Archives

seroconversion – the immune reaction when you develop antibodies to a new infection. HIV seroconversion usually starts a couple of week after infection. Because this is when viral load is very high (often millions of copies/mL), this is when symptoms …

sarcoma – medical term for cancer that affects bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, skin or other connective tissue. Cancer: lymphoma and sarcoma.

sanctuary site – see compartment site.

ritonavir – a protease inhibitor (PI) that is now used boost levels of some other  HIV drugs, especially other PIs.

retrovirus – a family of viruses that includes HIV.

retinitis – inflammation of the retina (in the eye). CMV retinitis is an HIV-related infection that can cause permanent vision loss in someone with a CD4 count that is below 50 cells/mm3. CMV section of the training manual.

resistance tests – tests to show changes to HIV that are associated with drug resistance. Genotype resistance test looks for genetic changes. Phenotype resistance test see whether individual drugs are still active when placed in a test tube with HIV. …

range – the highest and lowest results in a group. Range is used together with median (average). See IQR (interquartile range).

quantitative (in a study) – where what is being measured has a numerical value or fits a pre-defined scale or range of responses.

qualitative (in a study) – where what is being measured either fits one of several categories, or includes descriptive results.

pulmonary – relating to the lungs.

publication bias – the tendency for published results to be different to other trials. For example, trials that show a positive effect are more likely to be reported and published than trials that find no effect.

protozoa – a single-celled animals that are larger and more complex than bacteria.

prophylaxis – a treatment taken before an illness in order to prevent it occuring. Primary prophylaxis is the terming for taking a preventative treatment before ever having had the illness. Secondary prophylaxis is the term for continuing to take a …

prenatal – before birth. The time in which the foetus (developing baby) grows in the uterus.

prematurity (pregnancy) – when a baby is delivered after only 37 weeks or less.

Portacath – a small medical device fitted under the skin that allows injected drugs to have a more direct route to where they are needed.

peripheral neuropathy (PN) – damage to the nerves in your hands or feet. PN can be caused by HIV or some HIV drugs. Peripheral neuropathy – more infomation.

platelet – a blood cell that helps with blood clotting.

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.