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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
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ALT (alanine aminotransferase)An enzyme normally present in liver and heart cells that is released into the bloodstream when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood ALT levels are elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise ALT levels. ALT is also called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Liver
The largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Serum
The fluid portion of the blood. It is essentially similar in composition to plasma but lacks fibrinogen and other substances that are used in the coagulation (blood clotting) process.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
ALS8
See: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 8.
Alstrom syndrome
"A progressive genetic disorder characterized by obesity, deafness, and visual problems in childhood and diabetes with insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) and kidney failure in adulthood. Individuals with Alstr”m syndrome have been identified in over 20 countries. Although the syndrome is generally rare, it is unusually frequent among Acadians, both those living in Nova Scotia and those in Louisiana. The syndrome first described by C.H. Alstr”m in Sweden in 1959. (It should therefore have two dots over the ""o"".)"
Alstr”m syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome.
Alstrom-Hallgren syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome
Alstr”m-Hallgren syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
Alteplase
Generic name of a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology. The brand name is Activase. See: Tissue plasminogen activator.
Alternate hemiplegia
See: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood
A rare neurological disorder with frequent temporary episodes of paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegia) usually beginning before the age of 18 months. The eye movements, face, or limbs can be paralysed on either side of the body, but on only one side at a time. The cause is unknown. Abbreviated AHC. Also known as alternating hemiplegia syndrome. One form of AHC has a favorable outlook. It occurs primarily at night, when a child awakens, and is apparently related to migraine. These children have no other mental or neurological impairments. Another form of AHC is more serious and may include mental impairment, balance and gait difficulties, excessive sweating, changes in body temperature, and seizures. Treatment with flunarizine , a calcium channel blocker, may help to reduce the severity and duration of attacks of paralysis.
Alternating hemiplegia syndrome
See: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
Alternative medical system
A system of alternative medicine built upon a complete system of theory and practice. Often, such systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the US or Europe. Alternative medical systems may have evolved in Western or non-Western cultures. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Liver
The largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Serum
The fluid portion of the blood. It is essentially similar in composition to plasma but lacks fibrinogen and other substances that are used in the coagulation (blood clotting) process.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
ALS8
See: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 8.
Alstrom syndrome
"A progressive genetic disorder characterized by obesity, deafness, and visual problems in childhood and diabetes with insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) and kidney failure in adulthood. Individuals with Alstr”m syndrome have been identified in over 20 countries. Although the syndrome is generally rare, it is unusually frequent among Acadians, both those living in Nova Scotia and those in Louisiana. The syndrome first described by C.H. Alstr”m in Sweden in 1959. (It should therefore have two dots over the ""o"".)"
Alstr”m syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome.
Alstrom-Hallgren syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome
Alstr”m-Hallgren syndrome
See: Alstrom syndrome.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
Alteplase
Generic name of a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology. The brand name is Activase. See: Tissue plasminogen activator.
Alternate hemiplegia
See: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood
A rare neurological disorder with frequent temporary episodes of paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegia) usually beginning before the age of 18 months. The eye movements, face, or limbs can be paralysed on either side of the body, but on only one side at a time. The cause is unknown. Abbreviated AHC. Also known as alternating hemiplegia syndrome. One form of AHC has a favorable outlook. It occurs primarily at night, when a child awakens, and is apparently related to migraine. These children have no other mental or neurological impairments. Another form of AHC is more serious and may include mental impairment, balance and gait difficulties, excessive sweating, changes in body temperature, and seizures. Treatment with flunarizine , a calcium channel blocker, may help to reduce the severity and duration of attacks of paralysis.
Alternating hemiplegia syndrome
See: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
Alternative medical system
A system of alternative medicine built upon a complete system of theory and practice. Often, such systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the US or Europe. Alternative medical systems may have evolved in Western or non-Western cultures. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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