Clinical Conditions Flashcards
(222 cards)
How can a supraepicondylar fracture of the humerus occur?
A supraepicondylar fracture occurs by falling on a flexed elbow.
How can familial male precocious puberty be caused?
Gain-of-function mutation (Receptor active without ligand) to the luteinising hormone (LH) receptor
How can retinitis pigmentosa be caused?
Loss-of-function mutation to Rhodopsin
How do you treat Kwashiorkor?
Make alterations to the diet to ensure correct amount of protein intake. However, be aware of refeeding syndrome!
How does a nitrogen embolism occur?
Nitrogen bubbles formi in the blood with rapid decompression. (The Bends)
How does muscular dystrophy occur?
Genetic faults cause the absence or reduced synthesis of specific proteins which anchor actin filaments to the sarcolemma (cell wall) to such a degree that muscle fibres may tear themselves apart during contraction
How does denervation atrophy occur?
The muscle no longer receives contractile signals that are required to maintain normal size and muscle fibres are replaced with fibrous and fatty tissue
How does the cholera toxin interfere with the G protein cycle?
-Eliminates the GTPase activity of the alpha subunit of Gs -Gsα becomes irreversibly activated
How does the pertussus toxin interfere with the G protein cycle?
-Interferes with the GDP/GTP exchange on the alpha subunit of Gi. -This leads to the alpha subunit of Gi becoming irreversibly inactivated.
How is an anterior dislocation of the shoulder caused?
Trauma to a fully abducted arm, usually from a posterior direction.
How do you treat Marasmus?
Changes to the diet - avoid REFEEDING SYNDROME!
How is I-cell disease caused?
Deficiency of the N-acetylglucosamine phosphotranferase enzyme which results in mannose-6-phosphate not being added to proteins so they can’t be targeted to lysosomes and end up in the blood/urine
How is myasthenia gravis caused?
It is caused by antibodies directed against NAchR’s, on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle. Endplate potentials are reduced in amplitude, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
How is neuromuscular transmission disrupted in organophosphate poisoning? What is the main consequence?
Irreversibly inhibits the actions of acetylcholinesterase meaning the receptors are constantly activated - permanent muscle contraction
How is phenylketonuria treated?
Diet low in phenylalanine.
How is neuromuscular transmission disrupted in Botulism?
Toxins block the release of acetylcholine
How is sickle cell disease caused?
Autosomal recessive condition resulting in a mutation of A which turns to T resulting in a an amino acid change from glutamate to valine. This forms a sticky hydrophobic pocket, classic sickle shape and aggregation of these cells.
How is Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture caused?
Brachial artery damage leads to ischaemia/necrosis of the muscle fibres of the flexor group of muscles of the forearm, which becomes fibrotic and short.
How might the axillary nerve be damaged?
-Damage due to lesions/trauma in the quadrangular space -Anterior dislocation of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint -Surgical neck fracture of the humerus
How might the musculocutaneous nerve be damaged? What will this result in?
Stabbing in the axilla leading to weakened flexion at the shoulder and elbow, aswell as weakened supination.
How do the symptoms of malignant hyperthermia occur?
-Exposure to the volatile anesthetic agents and the neuromuscular blocking agent, succinylcholine -Excessive calcium release -High amounts of ATP needed to put calcium back
How might the radial nerve be damaged?
-Dislocation/fracture of the proximal humerus (damage in the axilla) -Midshaft fracture (damage in the radial grove) -Posterior dislocation of radius at elbow
How would you treat myasthenia gravis?
Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors
If paracetamol overdose is not treated what will occur?
-Hepatocyte necrosis -Liver Failure -Death