Medical science, drawn into focus.

Delirium

Overview Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a disturbance in consciousness and cognition. It typically presents as an acute confusional state , with inattention as its core symptom. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of delirium is often delayed or missed, especially the hypoactive form that is common in older persons. Delirium : Cognitive impairment typically caused…

Post‑splenectomy Immunodeficiency

Overview Post‑splenectomy immunodeficiency refers to the increased susceptibility to infection following removal (or functional loss) of the spleen. The spleen plays a critical role in filtering bloodborne pathogens, especially encapsulated bacteria, and in mounting both innate and adaptive immune responses. Loss of splenic function leads to impaired opsonisation, reduced IgM production, and defective clearance of…

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Overview Coronary artery obstruction or rupture can result in a variety of ischaemic condition which fall under the term of acute coronary syndrome. This does not include stable angina. Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death world wide. The mortality of myocardial infarction is believed to be 45% with 70% of these deaths…

Umbilical and Epigastric Hernia

Overview Umbilical and Epigastric hernias are types of Primary Ventral abdominal wall hernias. Epigastric hernias are two to three times more common in men.  Umbilical hernias are three times more likely in females. Most epigastric hernias contain preperitoneal fat, while most umbilical hernias contain omentum or bowel. These hernias are usually asymptomatic unless incarcerated, obstructed…

Miscarriage

Overview Miscarriage:  Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is defined as a clinically recognized pregnancy loss before the 20th week of gestation. Others define it as expulsion or extraction of an embryo or fetus weighing 500 g or less Abortion:  After 20weeks Threatened miscarriage: A pregnancy less than 20 weeks’ gestation associated with vaginal bleeding, generally without cervical dilation.…

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…

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