Bone profile
urea and electrolytes or U&Es), a patient with dysfunctional renal output (as shown by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60) may be less able to…
What are we actually measuring and why does this matter?
Figure 2.1: Liver function In Figure 2.1 (above), we could review LFT jaundice as follows: Table 2.1: Sample LFT jaundice results Part 3 – Production In this example we will…
The immune system
Figure 8.1: A normal response to a viral infection In Figure 8.1, the virus uses the internal machinery of the cell to replicate itself. It then bursts the cell and…
Renal function: Urea and electrolytes
potassium to acid base.) Potassium levels are tightly controlled by the kidneys. Hypokalaemia (K <3.5mmol/L) Patient 1 has been affected by inappropriate use or dosage of diuretics, although most are…
Thyroid function
Figure 13.1: Thyroid hormones Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is raised T4, leading to increased metabolic rate (often with a goitre), agitation and weight loss. Most cases are primary Grave’s autoimmune, although a…
Chronic disease markers: Diabetes
Figure 10.1: Flow diagram of insulin-mediated storage of glucose as glycogen Glucose causes insulin to be released from beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin converts glucose to glycogen (in a…
Inflammatory markers
Figure 7.1: Cellular and exudative inflammation The tissue damage elicits a cellular signal: CRP, to recruit and increase the number of neutrophils. To aid this process, the enzyme COX-2 produces…
Chronic disease markers: Cholesterol
normal other LFT values.) Troponins peak after seven hours and remain elevated for up to seven days. Troponins are muscle structure (contraction) proteins, which are released into the blood after…
Coagulation and deep vein thrombosis
This process also produces an inflammatory response, so it makes sense also to measure white blood cell count.) This leads to an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) through increased…
Family groups
Input System Output Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Kidney Erythropoietin (EPO) Erythropoietin (EPO) Bone marrow Red blood cells Cellular damage Liver C-reactive protein (CRP) C-reactive protein (CRP) Bone marrow Neutrophils (White blood cells)…
