OVERVIEW

This course offers students the fundamental elements of pathophysiology essential for understanding the meaning of laboratory tests in the diagnostic process.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Know the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms of the main organs and systems. Know the main laboratory tests that can investigate pathophysiological mechanisms, and correlate them with basic clinical knowledge. Be aware that the purpose of knowledge of pathophysiological processes is the indispensable substrate for the subsequent clinical-laboratory approach to human diseases

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 The pathophysiology teaching aims to:

• provide the necessary knowledge to understand the causes and mechanisms underlying the most important human diseases

• introduce issues related to laboratory diagnostic procedures

• make students acquire the ability to correctly frame the various pathologies by integrating the knowledge acquired in the pathophysiology course with that of the previous courses

   

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Know the malfunction of the main organs and systems

• Understanding causes (endogenous or exogenous), and mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of the most frequent pathologies

• Recognize the reasons for prescribing certain laboratory tests in the presence of certain clinical patterns

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge in anatomy, histology, biochemistry, immunology, physiology and general pathology

Teaching methods

The teaching is divided into 20 hours of lectures on all the topics of the program, which are illustrated by the teacher through PowerPoint presentations that are shared on Aulaweb.

During the lectures, dialectical interaction with students will be sought whenever possible.

In the event of a health emergency, the lessons will be held with the distance teaching method

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

 Anemias: causes and classification

The main metabolic diseases: type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus; dyslipidaemias.

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk

Ischemic heart disease

Heart failure

Classification of kidney disease and acute and chronic renal failure. Hydro-saline balance with particular reference to sodium and potassium ions. Introduction to calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Acid-base balance and its alterations. Meaning of blood gas analysis

Pathophysiology of the liver and biliary tract: acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, ascites, liver failure, portal hypertension, cholestasis, jaundice, systemic effects of liver damage.

Outline of endocrine pathophysiology

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Lecture notes on Aulaweb covering all the topics of the program will be provided to students;

Support books (not mandatory)

- GM Pontieri, General Pathophysiology, Piccin,

- Robbins and Cotran. The pathological bases of diseases. Elsevier

- An Internal Medicine Textbook (Harrison or Cecil)

Exam Board

NICOLA TRAVERSO (President)

MARIA CRISTINA MINGARI

MARIA ADELAIDE PRONZATO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

Teaching methods

The teaching is divided into 20 hours of lectures on all the topics of the program, which are illustrated by the teacher through PowerPoint presentations that are shared on Aulaweb.

During the lectures, dialectical interaction with students will be sought whenever possible.

In the event of a health emergency, the lessons will be held with the distance teaching method

LESSONS START

Lessons start on November 2020

Exam description

 The exam consists of an oral test and takes place in the presence of the teachers of the Integrated Course. The interview lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on the program carried out during the frontal lessons. By discussing various topics, the Commission verifies the achievement of the educational objectives of the course.

At the end of the interview, the teachers of the Commission formulate a final vote that derives from the overall judgment of the candidate on all the disciplines of the integrated course.

Basic knowledge is essential for the exam to be considered sufficient.

The mark of 30/30 with honors will be awarded when the knowledge / skills of the subject are excellent

 The exam will take place remotely in the event of a health emergency

Assessment methods

 Verification of learning takes place through the final exam which aims to ascertain the actual acquisition by the student of the expected results.

In particular, in order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms discussed during the thesis

The final marks are expressed in thirtieths, and depend on:

• the ability to deal transversally and critically with the required topics, with the necessary interations between the various chapters of the pathophysiology program

• fairness, clarity, synthesis and fluidity of the exhibition;

• mastery of the subject;

• the adoption of appropriate terminology

Exam schedule