it is commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. This bacterial illness is characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation. While it can affect individuals of all ages, infants under one year are at the highest risk of complications and mortality.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a critical condition characterized by the failure of the normal circulatory transition that occurs after birth. It results in sustained elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), leading to right-to-left shunting of blood and severe hypoxemia. Immediate diagnosis and intervention are essential to reduce mortality and long-term morbidity. Understanding
Pernicious anemia is a form of megaloblastic anemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is classified as an autoimmune condition in which the body fails to produce intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum. Left untreated, pernicious anemia can lead to irreversible
Peritonitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum—the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs. This condition demands urgent medical attention, as delayed treatment can result in systemic infection, organ failure, or death. Understanding Peritonitis: Definition and Clinical Overview Peritonitis occurs when the
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), also referred to as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), is a circulatory disorder that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, most commonly in the legs and arms. It leads to narrowed or blocked arteries, reducing blood flow and resulting in significant health complications if left untreated. What Is Peripheral
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) refers to a diverse group of rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) derived from mature T-lymphocytes. Unlike B-cell lymphomas, PTCLs exhibit complex clinical behaviors and are frequently associated with poor prognosis due to late-stage detection and limited response to conventional therapies. Accounting for approximately 10–15% of all NHLs in Western populations,
Peripheral mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) refers to the clinical process of inducing the movement of stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, allowing for their subsequent collection via apheresis. This technique has revolutionized hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), offering a less invasive and more efficient alternative to direct bone marrow
Peripheral edema due to chronic heart failure (CHF) is a hallmark clinical feature reflecting systemic fluid overload. This condition is most often observed in the lower limbs—ankles, feet, and legs—manifesting as pitting edema that worsens with dependency and improves with elevation. Chronic heart failure disrupts normal hemodynamic balance, leading to sodium and water retention through
Peripheral edema refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial tissues, most commonly observed in the lower extremities such as the feet, ankles, and legs. It is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom indicative of underlying systemic or localized conditions. The pathophysiology involves an imbalance between capillary filtration and lymphatic
Peripheral arterial thromboembolism is a critical vascular condition resulting from the obstruction of peripheral arteries by embolic material, often originating from the heart or proximal arterial segments. These emboli can rapidly occlude blood flow to distal limbs, leading to acute limb ischemia, tissue necrosis, or amputation if not promptly managed. Effective prevention is paramount to