Medical science, drawn into focus.

Paediatric Bacterial Cutaneous Infection

Overview Meningitis 5 year old presents with non-blanching rash, fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. Aetiology Up to three months of age Group B streptococcus E-coli Listeria Three to 12 years of age Streptococcus pneumonia N. meningitidis Clinical presentation Fever Lethargy Irritability Anorexia Nausea/vomiting Photophobia Neck and back pain/rigidity Kernig sign Brudzinski sign Investigations FBC…

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)…

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Overview Transient ischemic attack is defined as transient neurologic symptoms without evidence of acute infarction. It is a common and important risk factor for future stroke. TIAs are produced by temporary ischemia to a vascular territory, usually caused by thrombosis or embolism and less commonly by vasculitis, hematologic disorders such as sickle cell disease or…

Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis)

Overview The most common cause of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease, multinodular goitre, an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule  (adenoma) and subacute thyroiditis. Graves Disease is more common in women. Multinodular goitre is more common in the elderly. Graves disease typically manifests in middle aged women. Thyroid diseases are more common in women. Hyperthyroidism: denote conditions in which…

Neural Tube Defect

Overview Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of major congenital anomalies comprising anencephaly, spina bifida and encephalocele that result from very early disruption in the development of the brain and spinal cord. These conditions are often incompatible with life. Survivors frequently require intensive, costly, lifelong health and social care. Neural tube defect (NTD): Severe…

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)

Overview Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune thrombophilia characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thromboses and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS may occur as a primary condition or secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prevalence of aPL in the general population is ~2%, but true APS is rare…

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…

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