Published in the Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS January 1999 issue, by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

January 1999 Table of Contents

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Glossary

Compiled by Liz Highleyman

ADIPOCYTE: a fat cell.

ADRENAL GLAND: an organ located above each kidney that produces various hormones including adrenaline, cortisol, and certain androgens.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: a condition of progressive mental deterioration that usually occurs in late-middle-aged or elderly persons.

ANGINA: chest pain due to reduced flow of blood to the heart muscle.

ANTIBODY (IMMUNOGLOBULIN): a protein secreted by activated plasma cells, which evolve from B-cells, in response to stimulation by an antigen.

ANTIGEN: any agent or substance (e.g., microorganisms or the substances they produce) that stimulates an immune response.

ANTIRETROVIRAL: an agent that suppresses the activity or replication of retroviruses such as HIV.

APOPTOSIS: programmed cell death.

ASPERGILLOSIS: an life-threatening infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus. The disease typically infects the lungs and sinuses, but can spread through the blood to other organs.

AS-TREATED ANALYSIS: a method of analyzing the results of a clinical trial in which only participants who successfully complete a course of treatment are analyzed.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS: "hardening of the arteries" in which cholesterol and other deposits build up on the inner walls of the arteries, limiting the flow of blood.

B-CELL (B-LYMPHOCYTE): an immune system cell that carries out the humoral immune response. B-cells are produced in the bone marrow and mature into plasma cells that produce antibodies.

BENIGN SYMMETRIC LIPOMATOSIS (BSL): a condition characterized by the accumulation of concentrations of fat in a matching pattern on both sides of the body.

BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER: a set of physical barriers between the blood vessels and the brain that allows only certain substances to pass through.

BONE MARROW: the soft, spongy tissue in the interior of certain bones that contains stem cells and is the site of blood cell production.

BREAKTHROUGH: a condition that develops despite measures to prevent it (e.g., PCP that occurs while taking a prophylactic drug). Also, a rise in viral load after it has fallen due to anti-HIV therapy (virological breakthrough).

CANDIDIASIS: a disease caused by the fungus Candida. Candidiasis may affect the skin, nails, and mucous membranes throughout the body, including the mouth (thrush), esophagus, and vagina.

CD4 CELL (CD4 LYMPHOCYTE, HELPER T-CELL): a type of immune system white blood cell that carries the CD4 cell surface receptor and helps the body fight infection. CD4 cells release cytokines that regulate other immune cells.

CD8 CELL (CD8 LYMPHOCYTE): a type of immune system white blood cell that helps regulate and/or carry out the body's immune response. Two major subsets of T-cells express the CD8 surface marker: suppressor T-cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL).

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS): the brain and spinal cord.

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF): a clear, nutrient-rich fluid that circulates around and through the brain and spinal cord.

CESAREAN SECTION (C-SECTION): a delivery procedure that involves making an incision through the abdominal wall to remove an infant from the uterus.

CHEMOKINE: a soluble factor secreted by certain immune system cells that stimulates the activity of other cells.

CHEMOTAXIS: the movement by a cell or organism toward or away from a chemical stimulus (e.g., a chemokine).

CHOLESTEROL: a fatty substance in animal tissue that is an essential component of cell membranes and nerve fiber insulation. There are two primary types of cholesterol in the blood, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is considered a risk factor for heart disease; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered protective against heart disease

CLONAL REPLICATION: proliferation of a single type of cell (e.g., a T-cell specialized to recognize a specific pathogen) to produce identical copies.

CLUBFOOT: a congenital deformity in which the bones of the foot are misaligned.

COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS (VALLEY FEVER): a fungal disease acquired by inhaling dust particles containing spores of Coccidioides immitis. The disease affects the upper respiratory tract and lungs, and may sometimes disseminate.

COLPOSCOPY: examination of the tissues of the uterine cervix or anal canal using a low-powered, lighted microscope (colposcope).

CORTICOSTEROID: one of a group of anti-inflammatory steroid hormones (e.g., prednisone, cortisone, aldosterone) produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland or manufactured synthetically.

CORTISOL: a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress.

CROSS-RESISTANCE: the development of resistance to one drug which also confers resistance to another (often similar) drug.

CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: an infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans, which is found in soil and bird feces. A common manifestation is cryptococcal meningitis; the disease may also become disseminated.

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS: a disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum, which is transmitted by contact with animal feces, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or oral/anal sexual contact. It can cause severe, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and lymph node swelling.

CUSHING'S SYNDROME: a disorder caused by excessive secretion of the adrenal gland hormone cortisol. The syndrome is characterized by accumulation of fat around the abdomen and the upper back.

CYTOCHROME P450 (CP450) SYSTEM: a system that metabolizes drugs and other substances in the liver by means of isoenzymes (e.g., CYP3A4) that inhibit or promote metabolic reactions.

CYTOKINE: an intercellular chemical messenger protein (e.g., tumor necrosis factor, interleukin) released by white blood cells. Cytokines facilitate communication among immune system cells.

CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV, HHV-5): a herpesvirus which may cause retinitis, pneumonia, colitis, and encephalitis in immunocompromised people.

CYTOPLASMIC RETINOIC ACID-BINDING PROTEIN TYPE 1 (CRABP-1): a human protein involved in the metabolism of fats.

DIABETES: a disease characterized by excessive urination. Diabetes mellitus is caused by insufficient insulin production or lack of responsiveness to insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels).

DISSEMINATION: spread of a disease-causing organism throughout the body.

DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID): a molecule found in the nucleus of cells which encodes genetic information. The particular sequence of four chemical building blocks (nucleotides) determines an individual’s unique genetic code.

DORSOCERVICAL FAT PAD ("BUFFALO HUMP"): an accumulation of fatty tissue on the upper back at the base of the neck.

DYSPLASIA: the abnormal development or growth of cells and tissues; precancerous tissue changes.

ENCEPHALITIS: inflammation of the brain.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: a system of ductless glands that regulates bodily functions via hormones secreted into the bloodstream. The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads (ovaries and testes).

EOSINOPHILIC FOLLICULITIS: a rash of itchy, red, pus-filled bumps on the face, arms, chest, and back.

ESOPHAGITIS: inflammation of the esophagus (swallowing tube); symptoms may include heartburn and painful or difficult swallowing.

EXOGENOUS: originating or produced outside the body.

FUSION INHIBITOR: a drug (e.g., T-20) that inhibits the binding of HIV's envelope to a host cell's receptors.

G-CSF: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a cytokine that stimulates the production of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell.

GENE THERAPY: an approach to preventing or treating disease by replacing, removing, or introducing genes, or otherwise manipulating genetic material.

GENOTYPE (adjective GENOTYPIC): the specific genetic makeup or "blueprint" of an organism. Genotypic resistance testing determines whether an organism's genetic structure contains certain mutations that make it resistant to a drug.

GLUTEAL: relating to the buttocks.

GM-CSF: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, a cytokine that stimulates growth of granulocytes and macrophages, types of white blood cells.

GYNECOMASTIA: abnormally extensive development of breast tissue in males.

HAIRY LEUKOPLAKIA: a condition characterized by white, raised lesions on the sides of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth.

HAART: highly active antiretroviral therapy, a term for potent combination anti-HIV treatment that usually includes a protease inhibitor.

HEMOGLOBIN: the red, iron-based pigment in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen.

HEPATITIS: an inflammation of the liver that may be caused by several agents, including viruses, toxins, and drugs. Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by fever, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal tenderness, and elevated liver enzymes. Hepatitis A virus causes an inflammatory viral disease with a short incubation period. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and may result in liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV-1, HSV-2): a herpesvirus that causes recurring lesions. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually produces blisters on the lips or in the mouth ("cold sores"). HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is usually sexually transmitted and generally produces lesions in the genital or anal area.

HERPESVIRUS: a group of viruses that includes herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus types 6 and 7, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8).

HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES): a condition characterized by painful blisters that typically appear in a linear distribution on the skin following a nerve pathway. Shingles is caused by reactivation of a previous infection with the varicella-zoster virus.

HISTOPLASMOSIS: a fungal infection acquired by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which are present in soil or dust. The disease most often affects the lungs, where it produces a tuberculosis-like inflammation, but may also disseminate.

HIV-2: a retrovirus closely related to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and less closely related to HIV-1. Symptoms of HIV-2 infection are similar to those of HIV-1 but are typically milder.

HORMONE: a chemical messenger involved in the regulation and coordination of cellular and bodily functions.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH): a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that enhances growth by stimulating metabolism and protein synthesis.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV): a papovavirus. Many strains of HPV cause warts, including condylomata acuminata (genital warts). Certain strains (e.g., 16, 18) are associated with cervical and anal cancer.

HYPERCHOLESTEREMIA: a high level of cholesterol in the blood.

HYPERCORTISOLEMIA: a high level of cortisol in the blood.

HYPERGLYCEMIA: high blood sugar.

HYPERLIPIDEMIA: elevated levels of blood fats (e.g., triglycerides, cholesterol).

HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA: an elevated level of triglycerides (fatty acid compounds) in the blood.

HYPERURICEMIA: a high level of uric acid in the blood.

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTION: an exaggerated immune response to an antigen, drug, etc.

HYPERTENSION: high blood pressure.

HYPERTROPHY: excessive growth; enlargement.

HYPOTHYROIDISM: decreased activity and hormone secretion by the thyroid gland.

IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION: restoration of immune system function.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: the body's defense system that protects against foreign invaders (e.g., microorganisms) and cancerous cells. Immune system organs include the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and tonsils.

INCIDENCE: the number of new cases of a disease or condition in a specific population during a given period of time.

INDUCTION: the initiation phase of a particular therapy.

INTENT-TO-TREAT ANALYSIS: a method of analyzing the results of a clinical trial in which all participant originally assigned to an arm are analyzed, including those who dropped out due to treatment failure or side effects.

INTERFERON: a cytokine (chemical messenger) that play a role in immune response.

INTERLEUKIN (IL): a cytokine secreted by immune system blood cells that regulates a range of immune functions. IL-2 is produced by activated CD4 cells and promotes the proliferation and activity of T-cells and natural killer cells.

INTRAPARTUM: during birth.

IN UTERO: in the uterus; typically refers to events that occur in the womb before birth.

IN VITRO: Latin for "in glass"; refers to work done in a test tube or culture medium in the laboratory.

IN VIVO: Latin for "in the body of a living organism"; refers to work done using human or animal subjects.

JAUNDICE: a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes due to high bilirubin levels resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells; jaundice is associated with liver damage.

KAPOSI'S SARCOMA (KS): an abnormal or cancerous proliferation of cells of the blood and/or lymph vessels causing tumors on the skin, mucous membranes, and/or internal organs. KS typically appears as purplish or brownish lesions.

KIDNEY STONE (NEPHROLITHIASIS): an accumulation of substances (e.g., drug crystals, minerals) in the kidney, which may lead to blockage and pain in the flanks, back, or groin.

LIPID: a fat.

LIPODYSTROPHY: loss of fatty tissue, usually in the limbs and face. The term is also sometimes used to refer to any type of body fat redistribution.

LIPOPROTEIN-RECEPTOR-RELATED PROTEIN (LPR): a human protein involved in the metabolism of fats.

LIVER ENZYME: a protein produced by the liver (e.g., ALT, AST) that catalyzes various physiological reactions; abnormally high levels in the blood may indicate liver damage or disease.

LOG: refers to quantities in factors of ten. A log change is an exponential or 10-fold increase or decrease (e.g., going from 10 to 100 is a 1-log increase).

LYMPHADENITIS: inflammation of the lymph nodes.

LYMPH NODES: small, bean-sized organs located throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter out antigens and are the site of immune cell activation.

LYMPHOCYTE: a type of white blood cell (T-cell, B-cell, natural killer cell) that plays a part in immune defense.

LYMPHOMA: cancer of the lymphoid tissue, which may spread out of the lymph nodes to the brain or other tissues. Lymphomas are classified as Hodgkins disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

MACROPHAGE: a large scavenger white blood cell that ingests and processes degenerated cells and foreign invaders. Macrophages are derived from monocytes that leave the blood to migrate into the tissues.

MAINTENANCE THERAPY: preventive or suppressive therapy that follows successful initial treatment of an illness.

MEMORY CELL: a B-cell or T-cell that is specialized to respond to a specific pathogen and remains in the body after an initial immune response. Memory cells are primed to respond to a subsequent attack by the same invader in the future.

MENINGITIS: an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that envelope the brain and spinal cord.

METABOLISM (adjective METABOLIC): the processes of building the body's molecular structures from nutrients (anabolism) and breaking them down for energy production (catabolism).

MICROSPORIDIOSIS: infection with a protozoan parasite of the Microsporidia family, which may affect the sinuses, lungs and intestines in immunocompromised patients, and may become disseminated.

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM: a viral skin condition characterized raised, flesh-colored lesions with a central depression, most often appearing on the face, neck, arms, legs, and anogenital region.

MONOCYTE: a large white blood cell that plays a role in immune defense. Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream; when they migrate to the tissues, they mature into macrophages.

MONOTHERAPY: the use of a single drug or other therapy.

MUTATION: a change in the character of a gene that is perpetuated when a cell divides or a virus replicates. A mutant is a new strain of an organism produced by a genetic mutation.

MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX (MAC): an opportunistic disease caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare, bacteria found in soil and water. In immunosuppressed persons, the bacteria can infect the lymph nodes, intestines, bone marrow, liver, spleen, spinal fluid, lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract, and may become disseminated.

MYELIN: a white fatty substance that forms a sheath around certain neurons and provides insulation necessary for proper neural transmission.

NADIR: the lowest point. The term is used to refer to the lowest CD4 T-cell count a person ever reached before the count increased due to anti-HIV treatment.

NAIVE: inexperienced; used to describe an individual who has never taken a given treatment (e.g., antiretroviral-naive)

NAIVE CELL: an undifferentiated immune system cells (e.g., naive CD4 T-cell) that has not yet specialized to recognize a specific pathogen.

NECROSIS: localized tissue death.

NEOPLASIA: an abnormal cell growth that may progress to cancer.

NEUTROPENIA: an abnormally low blood level of neutrophils, immune system white blood cells that engulf and destroy bacteria and fungi.

NON-NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR (NNRTI): a drug (e.g., delavirdine, nevirapine, efavirenz) that binds to and inhibits the action of the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, thus blocking viral replication.

NUCLEOSIDE ANALOG: a compound (e.g., AZT, ddI, ddC, d4T, 3TC, abacavir) that mimics one of the building blocks of DNA. These compounds suppress retroviral replication by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme; the synthetic nucleosides cause premature termination when they are inserted into the viral DNA chain being built.

NUCLEOTIDE: one of the building blocks that make up the genetic material (DNA and RNA). Nucleotides consist of a base (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, or uracil), a sugar, and a phosphate group.

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION (OI): a disease (e.g., PCP, MAC, CMV disease) caused by a microorganism that does not normally cause illness in a person with a healthy immune system, but which may cause serious disease when the immune system is weakened.

PANCREATITIS: inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive gland in the abdominal cavity. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and jaundice.

PAP SMEAR: a procedure in which a specimen of cells is taken from the uterine cervix or anus, prepared on a slide, and examined under a microscope for abnormal or cancerous cell growth.

PATHOGEN: any disease-causing agent, especially a microorganism.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: damage to the peripheral nerves (usually involving the feet, hands, and sometimes the legs, arms, and face) characterized by tingling, burning, or numbness.

PHARMACOKINETICS: the action of drugs in the body, including the processes of absorption, metabolism, transformation, distribution to tissues, and elimination.

PHENOTYPE (adjective PHENOTYPIC): visible characteristics and/or behavior that result from the interaction of an organism’s genetic "blueprint" (genotype) and the environment. Phenotypic resistance testing determines whether an organism is susceptible to a specific drug in a test tube.

PHOSPHOLIPID: a compound that contains phosphoric acid, fatty acids, and nitrogen.

PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL: a trial of an experimental therapy in which an inactive substance or mock therapy (placebo) is given to one group while the treatment being tested is given to another, and the results obtained in the different groups are compared.

PLASMA: the fluid, non-cellular portion of blood.

PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA (PCP): a life-threatening opportunistic type of pneumonia caused by a protozoan.

POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR): a highly sensitive test that uses an amplification technique to detect small amounts of DNA or RNA in a blood or tissue sample.

POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP): drug therapy given immediately following exposure to an infectious organism in an attempt to prevent the infection from taking hold in the body.

POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA: pain along a nerve pathway that sometimes follows the healing of herpes zoster (shingles) lesions.

PREVALENCE: the number of individuals with a condition in a specific population.

PRODROME: a set of symptoms or signs that indicate the onset of a disease.

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): a rapidly progressing, often fatal brain disease caused by the JC papovavirus.

PROLIFERATION: rapid reproduction or replication.

PROPHYLAXIS (adjective PROPHYLACTIC): therapy that helps to prevent a disease before it occurs (primary prophylaxis) or recurs (secondary prophylaxis or maintenance therapy).

PROTEASE INHIBITOR: a drug (e.g., saquinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir) that blocks the action of the HIV protease enzyme, which cuts newly made viral proteins, thereby preventing viral replication.

PROVIRUS: a state in which viral DNA has been inserted into the chromosomes of the host cell.

RECEPTOR: a specific binding site on a cell's surface or interior. Viruses enter cells by fusing with receptors on a cell’s surface.

RECOMBINANT: produced by genetic engineering.

REPLICATION: multiplication or reproduction.

RESERVOIR: a site where an infectious agent collects and multiplies; resting CD4 cells are reservoirs of HIV.

RESISTANCE: the mutation of a microorganism in such a way that it loses its sensitivity to a drug. Genotypic and phenotypic resistance tests are used to measure whether an organism is resistant to a drug.

RETINITIS: inflammation of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyeball, that may lead to the loss of vision.

RETROVIRUS: a class of enveloped viruses that have their genetic material in the form of RNA and use the reverse transcriptase enzyme to translate their RNA into DNA in the host cell.

REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR (RTI): a drug that blocks retroviral replication by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme. RTI include nucleoside analogs (AZT, ddC, ddI, d4T, 3TC, abacavir) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine, delavirdine, efavirenz).

RNA (RIBONUCLEIC ACID): a single-stranded nucleic acid made up of nucleotides. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is involved in the transcription of genetic information and the production of new proteins.

SALVAGE THERAPY: treatment with experimental or non-standard drugs for an illness that has not responded to standard therapy.

SIDE EFFECT: an unwanted adverse reaction to a drug (e.g., rash, nausea, peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression, liver failure).

SIMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (SIV): a viral infection endemic to African green monkeys and able to infect various primates. SIV is similar to HIV-2.

STEM CELL: a precursor cell in the bone marrow from which all blood cells are derived.

STEROID: a family of substances that share a similar chemical structure, including certain hormones (e.g., testosterone) and various drugs.

SUBCUTANEOUS: under the skin.

SYNERGY (adjective SYNERGISTIC): the action of two or more drugs working together to produce an effect greater than the expected combined effect of the same agents used separately.

SYSTEMIC: affecting the whole body; not localized.

T-CELL (T-LYMPHOCYTE): a type of white blood cell that matures in the thymus and carries out the cell-mediated immune response. There are three major types of T-cells: helper (CD4) T-cells, suppressor (CD8) T-cells, and killer T-cells (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, or CTL).

THROMBOCYTE (PLATELET): a type of blood cell that facilitates normal blood clotting.

THRUSH: candidiasis; infection of the mouth (or vagina) with a Candida fungus, typically characterized by white plaques.

THYMUS: an immune system organ in the upper chest where T-cells mature.

THYROID GLAND: an organ at base of the neck that produces thyroxin and other hormones.

TOXOPLASMOSIS: an opportunistic infection caused by the microscopic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, found in undercooked meat and cat feces. A common manifestation of the disease is toxoplasmic encephalitis; the eyes, heart, and lungs may also be affected.

TRIGLYCERIDE: a combination of glycerol and fatty acid that circulates in the blood.

TRUNCAL OBESITY ("PROTEASE PAUNCH"): accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.

TUBERCULOSIS (TB): an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB infection refers to asymptomatic, latent infection with TB bacteria; active TB disease refers to symptoms caused by replicating bacteria.

UNDETECTABLE (UNQUANTIFIABLE): a term used to describe a viral load that is below the level of detection of the test being used.

UTERUS (WOMB): the muscular pelvic organ of the female reproductive system in which the fetus develops.

VAGINOSIS: a condition caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, resulting in irritation and discharge.

VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV, HHV-3): a herpesvirus that initially causes chickenpox and may later reactivate to cause herpes zoster (shingles).

VIRAL LOAD: the amount of virus in the blood or other tissues. The presence of HIV RNA indicates that the virus is replicating. Changes in viral load may be used to gauge drug effectiveness and disease progression. Viral load is measured using tests such as the PCR or branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assays.

VIRION: a complete virus particle.

VIROLOGICAL FAILURE: an increase in viral load after it has been suppressed with antiretroviral drugs.

VIRUS: a minute organism that cannot grow or reproduce outside of a host cell. During replication, a virus integrates its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host cell and takes over the cell's biological mechanisms to reproduce new virus particles.

VISCERA (adjective VISCERAL): the major internal organs of the body (e.g., intestines, liver) located in the abdominal cavity.

VITRITIS: inflammation of the vitreous body, or back portion of the eye.

WASHOUT PERIOD: the time it takes for a drug to be cleared from the body after it is discontinued.

WASTING SYNDROME: a condition characterized by atrophy of lean body mass and involuntary weight loss of more than 10% of normal body weight.

Page last updated 15 January 1999

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