Glossary

reverse transcriptase – an enzyme unique to HIV. It is used to convert single-strand RNA into double-strand DNA. This is needed before HIV’s genetic material can be integrated in the human DNA. HIV drugs that stop this process are called reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs).

standard deviation (SD) – the standard deviation from a mean average, is a measure of the degree of variation from the mean.

intrapartum refers to the last stages of during pregnancy when the baby is born. These are labour and delivery (or chold birth). Intrapartum can refer to both the baby and the mother.

See: antepartum and postpartum.

percutaneous – umbilical cord sampling see cordocentis.

Peripheral arterial disease refers to a narrowing or hardening (atherosclerosis) in the arteries in the arms or legs.

See: atherosclerosis