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Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus, OR SLE, is an autoimmune disorder that affects many parts of the body. An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which the body creates antibodies against its own tissues. What is going on in the body? A person with SLE produces antibodies against many of his or her own tissues. This autoimmune reaction can damage many parts of the body. These include: brain and nervous system digestive system eyes heart joints and muscles kidney lung skin What are the causes and risks of the disease? The exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus is unknown. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. SLE tends to run in families. New research findings suggest that autoimmune disorders may be triggered by a transfer of cells between the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. The study involved women with scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder involving the skin. These women have more fetal cells in their blood decades after a pregna...

 Introduction This is a test that measures the exact amount of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), in the bloodstream. Who is a candidate for the test? HCG is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. It is detectable in the blood and urine within 10 days of fertilization. After the fertilized egg implants, or attaches, to the inside of the uterus or other structure inside the mother, the levels of HCG rise rapidly. The levels continue to increase throughout the first trimester of pregnancy and reach a peak 60 to 80 days after the fertilized egg implants. HCG is thought to be important in converting the normal corpus luteum into the corpus luteum of pregnancy. The corpus luteum is a hormone-secreting structure that grows on the surface of the ovary after ovulation takes place. In pregnancy, functions of the corpus luteum include: promoting the growth of the fetus through the 12th week of pregnancy. stimulating the development...

Introduction A molar pregnancy occurs when a fetus is not able to fully form in the uterus. Instead, the fetal tissue becomes a tumor. What is going on in the body? In the US, a molar pregnancy occurs in 1 out of every 2,000 pregnancies. In this condition, fetal cells have an abnormal genetic makeup and form a tumor. This tumor, or "mole," can grow and even spread to other parts of a mother's body. In some cases, the mole may turn into a more dangerous cancer called choriocarcinoma. What are the causes and risks of the condition? In this condition, abnormal fetal tissue inside a woman's uterus forms a tumor. The exact reason this occurs is not known. Common risk factors for this condition include: a recent full-term pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy a previous molar pregnancy being of Asian or Mexican descent being younger than 20 or older than 40 years of age being poor a diet that is low in protein, folate, or bet...

Introduction Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder. It occurs when toxins made by certain types of bacteria are released into the bloodstream. What is going on in the body? Toxic shock syndrome was first described in children in 1978. Experts quickly realized it happened more often among women who used superabsorbent tampons during their periods. TSS is triggered by toxins made by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The toxins cause a high fever and can damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. Experts believe that tampons may block bacteria within the vagina. The moist, humid environment allows them to grow and produce high levels of toxins. Tampons can cause very small cuts in the vagina during insertion. These small cuts allow bacteria and their toxins to enter the bloodstream. About 70% of TSS cases have been related to certain brands of highly absorbent tampons that are no longer made. What are the causes and risks of the...

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells within the pancreas undergo changes that make the cells grow and divide uncontrollably. What is going on in the body? The pancreas is a gland located in the middle part of the upper abdomen. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to help the body regulate blood glucose. The pancreas also produces substances to help the body digest food. When a cell in the pancreas becomes cancerous, it grows into a tumor that destroys the tissue around it. A tumor in the pancreas tends to quickly invade the nearby liver. Eventually, the liver will be affected, and part of it will be destroyed. The cancer can also metastasize, or spread, through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer is usually found late in the disease when it is most likely to be fatal. What are the causes and risks of the disease? Cigarette smoking significantly increases a person's risk for pancreatic cancer. It i...

Introduction Wilson's disease is an inherited inborn error of metabolism in which the body cannot process copper. What is going on in the body? Wilson's disease is caused by a defect in an enzyme, or special protein. This enzyme normally helps the body get rid of extra copper. The amount of copper in a normal diet is more than the body needs. In people with Wilson's disease, the extra copper cannot be excreted from the body. The copper can damage the liver, brain, kidney, cornea, and other organs. What are the causes and risks of the disease? Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder. The children of parents who carry the gene for the disorder are at risk. The liver disease usually starts between ages 8 and 12, while the brain symptoms occur later in life. What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? Wilson's disease may cause: anemia, or low red blood cell counts ataxia, or lack of coordination jaundice, or yellow eyes and skin kidn...

Introduction  Phenylketonuria, which is also called PKU, is an inherited condition in which the body cannot process a substance called phenylalanine. PKU is an inborn error of metabolism that can lead to severe communication\ \education, including reading, writing, and basic math\ \motor function\ \personal care, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting\ \social skills\ \thinking skills, such as decision making, problem solving, and self-direction\ \working\ ',CAPTION,'Mental Retardation');" onmouseout="return nd();">mental retardation if it is not treated. What is going on in the body? Phenylketonuria is caused by an enzyme defect in the liver. Normally, the liver produces an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is a compound found in many foods. The liver of a person with phenylketonuria does not produce this enzyme. When this happens, phenylalanine and its by-products build up in the body. This leads to communication\ \ed...