose of aspirin at