Medical science, drawn into focus.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Overview Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes in various tissues. It predominantly affects women of childbearing age, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 9:1. The disease is more prevalent among individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent, and its…

Pregnancy (not a disease)

Overview Pregnancy – Overview Physiological Changes in Pregnancy Uterus, Vagina and Breast Physiology changes Uterus (Cervix + Isthmus + Body of uterus) Muscle hypertrophy til 20weeks then stretching till term. Uterine and ovarian arteries undergo hypertrophy Cervix Reduced collagen → allows dilatation Hypertrophy of cervical glands → thick mucus plug Uterine body ↑size, shape, shape and consitency Increases…

Acute Pancreatitis

Overview Acute pancreatitis is a relatively common condition presenting with severe, acute, constant epigastric pain. Incidence of ~5 per 100,000/year. Acute pancreatitis has a significant mortality. Early complications include acute renal failure, DIC, hypocalcemia and ARDS. Acute Pancreatitis: An inflammatory process in which pancreatic enzymes are activated and cause autodigestion of the gland. Chronic Pancreatitis:…

Chronic Granulomatous Disease 

Overview Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare, inherited primary immunodeficiency characterised by defective function of the NADPH oxidase enzyme complex in phagocytes, leading to failure of the oxidative burst required for intracellular killing of pathogens. This results in recurrent, often life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections, particularly with catalase-positive organisms, and predisposes to granuloma formation…

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.…

Carotid Artery Disease

Overview Carotid artery disease refers to atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid artery lumen. It is associated with approximately 10-15% of all ischaemic strokes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a principal cause of long-term disability in much of the industrialised world. The degree of internal carotid artery stenosis is the most important…

Mesenteric Ischaemia

Aetiology and Risk Factors Aetiology Acute mesenteric ischemia can result from occlusion of a mesenteric vessel arising from an embolus, which may emanate from an atheroma of the aorta or cardiac mural thrombus, or from primary thrombosis of a mesenteric vessel, usually at a site of atherosclerotic stenosis. Embolic occlusion is more common in the…

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