Cancer means an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body. It is a leading cause of death today. Not only the disease itself but its complications are also adding to the increase in mortality rate. One of the major complications is the pain due to metastasis of cancer. Pain is a complex symptom which has physical, psychological, and emotional impacts that influence the daily activities as well as social life. Pain acts as an alarm sign, telling the body that something is wrong. Pain can manifest in a multitude fashion. Management of bone pain due to metastasis involves different modes with some specific treatments according to the type of primary cancer. Over the years various treatment modalities have been tried and tested to improve the pain management including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, bisphosphonates, tricyclic antidepressants, corticosteroids, growth factors and signaling molecules, ET-1 receptor antagonists, radiotherapy as well as surgical management. The topic of discussion will cover each one of these in detail.
Background. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by transient episodes of flaccid paralysis due to a defect in muscle ion channels. Most cases are hereditary, but it can be acquired. We present a case of acquired hypokalemic periodic paralysis associated with hyperthyroidism and renal tubular acidosis. Clinical Case. A 38-year-old female with a history of Graves’ disease presented to the emergency department with generalized weakness and associated nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Examination was significant for diffuse weakness in all extremities. Labs showed hypokalemia, hyperthyroidism, and nonanion gap metabolic acidosis with a positive urine anion gap. She was treated for hypokalemic periodic paralysis and renal tubular acidosis. Potassium replacement, propranolol, methimazole, and sodium bicarbonate were initiated. Her potassium gradually corrected with resolution of her symptoms. Further investigation revealed a history of dry eyes, dry mouth, and recurrent dental carries. She had positive ANA, SS-A, and SS-B antibodies. She was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, which may have been associated with her Graves’ disease and thus contributed to both her RTA and hyperthyroidism. Conclusion. Early recognition and treatment of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis are important to prevent cardiac complications. Management includes potassium replacement with careful monitoring to prevent rebound hyperkalemia. The definitive treatment is to achieve euthyroid status.
Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), also known as calciphylaxis, is a rare complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its incidence is increasing due to a better understanding and diagnosis by physicians. Calciphylaxis is a fatal complication of many metabolic disorders. If not managed properly, it can lead to death within a year. This review is an effort to highlight the importance of research on prompt diagnosis and treatment guidelines for calciphylaxis, as it poses a challenge due to its diverse clinical presentation and high mortality rate.
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