Test Rise Peak Return to baseline Lipase 4-6 hours 48 8-14 days Amylase 2-4 hours 24-48 5-7 days Serum lipase elevation has a better diagnostic value as compared to serum amylase due to its superior specificity. Amylase has a low molecular weight and as a result can easily pass through…
Author: Epomedicine
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Beta-Blockers : Mnemonics
We have 1 heart and 2 lungs. a. B1 – heartb. B2 – bronchial wall Cardioselective (B1) vs Non-selective (B1 and B2) beta blockers Beta blockers with 1st letter from A to N are Cardioselective: Acebutolol Atenolol Bispoprolol Betaxolol Celiprolol Esmolol Metoprolol Nebivolol Nebivolol = NO donor Beta blockers with…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Pharmacokinetics Mnemonics
ADME is the 4-letter acronym used to describe pharmacokinetics: ABCD is another 4-letter acronym used to describe pharmacokinetics: The most important pharmacokinetic parameters from a dosing point of view are: Vd = Volume of distributionD = DoseCo = Concentration in plasmaCL = ClearancekE = Elimination constantt1/2 = Half life In…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
ECG Axis Determination : Mnemonic
Lead I = left (0 degrees)Lead aVF = floor (90 degrees) Lead I +ve and Lead aVF +ve = Between 0-90 degrees (Normal axis) Lead I -ve and Lead aVF +ve = Between 90-180 degrees (Right axis deviation) Lead I +ve and Lead aVF -ve = Between 0 to -90…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Bundle Branch Block : Mnemonic
If the QRS complex is wide (>0.12 s/>3 small squares), the ventricular activity may be arising from the ventricle conducting system. caused by a ‘bundle branch block’. WiLLiaM MaRRoW (classic mnemonic) Wi – V1LL – LBBBM – V6 M – V1RR – RBBBW – V6 ViLLheiM MaRRooN (more accurate) V…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
How Metformin Causes Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Multiple studies have shown that metformin reduces serum B12 levels in 10–30% of patients. The effect increases with the duration of the therapy. Decrease in vitamin B12 absorption and levels following metformin use typically starts as early as the 4th month. Mechanisms of Vitamin B12 deficiency with Metformin Use: It…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Hyponatremia : SIADH vs Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome
SIADH causes Mnemonic: SIADH Surgery Intracranial – Infection, Head injury, CVA Alveolar – Carcinoma, Pus Drugs – Opiates, Antiepileptics, Cytotoxics, Anti-psychotics Hormonal – Hypothyroid, Low corticosteroid level SIADH diagnostic criteria Mnemonic: SOD-IUM/S Serum Osmollity Decreased (<275 mOsm/kg) Increased Urine Molality/osmolality (>100 mOsm/kg) Increased Urine Sodium/Na+ (>40 Meq/L) Others: Euvolemic (Normal…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Maddrey Score (Discriminant Function) and Lillie Model : Alcohoic Hepatitis
The severity of alcoholic hepatitis can be assessed using a number of simple quantitative indices (Maddrey score, Meld score, Combined clinical and laboratory index). Of these, the Maddrey Discriminant Function (MDF) is the simplest. Maddrey score = 4.6 X (prolongation of prothrombin time above control in seconds) + Total bilirubin…