Definition Kniest dysplasia is collagenopathy collagen II affecting bone growth and is characterized by short stature (dwarfism), other skeletal abnormalities, and hearing and vision problems. The latter are mostly myopia, vitreous degeneration, and retinal detachment. Skeletal features may include kyphoscoliosis, platyspondyly, dumbbell-shaped bones in the arms and legs, long, gnarled …
Read More »Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Overview and Types
Definition Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that intrude into a child/teen’s mind and cause a great deal of anxiety or discomfort, which the child/teen then tries to reduce by engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). As its name suggests, obsessive-compulsive …
Read More »Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Description and Prevention
Description Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, …
Read More »Haemophilus Influenzae – Diagnosis and Prevention
What is Haemophilus influenzae? Haemophilus influenzae or H. influenzae, represents a group of bacteria that may cause different types of infections in infants and children. H. influenzae most commonly causes ear, eye, or sinus infections, and pneumonia. A more serious strain of the bacteria called H. influenzae type b has been …
Read More »Melioidosis – Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is melioidosis? Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease affects humans and animals. Individuals acquire the bacteria through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface waters. Transmission The bacterium that causes melioidosis usually enters the body via cuts and sores …
Read More »Catatonia – Classification, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition Catatonia is a syndrome characterized by psychomotor abnormalities, often presenting as a state of apparent unresponsiveness to external stimuli or inability to move normally in a person who is awake. Classically associated with schizophrenia, but may also present in bipolar, PTSD, autism, encephalitis, and other neurologic disorders. If left …
Read More »Cyanosis – Types, Pathophysiology, Symptoms and Causes
Definition Cyanosis is the medical term for a bluish color of the skin and the mucous membranes due to an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood. For example, the lips and fingernails may show cyanosis. Cyanosis can be evident at birth due to the presence of a heart malformation …
Read More »Heart Murmur – Prevalence, Complications, and Treatment
Definition Heart murmur is an extra or abnormal sound that is heard during cardiac auscultation (when your healthcare provider listens to your heart with a stethoscope). A murmur doesn’t cause noticeable effects on its own. Certain heart murmurs are completely harmless and are not associated with any health problems at …
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