October 2009

cirrhosis – severe scarring of the liver (see fibrosis) that makes it difficult for the liver to carry out its functions

biopsy – taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory.

bilirubin – a liver enzyme. Increased levels of bilirubin lead to a yellowing of the skin or eyes. Bilirubin and side effects

bile duct – a tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine biopsy: taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory

autoantibody – abnormal antibodies produced against the body’s own tissues.

ascites – an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, a sign of serious liver damage in people with hepatitis C.

antioxidant – a substance that reduces oxidative damage (damage due to oxygen) such as that caused by ‘free radicals’

albumin – a protein made by the liver. It carries drugs, hormones and waste products through the blood and maintains fluid levels within the body. An abnormally low level of albumin is a sign of serious liver damage.

haematology – study (-ology) of blood (haema-)

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

More reports from IAS 2009 held in Cape Town in July in HTB September/October 2009. Also in this issue of HTB: Raltegravir (Isentress) granted an expanded licence from the European Union Commission. Detention and removal of HIV-positive people in the …