Medical science, drawn into focus.

Coeliac Disease

Overview Coeliac disease is a systemic autoimmune disease triggered (T-lymphocytes) by dietary gluten peptides found in wheat, rye, barley, and related grains. Immune activation in the small intestine leads to villous atrophy, hypertrophy of the intestinal crypts, and increased numbers of lymphocytes in the epithelium and lamina propria. Locally these changes lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption.…

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Overview Atopic dermatitis is a chronic highly pruritic (itchy) inflammatory skin disease. Atopic dermatitis and eczema are often used synonymously. Atopic dermatitis primarily affect young children and is often associated with other atopic disorders, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis has doubled or tripled in industrialised countries during the past three decades.…

Parturition and Routine Care

Overview Parturition Physiology Preterm:  defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. Term:  defined as babies born alive after 37 weeks and before 42 weeks Postterm (induced for labour):  defined as babies born alive after 42 weeks. Birthweight Low birth weight: <2500g regardless of age Very low birth weight: <1500g regardless of…

Goodpasture Syndrome (Anti-GBM disease)

Overview Goodpasture syndrome, now more precisely termed anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease , is a rare autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis affecting lungs and kidneys, typically manifesting with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.  Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) has an estimated incidence of approximately 0.5 to 1.8 cases per million per year. It demonstrates a bimodal age…

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…

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…

Chronic Upper Limb Ischaemia 

Overview Chronic upper limb ischaemia is a form of peripheral arterial disease that results in a symptomatic reduced blood supply to the upper limb. The common symptoms are weakness, cramps, pain, and digital ischaemia/gangrene. Upper limb ischaemia occurs less frequently than lower limb ischaemia.  Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic obstruction of arteries supplying…

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