The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) is based upon the presence of the characteristic laboratory findings in patients of appropriate gestational age. Imaging tests, particularly CT or MRI scanning, are useful when complications such as hepatic infarction, hematoma, or rupture are suspected.
NYHA Functional Classification for Congestive Heart Failure
The New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification provides a simple way of classifying heart disease (originally cardiac failure), useful for preoperative assessment. It places patients in one of four categories, based on how much they are limited during physical activity:
Framingham Criteria for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Diagnosis of CHF requires the simultaneous presence of at least 2 major criteria or 1 major criterion in conjunction with 2 minor criteria.
Boston Criteria for Diagnosing Heart Failure
The Boston criteria uses the information from history, physical examination, and chest radiography to categorize the diagnosis of heart failure.
ICHD-II Diagnostic Criteria for Headache Attributed to Head and/or Neck Trauma
Acute post-traumatic headache attributed to moderate or severe head injury
A. Headache, no typical characteristics known, fulfilling criteria C and D
B. Head trauma with at least one of the following:
ICHD-II Diagnostic Criteria for Tension-type headache (TTH)
A. At least 10 episodes occurring on <1 day/month on average (<12 days/year) and fulfilling criteria B-D
B. Headache lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
C. Headache has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
ICHD-II Diagnostic Criteria for Headache Attributed to Non-Vascular Intracranial Disorder
A. Progressive headache with at least 1 of the following characteristics and fulfilling criteria C-D:
- Daily occurrence
- Diffuse and/or constant (non-pulsating) pain
- Aggravated by coughing or straining
ICHD-II Diagnostic Criteria for Cluster Headache
Cluster headache
A. At least 5 attacks fulfilling criteria B-D
B. Severe or very severe unilateral orbital, supraorbital and/or temporal pain lasting 15-180 minutes if untreated
C. Headache is accompanied by at least 1 of the following:
Criteria for the Classification of Acute Gouty Arthritis
Acute gouty arthritis is a sudden attack of pain in the joints, especially in the feet and legs, that occur when uric acid builds up in the joints.
Relative Potencies of Systemic Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticosteroids are a product of the adrenal cortex and perform a staggering number of physiological effects essential for life. Their clinical use is largely predicated on their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.