Bücher von Marco Cascella

This book delineates that COVID-19 is a multisystem inflammatory disease and how its pathophysiology can predispose patients to an increased risk of neurological problems. Available data suggest the potential neuroinvasive capacity of the SARS-CoV-2 through direct viral damage and indirect entering the CNS by different routes including the vascular system, the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the lymphatic system. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm and oxidative stress can induce microglial activation and damaging the blood-brain barrier, culminating in widespread neuroinflammatory processes. This acute neurotoxicity is clinically expressed as anosmia, ageusia, headache, nausea and vomiting. Other neurologic manifestations such as acute cerebrovascular diseases, encephalitis-based impaired consciousness, and meningitis are also described.The PNS can also be affected and clinical manifestations including Guillain-Barré syndrome, polyneuritis, Miller Fisher Syndrome, and other problems are described. A special issue concerns the neurocognitive dysfunction and altered consciousness manifested as delirium, agitation, and confusion. Non-specific symptoms such as dizziness, and seizures can accompany clinical pictures.Regardless of the admitting diagnosis, a high percentage of patients discharged from ICUs develop disabilities affecting physical, cognitive and psychological activities. The symptoms such as asthenia, memory disturbances, depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can configure the so-called Post-intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Multimodal management during the ICU stay and implementation of follow-up programs on patient discharge can reduce the incidence of this syndrome, improving the quality of life of surviving individuals.In this complex scenario, a careful clinical approach through reliable diagnostic tools, and epidemiological studies aimed at evaluating the dimensions of the problem also in economic terms, is urgently needed.This book represents a valuable aid for all healthcare professionals (intensivists, neurologist and psychiatrists, as well as others) involved in the management of these critically ill patients.

This book focuses on several underestimated topics in palliative care. Seven chapters have been divided into four sections: Ethical Issues, Volunteers in Palliative Care, Special Circumstances, and Prognostic Models in Palliative Care. The underestimated topics concern several ethical themes such as the Balance sheets of suffering, Good Death, Euthanasia, Assisted suicide, and the question of the 'Do not attempt resuscitation'. In addition, the role of volunteers, the approach to non-malignant diseases such as diabetes and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are also addressed. Finally, the features and utility of different tools in order to facilitate optimal decision making for both physicians and patients, are given in details. This book will aid several figures facing the daily challenges of palliative care. Clinicians, nurses, volunteers, students and resident trainees, and other professionals can find this volume useful in their very difficult but extraordinarily fascinating mission.

This book focuses on the features of pelvic pain in the different cancer diseases, the pain assessment tools, as well as the pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.