What is a blood transfusion? A blood transfusion is used to compensate for a lack of blood or blood components or to replace the blood in the body. For this purpose, blood from plastic bags (blood reserves) is introduced into the patient’s body via a venous access. If this blood comes from a foreign donor, … Blood transfusion: reasons, procedure, and risks
Iron, the vital trace element, is needed for various metabolic functions as well as primarily for blood formation. The body cannot produce the micronutrient itself, so it must be supplied daily with food. During pregnancy, the iron requirement doubles. Therefore, many women experience iron deficiency during pregnancy. What is iron deficiency? Because expectant mothers have … Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy
Hydrops fetalis refers to fluid accumulation in several fetal compartments, serous cavities, or soft tissues. It is a serious symptom of several connatal conditions that cause anemia in the fetus. Hydrops fetalis can be diagnosed sonographically. What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is a term used in prenatal diagnosis and describes a generalized accumulation of … Hydrops Fetalis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Methemoglobinemia is when there is an elevated level of methemoglobin in the blood. Methemoglobin is a derivative of hemoglobin that gives red blood cells their color and binds oxygen for transport throughout the body. Because methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen, methemoglobinemia results in a systemic undersupply of oxygen, including bluish skin discoloration, fatigue, and dizziness. What … Methemoglobinemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Bilirubin encephalopathy is a severe complication of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn. It involves damage to the central nervous system. Severe sequelae or even a fatal outcome are possible. What is bilirubin encephalopathy? Bilirubin encephalopathy is characterized by severe central nervous system (CNS) damage caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the neonatal period. Hyperbilirubinemia can cause … Bilirubin Encephalopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) represents a rare and severe disorder of hematopoietic cells that is genetic but acquired later in life. Because it is a somatic mutation, germ cells are not affected. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal mainly due to the development of multiple thromboses. What is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria? Paroxysmal nocturnal … Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
After infection with oncoviruses, the risk of developing certain forms of cancer increases. Such cancer-causing viruses are the cause of disease in about 10% to 20% of all cancers. Many oncoviruses are well known and well described to science. What are oncoviruses? Viruses are infectious particles that reproduce and are subject to the rules of … Oncoviruses: Infection, Transmission & Diseases
Hyde syndrome describes acquired stenosis of the aortic valve associated with angiodysplasias of the gastrointestinal tract. Prominent are colon acendens (ascending colon) and caecums (appendix). They may present with gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to anemia (anemia). What is Hyde syndrome? This condition is named after its discoverer, US internist Edward C. Hyde, who first described this … Hyde Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS for short, describes various diseases of the blood or hematopoietic system that prevent healthy blood cells from fully expressing and functioning due to genetic alteration, and in this way attack the organism and weaken it. The likelihood of developing myelodysplastic syndrome increases with age and increases sharply after the age of … Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Peripheral venous catheters are special cannulas that can remain in the patient’s vein for extended periods of time. They are used for multiple or prolonged administration of intravenous medications or short infusions and are most commonly used in hospital or emergency medicine settings. Peripheral venous catheters exist in sizes that are easily distinguished by color … Peripheral Venous Catheter: Application & Health Benefits
Splenic rupture is a potentially life-threatening tear of the spleen that can result in severe bleeding and usually results from blunt abdominal trauma. The various degrees of severity of splenic rupture are treated differently. In the most severe degree of rupture, the spleen is surgically removed. What is a splenic rupture? Humans do not necessarily … Ruptured Spleen: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is a clotting disorder and a life-threatening condition associated with bleeding tendencies. Disease triggers are diverse and range from trauma to carcinoma. Prognosis and therapy depend on the underlying disease. What is disseminated intravascular coagulopathy? The intrinsic system consists of platelets, vascular endothelium, external vascular tissue, and clotting factors. The system is … Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
