Heart patients with mechanical aortic valves often need blood thinners for life. These meds, called vitamin K antagonists, stop dangerous clots from forming on the new valve. The usual target for blood thinning, measured by INR, is 2. 5. But some patients have extra risks. If they have atrial fibri
In the fast-paced world of emergency rooms, pinpointing the source of an infection can be a real puzzle. This is especially true when patients arrive with symptoms that don't quite fit any clear pattern. A recent study took a closer look at how well a specific type of scan, known as a thoraco-abdomi
After surgery, some people experience confusion. This is not a small issue. It can lead to longer hospital stays. It might also cause lasting problems with the brain. The big question is: why do doctors struggle to treat it? Doctors try different medicines. But these treatments are not always effec
Doctors and scientists face a big challenge. They must treat infections effectively. But they also need to consider what is fair and safe for patients. This is where ethics play a crucial role. Ethics act as a compass. They help people make decisions that are right and just. In the medical field, e
Doctors often use a machine to clean blood in very sick patients. This is called CRRT. Two common methods keep blood from clotting in the machine. One uses citrate. The other uses heparin. Both have pros and cons. But which one saves more money and works better? That's what experts wanted to find ou
When the heart stops, the brain can get hurt from lack of oxygen. Doctors use special brain scans to check for damage. Normally, a part of the brain called the precentral cortex looks darker on these scans. But in some cases, it doesn't look dark anymore. This change might mean the brain got hurt fr
Endometriosis is a tricky condition to diagnose. For a long time, doctors relied on a procedure called laparoscopy to spot endometriotic lesions directly. This involved surgery, which is invasive and not always necessary. Recently, guidelines have started to favor non-invasive imaging techniques, li
Chordoma is a tough cancer to treat. It's rare, and doctors don't have many options. But there's a new drug called palbociclib that might help. Researchers tested palbociclib on people with advanced chordoma. They wanted to see if it could stop the cancer from growing. The results are promising. P
Meckel's Diverticulum is a condition that affects a small percentage of people, roughly between 0. 3% and 2. 9%. It's a congenital defect that can sometimes lead to painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding. While this is a common issue in children, it's quite rare in adults. The reason? Adults have
Athletes often go through heart screenings before they start training. These checks help spot any potential heart issues. But what happens when the results are not clear? Should the athlete keep training while waiting for more tests? Heart problems can be serious. That's why these screenings are im
