Posted in Blood Disorder on July-6-2008

hemophiliaHemophilia is a bleeding disorder caused by a defective of the chromosomes. Hemophilia happens when ones inherits problems with certain blood-clotting factors. Hemophilia occurs in 2 forms, hemophilia A and B. In both forms, a factor gets defected. The defective factor interferes with the ability of the body to produce the clotting factors that allow for normal clotting.

There are symptoms of Hemophillia. There are :
• Spontaneous bleeding after an injury

• Bleeding in urine and stool

• Prolonged bleeding after the umbilical cord is cut at birth

• Bleeding into joints and associated pain and swelling

• Bleeding in muscle

• Bleeding after dental work

The common treatment for hemophilia is replacing the clotting factor that is too low or missing. We use two clotting factors in replacement therapy which comes from two sources: one clotting factor products are derived from human blood plasma. Clotting factors from human blood plasma have a little chance of being polluted with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis; therefore we use the other recombinant DNA technique. This process is carried out in aseptic production facilities where the clotting factor factors are grown synthetically.




 
Posted in Mental Illness on July-4-2008

Anorexia NervosaAnorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that characterized by low weight and body image distortion with a huge desire to lose weight and fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa has a different effect to the patients it may different to adolesents and in adults.

Anorexia nervosa usually starts in teenage years, most of them are female. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.

The main cause of anorexia is still unkown. Traumatic events like rape as well as stressful things like starting a new job, can lead to the onset of anorexia. Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing anorexia. Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often affected.

A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. Behavioral and environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase the risk of eating disorders as well.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
1. Extreme dieting, including skipping meals or extended fasting.
2. Self-esteem that depends on weight and appearance.
3. Skin dryness or flakiness.
4. Brittle nails and hair.
5. Intolerance to cold.
6. Poor concentration.
7. Dehydration.

Treatment will depends on the individual circumstances. In some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. If the weight loss becomes serious admission to hospital may be required. Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.