Autistic symptoms are usually identified in children less than three years old, and is more common in male children with a ratio of 4:1, male to female.

Autism is estimated to have a prevalence of 1/150 to 1/500 children.

Autism has no known cause but there is higher risk among siblings.  There is no scientific evidence that proves vaccines or thimerosal can cause autism.

Autism symptoms include

• Loss of social skills

• Poor eye contact

• Seem to not know how to play with toys

• Does not smile

• Not comforted by caregiver when injured or upset

• Does not respond to name

• May excessively line up toys or objects

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

If you suspect autism, then have your child evaluated by a qualified physician as soon as possible.  The diagnosis can be confirmed by specific testing.  Lead poisoning and PKU ( a metabolic disorder) can mimic autism. 

March 19, 2009

Ref

1. MMWR Morb Mortal Weekly Re 2007; 56:12

2. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2005;62: 1266-1272

3.  Pediatrics 2001;107: 1221-1226

March 14, 2009

• Asthma symptoms can include:
· feeling short of breath
· wheezing
· coughing
· lung congestion
· chest tightness.

• Asthma exacerbation can occur from:
· a respiratory track illness
· allergens
· cold air
· exercise
· heart burn (acid reflux)
· smoke fumes
· emotional stress

• What you should know:
· Asthma is common and with proper treatment, symptoms can be well controlled
· Untreated asthma can be potentially fatal.
· Therefore you should always be evaluated by your doctor if you have asthma.

• Arthritis can occur from:
· age
· trauma
· infection
· a build up of uric acid in the joint
· an autoimmune reaction in the joint.

• DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITS:
· Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
· Osteoarthritis is associated with excessive use of a joint.  For example a runner who may develop arthritis or their knee or hip from overuse.
· Osteoarthritis occurs from the degeneration of the joint.

• INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS:
· Septic Arthritis occurs when there is an infection in the joint.
· Septic Arthritis symptoms can include:
· pain
· swelling
· redness
· stiffness
· fever
· malaise

• Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joint.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur in one or multiple joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms can include:
· joint pain
· swelling
· redness
· morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes

• Gouty arthritis occurs from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint.
• Gouty arthritis can develop when there is abnormal metabolism of purines.
• Gouty arthritis symptoms can include:
· joint pain
· joint swelling
· redness and stiffness
• Gouty arthritis typically occurs first in the Great toe.

• WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
· Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
· There is no cure for osteoarthritis but over the counter medications may help with pain and swelling.

· Inflammatory arthritis should always be evaluated by your doctor.

• Congestive Heart Failure is the condition when pumping(blood flow) is not within an acceptable range.
· The severity can range from no symptoms, to minor fluid build up in the feet to essentially having shortness of breath while lying down.

• Congestive Heart Failure can develop slowly over years or quickly in a manner of hours.
· For example; a heart attack can significantly decrease the heart function(the pumping ability of the heart) and this can occur quickly.
· Untreated high blood pressure can slowly and progressively harm the heart and decrease the function of the heart.

• Congestive Heart Failure can result in ankle and leg swelling, shortness of breath or chest fullness or chest pain.

• Congestive Heart Failure can develop from:
· high blood pressure
· heart attack
· medication side effect
· an infection of the heart such a viral infection that infects the heart muscle.

• WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
· If you have symptoms of heart failure you must seek medical attention.
· Appropriate medical treatment can potentially improve heart function and can be life saving.

• Acute Renal Failure leads to the accumulation of water and toxins in the body.

• Acute Renal Failure can lead to uremia (accumulation of urea toxins in the blood).

• Acute Renal Failure can also leads to the accumulation of water and volume overload.

• Acute Renal Failure can occur from:
· Sudden loss of blood volume
· Extreme dehydration
· Hemorrhage
· Shock
· Overwhelming infection such as sepsis.

• The heart normally beats from electrical activity that originates from the upper chambers of the heart and then travels to the lower chambers of the heart.  Normally this occurs resulting in a synchronized contraction of the heart muscle.

• Symptoms of an arrhythmia may include:
· palpitations (the sensation the heart is beating forcefully)
· a racing heart
· lightheadedness
· chest pressure

•  Some people may be without any symptoms.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments that hold the knee together and connect the femor (thigh bone) to the tibia (lower leg bone).

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the most common injured ligament of the knee.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury can occur from sudden torsion (twisting) or hyper-extension (excessive bending forward) of the knee.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury can be diagnosed by a physician while examining a patient if, while the knee is at about a 90 degree angle, the lower leg can be pulled forward. This is known as an Anterior Drawer Sign.

• An MRI will confirm the diagnosis of an ACL injury.

• You should be seek evaluation by your doctor is you suspect you have an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

• WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
· ACL INJURY is relatively common especially among athletes.
· Treatment can include non-surgical options such as a knee brace or physical therapy.
· Surgery is generally indicated if the knee is unstable.