Dermatomyositis (DM) is a type of connective tissue disorder that worsens over time. Connective tissue connects, supports, or separates different types of tissues and organs. With dermatomyositis, problems with the connective tissue cause muscles and skin to degenerate. Other areas of the body may be affected, such as the lungs, heart, joints and esophagus.This book is intended for the newly diagnosed dermatomyositis patient and their caregivers. Chapter two outlines the many sympto...

Lichen Planus is a rare, mucocutaneous, disorder involving an itchy rash, lesions or papules -- areas of inflamed eruptions – that recurs over a period of months or years. Special forms of lichen planus include: Drug-induced lichen planus, Lupus erythematosus-lichen planus overlap syndrome, Lichen planus pemphigoide, Keratosis lichenoides chronica, Lichenoid reaction of graft-versus-host disease, Lichenoid keratosis and Lichenoid dermatits. If you or a loved one has lichen planus, this inv...

Dupuytren's contracture (also called Palmar Fibromas or Plantar Fibromatosis) is a rare connective tissue disorder that is chronic; it usually develops over years. Connective tissue connects, supports, or separates different types of tissues and organs. With Dupuytren's, problems with the connective tissue in the hands cause the joints in the fingers to stiffen and fix in place. There is no cure for Dupuytren's contracture. In about 10% of cases, the condition resolves itself. If the condi...

Reye syndrome (RS) is a rare childhood disorder that mostly affects young people under 18 years old, although children ages 4 to 12 are most at risk. The syndrome is characterized by fatty changes in the liver and acute (sudden) brain swelling. Other symptoms include severe vomiting, consciousness disturbances, and seizures. A blood test may reveal elevated liver enzymes and high ammonia levels. The condition—also known as fatty liver with encephalopathy—can be life threatening. Although t...

Elephantiasis is a syndrome characterized by limb enlargement, especially the legs, arms and—in men—swelling of the scrotum, a condition called hydrocele.The condition is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lymph system (lymphedema). Fluid build-up leads to swelling and gross enlargement of a body part. It can affect any body part. Elephantiasis doesn't just result in swelling; the skin can become thick, dry and pebbled in appearance. Ulcerations, darkened areas and p...

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a type of bleeding disorder that interferes with your body's ability to clot blood. Normally, your blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding if you suffer from a cut or a scrape. If your blood doesn't clot, the bleeding may not stop and may be heavy or severe. In some rare cases, the excessive bleeding may lead to death. Early diagnosis of von Willebrand disease is vital. With proper treatment plan, people with all types of von Willebrand disease are able to...

Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that typically affects adolescents—although it can strike anyone at any age. Although Ewing sarcoma is generally associated with bone cancer, other subtypes do exist. For example, one particular subtype of Ewing Sarcoma, called Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma, can affect soft tissue outside of the bone. This aggressive cancer can spread to other parts of the body and can become a life-threatening condition. However, Ewing sarcoma is treatable; more th...

Hepatic encephalopathy, also called portosystemic encephalopathy, is a neuro-psychiatric disorder in patients with severe liver disease. When liver failure leads to a buildup of toxic substances in the blood, these toxic substances—that would normally be removed by the liver—reach the brain and cause confusion, drowsiness, personality changes, mood changes and disorientation.In advanced stages hepatic encephalopathy can lead to coma (called hepatic coma or coma hepaticum) and may ev...

Ichthyosis is a common term for a family of rare genetic skin illnesses indicated by dry, thickened, scaling or flaking skin. This Encyclopedia contains tests, causes and treatment options for 28 variants of the disease including Harlequin Baby and Ichthyosis Vulgaris.

This guide includes the most commonly used medical abbreviations and acronyms.

This is a collection of multiple choice questions focused on pharmacology for students preparing for the NCLEX. Questions help students identify trade names, generic names, side effects and nursing considerations associated with drugs used to treat shock, cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis, antianxiety agents, antacid medications and antidysrhythmics.

A Step-By-Step Review of the Key Hematologic Disorders Most Commonly Tested on the USMLE. Proven, Time-Tested Material Ideal for Independent Study. A Must-Have for Every Medical Student!