Health Library

Medical Genetics: How Genetic Testing Is Used

Genetic testing can help find diseases that run in a family or don't yet have symptoms.

Medical Genetics: Mosaicism

Mosaicism is when a person has 2 or more genetically different sets of cells in his or her body.

Medical Genetics: Teratogens

A teratogen is something that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy.

Medical Genetics: Treatment with Gene and Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Gene therapy is a way to change the genes a person has. Enzyme therapy treats a genetic condition by replacing a certain enzyme.

Medical Genetics: Types of Genetic Changes

Genetic changes come in 2 main types: chromosome abnormalities and single-gene defects.

Medical Genetics-Multifactorial Inheritance

Multifactorial inheritance is when more than 1 factor causes a trait or health problem, such as a birth defect or chronic illness. Genes can be 1 factor, but other things that aren't genes can play a part, too.

Medicine Rashes in Children

Medicine rashes are the body’s reaction to a certain medicine. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of medicine that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild to severe.

Megaloblastic Anemia in Children

Anemia is a problem in which there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. In megaloblastic anemia, the bone marrow, where the cells are formed, makes fewer cells. And the cells that are formed don’t live as long as normal.

Megaureter in Children

Megaureter is a ureter that is much wider than normal. A megaureter may not drain urine normally. This can lead to infections and kidney damage.

Meningitis in Children

Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).

Meningococcal Infection in Children

Meningococcal infections are not common, but they can be fatal. They occur most often in late winter and early spring. Children are more often affected, but the illnesses also occur in teens and adults.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) in Teens

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are severe, painful cramps that occur with menstruation.