Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody present in blood. The rheumatoid factor test checks for the presence of this antibody. The test is performed using a reagent kit. A blood sample is drawn from the patient. When is the rheumatoid factor test performed? The RF test is indicated in patients suspected with rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome. This test helps […]
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Iris tumors are not very common. They may be classified as solid or cystic tumors. Among the solid tumors, iris nevi and melanomas fall into the melanocytic tumor category. This also includes iris freckle, melanocytoma, and Lisch nodules. Iris Nevus An iris nevus appears as a pigmented or unpigmented spot on the iris, typically about 3 mm in diameter at […]
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Over the past 15 years, there have been major advances in the scientific understanding of asthma. Asthma is now known to be a disease of airway inflammation resulting from a complex interplay between environmental exposures and genetic and other factors. This has implications for the medical treatment and the environmental management of asthma. Image Credit: Ann in the uk / […]
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Gilbert’s syndrome is caused by lack or deficiency of an enzyme uridine-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase or UGT. This enzyme is responsible for converting fat soluble free or unconjugated bilirubin into water soluble conjugated bilirubin which is then excreted from the body. Bilirubin thus helps in excretion of the heme derived from the dead red blood cells. Diagnosis of Gilbert’s syndrome Gilbert’s syndrome […]
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The vast majority of patients with sciatica notice a significant improvement in the severity of their symptoms within 6-8 weeks. For this reason, initial treatment should be conservative to avoid unnecessary exposure to treatments. Instead, patients should be adequately counseled to understand the nature of the condition and equipped with methods to relieve the associated pain. If another condition, such […]
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When a patient complains of joint pain, the first step is to identify the source of the pain: inflammatory or non-inflammatory. The next step is to establish the pattern of joint involvement. This includes the number of joints involved, the type of joints, symmetrical joint involvement, and onset of symptoms. The third step is serologic testing to establish a diagnosis […]
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Coronary artery disease is usually caused by a build up cholesterol rich deposits or plaques on the lining inside the artery. These plaques are also called atheromatous plaques or simply atheromas and they cause a thickening of the arterial wall and a narrowing of the arterial space through which blood flows to reach the heart. The amount of blood reaching […]
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Glycemia or the concentration of glucose in the blood is strictly regulated in the body through several mechanisms. Several health conditions can cause the blood glucose level to become too high or fall too low. For example, stress, injury, heart attack or stroke can cause temporary increases in blood glucose, while drugs such as alcohol, acetaminophen, gemfibrozil or clofibrate can […]
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Autoimmunity refers to a failing of the immune system to differentiate between the body’s own tissues and invading bodies. A person’s gender is thought to play a role in the development of autoimmunity, with most autoimmune conditions being related to gender. Studies have shown that around three quarters of Americans who have autoimmune illnesses are female, although millions of men […]
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As there is currently no successful treatment for individuals with Tay-Sachs disease, there is a need for significant research into therapy techniques that could be useful in the treatment for the disease. Among the most promising research at this point in time is enzyme replacement therapy, the Jacob sheep model, substrate reduction therapy and the increasing the activity of β-hexosaminidase […]
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