What are interferons and how do they work? Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are made and secreted by cells of the immune system (for example, white blood cells, natural killer cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells). Three classes of interferons have been identified: alpha, beta, and gamma. Each class has many effects, though …
Read More »
What is interferon beta-1a (Rebif), and what is it used for? Interferon beta-1a (Rebif) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells into which the human interferon beta genes have been introduced. It is used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon beta-1a is designed to be identical to interferon beta that is naturally …
Read More »
What is lopinavir and ritonavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Kaletra is an oral medication that is a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir. It is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which, among others, includes ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). …
Read More »
What is Avonex (interferon beta-1a), and what is it used for? Avonex (Interferon beta-1a) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It reduces the occurrence of MS flares and reduces physical disability caused by MS. Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary …
Read More »
What is a sternotomy? A sternotomy is a surgical opening in the middle of the chest at the breastbone (sternum) to provide access to the chest cavity for heart procedures or other thoracic surgeries. A sternotomy is a surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum) to access the thoracic cavity. A median sternotomy is the primary approach used for major …
Read More »
What is general anesthesia? Anesthesia is routinely administered to put patients to sleep during surgery, but it comes with inherent risks. General anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness induced under medical supervision for certain types of surgery. Typically, an anesthesiologist administers a combination of medicines to make the patient unconscious and relax the muscles. General anesthesia prevents the patient from …
Read More »
What is an exploratory laparotomy? An exploratory laparotomy involves opening the abdominal cavity to see the extent of damage inside, remove any leaking gastric contents and fix injuries. This is often done in trauma emergencies, but also for some bowel cancers, depending on their progression. An exploratory laparotomy is an open surgical procedure for visual examination of the abdominal organs, …
Read More »
What are heart sounds? Using a stethoscope to assess different sounds the heart makes is an important diagnostic tool. Heart sounds are generated by blood flowing in and out of the heart’s chambers through the valves as they open and close. Listening to the heart sounds through a stethoscope (auscultation) is one of the first steps a physician takes in …
Read More »
What test methods to doctors use to detect and diagnose COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)? There are two kinds of tests necessary for a complete picture of your COVID-19 coronavirus infection status: genetic and immunoglobulin. Tests for coronavirus may use two methods to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, a debilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. The tests are: genomic detection-based (molecular) …
Read More »
What is an esophageal manometry? Esophageal manometry uses pressure sensors to test the function of the muscles in the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. The esophagus moves the food down to the stomach with wave-like contractions initiated by swallowing. This process is known as peristalsis. A valve-like ring of muscles at …
Read More »
