Medical science, drawn into focus.

Henoch–Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis)

Overview Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), now termed IgA vasculitis, is the most common systemic vasculitis in children, characterised by IgA1-dominant immune complex deposition in small vessels, particularly affecting the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. It predominantly occurs in children aged 3–10 years, with a slight male predominance, and often follows an upper respiratory tract infection.…

Paracetamol Overdose

Overview Paracetamol overdose is a common cause of hospital presentation. Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used in both children and adults. Its mechanism of action is yet to be fully determined, and is likely to involve a number of pain pathways. When taken in excess it can cause signs such as vomiting, right…

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…

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis 

Overview Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis) is a rare, chronic, systemic necrotising vasculitis affecting small-to-medium-sized vessels, characterised by granulomatous inflammation, necrotising vasculitis, and tissue destruction, primarily involving the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. It falls under the ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). Peak incidence is in the 5th–6th decade, with slight male predominance and…

Febrile Seizure

Overview Seizures are a common occurrence in children. 8% will have at least one seizure by 15 years of age. A seizure is the result of an abnormal paroxysmal discharge by cerebral neurons. Many underlying conditions and neurological challenges may provoke seizures, and in over 50% of children seizures are isolated events associated with either a fever…

Personality Disorders

Quotes “I'm so good at beginnings, but in the end I always seem to destroy everything, including myself.” ―  Kiera Van Gelder “I need them to be aware and present with me in the midst of the storm, not just tell me what to do.” ―  Kiera Van Gelder Overview The term ‘personality disorder’ is frequently…

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Overview Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. It causes impaired acetylcholine release, producing the characteristic triad of proximal muscle weakness, reduced reflexes and autonomic dysfunction. LEMS may occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome—most commonly associated with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)—or as a non-tumour-associated autoimmune disorder.  Neuromuscular junction: connection…

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