Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid. Given its significant morbidity in susceptible individuals, especially immunocompromised patients, neonates, and non-immune pregnant women, timely post-exposure interventions are essential. This article outlines the most effective strategies
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often referred to as a “mini-stroke” because it exhibits similar symptoms to a full-blown stroke but resolves within a few minutes to hours. TIAs occur when there is a temporary disruption in the blood supply to a part of the brain, usually due to a clot or blockage. While
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by defects in the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, which is essential for platelet aggregation. As a result, individuals with GT experience impaired platelet function, leading to increased susceptibility to bleeding, especially during and after surgical procedures. Surgical interventions in patients with GT require careful planning
Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF). The disease impairs platelet adhesion and factor VIII stabilization, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures. Surgical interventions in patients with VWD require meticulous preoperative evaluation and personalized hemostatic
Stress ulcers are acute gastric mucosal lesions frequently encountered in critically ill patients, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). These lesions can progress to stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD), often leading to upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding—a serious complication with high morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic strategies have been proven effective in reducing their incidence, necessitating a
Skeletal-related events (SREs) in multiple myeloma (MM) represent a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life. These events, including pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, need for radiation or surgery to bone, and hypercalcemia, arise from osteolytic bone lesions caused by myeloma-induced bone destruction. Our goal in managing MM is not only to control
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus, primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets. Although typically mild in children and adults, rubella poses a significant threat during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to its association with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS can lead to serious fetal
Opioid dependence is a chronic and relapsing condition characterized by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. Even after successful detoxification, individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) remain at high risk for relapse, particularly during the early stages of recovery. Effective relapse prevention is therefore essential to achieving long-term abstinence and improved quality of life. The
Oropharyngeal candidiasis, commonly referred to as oral thrush, is a fungal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans. It affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, often presenting as white, curd-like plaques, erythema, and discomfort during swallowing. While it may occur in healthy individuals, it is most prevalent among immunocompromised patients, including those with
Oropharyngeal cancer, a malignancy affecting the middle part of the throat, has increasingly been linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16. Unlike traditional risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer often arises in younger, otherwise healthy individuals and is now one of the most rapidly