Category: A

A genetic disease of the kidneys which sometimes causes a person to lose his or her hearing and sight. Alport syndrome is an inherited (usually X-linked) disorder. It involves damage to the kidneys, blood in the urine, and loss of hearing in some families and in some cases, loss of vision. In cases in which…

A protein produced by the liver of the human fetus, which accumulates in the amniotic fluid. A high or low concentration is tested for by amniocentesis in the antenatal diagnosis of spina bifida or Down’s syndrome, respectively. A protein produced in a fetus’s liver that is passed into the mother’s blood, where it can be…

A type of cell found in the islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas, which produces glucagon, a hormone that raises the level of glucose in the blood. A cell of the anterior lobe of the pituitary and the pancreas. In the latter, these cells are the source of glucagon.  

A steroid used to encourage pregnancy. A synthetic female sex hormone used in the treatment of abnormal bleeding from the womb and threatened abortion. It is administered by mouth.  

A drug which helps to stop the body producing uric acid, used in the treatment of gout. A drug useful in the management of gout. It works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This enzyme is more active in people with gout and results in the production of excess uric acid. Uric acid is normally…

To make pain or discomfort less severe.  

A doctor who specialises in the treatment of allergies. A physician who specializes in immunology and is specially trained in prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of allergies and asthma. An allergist has completed medical school, been awarded a medical degree , and been trained in internal medicine or pediatrics for 3 years. This training is…

A form of the skin condition purpura, found most often in children. Any of a group of purpuras caused by a variety of agents, including bacteria, drugs, and food. The immune complexes associated with type III hypersensitivity reaction damage the walls of small blood vessels, leading to bleeding.  

A substance which produces an allergic reaction.  

A substance which produces an allergy.