Recognizing Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Exercising Caution Before Intubation.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is the inappropriate adduction of the vocal cords during inhalation and sometimes, exhalation. Vocal cord dysfunction is often misdiagnosed in the emergency room as asthma exacerbation or laryngeal angioedema, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions including intubation and mechanical ventilation. Based on this, it is especially important to recognize this condition early to avoid intubation, which can further worsen VCD.

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (SCLS) Presentation in Patients Receiving Anti-cancer Treatments.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is due to increased capillary permeability to proteins and fluid extravasation from blood vessels into surrounding tissues and body cavities. This fluid extravasation leads to hypotension, generalized anasarca, pleural effusions, and pericardial effusions -- the more severe cases of SCLS can cause multiorgan dysfunction, including cardiovascular collapse, shock, and death. The treatment includes corticosteroids, diuretics, albumin, immunoglobulins, and crystalloids.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Uses of the Microbiome in the Field of Oncology.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and it can affect almost every part of the human body. Effective screening and early diagnosis of cancers is extremely difficult due to the multifactorial etiology of the disease and delayed presentation of the patients. The available treatments are usually not specific to the affected organ system, leading to intolerable systemic side effects and early withdrawal from therapies.