Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare and chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to cartilage throughout the body. It primarily affects cartilage in the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract, leading to significant health challenges for those affected. The condition can also cause systemic involvement, with symptoms fluctuating over time. Although RP is
Relapsing fever is a serious, recurrent bacterial infection that causes intermittent episodes of fever. It can be caused by various species of bacteria, with two main types of relapsing fever being Borrelia recurrentis (epidemic relapsing fever) and Borrelia species transmitted by ticks (endemic relapsing fever). This condition is often associated with severe symptoms and, if
Relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (RMS) refers to a neurological condition characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These relapses are followed by periods of partial or complete recovery, known as remissions. During remission, symptoms may disappear completely, although some degree of permanent damage to nerves often occurs. RMS is the
Follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a slow-growing form of lymphoma that primarily affects B lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for producing antibodies. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of these cells in the lymphatic system, typically presenting as enlarged lymph nodes. While the disease is often manageable with initial treatments, a subset of
Refractory Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease occurs when the infection persists or progresses despite appropriate guideline-based therapy for at least 6 months. As part of the broader group of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, MAC pulmonary disease poses significant clinical challenges due to antibiotic resistance, host factors, and complex pathophysiology. Timely recognition and aggressive management
A refractory malignant tumor of the testis refers to a testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) that does not respond to standard first-line chemotherapy or recurs after initial treatment. Although testicular cancer boasts one of the highest cure rates among solid tumors, a subset of patients develops refractory disease requiring complex, multidisciplinary management. We must address
Refractory Ewing’s sarcoma refers to cases where the disease does not respond to initial chemotherapy regimens or recurs after an initial period of remission. This aggressive malignancy, primarily affecting children and young adults, originates from primitive neuroectodermal cells and is characterized by a translocation involving the EWSR1 gene. Overcoming treatment resistance remains one of the
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized by the destruction of red blood cells at low temperatures due to the presence of cold-reactive autoantibodies. The chronic hemolysis leads to significant anemia, fatigue, and, often, a dependency on blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. The Clinical Burden of Blood Transfusions in
The reduction of allogeneic blood transfusion in surgery has become a cornerstone of modern surgical and anesthetic practice. Our primary aim is to optimize patient outcomes by minimizing transfusion-related complications, conserving blood resources, and reducing healthcare costs through evidence-based blood management strategies. Importance of Reducing Allogeneic Blood Transfusions Allogeneic blood transfusions, while life-saving, carry significant
Recurrent pericarditis is defined as the reappearance of pericardial inflammation after a symptom-free interval of four to six weeks following an initial episode. It represents a significant clinical challenge, characterized by repeated attacks of chest pain, elevated inflammatory markers, and potential complications impacting cardiac function. Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Recurrent Pericarditis While recurrent