Medical Glossary

ASCITES - an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Most commonly due to cirrhosis and severe liver disease
BILIRUBIN - a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool
CELLCEPT - used in combination with other medications to keep the body from attacking and rejecting a transplanted organ (e.g., kidney, liver, heart). It belongs to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. This medication works by lowering the body's immune system activity
CHOLANGIOGRAM - a procedure that is used primarily to look at the larger bile ducts within the liver and the bile ducts outside the liver. The procedure can be used to locate gallstones within these bile ducts. It also can be used to identify other causes of obstruction to the flow of bile, for example, narrowings (strictures) of the bile ducts and cancers that may impair the normal flow of bile
CIRRHOSIS - a slowly progressing disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, eventually preventing the liver from functioning properly. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and naturally produced toxins. It also slows the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver
EDEMA - swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in ther body’s tissues. Edema happens most often in the feet, ankles, and legs. Other parts of the body, such as the face and hands, can also be affected
END-STAGE LIVER DISEASE - an irreversible condition that leads to the imminent complete failure of the liver. It is often a consequence of chronic liver diseases, and is one of the most extended causes of death in the western hemisphere. It may be the final stage of many liver diseases. Cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, genetic disorders, metastasic cancer in the liver, autoimmune disorders, obesity and toxins and drugs can be factors that cause end stage liver disease and liver failure
FIBROSIS - the accumulation of tough, fibrous scar tissue in the liver
HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY - deterioration of brain function that occurs because toxic substances normally removed by the liver build up in the blood and reach the brain. Symptoms are those of decreased brain function, especially reduced alertness and confusion. In the earliest stages, subtle changes appear in logical thinking, personality, and behavior. The person's mood may change, and judgment may be impaired. Normal sleep patterns may be disturbed. At any stage of encephalopathy, the person's breath may have a musty sweet odor. As the disorder progresses, the hands cannot be held steady when the person stretches out the arms, resulting in a crude flapping motion of the hands (asterixis). Also, the person usually becomes drowsy and confused, and movements and speech become sluggish. Disorientation is common. Eventually, the person may lose consciousness and lapse into a coma
HEPATITIS C - an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have no symptoms. In fact, most people don't know they have the hepatitis C infection until liver damage shows up, decades later, during routine medical tests. Hepatitis C is one of several hepatitis viruses and is generally considered to be among the most serious of these viruses
HEPATOLOGIST - a specialist in diagnosing and treating liver disease
JAUNDICE - a yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and body fluids. It is caused by an increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced from the breakdown of heme, primarily from hemoglobin and red blood cells
LACTULOSE - a special type of laxative used to treat constipation and to assist in the management of a disorder called hepatic encephalopathy
LASIX - used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease
PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2a - a long acting interferon. Interferons are proteins released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system. Peginterferon alfa-2a is a specific interferon used to treat chronic hepatitis C
PARACENTESIS - a procedure to take out fluid that has collected in the belly (peritoneal fluid). This fluid buildup is called ascites. Ascites may be caused by infection, inflammation, an injury, or other conditions, such as cirrhosis or cancer. The fluid is taken out using a long, thin needle put through the belly. The fluid is sent to a lab and studied to find the cause of the fluid buildup. Paracentesis also may be done to take the fluid out to relieve belly pressure or pain in people with cancer or cirrhosis
PERITONEOSCOPY - internal examination of the peritoneum with a peritoneoscope passed through an incision in the abdominal wall. Also called celioscopy, ventroscopy
PORTAL HYPERTENSION - an increase in the pressure within the portal vein (the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver). The increase in pressure is caused by a blockage in the blood flow through the liver. Increased pressure in the portal vein causes large veins (varices) to develop across the esophagus and stomach to bypass the blockage. The varices become fragile and can bleed easily
PREDNISONE - a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases the body's immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. It is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye problems, immune system diseases, and skin diseases
PROGRAF - an immunosuppressive drug whose main use is after allogeneic organ transplant to reduce the activity of the patient's immune system and so lower the risk of organ rejection. It reduces T-cell and interleukin-2 (IL-2) activity
RHEUMATIC FEVER - an inflammatory disease that may develop two to three weeks after a Group A streptococcal infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It is believed to be caused by antibody cross-reactivity and can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Acute rheumatic fever commonly appears in children between ages 5 and 15
RIBAVIRIN - used with another medication called an interferon to treat hepatitis C. Ribavirin is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body.