Medical science, drawn into focus.

Cushing's Disease

Overview Cushing's disease is a ACTH dependent syndrome characterised by excess corticosteroid production from the adrenal glands. It is ACTH dependent because it is triggered by an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumour. Cushing's syndrome is an over arching term to describe hypercortisolaemia dependent of independent of ACTH. Adrenal Cushing's syndrome is different because it is hypercortisolaemia independent…

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.…

Selective IgA Deficiency 

Overview Selective IgA deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency, defined by very low or absent serum IgA levels with normal levels of other immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM). Many patients are asymptomatic, but some develop recurrent mucosal infections, allergic disease, or autoimmune disorders. Prevalence is estimated at 1:300 to 1:700 in Caucasian populations. Diagnosis is often…

Bipolar Disorder

Overview Bipolar disorder, previously termed manic depression, is a psychiatric diagnosis characterised by abnormally elevated or irritable mood episode(s) accompanied by disruptive symptoms of distractibility, indiscretions, grandiosity, flight of ideas, hyperactivity, decreased need for sleep, and talkativeness. It is well known that bipolar disorder carries with it high mortality and morbidity rates. The lifetime risk…

Hyperparathyroidism

This section will mainly focus on Primary Parathyroidism Overview Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is generalised disorder calcium, phosphate and bone metabolism due to increased secretion of parathyroid hormone normally leading to hypercalcaemia and hypophosphatemia. PHPT may present with recurrent nephrolithiasis, peptic ulcers, mental and muscle changes and less frequently bone resorption. Frequently, routine blood tests will…

Alzheimer's Disease

Overview Alzheimer disease is characterised by an insidious onset of symptoms with initial forgetfulness progressing over time to profound memory impairment with accompanying dysphasia, dyspraxia and personality change. Dementia: Clinical syndrome that is characterised by a progressive deterioration in cognition with resulting decline in function. Alzheimer disease:  Characterised by an insidious onset of symptoms with initial…

Biceps Tendon Rupture

Overview A biceps tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the shoulder or elbow.  Proximal ruptures, usually involving the long head of the biceps at the shoulder, are more common and often result from age-related degeneration or associated rotator-cuff disease. They typically cause upper-arm pain, bruising…

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