Archives

induction (in the liver) – refers to the body processing a drug more quickly by inducing (or increasing) more of the enzymes that clear the drug. This leads to lower drug levels.

in-vivo – a study carried out in humans.

in vitro – a study in a test tube. Literally, ‘in glass’.

immune system – the system that your body uses to fight infections.

HIV PCR DNA test – a test that looks for HIV DNA (called integrated HIV) in blood. This is similar to viral load test which usually test for HIV RNA.

Hickman line – a fixed central line that is used to deliver IV drugs close to where they are needed in the body.

HHV-8 – Human Herpes Virus-8. The virus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). Also called Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

hepatitis – an infection that causes liver inflammation, usually a virus.

Hodgkins disease (HD) – a type of lymphoma (lymph cancer). Cancer: lymphoma and sarcoma

haemoglobin – substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

half-life (T1/2) the time taken a drug to clear from the highest concentration to half this level. Drugs have different half-lives in different compartments (ie half-life in blood can be different from the half-life inside a cell). It take 5 …

half-life (T1/2) – the time taken a drug to clear from the highest concentration to half this level. Drugs have different half-lives in different compartments (ie half-life in blood can be different from the half-life inside a cell). It take …

INI (integrase inhibitor) – type of HIV drug. Drug targets in the virus life cycle.

varices – extended or swollen veins in the liver that can burst. They can be a complication of cirrhosis.

toxicity – medical word for side effect, the potential harm a drug can cause.

thrombocytopenia – a low platelet count (platelets help stop bleeding by clotting blood).

steatosis – fatty liver. Build up of fat in the liver. Steatosis worsens liver damage and makes hepatitis C harder to treat.

ribavirin – drug used to boost the efficacy of pegylated interferon to treat hepatitis C. Given as twice-daily capsules.

PT (prothrombin time; pro-time) – PT testing measures the amount of time it takes for blood to clot. When the liver is damaged, its ability to make clotting factors is impaired. If this time increases – referred to as a …

portal hypertension – increased blood pressure (hypertension) in the vein carrying blood to the liver.