HELLP Syndrome

HELLP Syndrome

TL;DR HELLP Syndrome is a serious pregnancy complication (0.2-0.9% of pregnancies) often linked to preeclampsia but definable by its own criteria. The HELLP Triad ▾: Characterized by Hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), ELevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver...
Causes of Polycythemia

Causes of Polycythemia

TL;DR Polycythemia is an abnormally high increase in red blood cells, leading to elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit. It can be absolute (true increase in RBC mass) or relative (due to decreased plasma volume). Classification ▾: Absolute polycythemia includes primary...
Neutropenia

Neutropenia

TL;DR Neutropenia is a quantitative deficiency of neutrophils, crucial for the innate immune system. Diagnosis relies on the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), classified by severity (mild, moderate, severe) and duration (acute, chronic). Causes ▾: Decreased bone marrow...
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)

TL;DR Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral illness (primarily EBV) with classic triad: pharyngitis, fever, lymphadenopathy. Epidemiology ▾: Common in adolescents/young adults, spread globally, primarily via saliva. Causes ▾: Primarily Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV),...
Causes of Eosinophilia (High Eosinophils)

Causes of Eosinophilia (High Eosinophils)

TL;DR Eosinophilia (high eosinophils), defined as an elevated eosinophil count above 500 cells/µL, is a laboratory finding, not a disease itself, that signals a potential underlying medical issue requiring investigation based on its severity and the patient’s...