Dive into the virtual patient cases from the clinical practice!
Anesthesia in mitochondrial diseases
Martina Klincová, MD, Lucie Štětková, MD, Kristína Kunová, Kristína Martišková. Illustration: Kristína Martišková
Mitochondrial defects are rare metabolic diseases, with a range of symptoms and complications that not only affect the daily lives of these patients, but also have an impact on their medical care options. In this interactive algorithm, you can take on the role of an anaesthesiologist to experience the specifics of anaesthesia administration and postoperative care in a patient with MELAS syndrome (Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes).
Post-resuscitation care - 2023
Olga Smékalová, MD, Marek Kovář, MD, Jan Nemčok, Aleš Fojtík. Illustration: Samuel Sakala (úvodní grafika), Ema Záleská
The return of spontaneous circulation is only the first step towards recovery after cardiac arrest. Based on prolonged hypoperfusion leading to organ ischemia and subsequent reperfusion, various pathophysiological processes develop, significantly influencing the patient's prognosis in intensive care. It is important to remember that the outcome can be favorable or inauspicious, hence the necessity to consider both scenarios. For this reason, the algorithm includes the option to choose between a positive and unfavorable prognosis. The algorithm will guide you through current post-resuscitation care recommendations, from causal therapy for circulatory arrest to recommended patient temperature management and neuroprognostic examinations. Because the saying states: 'Life is the brain.'
Puerperal sepsis
Matěj Anton, MD, Anežka Šteflová, MD, Jana Chudíková, Lucie Filová. Illustration: Pelcová Martina
Postpartum sepsis is an acute condition in obstetrics. It is a systemic response to inflamation associated with pregnancy and labour. It is crucial to promptly recognize and adequately treat the situation as the patient's life is at risk. Primarily, this involves the timely initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy. However, due to standard gynecological care in the Czech Republic, this condition is relatively rare. Nevertheless, overlooking it in diagnosis could have fatal consequences.
Long QT syndrome
Hana Harazim, MD, PhD, Jitka Rychlíčková, PhD, Andrej Hric, Lukáš Hajdúch. Illustration: Petra Párnická
The Long QT syndrome is a heterogeneous group of conduction disorders characterized by prolongation of the plateau phase or repolarization phase of the action potential of cardiomyocytes, increasing the risk of developing severe polymorphic ventricular tachycardia called Torsades de pointes (TdP) with the possibility of progressing to ventricular fibrillation. According to etiology, these disorders can be divided into two groups – congenital LQTS and acquired LQTS. In our algorithm, we focus on acquired LQTS, which is more common and significantly more important for clinical practice, but its significance is often underestimated in practice. In this case, it is most commonly caused by ion imbalances and pharmacotherapy, thus we will focus on the most significant drug classes capable to prolong the QT interval, other risk factors for the development of this syndrome, and also on the acute management of already occurring arrhythmia.
Tumor lysis syndrom
Roman Štoudek, MD, Kristýna Polášková, MD, PhD, Aleš Štefek, Jakub Cieślar. Illustration: Zuzana Gőghová
Does tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) mean anything to you? If not, you should know that it is a serious, often life-threatening complication of cancer treatment. In this situation, every moment and mistake can mean the difference between life and death. Tumor lysis syndrome occurs when tumor cells suddenly break down, leading to the release of large amounts of intracellular substances into the bloodstream. In this algorithm, you will learn how to recognize signs of tumor lysis syndrome in a patient's laboratory values and symptoms. In addition, completion of our algorithm will equip you with the knowledge to prevent the development of TLS and how to manage its acute complications. Do you want to be prepared for this serious complication and help your patient? Then run our algorithm and gain valuable knowledge that can help you save your patient's life!
Poisoning by an unknown plant
Hana Straková, MD, Barbora Stašová, MD, Kristýna Kriebelová, Natálie Kupková. Illustration: Šárka Kolaříková
In case of suspicion of poisoning by an unknown herb or medication, it is very important to react quickly and thoroughly take an anamnesis and, if possible, secure samples of the possible source of poisoning. If we suspect poisoning, we can contact the Toxicology Information Center, where they will give us recommendations for further treatment. In our algorithm, you can try to recognize the symptoms of poisoning with the most dangerous European herb.
