What is hyperphosphatemia? Hyperphosphatemia is the term for elevated phosphates in the blood. Phosphates are the naturally occurring form of phosphorus and is necessary for many processes in the body. Most of the phosphates within the body are found in the bones and the concentration in the bloodstream is carefully >> Read More ...
What is antithrombin deficiency? Antithrombin deficiency is a condition where a natural anti-clotting agent in the blood, known as antithrombin III, is either deficient or dysfunctional. It can be inherited or may be acquired in life. The condition can lead to serious complications when clots form in the circulation and >> Read More ...
What is Behcet disease? Behcet disease is a condition marked by the repeated formation of open sores (ulcers) in the mouth, on the genitals, skin lesions and inflammation of the uvea of the eye. It is also known as Behcet’s syndrome since it is a collection of different symptoms without a clear explanation for the >> Read More ...
What is subclavian artery thrombosis? Subclavian artery thrombosis is a blockage of the subclavian artery by a blood clot. Injury to a vessel and narrowing due to fatty plaques (atherosclorosis) are common predisposing factors of a blockage of an artery with a blood clot. This is typically seen with older people. However, >> Read More ...
Respiratory Acidosis Definition Respiratory acidosis refers to the condition in which body fluids, especially the blood, become too acidic due to higher than normal levels of carbon dioxide. It is an indication that breathing (ventilation) is not adequately expelling the carbon dioxide from the body. There are a number of >> Read More ...
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Definition Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare life threatening bleeding disorder. This condition is characterized by a defective clotting mechanism. DIC causes thrombosis (excessive clotting) or hemorrhage (bleeding) throughout the body. The clotting cells or >> Read More ...
The red blood cells possess a protein known as hemoglobin that binds and transports oxygen from lungs to other body parts. Therefore, hemoglobin is critical for survival and normal body functioning. Any defect in the gene coding for this oxygen-carrier protein may disrupt all vital body functions and present a spectrum of >> Read More ...
What is macrocytosis? Macrocytosis is the term for enlarged red blood cells. These blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, may be larger than normal for various reasons that affect its development. Therefore further investigations are necessary to identify the cause, as some of these causative factors can be very serious >> Read More ...
What is a fat embolism? Fat embolism is where large globules of fat travel in the bloodstream. Since fat cannot dissolve in blood on its own, it remains in a solid form and there is a risk that it may block a smaller blood vessel. It is more likely to obstruct a blood vessel that is already narrowed (stenosis) with >> Read More ...
What is lupus? Lupus is a common term to describe a group of autoimmune diseases more correctly known as lupus erythematosus. There are several distinct types of lupus which can be broadly divided into systemic, where the entire body is affected, or cutaneous, where it is restricted mostly to the skin. It may be further >> Read More ...
