Pharm/Forensics

Pharmacology: Finished cholinergic reactions
Discussed: General anesthetics, antibiotics, muscle relaxants
-we learned about botulinum toxin, commonly known as 'BOTOX'

Forensics:
We discussed the definition of death.
Also, intensive care technology - artificial ventilation/circulation, IV feeding, dialysis. Patients in Persistant Vegetative State (PVS)
Finally, how to test for 'Brain Stem Death.'

You'll get used to the Foresics posts. I haven't even described the autopsy I went to earlier in the year. Now that was interesting...

Myeloproliferative disorders

--uncontrolled clonally proliferation of one or more cell lines in marrow

Polycythemia
-proliferation of RBCs
-Causes:
Primary: Polycythemia vera
Secondary: Hypoxia (chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease)
Relative: [Plasma volume dec.] Burns, dehydration (alcohol, diuretics)
-Treatment:
Aim to reduce PCV to below 45% by venesection

Myelofibrosis
-proliferation of fibroblasts
-Causes:
Intense marrow fibrosis with hemopoiesis in the spleen and liver
Other causes: any myeloproliferative disorder, TB, lymphoma
-Signs:
Pallor, Massive Splenomegaly, Petechiae & Purpura