Primers in 2016

Sheehan syndrome refers to postpartum hypopituitarism caused by necrosis of the pituitary gland as a consequence of severe hypotension owing to uterine bleeding during or soon after childbirth. In this Primer, Kelestimur and colleagues describe the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment options of Sheehan syndrome.

Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. This Primer by Steere and colleagues discusses the epidemiology, mechanisms and management of Lyme borreliosis in North America and Europe.

Hookworm infection is a major neglected tropical disease that causes substantial disability and iron deficiency anaemia in at-risk populations. However, the ability of hookworms to regulate the host's inflammation to its advantage could prove useful in the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Virtually all cervical cancers, a large fraction of other anogenital cancers and an increasing proportion of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Here, the authors describe HPV-driven carcinogenesis and discuss how developments in vaccines and screening tests could dramatically alter the landscape of HPV-related cancers worldwide.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that can severely affect patient quality of life. Various kinds of skin manifestations are possible; psoriatic arthritis is a common but underdiagnosed comorbidity. Treatments for psoriasis include topical agents, phototherapy and systemic and biologic agents.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from an external force and can result in a range of clinical manifestations and neuropathological changes, many of which are only beginning to be understood. Here, the authors argue that the cellular and molecular processes involved in TBIs of different severities are probably similar, just to different degrees.

Neuroblastoma is a neuroendocrine tumour that arises in the developing sympathetic nervous system and is the most common malignancy diagnosed in the first year of life. This Primer by Matthay et al. reviews the mechanisms, diagnosis and risk-stratified management of neuroblastoma.

Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis. Prevention (through vaccination) and early antibiotic treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality of this medical emergency.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in low-income countries. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have been made, but new vaccines and drugs are needed to achieve the goal of the End TB Strategy by 2035.

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial DNA. This Primer discusses the mechanisms underlying the development of mitochondrial diseases, in addition to the diagnosis, prevention and management of these disorders.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder. In this Primer, Pelletier and colleagues provide an update on the progress made in the field of OA epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention, disease management and quality of life.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that is characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. In this Primer, Eastell et al. discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of postmenopausal osteoporosis and consider its diagnosis, prevention and treatment and its effect on quality of life.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma and is characterized by deformation of the optic nerve head and vision loss. This Primer by Weinreb et al. discusses the risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of POAG.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by depressed mood, diminished interests and impaired cognitive function, among other symptoms. This Primer by Otte et al. discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of MDD.

Otitis media (OM) or middle ear inflammation is a spectrum of diseases. In this Primer, Schilder et al. provide an overview of OM epidemiology, its underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, impact on children and their families and preventive and treatment options, as well as an outlook on the future.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is caused by damage to the endocardium of the heart followed by microbial, usually bacterial, colonization. IE is a disease that affects multiple systems and can be fatal if left untreated, and antimicrobial prophylaxis strategies for IE remain controversial.

Ovarian cancer is a global health problem that is generally diagnosed at a late stage and has no effective screening strategy. This Primer by Matulonis et al. discusses the risk factors, genetics, diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer.

Infection with any one of the four dengue virus serotypes can cause disease that ranges from a mild febrile illness through to haemorrhagic fever and shock. This Primer outlines the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of dengue infection.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Here, Azziz et al. describe the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and future investigational directions of the disorder.

α1-Antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is an inherited disorder caused by mutations in SERPINA1, leading to liver and lung disease. In this Primer by Greene et al., the classification of A1ATD is discussed, in addition to the mechanisms, diagnosis and management of this disease.