Cysticercosis is an infection of Cestodes, or tapeworms (larvae), which are segmented worms. The adults reside in the gastrointestinal tract, but the larvae can be found in almost any organ. We present a case of an adult presenting as cystic neck swelling which turned out to be cysticercosis of sternocleidomastoid muscle. On evaluation using USG, FNAC cysticercosis was diagnosed and the same was confirmed by histopathological examination. Hence we conclude that parasitic infestation should be considered as differential diagnosis in any neck swelling.
Tracheostomy is a common airway procedure for life support. Fractured/detached and hence aspiration of a tracheostomy tube in the tracheobronchial tree is a rare late complication which can be life threatening sometimes. Published reports of a fractured metallic tracheostomy tube presenting as a foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree are rare and detached portex tracheostomy tube are even rarer. Here we are reporting a rare case of detached part of portex tracheostomy tube presenting as a foreign body in the right bronchus. Therapeutic rigid bronchoscopic removal is the mainstay of treatment. A periodic review of the techniques of tracheostomy care including timely checkups for signs of wear and tear can possibly eliminate such avoidable late complications.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant clinical problem across the world including India. The SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study from India reported the prevalence of CKD as 17.2%. Diabetic nephropathy, undetermined etiology, chronic glomerulonephritis and hypertensive nephrosclerosis are the common causes of CKD in India. Rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, late presentation of patients to nephrologists and limited number of nephrologists in India adds to the concerns related to management of CKD. Considering the pathophysiology of CKD, anemia is almost an inevitable complication in these patients. Untreated anemia significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with CKD. Early recognition, timely management with appropriate therapy helps to reduce the complications of anemia. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are one of the important measures for correction of anemia in CKD patients. Darbepoetin, an ESA is a valuable therapeutic option for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients and has played a vital role in enhancing anemia management. In this article we reviewed the efficacy and safety data along with key benefits and place of darbepoetin alfa in the management of anemia in CKD patients.
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