Medical science, drawn into focus.

Umbilical and Epigastric Hernia

Overview Umbilical and Epigastric hernias are types of Primary Ventral abdominal wall hernias. Epigastric hernias are two to three times more common in men.  Umbilical hernias are three times more likely in females. Most epigastric hernias contain preperitoneal fat, while most umbilical hernias contain omentum or bowel. These hernias are usually asymptomatic unless incarcerated, obstructed…

Hyperlipidaemia

Overview Hyperlipidaemia is an umbrella term which encompasses genetic and acquired disorders that raise lipid levels within the blood. Hyperlipidaemia does not independently cause clinical symptoms, rather can lead to other disorders that can manifest in possible life-threatening presentations. Most notably, hyperlipidaemia causes atherosclerosis which may lead to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. 1…

Gestational Diabetes

Overview Diabetes:  A group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.   Two types Diabetes Mellitus Type I (autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas) and Type II (insulin resistance followed by beta cell atrohpy) Gestational Diabetes:  diabetes diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy with…

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…

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Overview Acute kidney injury (AKI) (formerly acute renal failure) is the syndrome arising from a rapid fall in GFR (over hours to days). It is characterized by retention of both nitrogenous (including Urea and Creatinine) and non-nitrogenous waste products of metabolism, as well as disordered electrolyte, acid– base, and fluid homeostasis. AKI is neither a…

Pertussis

Author Megan Miner Armando Faigl Overview Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough”, is a contagious, acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. In babies, the infection can sometimes lead to pneumonia and occasionally brain damage and can even be life threatening. Older children and adults can get whooping cough and can spread it…

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Overview Sjögren’s Syndrome is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of exocrine glands, primarily affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It commonly affects middle-aged women, with a female:male ratio of approximately 9:1. It can be primary (isolated) or secondary (associated…

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