Category: P

The development of fever, splenomegaly, atypical lymphocytosis, abnormal liver function tests, and, occasionally, a skin rash that develops following blood transfusion or perfusion of an organ during surgery. The syndrome appears 3 to 5 weeks after transfusion or perfusion with fresh (less than 24 hr old) blood, usually in large quantities. The causative agent is…

An abnormal, immune-mediated fall in the number of circulating platelets, caused by a recipient’s reaction to foreign antigens on platelets he or she has received during a transfusion. Although the immune reaction normally starts against the donated platelets, in PTP host (recipient) platelets are also attacked, leading to a severe decrease in platelet numbers about…

Pregnancy continuing beyond the beginning of the 42nd week (294 days) of gestation, as counted from the first day of the last normal menstrual period. This occurs in an estimated 3% to 12% of pregnancies. Complications include oligohydramnios, meconium passage, macrosomatia, and dysmaturity, all of which may lead to poor pregnancy outcome. The fetus should…

Secondary ST and T wave changes associated with decreased filling of the coronary arteries and subsequent ischemia during tachycardia.  

Distal to a stenosed or constricted area, especially of an artery.  

Occurring after exposure to ionizing radiation.  

A low blood glucose level (<50 mg/dl or 3.3 mmol/L) that occurs after a meal. It may result from excessive treatment with insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, from dumping syndrome or other digestive diseases, or from less common illnesses. It may be managed with alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and changes in diet.  

Pain and swelling felt in a limb that has been affected by a blood clot in its deep veins (a deep venous thrombosis). It is usually relieved somewhat by elevating the limb and worsened when the limb is dependent.  

Fever, pericardial friction rub, and chest pain occurring several days or weeks after cardiac surgery. The syndrome appears to be an autoimmune response to damaged cardiac cells. Congestive heart failure may ensue.  

A period of heightened maternal emotions that follow the birth of a baby, typically beginning in the first three to five days after childbirth. Common symptoms are irritability, emotional lability, and tearfulness, although exaggerated happiness may also be reported. Unlike postpartum depression (a persistent mood disturbance after childbearing), postpartum blues typically resolves in a week…