Q: What is Hamman's syndrome?

Answer: Hamman's syndrome is a clinical condition and frequently requires ICU admission for observation. It is a spontaneous pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema. It occurs mostly in young females peripartum or postpartum. It is named after the physician (Louis Hamman 1877–1946), who described it.

Hamman's syndrome usually occurs in the second stage of labor but can be delayed to the postpartum phase. An association with prolonged labor has been proposed (increase intrathoracic pressure) with rupture of alveoli.

Treatment is supportive and course is usually benign.

Dudley DK, Patten DE. Intrapartum pneumomediastinum associated with subcutaneous emphysema. CMAJ 1988;139:641-2

Q: Patient developed lower GI bleed in ICU. GI service after scope diagnosed anal fissure and prescribed Cardizem. Is this a mistake?

Answer: No

Cardizem (Diltiazem) is frequently used in the treatment of anal fissures - either via oral route or can be applied topically!

It has a very good short term success rates and provide temporary relief till surgical intervention is done, if required. Local application of it relaxes the sphincter muscle, and allows the healing to proceed.

Q: Enteral feeding is always preferred over parenteral feeding (TPN) in ICUs - as enteral feeding also prevents a very dangerous ICU entity - acalculous cholycystitis. What is the mechanism?

Answer: There are 2 synergistic components to this pathophysiology.

1. Bile Stasis: Absence of oral/enteral feeding results in a decrease or absence of cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder contraction.

2. Increase Bile Viscosity: Increased bile viscosity due to fever and dehydration causes acalculous cholycystitis.