Acquired disorder

Acquired disorder refers to a medical condition that manifests postnatally, differentiating it from a congenital disorder which is evident at birth. Acquired disorders arise due to a myriad of reasons, ranging from environmental influences, lifestyle choices, to unforeseen medical complications. While a congenital condition might be the precursor to an acquired disorder, there are instances where medical interventions lead to the acquisition of certain conditions or modifications.

Overview

An acquired disorder emerges after birth, in contrast to congenital disorders that are inherent from birth. Various factors such as environmental exposure, genetic mutations post-birth, infections, and more can lead to the development of an acquired disorder. They may range in severity, from mild to life-threatening conditions.

Relationship with Congenital Disorders

While both congenital and acquired disorders differ in their onset, there are instances where a congenital condition paves the way for an acquired one. A case in point is Eisenmenger's syndrome, a complex medical condition that often finds its roots in congenital heart defects.

Acquired Medical Modifications

Beyond the realm of disorders, the term "acquired" in a medical context might also allude to:

Devices

Medical devices, either temporary or permanent, that are placed within or attached to the body to aid in the treatment or management of a condition. An example includes the shunt, a device used to redirect the flow of body fluids.

Medical Interventions

Specific modifications or interventions introduced by healthcare professionals to alleviate or manage a medical condition, often during palliation or other treatments. These might include surgical alterations, placement of medical devices, or other therapeutic interventions.

See Also

• Congenital disorder
• Eisenmenger's syndrome
• Palliation
• Shunt

References

Acquired disorder Resources
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