Category: C

An ongoing process in which waste substances are removed from the body of a person with non-functioning kidneys, using the peritoneum (membrane that covers the abdominal cavity) to transfer solution into, and water and soluble waste material out of, the body.  

Impaired heart function causing retention of fluid in the body; swelling of the legs and feet; shortness of breath; poor circulation of the blood, and other problems.  

A disease present at birth caused by a defect or malfunction of the heart or adjacent structures.  

A sexually transmitted disease caused by the papilloma virus; also termed genital warts. The warts occur in moist areas, such as inside or outside the penis, inside or outside the female genital organs, the rectum, or the perianal area.  

A test of the kidney’s capacity to concentrate and dilute urine. A kidney function test based on the ability of the person to produce concentrated urine under conditions that would normally cause such production, as in intentional dehydration.  

Complete lack of transmission of the heartbeat from the auricles to the ventricles. A condition in which there is a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular systoles. Ventricles may beat from their own pacemakers at a rate of 30 to 40 beats per minute while atria beat independently.  

Cessation of the electrical impulses governing the heartbeat that normally travel from the heart’s upper chambers (auricles) to the lower chambers (ventricles).  

A test done on blood to detect deficiencies in the immune system. Increased complement findings may indicate a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and diabetes mellitus. Decreased complement findings may indicate such diseases as acute serum sickness, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and others.  

A test done on feces to determine the patient’s ability to digest fats.  

A test done to measure a person’s ability to perceive and correctly identify different colors.