Definition 📖 Chronic infection: Presence of HBsAg for > 6 months. Chronic hepatitis: As above + signs of active viral activity (deranged LFT + elevated HBV DNA) Screening 🔍 🎯 Targeted populations: Other high risk groups that should be considered for screening Diagnosis (serological) Diagnosis of HBV infection is accomplished by HBsAg Acute hepatitis with…
2 subtypes We will be focusing mostly on functional constipation as this is most frequently encountered & managed in primary care settings. Pathophysiology of constipation Repeated cycles lead to fecal impaction and may cause overflow incontinence.Prolonged periods of withholding and fecal impaction eventually may cause increased in rectal compliance –> Larger volume of stools required…
An assessment of liver function typically involves interpretating: These markers should be interpreted based on the reference value of the laboratory in which the test is done as different lab may have different reference ranges. Aminotransferases – markers of hepatocellular injury Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) ALT vs AST Hepatocellular injury & not necessarily…
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram negative, flagellated, spiral bacteria that primarily colonizes the stomach and is largely responsible for gastric and or duodenal ulcers. It is also a class I carcinogen that may increase one’s risk of gastric carcinoma. Transmission of H. pylori is thought to be via fecal-oral, oral-oral and may include…
Occurs when reflux of stomach contents lead to troublesome symptoms &/or complications Pathophysiology The normal antireflux barrier consists of – intrinsic pressure of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) , the extrinsic compression of the LES by crural diaphragm and the acute angle of His. Multiple mechanism that may cause reflux Understanding these mechanisms can help us…