PrimeViews

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a respiratory condition in which the airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia with cardiovascular co-morbidities as a consequence. As illustrated here, excessive daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities are the main consequences.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infection can cause inflammation and degeneration of the spinal cord known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). As described in this PrimeView, HAM/TSP leads to paralysis of the legs, back pain and urinary symptoms.

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, caused by progressive clouding of the normally clear lens. This PrimeView summarizes the differences in impact and management of the disease between in the developing and the developed world.

Vitiligo is the most common skin depigmenting disorder globally. As summarized here, the cause of vitiligo is unknown, but oxidative stress and autoimmune processes are involved and lead to the dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes.

Arteriovenous malformations are characterized by a direct link between arteries and veins without intervening capillaries. As illustrated in this PrimeView, rupture and haemorrhage risk is high when these occur in the brain.

Non-small-cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer; it comprises different histological tumour types, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell carcinoma. As shown in this PrimeView, several modifiable risk factors, including tobacco smoking, contribute to risk.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which encodes a transmembrane ion channel on epithelial cells. Many therapies are under investigation to treat patients with cystic fibrosis, including ion channel modulators and gene therapy.

Activation of blood coagulation in veins leads to thrombosis. Deep-vein thrombosis is often asymptomatic and only becomes apparent when its consequences, such as pulmonary embolism and breathlessness, occur. In this PrimeView, we summarize the key points of the associated Primer.

Spina bifida is a congenital disorder characterized by failed closure (primary neurulation) or formation (secondary neurulation) of the neural tube, resulting in abnormalities of the vertebral column and/or spinal cord. This PrimeView discusses the risk factors for spina bifida, including myelomeningocele — the most common and disabling form.

Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder caused by mutation in HTT. As illustrated here, the disease typically manifests in adulthood and is characterized by progressive motor, cognitive and behavioural impairment.

Menopause is the age-related (primary) or iatrogenic (secondary) loss of female reproductive function. Menopausal women are at increased risk for many conditions including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and some cancers, by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy-induced fibrosis of the skin and organs that can be life-threatening. This PrimeView summarizes the mechanisms underlying the condition, how patients are diagnosed and the quality of life of patients.

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in the West, and the research arena is bustling; advances in immunotherapy and genomics are reflected in the increasing survival of patients. These advances are summarized in this PrimeView.