Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.  It is a serious disorder. Pancreatitis is commonly described as autodigestion of the pancreas. It is believed that the pancreatic duct becomes temporarily obstructed, accompanied by hypersecretion of the exocrine enzymes of the pancreas.  These enzymes enter the bile duct, where they are activated and, together with bile, back …

MSUD blog alert.

I received this note on my blog today from a mom whose daughter has Maple Syrup Urine Disease. “I found your blog through a Google alert for MSUD. My daughter has MSUD, and I blog about our experiences with it at http://www.ourtransplantjourney.net.“ There are some great entries on this blog.  She talks about her daughters …

Something to help you remember: myasthenia gravis vs Guillain-Barré

To remember the difference between  myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré . Myasthenia Gravis  is characterized by a weakness of muscles, especially in the face and throat, caused by a lower motor neuron lesion at the myoneural junction. Myasthenia gravis occurs when antibodies attack Acetylcholine  receptor sites  It is not a  genetic disorder. The muscle weakness occurs …

Colon Polyps

A polyup is a mass of tissue that protrudes into the lumen of the bowel. Polyps can occur anywhere in the intestinal tract and rectum.  They can be classified as neoplastic (adenomas and carcinomas) or non- neoplastic (mucosal and hyperplastic) Non-neoplastic polyps, which are benign epithelial growths are common in the western world and occur …

Rectovaginal fistula

A rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is an epithelial-lined tract between the rectum and vagina. CAUSES 1. Perineal lacerations during childbirth, especially those due to episioproctotomy, predispose patients to RVFs. Failure to recognize and correctly repair perineal lacerations, or secondary infection of perineal lacerations, further increases the chance of RVF. 2. Crohn disease  and,  ulcerative colitis have …

Dehydration

Dehydration (fluid volume deficit)  Fluid volume deficit occurs from the loss of body fluids.  This occurs more rapidly when coupled with decreased fluid intake and can also occur after a prolonged period of inadequate intake. Dehydration or fluid volume deficit can be mild moderate or severe. Cause:  Causes of Dehydration include abnormal fluid losses such …