PPC029 Book Plan

DiagnosticsTop

Artificial assistants

There's a long history involving the use of technology to de-risk processes and take some of the human labour out of the equation. In recent times, AI has been the main avenue for doing this. But when the wrong decision can involve morbidity and mortality, the idea of outsourcing it to lines of code tends to make people uncomfortable. That said, the research findings for many AI tools suggest that the future of diagnosis could be a combined approach, where predictive algorithms assist physicians in detecting diseases.

Know thy enemy

Omicron is the latest of a series of mutations from the original – or ‘alpha' – SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since the virus emerged there have been a raft of repurposed as well as novel therapeutics applied to prevent the worst excesses of its pathophysiology. One issue that complicates treatment plans however is that with every mutation, which in essence comprises changes to the genetic code of the virus, certain treatments can become limited or even ineffectual.

Fibromyalgia: Neurological or autoimmune?

Doctors have a lot in common with detectives in the way they operate, ruling out diseases with tests in an effort to establish a root cause they can treat. Not all investigations nail down a culprit though, and several diseases exist that baffle medical minds to the point they struggle to even categorise them. Fibromyalgia is one of those conditions; characterised by chronic musculoskeletal pain, as well as deficits in energy, sleep and memory, the disease is considered neurological in nature. Despite this, several researchers have mounted arguments that suggest Fibromyalgia could be autoimmune.

Wound careTop

A hard graft

Chronic wounds bear symptoms just as foreboding as their name. For those afflicted, the regrowth of tissue many of us take for granted either occurs at a less-than-optimal rate, or not at all. Treatments tend to include the removal of dead or inflamed tissue and the application of drugs, materials and procedures designed to enhance the natural healing capabilities of the body. For deep wounds comprising multiple layers of tissue, however, even a skin graft can be out of the question. That is, unless there's a functional alternative to human skin.

What's the hold up?

The ingredients used to compile wound dressings run the gamut from honey and metals all the way to synthetic gels, but healthcare professionals still tend to assess the healing process the old-fashioned way, by lifting the dressing and having a look. For years the prospect of smart dressings has been discussed; bandages with a built-in sensor array that can monitor indicators of healing. Despite this, wound care departments aren't spoilt for choice when it comes to smart dressings, which means their cost is still prohibitive.

Pain managementTop

The desired effect

Cannabidiol, or CBD, continues to be marketed as a non-intoxicating substance with a raft of wellness benefits. While still only licensed as a treatment for childhood epilepsies and forms of multiple sclerosis, doctors are increasingly experimenting with CBD for pain relief, and as a novel treatment for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Is it a panacea or a lucrative snake oil? Will Moffitt discusses the potential of this illusive compound with Steven Moore, co- founder of The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI), and Mikael Sodergren, founder of the Medical Cannabis Research Group.

Infection controlTop

Limiting the spread

Hospitals continue to deal with Covid-19 patients alongside their usual intake. To prevent the disease from spreading among other patients and staff, strict infection control procedures are in place that target transmission through skin contact, surfaces and airborne virus particles.

Operating room techTop

Smart brain surgery

It's been said that the brain is one of the most complex objects in the universe, a statement backed by the fact that we still don't understand what every part of it does. It's that level of complexity that necessitates a skilful pair of hands during neurosurgery. But as with all areas of medicine, progression in certain areas of technology have brought aids that help guide surgery and reduce the rate of complication.

Critical careTop

Don't lose heart

We're living longer than any time in history, such is the benefit of a constantly evolving medical sector. An ageing population brings risks of its own though, the major one being an increased prevalence of heart failure. According to the World Heart Federation, the prevalence of heart failure, which can be the result of several underlying conditions, is increasing globally to an estimated 26 million.



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