|
Human leukocyte antigens
|
Also known as: HLA
Group of proteins present on the surface of white blood cells (leukocytes) and other nucleated cells (containing a nucleus). These proteins help the body’s immune system to identify its own cells and to distinguish between “self” and “nonself.” Each person has an inherited combination of HLA antigens and, while not as unique as a fingerprint, the presence or absence of each antigen creates a distinctive HLA combination for each person. HLA antigens are divided into types: Class I (A, B, C) and Class II (DR, DP, DQ).
|
|
Hirsutism
|
Abnormal hairiness, especially an adult male pattern of hair distribution in a female
|
|
Heterozygous
|
Having two different copies of a particular gene, one of which may be abnormal
|
|
Heterophile Antibody
|
A human antibody that reacts with proteins from another species; may lead to innaccurate results in immunoassay tests; sometimes used to refer to antibodies associated with infectious mononucleosis
|
|
Hereditary
|
Genetic; passed from parent to offspring
|
|
Hepatocellular carcinoma
|
Also known as: HCC
Cancer that originates in the cells of the liver; this type of cancer may develop in those who have certain forms of cirrhosis or who have had a hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection; may develop years after initial infection.
|
|
Hepatocellular carcinoma
|
Also known as: HCC
Cancer that originates in the cells of the liver; this type of cancer may develop in those who have certain forms of cirrhosis or who have had a hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection; may develop years after initial infection.
|
|
Hemostasis
|
The stopping of bleeding or the flow of blood
|
|
Hemosiderosis
|
Abnormal deposition of an iron-containing compound (hemosiderin) in tissues, often associated with diseases in which there is extensive destruction of red blood cells (e.g., thalassemia)
|
|
Hemorrhoid
|
Swelling of vein(s) in the lower part of the rectum or anus
|
|
Hemorrhage
|
1. bleeding; escape of blood, usually from injured blood vessels
2. excessive bleeding over a short period of time, either internally or externally; if uncontrolled, can lead to shock and death.
|
|
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
|
Also known as: HUS
A life-threatening condition that may result from the breakdown (hemolysis) of a large number of red blood cells (RBCs) and damage to the kidneys (uremia). Most often it presents as a complication of an infection of the digestive tract caused by certain bacteria that produce a toxin that enters the bloodstream and destroys RBCs. This syndrome is most commonly associated with infections caused by shiga toxin-producing Eschericha coli (STEC), but may also result from infections caused by Salmonella and Shigella, other types of infections, and sometimes from non-infectious causes.
|
|
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
|
Also known as: HUS
A life-threatening condition that may result from the breakdown (hemolysis) of a large number of red blood cells (RBCs) and damage to the kidneys (uremia). Most often it presents as a complication of an infection of the digestive tract caused by certain bacteria that produce a toxin that enters the bloodstream and destroys RBCs. This syndrome is most commonly associated with infections caused by shiga toxin-producing Eschericha coli (STEC), but may also result from infections caused by Salmonella and Shigella, other types of infections, and sometimes from non-infectious causes.
|
|
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
|
A condition in which antibodies in a pregnant woman's blood cross the placenta and destroy her baby's red blood cells; develops when the mother and baby have differences in one or more blood group antigens
|
|
Hemolysis
|
Process by which red blood cells disintegrate, releasing their contents
|
