Pharm phun

Two drugs, almost identical molecular structure, very different actions.

Before there was viagra, there was alprostadil. This is a prostaglandin (PGE 1). It is given by penile injection to cause vasodilation and erection. Ouch...

Another drug, dinoprostone, another prostaglandin (PGE 2), is administered vaginally. Given in early pregnancy, it is abortifacient, meaning it causes an abortion. Given in late pregnancy, it causes uterine muscle contraction and induction of labor.

Two drugs, almost identical chemical structure, very different results. Interesting.

Long awaited return

I must apologize to those who have been checking this blog daily only to find that they will not get their random medical fact fix. But alas, i return, only to issue a grave warning.

Haemophilus influenza - this small gram negative coccobacilli has all but been eliminated from the united states. But, like so many other diseases, this one to tends to prey on those other countries unalbe to afford vaccinations. The full name, Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius, is alive and well in South America. It causes Brazilian purpuric fever. Symptoms begin with conjunctivitis that develops into a fever, petechiae (small pinpoint bleeds), then purpura (larger hemorrhages) and eventually septic shock. This has a high mortality rate.

So, if you happen to know three lost travelers making their way through South America, do tell them to stay clear of the dreaded Hemophilus influenza biogroup aegyptius!!!

sebatical

neuroscience is behind me, and the purple mountain majesty is before me. i'll be taking a week off, so for those of you who check the blog first thing in the morning, you'll have to find something else to get yourself out of bed.

peace!

cataplexy

cataplexy (a form of narcolepsy) is a rediculus disorder i thought i would share with you. symptoms: you fall asleep when you get really excited. got nothing to do for the next few minutes? check these out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN1_yS6_5T4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyzeCiW-nn0&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOkckq9pfoE&NR=1

so, as most of you guessed, the safest place to have a heart attack is not in a hospital. in fact, its one of the most dangerous. why? so many people are trained in CPR and there are AED's hung in every public place (try to find it next time you go the the grocery store, i'll bet they have one). it actually matters more on how many people are around to see you go down that relates to how likely you are to survive.
the rank:
best place to have a heart attack - casino, then airport (60% survival) then mall, then hospital (only 20% chance of survival).

its because your usually all alone in your room and the nurse is attending to many patients and only checks in once in a while.

I have some pretty smart readers.

MI Survival Quiz

Today I am giving you a quiz. I only see it as fair. I have to take them, and would like you to experience the joy... Good luck.

(Quiz is on the right)

hierarchy

there is a hierarchy in medicine. at the top of this pyramid are the neurosurgeons who think they are God. its because, as far as our medical abilities are concerned, they pretty much are. they push the limits of medicine and save lives that no one else can.

the other day we had a lecture from a neurosurgeon. he said something that will stick with me for the rest of my medical career.

"The biggest mistake in medicine is not listening to the mom."
-Dr. Letarte M.D. Neurosurgeon