Medical Glossary
Acute myocardial infarction is a heart attack.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating
by low levels or improper function of a protein
called C1-esterase inhibitor. It causes swelling,
particularly of the face and airways, and
abdominal cramping.
Perioperative bleeding is bleeding during an
operation.
polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological
disorder which causes gradual weakness and
a loss in sensation mainly in the arms and legs.
Adjuvant is a substance which enhances the
body’s immune response to an antigen.
Plasma is the yellow-coloured liquid
component of blood in which blood cells are
suspended.
Albumin is any protein that is soluble in water
and moderately concentrated salt solutions
and is coagulable by heat. It is found in egg
whites, blood, lymph, and other tissues and
fluids. In the human body, serum albumin is
the major plasma protein (approximately 60%
of the total).
Coagulation is the process of clot formation.
Hereditary emphysema is a physiological
condition that results in excessive amounts
of white blood cells (neutrophils) entering the
lungs, causing inflammation and chronic lung
disease.
Common variable immune deficiency
is one of the most frequently diagnosed
primary immunodeficiencies, especially
in adults, characterised by low levels of
immunoglobulins and antibodies, which
causes an increased susceptibility to infection.
Primary immunodeficiency (PID) is an
inherited condition where there is an impaired
immune response. It may be in one or more
aspects of the immune system.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a diverse
group of DNA-based viruses that infect the
skin and mucous membranes of humans and
a variety of animals. Some HPV types cause
benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the
virus family is named. Others can lead to the
development of cervical dyskaryosis, which
may in turn lead to cancer of the cervix.
Prophylaxis is the action of a vaccine or
drug that acts to defend against or prevent a
disease.
Anti-D immunoglobulin, also called Rh (D)
immunoglobulin, is an injection of Anti-
Rhesus antibodies given to a woman whose
blood group is Rhesus negative, if there is a
chance that she has been exposed to Rhesus
positive blood either during pregnancy or
blood transfusion.
Fibrinogen is a coagulation factor found in
human plasma that is crucial for blood clot
formation.
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine is a vaccine
that offers protection against four different
influenza virus strains.
Fractionation is the process of separating
plasma into its component parts,
such as clotting factors, albumin and
immunoglobulin, and purifying them.
Recombinants are proteins prepared by
recombinant technology. Procedures are used
to join together segments in a cell-free system
(an environment outside a cell organism).
Immunoglobulins (IgG), also known as
antibodies, are proteins produced by plasma
cells. They are designed to control the body’s
immune response by binding to substances
in the body that are recognised as foreign
antigens (often proteins on the surface of
bacteria or viruses).
Antivenom (or antivenin, or antivenene) is a
biological product used in the treatment of
venomous bites or stings.
G-CSF is a glycoprotein that stimulates
the bone marrow to produce granulocytes
and stem cells and release them into the
bloodstream.
Subcutaneous is the administration of drugs
or fluids into the subcutaneous tissue, which is
located just below the skin.
Autoimmune disease is when the body’s
immune system attacks healthy cells.
Biopharmaceuticals are proteins (including
antibodies), nucleic acids (DNA, RNA
or antisense oligonucleotides) used for
prophylactic or therapeutic purposes.
Haemolytic disease is a disease that disrupts
the integrity of red blood cells causing the
release of haemoglobin.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot
inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of
blood through the circulatory system.
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an
infectious disease of birds and mammals
caused by a RNA virus of the family
Haemophilia is a haemorrhagic cluster of
diseases occurring in two main forms:
Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses).
Trivalent influenza vaccine is a vaccine
that offers protection against three different
influenza virus strains.
Cell-based (technology) for the manufacture
of influenza vaccines, is a process of growing
viruses in animal cells.
Intravenous is the administration of drugs or
fluids directly into a vein.
1. Haemophilia A (classic haemophilia, factor
VIII deficiency), an X linked disorder due to
deficiency of coagulation factor VIII.
Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a hereditary
disorder caused by defective or deficient von
Willebrand factor, a protein involved in normal
blood clotting.
C1 esterase inhibitor is a protein found in the
fluid part of blood that controls C1, the first
component of the complement system. The
complement system is a group of proteins
that move freely through the blood stream.
These proteins work with the immune
system and play a role in the development of
inflammation.
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) is an antibody
produced by a single clone of cells. Monoclonal
antibodies are a cornerstone of immunology
and are increasingly coming into use as
therapeutic agents.
2
. Haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency,
Christmas disease), also X linked, due to
deficiency of coagulation factor IX.
Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to to
prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
Haemostasis (haemostatic) is the stopping
of blood flow. Hereditary angioedema (HAE)
is a rare but serious genetic disorder caused
Neurology is the science of nerves and the
nervous system.
124 CSL Limited Annual Report 2018
