• The pathophysiology of sickle cell disease is multifactorial, involving hemoglobin polymerization, oxidative damage to cell membrane proteins, white blood cell activation and inflammation, activation of the clotting cascade, and…
• So much reliance is placed on electronic monitoring of patients that physicians are often tempted to perform only a cursory examination or go days without laying hands on the…
• Traditionally, coagulation has been presented as a set of discrete “intrinsic,” “extrinsic,” and “common” pathways, but this view fails to include the many interactions between pathways, any of the…
Pearls • The alimentary tract is responsible for mechanical and enzymatic degradation of nutrients, absorption of biochemical substrates, hormone regulation of substrate flow, separation of the external from internal environments,…
• Outcomes for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients requiring intensive care unit care have improved over the past 2 decades. • Both acute and late cardiac complications occur in…
• Proactive treatment measures for tumor lysis syndrome include hydration with hypotonic or isotonic saline solution; alkalinization; use of allopurinol or urate oxidase; avoidance of exogenous potassium; close monitoring of…
• The decision to prescribe the transfusion of any blood product must be based on individualized indications and must take into account specific health problems. • Acute severe anemia (hemoglobin…
• Vascular access devices are the most common cause of thromboembolic disease in children; thus, every attempt should be made to limit their use based on real clinical need. •…
Pearls • Together, red blood cells (RBCs) at each stage of development may be considered an organ (termed the erythron ) now appreciated to participate in active regulation of regional…
• Normal ranges for blood cell numbers are dependent on age, gender, and race. • Because the bone marrow circulation connects with the general circulation, fluids and medications injected into…
