Medical science, drawn into focus.

Bronchiectasis

Overview Bronchiectasis was a common disabling and fatal condition in the pre-antibiotic era and remains more common in medically underserved regions of the world. Irreversible dilatation of airways due to in ammatory destruction of airway walls resulting from persistently infected mucus. Bronchiectasis usually affects medium sized airways Bronchiectasis:  Bronchiectasis is the permanent dilation of bronchi…

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…

Chronic Granulomatous Disease 

Overview Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare, inherited primary immunodeficiency characterised by defective function of the NADPH oxidase enzyme complex in phagocytes, leading to failure of the oxidative burst required for intracellular killing of pathogens. This results in recurrent, often life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections, particularly with catalase-positive organisms, and predisposes to granuloma formation…

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overview Hepatocellular carcinoma (also known as hepatoma ) is a primary cancer arising from hepatocytes in predominantly cirrhotic liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of death worldwide, and cirrhosis is the main risk factor. Infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C is the main cause of underlying liver disease. Prevention of chronic liver disease would greatly reduce…

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview Rheumatoid arthritis is a common systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of a destructive polyarthritis with a predisposition for affecting the small joints of the hands and feet and the wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 1 percent worldwide. Like many autoimmune diseases, the etiology…

Sexual Transmitted Infection

Overview Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a significant public health worldwide. STI can result in chronic disease, pregnancy complications, infertility, and even death. Globally, congenital syphilis is still a leading cause of stillbirth and neonatal death. Antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae continues to be a significant public health concern.  Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most frequently reported…

Aneurysm

Overview An aneurysm is an abnormal localised dilatation of a blood vessel with at least 50% increase in diameter compared to its normal diameter. It is seen more often in arteries compared to veins. Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they are very large or they rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause massive bleeding and death.…

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