Glossary - E

Endometriosis

Endometriosis effects the reproductive system and occurs between 8 and 30 times in every 100,000 females. It effects women who are of reproductive age, and its prevalence may be as high as 50% among those of this age. Some of the signs and symptoms include; Dyspareunia, Dysmenorrhea, Dyschezia, Chronic pelvic pain, premenstrual spotting, spontaneous abortion, and luteinized unruptured follicle. Those suffering from Endometriosis may also manifest infertility. The disease may be caused by either retrograde menstruation or lymphatic metastases. Coelomic metaplasia and direct implantation have also been known to be causes of this disease. Factors such as genetic predisposition and certain personality traits, a delayed childbearing, luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, are all common risk factors associated with this disease.

Erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme is an acute self-limited skin disease. The minor form of this disease is characterized by a pleomorphic rash, while the major form is called the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and is far more severe. In addition to effecting the skin, it may also effect the exocrine system. The disease occurs in an estimated 1% of outpatient visits. Its peak incidence is in the 20's and 30's, and it is quite rare below the age of three, and over the age of fifty. The male-female incidence ratio is 3:2. Some of the more common signs and symptoms include: a variable and nonspecific prodrome, a sudden onset or a rapidly progressive symmetrical pleomorphic rash on one's palms, rash, burning sensation of the skin, and corneal ulcerations. In some cases, patients exhibit a mucus membrane ulceration. The disease may be by either idiopathic or a hypersensitivity to either viral, bacterial or protozoan infections. Hypersensitivity to any of the following has also been known to cause Erythema multiforme: collagen vascular disease, certain medications or vaccines, malignancy, pregnancy, premenstrual hormonal changes, consumption of beer, Reiters syndrome, and sarcoidosis.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a hemolytic anemia of the fetus caused by transplacental transmission of antibodies from the mother. It effects the Hemic\Lymphatic\Immunological, Cardiovascular, and Nervous systems. It is uncommon and can occur when the fetus inherits a paternal blood group antigen unavailable maternally. The disease occurs among male and female newborns with equal frequency. Some of the signs and symptoms include: pallor, respiratory distress, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, hypotension, edema, jaundice in newborn,bleeding problems, and fetal death in utero. Maternal isoimmunization of a Rh antigen by transfusion of Rh-positive blood, or maternal isoimmunization from exposure to fetal Rh antigens in prior pregnancy or current pregnancy, or maternal isoimmunization to other blood group antigens are all common causes. The three major risk factors associated with the disease are a prior transfusion with incompatible blood, any Rh positive pregnancy in an Rh negative woman, and lack of prophylactic immunotherapy.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer may arise at any point along the passage through which food is conveyed to the stomach, although the most frequent site is the middle third. The tumors are bulky, fungus-like growths that rapidly close the esophagus; rarely they may spread superficially without causing obstruction. Esophageal cancers are usually squamous-cell carcinomas that invade locally and metastasize rapidly to organs in the chest as well as to more distant cities. Even with the best therapy available, the cure rate is quite low. Chronic smoking and use of alcohol are considered to be major risk factors; diet and certain environmental factors may also be involved.

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