Acquired disorder

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Devices[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Acquired disorder Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD