Condition Lookup

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)

Symptoms:
persistent fever lasting more than three weeks; weakness; night sweats; weight loss; anorexia

Root Cause:
FUO can result from various causes, including infections, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and other systemic disorders.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Comprehensive history, physical examination, laboratory tests (CBC, blood cultures, ESR/CRP), imaging (CT, MRI, PET), and biopsy if indicated.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the identified cause; empirical therapy may be used in select cases while diagnostic efforts are ongoing.

Medications:
Antibiotics (broad-spectrum, such as vancomycin or ceftriaxone ), corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants depending on the cause. These belong to anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory agents, or immunomodulators.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
FUO accounts for about 2-3% of hospital admissions in tertiary care settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, immunosuppression, travel history, or recent surgeries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies widely and depends on the underlying cause. Many cases resolve with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent fever can lead to dehydration, organ dysfunction, or worsening of the underlying condition.

Diabetes-related musculoskeletal complications (e.g., Charcot joint)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Conditions with Overlap

Sub-category: Systemic Conditions

Symptoms:
swelling in the affected joint; warmth over the joint; decreased joint stability and deformity; pain (often absent in charcot joint due to diabetic neuropathy)

Root Cause:
The condition arises due to the combination of chronic hyperglycemia and neuropathy, leading to abnormal mechanical stress on the joints. Charcot joint disease is characterized by joint destruction, deformity, and instability.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination (observing swelling, deformity, and lack of pain in some cases due to neuropathy). X-rays and MRI to assess joint damage and bone changes. Bone scintigraphy (in some cases).

Treatment:
Offloading and immobilization of the affected joint (e.g., using specialized shoes, braces, or casts). Surgical intervention for deformities or instability in severe cases. Management of blood glucose levels to prevent progression

Medications:
Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain, though often not as effective in Charcot joint due to neuropathy). Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for any associated inflammatory component (though not commonly used specifically for Charcot joint). Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate ) may be used for bone remodeling in certain cases, although they are typically more for osteoporosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 0.1% to 0.5% of people with diabetes develop Charcot joint disease, with higher prevalence in those with poorly controlled diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-standing diabetes (type 1 or type 2). Diabetic neuropathy. Poorly controlled blood glucose levels. Trauma or repetitive stress on the joints.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis can vary, but early intervention and good blood sugar control can prevent or slow joint destruction. Severe deformity may lead to permanent disability or amputation in extreme cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint deformities and instability. Increased risk of fractures due to weakened joints. Difficulty with mobility. Risk of amputation in severe cases.

Hemophilia-associated joint disease

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Conditions with Overlap

Sub-category: Systemic Conditions

Symptoms:
hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joints); joint pain and swelling; decreased range of motion; chronic joint damage and deformities (e.g., hemophilic arthropathy); stiffness and limited mobility

Root Cause:
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the blood’s ability to clot, leading to spontaneous bleeding episodes. Recurrent bleeding into joints (especially knees, elbows, and ankles) causes inflammation, cartilage damage, and fibrosis, leading to joint degeneration over time.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of bleeding episodes. Blood tests to measure clotting factors (Factor VIII or Factor IX levels, depending on hemophilia type). Imaging (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound) to assess joint damage and synovial changes.

Treatment:
Prophylactic factor replacement therapy to prevent bleeding episodes (Factor VIII or IX infusion for hemophilia A and B, respectively). Joint aspiration to remove blood from the joint during acute bleeding episodes. Physical therapy to maintain joint function and reduce stiffness. Surgery (e.g., joint replacement) for severe joint damage

Medications:
Clotting factor concentrates (Factor VIII or IX, depending on the type of hemophilia). Desmopressin (used in mild hemophilia A to stimulate release of endogenous Factor VIII). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation (with caution due to bleeding risk).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hemophilia affects about 1 in 5,000 live male births. Hemophilia-associated joint disease is common in severe cases, particularly in untreated or inadequately treated individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Type of hemophilia (severe forms are more likely to result in joint disease). Frequency and severity of bleeding episodes. Lack of access to or adherence to clotting factor replacement therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment (e.g., clotting factor therapy), joint disease can be prevented or minimized. Without adequate treatment, it can lead to chronic pain, disability, and joint deformity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic hemophilic arthropathy, which leads to joint deformity, pain, and reduced function. Recurrent bleeding episodes in joints causing long-term damage. Limited mobility and potential need for joint replacement surgery in severe cases