Episode 90 – Less Sugar, More Blood

Why do SGLT2 inhibitors cause erythrocytosis? You can watch this episode on our new YouTube channel here! Most of the time, when we worry about a patient’s hemoglobin, it’s because it’s too low. However, there are times when it’s unexpectedly high, a clinical scenario known as erythrocytosis or polycythemia. There are several well-known causes ofContinue reading “Episode 90 – Less Sugar, More Blood”

Episode 89 – Tusks and Tumor Suppressors

Why don’t elephants get cancer? You can watch this episode on our new YouTube channel here! Elephants are the subject of many flattering similes about strength, courage, and memory. Perhaps we have been complimenting the wrong attributes all along. In this episode of The Curious Clinicians, we will be exploring a lesser-known asset of everyone’sContinue reading “Episode 89 – Tusks and Tumor Suppressors”

Episode 88 – Shunting a Mismatch

Why can systemic pulmonary vasodilators worsen hypoxemia in COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension? You can watch this episode on our new YouTube channel here! Medicine is, if not simple, at least logical most of the time. If a patient is dry, give them fluids. If they’re wet, diurese them. If they have a platelet plug blocking oneContinue reading “Episode 88 – Shunting a Mismatch”

Episode 86 – Enlarging Alcohol

Why does chronic alcohol use cause macrocytosis? Previously on the Curious Clinicians, we’ve discussed some of the physiologic effects of alcohol that may be familiar to many: Feeling warm and peeing a lot. On this episode, we discuss another effect that is likely only seen by clinicians. Macrocytosis, or enlarged red blood cells (RBCs), isContinue reading “Episode 86 – Enlarging Alcohol”