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Beyond Osteoporosis: A Hidden Disorder in Calcium Metabolism and Kidney Function

By SWA
When we talk about osteoporosis , we often associate it with a calcium deficiency — a condition where the bones lose density, becoming brittle and prone to fractures. But what if the real issue isn’t a lack of calcium, but a misdirection of calcium to places it doesn’t belong? This deeper view uncovers a specific disorder in calcium metabolism , and the possible culprit is a tiny gland often overlooked in routine screenings: the parathyroid gland . Overactive Parathyroid Gland: Too Much Calcium in the Wrong Places In certain cases, the body produces excess calcium — so much that it doesn’t just circulate in the blood or support the bones, but begins to deposit in soft tissues and connective tissue , where it clearly does not belong. This scenario suggests a condition called hyperparathyroidism — an overfunctioning of the parathyroid glands , which are small (just a few millimeters in size) but play a central role in regulating calcium levels. Surprisingly, a standard metaboli...
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Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM): Understanding the “Polio-like” Illness Affecting the Spinal Cord

By SWA
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological disorder that primarily affects children and results in sudden weakness or paralysis in the limbs. Often referred to as a “polio-like” illness, AFM has drawn growing attention over the past decade due to its similarities with poliomyelitis and its seasonal spikes in reported cases. While AFM remains uncommon, its potential severity—and the uncertainty surrounding its causes—make it an important condition for clinicians, parents, and public health officials to understand. What Is Acute Flaccid Myelitis? AFM is a condition that affects the gray matter of the spinal cord , where it damages motor neurons responsible for muscle movement. This leads to acute, flaccid paralysis , meaning muscles become limp and weak, often without warning. The condition can progress rapidly, and in some cases, the weakness can become long-lasting or even permanent. Although its symptoms resemble those of poliovirus infection, AFM is not cau...
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Immunodeficiency BD-1 (Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type 1)

By SWA
Overview: BD-1 stands for Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type 1 (LAD-1), a rare, inherited immunodeficiency disorder. It is characterized by the inability of certain white blood cells (leukocytes) to adhere properly to blood vessel walls, a crucial step required for them to exit the bloodstream and migrate to sites of infection or inflammation. As a result, the immune system cannot effectively fight off infections. Causes and Genetics LAD-1 is caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene , which encodes the CD18 protein — a subunit of integrin molecules on the surface of white blood cells. Integrins are essential for leukocyte adhesion and migration. Without functional CD18, white blood cells cannot attach to the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) and are unable to reach infected or inflamed tissues. CD18 deficiency refers to a lack or dysfunction of this protein. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child must inherit one defective co...
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