Purpose Of Review: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the inciting event that is constant for an extended duration. Numerous treatment options for this condition have been explored with unsatisfactory results in many cases. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist typically used as an anesthetic and analgesic, presents a promising potential treatment for CRPS in patients who fail to respond to traditional therapies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prominent cause of anemia adversely affecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It is a major health concern and has impacted more than two billion people worldwide. It is necessary to implement programs to increase compliance rates for iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and educate individuals about anemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFibrosis results from excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, causing tissue stiffening and organ dysfunction. Activated fibroblasts, central to fibrosis, exhibit increased migration, proliferation, contraction, and ECM production. However, it remains unclear if the same fibroblast performs all of the processes that fall under the umbrella term of "activation".
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose Of Review: Peripheral nerve blocks are performed using local anesthetics that are commonly performed prior to surgery to either be the sole anesthetic and/or for postoperative pain management. Interscalene blocks are a specific type of nerve block that targets the superior and middle trunks of the brachial plexus inhibiting transmission of pain signals from the upper extremities to the central nervous system making them useful in mitigating pain following surgeries involving the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow.
Recent Findings: Previously, interscalene blocks were performed with a nerve stimulator, which is an instrument designed to generate a twitch in surrounding muscles to verify the anesthetic block was placed in the correct location.