Medical science, drawn into focus.

Hyperlipidaemia

Overview Hyperlipidaemia is an umbrella term which encompasses genetic and acquired disorders that raise lipid levels within the blood. Hyperlipidaemia does not independently cause clinical symptoms, rather can lead to other disorders that can manifest in possible life-threatening presentations. Most notably, hyperlipidaemia causes atherosclerosis which may lead to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. 1…

Substance Dependence (Addiction), Withdrawal and Overdose

Overview of addition medicine. This section is a brief introduction to substance abuse, followed by section that look at specific drugs of addiction. Substance Misuse: Consumption above designated low risk levels Substance Abuse: repetitive substance use resulting in social complications (financial, occupational and legal) Substance Tolerance: Defined by either of the following: a need for…

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes (Overview)

Overview Classification Microvascular Complications Retinopathy Nephropathy Neuropathy Macrovascular Complications Coronary heart disease Cerebrovascular disease Diabetic foot Diabetic Retinopathy Overview Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the working population. Blindness is preventable. Annual retinal screening is advised for patients at risk. Pre-symptomatic screening enables laser photocoagulation to be used, aimed to stop production of…

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Overview Renal cell carcinomas (originate within the renal cortex) are responsible for 85% of all primary renal neoplasms. Transitional cell carcinomas of the renal pelvis are the next most common (~8%). Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare form of RCC seen in sickle cell disease. The most common pathological type of renal cell carcinoma is clear cell…

Kawasaki Disease

Overview Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized vessels predominantly affecting children under 5 years old. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Kawasaki is often self-limiting, but 20–25% risk of coronary artery aneurysms if untreated 1 . Vasculitis : Inflammation of blood vessel…

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…

Stroke (Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic)

Overview Third most common cause of death worldwide and most common cause of neurological disability. It is subdivided into ischaemic stroke (caused by vascular occlusion or stenosis) and haemorrhagic stroke (caused by vascular rupture, resulting in intra-parenchymal and/or subarachnoid haemorrhage). Stroke: Acute onset of a focal neurologic deficit due to a cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Transient Ischaemic…

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