Medical science, drawn into focus.

Asthma in Emergency

Introduction Most asthma deaths occur outside hospital and are: In patients with chronic severe disease In those receiving inadequate medical treatment In those who have been symptomatically deteriorating, and may have already sought medical help Associated with adverse behavioural and psychological factors Asthma Assessment Assess severity and start bronchodilators! Mild-Moderate (maybe admitted to hospital or…

Hydatidiform Mole (Molar Pregnancy)

Overview Hydatidiform moles are part of a group of diseases falling under gestational trophoblastic disease. A hydatidiform mole refers to the abnormal growth of trophoblastic cells in the placenta, resulting in edematous placental villi that form hydatidiform structures. It is classified as either partial or complete, causing either abnormal foetal development (resulting in foetal demise)…

Schizophrenia

Overview Schizophrenia is a complex syndrome often presenting in late teens/early 20s with positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include behaviours and thoughts that are not normally present (psychosis). Negative symptoms include social withdrawal and affective flattening. Finally, cognitive symptoms are expressed as a broad set of cognitive dysfunction. The average lifetime prevalence of…

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Overview Sickle cell anaemia is an autosomal recessive disorder causing production of abnormal ß-globin chains. A single amino acid is substituted in the ß-globin chain (Glu to Val at position 6). This results in the production of HbS (haemoglobin Sickle) rather than HbA. The common variants of sickle cell disease are: Sickle cell anaemia (SS…

Colorectal Cancer

Overview Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer. 1/12 people will develop bowel cancer before the age of 85. However, there are Survival rates are increasing. Early bowel cancer is cured by surgery alone (screening is important!!). If untreated, or diagnosed when distance metastases are present, >98% pf patients die in <5 years. Polyps: …

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…

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…

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