Plasma Osmolality and Salt Balance
Water moves freely between compartments and the distribution is determined by the osmotic equilibrium between them. The dilution of plasma is described as plasma osmolality. The more diluted the plasma…
Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion (SIADH)
Introduction This is a condition characterised by continued excessive ADH secretion from the posterior pituitaray gland or another source in spite of plasma hypotonicity and a normal or expanded plasma…
The Thirst Axis
ADH (/vasopressin) is synthesised in the hypothalamus. From there it migrates in neurosecretory granules along axonal pathways to the posterior pituitary gland. Secretion of ADH is principally in response to…
Thyroid Carcinoma
Introduction Thyroid nodules are relatively common, and seen in about 5% of the population Only about 5% of thyroid nodules are thyroid cancers Most thyroid cancers are papillary tumours (about 80%) which are…
Thyroid Eye Disease
Introduction Typically associated with the signs of Grave’s disease (goitre, acropathy, hyperthyroidism and pretibial myxoedema). Autoimmune orbital disease may occur without thyroid autoantibodies Clinical features Swelling of the eyelids Oedema…
Type 1 Diabetes and Management of DKA
Introduction Type I diabetes is a disorder that results from the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin It accounts for about 10% of cases of…
Type 2 Diabetes – T2DM
Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a largely preventable, common metabolic disorder, of increasing incidence and increasing significance, particularly in developed countries. In 2014, about 3% of the population…