Medical Blog

Burns, Chemical

Introduction

Background

Acids are defined as proton donors (H+), and bases are defined as proton acceptors (OH-). Bases also are known as alkalies. Both acids and bases can be defined as caustics, which cause significant tissue damage on contact. The strength of an acid is defined by how easily it gives up the proton; the strength of a base is determined by how avidly it binds the proton. The strength of acids and bases is defined by using the pH scale, which ranges from 1-14 and is logarithmic. A strong acid has a pH of 1, and a strong base has a pH of 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Read more…

Ascites

Introduction

Definition

Ascites is defined as an abnormal amount of intraperitoneal fluid. The term ascites is of Greek origin, from the word askos, which means “bag” or “bladder.” The condition has been recognized since antiquity. Ascites may consist of transudates (thin, low protein count, and low specific gravity) or exudates (high protein count and specific gravity). The etiology of ascites may differ among neonates and older children. Read more…

Alimentary Tract Duplications

Introduction

Congenital alimentary tract malformations are rare developmental errors that have been assigned several different names, including enterocystomas, enterogenous cysts, supernumerary accessory organs, ileum duplex, giant diverticula, and unusual Meckel diverticulum. The term intestinal duplication was first used by Fitz1 but was not widely used until it was popularized by Ladd in the 1930s,2 with further classifications by Gross in the 1950s.3  Read more…

Adrenal Glands

Anatomy

The adrenal glands are small, yellowish organs that rest on the upper poles of the kidneys in the Gerota fascia. The right adrenal gland is pyramidal, whereas the left one is more crescentic, extending toward the hilum of the kidney. At age 1 year, each adrenal gland weighs approximately 1 g, and this increases with age to a final weight of 4-5 g. The arterial blood supply comes from 3 sources, with branches arising from the inferior phrenic artery, the renal artery, and the aorta. Venous drainage flows directly into the inferior vena cava on the right side and into the left renal vein on the left side. Lymphatics drain medially to the aortic nodes. Read more…