Abnormally short stature with normal body proportions

Growth hormone deficiency involves abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. It is a condition of inadequate production of growth hormone.Growth hormone deficiency can be categorized as either congenital (present at birth) or acquired.It is also known as Panhypopituitarism; Dwarfism; Pituitary dwarfism.

Causes:

Receiving brain radiation treatments for cancer,severe head injury,insufficient release of stimulatory hormone from the hypothalamus,insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary,decrease in IGF-1 hormones, lack of oxygen at birth,diseases in the pituitary gland, abnormalities in the hormone receptors, an autoimmune attack,mutations of specific genes,congenital malformations involving the pituitary,surgery in the area of the pituitary,auto immune inflammation (hypophysitis), severe head trauma, anatomical abnormalities,deficiencies of other hormones, including: Thyrotropins (control production of thyroid hormones) Vasopressin (controls water balance in the body) ,Gonadotropins (control production of male and female sex hormones) , adrenocorticotrophic hormone (controls the adrenal gland and its production of cortisol, DHEA, and other hormones) etc.


Symptoms:

Physical and psychological symptoms, including poor memory, social withdrawal, and even depression,loss of strength, stamina, and musculature,lowed or absent increase in height ,short stature,absent or delayed sexual development in an adolescent ,headaches ,excessive thirst with excessive urination ,reduced muscle mass and strength ,reduced bone mass and strength ,reduced physical, mental, and social energy and resilience , increased amount of fat around the waist, delayed tooth development, delayed onset of puberty , low energy , decreased strength and exercise tolerance,thin and dry skin.

Treatment:

Growth hormone deficiency is treated by growth hormone replacement. The goals of treatment are to increase growth in children and restore energy, metabolism, and body composition.Usually,somatropin (Humatrope, Genotropin, Norditropin, Nutropin, Saizen, TevTropin) is the growth hormone prescribed by doctors .Other Therapy-Radiation therapy to the pituitary gland. Synthetic growth hormone can be used for children with growth hormone deficiency.

Prevention:

Review child’s growth chart and add nutritional food in diet,


Alternative treatment:

Self-Care at home, patients should eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and get plenty of sleep.

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Influenza -highly contagious infection cuased by viruses

Influenza,commonly known as the flu, is an acute, highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract which commonly occurs in the winter, caused by influenza viruses.

Symptoms

Chills and Fever (usually high), severe headache ,tiredness (can be extreme),cough ,sore throat ,runny or stuffy nose ,body aches ,diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults),muscle pains,fatigue,irritated watering eyes,nasal congestion,reddened eyes,skin,mouth,throat and nose, loss of appetite,weakness,ear pain.

Causes:

viruses is a much more severe disease and is caused by a different type of virus.They are:influenza A, B and C. Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics (worldwide epidemics) that strike every 10 to 40 years, whereas type B causes smaller, more localized outbreaks. Type C is less common and causes only mild symptoms. The influenza virus is generally passed from person to person by airborne transmission (i.e., sneezing or coughing.It may also be spread by touching something that has been handled by someone infected with the virus and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes. Influenza virus is spread by inhaling droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out by an infected person or by having direct contact with an infected person's secretions.

Treatment:

The most common human vaccine is the trivalent influenza vaccine that contains purified and inactivated material from three viral strains.Anti-flue medications is necessary. .Anti viral medications are neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir(Tamiflu) and Zanamivir(relenza) and M2 inhibitors(adamantanes) such as Amantadine and rimantadine are effective anti-influenza drugs .Two newer medications, Relenza and Tamiflu work on influenza subtypes A and B. Relenza is an inhaled powder, while Tamiflu is an oral medication

Prevention:

Influenza vaccination and infection control,good personal health and hygiene habits are effective in avoiding and minimizing influenza. Avoiding large crowds Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, never pick up used tissues,never share cups and eating utensils,stay home from work or school when you're sick with the flu. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Altrnative Treatment:

Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration,get plenty of sleep,Avoid alcohol,take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches, wear layers, since the flu often makes them cold one minute and hot.

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Thyroid diseases and Psychology problem

Introduction

Thyroid problems are mainly of two types. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than that is necessary for human body. In hypothyroidism hormone is produced in less quantity than necessary.

Symptoms

Weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, depression, irritability, sweating, hyperactivity etc. Palpitation, softness of breath, vomiting, nausea etc are also found in some patients.

Causes

Hypothyroidism may be due to loss of thyroid tissue due to some radioactive destruction, presence of antithyroid antibodies, congenital problems, defective production of thyroid hormone by gland, due to medications including lithium etc.

Hyperthyroidism occurs due to some diseases causing stimulation of thyroid gland, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroiditis, pituitary adenoma, or due to some drugs used by patient. Usually amiodarone given for cardiac problems causes hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid disorders and psychology

Patients are also found to have developed anxiety along with depression in cases of thyroid diseases. In the studies conducted it was found that patients with biochemical hypothyroidism these symptoms are low. Most of them has mood disorders as well. Thyroid disorders are also likely to cause mental and neurological dysfunction. Anxiety due to this disease is also likely to affect the quality of life of patient. In patients with antiimmune thyroid disease psychoses are likely to develop. This is because of the neurobiologic disorganization caused by this disease. Cognitive dysfunction and other psychiatric illnesses are also likely to occur. Several problems like dysphoria, emotional lability, insomnia etc are also likely to occur due to thyroid problem. At times this may lead to delusional thoughts at times of paranoid nature.

In men this disease is associated with several sexual symptoms. Thyroid diseases leads to below normal sexual desire, delayed or premature ejaculation and erectile disfunction. These are all considered to be psychological problems related to thyroid disease.

Even mild problem with thyroid is likely to cause mood problems. This may lead to bipolar or unipolar disorder. If thyroid diseases are developed in childhood they are likely to affect behavior and Intellectual development of child. Neuropsychiatric problems are common in children with thyroid problems and in those with hyperthyroidism and leads to bipolar disorder, depression, sleep disorders and cognitive changes.

Those with thyroid problems have symptoms of mental and physical complaints like loss of energy and is difficult to understand psychiatric problems. Some of them have depression, about 62 percent patients have anxiety disorders. Panic disorders are not popular. Due to decresed attentiveness, slowing of thought and speech and poor concentration they are likely to develop depression. Patients suffer problems like fear, suspicion, delusion, anger etc. They experience auditory and visual problems, sleep disturbances as well. More symptoms are seen in those with euthyroid goiter.

Treatment

Those with depression, anxiety, should undergo medical lab test for blood count, thyroid functions, electrolysis, liver function test etc. men if having thyroid problem must consider their sexual function. At times medicines given to patients with mental illness is also likely to cause thyroid problems. This should be taken care of.


Links

http://lib.bioinfo.pl/meid:174868

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Disease spread by sand flie's byte

Leishmaniasis otherwise known as Kala-azar is a disease spread by sand fly. It is spread from the byte of sandfly and is parasitic in nature. It is a group of disease. Disease may be cutaneous or systemic.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects mucous membrane and skin and in mucous membrane ulcers might develop. Systemic or visceral leishmaniasis affects the immune system of whole body and might cause death.

Causes

Leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies which is infected by biting an infected by biting any infected animal.

Symptoms

Children affected by the disease will show symptoms like vomiting, fever, weakness, cough, night sweat, change in skin tone, hair thinning, discomfort with abdomen, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue etc.

In adults fever might last for two weeks or two months. They will have weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite etc and along with the disease weakness increases. In those affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis there might be difficulty to breath, sores on skin, skin ulcer, nose bleeding, nose running, ulcers in mouth lips, nose etc.

Treatment

Spleen and bone marrow or skin biopsy and culture, immunofluorescent antibody test done indirectly, complete blood count, hemoglobin count, direct agultination assay, montenegro skin test, serum protein and albumin, immunoglobulins etc are done for detecting the disease.

Antimony containing compounds are the most important drugs used to treat the disease. Medicines usually given are Meglumine antimonate and Sodium stibogluconate. Amphotericin B , Pentamidine are also given. In case of visceral leishmaniasis removal of spleen might become necessary if it is drug resistant.

If disfigurement occurs in cutaneous leishmaniasis plastic surgery might become necessary. Death occurs in a time span of two years due to other complications like other infections. Pentavalent antimony is the most common treatment or pentamindine is used as an alternative.

Usually two pentavalent antimonials (Pentostam and Glucantime) are used in treatment. In case they are not effective pentamidine and amphotericine B are given to patient. Allopurinol used in gout treatment is being tried as experiment. Similarly as part of experiments ambisome and ketaconazole are also given. Drugs are chosen according to the geographic location and infecting species. Drugs like Nastibogluconate or Meglumine antimonate are also given. Deoxycholate, Ishethionate, itraconazole, topical paromomycin etc are other drugs given to patient. Supportive measures like adequate nutrition, antibiotics etc are also needed.

Prevention

Sandfly bites must be prevented through insect repellent, appropriate clothing, window screening etc. There are no preventive vaccines for this disease.

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Uterine Cervical incompetency -Symptoms, cause and treatment

Uterine Cervical incompetence is a condition in which cervix dilates with out causing pain causing delivery of premature fetus. Delivery occurs when the membranes ruptures. Thus cervical incompetence is a condition in which a cervix that is abnormally weak dilates and leads to miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs usually in a period of 16 to 24 weeks with out any prior symptoms like pain.

Symptoms

Usually there are no symptoms and at times there might be back pain, heavy vaginal discharge, little or no bleeding with or with out pain. Pain occurs with miscarriage only and not in prior stage.

Cause

Injuries caused during previous deliveries, previous D&C or scraping of tissues inside uterus, cervical surgery, uterine abnormalities etc can lead to cervical incompetence. But the cause for disease is not known. DES exposure, cervical trauma, hormonal problems, congenitally chort cervix etc are also causes.

Treatment

Usually stitch is done to make cervix firm. This is done during pregnancy. This method of stitching the cervix is known as cerclage. This is done during 14thto 16th week. It is better to do cerclage as earlier as possible for pregnancy to continue. But a ppatient with hyperirritability of cervix can not perform cerclage. If the dilation is more than four centimeters or if the baby is dead, if the water is broken cerclage can not be done.

There are mainly five methods of putting stitch. Most popular are McDonald and Shirodkar method. In all five methods spinal anesthesia is given to reduce pain. In McDonald method a 5mm permanent stitch is put on high cervix. Stitch is removed in 37 weeks. If there is any infection or preterm labor, rupture of membranes etc stitch is removed earlier. This is the most effective method.

Usually Shirodkar method is used mostly. In this method a cesarean is to be performed for delivery. A permanent stitch is put for life long in this method and that is why cesarean becomes necessary.

Another method is Hefner cerclage in which a U or mattress stitch is put which is useful to prevent minimal amount of cervix left. Method is also known as Wum procedure.

Uterosacral cardinal ligament cerclage is done after failure of McDonald or Shirodkar. It is otherwise useful when there is congenital shortened cervix or subacute cervix. It can be done abdominally as usual or vaginally. In this case also a cesarean is necessary for delivery.

Lash is done when the disease is detected before pregnancy. Usually it is done after cervical trauma that led to an anatomical defect. It might cause infertility.

But all these methods are not 100% successful. There are possibilities of premature rupture of membrane, infection to amniotic sac or Chorioamnionitis, bladder injury, uterine rupture, cervical dystocia, maternal hemorrhage, preterm labor, cervical laceration or amputation etc.

Links

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4919334?dopt=Abstract

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/incompetentcervix/a/aaincomp.htm

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Jaundice in newborns

Jaundice in new born babies is otherwise known as neonatal jaundice or Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It is very common in new born babies and occurs Bilirubin pigment becomes excess in blood. Usually this is during first three to five days after birth and is not dangerous. Yet another type is breast milk jaundice in which a substance in breast milk increase use of bilirubin in child’s intestine. This occurs after a week of birth and might last for a month or more.

There are different types of juandice: Physiological (normal) jaundice, Jaundice of prematurity, Breast milk jaundice, Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems).

Symptoms

Discolouration is the primary symptom. Skin and whites of eye becomes yellow colour.

Causes

Bilirubin is the pigment produced by breaking of red blood cells and is eliminated through stool. Juandice occurs when body produces excess bilirubin or when it is not properly eliminated by liver. Those children with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Biliary atresia, Certain medications, Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and other congenital problems etc is likely to develop juandice.

Jaundice in new born babies is otherwise known as neonatal jaundice or Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It is very common in new born babies and occurs Bilirubin pigment becomes excess in blood. Usually this is during first three to five days after birth and is not dangerous. Yet another type is breast milk jaundice in which a substance in breast milk increase use of bilirubin in child’s intestine. This occurs after a week of birth and might last for a month or more.

There are different types of juandice: Physiological (normal) jaundice, Jaundice of prematurity, Breast milk jaundice, Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems).

Symptoms

Discolouration is the primary symptom. Skin and whites of eye becomes yellow colour.

Causes

Bilirubin is the pigment produced by breaking of red blood cells and is eliminated through stool. Juandice occurs when body produces excess bilirubin or when it is not properly eliminated by liver. Those children with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Biliary atresia, Certain medications, Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and other congenital problems etc is likely to develop juandice.

Treatment

Breast feeding for about 8 to 12 times a day immediately after birth during first few days will help the to pass more stool and to develop more energy for the liver of baby to eliminate bilirubin. Increased level of bilirubin can damage brain cells of baby and can make it less active. There is a chance for developing seizure, and might cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay. This can be detected early through blood test and be prevented. Physical examination itself helps to detect the disease.

Most common method is to expose the baby to sunlight and the method is called phototherapy. But eyes need to be protected with eye patches. Some times special blue lights are to be given to baby. Baby must be breast fed more frequently or fed with more fluids to prevent from skin rashes or loose bowel movements. In severe cases fluid will be given through vein. This is done upto a week and is the safest treatment. Frequent bowel movement is necessary and for this the baby is to be fed frequently.

Juandice is dangerous to those children born before 37 week’s gestation, with weight less than 2500 gram at birth, with blood group incompataible with mothers, who have infection, where forceps were used in delivery, for those whose siblings had disease wanting treatment at birth, when jaundice spreads to legs and hands and for those babies who developed jaundice with in 24 hours of birth.

Jaundice might be a symptom of some serious disease like abnormal blood cell shapes, Congenital spherocytic anemia, Elliptocytosis, blood group incompatibilities like ABO in which mother has O group blood and baby does not, Rh negative when mother is Rh negative and baby is positive, birth injuries, polycythema a condition with high level of red blood cells, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, infection, prematurity, transfusions etc. In severe cases blood transfusion is required. Treating with intravenous immunoglobulin helps to reduce bilirubin levels. Drugs may be given to stimulate liver to eliminate bilirubin.

High bilirubin levels can cause brain damage called Kernicterus, Deafness, Cerebral palsy etc.Jaundice is severe if baby has fever.


Breast feeding for about 8 to 12 times a day immediately after birth during first few days will help the to pass more stool and to develop more energy for the liver of baby to eliminate bilirubin. Increased level of bilirubin can damage brain cells of baby and can make it less active. There is a chance for developing seizure, and might cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay. This can be detected early through blood test and be prevented. Physical examination itself helps to detect the disease.

Most common method is to expose the baby to sunlight and the method is called phototherapy. But eyes need to be protected with eye patches. Some times special blue lights are to be given to baby. Baby must be breast fed more frequently or fed with more fluids to prevent from skin rashes or loose bowel movements. In severe cases fluid will be given through vein. This is done upto a week and is the safest treatment. Frequent bowel movement is necessary and for this the baby is to be fed frequently.

Juandice is dangerous to those children born before 37 week’s gestation, with weight less than 2500 gram at birth, with blood group incompataible with mothers, who have infection, where forceps were used in delivery, for those whose siblings had disease wanting treatment at birth, when jaundice spreads to legs and hands and for those babies who developed jaundice with in 24 hours of birth.

Jaundice might be a symptom of some serious disease like abnormal blood cell shapes, Congenital spherocytic anemia, Elliptocytosis, blood group incompatibilities like ABO in which mother has O group blood and baby does not, Rh negative when mother is Rh negative and baby is positive, birth injuries, polycythema a condition with high level of red blood cells, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, infection, prematurity, transfusions etc. In severe cases blood transfusion is required. Treating with intravenous immunoglobulin helps to reduce bilirubin levels. Drugs may be given to stimulate liver to eliminate bilirubin.

High bilirubin levels can cause brain damage called Kernicterus, Deafness, Cerebral palsy etc.Jaundice is severe if baby has fever.

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Meningitis - Alternative treatment

Meningitis is caused by infection to meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Usually children between the age of 15 and 24 are affected by this disease. Viral, bacterial or fungal infection can also cause meningitis.

Symptoms

High fever, headache, vomiting or nausea along with headache, difficulty to maintain eye contact or to concentrate in some thing, sleepiness, stiff neck, rashes on skin, seizures, leg pain etc. Symptoms may last for two or three days. Newborns might not have these types of symptoms but will cry continuously or eat poorly. Some times there might be a soft spot on head that may bulge.

Causes

Meningitis is usually caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Bacterial infection is more dangerous. Bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enter blood stream and reach brain or spinal cord. Ear or sinus infection can also lead to meningitis as the bacteria will enter meninges directly. This may happen in case of skull fracture also.

Types of meningitis caused by bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), that may cause pneumonia, ear or sinus infection, Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus), Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). Viral meningitis lasts for about 10 days or less only. Chronic meningitis is caused by invading of slow growing organisms. Drug infection, inflammatory diseases and some type of cancer can cause meningitis.

Treatment

Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics. Treatment might be for convulsions, brain swelling, dehydration or shock. If there is infected sinus or mastoid it will have to be drained. In case of viral meningitis bed rest along with plenty of fluids and pain medications. Anti viral medication will also be given if the virus is herpes.

Bacteria and virus usually spreads through coughing, sneezing, kissing etc. Sharing tooth brush, eating utensils or cigarette can also spread bacteria’s or viruses. Cleaning the hands are also helpful to prevent spreading of disease. Taking exercise, enough ret and a healthy diet is also important. Medications might be for increasing blood pressure. Mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen might also be given. Bacterial meningitis might cause learning or hearing disabilities, visual problem, seizures etc. It might affect kidney’s, liver, heart etc or might lead to neurological problems.

Vaccines like Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) are given to those infected by bacteria. Viral meningitis is treated with acyclovir (Zovirax®) or ribavirin (Virazole®). These might cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headache. In case of bacterial meningitis patients are treated with a cocktile medicines like combination of Penicillin and cephalosporin (e.g., ceftriaxone [Rocephin®], cefotaxime [Claforan®]). If virus is caused by fungi Amphotericin B and fluconazole (Diflucan®) are effective. Parasitic meningitis patients are given benzimidazole derivative or other antihelminthic agent. Along with antibiotics cortico steroids, diazepam, rifampin, etc are given according to situation. Surgery is to be done if there are openings causing leak of cerebrospinal fluid.


Prevention

Routine immunization and vaccines for measles, mumps, poliomeningococcus, pneumococcus etc can prevent attack of meningitis. Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) vaccine given to children at the age of two, four and six can also prevent meningitis.Hib vaccination is also helpful. Preventive medicines like rifampin (Rifadin®), ceftriaxone (Duricef®), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) can be given to prevent bacterial meningitis.


Alternative therapy

Nutritional and herbal therapy is found effective in some cases. Homeopathy is also said to be effective for meningitis. Nutritional treatment involves supplementing Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. herbs like garlic is also found effective

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