Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by patchy, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. It commonly involves the terminal ileum and colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, it is characterized by skip lesions and a relapsing-remitting course. Etiology Genetic […]
Introduction Definition: Congenital enteropeptidase deficiency (also known as congenital enterokinase deficiency) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. Cause: Impaired protein digestion and absorption due to the absence or dysfunction of enteropeptidase, an enzyme produced by the duodenal mucosa. Etiology Genetic Cause: Mutations in the TMPRSS15 gene, which encodes enteropeptidase. Inheritance Pattern: Autosomal recessive. Epidemiology Prevalence: […]
Introduction Fidaxomicin is a narrow-spectrum, nonabsorbed macrolide antibiotic primarily used to treat infections caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). Its unique mechanism of action and minimal systemic absorption make it highly effective and well-tolerated for this indication. Name of the Drug Class Class: Macrolide-like antibiotics (Ribosome-targeting antibacterial agents). Drugs in the Class Fidaxomicin Erythromycin (traditional […]
Introduction Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of infectious chorioretinitis worldwide. It is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, and can occur due to congenital infection or reactivation of a latent infection. It is a major cause of vision loss if left untreated. Etiology Caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Congenital transmission: Occurs when […]
Introduction Dacryocystitis is an infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, leading to painful swelling near the inner corner of the eye. It can be acute or chronic and requires appropriate management to prevent complications such as orbital cellulitis. Etiology Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct is the primary […]
Definition A prospective cohort study is an observational study in which a group of individuals (cohort) is followed over time to assess the relationship between exposures (e.g., smoking, diet, medications) and outcomes (e.g., disease development or survival). Researchers define the study population at the start, measure exposure status, and observe outcomes as they occur in […]
Introduction: Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) (acoustic neuromas) are nerve sheath tumors of the superior and inferior vestibular nerves (cranial nerve VIII). They arise in the medial internal auditory canal (IAC) or lateral cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and cause clinical symptoms by displacing, distorting, or compressing adjacent structures in the IAC and the CPA. Epidemiology: Vestibular schwannomas are […]
Overview Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs when an HBV-infected mother passes the virus to her baby during childbirth. This is the most common mode of transmission in high-prevalence regions. Without intervention: Up to 90% of infants born to mothers with active HBV infection will become infected, with most developing chronic HBV. Key […]
