Life threatening laryngeal oedema after prolonged intubation for chickenpox pneumonia

Where does homeopathy fit in pharmacy practice?

Homeopathy has been the cause of much debate in the scientific literature with respect to the plausibility and efficacy of homeopathic preparations and practice. Nonetheless, many consumers, pharmacists, physicians, and other health care providers continue to use or practice homeopathic medicine and advocate its safety and efficacy. As drug experts, pharmacists are expected to be able to counsel their patients on how to safely and effectively use medications, which technically includes homeopathic products. Yet many pharmacists feel that the homeopathic system of medicine is based on unscientific theories that lack supporting evidence. Since consumers continue to use homeopathic products, it is necessary for pharmacists to have a basic knowledge of homeopathy and to be able to counsel patients about its general use, the current state of the evidence and its use in conjunction with other medications.

Intubation of critically ill patients

Airway management of critically ill patients has been enhanced by the recent introduction of several new types of artificial airways and laryngoscopes. New drugs for sedation and neuromuscular blockade have been developed to facilitate care of the intubated patient. Guidelines for management of the difficult airway have been introduced. Several new prospective studies have improved our understanding of complications of intubation and how to avoid these sometimes tragic events. A consensus is evolving that TLI and tracheotomy each have clear advantages and disadvantages in prolonged airway maintenance and that multiple factors, not simply the duration of TLI, must be considered in the optimal timing of tracheotomy for each patient. Complex medicolegal and ethical issues directly impact intubation, perhaps more so than any other practice in critical care medicine. Physicians who care for critically ill patients should be familiar with these recent developments and concepts in airway management.