Medical science, drawn into focus.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) 

Overview CRPS is a disproportionate, regional pain syndrome of a limb that typically follows injury or surgery and features sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/oedema, and motor/trophic changes. The prevalence after limb fracture/surgery varies widely (≈1–7% overall, higher in some distal radius cohorts) and early recognition with rehabilitation improves outcome. Important risk factors include fracture (especially wrist/ankle), immobilisation,…

Junctional Arrythmias

Overview Junctional rhythms occur when the AV node takes over as the primary pacemaker.  Junctional rhythm usually is associated with a benign course. Mechanism SA node has failed AV node just wants to be faster and takes over Enhanced automaticity in AV nodal cells AVNRT – Seperate condition  where a re-entry loop stimulates the AV node…

Addison's Disease

Overview Addison's disease is a disease characterised by adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency results in a decrease of the adrenal gland hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and to an extent androgens. There are many causes of addison's disease. The most common cause in the developed world is autoimmune (approximately 70% cases). Signs and symptoms of adrenal sufficiency don't…

VEXAS Syndrome

Overview VEXAS syndrome is a late-onset, adult autoinflammatory disease caused by acquired somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene, leading to dysregulated innate immunity, systemic inflammation, and overlapping haematologic and rheumatologic manifestations.  VEXAS stands for Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic. It predominantly affects older males due to its X-linked nature and typically presents with refractory…

Psoriatic Arthritis

Overview Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting up to 30% of patients with skin psoriasis. It commonly presents in adults aged 30–50 years, with equal gender distribution. The disease is highly variable, involving peripheral joints, axial skeleton, entheses, and skin/nails. Delay in diagnosis is common and can result…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Overview Complex chronic syndrome characterised by recurrent abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, in the absence of a structural abnormality. It is not associated with an increase in mortality, however, it is associated with substantial morbidity and a significant decrease in an individual’s quality of life. IBS IBD IBS belongs to a group of disorders collectively known as Functional…

Birth Defects

Overview Birth defects are the leading cause of perinatal and post- neonatal deaths, and result in substantial morbidity and disability in developed countries. There is a wide variety of mechanisms including genetic, environmental and multifactorial. Major birth defects affect 2–3% of live-borns, and minor birth defects affect 15%. Preventative strategies remain limited, but include maternal folic acid supplementation,…

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