This glossary currently contains medical and blood-related
terms and is regularly updated.
Click on a letter below to list terms alphabetically, or use the search facility to scan the glossary database.
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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
This is a disease which results in destruction of platelets responsible for coagulation. An auto-immune disorder.
Iliopsoas
Muscle in the groin from the Iliacus (flexing the thigh) and psoas (flexing the hip) muscle.
Immune Response
Alteration in the reactivity of an organism's immune system in response to an antigen. In vertebrates, this may involve antibody production, induction of cell-mediated immunity, complement activation or development of immunological tolerance.
Immune System
The body system, made up of many organs and cells, that defends the body against infection, disease and foreign substances. The immune system is often stimulated in specific ways to fight cancer cells.
Immune Tolerance
The specific failure of a normally responsive individual to make an immune response to a known antigen. It results from previous contact with the antigen by an immunologically immature individual (foetus or neonate) or by an adult exposed to extreme high-dose or low-dose antigen, or by exposure to radiation, antimetabolites, antilymphocytic serum, etc.
Immune Tolerance in Haemolytic Inhibitors
A method used in the management of inhibitors to Factor VIII or Factor IX in patients with haemophilia.
Immunisation
The process of conferring a degree of protection or immunity against infection or the effects of infection.
Immunodeficiency
Where the body's immunological system of defence against infection is defective.
Immunoglobulin
A technical name for antibody. Y-shaped molecules produced by some blood cells in response to a stimulus of the immune system.
Immunology
The science and study of the interactions involved in the functioning of the immune defences of the body
Immunosuppressive
Suppresses the immune system thereby preventing it functioning properly and so reducing the body's resistance to infection
Inflammation
A condition that could affect any part of the body, consisting of congestion of blood vessels and the surrounding tissue. It is manifested by redness, swelling, heat and pain.
Inhibitors
Antibodies produced by Haemophiliacs against factor VIII or IX that reduce the activity of the coagulation factor and so the effectiveness of factor replacement therapy.
International Unit (iu or IU)
Standard unit of measure of volume established through the International System of Units. For the purpose of Haemophilia treatment, an iu represents the amount of factor VIII or IX present in one millilitre (ml) of average normal plasma.
Intervertebral Disc Herniation
A bulging of the cartilaginous disc between the vertebrae of the spine.
Intra-articular Haemorrage
Bleeding into a joint.
Intramuscular Haemorrage
Bleeding into a muscle.
Intravenous
A term which means inside a vein. Intravenous injections are given into a vein.
Intravenous Infusion
An infusion made into the vein.
IVIG
Intravenous immunoglobulin.
