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Hepatitis C virus infection can cause acute and chronic hepatitis C, which are both characterized by inflammation of the liver. In this Primer, Manns et al. describe the latest developments against the global hepatitis C epidemic in the era of highly effective therapies.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by mutations in the NF1 tumour suppressor gene. This Primer by Gutmann and colleagues discusses the genetics underlying the development of this disease, and describes the diagnosis and treatment of the widespread clinical manifestations.
Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system (including peripheral and central neurons). Here, the authors present the current descriptions of the presentation, causes, diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain with a focus on peripheral neuropathic pain, which has a greater knowledge base than central neuropathic pain.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. This Primer by Kornum and colleagues primarily focuses on narcolepsy type 1 (also known as narcolepsy with cataplexy), which is believed to be caused by the autoimmune-mediated loss of hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus.
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by several motor tics and at least one phonic tic. In this Primer, Robertson et al. describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of GTS in detail.
Research on the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) — a malignancy of CD5+ B cells — has profoundly enhanced the identification of patients who are at high risk of disease progression and the treatment of patients with drugs that target the distinctive features of CLL. This Primer highlights these advances, as well as the epidemiology, genetics and immunobiology of CLL.
Viral infections during pregnancy and acquired genetic mutations account for the majority of cases of congenital hearing loss. Early detection of this chronic condition, through neonatal hearing screening programmes, greatly benefits the cognitive and social development of the child.
