Medical science, drawn into focus.

Leukaemia

Overview  Leukemia is a common malignancy in children and adults that occurs when alterations in normal cell regulatory processes cause uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Leukaemia:  Clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow Acute Leukaemia:  Clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow that develops…

Anaphylaxis 

Overview Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset and potentially fatal, most often triggered by foods, medications, or venom; global incidence is ~50–112 per 100,000 person-years with rising emergency presentations in many regions, including Australia [1,2,4] .  Mortality is low but non-trivial and is driven by airway obstruction, severe bronchospasm,…

Guillain–Barré Syndrome

Overview Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated polyneuropathy typically triggered by a preceding gastrointestinal or respiratory infection. It is characterised by an autoimmune attack on the peripheral nerves, leading to mainly demyelination but also axonal degeneration, which impairs nerve conduction and causes muscle weakness and paralysis. GBS affects about 1–2 per 100,000 people annually.…

Reactive Arthritis

Overview Reactive arthritis is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy that occurs after a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection, typically presenting as an asymmetric oligoarthritis, often with associated conjunctivitis and urethritis (formerly Reiter’s syndrome). It most commonly affects young adults aged 20–40 and shows a strong association with HLA-B27. Incidence is estimated at 30–40 per 100,000, with higher rates…

Acute Diabetes Complication (DKA, HHS, Hypoglycaemia)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Ketoacidosis: A condition resulting from deficient insulin availability, leading to lipid oxidation and metabolism rather than glucose metabolism. The insulin absence results in free fatty acid (FFA) released from adipose tissue and in unregulated hepatic FFA oxidation and ketogenesis. Type I Diabetes:  Autoimmune disease where there is attack of beta cells of the…

X-linked Agammaglobulinaemia (XLA / Bruton’s Disease)

Overview X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene , leading to failure of B-cell maturation. It results in profound hypogammaglobulinaemia and susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections, particularly with encapsulated organisms. It usually presents after 6 months of age (once maternal IgG wanes). Prevalence is…

Fistula-In-Ano

  Overview Fistula-In-Ano, also referred to as “Anorectal fistula”, is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal (hollow viscus) and the surface of the body. Over 90% are attributed to prior anorectal abscess. It may occur in the presence of Crohn’s Disease and has an association with obesity and diabetes. Patients experience intermittent rectal pain,…

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