“Why suspect that it’s caused by medication? Because Paul underwent tumor removal surgery a year ago and received a period of Azacitidine injections. It’s highly possible that Azacitidine caused side effects, leading to nerve necrosis.”
At this point, the Vice President took a sip of water, then added, “Everything I’ve mentioned so far is just our hospital’s preliminary pathological speculation, not a conclusive diagnosis of the cause.”
The Vice President spoke cautiously. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has a complex etiology with no definitive conclusion to date. Modern medicine suggests that twenty percent of the causes may be related to genetics and gene defects. Additionally, environmental factors like heavy metal poisoning can also cause damage to motor neurons.
There are three main theories for causing damage to motor neurons. The first is the accumulation of neurotoxic substances, with glutamate accumulating between nerve cells, causing gradual damage. The second is free radicals damaging nerve cell membranes, and the third is a lack of nerve growth factor, preventing sustained growth and development of nerve cells.
Based on the hospital’s examination results, the possibilities of the second and third theories have been ruled out. Thus, using the process of elimination, they can only look for answers in the first theory-the side effects of Azacitidine, as mentioned by the Vice President.
The Vice President hesitated to confirm it as Azacitidine’s side effects because he checked the dosage Paul used, and it did not reach the level to cause damage to nerve cells.
However, even with the most advanced equipment and authoritative experts here, they could only examine to this extent. Furthermore, top foreign hospitals were also unable to find a solution to Paul’s condition. Considering these circumstances, this hospital had done quite well.
Will and Lisa, sitting in the front row, didn’t look pleased, but they remained silent. They were mentally prepared for this, as the opinions of foreign experts during treatment abroad were similar to what the Vice President stated.
As time passed, Paul’s condition worsened. Just yesterday, he had completely lost the ability to speak, and breathing became difficult. Now, his survival depended on the ventilator.
If effective treatment wasn’t administered soon, Paul might not make it through the next three months.
The Vice President turned off the slides and glanced at the attendees before saying, “This is roughly the situation with Paul. My introduction is complete. Now, feel free to discuss and share your thoughts on this case.”
A man sitting behind Leo immediately raised his hand, and the Vice President gestured for him to speak.
The man stood up and said loudly, “Considering the patient’s condition, I recommend using anticholinergic drugs like scopolamine to reduce salivation. Simultaneously, combine it with propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers to reduce the viscosity of saliva, facilitating the patient’s breathing.”
After speaking, the man looked at Dr. Mond with a hint of expectation, as if seeking approval from his admired female colleague. He had done his homework thoroughly before participating in this seminar, well-prepared to impress his crush.
“Huh.”
Leo couldn’t help but sneer, his voice not loud, but the guy behind him and the bespectacled fellow could definitely hear.
If it were in a different setting, the guy would have already cursed Leo out for being so sarcastic.
The bespectacled guy couldn’t resist retorting, “Who’s this guy in front? Knows nothing and dares to judge others. Probably just here to show off.”
Leo turned to glance at the bespectacled man and countered, “If I’m not mistaken, the treatment he just suggested has probably been tried on Paul by foreign doctors. Scopolamine has significant side effects, causing dry mouth, decreased appetite, and difficulty swallowing.”
Hearing Leo’s words, the guy who made the suggestion couldn’t hold back and yelled, “Nonsense, kid! Can you stop pretending to know everything!?”
As soon as he finished speaking, another male doctor stood up, looked at the guy, and said loudly, “Dr. Quiller, the solution you just proposed has indeed been tried on Paul during his time abroad. It was discontinued due to side effects. When suggesting solutions, please be more informed.”
This doctor was Mick Beck, just like Ken Quiller, he admired Dr. Mond, so they were colleagues and romantic rivals.
Being called out by Dr. Beck, Dr. Quiller’s face alternated between red and white. After glaring fiercely at Leo, he sat back down, feeling extremely frustrated.
“Anyone else with a better solution is welcome to speak up.” The deputy dean looked at the audience, expressing anticipation.
Soon, a middle-aged doctor raised his hand.
The deputy dean promptly said, “Dr. Chaplin, please speak.”
Dr. Chaplin, who was somewhat overweight, stood up from his seat, adjusted his glasses, and spoke seriously, “I recommend using localized red light irradiation. This method is a recently introduced high-tech treatment in our hospital with advanced equipment, mature technology, and fast results.”
Dr. Mond also thought of this method and couldn’t help but ask Leo, “Is Dr. Chaplin’s suggestion feasible?”
Leo shook his head slightly.
Seeing this, Dr. Quiller sneered and sarcastically said, “This guy is just here to make jokes. He only knows how to shake his head and say no. Apart from that, he’s useless.”
“I think this guy is here for comedy. He even shakes his head at the suggestion from Dr. Chaplin in the Neurology Department. He should take a look at himself before talking.” The bespectacled man seemed familiar with Dr. Quiller and followed him in taunting Leo.
At this point, they no longer cared about treating the disease; it was all about humiliating Leo. They didn’t want their goddess, Dr. Mond, to have a favorable impression of Leo.
Leo was brought in by Dr. Mond, and she couldn’t tolerate others speaking about him like this. He turned and said angrily, “This is a seminar. If it’s not about discussing treatment plans, please be quiet, both of you!”
Dr. Quiller grinned, “Dr. Mond, sorry, we just can’t stand this guy with no skills by your side.”
Leo intentionally showed a surprised expression on his face and said to Dr. Mond, “Dr. Mond, I think the hiring standards at your hospital are too low. How could you hire someone so worthless? Did he get in through the back door?”
“Damn! Who the hell do you think you’re calling worthless!?” Dr. Quiller suddenly cursed loudly, pointing at Leo, ready to fight.
Being called worthless in front of the woman he admired, Dr. Quiller couldn’t endure it. He had to show some masculine presence.
The commotion caught the attention of the deputy dean and Dr. Chaplin. The bespectacled man quickly pulled Dr. Quiller, “Sit down quickly. This is a conference room. After the seminar, we’ll deal with him properly.”
Dr. Quiller sat back in his seat, still furious, and taunted Leo, “After the seminar, have the guts not to run.”