Hypophosphatasia is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder that affects the bones and teeth. The condition leads to impaired mineralization, a process where calcium and phosphorus are usually taken up by the bones and teeth to strengthen and harden them. When this process is faulty, the bones become soft, weak and susceptible to fracture and tooth loss may occur prematurely. The […]
Continue reading »
The dosage that haloperidol is administered at depends on several factors including patient age, body weight and the condition for which the drug is being prescribed. Some examples of the dosage schedule for haloperidol are described below. Acute conditions Single doses of 1 mg to 5 mg can be given either orally or intramuscularly and repeated every 4 to 8 hours. An […]
Continue reading »
Gastritis refers to a group of conditions that lead to inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by a number of factors. The stomach lining is made up of cells that secrete enzymes and acid as part of the digestive process. However, the acid produced can also break down the stomach lining, so other cells in the lining […]
Continue reading »
Diabetic coma is a condition that poses a dangerous threat to individuals with diabetes. Treatment is more effective the earlier it is started but depends on the cause of the coma as this defines which type of diabetic coma a patient has. The three causes of diabetic coma are severe hypolgycemia or lowering of the blood sugar level, diabetic ketoacidosis […]
Continue reading »
Graves’ disease is a toxic form of hyperthyroidism that may require immediate treatment. Treatment includes antithyroid drugs or medications, radiation therapy with radioactive iodine and surgery. Hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease is, in general, easily controlled and safely treated and treatment is almost always successful. However, with most therapies for hyperthyroidism there is an eventual development of hypothyroidism or underactive […]
Continue reading »
Niacin is a water soluble vitamin B3 with a myriad of important roles in human organism. As excess niacin is not stored in the body, it must be ingested daily. In order to prevent niacin deficiency and secure normal functioning of the body, the dietary reference intake is 20 milligrams for both men and women. In the medical practice, the […]
Continue reading »
The Zika virus, a disease from the Flavivirus genus, a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses, causes sickness in about 1 in 5 of the people who become infected by it. In those 20%, the symptoms are generally mild and the disease is very unlikely to cause death. It is also rare for a patient to require hospitalization. The […]
Continue reading »
Down syndrome or Down's syndrome is associated with several complications and health conditions that may require special medical care and support. Some of these conditions such as heart defect may be present from birth, while others such as epilepsy or intestinal problems may emerge over time. Some of the complications associated with Down syndrome are described below. Congenital heart diseaseNearly […]
Continue reading »
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder that damages the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to problems with muscle movement, balance and vision. The illness is an example of a demyelinating disease, where the protective coating called myelin that surrounds nerve fibres becomes damaged. Multiple sclerosis follows a different course in every individual but there are three main […]
Continue reading »
Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining, the endocardium. However, in some cases, endocarditis may also be non-infective. In non-infective endocarditis or nonbacterial thrombic endocarditis (NBTE), sterile clots form on cardiac valves and nearby endocardium as a result of trauma, vasculitis or a hypercoagulable state such as pregnancy. This condition usually affects valves that have not previously been […]
Continue reading »