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Junctional Arrythmias

Overview Junctional rhythms occur when the AV node takes over as the primary pacemaker.  Junctional rhythm usually is associated with a benign course. Mechanism SA node has failed AV node just wants to be faster and takes over Enhanced automaticity in AV nodal cells AVNRT – Seperate condition  where a re-entry loop stimulates the AV node…

Chagas Disease

Authors Megan Miner  Armando Faigl  Overview Chagas disease is caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and is potentially life-threatening. These parasites often live within triatomine bugs. Following a bite to the skin, these bugs, also known as “kissing bugs”, deposit fecal matter near the site of the bite. Their bite, unfortunately, causes…

Paediatric Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Overview Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) also known as hyaline membrane disease is a pulmonary disease resulting from immature lung development and surfactant deficiency. Most frequently seen in preterm infants, the clinical presentation is characterized by signs of respiratory distress including nasal flaring, tachypnea, and grunting (an expiratory sound that is heard as the infant exhales…

Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis)

Overview The most common cause of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease, multinodular goitre, an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule  (adenoma) and subacute thyroiditis. Graves Disease is more common in women. Multinodular goitre is more common in the elderly. Graves disease typically manifests in middle aged women. Thyroid diseases are more common in women. Hyperthyroidism: denote conditions in which…

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Overview Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a malignancy of lymphoid cells. The two main ALL is T-cells ALL and B-cells ALL. In ALL there is uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow leading to overcrowding affecting other cell lineage. It is the commonest cancer in childhood, rare in adults and has a strong associated with…

Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency

Overview Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency characterised by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, impaired wound healing, and absence of pus formation due to defective leukocyte adhesion and migration. It results from genetic defects in leukocyte integrins or signalling pathways, preventing neutrophil extravasation from blood vessels into tissues. LAD has an estimated…

Hypercholesterolaemia

Overview Higher levels of cholesterol associated with worse CV outcomes. Three main types that are measured: VLDL, LDL and HDL. High LDL is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular problems. Hypercholesterolaemia can also run in families. Lifestyle modification aim to reduce cardiovascular risk. Pharmacological agents are lipid lowering drugs, statins being first-line. Lipid Physiology…

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