Lipid Transport - lipoprotein structure, function & metabolism      Released     23/01/11

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed nations, with substantial evidence documenting the relationship between cardiovascular disease and increased serum cholesterol levels. This course looks at the physiology underpinning the transport of lipids and their role in the body, and provides a starting point for the clinician to develop an understanding of dyslipidaemic conditions.

Dyslipidaemias                                                                                 Released 10/04/11

‘Dyslipidemia’ refers to an abnormality within the lipid profile, encompassing a variety of disorders relating to raised levels in total cholesterol, LDL, or triglycerides, or conversely, lower levels of HDL. The course will examine the reasons why these disorders occur, together with their presentations and implications.

Statin therapy                                                                                  Released 18/07/11

Statins are one of the single most prescribed drugs today. They are prescribed for long periods of time, giving opportunity for adverse events, including unforeseen changes in the patient's health status. Additionally, they are most commonly used in middle-aged or elderly patients, who tend to be taking many other medications for other problems. This heightens safety concerns, both because the polypharmacy typical of these age groups greatly increases the overall risk of drug-drug interactions, and also because advanced age itself is likely to increased the risk of toxicity. The course will look at the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of these drugs and their clinical use, together with their potential negative effects.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome                                                         Released 25/07/11

A deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) is responsible for the symptom complex manifested in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and any condition resulting in a poor nutritional state places patients at risk. Heavy, long-term alcohol use is the most common association with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, although it can occur with malabsorption syndromes and generally poor nutrition. It occurs in the 30-70 age group most commonly, and in severe cases the mortality rate is 15%. A significant interference in gait and neurological function is common. This course will look at the aetiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations of this condition.

Radiculopathy                                                                        Release due Autumn 2011

Cauda Equina & Conus Medullaris Syndromes                          Release due Autumn 2011

Radiculopathy is not a specific condition, but rather a description of a problem in which one or more nerves are affected, resulting in neuropathy. This can result in pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles. In a radiculopathy, the problem is at or near the nerve root but the pain or other symptoms may manifest in an extremity.  This condition is not uncommon, and if it affects nerves in the lumbo-sacral area, there will be clinical manifestations in the lower limb. This course looks at the pathological changes occurring around the nerve root which result in this condition, together with the clinical presentation patterns which would normally be seen.

The spinal cord ends approximately over the second lumbar vertebra, where it ends (the conus medullaris), after which is the fibrous extension of the spinal cord (the filum terminale), surrounded by the bundle of nerve roots below named the cauda equina. Cauda equina and/or conus medullaris syndromes are serious conditions caused by compression of the nerves in the lower portion of the spinal canal, or a reduction in blood supply to the nerves. They are and considered to be surgical emergencies because if left untreated can lead to permanent loss of bowel and bladder control as well as paralysis in the lower limbs. This course looks at the aetiology of these conditions, their clinical presentation, and their management.