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Small cell lung cancer, which occurs almost exclusively in smokers, is a malignancy characterised by rapid doubling time, high growth fraction and widespread metastasis at presentation. In this presentation, we will briefly discuss the classification of pulmonary Neuro-endocrine tumours by the World Health Organisation followed by a detailed discussion of the clinical features, lab evaluation and management of SCLC, both limited and extended stage. The frontline therapy in small cell lung cancer is etoposide and cisplatin along with thoracic radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients who have a good response to therapy. Hyperfractionation of radiotherapy may provide some benefit but is also associated with increase incidence of complications. Newer agents for SCLC include Vandetanib and immunotherapy molecules, such as Iplimumab and nivolumab.
Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium of less than 135 Meq per litre and occurs in upto 22 % of hospitalised patients. The causes of hyponatremia may be understood based on the pre-existing volume status of the patient which may either be hypovolemic, euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia. This presentation discusses in detail, the causes of these underlying conditions. Also mentioned are the clinical features and management options and therapeutic sodium targets in patients with hyponatremia. Drugs such as demeclocycline and vaptans (Tolvaptan, Conivaptan) are also mentioned as management options which may be used on a case to case basis. Finally, the all important targets of sodium correction over 24 hours are also mentioned, along with a practical formula for calculation of sodium deficit which is explained with an example.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute complication of uncontrolled hyperglycaemia characterised by high anion gap metabolic acidosis, dehydration and other metabolic abnormalities. Upto half of patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus may have DKA. The incidence in T2DM is also rising. Precipitants include acute illness such as myocardial infarction, trauma and infection. Paitents of diabetic ketoacidosis may present with vomiting, pain abdomen and lethargy. Mental obtundation may also be present. Management of diabetic ketoacidosis revolves around administration of IV normal saline, insulin, replacement of potassium with frequent monitoring of sugars and electrolytes.
Hypoglycemia is a common and serious medical emergency which may occur in both daibetic and non-diabetic patients. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia may be present in many individuals, but may also be masked in several individuals due to a condition called hypoglycaemia induced autonomic failure. This presentation aims to deal with the causes, clinical features, diagnosis and management of various causes of hypoglycaemia. The causes of hypoglycaemia may be divided into hypoglycaemia in ill or medicated individuals and hypoglycaemia in previously asymptomatic individuals. A variety of causes are discussed under both headings. Management of hypoglycaemia is also discussed in detail. There is also a brief discussion about management of insulinoma.