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Causes and Symptoms of Sepsis in Newborns

The immune system of the human body is responsible for defending the body against outside agents which may cause infection. The immune system of a newborn is fairly weak and takes time to develop - this leaves the newborn open to several possible infections. It is for this reason that healthcare providers ensure that the baby is not exposed to any potential infections.

19 Jan 2017

Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS)

Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), first described in the late 1950s, is one of the most common causes of primary glomerular diseases in the adult population. Moreover, the incidence of FSGS has been increasing in the past few years. FSGS may arise due to a systemic condition or as an idiopathic renal disease where a cause cannot be identified.

19 Jan 2017

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Life Cycle

Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin condition in which the larvae of some hookworm species migrate within the skin to produce an intensely pruritic, serpiginous or linear rash. This is known as a creeping eruption.

19 Jan 2017

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Causes

Cutaneous larva migrans is a creeping eruption, which arises due to infection by the filariform larva of the hookworm (Ancylostoma), or the dog tapeworm (Strongyloides). It is the most common skin condition to occur in travelers who have been in tropical or subtropical regions.

19 Jan 2017

Cutaneous Larva Migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is a creeping skin eruption with a serpentine single-track rash. Most common in those who live in or visit the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, it is caused by a helminthic infestation.

19 Jan 2017

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Diagnosis and Management

Cutaneous larva migrans is caused by the epidermal migration of the filariform larvae of various hookworm and occasionally, dog tapeworm, species. The most common type is due to the dog/cat hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense. It manifests as a red or vesicular lesion at the site of entry of the larva, usually between the toes of the bare foot. The skin around this papule is usually pruritic.

19 Jan 2017

Support for Stillbirth and Miscarriage

The loss of a baby through stillbirth or miscarriage is an emotionally traumatic event that no parent ever forgets. Parents who were expecting and anticipating a new life but instead find themselves grieving a death, find it immensely difficult to accept the loss of their baby as a reality.

19 Jan 2017

What Causes Stillbirth?

Stillbirth refers to the death of a baby before or during delivery and after 24 weeks of pregnancy. If a baby dies before 24 weeks of completed pregnancy, the term “miscarriage” or fetal loss applies instead.

19 Jan 2017

Splinter Hemorrhages

Splinter hemorrhages are essentially small spots of blood caused due to bleeding under the nails. The nail bed, or the skin under the tough surface of the nail, has a number of small blood capillaries running through it.

18 Jan 2017

Pulmonary Hypoplasia: Overview

Pulmonary hypoplasia refers to a condition where one or both of a baby’s lungs do not develop properly in the womb. Usually, the condition is secondary to another health problem that limits lung development. This not only affects the baby’s ability to breathe, but causes heart dysfunction, difficulty feeding, poor hearing and overall poor development.

18 Jan 2017

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) refers to blockage of the central artery of the retina, which leads to a profound and acute loss of vision. It is also associated with increased risk of the development of cerebral stroke and ischemic heart disease.

18 Jan 2017

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the most common disease of the retinal vessels. It refers to a blockage of the vein draining the retinal tissue at the back of the eye. Occurring mostly in the elderly or middle-aged, it causes a subacute loss of vision.

18 Jan 2017

Optic Disc Swelling and Papilledema

The optic disc is a non-sensory spot in the retina where the axons of the ganglion cells carrying afferent light-induced impulses to the visual cortex of the brain converge to leave the eye.

18 Jan 2017

Postnatal Depression Research

Postnatal depression (PND) may affect men or women after the birth of a baby. Its incidence is roughly 10-15% in mothers, and up to 25% in men, though often unrecognized in the latter. It affects both maternal and infant health in physical and emotional ways. It may lead to the development of postpartum psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

18 Jan 2017

Treatment Options for Male Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression (PND) in fathers, or paternal PND, is becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of dysfunctional paternal-infant bonding and defective infant development. This affects a child’s growth in terms of cognitive, emotional, and relational maturity.

18 Jan 2017

Treatment and Prognosis for Intestinal Malrotation

Malrotation in children should be treated as an emergency. This is because volvulus is usually life-threatening in nature and immediate surgery is the only solution.

18 Jan 2017

Submacular Hemorrhage (SMH)

Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) is a term which describes a condition characterized by the presence of blood in the potential space between the retinal pigment epithelium and the retinal layer. The blood comes from fragile new vessels in the choroidal layer, formed in the process of choroidal neovascularization CNV). The patient with SMH suffers acute and painless visual distortion with eventual loss of central vision.

18 Jan 2017

Blockage of Sperm Transport

Male infertility occurs due to one or more of three primary reasons. Firstly, a low sperm count (Oligospermia) can lead to difficulty in conceiving. Secondly, there can be problems with the transportation of sperm after production in the testes to the vagina. Such sperm transport disorders are responsible for 10-20% of male infertility cases. The third problem is when there is production of abnormal sperm (Teratospermia).

18 Jan 2017

Erection and Ejaculation Problems

Erection and ejaculatory problems are amongst the most common issues with relation to the male reproductive system. Erection refers to the state of arousal which allows a male to have intercourse. Should a male be unable to get or maintain an erection, it is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Ejaculation refers to the act of ejecting semen from the penis. There are different types of problems which can be associated with ejaculation.

18 Jan 2017

Bladder Control and Diet Changes

A healthy bladder will have an adequate capacity to retain urine and provide strong urges to pass urine when the maximum capacity is neared. In patients with limited storage capacity for various reasons - e.g. a small bladder or an irritable detrusor muscle - symptoms such as urinary incontinence will arise. These may include increased frequency of voiding by day and by night, with urgency and often urge incontinence.

18 Jan 2017