Category: K

  • Kidney donor

    A person who gives one of his or her kidneys as a transplant.  

  • Kidney dialysis

    The process of removing waste matter from blood by passing it through a kidney machine. A process in which a machine is used to filter blood in place of the kidneys.  

  • Ketoprofen

    An anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal bleeding and nausea. An analgesic that reduces inflammation, administered by mouth to treat various arthritic and rheumatic diseases. Side-effects are rare, but indigestion sometimes…

  • Ketone group

    A chemical group characteristic of ketones, with carbon atoms doubly bonded to an oxygen atom and to the carbon atoms of two other organic groups.  

  • Ketonaemia

    A morbid state in which ketone bodies exist in the blood.  

  • Ketogenesis

    The production of ketone bodies. These are normal products of lipid metabolism and can be used to provide energy. The condition of ‘ketosis can occur when excess ketone bodies are produced.  

  • Kernig’s sign

    A symptom of meningitis in which the knee cannot be straightened if the person is lying down with the thigh brought up against the abdomen. Pain and resistance at flexing the thigh at the hip and extending the leg at the knee; a sign that generally indicates the existence of meningitis. Symptom of meningitis in…

  • Kerion

    A painful soft mass, usually on the scalp, caused by ringworm. Pustule-covered swelling that oozes fluid, caused by Tinea capitas, fungus infection of the scalp. A tender, swollen mass of dandruff like scales, broken stubbles of hair, and pustules (small pus-filled blisters) caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. Fever and enlarged lymph nodes…

  • Keratoscope

    An instrument for examining the cornea to see if it has an unusual curvature. An instrument having a pattern usually of concentric black and white rings, which is reflected from the cornea in order to evaluate the corneal curvature. An instrument for detecting abnormal curvature of the cornea. It consists of a black disk, about…

  • Keratoprosthesis

    A surgical operation to replace the central area of a cornea with clear plastic, when it has become opaque. A piece of clear plastic put into the cornea. A corneal implant, used to replace a clouded portion of the cornea.