Category: P
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Penicillium marneffei
A species that may cause systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. It is found most often in Southeast Asia, where it frequently infects patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
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Penicillin allergy
A hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin, present in about 0.5% to 8% of the population. Although different types of hypersensitivity reactions may occur, the most common and potentially dangerous are the type I ( immediate) reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E. If a patient reports a history of signs of local anaphylaxis (e.g., urticaria) or systemic anaphylaxis…
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Penicillin V potassium
An antibiotic of the penicillin class. It is relatively stable in an acid medium and is therefore not inactivated by gastric acid when taken orally.
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Penicillinase-resistant penicillin
Any of a group of penicillins that are not inactivated by the enzyme penicillinase. These penicillins retain their effectiveness as antibiotics used for infections caused by bacteria that produce penicillinase.
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Penetrometer
An instrument that compares roughly the comparative absorption of x-rays in various metals, especially silver, lead, and aluminum; hence, it gives a rough estimation of the ability of x-rays to penetrate tissues. A step-like aluminum wedge, bearing resemblance to elevated staircases, utilized for assessing the caliber and penetrating potential of an X-ray beam when positioned…
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Pendular
Hanging so as to swing by an attached part; oscillating like a pendulum.
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Pencil-in-cup deformity
A form of bone destruction (osteolysis) found in severe inflammatory arthritis, especially in the finger and toe joints. The deformity is characterized by thinning of the phalangeal shaft and widening of its base proximal to the joint space.
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Pencil
A material rolled into cylindrical form; may contain a caustic substance or a therapeutic paste or ointment.
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Penalization
An ophthalmological treatment for an eye with weak vision in which the vision from the healthier eye is blunted, blurred, or blocked so that the weaker eye must be relied upon. It is one form of treatment for amblyopia.
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Pemphigus vegetans
A form of pemphigus vulgaris characterized by pustules instead of bullae. Pustules are followed by warty vegetations. Prognosis is good, even before therapy with corticosteroids. A type of pemphigus that primarily manifests in the areas around the armpits, between the thighs, and over the perineum.