Organ Failure, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Organ Failure, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesOrgan failure is loss of organ function to such a degree that normal homeostasis cannot be sustained without external medical intervention. It is not a diagnosis. It can be categorized by the cause, but when the cause is not known, it can also be categorized by whether the onset is chronic or acute. Multiple organ failure can be linked with sepsis and is often lethal.
Multiple organ failure is the evidence of altered organ function in acutely ill patients such that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention. It normally affects two or more organ systems. CausesA definite explanation has not been found. Local and systemic responses are initiated by tissue damage.1. Respiratory failure is frequent in the initial 72 hours. Later, one might observe:2. Liver failure (5-7 days), 3.
Gastrointestinal bleeding (10-15 days) and4. Kidney failure (11-17 days). Risk Factors:1. Medicine overdose - can affect the function of the organ2. Reactions to prescription medicines - can affect the function of the organSome prescription medicines, such as slimming medicines, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticonvulsants, can cause acute organ failure.3. Reactions to herbal supplements, herbal preparations, plants and plant products4.
Infection of bacteria and viruses - reaction to pathogens can cause sepsis or septic shock.5. Toxins - damages the tissues of the organ6. Autoimmune disease - autoimmune antibodies attack the affected organ7. Ischemia or veno-occlusive disease - poor blood flow reduces oxygen to the organ8. Neoplasma. Primary cancerb. Metastatic carcinoma9. Shock - low blood volume and pressure10. Chronic alcohol abuse - alcoholism11.
Drug toxicity that are related to medicines such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, co-amoxiclav, erythromycin, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, halothane, statins, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, disulfiram, flutamide, gold and propylthiouracil12. Metabolic disease. DiagnosisThe doctor will examine the patient for signs of organ failure such as:1. Leg swelling2. Distended neck veins3. Fast or difficult breathing4.
Sounds from fluid buildup in the lungs5. Swelling of the liver or abdomen or face6. Uneven or fast heartbeat and abnormal heart soundsChest x-rayA test for respiratory and heart failure often requires a chest x-ray. Once the patient is diagnosed with respiratory failure, the doctor will determine the cause of it.1. An ultrasound is the best test to diagnose, determine the cause of, and monitor the organ failure because it can check on the blood flow through the organ.2.
MRI or CT scan of the organ3. Nuclear scans of the organThey can observe at how well the organ is able to function and how much the organ is injured:Imaging of the head may show cerebral edema. Laboratory blood tests are done to:i. Diagnose and monitor organ failureii. Identify risks for organ diseaseiii. Check for other causes of organ failure, or disorder that may make the organ failure worseiv.
Review for side effects of medicines the patient may be taking1. Kidneys condition (BUN, creatinine, creatinine clearance, and urinalysis)2. Full blood count (FBC) for low red blood count or anemia3. Test for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)4. Sodium and potassium levels in the blood5. Arterial blood gas testTreatmentThe purposes of organ failure treatment are to:1. Relieve symptoms and improve quality of life2.
Slow disease progressionPlasmapheresis and Dialysis may be done while waiting for a organ transplant. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Organ FailureChapter 2 Multiple Organ FailureChapter 3 Heart Fa...