n. (in physiology) sluggishness or absence of activity in certain smooth muscles. In uterine inertia the muscular wall of the uterus fails to contract adequately during labour, making the process excessively long. This inertia may be present from the start of labour or it may develop because of exhaustion following strong contractions and can lead to increased risk of atonic *postpartum haemorrhage. See also shoulder dystocia.
n. difficult birth, caused by abnormalities in the fetus or the mother (see obstructed labour). Dystocia may arise due to uterine *inertia, which is more common in a first labour; abnormal fetal lie or presentation; absolute or relative *cephalopelvic disproportion; or (rarely) a massive fetal tumor, such as a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Synthetic oxytocin (Syntocinon) is commonly used to treat uterine inertia. However, pregnancies complicated by dystocia often end with assisted deliveries, including forceps, ventouse, or (commonly) Caesarean section. See also shoulder dystocia.... dystocia
a condition resulting from an infestation of the small intestine by hookworms. Hookworm larvae live in the soil and infect humans by penetrating the skin. The worms travel to the lungs in the bloodstream and from there pass via the windpipe and gullet to the small intestine. Heavy hookworm infections may cause considerable damage to the wall of the intestine, leading to a serious loss of blood; this, in conjunction with malnutrition, can provoke severe anaemia. Symptoms include itching and rash at the site of infection, followed by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, debility, and mental inertia. More serious effects can include difficulty in breathing, heart enlargement, and irregular heartbeat. The disease occurs mostly in the tropics and subtropics; mebendazole is used in treatment.... hookworm disease
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