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Calcification and the Joints

Calcium is found inside the joints in the synovial fluid, which is a viscous fluid with an egg-white consistency, vital for reducing friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints when they are moved.

26 Jun 2016

Calcification of the Arteries

Arterial calcification is a gradual and progressive process that is seen in most people after the 6th decade of life. This results in a reduction of arterial elasticity and an increased propensity for morbidity and mortality due to the impairment of the cardiovascular system’s hemodynamics.

26 Jun 2016

Causes of Calcification

The abnormal accumulation of calcium in tissues where it should not be physiologically found happens as a result of many factors. This build-up of mineral may occur in specific tissues / organs or widely throughout the body.

26 Jun 2016

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of and damage to the thyroid gland. This damage eventually leads to a reduction in the production of thyroid hormones and the presentation of hypothyroidism. Although it can affect any individual, it is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

24 Jun 2016

Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Exercise

Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are less physically active and have reduced physical functioning and performance compared to the general population. However, strong scientific research suggests that exercise interventions have the potential to improve several health parameters and outcomes in CKD patients.

24 Jun 2016

Treatment of Porphyria cutanea tarda

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a common form of hepatic porphyria characterized by symptoms such as fragile, blister-prone skin particularly on sun-exposed areas.

24 Jun 2016

Porphyria cutanea tarda genetics

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a group of disorders which are characterized by a deficiency in enzymatic action of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD).

24 Jun 2016

Porphyria cutanea tarda diagnosis

Diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) relies on the identification of characteristic symptoms, a comprehensive patient history, and a thorough clinical evaluation involving specialized tests.

24 Jun 2016

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) belongs to group of disorders named the porphyrias. A porphyria is characterized by the abnormal metabolism of the blood pigment hemoglobin.

24 Jun 2016

Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Exercise

24 Jun 2016

Hyperthyroidism Causes

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, involves overproduction of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. There are several possible causes of hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, iodine supplementation, amiodarone and cancer. Each of these is discussed in more detail below.

23 Jun 2016

Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms

Many patients do not experience or report symptoms in the early stages of hyperthyroidism. As a result, the condition may not be diagnosed until it progresses enough to cause symptoms.

23 Jun 2016

Hyperthyroidism Diagnosis

Hyperthyroidism is a health condition which results from the overactivity of the thyroid gland. It can be diagnosed by the presenting history and a physical examination, in addition to several tests to confirm the diagnosis and investigate the cause of the condition.

23 Jun 2016

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

The management of hyperthyroidism depends on several factors, including the individual patient, the severity and the cause of the condition, which must be established during the diagnostic process.

23 Jun 2016

Fahr's syndrome (FS) / Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification

Fahr's syndrome (FS) is also known as Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification. It is a genetically inherited neurological condition, proposed to have both an autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. FS is rare and is characterized by the abnormal deposition of calcium in locations of the brain that are involved in the control of movement.

23 Jun 2016

Intussusception (Intestinal Obstruction)

Intussusception is a medical emergency and is a condition that is as a result of one part of the intestine sliding into another. This sliding is similar to how a telescope folds into itself and the intestinal prolapse results in obstruction. Thus, food and/ or fluid cannot move through the abnormal intestinal segment.

23 Jun 2016

Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Adhesions

While diagnosing abdominal adhesions, it is important to take a thorough clinical history in order to substantiate suspicions.

23 Jun 2016

Symptoms and Causes of Abdominal Adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue connecting two parts of abdominal tissue that would otherwise not be connected together.

23 Jun 2016

What are Abdominal Adhesions?

Bands of scar tissue that join two parts of tissue together in the abdomen that would otherwise not be joined together constitute abdominal adhesions.

23 Jun 2016

Drug Metabolism

Drug metabolism is the term used to describe the biotransformation of pharmaceutical substances in the body so that they can be eliminated more easily. The majority of metabolic processes that involve drugs occur in the liver, as the enzymes that facilitate the reactions are concentrated there.

23 Jun 2016