Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome
Osmotic demyelination syndrome (central pontine myelinolysis) can occur due to overcorrection of severe hyponatremia.
Dr Jeffrey Kalei
Author and illustrator for Hyperexcision. Interested in emergency room medicine. I have a passion for medical education and drawing.
Hyperkalaemia
Hyperkalaemia is a serum potassium concentration above the reference range. Severity K+ concentration (mEq/L) EKG progression Mild hyperkalaemia 5.5 – 6.5 Peaked T waves and prolonged PR segment Moderate hyperkalaemia 6.6 – 7.5 Loss of P wave, prolonged QRS complex,…
Hypokalaemia
Hypokalaemia is a serum potassium concentration below the reference range.
Hypercalcaemia
Hypercalcaemia is characterised by an elevated concentration of serum calcium above the normal range. It is commonly caused by primary hyperparathyroidism or malignancy. Classification of hypercalcemia Classification Description Primary hypercalcaemia Commonly due to primary hyperparathyroidism or malignancy – breast cancer,…
Hypocalcaemia
Hypocalcaemia is characterised by a decreased level of calcium in the bloodstream. It is commonly caused by hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency. Acute hypocalcemia is a medical emergency that requires prompt correction with intravenous calcium gluconate. Causes of hypocalcaemia Category…
Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism is characterised by reduced secretion of anterior pituitary hormones. Panhypopituitarism is a deficiency of all anterior hormones. It is commonly caused by surgery, a pituitary tumour, and radiation. Hormones are affected in this order: Growth hormone (GH) → Luteinizing…
Hypopituitary Coma
Hypopituitary coma is a decompensation of chronic hypophyseal failure that is characterised by hypothermia, refractory hypotension, and signs of hypopituitarism.
Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Syndrome)
Hypercortisolism is caused by excessive glucocorticoids. Definition of terms Term Definition Cushing’s syndrome The clinical state that is produced by chronic glucocorticoid excess, loss of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and loss of circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. Exogenous hypercortisolism Hypercortisolism caused…
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is caused by the underproduction of adrenocortical hormones. Definition of terms Term Definition Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) This is primary adrenal insufficiency. Although rare, it can be fatal since destruction of the adrenal cortex leads to glucocorticoid…
Adrenal Crisis (Addisonian Crisis)
Adrenal crisis is an acute life-threatening condition characterised by severe hypotension, hypoglycaemia, and altered mental status. It can occur in patients with known Addison’s disease when oral steroids are not increased to cover stress or when dosages have been missed.…