Medical science, drawn into focus.

Hypermobility Syndromes

Overview Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) describes symptomatic joint hypermobility with musculoskeletal (and sometimes systemic) consequences in people who do not meet the 2017 diagnostic criteria for hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or another heritable connective-tissue disorder (HCTD). Prevalence of generalised joint hypermobility varies (≈2–35% depending on age/sex/ethnicity and cut-offs), with symptomatic states more common in females…

Paediatric Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Overview Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) also known as hyaline membrane disease is a pulmonary disease resulting from immature lung development and surfactant deficiency. Most frequently seen in preterm infants, the clinical presentation is characterized by signs of respiratory distress including nasal flaring, tachypnea, and grunting (an expiratory sound that is heard as the infant exhales…

Leukaemia

Overview  Leukemia is a common malignancy in children and adults that occurs when alterations in normal cell regulatory processes cause uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Leukaemia:  Clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow Acute Leukaemia:  Clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow that develops…

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Overview In the clinical setting, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron Deficiency is lack of iron in the body resulting from inadequate iron intake, increased iron loss and increased iron demand which can lead to anaemia. Iron is an integral part of haemoglobin the oxygen carrying protein. Without iron, oxygen is unable to…

Acute Compartment Syndrome

Overview The muscle groups of the human limbs are divided into section or compartments. Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when increased pressure within a compartment compromises circulation and function of tissues within that area. common sites of ACS is the leg and forearm. Acute compartment syndrome: A critical pressure increase within a confined compartmental space causing…

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:…

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…

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