Glossary

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

(uh-KYOOT my-uh-LAH-juh-nuss loo-KEE-mee-uh) A cancer of the blood cells. It happens when very young white blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. fail to mature. The blast cells stay in the bone marrow and become to numerous. This slows production of red blood cells and platelets. Some cases of MDS become AML. But most do not. Also called AML, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia: (uh-KYOOT my-uh-LOYD loo-KEE-mee-uh) A cancer of the blood cells. It happens when very young white blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow fail to mature. The blast cells stay in the bone marrow and become to numerous. This slows production of red blood cells and platelets. Some cases of MDS become… .

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

(uh-KYOOT my-uh-LOYD loo-KEE-mee-uh) A cancer of the blood cells. It happens when very young white blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. fail to mature. The blast cells stay in the bone marrow and become to numerous. This slows production of red blood cells and platelets. Some cases of MDS become AML. But most do not. Also called AML, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

A procedure where bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. stem cells: Cells in the body that develop into other cells. There are two main sources of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos and are used in medical research. Adult stem cells in the body repair and maintain the organ or tissue in which they are found. Blood-forming (hemapoietic) stem… are taken from a genetically matched donor (a brother, sister, or unrelated donor: A donor that is not a sibling or other familial relation of the patient (recipient). ) and given to the patient through an intravenous (IV) line. In time, donated stem cells start making new, healthy blood cells.

Alternative Medicine

See complementary and alternative medicine: A medical approach that is not currently part of standard practice. Complementary medicine is used along with standard medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medicine. Example of CAM therapies are acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathic, and herbal medicines. There is no… .

Anaphylaxis

(an-uh-fuh-LAK-suss) A very severe allergic reaction to a foreign protein, as in a bee sting, or to a medicine. This reaction causes the blood pressure to drop and trouble breathing. Before a patient receives ATG, a treatment for aplastic anemia: (ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia is a condition that happens when red blood cell count is low. Most… , a skin test is given to find out if they are likely to develop anaphylaxis: (an-uh-fuh-LAK-suss) A very severe allergic reaction to a foreign protein, as in a bee sting, or to a medicine. This reaction causes the blood pressure to drop and trouble breathing. Before a patient receives ATG, a treatment for aplastic anemia, a skin test is given to find out if they are likely… . Also known as anaphylactic shock.

Androgen Therapy

An approach to treating bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… using natural male hormones. Androgen therapy: An approach to treating bone marrow failure using natural male hormones. Androgen therapy can help the bone marrow make more blood cells. This is an older treatment for bone marrow failure that is rarely used because of the side effects. Scientists are studying these medicines to try to better… can help the bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. make more blood cells. This is an older treatment for bone marrow failure that is rarely used because of the side effects. Scientists are studying these medicines to try to better understand why they work in some cases of acquired and genetic bone marrow failure.

Anemia

(uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. count. Symptoms of anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. are fatigue and tiredness.

Anti-thymoctye globulin (ATG)

An extract of the serum of horses and rabbits that have been immunized against certain human cells; used in the treatment of aplastic anemia: (ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia is a condition that happens when red blood cell count is low. Most…

Antibiotic

(an-tee-by-AH-tik) A medicine that fights bacterial infections. When a person with bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… does not have enough neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight infection, antibiotics: The most common white blood cells are called neutrophils. They fight infection. Patients who don't have enough healthy neutrophils are said to have neutropenia. Because of their low white count, they may get infections easily and have trouble getting rid of infections. If you have neutropenia,… may help to prevent and fight infection.

Anticoagulant

(ant-i-ko-AG-yuh-lunt) See blood thinner: A medicine used to stop blood clots from forming. Blood thinners can be used to treat or prevent clots. Some common blood thinners are enoxaprin (Lovenox), heparin (Calciparine or Liquaemin), and warfarin (Coumadin). Also called and anticoagulant or thrombopoiesis inhibitor. .

Aplastic Anemia

(ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. is a condition that happens when red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. count is low. Most scientists believe that aplastic anemia: (ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia is a condition that happens when red blood cell count is low. Most… happens when the immune system attacks the bone marrow stem cells: Cells in the body that develop into other cells. There are two main sources of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos and are used in medical research. Adult stem cells in the body repair and maintain the organ or tissue in which they are found. Blood-forming (hemapoietic) stem… . Aplastic anemia can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be hereditary (less common, passed down from parent to child).</p>\r\n

Ascites

(uh-SITE-eez) Extra fluid and swelling in the belly area (abdomen). Also called hydroperitoneum.

Autoimmune Disease

Any condition that happens when the immune system attacks the body's own normal tissues by mistake.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

A procedure in which some of the patient's own bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. stem cells: Cells in the body that develop into other cells. There are two main sources of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos and are used in medical research. Adult stem cells in the body repair and maintain the organ or tissue in which they are found. Blood-forming (hemapoietic) stem… are removed, frozen, and then returned to the through an intravenous (IV) line. In time, the stem cells start making new, healthy blood cells.

Autosomal Dominant

Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes: The part of the cell that contains our DNA or genetic code. . &quot;Dominant&quot; means that only one copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the disease. Dyskeratosis congenita: An inherited disease that may lead to bone marrow failure. is a rare cause of bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… disease. It may have an autosomal dominant: Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes. &quot;Dominant&quot; means that only one copy of the mutated gene is… , autosomal recessive: Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes. &quot;Recessive&quot; means that two copies of a mutated gene must be… or x-linked pattern of inheritance.

Autosomal Recessive

Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes: The part of the cell that contains our DNA or genetic code. . &quot;Recessive&quot; means that two copies of a mutated gene must be present to cause the disease. Dyskeratosis congenita: An inherited disease that may lead to bone marrow failure. is a rare cause of bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… . It may have an autosomal dominant: Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes. &quot;Dominant&quot; means that only one copy of the mutated gene is… , autosomal recessive: Describes one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be inherited, or passed down through families. &quot;Autosomal&quot; means that the mutated, or abnormal, gene is located on one of the numbered, or non-sex, chromosomes. &quot;Recessive&quot; means that two copies of a mutated gene must be… or x-linked pattern of inheritance.

Basic Research

The study of a subject to increase knowledge and understanding about it. The goal of basic research: The study of a subject to increase knowledge and understanding about it. The goal of basic research in medicine is to better understand disease. In the laboratory, basic research scientists study changes in cells and molecules linked to disease. Basic research helps lead to better ways of… in medicine is to better understand disease. In the laboratory, basic research scientists study changes in cells and molecules linked to disease. Basic research helps lead to better ways of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Also called basic science research.

Basophil

A type of white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. that plays a role in allergic reactions.

Benzene

A chemical that is widely used by the chemical industry in the United States to make plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene: A chemical that is widely used by the chemical industry in the United States to make plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes. Exposure to benzene may increase the risk of developing a bone marrow failure disease. Benzene… is found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes. Exposure to benzene may increase the risk of developing a bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… disease. Benzene can affect human health by causing bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. stem cells: Cells in the body that develop into other cells. There are two main sources of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos and are used in medical research. Adult stem cells in the body repair and maintain the organ or tissue in which they are found. Blood-forming (hemapoietic) stem… not to work correctly.

Bilirubin

(bil-i-ROO-bun) A reddish yellow substance formed when red blood cells break apart. It is found in the bile and in the blood. Yellowing of the skin and eyes can occur with high levels of bilirubin: (bil-i-ROO-bun) A reddish yellow substance formed when red blood cells break apart. It is found in the bile and in the blood. Yellowing of the skin and eyes can occur with high levels of bilirubin. Also called total bilirubin. . Also called total bilirubin.

Biologic Agent

A substance made from a living system, such as a virus, and used to prevent or treat disease. Biological drugs include antibodies, globulin, interleukins, serum, and vaccines. Also called a biologic or biological drug.

Blast Cell

A young white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. . The number of blast cells in the bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. helps define how severe MDS is in a person. When 20 out of 100 cells in the bone marrow are blasts: See Blast Cells. , this is considered acute myeloid leukemia: (uh-KYOOT my-uh-LOYD loo-KEE-mee-uh) A cancer of the blood cells. It happens when very young white blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow fail to mature. The blast cells stay in the bone marrow and become to numerous. This slows production of red blood cells and platelets. Some cases of MDS become… .

Blood Clot

A mass of blood that forms when platelets stick together. Harmful blood clots are more likely to happen in PNH. The term thrombus describes a blood clot: A mass of blood that forms when platelets stick together. Harmful blood clots are more likely to happen in PNH. The term thrombus describes a blood clot that develops and attaches to a blood vessel. The term embolus describes a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets into the bloodstream and… that develops and attaches to a blood vessel. The term embolus describes a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets into the bloodstream and gets stuck in a blood vessel.

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