Ulcerative colitis
Definition A chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown cause of the colonic mucosa, usually beginning in the rectum and extending proximally to a variable extent. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease together…
Crohn’s disease
Definition Crohn’s disease is a chronic transmural inflammatory disorder of unknown cause affecting the alimentary tract (any part from mouth to anus). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis together are referred…
Peptic ulcer disease
Definition A peptic ulcer is a break in the epithelial surface of the stomach or duodenum (or Meckel’s diverticulum) caused by the action of gastric secretions (acid and pepsin) and…
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Definitions Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition caused by the retrograde passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus resulting in inflammation (oesophagitis), which manifests as dyspepsia. A hiatus hernia…
Orthopaedics – congenital and childhood disorders
Definitions Orthopaedics: Branch of surgery concerned with the skeletal system (ortho- [straight] + paes [child] = straightening the child. Varus deformity: the inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. Valgum…
Acute renal failure
Definitions Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden deterioration in renal filtration function. Acute renal failure (ARF) is AKI such that global renal function is no longer capable of excreting…
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Definitions Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a systemic inflammatory response characterized by the presence of two or more of the following: Hyperthermia 38°C or hypothermia 36°C. Tachycardia > 90 beats/minute. Tachypnoea…
