Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome that results from a deficiency of circulating thyroid hormones. It affects women more commonly than men and is most frequently seen in the over 60s. The term myxoedema refers to a more severe form of the syndrome where there has...
Acute Epiglottitis

Acute Epiglottitis

Acute epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. When there is involvement of the soft tissues surrounding the epiglottis, then it is referred to as acute supraglottitis. It can result in life-threatening airway obstruction and death if rapid treatment is not...
The Russian Plague of 1770-1772

The Russian Plague of 1770-1772

In the summer of 2016 a 10-year-old Russian boy cut himself skinning a marmot whilst hunting with his grandfather in the remote Kosh-Agach region in the Atlai Mountains. A few days later he developed a fever and a flu-like illness and was taken to a local hospital. He...
Diagnosing Pneumonia on Chest X-Ray

Diagnosing Pneumonia on Chest X-Ray

Pneumonia, which is defined as inflammation of the lung, is a common cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Every year between 0.5% and 1% of adults in the U.K. will develop community-acquired pneumonia. Pneumonia is characterised by exudation and...
Drugs in Pregnancy

Drugs in Pregnancy

Drugs are now used in over half of all pregnancies and the prevalence of their use is steadily increasing. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs include analgesics, antiemetics, antimicrobials and antihistamines. In addition to this the use of social and illicit...
Interpreting Abnormal Liver Function Tests

Interpreting Abnormal Liver Function Tests

Dealing with a patient with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) in the primary care setting is an extremely common clinical scenario. Approximately 20% of all LFTs are abnormal, of which less than 10% can be explained by existing disease. LFTs are not specific to...