Interpreting iron studies | The BMJ
WEBJun 15, 2017 · Box 1: Suggested indications for iron studies. Investigation of. iron overload (haemochromatosis) 1. o at early stages can be asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or generalised joint pains. o later manifestations might include deranged liver enzymes, cirrhosis, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, or cardiomyopathy.
Interpreting raised serum ferritin levels | The BMJ
WEBAug 3, 2015 · Ferritin is an intracellular iron storage protein and a marker of iron stores. Normal serum ferritin levels vary between laboratories but generally concentrations >300 µg/L in men and postmenopausal women and >200 µg/L in premenopausal women are regarded as elevated. 1 Low ferritin values provide …
Indications for anticoagulant and antiplatelet combined therapy
WEBOct 5, 2017 · Antithrombotic medications reduce thromboembolic events by inhibiting platelet aggregation and coagulation. Antiplatelet drugs and oral anticoagulants are examples of antithrombotic medications and are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in both primary and secondary care. 1 Clinicians are familiar with their use, however antiplatelets and ...
Investigating raised creatine kinase | The BMJ
WEBJun 23, 2021 · A 76 year old man with hypercholesterolaemia is referred to the lipid clinic because of persistently raised creatine kinase activity of 1000 IU/L or above (reference range 40-320 IU/L) after trying multiple statins. He describes no significant myalgia but had some proximal muscle weakness, which is demonstrated when he stands up from a seated position and when walking upstairs.
Recognising and explaining functional neurological disorder
WEBOct 21, 2020 · Functional disorders are conditions whose origin arises primarily from a disorder of nervous system functioning rather than clearly identifiable pathophysiological disease—such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and functional neurological disorder (FND)—they are the second commonest reason for new neurology consultations. 1 FND is common in emergency settings, 2 stroke, 3 and ...
Virology, transmission, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 - The BMJ
WEBOct 23, 2020 · SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped β-coronavirus, with a genetic sequence very similar to SARS-CoV-1 (80%) and bat coronavirus RaTG13 (96.2%). 2 The viral envelope is coated by spike (S) glycoprotein, envelope (E), and membrane (M) proteins (fig 1). Host cell binding and entry are mediated by the S protein. The first step in infection is virus binding ...
Postural hypotension - The BMJ
WEBApr 23, 2021 · Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure (≥20 mm Hg systolic and/or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic) that occurs within 3 minutes of standing. Test for it in people who have symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness on changing from lying or sitting to standing posture or those with an unexplained fall. …
Essential tremor: diagnosis and management - The BMJ
WEBAug 5, 2019 · Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in adults and can affect both children and adults. An updated consensus statement in 2018 redefined essential tremor as an isolated action tremor present in bilateral upper extremities for at least three years. Tremor may also be present in other locations, commonly the neck or the vocal cords. Patients with additional neurologic ...
Serotonin syndrome - The BMJ
WEBFeb 19, 2014 · Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal and largely avoidable adverse drug reaction caused by serotonergic drugs. The steady increase in use of such drugs means all doctors need to be aware of what drugs increase serotonin and how to promptly recognise the syndrome and determine if it is potentially life threatening. Serotonin syndrome is a drug induced syndrome characterised by a cluster of ...
Spondyloarthritis: diagnosis and management: summary of NICE …
WEBMar 1, 2017 · Healthcare professionals in non-specialist settings frequently fail to recognise signs and symptoms of spondyloarthritis. Axial presentations of spondyloarthritis are often misdiagnosed as mechanical low back pain, leading to delays in access to effective treatments. There is an average delay of 8.5 years between symptom onset and …