systemic_disease [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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A systemic [[disease]] is one that affects a number of organs and tissues, or affects the body as a whole.
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Systemic disease refers to a medical condition that affects multiple organs or systems throughout the body, rather than being localized to a single organ or area. These diseases often involve widespread or generalized effects on the body, impacting overall health and functioning.

Common Examples of Systemic Diseases:
Cardiovascular Diseases

Examples: Heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis.
Impact: Affects the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to complications like stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage.
Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Impact: Affects glucose metabolism and can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
Autoimmune Diseases

Examples: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome.
Impact: The immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in multiple organs, such as joints, skin, kidneys, and heart.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Impact: Affects kidney function, leading to systemic issues like hypertension, anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular problems.
Infectious Diseases

Examples: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis.
Impact: Can have widespread effects on the body, affecting multiple organ systems and causing various complications.
Cancer

Examples: Metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads from the original site to other parts of the body).
Impact: Can affect multiple organs and systems depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Endocrine Disorders

Examples: Thyroid disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), adrenal insufficiency.
Impact: Affects hormone production and regulation, influencing various bodily functions.
Connective Tissue Disorders

Examples: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Impact: Affects connective tissues throughout the body, impacting the skin, joints, and cardiovascular system.
Diagnosis and Management:
Diagnosis: Typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, imaging studies, biopsies).
Management: Focuses on treating the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, surgical interventions, and regular monitoring.
Systemic diseases often require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, involving various healthcare professionals to address the multiple aspects of the disease and its impact on overall health.