Introduction: Duodenal atresia is a congenital condition in which the lumen of the duodenum is completely obstructed, preventing the passage of stomach contents into the intestines. It is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in neonates. Etiology: Often seen in conjunction with other congenital anomalies, such as cardiac defects, malrotation, or annular […]
Introduction: Galactosemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process galactose, a type of sugar found in milk.If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, brain damage, and even death. Etiology: Galactosemia is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme called galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT). […]
Introduction Definition: Postpartum hypopituitarism caused by ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland following severe postpartum hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock. Result: Varying degrees of pituitary hormone deficiencies. Pathophysiology Pregnancy Adaptations: During pregnancy, the anterior pituitary undergoes hypertrophy and hyperplasia to meet increased hormone demands, making it highly vascular and susceptible to ischemia. Trigger: Severe postpartum […]
Introduction: Hypertension in pregnancy is when a pregnant person’s blood pressure is 140/90 or higher on two separate occasions. Etiology: Essential hypertension; renovascular hypertension; aortic coarctation; diabetes mellitus; hyperthyroidism; pheochromocytoma; primary hyperaldosteronism; hyperparathyroidism; Cushing’s syndrome; diabetic nephropathy; chronic renal failure; acute renal failure; tubular necrosis; cortical necrosis; pyelonephritis; chronic glomerulonephritis; nephrotic syndrome; polycystic kidney; systemic […]
Introduction: HELLP syndrome is a severe and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, typically considered a variant of preeclampsia. It is characterized by Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. This syndrome usually occurs in the third trimester but can also develop postpartum. Components of HELLP Syndrome 1.Hemolysis: Breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), evident by abnormal […]
Introduction: Placental abruption, or abruptio placentae, is a serious obstetric condition in which the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, typically after 20 weeks of gestation. This separation can compromise the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the mother and fetus, posing significant risks to both. Risk Factors for Placental […]
Introduction: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized ovum implants and grows outside the endometrium lining the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube. It is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the first trimester. Incidence: approximately 2% of pregnancies Common Sites of Ectopic Pregnancy: 1.Fallopian tube (95-98%): Ampullary segment (most common); isthmus; […]
Introduction: Cervical incompetence refers to the inability of the cervix to maintain a pregnancy due to painless cervical dilatation in the absence of uterine contractions, leading to pregnancy loss or preterm birth, typically in the second trimester. Epidemiology: About three-fourths of spontaneous pregnancy losses (spontaneous abortions) occur before the 16th week Key Points: 1.Etiology: Congenital […]
Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals but potentially severe in immunocompromised patients and during congenital transmission. Epidemiology: In the United States, T gondii is estimated to infect 1.1 million persons each year Etiology and […]
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant global health concern and can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery. Perinatal transmission is the most common mode of HBV acquisition in high-prevalence regions and poses a risk of chronic HBV infection in the newborn. Hepatitis B is typically transmitted by inoculation of […]
