Basicmedical Key

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…

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,…

Urethral Discharge Any inflammatory condition within the urethra may cause a discharge. It is important to diagnose venereal conditions so that appropriate treatment is given, not only to the patient…

Tiredness Persistent tiredness or physical fatigue with no obvious cause is a common complaint. It is normal to feel tired at times, e.g. after working long hours, unaccustomed exertion or…

Syncope Syncope is the transient loss of consciousness due to impaired cerebral blood flow. Causes Cardiovascular • Myocardial infarction • Pulmonary embolism • Cardiac outflow obstruction • Carotid sinus syndrome Vasovagal Syncope • Situational syncope…

Sweating Abnormalities Excessive sweating is often brought to the attention of the physician when it becomes socially unacceptable, the underlying cause ranging from trivial to serious. Causes Excessive Sweating • Primary…

Steatorrhoea Steatorrhoea refers to the passing of excessive amounts of fat in the faeces. The causes are listed below, according to pathogenesis. Causes Lipase Deficiency • Impaired secretion – chronic pancreatitis…