Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta. It provides nourishment to the egg after it has been fertilized and attached to the uterine wall. HCG is used to detect pregnancy as well as to monitor it. It is also elevated in certain cancers, hence is used as a tumor […]
Women's health
Alpha fetoprotein – Structure Function and Uses
Alpha fetoprotein is a plasma glycoprotein found in humans. It is the most abundant plasma protein synthesized by the human fetus. It is produced mainly by fetal liver and yolk sac during fetal development. Although synthesis drops markedly after birth, small amounts of alpha fetoprotein continue to be produced in the adult. Alpha fetoprotein levels in […]
Fetal Maternal Hemorrhage
Fetal maternal hemorrhage is the loss of fetal blood cells into the maternal circulation. Small insignificant hemorrhage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation occurs in nearly all pregnancies. The term fetal maternal hemorrhage signifies a significant amount of bleeding of fetal blood in maternal circulation. In some cases, the hemorrhage is large enough to […]
Vanishing Twin Syndrome
Vanishing twin syndrome is said to occur when there is a multifetal gestation with subsequent disappearance of one or more fetuses. For vanishing twin syndrome to occur There are twins or multiples in the uterus during pregnancy Twin or multiples dies as result of a miscarriage. The fetal tissue of dead fetus is absorbed by […]
Melasma – Presentation and Treatment
Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas presenting as symmetrically distributed hyperpigmented macules. These macules may be punctate or confluent. Melasma or chloasma is also called the mask of pregnancy. In this condition, there are asymptomatic, very superficial-looking macular areas of brownish pigmentation. The skin does not show any other changes. The lesions are […]
Spider Angioma or Spider Nevus
A spider angioma or spider nevus is a common vascular lesion, a type of telangiectasia (swollen blood vessels) beneath the skin surface. It is characterized by central red arteriole, or punctum, representing the body of the spider, surrounded by a radial pattern of thin-walled capillaries, resembling legs. The lesion is also known as a nevus […]