Basicmedical Key

Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count below 150×109/L. The causes of a low platelet count can be grouped according to reduced production, decreased survival or sequestration in the spleen….

Anaemia Anaemia is defined as a haemoglobin concentration of<13.5 g/dL in men and<11.5 g/dL in women. Classification of anaemia according to red cell indices is useful because specific investigations can be tailored…

Urea (Blood) Blood urea is a useful test of renal function. However, other factors such as liver failure, dehydration and protein breakdown may alter levels of blood urea. The normal…

Hypomagnesaemia The normal range of serum magnesium is 0.7–1.0 mmol/L. Hypomagnesaemia refers to a serum level below 0.7 mmol/L. Causes Excessive Losses • Diuretics • Severe diarrhoea • Prolonged vomiting • Polyuria (poorly controlled diabetes) • Prolonged…

Hypoglycaemia Hypoglycaemia is defined as a plasma glucose<2.5 mmol/L. The actual glucose level at which symptoms develop varies markedly. Causes Drugs • Insulin • Sulfonylurea • Alcohol • Aminoglutethimide • Quinolones • Pentamidine • Quinine Endocrine • Pituitary insufficiency…

Hypercalcaemia Hypercalcaemia is a serum calcium>2.62 mmol/L (normal range 2.12–2.62 mmol/L). It may be an asymptomatic laboratory finding. Symptoms usually become apparent with levels>3.50 mmol/L. Causes • Malignancy ■ Solid tumour with lytic bony metastases,…