Body

Question 1

when should you transfuse platelets for a patient coming for a moderate/high risk procedure that cannot be delayed?

Answer 1

en-route to, during and after procedure

probably depends on the reason platelets are low; often being consumed by a process that would negate advance infusion

Question 2

HCC in the caudate lobe; what parasitic blood supply is common in this location?

Answer 2

right inferior phrenic artery (85%)

HCC typically receives its blood supply from the hepatic artery, but this known variant supply in caudate lobe tumors can mess with TACE outcomes

Question 3

MELD score components

Answer 3

MELD (module for end-stage liver disease):
- Creatinine
- Bilirubin
- INR

Helps you decide if TIPS will help. Patients with a MELD score of 18 or more have a much lower 3-month survival rate relative to those with a MELD score of 17 or less. Research does not endorse elective TIPS in patients with MELD scores > 24.