Author: Glossary

Drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood and is used in the treatment of gout. Adverse effects include urinary frequency, headache, skin rashes, and stomach upsets. A drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood and is used chiefly in the treatment of gout. It is administered by…

Dwarf whose small size is due to a genetic defect in the response to growth hormone; there are normal proportion of body parts and normal mental and sexual development; also called normal dwarf; true dwarf; hypoplastic dwarf. A dwarf who has a selective deficiency of growth hormone but otherwise normal endocrine function.  

Anticonvulsant used to treat grand mal epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, and blood disorders. An anticonvulsant drug used to treat major (grand mal) epilepsy. It is administered by mouth; common side-effects, which are usually transient, include drowsiness, muscle incoordination, digestive upsets, vertigo, and sight disturbances. An anticonvulsant medication utilized…

Any of various diagnostic procedures to determine whether the fetus has a genetic or other abnormality. The procedures involve X rays and ultrasonography (sonograms), which can reveal structural abnormalities and allow growth to be followed; amniocentesis, in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn for analysis and identification of chromosome and metabolic defects; and fetoscopy, whereby fetal…

Process of growth, differentiation, development, and maturation between fertilization and birth. The fertilized egg immediately begins dividing in the process of cleavage; passes through the stages of morula, blastocyst, gastrula; the three primary germ layers are laid down; and differentiation of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of the body occurs. By 14 weeks all…

Labor beginning before the 37th or 38th week of gestation or before the fetus has reached a weight of 2,000 grams. Premature labor may occur spontaneously without apparent cause, or it may result mom trauma, chronic disease, infection in the mother, placental problems, or other causes; predisposing factors are poor nutrition, low weight gain, smoking,…

Infant born before 37 weeks of gestation regardless of birth weight. A premature infant is usually of low birth weight; has incompletely developed organ systems; appears thin, with little subcutaneous fat; has a large head; and pinkish, translucent skin. The cause of prematurity is unknown in many cases, but in some is associated with toxemia,…

Compound found in the urine of pregnant women and in the urine of women during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. A metabolic product of progesterone; elevated in the urine of women during pregnancy and cyclically with the menstrual cycle; measured to detect ovulation, placental dysfunction, and feminization syndrome in men. A steroid that is…

Salt of potassium used to treat potassium deficiency, which is usually the result of diuretic intake. A salt of potassium used to prevent and treat potassium deficiency, especially during treatment with certain diuretics. It is administered by mouth or injection; some irritation in the digestive system may occur after oral administration. A mineral/electrolyte administered orally…

Infant born after 42 weeks gestation and usually showing signs of placental insufficiency. The child usually has dry, peeling skin, skin folds, and long nails, is prone to electrolyte imbalance and hypoglycemia, and may have lost weight the last few days in utero.